SOS - Shop Owner Solutions

Doug Kaufman from ShopOwner and Angel Lara from TrakMotive dig into the real causes of mysterious vehicle vibrations—beyond tires and wheel balance. They discuss overlooked parts (wheel bearings, axles, suspension), damage from improper parts or installs, diagnostic blind spots, and how better advisor/technician/customer communication plus OEM-spec parts reduce comebacks. Vibrations often stem fro...

In this episode of Shop Owner Solutions, Doug Kaufman interviews Miguel Cornejo from TrakMotive about the increasing issues with CV axle failures, especially in lifted Toyota and Subaru vehicles. They discuss how lifting these vehicles changes the undercar geometry, leading to increased stress and premature wear on CV joints and boots. Cornejo explains that many customers experience clicking or po...

While we often focus on engines and brakes, CV axles are crucial components that often get overlooked. Miguel highlights that the definition of "heavy-duty" has evolved. It's no longer just limited to semis and mining equipment. Today, many standard vehicles — ride-sharing cars, delivery vehicles and work trucks— experience conditions demanding a more robust axle design. In this episode of Shop Ow...

In this episode of the Shop Owner Solutions podcast, Doug Kaufman interviews Jeff Gagliano, window regulator product specialist at TrakMotive. Jeff discusses the often-overlooked importance of window regulators, explaining their function, types, and common issues. These mechanical assemblies inside car doors move windows up and down, with manual cranks or power buttons operating scissor-style or c...

In this episode of the Shop Owner Solutions podcast, ShopOwner editor Doug Kaufman discusses the importance of innovation and adaptability for businesses with Jeff Kritzer, BendPak president and CEO. The company started as a small machine shop, then diversified into making pipe benders and muffler racks. Through the creative spirit and risk-taking of leaders like Jeff Kritzer, BendPak continually...

In this episode of Shop Owner Solutions, Doug Kaufman, editor of Shop Owner Magazine, interviews Miguel Cornejo, product manager for TrakMotive to discuss the importance and function of driveshafts in vehicles. "Driveshafts are responsible for transferring torque from the engine to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to move," explains Cornejo. "They are precision-balanced and weighted to minimize vi...

In this episode of Shop Owner Solutions, Doug Kaufman, editor of Shop Owner Magazine, interviews Miguel Cornejo, product manager for TrakMotive. They discuss the common causes of axle failure, such as road conditions, vehicle modifications, and improper installation. They also emphasize the importance of regular maintenance and inspection to prevent axle failure. Cornejo explains TrakMotive’s comp...

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Commercials and holiday movies tell us it's the time to sit quietly, reflecting on family and friends. Basking in the blessings you have. Soft music, twinkling lights, gentle snowflakes. You know the stories. All is calm, all is bright – unless you're a shop owner trying to get through the end of the year with your sanity intact. We're talking about surviv...

The auto care industry in the US is a significant part of the economy, generating nearly $480 billion in revenue and employing millions of people. However, the industry also faces a high rate of parts returns, with nearly one in four auto parts being returned. This is a costly and wasteful issue that needs to be addressed. In this episode of Shop Owner Solutions, Doug Kaufman and Clint Cooper from...

In part one of this two-part conversation about the who and how of hiring, Roy Niemi of A and D Auto and Body Repair explained what goes into finding great employees in this environment. That's critical, but even more important? Keeping the great ones you already have. In part 2 of this special Shop Owner Solutions interview, Roy Niemi, owner of A and D Auto and Body Repair in Haslett, MI, discuss...

Everybody talks about the need for technicians, but is there anything you can do about it? Shops today are competing for new employees with every other industry, and as you've probably found out, the results can be frustrating. Is it time to head to the basement and ride out the storm, or are there blue skies ahead? In this episode of Shop Owner Solutions, Doug Kaufman discusses the challenges of...

There has been a lot of technology in the automotive industry that has come and gone, faded into history and really forgotten by the next generation. Remember eight track players or CD players for that matter, digital speedometers, power antennas, ashtrays, and cigarette lighters? Still, some things introduced decades ago are still found on every vehicle, and despite their long, healthy history, c...

