Ratchet+Wrench Radio

Can predictive maintenance help your auto repair shop schedule more accurate repair appointments for customers? In this episode, Tim Hardin, senior vice president/GM global data services, Epicor, discusses the data that drives predictive maintenance and how it stacks up against the traditional 30/60/90K maintenance model in more accurate scheduled repairs to customers.

In this episode, Chris Cloutier of Golden Rule Auto Care in Dallas, Texas, discusses how to manage employee conflict in auto repair shops. He identifies what conflict in the workplace looks is, when employees should escalate grievances up to the auto repair shop owner, and how leaders resolve conflict within the team.    Sponsored by Chemors

In this episode, Karim Morsli of Winkler Automotive, talks about going from engineering and IT to auto shop ownership. He discusses how the servant leadership style he learned translated in the shop, and why having a selfless approach as a shop owner can change the shop, and more importantly, lift the industry. 

In this episode, Jeremy Glassco of App Fueled and JJ Mont of JJs Auto Service talk about how using an app has created higher loyalty and retention for JJs shop and why it's smart to market to the phone.

In this episode, Dr Dana Nkana of Automotive Doctor Consulting and Coaching Services talks about a few key processes that can improve shops.

In this episode, Dan Vance of Shop Dog Marketing talks about how auto repair shops can use AI to improve processes, workflow, customer engagement, and communication. He also dives into some interesting use cases for improving customer service and leveling up your marketing.

In this episode, Ratchet+Wrench columnist Dutch Silverstein talks about transparency and whether it's just a marketing buzzword to sell services to customers or a way for shops to build a culture that caters to the needs of the people they serve. 

In this episode, we take a look back on STX 2024 starting with data and industry outlook and moving into conversations with key personnel—Bob Cushing, Shane O'Connor, Rob Morrell, and Chris Salvo. We also speak directly with auto repair shop owners, a technician, and a parts supplier about lessons learned and why they value training.

In this episode, Maryann Croce, shop owner and founder/coach at Small Biz Vantage, talks about why shop owners can get bogged down by their businesses, what causes it, and seven leadership tips to help them get out of the rut and on top of their game.

In this episode, Sara Fraser of Haas Performance Consulting dispels myths about Gen Z workers and discusses five traits that make them among the best workers in the workforce. 

In this episode, the team at FenderBenders, a sibling publication to Ratchet+Wrench covering the collision repair sector, speaks to Drew Barnes and Heather Sebben of North American Council of Automotive Teachers. They're going to talk about what NACAT is and how it serves automotive. They’re reaching their 50th anniversary of operation and will celebrate that at their annual conference this summer...

In this episode, Kendall Warnock of A1 Automotive in Lincoln, Nebraska, talks about how auto repair shop owners can turn comebacks and upset customers into raving fans.  He also talks about his humble beginnings growing up poor on a reservation and how that became the catalyst to how he learned to treat people and why he cares so much about his customers, team, and community. 

In this episode, Jay Woodall, General Manager of National Accounts Retail/Branded at Interstate and a board member of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation, discusses the AACF's efforts to support individuals facing severe financial hardship during disasters, and provides guidance on accessing the charity's assistance for yourself or your employees.

In this episode, Jamie Cuthbert, founder & CEO of AutoServe 1, talks about the harmony between auto repair shops and their customers when digital vehicle inspections are done with care, intention, and good communication.

In this episode, Juke Ball of Juke Auto in Austin, Texas, discusses mistakes he made as a young shop owner and the resulting lessons.  You can read the story that inspired the episode, "What You Don't Know You Don't Know" on ratchetandwrench.com .

In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Erich Schmidt talks about the early mistakes he made as a shop owner that have enabled him to become the conscious business owner he is today. 

In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Mike Allen, owner of Carfix Auto Repair & Tires with shops in the greater Raleigh, North Carolina area, talks about why he likes to hire fast (as quickly as the same day), how he does it, why it works and why his people stick around. 

In this episode, Bill Greeno of Quality Automotive Servicing in Truckee, California, talks about his meticulous process for onboarding new team members. Bill was a 2022 Ratchet+Wrench Best Workplaces winner and has a reputation for having a strong shop culture that begins with how he onboards his new hires. 

In this episode, Ratchet+Wrench Editor-in-Chief Chris Jones takes a look back at the events at VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo in Kansas City, and shop owners and other industry professionals share their experiences from the event. 

In this episode, entrepreneur, speaker, and people-first growth specialist Shari Pheasant gets real about how auto repair shop owners can get down on their team's level, increase emotional intelligence, and build a shop that's truly about putting people first.

In this episode, Dave Brown of DSB Leadership Group talks about his four keys to ensuring that you get the most out of your conference networking experience. 

In this replay episode from 2022, Deanna Bumgardner from Employer's Advantage LLC joins Ratchet+Wrench Radio to talk about being an emotionally intelligent shop owner when soliciting feedback from your team, why your team fears opening up in the first place, and tips for creating an environment of open communication.

In this episode, Marc Mawhinney of Natural Born Coaches talks about what makes a great coach, why marketability trumps all, and understanding what your clients want and how to get it to them. He also offers insight into how to level up your coaching business through strategic communication.   Take the 2024 Ratchet+Wrench Industry Survey . Register for the 2 024 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference

In this episode, Cecil Bullard of The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence discusses the various available technician pay plans shop owners can use and their pros and cons. 

In this episode, Bill and Kaylin Walker of Walker's Garage in Brewer, Maine, discuss how they got their shop up and running. Bill had been a solo operator—wearing all of the hats most of the way—until Kaylin joined him in the front of the shop. They market like a big shop and now they're readying for expansion. Here's their story.