The Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast

In today's world, the use of technology has become a familiar part of our everyday to make our lives easier. However, in our historically face-to-face aftermarket industry, when it comes to adopting these new operations, even for convenience and business potential, there might be hesitancies around losing that closeness with your customers that our business is built on.  In this episode of Th...

Training is a top priority for automotive shops, but knowing what to teach, how to deliver it, and where to find the right resources remains a challenge. In this episode, host Andrew Ross speaks with Matt Shepanek, President of the Automotive Training Managers Council (ATMC), about the findings from the newly released 2026 Training Benchmarks Survey. Drawing on nearly 3,000 responses from across t...

For this special Father's Day episode of the Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast, host Andrew Ross examines an artifact from one of his main inspirations for his life's path in the automotive industry- his late father. For many in this industry, the road to an automotive career are paved within a paternal line (although the maternal lineage is certainly strong for some as well!). Today, o...

As Shad's R&R Fundraiser 2026 is right around the corner, we're revisiting this episode from February 2026 with Shad's chair Charlie Grant.  Shad's R&R is a cornerstone of Canada's aftermarket as a fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy Research, attracting participation from across North America (and beyond) to its annual June event. Now, with a new chair in Charlie Gr...

Murray Voth, aftermarket business pro and owner of RPM Training, joins host Andrew Ross to switch things up and discuss tips for jobbers: how to analyze their business, strengthen shop relationships, improve pricing transparency, and how to build up the business structures to maximize their results.  

A 2026 JD Power Canada study found that interest in EVs among Canadian new-vehicle shoppers has risen for the first time since 2022. The study also found that many consumers are becoming open to Chinese EV brands due to affordability and technology features. JD Ney, managing director, JD Power Canada , returns to the Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast to discuss both the growing interest and state...

Fueled by scrap tire quotas that fell below collection for months now, there's a genuine crisis brewing as tires stack up, haulers sit at home, and regulators tinker with a broken system while shops and consumers are caught in the middle. Adam Moffatt, executive director of the Ontario Tire Dealers Association, joins host Andrew Ross to talk about how things got this bad, and what he sees as...

( Encore presentation) The threats facing modern vehicle security systems are real and evolving. This month, Indie Garage reported on the response from National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) in the wake of a major vehicle theft ring that had used a diagnostic tool to steal dozens of vehicles in Washington, D.C. This crime highlighted the continued threats to modern vehicle security systems...

Jason Hladyniuk, service advisor training specialist with RPM Training jumps into the podcast this week to talk about important touchpoints for service advisors and those who might have to lend a hand when things get super busy at your shop. You can also watch the video version on the Indie Garage You Tube Channel . 

Multimedia Content & Analytics Associate Hannah Ryder Ross catches up with host Andrew Ross after coverage of the EV & Charging Expo 2026 in Toronto earlier in April. Hannah gives a rundown on the aftermarket panel discussions about EVs as a training and business opportunity, how pros feel about where we're at with the shifting landscape, and encouraging techs to grow along with the E...

Host Andrew Ross sits down with Brett Griffiths, Dean, School of Trades, Technology and Design at Vancouver Community College (VCC), to discuss VCC'S new EV conversion pilot program, as well as the growing relevance in electric conversion overall- and how EV conversion went from niche projects to a full course for techs. To view the course outline and request info on VCC's EV Conversion...

Jason Herle, CEO of Fountain Tire, is the incoming chair of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada. Recorded in early March 2026 during preparations for Fountain Tire's 70th Anniversary Conference in Halifax, N.S., he talks about core strengths of the aftermarket, the important role of the association, and the benefits of getting involved.   In speaking on the Right to Repair issue h...

Whether you are an owner looking to sell your shop, or a young entrepreneur looking for an opportunity, Murray Voth, RPMTraining.net , has some great real-world advice and tips for you! With host Andrew Ross

Key takeways from the Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference (CIAC) organized by AIA Canada. Quick takes on key points from notable presentations and events by podcast host Andrew Ross. 

Running a business can be overwhelming and that can lead to burnout. Leading Canadian aftermarket trainer and business consultant Murray Voth, RPM Training offers proven step-by-step methods that can bring sanity and success to your business (and your life!). 

Shad's R&R Fundraiser is a cornerstone of Canada's aftermarket as a fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy Research, attracting participation from across North America (and beyond) to its annual June event. Now, wth a new chair in Charlie Grant, CEO of Grant Brothers Sales, it embarks on a new challenge as it looks forward to its 51st edition and sets its sights on a new goal for the futu...

New AIA Canada CEO Emily Chung is looking to use her experience in the aftermarket--an extensive background in the industry that includes 16 years as a shop owner--to bring together the different perspectives of stakeholders and industry members in a way that moves the industry forward. AIA Canada will be exploring industry issues at its Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference (CAIC) March 11 and 1...

Scrap tires are piling up all over Ontario, raising the spectre of another Hagersville tire fire disaster that saw 14 million tires burn for 17 days in early 1990. It was that event the forced change in how the province deals with tires, but after Ontario reset the thresholds for tire collection and recycling, shops and collection sites are left dealing growing piles of scrap tires and nowhere to...

Any aftermarket professional knows that the categories we put tires into --Summer, All-Weather, Snow Tires, Winter Tires and especially All-Season--don't always serve customers well. Ulrik Westergaard, Director, Operations & Sales at Bruno Wessel Ltd., joins the podcast to talk about the TireType.org initiative, and what it could mean to smooth customer communications. Listeners are invit...

Bruce Eccles, respected shop veteran and vice-chair of the newly rebranded Automotive Aftermarket Repairers Organization of Canada ( AARO.ca ) joins host Andrew Ross to talk about what's behind the recent rebrand and what the vision for the future of the storied Ontario association holds as it seeks to broaden its mandate across Canada.

Whether you feel like a "born leader" or not, there are skills you can learn and practices you can put into action that will put you in a proper leadership position (and not just the boss) at your automotive business. Murray Voth, RPM Training , provides excellent starting points and skills to build in your journey to being a better leader. 

Paul Reed, The Showroom Guy, and now VP Business Development with Ritestart ( Ritestart.ca ) talks the importance of integrated design build in your new store or shop construction or renovation, and why new, upgraded designs matter more than ever. With Host Andrew Ross.

Skilled Trades Ontario CEO Candice White talks about the vision and goals for the province’s still-new apprenticeship agency, getting past growing pains, and what the near future holds for the agency, for apprentices, and for the industry. Recorded October 27, 2025. Industry professionals, stakeholders, apprentices and interested parties are encouraged to reach out to Skilled Trades Ontario. Conta...

Recorded live at AAPEX 2025: Three young entrepreneurs from Calgary and Vancouver--Eddie Tso, Albert Liu, and Joshua Lin--talk about the importance of building relationships, mentorship, paying it forward, and leaning on each other as they build Pacer Dynamics in the aftermarket. With host Andrew Ross.

Live from AAPEX 2025 in Las Vegas: JF Champagne, President and CEO of AIA Canada, sits down with host Andrew Ross to discuss AAPEX's significance as a global centrepoint for the aftermarket for associations, suppliers and customers; the age of aftermarket renewal and revitalization; and the challenges and wins impacting the industry. Recorded November 5, 2025.