Maximum Octane

Trigger Warning: This episode contains open and personal discussion about suicide, grief, and mental health.In the automotive industry, we never hesitate to buy the latest equipment or the right tool for the job. But when it comes to our own mental health, too many of us resist using the tools available to help us heal. Therapy, medication, or calling someone for a chat aren’t weaknesses. They are tools, just like the ones we use every day in the shop.In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Maximum Octane, Kim Hickey and Jason Patel welcome back Lee Anderson of Integrity Auto Care. Lee opens up about going through some of life’s heaviest challenges early on, how those experiences shaped him, and why he is passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health.Lee speaks candidly about grief, depression, and what not to say to someone who is grieving. He also explains why open-door leadership, empathy, and genuine connection matter just as much in a shop as they do in life. Alongside sobering statistics showing suicide rates among automotive technicians more than double the national average, Lee reminds us it’s okay to cry, okay to ask for help, and okay to use the tools available to care for ourselves.Tune in to episode 126 of Maximum Octane if you’ve ever struggled silently, or if you want to support your team better when they’re carrying invisible burdens. Lee’s honesty and resilience will challenge you to view mental health not just as a personal issue, but as a leadership responsibility.Episode Takeaways03:30 Why suicide rates spike around the holidays and what seasonal depression means for mental health05:20 Lee’s personal story of early struggles and how they shaped his outlook on life and business09:20 The questions you should never ask someone grieving a suicide12:00 Why men need to hear it’s okay to cry and show emotion14:00 How talking about loved ones keeps their memory alive17:10 Why it’s vital to talk to someone before mental health spirals19:30 The staggering suicide rate among auto technicians and why the industry needs to pay attention21:20 Why stigma and pride keep too many from getting help25:20 How Lee leads his shops with an open-door policy for employees29:10 Why empathy, listening, and growth conversations build stronger teams31:50 Life is beautiful, depression is real, and no one should face it aloneConnect with Lee Anderson:LinkedInIntegrity Auto CareLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really take to build a business from scratch when you don’t have a roadmap? For Josh Oberlander, the answer has been equal parts grit, trial and error, and the discipline to keep sharpening himself along the way.In this episode of Maximum Octane, Kim Hickey and Jason Patel talk with Josh Oberlander, co-founder and CRO of Detect Auto, about the unconventional path that shaped him as an entrepreneur. At 24, Josh launched a tree service business with $500 and a rope. That led to a foray into manufacturing a person-tracking fan for technicians, a product that seemed promising but came with its own hard lessons.Josh shares why building a team is harder than most people expect, why the struggle years matter more than the highlight reel, and why continuous learning is the one thing you can never outsource. He also explains how Detect Auto helps shops save time, improve communication, and empower their staff with smarter tools.Tune in to episode 126 of Maximum Octane if you feel stuck between where you are and where you want to go. Josh’s story is proof that persistence, awareness, and a willingness to keep learning can turn setbacks into stepping stones.Episode Takeaways:3:30 How Josh went from environmental science to running a blue-collar tree service business5:20 Why being a skilled technician doesn’t automatically make you a business owner9:10 Why building a team is harder than anyone teaches you10:30 The leap from services to products and the lessons of selling a person-tracking fan to technicians15:50 Why struggle and sweat equity are still the price of growth20:10 Why learning is hard, but staying sharp is non-negotiable21:30 The “Clippy for auto shops” vision behind Detect Auto25:10 What shop owners need in place before adopting AI assistants25:50 How Detect Auto empowers even non-technical front-of-house staff29:20 Why the path less traveled can hold the biggest business opportunities30:55 The entrepreneurial superpower of paying attention inside your own shopConnect with Josh Oberlander:LinkedInDetect AutoConnect with Detect Auto on LinkedInFollow Detect Auto on InstagramFollow Detect Auto on FacebookLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if you could transform every first-time customer into a loyal fan who tells everyone they know about your shop? According to Bruce Nation, owner of Westlake Independent Automotive in Southern California, the key lies in doing digital vehicle inspections (DVIs) right.In this episode of Maximum Octane, Kim Hickey and Jason Patel sit down with Bruce Nation to uncover the overlooked power of DVIs. Bruce shares how a thorough, well-communicated inspection doesn’t just build trust, it creates fans. And fans don’t just come back, they bring their friends.With nearly four decades in the industry, Bruce