The Limitless Leadership Podcast

In this episode, Josh is with Edward Caswell, owner of Full Throttle Automotive and Fastlane Auto Repair, about building a business centered on faith, servant leadership, and investing in people. Edward shares his journey from school teacher to multi-shop owner, the challenges of expanding during COVID, and the personal transformation that reshaped both his life and leadership. The conversation ex...

In this episode, Josh sits down with Thomas Andrews, owner of CDT Automotive and Select Auto Pros, and a coach with Shop Fix Academy. Thomas shares how he built a brand that started as Carolina Diesel Trucks, grew from a one-bay shed into a 15-bay operation, and expanded to a second location. He opens up about leaving a six-figure cybersecurity career, the sacrifices his family made, and the leade...

In this episode, Evan Richard, founder of ER Plumbing Services shares his journey from selling cars to building a successful plumbing business. Evan shares how he launched ER Plumbing in 2019, the rapid growth that followed the 2021 Houston freeze, and the lessons he's learned about leadership, entrepreneurship, and work-life balance. The conversation explores why skilled trades offer tremendous c...

In this episode, Stacey Black and Ethan Whidden from Promotive join the podcast to share their thoughts on leadership and culture in the automotive industry. Stacy emphasizes the critical importance of aligning new hires with shop culture to ensure long-term retention and positive impact. Ethan speaks to the role strong internal culture and leadership play at Promotive, highlighting the value of v...

In this episode, Dan Thieken and Ted Cooke from Kreager Tire and Service share their journey navigating leadership, friendship, and business partnership. Dan reflects on the challenges and rewards of compartmentalizing personal relationships to make tough business decisions, including hiring and even having to let go of family members. Ted discusses the importance of empowering team members to exc...

In this episode, Shawn Gilfillan, multi-shop owner from New Jersey, joins the podcast live at the Tektonic 2026 conference. Shawn reflects on how personal growth and self-awareness transformed his leadership approach, emphasizing the critical role of mindset in building strong teams. He also shares practical strategies for developing leaders within an organization, including the use of DISC profil...

Amber Wright is the VP of Business Development at Tekmetric, and Sam Freeman is the Partnership Manager at Promotive. Today, Josh and Bret talk with the ladies about the role of culture in building high-performing teams, the ongoing challenges and importance of recruiting top talent in the automotive industry, and the need for leaders to embrace growth by stepping into discomfort and letting go of...

In this episode, Patrick Egan, founder of Spark Interactive, shares his journey from leading marketing for major automotive software companies to pioneering digital vehicle inspections (DVI) and storytelling-driven marketing. Patrick emphasizes the power of authenticity in business storytelling, highlighting how real, unscripted stories from owners, teams, and customers build connection and trust....

In this episode, Josh and Bret are joined by Jackie Hoegger, CEO of Hoegger Communications, for an inspiring conversation on leadership and organizational culture. Bret emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships over transactions, sharing how her team treats clients like family and the difference this approach makes. She dives into the significance of emotional discipline and creating an...

In this episode, Josh welcomes JeanAnn Saint Grace, coach with Autofix Auto Shop Coaching and host of Shop Talk Her Way. JeanAnn shares her powerful journey through personal tragedy and business ownership, emphasizing the importance of resilience and finding purpose in the face of adversity. The conversation highlights strategies for effective leadership, including authentic recognition of team me...

In this episode, Josh Parnell and Brett Beitler are joined by Andrew O'Brien, founder of Dad Tribes. Andrew shares his journey from military service to building the fastest-growing global community for fathers, highlighting the importance of brotherhood and combating male isolation. The hosts and Andrew discuss the difference between solitude and isolation, emphasizing the critical need for men to...

In this episode, Josh chats with Jesse Jackson, CEO and founder of Mango Automotive, about her journey in rapidly scaling her company from zero to eight locations in four years. Jesse emphasizes the importance of building a positive and fun workplace culture, even in traditionally challenging industries. The conversation also covers innovative strategies for business growth, including the use of a...

