Confessions of a Shop Owner

Register for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 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.Register for Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2026 Conference January 30-31 - Remember to use this code: CONFESSIONSJared Haleck is the new Chief Product Officer at Tekmetric, and today he talks with Mike about the rapid innovation happening in automotive shop management technology. Jared shares his perspective on how AI tools can streamline service advisor-customer interactions, making it easier to gather, document, and translate repair information for technicians. The conversation also explores the future potential of AI in automating repair estimates and improving digital vehicle inspections—emphasizing that the biggest barrier to integrating these tools is just shop owners’ creativity.Timestamps:00:00 – Will Tekmetric take over the world??00:21 – Confessions of a Shop Owner Presented by Tekmetric01:13 – Speed Vegas recap: Racing exotics, leaderboard drama, and surprises05:15 – Jared Haleck’s background & first impressions of Tekmetric08:43 – What does a Chief Product Officer actually do? (And, yes, nerds are involved)10:39 – The AI revolution: Early adopters, ChatGPT, and what every shop should know13:04 – Practical AI: Intake conversations, tech translation, and smarter service writing16:25 – Summarization, speech-to-text, and eliminating “translation loss”20:03 – Why voice (and phone) is key to the next auto shop breakthrough25:33 – Wish list: AI-powered digital vehicle inspections & visual documentation32:30 – Word choices, loss aversion, and writing the story customers need34:44 – The real trick: Getting creative with AI prompts and trying new ideas36:12 – Gemini, Claude, or GPT: Which AI platform works best?39:54 – Where can shop owners get the most bang-for-their-buck with AI today?41:25 – Fast hacks: Using iPhone Notes for instant transcriptions42:29 – What’s next? The roadmap to automated estimate building44:32 – Why Tekmetric is leading the innovation race (and how to join)

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 HEREJimmy Purdy is the host of The Gearbox Podcast and owns Shift'n Gears Auto Repair in Paso Robles, California. Today, he and Mike Allen talk about how Jimmy nearly doubled his business in 2025 using the sometimes unpopular AutoShop Answers method. The conversation also covers the challenges of balancing profitability with company culture and how shop owners often struggle to find the one “silver bullet,” when success is really about picking up the right gold nuggets along the way. Timestamps: 00:00 The golden rule: fully inform the customer before doing any repairs01:08 Trade show tricks: why veteran vendors bring two pairs of shoes02:08 Shoe disasters, hiking stories, and quick-thinking hacks03:28 Shop growth: Doubling sales, why net profit isn’t the whole picture04:41 Breaking revenue ceilings: Big changes and new sales processes05:37 Shiny object syndrome and tracking the right KPIs06:21 Learning to filter industry advice and run the shop your way07:36 Sales process overhaul: From tech mindset to customer experience08:53 What great client experience actually means—beyond the inspection10:10 Shop coaching, sales training, and implementing what works for YOU12:25 Adapting big shop advice for smaller or rural markets13:55 Customizing processes, balancing growth and team happiness15:11 Efficiency breakthroughs: Improving inspections and workflow17:37 Overcoming DVI inconsistency and getting buy-in from your team21:50 Estimating strategies: Why quoting everything isn’t always best25:22 Lessons in sales: The “kitchen sink” rule and sales fatigue29:13 Team training, scripting, and crushing phone intake times34:43 Bringing team to trade shows for real buy-in (and to avoid “Black Monday”)39:11 Evolving customer expectations and modernizing shop experiences44:39 The myth of the universal “right way” to run a shop51:06 Seven-day work weeks, shop culture, and the truth about tech retention54:13 Letting your team find their own wins—even new gloves count56:06 Shop life, family life, and defining your own success as an owner57:17 Where to find more: Jimmy’s Gearbox podcast & how you can get involved

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 HERERegister for Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2026 Conference January 30-31 - Remember to use this code: CONFESSIONSRegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HERERick White is the founder of 180Biz, and he hates people who do free diag. So.....this is awkward now...Today, Mike learns more about Rick and his coaching philosophies only then to stir the pot and bring up everything he opposes Rick on. What do you think? Is free diag a smart marketing move, or a decision only idiots make? Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome Rick White to the Show - Now Let's Fight!06:10 – Why Men Struggle with Feelings (and How That Shapes Shop Leadership)10:00 – Building a Coaching Empire: Rick White’s Approach to Scaling and Staying Grounded17:45 – How to Interview a Coach (and Why Some Clients Get Fired)24:12 – One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Franchise Model vs. Tailored Shop Coaching29:40 – Private Equity in the Auto Industry: Boon or Bust?35:18 – Passing the Shop to the Next Generation: Equity Equivalence & Creative Solutions41:55 – “You Do You”: Why There Are Many Ways to Run a Successful Shop45:03 – The Real Cost of Free Diag: Metrics, Marketing, and Moneyball Tactics57:10 – Coaching Confessions: Ego, Impact, and the Danger of Explosive Growth1:07:50 – Final Thoughts: What Matters Most for Shop Owners Right Now

