Ratchet+Wrench Radio

Every shop owner wants a healthy, profitable business. But does that always mean adding more employees, opening more locations and chasing higher gross profit? Kendall Warnock, owner of A1 Automotive, with three locations in Lincoln and Seward, Nebraska, joins Christine Schaffran to explore the harder question: When is enough actually enough? They’ll discuss the risk-reward equation behind growth, the personal motivations that can drive owners to keep pushing and how to determine whether the next step is truly worth taking.

The automotive service industry continues to face questions about technician recruitment, workforce development, and the skills shops will need in the years ahead. Jay Goninen’s move from WrenchWay to ASE brings a new perspective to those challenges. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Goninen discusses his transition, ASE Connects, a Department of Labor grant, and how ASE is preparing for its 55th anniversary and the future of automotive service.

SEMA is big enough to be overwhelming—especially if you're trying to squeeze everything into four days. So, what should independent shop owners actually see and do? Tom Gattuso, vice president of events for SEMA, joins us to break down the show floor, education, technology, networking, and the experiences shop owners won't want to miss.

R-1234yf is already in the service bays, but is your shop ready to make the most of the opportunity? Natalie Dixon of Chemours explores what shops need to know about R-1234yf service, the potential to retrofit eligible R-134a vehicles, and the importance of proper procedures and preventing refrigerant cross-contamination. Plus, learn what Chemours has planned for AAPEX, including a chance to win an R-1234yf recovery, recycle and recharge machine and Opteon™ YF refrigerant.

AAPEX can be overwhelming for any shop owner — thousands of exhibitors, hundreds of education sessions, new technology, networking opportunities and plenty to see on the show floor. So how can independent shop owners make the most of their time in Las Vegas? In this episode, we preview AAPEX 2026 with Mark Bogdansky and look at how owners can approach the show with a plan, find education and resources that address their business needs, and come home with ideas they can actually put to work.