In this episode, Josh Parnell sits down with Lola and Erich Schmidt of Schmidt Auto Care to discuss their leadership journey as husband-and-wife shop owners. Lola shares how implementing strong business processes and a four-day workweek transformed their team's engagement and productivity. Erich reflects on the power of investing in staff development and fostering a positive workplace culture, emp...

In this episode, Josh Parnell is joined by Bill Haas and Sara Fraser from Auto Ignite Management. Bill Haas shares his journey from technician to industry coach, highlighting the importance of purposeful growth and legacy in business. Sara Fraser discusses her transition into the family business, emphasizing the value of carving out one's own path and the power of "stay interviews" to support empl...

In this episode, John Firm and Rick White share their experiences from decades in the automotive industry, focusing on leadership growth and the importance of continual training. Rick White emphasizes that true impact as a coach is determined by others, and stresses the value of encouraging and developing team members. John Firm highlights the necessity of grit, resilience, and gratitude in overco...

In this episode, Dave Macholz, founder and CEO of AVTECC, discusses the transformation of technician certification through a skills-based, performance testing model. He outlines how AVTECC’s pilot programs in four colleges are working to bridge the gap between traditional education and real-world competency. The conversation also explores the resistance to change in the industry, highlighting the...

In this episode, Eric Svedberg, owner of European Auto Works and founder of Fuel Coaching, joins the podcast to talk about the importance of coaching for shop owners. Eric shares how building effective systems and empowering staff are critical for scaling a business and freeing up the owner’s time. He also emphasizes that both professional and personal growth can result from having the right coach...

In this episode, Charlie Burke and Luke Murray, training managers with Worldpac, share their journeys from humble beginnings to impactful leadership roles. Charlie Burke reflects on the value of industry-specific training, emphasizing how targeted education can transform struggling businesses into award-winning operations. Luke Murray highlights the importance of business management skills for sho...

In this episode, Josh Parnell welcomes Connor Tracy, Product Evangelist and Director of Partner Development at Kukui. Connor shares his journey from working in auto repair shops to leading teams and embracing servant leadership. He emphasizes the importance of empowering team members, developing active listening skills, and aligning leadership strategies with individual definitions of success. Sto...

In this episode, Josh welcomes Eddie Campbell, also known as "Eddie in Service," general manager and industry influencer. Eddie shares his leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of leading by example through actions like working alongside his team and empowering employees to serve customers. He also highlights the challenges and opportunities of connecting with younger generations in th...

In this episode, host Josh is joined by Levi O'Brien, founder and CEO of Vintage Plumbing Services. Levi O'Brien shares how upgrading communication doubled his company’s business, explains his unique 50/50 partnership model that creates entrepreneurs within his organization, and discusses the life-changing impact of focusing on serving others above profit. Stop managing chaos and start leading wit...

In this episode, Josh Parnell is joined by Chris Cloutier, founder and CEO of AutoFlow, at the 2025 APPEX Show in Las Vegas. Chris shares how transparent communication is essential in the auto repair industry, highlighting AutoFlow’s role in building trust with customers. He discusses his three core values—caring enough to make a difference, demonstrating grit, and viewing feedback as a gift—that...

In this episode, Josh Parnell is joined by Frank Ziede, professional facilitator and author. Frank shares insights from his 25 years of experience training leaders and teams, emphasizing the importance of mindset and emotional intelligence in effective facilitation. Together, they discuss how genuine connection and servant leadership drive engagement and performance within organizations. Stop mana...

In this episode, Josh Parnell sits down with David Boyd, founder and CEO of Call Inbound, at the 2025 AAPEX Show in Las Vegas. David shares how Call Inbound differentiates itself in the VoIP landscape by building a team sourced directly from the independent automotive repair industry, ensuring deep understanding of shop operations and challenges. The conversation highlights the power of actionable...

In this episode, Josh Parnell is joined by Josiah Martin, shop owner of Limitless Auto Center, to explore the realities and rewards of leadership in business ownership. Josiah shares his journey from technician to entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of investing in leadership skills and the critical role of recognizing and supporting team members. He also opens up about navigating personal an...