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 HEREIn this episode, Mike Allen, Bryan Pollock, and Braxton Critcher look back on a year of "Confessions of a Shop Owner". They play back the top moments on the podcast in 2025, and each give their most embarrassing confession thus far. Oh, what a year it has been, and oh, what a year 2026 is setting up to be. Remember, this is the last episode that Mike is current ASTA President...this is about to get good...Finally. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: The Year of "Edit That Out" (But Did We?) 01:12 – Amateur Podcast Setups & Tech Fails 03:12 – 65+ Episodes Later: What Did We Even Do?! 04:30 – Are We the Best Automotive Podcast in the Galaxy? 05:10 – Going Viral: Social Media Buzz & Darren’s Big Weekend 08:07 – Most Memorable Guest: Darren Barney Shares a Vulnerable Story 12:16 – The "16-Foot Trailer" Incident with Zeb Beard  17:00 – When Guest Rage Turns the Podcast Upside Down – David Roman Goes OFF! 22:00 – Saturday Shop: Do Employees Actually Want to Work Weekends? 24:36 – The Great Staffing Challenge & "Short Term Gain, Long Term Pain" 27:47 – Our Most Embarrassing Tech Confessions & Social Media Mishaps 32:43 – Confession Time: When Braxton Lost All the Podcast Files 33:43 – Misspelling Sponsor Names… and the Tattoo Bet is On! 35:01 – Who’s REALLY The Fastest Driver in the Crew? 39:09 – The All-Time Most Embarrassing Shop Owner Confession 43:20 – The Viral Aftermath & Listener Group Chat Chaos 48:30 – Hospitality Suite Stories: Couch Shopping & More Debauchery 50:00 – The Greatest Hot Mic Moment That Will Never Air 52:37 – Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Confessions in 2026? 54:24 – Favorite Moments & Listener Shout-Outs 56:06 – Parting Thoughts & Why We Love This Podcast

Register for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 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.Register for Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2026 Conference January 30-31 - Remember to use this code: CONFESSIONSIn this special Christmas Coaching Call, Mike Allen and Matt Lofton talk about goal setting for the New Year. They did into the details of how to properly project technician hour capacity and slow and busy seasons. They also discuss the importance of a strategic marketing budget, saying that marketing should generate opportunity—not just sales—and how matching tactics to team strengths is crucial for success.Timestamps: 00:00 Farmer Analogy for Shop Owners: Understanding Harvest Seasons00:20 Why Bad October & August Can Sink Your Year01:00 Navigating Health Insurance Options for Your Team03:05 Payroll Mistakes = Free Health Insurance?!04:20 Christmas Episode Intro & Why Shop Goal Setting Matters05:19 Goal Setting Philosophy: The “Elite Pro Service” Approach06:53 Grounding Goals in Math, Not Hope07:54 Calculating Real Shop Capacity with Tech Hours09:01 Factoring Satellite Locations into Your Planning10:02 Breaking Down Staff Roles & Realistic Productivity13:01 Training & Growing Technician Skillsets15:00 Risks & Rewards of Upskilling Your GS18:24 Effective Labor Rate & Parts-to-Labor Ratio Explained20:15 The Monthly Capacity Game & Avoiding Average Traps26:36 Why August & October Are Your Make-or-Break Months28:02 Adapting Your Monthly Goals to Holidays & Vacation29:02 Getting Your Team Singing from the Same Goal Sheet30:00 Coaching Your Team: The Basketball Analogy32:09 Communicating Daily Goals for Technicians & Advisors36:59 Tracking Approvals, Car Count, and Setting Realistic Targets40:29 Translating Manager Math into Daily Team Wins42:38 Setting Your Marketing Budget (3-5% or Up to 10%?)44:08 Google Ads vs. Direct Mail: What Works for New Shops?47:30 The Myth of Bad Customers—Fixing the Real Problems54:21 Community Events, Brand Building, and Consistency55:36 Wrapping Up: Getting Linked Up With Elite & Your Shop’s Growth55:37 Christmas Family Fun Gone Wrong! Elf on the Shelf Stories

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 HEREAniz Lavji owns a shop in Canada, and met Mike Allen at ASTA 2025. It was in Raleigh where Aniz thought his life was in danger because of Mike and his ESO Miata. They relive that story on today's episode. Turns out, Aniz might be turning into an ESO himself. The guys also talk tires, and why many shops miss opportunities by not doing tires right. Timestamps: 00:00 – Tire Hustles & Leveraging Trades: How Aniz Lavji turned tires into rare Lego sets05:34 – Earning the "evil shop owner badge" – disposing tires, creative deals, and industry banter07:16 – Embarrassing moments: Shop meetings gone awry and podcast stories spilled to the family11:35 – Why tire storage is big business in Canada (and how Aniz Lavji manages hundreds of sets)16:31 – Shop equipment talk: Hunter vs. Coats vs. Corgi, and keeping employees happy with cool machines25:31 – Family business backstory: Dial Attire, Waterloo, and how Aniz Lavji gets mom & dad on vacation31:09 – Big conferences, industry networking, and why ASTA Expo matters41:12 – ADHD, podcast behind-the-scenes, and dealing with "wasted time"53:03 – Used tires vs. new tires: How the tire business evolved56:01 – Offshore tire brands, hilarious mascots, and challenges selling "Triangle" tires1:02:38 – Why Teslas flood Aniz Lavji's shop — EV referrals, repairs, and donut diplomacy1:07:15 – Saturday madness: Shop emergencies, wild tire stories, and customer demands1:13:32 – Building relationships with vendors and parts suppliers1:22:01 – Wrapping up with the worst American cars ever made and naming mishaps

