Claim OwnershipSuccess Leaves Clues: An Automotive Industry Podcast
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Success Leaves Clues. This common phrase highlights the simple fact that we don’t have to find success all on our own. In an industry internally known for individualism, this is a powerful but important shift to the view of finding success. In this podcast, you’ll hear incredible stories from those from all parts of our industry. Owners, Service Advisors, technicians, those who work for companies that serve our industry, investors, and more. In this podcast, our guests will not only share their stories, but they will reveal the clues to their success through practical teaching and training provided on each episode.
100 Episodes
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Get ready to laugh and hear the story of Doug Rogers. Along with his wife, Donna, Doug retired—then jumped back in to kick his multi-million-dollar operation back to life. He shares the mistakes he made, the changes he had to make, and what it really takes to walk away at the right time and under the right conditions. Doug keeps Aaron and Jay laughing as they dive into what he’s learned and what ultimately pulled him back into the business.Thanks to our sponsors!Shop Fix EventsOktoRocketMomentum WorksTurnkey
Aaron and Jay catch up with JR Luna to hear his story of success. JR went from managing a shop to becoming an owner in his late twenties. He quickly learned that running a shop is very different from owning one, and that becoming a lifelong learner was the key to turning his shops around. Now doing millions in revenue at each location, JR shares valuable lessons on selecting the right locations, opening multiple shops with different makes, and expanding his family brand. His passion for seeing people succeed is contagious, and he and his wife, Rita, live that passion every day.Thanks to our sponsors!Shop Fix EventsOktoRocketMomentum WorksTurnkey
Joe Stokes joins us for our first episode of 2026 to kick off the year with hard-earned leadership insights. As the leader responsible for managing multiple shops across the country, Joe has seen it all—and knows what it takes to keep operations running smoothly at scale.In this episode, Joe challenges leaders to lean into what might happen, confront their own ego, and ensure their business is truly profitable—not just busy. His perspective sets a powerful foundation for the year ahead and will push you to take an honest look at your organization, identify what needs to change, and commit to doing things differently.Check our sponsor links below! Thank you!Shop Fix EventsOktoRocketMomentum Works
Join Aaron and Jay as they wrap up an incredible year on the podcast and look ahead to the opportunities coming in 2026. With a standout lineup of guests and powerful stories of growth and change, this year set the stage for what’s next. As the auto repair market gears up for a busy season, Aaron and Jay discuss why sharpening the fundamentals and strengthening your skills will be critical for success in the year ahead.Thanks to our sponsors in 2025!Shop Fix EventsUpSwellAutoOps-SteerTurnkey
In this episode, Aaron Miller discusses his business with his brother and the challenges they’ve faced along the way. Through many ups and downs, they’ve navigated a difficult path learning how to work together. Between the pressure of simply making payroll and personal life challenges, Aaron walks us through his journey. Hear how he found his path to success—not only in business, but in life and family as well. It isn’t easy, but there is hope, and you can find your own path to success.Thank you to our sponsors!Shop Fix Events AutoOps-Steer UpSwell Turnkey
In this episode Owen Buchanan sits down with us in between sessions at the Shop Fix Pro Conference. Owen spent 10 years grinding it out only to be met with a decision, close the doors or put away your ego and get help. Owen reached out to a friend and got a piece of advice that's changed his life, his outlook, and his purpose. Hear how he went from "below the basement" struggling to changing the way he thinks about money and his business. His story and transparency about how it all happened is inspiring and we're thankful to have had him on the show!Links to our sponsors below!Shop Fix Events UpSwell AutoOps-Steer Turnkey
In this episode, Paul LeBlanc (however you pronounce it) shares his path—from jumping into the family business during a difficult time, to navigating a painful fallout with his brother, to ultimately finding his way to a profitable shop and family redemption. His story highlights the importance of seeking help, getting guidance, and developing the right mindset for success. His dedication to family and his commitment to supporting his father through tough times make for an inspiring story you’ll love to hear.Thank you to our sponsors!Shop Fix Events UpSwell AutoOps-Steer Turnkey
In this episode, we interview Luke Walker, who runs one of the largest—if not the largest—independent auto repair shops in the United States. This single location brought in over $1,000,000 in just one month. Luke’s story is nothing short of miraculous. His battle with depression as a young man nearly ended in tragedy, but instead, it became the driving force behind his passion for auto repair and his mission to help young men and women find direction in their lives. His journey to success and his approach to running a large operation are both powerful and inspiring.Thank you to our sponsors!Shop Fix Events UpSwell AutoOps-Steer Turnkey
Aaron and Jay dive into the topic of Marketing and how discounts are viewed both negatively and positively. Aaron shares his strategies about marketing and discounts. He digs into how strategy turns into data and data drives his business to higher revenue. This divisive topic seems to spark strong controversy in the industry. Hear how a successful shop owner views the topic and why he just doesn't get it when people get hot on the topic of discounts. Thank you to our sponsors! Check the links below!Shop Fix Events UpSwell AutoOps-Steer Turnkey
Eric Walker of Walker Automotive holds multiple degrees, certifications, and an impressive career history. He’s also a trainer for Automotive Training Group and TechFix. A true technical powerhouse, in this episode we uncover his journey and how he got to where he is today. His message for all technicians is inspiring, highlighting the power of mastering foundational lessons—not only for technical skills but also for business skills. From the small town of Elkton, Kentucky, Eric Walker is doing big things and sharing valuable lessons on how to find your own path to growth.Thanks to our sponsors!Shop Fix Events UpSwell AutoOps-Steer Turnkey
