Confessions of a Shop Owner

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 AutoMike 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 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 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 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 AutoIn 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 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 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 AutoIn 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 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

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 HEREJack Shields is the owner of Jack's Auto and Tire in Chrystal Lake, Illinois. Today, he joins Bryan and Mike to reignite the conversation about free diag, pricing, and the ups and downs of shop ownership. Jack started in the industry working in his father's shop and now runs a brake-focused shop, and stresses being transparent and building trust with customers. 00:00 "Embracing My Way in Auto Sales"06:06 Struggling to Delegate Business Tasks15:03 Strategic Giveaway Advice for Shops19:51 Improving Mechanic Training Quality22:26 Specialty Shops' Worth Defended27:37 Contemplating Business Expansion Decisions34:34 Cost Breakdown for Labor and Parts41:34 Car Repair Assistance Overview48:38 Corporate Takeover of Local Shops49:47 Retiring Shop Owners Face Transitions58:34 Mug Club Proposal for Revenue01:00:15 Exclusive Specialty Auto Shops01:08:32 "Friday Night Automotive Hangout"

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 HEREIn this episode, Mike and Bryan are joined by Brandon Dills of Jarhead Diagnostics. They also talk shop ownership challenges when Brandon explains why he closed his shop previously and what inspired him to reopen with a more balanced, focused approach. They also get into the world of manufacturing custom diagnostic tools, discussing how Brandon manages production, responds to one-off customer requests, and the benefits (and headaches) of scaling up using 3D printers.00:00 Is Bryan a Traitor for Supporting the Changing the Industry Podcast?10:20 Business Animosity and Expo Popularity14:19 Product Feasibility Challenges19:37 Rare Vintage Tools Market Insight24:13 Fireworks, Boating, Chaos28:32 Rushed Mistakes with Boat Trailers33:21 Different Paths to Business Success40:28 Limited Auto Repair Options48:20 "Redneck Workout: Tree Lifting"54:27 Tekmetric New CRM57:47 Real-Time AI Call Monitoring

Soooooo - a lot has been happening in the groups, and we just had to jump in to share our thoughts. 00:00 "No Charge Diagnostics Debate"04:33 Pricing Double Standard in Auto Repair07:24 Free Diag vs. Paid Service13:06 Adapting to Market Needs15:48 "Embracing Different Approaches"17:05 Daily Automotive Diagnostics Insights20:19 "Key to Success: Service Strategy"

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 AutoJon Cabak and Josh Oberlander founded the auto repair AI-driven tech company Detect Auto. Today, they talk with Mike about how in the world all this got started and share stories of what they've learned along the way. Even some things they've seen in shops around the country that SHOCKED them. Oh, and there could be a sponsor event happening at ASTA now? Stay tuned for more.00:00 "Breaking into Automotive Sales"06:05 Fans Are Nice in Repair Shops07:19 Automotive Shop Process Automation12:11 AI-Powered Customer Query Tool13:33 Streamlined Diagnostic Questionnaires for Technicians18:18 New Tool Enhances DVI Reports23:07 Overwhelmed and Exhausted from Events24:38 "Time to Host Our Events"29:25 Failed Camera System Project33:03 "Improving Shop Communication Methods"

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 HEREIn this episode, Bryan and Mike are joined by Josh Parnell of Limitless Leadership. Josh says that poor communication in the repair shop takes about 18% of a shop's income annually. So, how do you stop this from happening? Josh says one-on-one meetings with staff are effective, along with simply being intentional with each member of the staff. Check out Josh's podcast Limitless Leadership HERE00:00 Spelling Is Difficult for Some People (Braxton)03:25 Four-Day Work Week Benefits06:58 Shift Schedule: 4 Weeks On, 1 Off12:50 From Corporate to Faith-Driven Entrepreneur13:37 Grateful for Industry Collaboration18:20 "2025 Business Communication Report"21:32 "Shifting Focus from Negatives"25:39 Streamlined Estimating Process29:38 "Value of Technicians' One-on-Ones"34:05 Managing Team Communication37:53 Coaching Process Overview39:28 "Limitless Leadership Blueprint Launch"45:19 Hiring Decision for Business Growth48:36 Vision for Limitless Leadership Hub50:11 Cooperative Facade, Fierce Competition53:41 "People-First Engagement Boosts Performance"

Coaching call episodes of Confessions of a Shop Owner are when Matt Lofton, from Elite Worldwide, joins Mike to discuss one of his three repair shops. This is the sixth coaching call about this shop so far, and it was the toughest one yet, as the shop operated at a loss for May. There were several factors at play, and Matt helps Mike sort through how they can pick up where things left off in April. (The best month to date for that store)Learn more about how our sponsors can help you run your shop this summer! Tekmetric Turnkey MarketingDetect Auto