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 HERERegister for Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2026 Conference January 30-31 - Remember to use this code: CONFESSIONSRegister for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HEREUwe Kleinschmidt is the Founder of AutoTech IQ, and today shares stories of growing up in East Germany. He also brings up how service advisors need to utilize AI to improve their technical expertise and lean into their people skills. He and Mike also talk about the importance of customer education, and Uwe explains how empowering customers with clear information leads to higher approval rates and better shop retention.Timestamps: 00:00 Uwe Helped Bring Down the Berlin Wall? 04:14 Mike Doesn't Listen to Podcasts Anymore08:01 Reality Behind the Facade11:55 Dual Citizenship Made Easier16:35 "AI Dependency Dumbs Down Skills"20:06 DVI's Potential in Customer Education24:39 "Educating on Filter Cleanliness"25:42 "Empowering Autonomous Decision-Making"31:06 "Improved Workflow for Service Shop"35:20 "We Are the Problem"36:01 Building Trust with New Customers42:01 Empowering Motorists Boosts Approvals43:35 "Text-Only Customer Communication"49:24 "Inspection Process Explanation"

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 HEREIn this episode, Mike learns that fish hung on a wall are just plastic. He, John Firm, Michael Guenther, and Jeff Compton also get into some ESO talk, free Diag, and if free oil changes are ruining this industry. They also share firsthand experiences managing small-town customer relationships, including the challenges of offering credit and dealing with overdue invoices.Timestamps: 00:00 Mounted Fish Aren't Real??09:51 Rising Star in Auto Industry14:46 "Efficiency Concerns with Machine"17:28 "Free Car Diagnostics Explained"22:42 "The Cost of Your Dream Car"28:44 "Oil Change Pricing Dilemma"32:02 "Fish of a Thousand Casts"42:31 "Local Store Credit System"47:44 Customer Loss After Payment Struggle50:06 "Bronx Tale $10 Lesson"55:37 Fishing Etiquette at Docks

Register for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 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.Register for Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2026 Conference January 30-31 - Remember to use this code: CONFESSIONSIn this episode, Mike Allen confesses to Matt Lofton that he thinks his customers aren't finding the value in using his repair shop. Matt says that value is defined by what customers are actually willing to pay for, reminding listeners that shop processes only matter if clients perceive them as worthwhile. They also talk about employee retention, noting how turnover can set a business back and why keeping the right team in place should be a top priority. Timestamps: 00:00 Mike's Vegas Wardrobe Malfunction10:36 "Retention and Sustained Growth Focus"13:29 Client Service & Repair Strategy19:19 Team Process and Standards Updates23:07 "Pricing Concerns and Reputation"33:35 Labor Rate Adjustment Explained34:56 Employee Feedback Reflects Trust43:39 Front Counter Compensation Debate47:50 "Defining Value Beyond Features"52:05 "Handling Customer Objections Effectively"59:06 "Discussing Brake Replacement Concerns"01:01:59 Pricing Strategy and Break-Even Analysis

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 HEREChris Enright owns Enright Automotive in Alexandria, Ohio and has one of the biggest industry followings on social media. Jeff Compton from the Jaded Mechanic also sits in for Bryan Pollock. Today, they get into the importance of communication among techs, advisors, and owners to avoid costly mistakes and improve efficiency. Chris brings up how techs shouldn't have to pay for their own tools and gives advice on how to by affordable tools, especially for techs just starting out. Timestamps: 00:00 French Drivers vs Retired People from Florida06:24 Navigating SEMA and AAPEX15:33 "Industry Issues Stem from Communication"19:41 "Know Your Rights as Technician"24:43 "Tool Industry Perspectives Divide"28:22 Technician-Owned Tools Debate32:43 OEM Tools and Tool Truck36:59 "First Encounter with Electric Tools"46:29 Labor vs Parts in Modern Cars51:10 "It's Not an Issue Until Issues"55:08 Money Motivation vs Quality Talent01:01:43 "Success by Getting Outself's Way"01:04:36 "Challenges Keeping Up with Cars"01:12:13 Brake Job: Rotors and Pads Together01:14:59 "Defending Ethical Repair Practices"

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 HERERegister for Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2026 Conference January 30-31 - Remember to use this code: CONFESSIONSRegister 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

Register for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 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.Register for Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2026 Conference January 30-31 - Remember to use this code: CONFESSIONSEric 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 HERERegister for Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2026 Conference January 30-31 - Remember to use this code: CONFESSIONSRegister 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

Register for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 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.Register for Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2026 Conference January 30-31 - Remember to use this code: CONFESSIONSIn 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 HERERegister for Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2026 Conference January 30-31 - Remember to use this code: CONFESSIONSRegister 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!"