The Jaded Mechanic Podcast

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE Recorded at the TOOLS in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Jeff sits down with Canadian shop owners Frank and Margarita Wiebe of 3D Auto to share their first destination training event and the lessons they're bringing back...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE Recorded at Tools Pennsylvania 2026, this discussion brings together Jeff with Bryan Pollock, Tonnika Haynes and Braxton Critcher to talk about the realities of growing a podcast and business through social medi...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.    Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with Kansas technician Eric Schoenberger of Holt Motor Company. Having grown up around Chrysler dealerships alongside his father, a veteran drivability and transmission...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this Jaded Mechanic Podcast episode, Jeff sits down with Canadian technician Daniel Whitey to discuss his journey through the automotive trade. Daniel shares how a Chrysler co-op program at Centennial College...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE Recorded at Tools in Hershey, PA, Jeff Compton features Cody Kirkenester of Fadely’s Auto Masters. After 15 years as a technician and shop foreman, Cody transitioned into the service advisor and shop manager rol...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.    Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff Compton talks with Promotive’s Lisa Coyle and Kat Ayers about what’s changing in technician hiring, including their AI virtual recruiter and how it helps shops with consistency, speed-to...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff Compton and Greg Hilliard talk about Greg's career spent in dealerships, independent shops, and finally as a one-man owner-operator. Greg pulls no punches about toxic shop dynamics, the true...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff chats with Derek Amodio about his unique path back into the automotive industry after spending years working as a chef. Derek opens up about making the switch from the kitchen to the shop,...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.    Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff talks with Christopher Clingerman, a fleet mechanic out of Rochester, New York. Christopher shares how he went from working on tractor trailers to maintaining school buses, and what surp...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Marco Palumbo shares his journey from technician to owner of Maxim Tire and Muffler in Winnipeg. He discusses the challenges of adapting to new automotive technologies, such as ADAS and electric...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff sits down with Dealer Plate Guy (Austin Conroy), who has a HUGE following on social media. Austin shares his unconventional career path from sales to service manager, emphasizing the import...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.    Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff talks with Jeremiah Hiatt, a mobile mechanic from Montana, about his shift from ranch work to running his own ag repair business. They get into imposter syndrome, pricing your work, bala...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff sits down with Riley Spence to talk about his move from the dealership world to working on a fleet for a construction company out in remote Labrador. Riley shares what it’s really like deali...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff is join by Adam Matz to discuss challenges facing dealership mechanics today. They talk about stagnant wages, rising labor rates, and management practices that impact technician morale and...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.    Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff is joined by Josh Fowler, a shop foreman at a Chrysler dealership in Adams, New York. Josh talks about how tough it’s been to find good technicians, especially with changing job trends a...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff is joined by Bret T. Fadley to discuss the upcoming TOOLS training event in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Bret talks about why it’s so important to keep learning and stay connected in the automotiv...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff is joined by Eric Pagliughi, Senior Vice President of Launch Tech USA. Eric talks about his journey from shop owner and distributor to leading product development at Launch Tech USA, emphas...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.    Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff is joined by JeanAnn SaintGrace, host of the BRAND NEW podcast in the Changing the Industry Network "Shop Talk Her Way". She's also an automotive shop coach and former shop owner. JeanAn...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff sits down with Alan Placer from ML Toys, a company that specializes in upgrades for Power Wheels ride-on vehicles. Alan shares how he turned a simple side hustle into a leading business, eve...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff talks with... Mr. Walkie Talkie... the shop owner with that southern draw...the man who's hair is ALWAYS perfect...Mr. Lucas Underwood. Lucas talks about why communication MUST improve betw...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.    Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff welcomes David Kline back to talk about his transition from dealer tech to independent. David shares what it was like sticking with a job that wasn’t fulfilling and what finally pushed h...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff is joined by Josh Whiteman to discuss his role as an instructor with Garage Gurus which offers automotive training. Josh talks about the importance of ongoing education and adapting diagnost...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff welcomes back Fluffy Mexicanik. They discuss the realities of working as a dealership technician. Fluffy shares his reasons for leaving a dealership after nearly 13 years, stressing the imp...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.    Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff is joined by Mark Elliott, also known as TobaTech on social media. They discuss what drives top technicians to leave their jobs and why it's rarely just about money. TobaTech shares his...

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff welcomes Eric Sprague from L&N Performance Auto Repair. Eric stresses the need for improved shop culture and mentorship to support new technicians entering the field. Jeff and Eric also...