In this episode, Mike Allen sits down with Bill Brusard of JB Auto Care and Now Auto Care. Bill tells the story of meeting industry lightning rod Todd Hayes and how that meeting changed his life. Now, Bill has goals to build generational wealth, rather than just running a shop. They also talk about the strategy of private equity deals with the Houston-Boston Partnership, and why Bill believes giving back is important. 00:00 From Technician to Shop Owner for Bill05:18 Meeting Big Daddy Todd Hayes06:43 Choosing Quality over Quantity10:00 Defining Success with Hayes13:30 "Maximize Your True Potential"17:53 "Second Bite: Bigger Equity Return"22:26 "Failed Business Dreams"23:25 "No Question Off Limits"

In this episode, the goal was to get David fired up. Mission accomplished. We talk free diagnosis, the value of technicians vs service advisors, and whether AI could ever truly replace a skilled shop foreman or technician. Oh yeah, and I'm trying the Summer Ozempics. This show would not be possible without the support of our amazing sponsors. If you enjoy the show, consider supporting them and let them know you heard about them on Confessions of a Shop Owner! Touch the sponsor's name below for more.Tekmetric Turnkey MarketingElite WorldwideTimestamps00:00 Who Has The Best Podcast Logo?05:36 "Streamline Shop Management with Tekmetric"11:26 Olympic Athletes' Ozempic Struggle17:11 Unexpected Mid-Flight Illness29:40 David's Weight Journey35:07 "Faulty Fuel Pump Repair Fiasco"42:30 Separate Billing for Brandon's Expertise48:11 "Diagnostic Strategies and Methods"53:54 Rethinking Management Roles58:05 Women's Bathroom Mess Challenges01:00:09 Bathroom Door Mishap Explained01:07:38 Event Space and Scheduling Challenges01:12:11 Collision Industry Insights & Challenges01:17:43 Struggle with Letting Go

Dan Thieken is the owner of Kreager Tire and Service in Millersport, Ohio. Today, Dan talks through losing nearly his entire staff in a VERY short period, but somehow kept the shop afloat. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS! We wouldn't tell you about them if we didn't believe they could help you at your shop! For more about each sponsor, touch their name below. TekmetricTurnkey MarketingElite WorldwideTimestamps: 00:00 Dan's Shop and an Update13:42 Lack of Communication Criticized18:04 Aftermarket Shop Offers Better Opportunities26:33 Ted's Blunt Conversation on Expectations28:31 Health Insurance Search for Team37:28 Conflict of Interest Avoided43:02 "Unwarranted Expense: $6,000 Bottle"49:26 Helping Cousin's Demo Class Thursday55:06 Mentorship Transforms New Shop Owners58:21 Prioritizing Family Over Work

Today, we play a voicemail from Bryan's biggest fan. Or shall we say, biggest fan of his feet...oh yeah - and Tonnika Haynes joins to talk shop. And confess things, too. Support the show by supporting our awesome sponsors! Touch HERE and start using the best Shop Management Software there is. Tekmetric.For help with your shop's marketing, use who I do - Turnkey Marketing. Touch HEREFind the stuff you're missing at your shop with Detect Auto - click HERE00:00 Funny Social Media to Watch08:50 Overworked and Overcommitted10:49 "Becoming a Shop Owner" Workshop13:44 Sales Tactics and Decision Dynamics19:46 "Unlock Hidden Auto Shop Revenue"20:50 "Napa Encounter: Charismatic Persuasion"26:19 "Cultural Fit Over Potential"27:27 Balancing Tech Skills and Estimation30:45 Insurance Influence on Repair Shops35:56 Sibling Roughhousing Consequences37:15 "Challenging Training for Real Skills"43:21 EV Safety Certification with Avtech43:58 Certification Test Opportunity Details49:11 High-End Carlisle Equipment Discounts51:05 Busy but Available for Fun55:57 "Brian's Foot Finder Request"

You've been hearing us talk about the benefits of Tekmetric for months now - ready to cave in and give it a try? Do that HEREMarketing is...let's say...not my strong suit. Good thing there's Turnkey Marketing! Let Carrie-Lynn and her team help you with something that's not your strong suit either HEREElite Worldwide is making my shop WORLDS better! I'm so pleased with the results so far. One-on-one coaching is keeping me accountable and it can with you too. Learn more HEREIn this episode, we talk with Neal Maier. Neal is someone who Mike has juuuust a little history with. Good history that is. Hopefully Neal feels the same! Neil and Mike take a trip down memory lane today and talk about their journeys through this industry. Oh and Bryan gets heated over O2 censors....again....00:00 Mike has a confession05:01 Tires Sustain Profitability06:44 "Urgent Repairs Needed: Shaved Ball Joints"10:59 "Costly Lessons Learned"15:51 Evolving Marketing for Customer Journey18:40 "Re-engaging Lost Customers Strategies"21:01 Focus on Cost-Free Business Gains25:08 "Pre-Qualified Offers Boost Return Visits"27:21 Dispatcher's Stress Over Schedule Changes32:49 Daily Car Processing Plan36:00 Shop Confession: Off the Rails40:22 "Laughing at Desperate Decisions"41:41 Embracing Imperfection in Challenges47:10 Event Planning and Expo Preparations49:26 EV Safety Certification & Exam Proctors53:50 Forklift Side Shift Adjustment