In this episode, Samantha Wright shares how she became co-owner of Wright Auto Group, a multi-shop business founded on three key pillars: Aim for Happy Customers, Aim for Happy Workers, and Aim for Sustainable Business Practices. Her story—from high school dropout and teen mom to shop owner—is one of determination, learning, healing, and hope. It’s about not letting your past define you, staying open to change, and embracing growth along the way. Samantha is deeply grateful for the inspiration she received from her experiences in previous shops and is honored to join passionate shop owners who make a difference—one customer at a time.Thank you to our sponsors!Shop Fix Events UpSwell AutoOps-Steer Turnkey
In this episode we have the honor to speak with Ed Mylett right after his keynote presentation at Shop Hackers Conference 2025. Ed is a globally recognized entrepreneur, performance coach, and speaker. He got his start in the financial services industry, achieving incredible success that eventually earned him spot on the Forbes "50 Wealthiest Under 50" List. Since then, he has spearheaded a range of ventures, spanning technology, real estate, health, food/nutrition and more. He shares with us some key insights he's learned in his life including valuing what is most important, the value of one more rep, and why you should consider carefully each new step in life. His views and experiences may shock you. Buckle up!Thank you to our sponsors! Click the links below to learn more.Shop Fix Events UpSwell AutoOps-Steer Turnkey
Jesse is an out-of-the-box kind of guy. I'm most cases he didn't even start with a box! In this episode, Jesse, who is an acclaimed author, co-founder of the world's largest private jet company, and award-winning musician and producer among other things, dives deep into his approach to balancing professional achievements with family life. Jesse shares insights on the importance of maintaining an underdog mentality, finding wins in various aspects of life, and ensuring that success in business does not come at the expense of family. He also emphasizes the value of praising effort, staying grounded, and being 'time rich.' The discussion highlights the importance of having fun in what you do while focusing on impact and legacy.Thank you to our sponsors! Click the links below to learn more!Shop Fix Events AutoOps-Steer UpSwell Turnkey
Tommy is BACK! Our first time with Tommy was after he was a keynote at the Shop Hackers Conference in 2024. This time Tommy joins us for an hour packed episode sharing how he grew his garage door service company into a massive enterprise with over 900 employees. He shares what it takes to not just be good at sales, but what it takes to be GREAT. His mindset on growth and having a bigger dream is not fluff. It's what allows him to put in motion a path to create a future. Tommy shares it all. High energy and high value. You're going to want to listen to this one more than once! Thanks to our awesome sponsors! Click the links below to learn more!Shop Fix Events AutoOps-Steer UpSwell Turnkey
In this podcast episode, Justin Smith, the charismatic owner of an auto repair shop in Fredericksburg, Virginia, shares his compelling story. Justin recounts working with his father at a young age to opening his own shop at 24, under challenging conditions with no money or local support. Over the years, he navigates through mistakes, such as managing staff poorly and nearly going bankrupt, to eventually finding success. He highlights challenges many owners face such as dealing with depression and failure. Despite personal challenges, Justin emphasizes the importance of perseverance, gratitude, community support, and faith. His candid recounting of his experiences offers invaluable lessons on leadership, mental health, and keeping the passion alive.Thank you to our sponsors!Shop Fix Events UpSwell AutoOps-Steer Turnkey
In this podcast episode, Tonya and Brett share their dynamic story of starting a successful auto repair shop in Pensacola. From their initial meeting in Philadelphia, Brett's extensive 35-year career in dealerships, and fast pivots in life, their journey is filled with numerous relocations, raising three children, and overcoming major challenges. With their pioneering spirit, they find themselves starting their own shop and learning that details really matter. Through setbacks and successes, they demonstrate the importance of resilience, understanding each other, and the power of creating a lasting brand supporting their customers and their community.Show our sponsors some love!Shop Fix Events UpSwell AutoOps-Steer Turnkey
In this powerful episode, Edward Caswell, owner of Full Throttle Automotive and Fast Lane Auto Repair shares more than the details behind his successful business. Edward shares the full story of his life of brokenness turned into transformation. Hear how his wife fiercely fought for his future with the support of those around him, allowing him to become the person he is today. An educator turned shop owner, he opens up about how he knew "nothing" about business and how his focus to, "love on people", turned into the realization of what true unconditional love is. His story of struggle and path to freedom will inspire you and maybe even give you the break through you've been looking for. Thank you to our sponsors!Shop Fix Events UpSwell AutoOps-Steer Turnkey
Lauren Keeton shares her inspiring story of shop ownership and how she and her husband David turned it into the life they wanted. Despite growing up in a small family-run shop and initially wanting a different career, Lauren was drawn back into the industry when David pursued his dream of opening his own shop. Lauren discusses the financial challenges, including purchasing a $1 million building, remodeling, and managing tenants. She also talks about balancing work with family life, having four children, and eventually stepping back from daily operations to enjoy a better quality of life. Lauren now also coaches other shop owners, bringing her teaching background into her new role, and discusses the importance of building connections and being willing to be vulnerable in order to grow in the industry.Use these links to check out our sponsors!Shop Fix Events UpSwell AutoOps-Steer Turnkey
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 growth through changes in mindset and process. He eventually outsourced his responsibilities and moved 2,000 miles away, and even opened a second shop remotely! As a coach at Shop Fix, Jeff now helps other shop owners achieve their goals and make an impact in the lives of those around them. Thanks to our sponsors!Shop Fix Events UpSwell AutoOps-Steer
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 customer service. His persistence paid off as his shop, bolstered by effective strategies and mentorship from Shop Fix, went from doing $30,000 a month to tracking $6 million annually. Jack’s tale underscores the importance of resilience and continuous self-improvement in achieving business success.*In this episode we had some audio quality issues. It's not perfect, but the episode is too awesome not to share!Give our sponsors some love!Shop Fix Events UpSwell AutoOps-Steer
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