explains why most shops fail at DVIs, how accountability between technicians and service advisors changes everything, and why educating customers about both what’s right and what’s wrong with their vehicle is a game-changer. He also reveals the process behind his 45-minute inspections, how he doubled strut sales through progression reporting, and why assuming trust is the cornerstone of customer relationships.Tune in to episode 125 of Maximum Octane if you’ve ever treated DVIs as just another box to check; this episode will challenge you to rethink them as one of the most powerful growth tools in your business.Episode Takeaways:04:30 Why DVIs are a true Blue Ocean strategy for auto shops08:30 The secret to holding techs and service advisors accountable for complete inspections09:20 Why pictures alone aren’t enough and how to make your DVI tell a story14:30 The “How dare you?” test for shop owners who cut corners on inspections16:20 How customer research time directly drives ARO (average repair order)17:50 The progression method Bruce used to double strut sales20:40 What to do when a car comes in needing $7,000 in work24:20 The number one failure in shops: doing DVIs but not sending them32:50 The small step Bruce’s techs take at the start of every DVI that prevents major headaches later33:20 Why DVIs should be used to educate customers, not just cover liability36:00 How proper DVIs increase pay for everyone in the shop, even the receptionistConnect with Bruce Nation:LinkedInWestlake IndependentFollow Westlake Independent on InstagramLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would it take for you to finally let go of the death grip on your business? For Connor Tracy, it took two flaming cars, a smashed customer vehicle, and missing his son’s homecoming photos.In this episode of Maximum Octane, Kim Hickey and Jason Patel sit down with Connor Tracy, Kikui’s Director of Partner Development, for a candid conversation about the art and necessity of delegation. Connor shares his hard-earned lessons from years of doing everything himself, the breaking point that forced him to change, and how learning to empower his team completely transformed his shops’ culture, engagement, and results.You’ll hear how he learned to hand over morning huddles, parts reconciliation, and even marketing tasks, along with the missteps, course corrections, and resources that made those delegations successful. Connor opens up about the ego traps that keep shop owners stuck, why measurable results matter more than “feelings,” and how giving away ownership can actually make you look like a rockstar leader.Tune in to episode 124 of Maximum Octane if you’ve ever thought, “No one can do it as well as I can.” This episode will challenge that belief and provide you with the tools to start building a business that runs without you being chained to the counter.Episode Takeaways:02:20 Why most shop owners misunderstand delegation and how to do it right04:39 The first and last things Connor delegated in his shop (and why huddles changed everything)07:51 The flaming car incident that became his catalyst for change10:34 How two mentors gave him the blunt truth about his leadership problem18:46 When delegation fails and the missing piece most owners forget21:18 Why your team might do your “special” tasks better than you24:30 The ego trap: why pretending to be infallible backfires with your staff28:05 How to connect delegation to culture, engagement, and measurable results31:24 Why measurable benchmarks beat “feelings” every timeConnect with Connor Tracy:LinkedInKukuiLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when your shop's future depends on more than just hustle?In this episode of Maximum Octane, Kim Hickey and Jason Patel sit down with ATI President Ron Greenman for a masterclass on succession planning, leadership evolution, and building a sustainable future for your business.Ron shares real-life examples from his own unexpected path to leadership and how ATI’s growth exposed the cracks in traditional succession models. From the overlooked pitfalls of leadership transitions to the critical role of ongoing training, Ron breaks down what shop owners must do today to avoid chaos tomorrow.Tune in to episode 123 of Maximum Octane and discover how a strong succession plan, future-focused leadership, and a commitment to training can elevate your shop from day-to-day survival to long-term success.This episode is a must-listen for any shop owner who wants to lead with purpose and exit with confidence.Episode Takeaways:1:30 What Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell tour teaches us about legacy and handoffs2:40 Why most succession plans fail the first time and what to do about it4:10 What succession planning really means (hint: it’s not just selling your shop)6:30 Selective hearing: Why shop owners miss the point on planning7:00 The hidden failure in ATI's own management structure and how they’re fixing it8:50 PSA: What not to say if you’re applying to be a coach11:30 Ron’s career pivot: From CFO spreadsheets to leading ATI's mission13:10 Shrinking business model? Why growth is survival16:20 "I’m ready for change" vs. actually changing20:30 Before you spend another dollar, are you using what you already pay for?24:00 