Confessions of a Shop Owner

Tekmetrics' business model of listening to customers' needs and implementing new systems makes them super shop-friendly. Start using them at your shop today HERETurnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HEREElite Worldwide is helping me make my shop elite. Monthly coaching with actionable goals and accountability, I need. I highly recommend them to you. See what they're all about HERERegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HEREDarrin Barney is the CEO of Elite Worldwide, Mike's Coaching Company of choice. Last time he was on, he cried. So, guess what he did this time? Yep. He cried. What brought on the tears was how proud he is when he sees one of his kids overcome adversity. Like when his daughter proved the doctors wrong when she was born. They also discuss the evolution of Elite’s coaching programs, highlighting the new 180 program designed to support shop owners at every stage. Timestamps: 00:00 Darrin Barney is Back!06:22 "Drive-Thru Wallet Struggle"09:09 "Defining Childhood Moment"10:39 "Million Dollar Baby Struggles"13:45 Cultivating Grit in Privileged Kids16:42 "Life Lessons From India"21:24 "Weekend Rush and Crash Tale"25:38 "Racing Isle of Man Before Death"26:18 "Racing Memories and Reflections"30:32 Business Development Training Programs35:39 Racing Addiction Never Ends39:02 From Employee to Business Owner40:43 "Watching Results Through Reviews"44:18 "Networking for Fresh Perspectives"47:54 Evolution of Pro Service50:11 Unexpected Opportunity: Tire Shop Dilemma54:12 Elite's Impact on Legacy

My marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HERETekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HEREI was SHOCKED when I saw the things I was missing the first time I used Detect Auto. Simple things, but easy to miss. Detect Auto helped clean that up for me, and they can for you, too. Use them HERERegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HEREMeet the future leadership of the Automotive Service and Tire Alliance: Mbie Dowd and Tonnika Haynes. Mbie tells the story of how she got to where she is today, and why she has a passion for selling tires. Tonnika talks about her recent struggle of to letting go of micromanagement in her shop, and boy oh boy, did Mike have a confession to share. Wow. Just wow. Timestamps: 00:00 "Mike Has a Confessions"05:48 "Life Driven by Cars"06:47 "Journey Into Automotive Success"10:27 Thoughtful Words, Powerful Impact13:34 "Confessions of the Bougie Spouse"17:57 "Trusting the Process"20:55 "Tire Opportunities and Insights"24:31 Collaborative Leadership in Tire Pros27:07 "Setting Expectations Upfront"33:07 "Running, Spiders, and Skinny Pants"35:08 Sticky Trap Confession for Mike39:49 "Battery Acid Mishap"41:58 Locked Out and Climbing Gates

To learn more about how Tekmetric's software can change the future of your repair shop like it did for me, touch HERETurnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.Elite Worldwide will keep you accountable and show you the road to shop success. They are for me. Find out how HERERegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HEREEric Merchant is the owner of Merchant Automotive in Leeland, Michigan. Eric, Mike, and Bryan today talk about racing things with wheels, how Eric got into shop ownership, and why training is important. The three also bring up how things often go sideways when shop owner get together. Like stuffing technicians into trunks... Timestamps: 00:00 Recording at ASTA 202503:30 "Accidental Reel Overflow"09:06 "Lucas Overfills RSVP List"11:26 GM Diesel Pickup Specialists13:11 "Pro Service: Tight-Knit Comfort"19:07 "Struggles Exiting the Car"20:40 "Burt Two-Speed Transmission Overview"24:54 Driving vs. Running a Shop27:29 "Fired: Exit from Dealerships"30:28 "Lawnmower Racing Adrenaline Rush"35:30 Midnight Tail Light Fix37:26 Golf Cart Speed Challenges41:38 "F350 King Ranch Giveaway Idea"43:51 Diesel Training Lacks Specificity48:08 "Encouraging Relevant Class Interaction"