Common wisdom tells us that cats have 9 lives – you just can’t kill ‘em. Or, if they go missing, must wait and they’ll eventually come back. As a shop owner, of course, those facts are far from realistic - at least when it comes to the most important and enigmatic cat in the shop, the Catalytic Converter. In this episode of Shop Owner Solutions, Clint Cooper - Strategic Account Executive at AP Emi...

Science fiction and Hanna-Barbera promised us all sorts of fantastic things to make our lives easier - moving sidewalks, robot maids, mind-reading appliances and flying cars should have BEEN here by now. As it turns out, The Jetsons were only PARTLY ahead of the game. What's the most important thing you're looking for in your automotive repair facility today? Some might say more customers, some mi...

Have you ever felt that someone knew more about a topic than you? In this industry, you’re not alone. For well over 100 years vehicle technology has been advancing, and when it comes to servicing vehicles, someone somewhere likely has been doing it longer than you have. But with the newest generation of hybrid and electric as well as alternative fuels and ADAS, the educational playing field may be...

The American Cancer Society estimates that each year, more than 250,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. Cancer is an insidious disease that has touched nearly everyone, but two Ohio shop owners have decides to do something to try to make a difference. In 2011, Leigh Ann Best, marketing director with Mighty Auto Pro in Medina, OH, and Laura Frank, owner of Aut...

Keeping yourself on track every day can often be a big enough challenge so it's not not surprising that keeping everyone else motivated toward excellence can seem overwhelming at times. That's why it's helpful to recognize that resources are available to ease the pain points of running and growing your business. In this episode of Shop Owner Solutions, Doug Kaufman talks with Enzo Dibenedetto, Lea...

When the air horn sounds and the ship starts slowly pulling away from the dock, do you head to the buffet, or do you sit up and pay attention? If you’ve ever been on a cruise you know that one of the first and most important activities is the muster drill, where you locate your life vest and rescue boat, even while the ship is in calm waters. Doug Kaufman, editor of ShopOwner magazine, looks for r...

If you ever walked into restaurant and ordered the omelette of the day, then proceeded to hand the cook a bag of groceries, you'd get laughed out of the place. And yet, automotive customers often have no problem demanding that you install the parts they bought from an online source - or worse, found in the back of the garage. When considering whether to install parts that you don't source, conside...

Everyone complains that there's a lack of willing workers out there, and let's be honest from carry out to car repair, employment opportunities abound, if you could just get the bodies to apply. When it comes to your shop, quality can be a lot more attractive than quantity when it comes to job applicants. How can you ensure that when the right person comes to work for you, you give him or her ever...

We can’t find good help these days! Maybe you’ve heard that from colleagues or said it yourself. You look around nearly every type of employer and everyone seems to have the "Help Wanted" sign out - even in the best environment, finding workers is tough. Of course, as challenging as things are now, this industry has been through tough times today. Tough circumstances take tough people – we’re here...

What's the most destructive word in your shop? Sometimes, the word is "yes." In challenging economic times, saying yes to everything may seem like the only way to reach your business goals but not every job, every customer or every opportunity is right for you. Sometimes, saying "no" is the best thing you can do. In this episode, Vic and Doug discuss the power of no with two shop owners who had to...

You have a lot of expensive "stuff" in your shop - but is that the most valuable part of your business operation? Your investment goes way beyond the hard assets like tools, equipment, your customers' vehicles and your building. Without an effective use of your time your business will only go so far. "The biggest investment successful shop owners make is in time," says Vic Tarasik, Shop Owner Coac...

There's nothing more exciting – or intimidating - than an all-you-can eat buffet. Everything you could possibly want is waiting for you. Choose wisely and you'll enjoy the experience- choose poorly and it will ruin your (and everyone else's) evening. Similarly, today's Shop Management Systems seemingly offer an often overwhelming amount of features. What's best for your business? How do you choose...

Finance can be a huge headache for shop owners. It's important to get paid for the work you do, of course but there can be significant challenges to collecting the payment when the repair is completed. Have you ever looked across the counter and wondered, "Is this transaction going to be a dream or a nightmare?" The search for contactless options has led many shop owners to implement text-to-pay s...