Why 40 hours of training per year should be the bare minimum27:10 Career development in small shops: Stop using size as an excuse32:50 Shop CEOs in training: Have a destination or risk wandering aimlessly34:10 Rebuilding the team: Why direction is nothing without peopleConnect with Ron Greenman:LinkedInLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if everything you built over decades hinged on just a few key decisions and a whole lot of grit?In this episode of Maximum Octane, hosts Jason Patel and George Zeeks sit down with Gilda Dyckman to hear the incredible journey she and her husband Mike experienced while building and eventually selling a multi-million dollar auto repair business. From taking over a humble muffler shop and growing it into a full-scale operation, to overcoming legal battles, raising twins with special needs, and executing a well-planned exit strategy, Gilda shares powerful insights into resilience, entrepreneurship, and family business dynamics.She opens up about the early struggles of managing with paper invoices and unsupervised staff, and how everything changed after joining ATI. With the right coaching, mentors, and systems in place, Gilda and Mike shifted from surviving to scaling. She also reflects on how retirement isn't the end of the road but the beginning of a new chapter filled with purpose and community impact.Tune in to episode 122 of Maximum Octane and discover how grit, strategy, and the right support system can turn operational chaos into a successful and fulfilling business legacy.Episode Takeaways:1:00 Gilda's unconventional entry into the auto repair industry5:50 The lawsuit, the "bad Mike," and learning tough business lessons early10:40 Balancing business ownership with raising special needs twins14:50 Why joining ATI was the wake-up call that changed everything18:40 The toughest part of transitioning from DIY operations to data-driven decisions24:20 Inside the 5-year plan to sell the business and how they pulled it off31:30 Why succession planning should start the day you open your business35:40 The overlooked business risk most shop owners aren't planning for37:00 What retirement really looks like and how to prepare for it with confidence Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would happen if you or one of your company’s key leaders suddenly couldn’t come back?In this episode of Maximum Octane, hosts Kim Hickey and Jason Patel sit down with Tony Mercury, Vice President of Operations at Auto Shop Solutions, to talk about the moment his company had to face the unthinkable. When their CEO was suddenly out due to a serious illness, the team had to respond quickly and confront the gaps in their leadership transition strategy.Tony shares the real story of what that moment looked like, what lessons they learned, and why every shop owner needs to stop putting off succession planning. You’ll hear about the emotional toll, the systems that helped them adapt, and how to start building a resilient team that can continue to operate, even if you can't be there.This episode is a roadmap for shop owners who want to protect their people, preserve their culture, and safeguard the business they’ve worked so hard to build.Episode Takeaways1:10 What happened when Margaret got sick and why it shook the company3:50 Why most shop owners avoid succession planning until it’s too late6:20 How lack of structure turns a crisis into chaos8:40 Why a “checklist for death” is not the same as a real plan11:30 Three types of plans every business should have15:10 How to start building systems that support leadership transition18:00 Why your plan needs more than titles and SOPs20:40 The risk of leaning too hard on one person, especially if it’s you23:50 What you can do right now to prepare your shop for the unexpectedMeet Tony Mercury:Tony Mercury is Vice President of Operations at Auto Shop Solutions and a seasoned leader in the auto repair industry. In this episode, he opens up about navigating a real leadership crisis and the insights that came from it. Tony shares why building systems, developing your people, and having clear succession plans is not just smart, it’s necessary.Connect with Tony Mercury:LinkedInAutoshop SolutionsFollow Autoshop Solutions on InstagramConnect with Autoshop Solutions on LinkedInLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is your shop's logo doing all the heavy lifting? Spoiler alert: it's not even close.In this episode of Maximum Octane, branding expert and Director of Business Development at Silver Lake Auto, Krista Oldenburg, teams up with Jason Patel to deliver a masterclass on brand strategy, AI-powered marketing, and the real reason customers (and employees) choose your shop over the competition.You'll learn how to clarify your mission, stop wasting time on outdated social media posts, and turn ChatGPT into your best marketing hire—no budget bloat required.If you're still treating branding like fluff, you're leaving revenue and recruiting power on the table. This episode shows you how to fix that.Episode Takeaways:1:50 Krista's journey from part-time social media specialist to Director of Business Development4:10 The Harbor Freight vs. Snap-on analogy—and what it teaches us about branding7:30 Why "brand" isn't your logo: it's your