Driven to Success

They say the journey is the reward, but sometimes the journey is just plain unbelievable. In this episode of the Driven to Success Podcast, we’re stepping away from the shop floor to share the wild, "you just can't make this up" stories from our recent travels. From the travel issues that tested our patience to the incredible people we met along the way, we’re diving into the human s...

David ("Yoda") explains that for a warehouse distributor-who is already investing millions in inventory and infrastructure-the path to growth isn't just about having the parts; it's about the sales team's ability to: Move Beyond "Just Sales": Transition from being seen as "another sales guy" to a sincere partner who adds value through product knowledge. Ta...

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing the automotive industry, but what does it really mean for shop owners, service advisors, and technicians? In Part 2 of our conversation with Craig O'Neil of AutoFlow, we explore the opportunities, risks, and realities of AI. From improving communication and productivity to becoming a powerful thought partner, Craig shares practical ways shop owners c...

In Part 1 we meet with Craig O'Neil! We hit a first-car story and touch on public speaking and fears about the future of AI in the automotive industry. Craig O'Neil delivers a powerful conversation on communication, leadership, and why human connection still matters. If you're a shop owner, service advisor, or industry leader wondering what comes next, this episode is packed with insig...

What happens when the guy who usually asks the questions steps behind the microphone? In this episode of Driven to Success, Vic Tarasik and David Wofford sit down with Doug Kaufman of Shop Owner Magazine for a conversation filled with stories, laughter, mentorship, media evolution, and why this industry still feels like family. From a beat-up 1974 Camaro to the future of digital media and AI, Doug...

Why should you listen? Because this is not about a conference. It is about what happens when leadership, vision, teamwork, and execution come together to move an entire industry forward. In this episode of Driven to Success , Vic Tarasik and David Wofford sit down with John Phelps and Amber Wright from Tekmetric to go behind the scenes of Tektonic. If you are a shop owner, service advisor, or tech...

Most shop owners overlook the hidden power of exceptional customer experience—and it’s costing them more than they realize. Imagine turning a simple tire plug into a moment that builds lifelong loyalty. Vic shares a story with David that shows how just one young Gen Zer’s genuine care and professionalism transformed a stressful situation into a standout win—without high-pressure sales or shortcuts...

Most shop owners overlook the hidden power of exceptional customer experience—and it’s costing them more than they realize. Imagine turning a simple tire plug into a moment that builds lifelong loyalty. Vic shares a story with David that shows how just one young technician’s genuine care and professionalism transformed a stressful situation into a standout win—without high-pressure sales or shortc...

Most shop owners overlook the hidden power of exceptional customer experience—and it’s costing them more than they realize. Imagine turning a simple tire plug into a moment that builds lifelong loyalty. Vic shares a story with David that shows how just one young technician’s genuine care and professionalism transformed a stressful situation into a standout win—without high-pressure sales or shortc...

Most shop owners overlook the hidden power of exceptional customer experience—and it’s costing them more than they realize. Imagine turning a simple tire plug into a moment that builds lifelong loyalty. Vic shares a story with David that shows how just one young technician’s genuine care and professionalism transformed a stressful situation into a standout win—without high-pressure sales or shortc...

What does it take to win back a lost shop… in just 60 seconds? In this episode of Driven to Success , Vic Tarasik (The Shop Owner Coach) and David Wofford break down a real-world moment every warehouse distributor (WD) and outside sales representative (OSR) will recognize. A service center relationship goes sideways… a warranty issue creates frustration… and the entire service center program is su...

In Part 2 of Elevate Your Business , Vic Tarasik (The Shop Owner Coach) and David Wofford help shop owners and sales reps turn “included” program features into real customer value and real growth, with practical talk on positioning warranty and roadside assistance, improving communication, and implementing one benefit at a time. Introduction and Theme Setup (0:02) The Story of the Ocean Liner (0:2...

In Part 1 of our series on the service center program, hosts David Wofford and Vic, The Shop Owner Coach, dive into the foundational elements that make these programs invaluable for independent repair centers. They discuss the dual benefits of nationwide support for both shops and consumers, and how effective communication can transform customer perception. Tune in to learn how to leverage these i...

Goals don’t grow shops. Direction does. In this episode of Driven to Success , Vic Tarasik and David Wofford sit down with Chris Cloutier, Bill Baxter, and Joe Canfield to unpack how real shop owners set goals that evolve, adjust, and actually drive progress. Chris poses the ultimate standard: “Would you put your mom in that car?” If the answer isn’t yes, the job isn’t done. From KPIs to 20-groups...

Check out the 20-second clip of the episode drop 2/13/26

Too many shop owners set goals… miss them… and walk away frustrated. In this episode of Driven to Success , we reframe what goals are really meant to do. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation focused on preparing for 2026, and it’s all about clarity, direction, and mindset before execution ever begins . Vic Tarasik and David Wofford are joined by a powerhouse panel representing three different...

How do leaders across the automotive aftermarket prepare for the year ahead without chasing trends or predictions? In this episode of Driven to Success , hosts Vic Tarasik and David Wofford talk about preparation, perspective, and progress. From working smarter and improving efficiency to setting written goals, building accountability, and stretching yourself with Big Hairy Audacious Goals, this c...

Tune in to hear our unique industry perspective. Driven to Success explores every segment that makes up the Aftermarket industry.

Are you ready to hit the ground running in 2026? In this short teaser episode of Driven to Success , Vic Tarasik and David Wofford preview an upcoming conversation focused on smart goal setting, accountability, and the power of a BHAG, a Big Hairy Audacious Goal. They touch on why written, measurable goals matter, how accountability accelerates progress, and why stretching beyond what feels comfor...

In this episode, Doug Zignoni, the ASE Master Tech of the Year, shares his journey in the automotive industry, highlighting the importance of passion, continuous learning, and mentorship. He discusses his early influences, the significance of ASE certifications, and the supportive environment at Frank's Auto Service. Doug emphasizes the need for research skills in diagnostics and the balance b...

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Vic Tarasik and co-host David Wofford gather friends from across the automotive aftermarket for a heartfelt, unscripted round-table on gratitude, growth, and the power of people. In this special episode, you'll hear honest reflections from leaders representing The Pronto Network, The Parts House, Fast Undercar, AutoFlow, and more, each sharing what shape...

When passion meets purpose, the results are unstoppable. In this episode, Vic Tarasik and David Wofford sit down with Ray Lopez, a lifelong automotive pro whose career proves that helping others win is the fastest route to success. Ray shares how professional discipline, clear goals, and a heart for people transformed his path from the parts counter to business development. Along the way, he drops...

At seventeen, Ray Lopez took an after-school job at a local parts counter to make a few bucks and talk cars. What he didn’t realize was that the smell of oil and the sound of impact guns would set the course for a lifetime in the automotive industry. In this episode of Driven to Success , Vic Tarasik and David Wofford sit down with Ray to talk about his first Pontiac, his early days behind the cou...

In Part 2, Clay Millican , we go beyond the starting line and into the heart of what drives him. Clay opens up about the people who shaped his path, the power of gratitude, and the personal loss that gave his passion new purpose. He shares how faith, family, and friendship keep him grounded at 330 mph, and why joy is still the most important gear you can have in life or business.

When the news isn’t pretty and the clock says 5:50 p.m., leadership shows up in what you do next. Vic Tarasik and David Wofford get real about communication across the chain, from manufacturer to WD to the bay. You’ll hear the 5:50 scramble that turned a blown delivery into trust, why drivers are the face of the brand at your door, and how a simple “I’d like to start over” can rescue a relationshi...