Success Leaves Clues: An Automotive Industry Podcast

In this episode, Jeff Skibo shares his story of overcoming business hardships taking steps that felt backwards to move forward. Born and raised in California, Jeff initially resisted joining his family's auto repair business, pursuing a successful landscaping business instead. However, the 2008 economic downturn forced him back to the family shop. After taking over, Jeff achieved significant growt...

In this podcast episode, Jack shares his remarkable story going from a nomadic upbringing to building a successful automotive business. Initially dabbling in real estate appraisal, Jack found his true calling in the automotive industry. After numerous relocations and setbacks, including crushing debt, Jack persevered by learning critical business skills and relentlessly focusing on providing great...

In this episode, Aaron interviews Thomas Andrews, co-founder of Carolina Diesel Trucks, about his entrepreneurial path from a hobby to a successful business. Thomas shares how he and his best friend, turned their passion for automotive performance into a thriving company. They started from a one-bay shed and faced various challenges, including financial obstacles and exhausting work schedules. Tho...

In this episode, Amanda shares her unexpected journey into the auto repair industry, turning a family business into a personal success story. Initially aiming to become a doctor, Amanda shifted gears after realizing her passion for business and dislike of blood and guts! Inspired by her father's and grandfather's legacy, she details her experiences from sweeping floors and answering calls in her f...

In this episode, Aaron and Jay get vulnerable and cover everything from including a malaria diagnosis after a trip to Africa, to the pressures of balancing tough work decisions. They delve into topics such as the importance of making informed decisions, handling business confrontations, and how responsibility increases with business growth. They also share personal stories about teaching their chi...

In this episode, Aaron and Jay sit down with Mike Brewster, a distinguished second-generation shop owner from Burnt Hills, New York. Mike shares insights from his extensive experience of over 50 years in the auto repair industry, detailing his journey from taking over his family's shop to growing it into one of the largest in the country. The conversation navigates through life lessons, business s...

In this episode, Aaron and Jay discuss various topics including the importance of mental resilience, celebrating small wins, and expressing gratitude even during tough times. They reflect on personal experiences, especially around struggles and private battles, and emphasize how recognizing and celebrating progress can lead to increased motivation and success. Practical tips are shared for shop ow...

This episode captures an engaging conversation focused on leadership, personal growth, and the importance of mentorship within a business context. The discussion dives into the necessity of credibility and consistency in leadership, maintaining curiosity and open-mindedness, and how to learn from coaching others. It also explores the journey of growing a business, the challenges of scaling, and th...

This podcast episode features the inspiring story of Juan Barrera, an immigrant from Colombia, who moved to the U.S. as a child under challenging circumstances. Juan's journey is marked by tenacity and hard work as he navigates through personal and professional struggles. From living in overcrowded housing in Brooklyn to overcoming language barriers and financial hardships, Juan shares how he clim...

In this engaging podcast episode, Nick and Nicole from Northern California share their inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming successful shop owners with multiple locations. The discussion covers their early struggles, including dealing with negative bank balances and tough personal circumstances, to navigating complex deals and shop expansions. They emphasize the importance of perso...

In this podcast episode, the guys welcome Brandon to discuss his journey and experiences in the auto repair industry and as main contact for Shop Fix Academy. Brandon shares insights from his role in ShopFix, focusing on common struggles shop owners face, such as managing teams and charging what they're worth. The episode underscores the importance of value, trust, persistence, and proper testing...

In this episode, Jay and Aaron share their thoughts on the 2024 podcast season, recount personal stories of their friendship, and explore Aaron's journey in auto repair and Shop Fix Academy. Aaron opens up about the scale of SFA and the core of his mission. He discusses his perspectives on mindset and wealth, as well as the transformative changes he had to make after nearly losing everything. We h...

In this episode, Jason Westberry shares his journey from being an aviation technician and Air Force serviceman to owning and expanding auto repair shops. He discusses his switch from aviation to entrepreneurship, his initial struggles and learning experiences in the automotive industry, and his growth with the support of Shopfix. Jason highlights key moments such as the decision to move to Athens,...