business DNA9:00 What happened when Silver Lake got intentional with its brand 2.5 years ago13:40 How to build a brand that attracts growth-minded techs15:50 Mission statements that move the needle: "We exist to serve because you deserve better"18:20 What shop owners get wrong on social media (and how to fix it)21:10 The power of "edutainment" over generic review posts24:40 Turning testimonials into trust-building content26:00 Leveraging ChatGPT to run a strong strategy with a tiny team30:20 How to audit your website, reviews, and social media using AI33:00 What it means to "raise ChatGPT like a child" for your marketing36:50 Creating your own GPT trained with your brand and voice38:40 Holding vendors accountable like team membersMEET KRISTA OLDENBURG:Krista Oldenburg is the Director of Business Development at Silver Lake Auto & Tire Center, where she's transformed the shop's branding and recruitment strategies. Starting as a part-time social media specialist, Krista now leads growth initiatives, vendor relations, and a high-impact marketing operation—all with a lean team and an AI edge.She's a self-proclaimed "professional extrovert" who believes in bold branding, clear messaging, and human-first marketing. Her roundtable at the Super Conference sparked this episode's in-depth exploration of how auto repair businesses can grow by prioritizing brand clarity.Connect with Krista Oldenburg:LinkedInSilver Lake Auto & Tire CentersSilver Lake Auto & Tire Centers LinkedInResources mentioned:The Brand Infinity LoopLeverage ChatGPTThe Great EightBuilding Blocs of Brand IdentityChatGPT PromptsLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How about saving your auto repair shop thousands of dollars a month and offering your customers a faster, smoother checkout experience? And the best part: without touching your rates?In this episode, Kim Hickey and Jason Patel sit down with Dr. Mark Hale, a payments innovator and former QuickBooks CTO, to discuss one of the most overlooked leaks in auto repair shops' profitability: credit card surcharges.Dr. Hale introduces Express by FacePay, a modern, secure, and customer-friendly alternative to traditional payment processing. From reducing fees to enhancing customer satisfaction and streamlining after-hours pickup, Express is more than a payment platform; it's a strategic upgrade for the way you do business.Tune in to episode 119 of Maximum Octane to discover how you can improve your margins, increase customer convenience, and future-proof your shop with smarter, safer tech.In This Episode, You'll Learn:How much surcharges are really costing your shop—and why your customers hate them (2:50)Why Express is a win-win: no fees, no friction, no surprises (7:40)How one shop saved thousands in just a few months (11:10)What the "Fast Break" rental model can teach you about modern auto checkout (16:50)How Express secures payments without risky card numbers or chargebacks (22:10)Why customer experience is now your most powerful competitive edge (31:10)The cultural shift: how to stop resisting tech and start designing for your customer (36:50)Connect with Dr. Mark Hale:LinkedInExpress by FacepayLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever looked around your shop and wondered, "Am I really running this place, or just surviving in it?" Many shop owners start as top techs, but once the bays are theirs, the leadership grind hits differently.In this episode, co-hosts Jason Patel and Mike Bennett sit down with Clinton Jones, owner of Accomplished Auto, who opens up about the messy, expensive lessons he learned transitioning from technician to shop leader. Clinton shares how a hands-off approach, hiring the wrong manager, missing key financial red flags, and losing connection with the community his business served almost cost him his auto shop.Tune in to episode 118 of Maximum Octane to learn how to go from running yourself into the ground to building a team that runs with you. Join Clinton's masterclass in why leadership isn't optional, how accountability can transform not just your shop, but your entire life, and the wake-up call that lit the fire, and took Clinton to pay attention to building real systems, setting standards, and stepping into his role as a leader with a vision.In This Episode, You Will Learn:From tech to owner: Clinton's unexpected journey (1:20)When you're ready, coaching works (3:00)The hire that nearly destroyed the shop—and how Clinton missed the signs (4:20)Why accountability is the real game-changer (8:30)“Feelings aren’t facts”—how Clinton learned to lead with data (11:50)Building a vision that’s bigger than you (15:00)Modeling accountability: Your team won’t go where you haven’t gone (17:10)Creating a culture of ownership and pride (21:20)Connect with Accomplished Auto:WebsiteLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of your technicians needs a tool and doesn't know where it is. So he goes and asks another, who doesn’t know either, so they go and ask a third tech, who, by the way, also doesn’t know where that tool is. Now you have a group of people roaming around your auto shop, and you're losing money. All this hassle could’ve been avoided with one word: organization.In this episode, Reiny Salmen joins us to talk about one of the most overlooked topics in the automotive industry: organization. Reiny is the owner of Loyola Service in Glenview, Illinois, a business he transformed from a “hot mess” into an efficient, easy-to-navigate shop with spot-on inventory and systems that actually work.Tune in to episode 117 of Maximum Octane and learn how organizing your auto shop can become a cornerstone of your culture, boost your KPIs, and make your internal customers happier. You'll also hear Reiny talk about the magical before and after of investing heavily in organizing Loyola Service, the importance of holding your internal customers accountable, why an organized shop produces more (and more efficiently), and much more.