If you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HEREThere are a lot of moving parts in a repair shop, opening the door to missing things. Don't let that happen to you. Learn more about Detect AutoRegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HEREIn this episode, Mike Allen and Matt Lofton evaluate property values and location choosing for automotive repair shops. Matt gives tips on assessing both leasing and purchasing options, saying it's important to look at environmental inspections to avoid costly site contamination issues. Together, Mike and Matt break down how to quickly run the numbers on a new shop – from demographic analysis and competitive research to calculating realistic revenue projections based on shop capacity.Timestamps:00:00 Choosing a Business Location is Crucial05:27 Building Investment Due Diligence07:56 Renovation Challenges and Parking Plans12:48 Commercial Property Appraisal and Inspections15:35 Soil Testing and Abatement Costs18:59 "Essential Due Diligence for Buyers"23:33 Creative Lease Negotiation Strategies24:39 Lease Agreements with Conditional Terms28:33 Impact of Gentrification on Leases32:17 Landlord Intentions and Investment Strategy35:36 Local Demographic Analysis Strategy37:39 Assessing Location Viability43:43 Competition and Location Assessment45:49 Maximizing Building Productivity Feasibility50:13 "Rent Budget and Growth Constraints"52:33 Managing Building Costs and Overheads

Tekmetrics' business model of listening to customers' needs and implementing new systems makes them super shop-friendly. Start using them at your shop today HERETurnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HEREElite Worldwide is helping me make my shop elite. Monthly coaching with actionable goals and accountability, I need. I highly recommend them to you. See what they're all about HERERegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HEREIn this episode, Mike Allen is joined by Josh Coomes and Josh Rainwater. New co-hosts of "The Morning Drive with Josh and Josh"? Hmmmm. Josh Rainwater shares the recent story of when Josh Coomes visited his shop and helped him identify and correct key operation and process issues. Josh Coomes emphasizes the importance of structured processes and having the financial stability to step away from your shop, all while the group reflects on the value of mentorship, coaching, and industry events like ASTA for growth and relationship-building.Timestamps: 00:00 ASTA Expo 2025 Logistics and Staff Efficiency05:02 Improving User Experience Suggestions07:14 "Satire Becomes Reality"10:59 Breaking Point Amid Work Pressure15:21 "Building Structure for Business Freedom"16:18 "Fired Technician for Integrity"20:31 "ASTA Mastermind for Startup Shops"23:38 Volunteer Mentorship with Accountability27:42 Key Tagging Streamlines Operations29:14 "Levels of Coaching Explained"33:28 Gratitude for Trust and Support36:43 Aligning Processes for Team Growth40:00 "Streamline Systems to Retain Clients"44:38 City Comparison by Car Dealerships45:19 Improving Repair Sales Strategies51:23 Training Gap and Emotional Strain53:20 "Role-Playing with Chat GPT"

My marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HERETekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HEREI was SHOCKED when I saw the things I was missing the first time I used Detect Auto. Simple things, but easy to miss. Detect Auto helped clean that up for me, and they can for you, too. Use them HERERegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HEREToday, we ask the hard questions. Is investing in ADAS equipment worth it in auto repair? And if you do, should't you charge more for it? Mike, Bryan, and Justin Allen and Jim Cokonis answer these questions while at the ASTA Expo. They also dig into the difficulties of properly training staff and building processes that ensure quality work—rather than just chasing numbers and cranking out volume.Timestamps: 00:00 God Has FINALLY Allowed This Recording03:44 "Podcast Heist Confession"09:51 "Training vs. Pressure in Workplaces"11:36 "Expertise Takes Time"14:54 Road Forcing Tire Balance17:41 "Rebooting Problem-Solving Processes"23:33 ADAS Misuse and Optimization25:39 Data Ignored, Decisions Misguided28:22 ADAS Calibration Investment Challenges33:28 GM Suspension Idler Arm Issues34:15 Truck Steering Issue Escalation