In this podcast episode, Pete Tavernier shares his fascinating journey from starting a car repair shop in his garage while working at Car Quest, to establishing a successful auto repair business with multiple locations. He also goes in-depth about his mission work in Haiti, where he encountered extraordinary challenges like sourcing parts internationally and training local mechanics. After overcom...

In this episode, Zach shares his career evolution and experiences in since opening his shop True Torque Diesel in 2017. He joined Shop Fix in June 2024 and things have turned around for him in just a few months! He discusses his early life in racing, his decision to become a diesel tech, and the challenges he faced, including a rare eye disease. Zach shares the transformative impact of Shop Fix on...

Ukrainian brothers Andrey and Slavik Shumylo operate two shops in Philadelphia. These guys have put their brotherhood first and developed their business with discipline and creativity to put them in the right spot at the right time. They share their journey from building their first store, to operating a thriving business and turning into multi-shop owners. Their humor and wisdom on how to build g...

Aaron and Jay sit down with the legend Jay Leno. Comedian, The Tonight Show host, entrepreneur, automotive enthusiast, and down to earth guy, Jay shares stories of his journey and how he navigated Hollywood to achieve amazing success. You don't want to miss this one! Thanks to our sponsors! Shop Fix Academy Leads Near Me Steer UpSwell

Catch our live show from Shop Hackers 2024! We sit down with Josh Bird, Nick Padron, and Thomas Andrews to hear "How I did it". We know being successful is a never ending journey. These guys share with us how they started, the hard lessons, and how they got to this point in front of a live audience! Thank you to our sponsors of the show. Show them some love! Shop Fix Academy Leads Near Me Steer Up...

In this episode, Adam Preusser and Jason Kath discuss their 20-year partnership in the auto repair industry. They share their journey from meeting in technical college to managing multiple auto repair shops and figuring out how to make it work. The conversation covers the importance of defining roles, acquiring and managing stores, and their personal and professional challenges and successes along...

In this episode we hear from Brad Emery. We caught up with Brad at Shop Hackers 2024 and talked about his path and the lessons he learned along the way. He shares some great advice on what it takes to win, why it's not about the money, and how to develop your team and be the leader your family, your business, and the industry needs. The conversation also covers his teaching experience, the importa...

In this episode we hear from Tommy Mello! Tommy is a highly successful and motivating leader and founder of A1-Garage Door. Hear his journey from painting his very first door to developing a $200M business where "everybody wins". Hear his inspirational story from his first childhood negotiation, to his focused attention on winning, and why data is key to rising above everyone else. Know you busine...

Join TJ Roberts, Aaron, and Jay as they take a humorous and insightful journey through the humble beginnings of EuroFix and ShopFix. Between riding dirt bikes, racing down back roads, and having an occasional run in with the law, these three have enjoyed the journey. Now the COO of ShopFix, TJ shares with us the lessons he learned along the way and the challenges he and Aaron faced. From thinking...

In today's episode we hear from the one and only, The Berg! We start off with some behind the scenes humor to kick off this walk through Michael Rosenberger's journey to owning his own store and joining Shop Fix Academy. We take some fun rabbit trails hearing how this driven guy found his path into doing what he loves and seeing his family and his industry transformed. Thank you to our sponsors! S...

Rick Kersey, a multi-shop owner in Oregon, started his automotive career at a parts counter. His relentless drive and motivation propelled him through the ranks, leading to the realization that owning his own shop was the next logical step. With unwavering focus, Rick took the plunge, navigating the challenging lessons that new owners often face. Undeterred, he developed a deep understanding of wh...

In this episode, Brandon Peavy shares his inspiring journey from starting as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic at the age of 16 to becoming a successful entrepreneur managing multiple businesses. He discusses how he transitioned from the fire service to founding an ambulance company and later, an auto repair shop named Route 11 Automotive. Brandon also talks about the challenges he faced in th...