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why shop organization is crucial (3:40)An organized auto shop can transform customers' experience (6:00)Why internal customers must be held accountable (14:10)Why organized auto shops produce more and more efficiently (18:10)Reiny shares organizational strategies and tools (23:00)Are organized auto shops easier to prepare for succession? (28:20)Connect with Reiny Salmen:Loyola Service websiteGet a hold of Imperial Supplies LLCLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it possible to turn constant training into part of your auto shop's culture?In this episode, we explore how to make technicians' development a core part of any auto repair shop culture with Angie and Ken Rocha from Rocha's Automotive. From incentivizing techs to stay engaged with rapidly evolving technology to viewing training as an investment rather than a cost, Angie and Ken have found that ongoing learning is key to delivering top-notch customer service.Throughout this episode, you'll learn how to create a culture that promotes constant learning and why it is crucial to improve service quality and keep internal customers engaged and motivated. You'll also hear about the importance of finding techs eager to evolve, how to generate training that engages techs, why you can't think of Identifix as a replacement for training, and much more.Tune in to episode 116 of Maximum Octane and discover why investing in technicians' training is a shortcut to building loyalty, skills, and long-term success.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why you should invest in techs' training (4:30)How to create a culture of continuous learning (9:40)About the importance of finding (and retaining) the right technicians (12:20)Does culture attract talent (19:00)How to make learning engaging (25:20)How to keep yourself and your team motivated (32:00)The importance of celebrating wins to strengthen culture (37:40)Connect with Angie & Ken:Rocha's AutomotivePhone: (707) 682-9711Let's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Honest question: What does your auto shop's social media look like? Is it there because "you have to have it," or does it reflect who you are and what your business is all about?This week, we revisit my conversation with Corey Perlman about the dos and don'ts of social media for auto repair shop owners, and why you should view socials as an excellent tool for growth and not a burden. Corey is a Keynote Speaker and Executive Consultant on Social Media and Digital Marketing, the Best-selling Author of "eBoot Camp: Proven Internet Marketing Techniques to Grow Your Business," and the Owner of Impact Social Media.Throughout our conversation, Corey talks about his journey into digital marketing, and how he became a keynote speaker and consultant. He shares his thoughts on how social media impacted how people buy and hire professionals, and what type of content every auto shop owner should aim to create and put out there.Plus, Corey teaches how to respond to negative feedback online, what content is a no-no for auto repair shops, the advantages of hiring social media professionals, and much more.Tune in to episode 115 of Maximum Octane and discover how to take your auto shop's social media from 'just there' to a thriving brand-building platform that attracts customers!"In This Episode, You Will Learn:About Corey's journey into social media advertising and digital marketing (3:00)How digital marketing impacted the car dealership industry (5:10)What an auto repair shop owner should look for in a social media expert (10:30)What kind of content works better for auto repair shops (13:00)Corey talks about social media's unproductive habits for auto shop owners (18:50)How to respond to negative feedback online and negative reviews (24:00)Connect with Corey Perlman:Impact Social Media websiteLinkedInGet Corey's books!Let's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you have a notebook filled with valuable information you wrote during a seminar or training that was never opened again? If yes, today's episode is a must-listen for you.This week, we revisit our conversation with the extraordinary Wendy Hawks, General Manager of Riverside Auto Center. After attending an ATI Conference, Wendy decided the notes, the valuable information, and the brilliant ideas born at the conference wouldn't sit in a notebook, covered by dust on a shelf. Instead, she came up with a simple yet effective method to organize those notes and make them the fuel of her personal and professional evolution.Throughout this