To learn more about how Tekmetric's software can change the future of your repair shop like it did for me, touch HERETurnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.Elite Worldwide will keep you accountable and show you the road to shop success. They are for me. Find out how HERERegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HEREIn this episode, Mike, Bryan and Bret Fadely get way off topic. But, that's normal around here! Bret opens up about the impact of staff turnover on his business and how attending this year's ASTA Expo helped rebuild trust and team morale. The guys also dive into the realities of shop ownership and customer service, including when to go above and beyond for clients—even if it means renting a work vehicle after multiple repair failures. Timestamps: 00:00 "Who is Wearing the Better Jacket?"04:30 "Claiming Credit, Dodging Blame"09:19 "Reinvigorated by ASTA Event"10:29 "Reflecting on Expo Attendance"14:27 Transmission Failures and Delays17:28 "Customer Satisfaction Over Costs"21:01 Technician Mix-Up Over Transmission26:15 "COVID Hospital Scare"27:31 Bryan's Health Scare31:42 "Super Saturday Training Event"36:24 "Building Stronger Membership Together"40:01 "Best Hurricane ASTA Moment"42:04 "Bar Preparedness for Events"46:25 "Charity Plans with SD Charities"

If you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HEREThere are a lot of moving parts in a repair shop, opening the door to missing things. Don't let that happen to you. Learn more about Detect AutoRegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HERETommy Markham owns Markham's Automotive in Constableville, New York, and is a HUGE supporter of charging for diagnostic....this should be fun. Mike, Bryan and Mark talk about why you should charge for diagnostic and why you shouldn't. They also discuss the challenges and marketing benefits of investing in ADAS calibration equipment, even when the return on investment is hard to measure. Timestamps: 00:00 What Will Mike Say/Do When He's Not President?06:47 Diagnostic Charging Debate08:01 Billing for Expertise Costs13:26 "Job Value Reflects Readiness"16:24 BMW Repairs and Water Damage19:05 "Humble Confidence and Skill"23:28 Exclusive ADAS Calibration Facility24:32 ADAS Profit Challenges for Shops28:02 "Public Education Challenges"33:55 "Customized Signs for Visibility"34:04 "Branded Car Complaint Story"38:48 "Confidence and Abrasiveness"42:28 "Career Dilemma and Choices"46:17 Rental Car Damage Documentation50:02 Mitsubishi MUT3 Critique52:16 Mitsubishi's Missing Key Data53:48 Mitsubishi Ownership Verification Issue58:22 "Car Repairs and Priorities"

Tekmetrics' business model of listening to customers' needs and implementing new systems makes them super shop-friendly. Start using them at your shop today HERETurnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HEREElite Worldwide is helping me make my shop elite. Monthly coaching with actionable goals and accountability, I need. I highly recommend them to you. See what they're all about HERERegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HEREIn this episode, Bryan and Mike are joined by Ashley Kaplan of Hub Shop Solutions. They start by talking about an odd tattoo she has on her arm and whether or not she would give away from Hub Shop for life if a customer got a Hub Shop tattoo. Mike points out how much Hub Shop has helped his shop shop save time by handling estimate writing and warranty calls. Time that service advisors can spend with customers to improve sales. Oh, and if given the opportunity, Bryan would SHUT DOWN Mitsubishi??Timestamps:00:00 Do you Prank Spam Callers?10:08 Ashely Loves Sales12:25 Focus on Bigger Priorities16:08 Connecting Beyond Transactions24:52 $43 O-Ring Dilemma28:37 Efficient Cost-Effective Hiring Alternative33:09 Efficient Diagnostic Documentation Advice41:41 Timing Troubles and Steering Lock47:02 Tracking Estimates and Performance Feedback51:43 Experimenting for Success54:34 Hub Shop: Growth-Focused Shop Solution

My marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HERETekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HEREI was SHOCKED when I saw the things I was missing the first time I used Detect Auto. Simple things, but easy to miss. Detect Auto helped clean that up for me, and they can for you, too. Use them HERERegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HERELucas Underwood and Jeff Compton join Mike today to stir the pot, reflect on Jeff cheating in the sumo wrestling match at the ASTA Expo, and how it's okay for shop owners to run their shop differently. The conversation also covers the constant push/pull of personal fulfillment vs the desire to make money for shop owners, and that for this industry to change, it starts with owners investing in themselves and their people.Timestamps: 00:00 ASTA Sumo Wrestling Bout Recap08:59 Short-Sighted Industry Tactics are Harmful14:06 Challenging Traditional Auto Industry Tactics16:52 "Embracing Unreasonable Hospitality for Change"26:39 Communication in Workplace Performance28:49 "Understanding Industry Challenges and Growth"36:35 Front-End Inefficiency Costs Profits41:01 Realizing Leadership and Business Skills46:50 Failed Shop Sales Insights52:10 Rediscovering Purpose After Feeling Lost57:41 "Bobby, Send Mike Home!"

To learn more about how Tekmetric's software can change the future of your repair shop like it did for me, touch HERETurnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.Elite Worldwide will keep you accountable and show you the road to shop success. They are for me. Find out how HERERegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HERESunil Patel is the Founder and CEO of Tekmetric. Today, he and Mike unveil Tekmetric's new set it and forget it marketing solution, that allows shop owners to effortlessly bring in new customers with just the flip of a switch. Sunil even brings up that they are ready to dip their toes into the AI space with call scoring. If Sunil and his team aren't busy enough, in 2026 they are hosting their own industry event "Tektonic". Hear he and Mike talk about that and more today!Register for Tektonic HERE!Timestamps:00:00 Simplified Marketing for Repair Shops03:44 "Tekmetric: Efficient and User-Friendly CRM"09:27 FCC Tightens Rules on Mass Texting13:03 VoIP Call Scoring Development14:22 Excitement for Analytics-Driven Technology18:07 Inclusive Industry Conference Initiative21:37 AI-Enhanced Vehicle Repair Orders25:28 Digital Shift in Vehicle Services28:12 "Digital Auto Repair Authorization"33:45 Test Drive Disaster: Car Engulfed35:31 Sunil with a confession

If you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HEREThere are a lot of moving parts in a repair shop, opening the door to missing things. Don't let that happen to you. Learn more about Detect AutoRegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HEREMike Allen and Matt Lofton jump into coaching call number nine and talk mainly about how to increase sales at Mike's shop. Matt shares research from Brian Tracy, saying that service advisors MUST spend more time engaging with customers to boost closing rates. They also talk about the strategy of splitting repair estimates into more manageable repair plans and the value of setting customer expectations during intake. Timestamps: 00:00 Increase Customer Interaction to Boost Sales03:55 Finding Time to Exercise is HARD09:50 August Repair Order Analysis12:26 Sales Process Challenge or Estimation Issue?17:24 Optimizing Sales and Inspection Strategy19:17 Costly Repairs Lead to Car Disposal22:17 Two-Stage Vehicle Repair Approval Process26:55 "Impact of Tech Quote Changes"28:31 Choosing Repair Strategies Effectively33:06 Improving Preventative Maintenance Estimation36:54 Importance of Effective Intake Process40:33 Enhancing Customer Interaction Experience42:35 Maximize Sales by Reducing Admin Tasks45:22 Customer Engagement Improves Experiences48:40 Addressing Customer Fear with Transparency

Tekmetrics' business model of listening to customers' needs and implementing new systems makes them super shop-friendly. Start using them at your shop today HERETurnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HEREElite Worldwide is helping me make my shop elite. Monthly coaching with actionable goals and accountability, I need. I highly recommend them to you. See what they're all about HERERegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HEREIn this episode, Mike Allen is joined by Jessee Potter and Ryan Ragan to preview NEXT WEEK'S ASTA Expo. Ryan highlights the exciting new location and expanded logistics, making the event more accessible and enjoyable for all attendees. Jessee shares details about the social events, including a unique on-site pre-party with sumo matches and interactive games, as well as the return of Casino Night with a new money booth and great prizes. Timestamps:00:00 "Pre-Expo Stress and Travel"04:22 Seamless Event Facility Upgrade06:50 Event with Food, Games, and Drinks13:12 Cigar Rolling Event Announcement14:03 Innovative Event Feedback Approach19:02 Comprehensive Auto Shop Training Event21:29 Trade Show: Fun & Transformative Training26:05 Expanded Trade Show Timing28:27 Event Meet-and-Greet Vision32:43 Show Planning: Big Picture to Details

My marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HERETekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HEREI was SHOCKED when I saw the things I was missing the first time I used Detect Auto. Simple things, but easy to miss. Detect Auto helped clean that up for me, and they can for you, too. Use them HERERegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HEREGreg Buckley is the owner of Buckley's Auto Care in Wilmington, Delaware. Today, he tells Mike and Bryan about his latest venture - opening an online radio station for repair shops...AND...writing podcast theme music for Confessions of a Shop Owner?? Yep. This could get out of control quickly. 00:00 Unique Hospitality Suite Design07:04 Tire Question: 22 GMC Denali Sierra13:33 Owner's Secret: "I Sell Used Tires"18:38 Adapting Shows for Podcasts21:58 "Greg Shows Off His Music Writing Skills32:30 Vocal Processing in Live Music37:19 "Reluctant Sumo Suit Challenge"41:31 Panther Chase School Tradition47:13 Doctor Approves Drinking Alcohol53:08 Buick Misfire Issue57:21 "Switching to OE Tooling"

To learn more about how Tekmetric's software can change the future of your repair shop like it did for me, touch HERETurnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.Elite Worldwide will keep you accountable and show you the road to shop success. They are for me. Find out how HERERegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HEREIn this episode, Mike and Bryan are joined by John Firm of Firm Automotive in Fort Worth, Texas. John talks about how he focuses his shop around fleet work, saying fleet accounts provide a lot of stability. The guys also bring up the cons of being a "hero" shop, pointing out that knowing your niche and charging your value is a smarter business model. Also, just wait till you hear the latest shop confession story.00:00 "The Hero Shop Trap"08:23 "Questioning Job Performance Value"15:50 Preventing Employee Disengagement17:40 Fuel Strategy Documentary23:20 Cowboy Style Origins28:59 Journey to Amazon Fishing Expedition34:27 Cultural Perspectives on Size39:54 "Exotic Wildlife at Low Fence Ranch"48:30 Confident in Technician's Expertise53:23 Letting Go: Business Challenges

If you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HEREThere are a lot of moving parts in a repair shop, opening the door to missing things. Don't let that happen to you. Learn more about Detect AutoRegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HEREIn this episode, Mike Allen and Matt Lofton talk about an up-and-down summer at Mike's small shop. Matt brings up the importance of setting clear goals and trigger points for accountability within the management team, and how Mike needs to act quickly on underperformance. Mike talks through recent staffing challenges, hiring decisions, and fine-tuning systems for both the front and back of house.00:00 Striving for Consistent Excellence05:24 Improving Customer Agreement Strategies09:47 Performance Assessment and Action Plan13:35 Performance Audit and Response Strategy14:53 "Quick Solutions for Team Efficiency"18:26 Rapid Impact on Underperformance23:34 "Goal Setting for Revenue Efficiency"25:53 "Optimizing Employee Impact on Revenue"28:08 Optimal Employee Productivity Range32:03 Service Revenue and Support Staff36:52 Evaluate Sales Momentum39:57 Optimizing Pre-Booking Appointments Strategy42:52 "Easter Giveaways and Money Strategy"45:29 Predicting Sales Opportunities48:51 Sumo Suit Fun and Tips

Tekmetrics' business model of listening to customers' needs and implementing new systems makes them super shop-friendly. Start using them at your shop today HERETurnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HEREElite Worldwide is helping me make my shop elite. Monthly coaching with actionable goals and accountability, I need. I highly recommend them to you. See what they're all about HERERegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HEREIn this episode, Mike and Bryan are joined by Erich Schmidt of Schmidt Auto Care. Erich talks about the time he nearly fell victim to an elaborate online truck sales scam and details the red flags that helped him catch it just in time. The guys also talk about their shared obsession with motorcycles, and Erich describes his diverse collection and the role riding plays in his life. Erich also talks about how his recent professional growth and industry networking have contributed to his business’s record success.00:00 Meet Erich - He Likes Bikes05:01 Motorcycle Collection Overview07:10 Off-Road and Supermoto Passion11:37 "Sunday Rides on Kentucky Roads"14:39 Motorcycle Journey: New Orleans to Jacksonville18:21 Efficient Workshop Equipment Organization20:12 Technician Burnout and Tesla Hiring26:14 Facebook Marketplace Truck Search28:40 "Reluctant Road Trip Avoided"31:59 Dealership Doubts and Financial Precautions35:37 "Deciding Against Potential Scam"38:08 Photo Theft at Florida Dealership41:31 Mystery of Tipton Motorsports Location45:52 Hiring Boosts Efficiency and Revenue48:33 "Learning from Friends' Insights"52:01 Passion for Automotive Industry Growth54:16 Reflecting on Missed Business Opportunities

My marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HERETekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HEREI was SHOCKED when I saw the things I was missing the first time I used Detect Auto. Simple things, but easy to miss. Detect Auto helped clean that up for me, and they can for you, too. Use them HERERegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HERENathan Ward and James Hornak recently opened Inconceivable Automotive in Raleigh, NC. Today, they tell the CRAZY story of how they became friends, fell into business ownership (starting by stealing a van off a man with Alzheimer's), and listen to advice from Mike. They all discuss openly the lessons they’ve already learned, such as the importance of clear communication, networking with other shop owners, and maintaining well-organized business processes from the outset. 00:00 "Morning Bloody Mary Bar"03:48 Injury Recovery Leads to Adventure07:12 General Repair: Passion Meets Profit12:29 Balancing Workload and Priorities13:49 Repo Equipment Bargain Success18:10 Subcontracting Head Gasket Repair22:28 Stick to Normal Procedures24:21 "Building Connections with Elite Coaching"26:55 Sumo Wrestling Match at ASTA30:30 Business Partnership and Profit Sharing35:20 "Starting a Small Business Guide"36:59 Prioritizing Business over Income40:00 "Convenient Truck Service Location"44:43 Proactive Learner Praised47:15 "Toys Indicate Business Struggles"50:07 Electrical Misunderstanding Magic53:59 "Shop Owner Confessions"

If you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HEREThere are a lot of moving parts in a repair shop, opening the door to missing things. Don't let that happen to you. Learn more about Detect AutoRegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HEREIn this episode, Bryan and Mike are joined by Kirby Sawyer, owner of Super Rupair in Boulder, Colorado, a shop specializing exclusively in Subaru repair. Kirby shares the story of building a thriving, high-volume specialty shop, including his unique journey from employee to future owner. Of course, they get into charging for diag and why training is critical. 00:00 "Meet Kirby Sawyer"03:34 "Mobile Diagnostics and Accountability"06:55 "Nissan's Legal Name Battle"11:40 Obsolete Subaru Glass Stockpile14:48 Economical but Prone to Corrosion16:27 Bar Trick with Number Cards19:47 Endless Subaru Cycle24:27 "Awkward Car Exchange Moment"28:58 Battery Tester Insights32:34 Turnover and Pay Plan Success33:23 Techs Improve Efficiency Rapidly37:38 Offer to Buy High-Mileage Accord39:43 Car Sales and Friend Recommendations44:44 Expo Hospitality Suite Sponsored48:47 "Refusal and Recommendation Story"51:18 "Shop Dog Comfort Gone Awry"54:16 "Farmer's Essential Values Test"

To learn more about how Tekmetric's software can change the future of your repair shop like it did for me, touch HERETurnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.Elite Worldwide will keep you accountable and show you the road to shop success. They are for me. Find out how HERERegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HEREToday, Mike and Matt switch things up and talk about Elite's new coaching program. Matt covers the five keys for shop success, including financial literacy, maximizing car opportunities, streamlined customer experience, retention strategies, and effective leadership and employee management. 00:00 Elite's New Program06:05 Networking Insights for Business Growth07:16 Streamlining Business Success Program10:52 Profit-Driven Automotive Management Strategy14:12 "Door Rate vs. Effective Labor Rate"19:17 "Maximizing Automotive Repair Revenue"21:27 Streamlining Automotive Service Processes26:22 Customer Retention Strategies30:02 Streamlined Recruitment and Quick Offers32:06 Effective Employee Management Strategies38:18 Improving Business by Slowing Down41:58 Balancing Urgency and Business Foundations43:50 Affordable Shop Management Pricing46:38 Staffing and Performance Challenges