episode, you'll hear how Wendy changed the dynamics of her business by committing to make small changes every day, about the importance of treating ourselves with compassion when we fail, how organizing and planning your days can utterly transform your life, and much more.Tune in to episode 114 of Maximum Octane and discover the underrated power of taking an extra minute to plan your days, organize your tasks, and become a sharp delegator.In This Episode, You Will Learn:About what made Wendy approach things differently this time (4:40)Why do we tend to beat ourselves when we fail to finish what we have planned to do, and how can we be less harsh with ourselves (9:50)Some non-negotiables that help Wendy remain sharp and responsive (14:00)How to use Wendy's method to live a more intentional life (17:50)Resources:Riverside Auto Center websiteConnect with Wendy:LinkedInLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is specializing the inevitable path for auto repair shops?This week, we discuss specialization within the automotive industry with Chris Fraser, Co-owner of TLS Motorwork. For years now, Chris and his partners at TLS Motorwork have been working exclusively on Japanese and hybrid cars and, most recently, EVs. Chris is a seasoned automotive professional with over two decades of experience dedicated to pushing the boundaries in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle sector.Throughout this episode, you'll hear Chris' thoughts on the strategic importance of specialization in the automotive repair industry. Chris also talks about the challenges of working on electric vehicles, the need for constant training for internal customers and specific tools, how to adapt to manufacturers' push for more maintenance-free cars, and much more.Tune in to episode 113 of Maximum Octane and discover why specialization might be both the cause and the solution for the automotive industry's reshaping.In This Episode, You Will Learn:A bit about Chris' journey in the automotive industry (2:40)Why can specialization be crucial in the automotive industry (6:00)About the challenges and opportunities in the EV market (9:40)Chris talks about his unique approach to marketing and customer service (13:50)Are auto repair shops ready to adapt to the changes in the industry? (21:50)Conclusion and takeaways (31:00)Connect with Chris Fraser:WebsiteLinkedInLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mental health issues lead people to believe they are alone in their suffering, and that is, perhaps, one of its trickiest traits.In this episode, we hear about Eric Gibson's victory over the mental health issues that held him hostage inside a dark cloud for years. Eric is the CEO of 5th Gear Automotive, located just outside Denver, Colorado. Despite making good money as an equipment mechanic in California, Eric wasn't happy. His dream of opening his own shop went quickly from a gentle whisper in his ear to a firm voice, which he decided to listen to, and that's how 5th Gear Automotive was born.Throughout this episode, you'll hear about Eric's inspiring journey of self-discovery, resilience, and personal evolution. Eric shares details of the battle he won against his mental health issues, and talks about the people, the habits, and the decisions that helped him get out of the dark cloud he felt he was trapped in. You'll also hear about the importance of seeking help and assistance to improve mental wellness, how caring for and understanding one's inner turmoil can lead to profound personal and professional growth, and much more.In This Episode, You Will Learn:A bit about Eric's dream of having his own shop (2:40)Why you shouldn't try to deal with mental health issues on your own (4:20)Perception versus perspective (10:00)The importance of active listening (21:00)"Be vulnerable around those you can be vulnerable around" (25:10)Connect with Eric Gibson:LinkedIn5th Gear AutomotiveLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The lack of affordable housing, the younger generation's tendency to adopt dogs instead of having children, and other challenges of the modern world are slowly changing employees' expectations. From the environment in the workspace to their relationship with management, what used to make an auto shop "sticky" for internal customers has evolved. Younger generations now seek workplaces that serve as their "third place," providing a sense of community and belonging beyond just a job.In this episode, Anthony Wrixon from OC Automotive and Diagnostic offers a glimpse of how the automotive industry will (should?) look in the next 30 to 40 years. Between Anthony's decision to stop for someone else and establishing his auto shop in La Habra, California, Anthony gathered dozens of tools from ATI's one-day boot camps, got coached a lot, and learned through trial and error how to build a culture that fitted both his and his internal customers' expectations.Throughout this conversation, Anthony talks about his journey in the automotive industry from internal customer to shop owner, his thoughts on making technicians feel comfortable with him as an owner yet still respecting hierarchies, and how to build healthy relationships at the workplace. Anthony also talks about the importance of establishing clear goals before starting a business, adapting to the industry's rapid changes, and much more.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Anthony talks about his first steps into the automotive industry (3:10)About how ATI's one-day boot camps helped Anthony (5:10)What kind of advice should you listen to when thinking about growing your auto shop (10:00)From internal customer to auto shop owner (14:40)How to make your auto shop sticky for younger generations (20:50)Takeaways (31:00)Connect with Anthony Wrixon:OC Automotive and DiagnosticLinkedInYouTubeInstagramLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you aware of the power of coaching and strategic planning to help you elevate your collision shop to the next level?In this episode, we learn from Jeff Zalis' innovative views on how to take collision shops to the leading edge. Jeff is the Owner of "Specialized Auto Craft, Collision Specialists" and a tireless entrepreneur constantly looking to improve his auto shop through transparency with the customer, polishing processes and procedures, and putting the latest technological advances to the service of his auto repair shop.  Throughout this episode, you'll hear about Jeff's unique approach to helping collision shops move forward and how he elevated his shop, Specialized Auto Craft, to the next level through planning and executing growth strategies effectively. Jeff also shares his thoughts on the importance of coaching's guiding hand, how to deal with the challenges of automotive sensor calibrations, and how he improved his documentation process to optimize OEM repair procedures.Jeff also talks about the importance of transparency when dealing with total loss, how he deals with the constant changes in the insurance industry, shares practical tips for independent repair shops, and more.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Jeff talks about tax and benefits load in the collision industry (3:50)Why transparency is crucial when dealing with total loss (9:10)Jeff shares his thoughts on dealing with insurance companies (16:30)How to optimize documentation processes (20:40)It is not "buy the machines, and you are ready to go." Jeff talks about adding new tech the right way (24:50)Connect with Jeff Zalis:Specialized Auto Craft WebsiteLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you feel it is time to expand your auto shop and don't know where to start?In today's episode, Robbie Windham from Windham Body Shop joins us to share the blueprint of his auto shop's growth and expansion strategy. Robbie's shop is in New Albany, Mississippi, a small town of about 10,000 people; they recently doubled its size, hired internal customers for their office, parts, blueprints, and paint, got new technicians, and even added an ADAS area.Throughout this episode, you'll hear about Robbie's expansion and growth strategies, his approach to dealing with insurance companies, and maintaining high-quality standards while adding new internal customers to his staff. Robbie also shares insights on managing a young team, how keeping an upfront communication style helped develop a culture that supported his auto shop's growth, and much more.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Robbie shares some details of Windham Body Shop's expansion (2:20)The challenges of implementing an ADAS section (3:10)Training internal customers for new systems (4:40)Robbie talks about how he deals with insurance companies (7:20)The multiple benefits of upfront communication (16:20)What are the strategic reasons for expanding your auto shop (17:10)How to train and retain a young and motivated workforce (21:00)Connect with Robbie Windham:Windham Body ShopFacebookLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes, we forget we are in people's business, not the car business. Cars are what bring people to us. - Geoff BermanIn today's episode, Geoff Berman joins us to discuss auto shop repairs' convenience in customer experience and dealing with those moments when the backstage and the front stage intersect.Throughout this episode, you'll hear Kim and Geoff's thoughts on the importance of focusing on the small things that make external customers return to your auto repair shop. They also discuss why creating seamless and stress-free experiences for clients is worth hundreds of times more than simply fixing their cars, and a crucial element some auto shop owners unbelievably forget: marketing how convenient they are!Additionally, you'll hear about the importance of involving both internal and external customers in identifying areas to improve customer experience, how to keep backstage behavior and mannerisms away from the front counter, and much more.In This Episode, You Will Learn:When backstage moments cross the front counter border (2:00)How convenient is your auto repair shop? (7:20)Do your clients know what conveniences you have for them? (15:00)Conveniences don't cost a lot of money (20:10)Make your auto shop as convenient as you can (24:50)Resources:Book: Jon Taffer - Raise the Bar: An Action-Based Method for Maximum Customer ReactionsConnect with Geoff:LinkedInEmail: gberman@autotraining.netLet's connect:WebsiteLinkedInFacebookEmail: info@maximumoctane.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.