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How can automotive and diesel shops run a better business and be more profitable? How can we make the aftermarket and dealerships more attractive to younger generations? Each week, Jay Goninen, Co-Founder & President of WrenchWay, will sit down with shop owners, technicians, instructors, and professionals in the automotive and diesel industries to have them share their stories and insights. We’ll dive deep into what’s going on in shops and dealerships and what we can do to help drive the industry forward.
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301 Episodes
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Jeff DeCarlis, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Alliant Power, joins us live from HDAW in Texas to share a major announcement: Alliant Power has acquired Capital Reman. In this episode, Jeff walks through the strategy behind the move, how the team is being integrated, and how the new distribution model delivers a “total package” that helps shops reduce downtime, turn bays faster, and improve long-term reliability. Note: This episode was recorded live at HDAW. We apologize for the b...
Renee Crisler, Owner and Founder of the Reilly Crisler Jumpstart Memorial Fund, joins us to share how she turned the loss of her son into a mission to help other “Reillys” explore careers in the skilled trades. She shares Reilly’s story, the purpose behind the fund, what Draft Day looks like, and how others can get involved. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Renee Crisler, Reilly Crisler Jumpst...
Jay Goninen and Mark Wilson from WrenchWay, along with Dave Johnson from ASE, share an inside look at ASE Connects—a new community designed to strengthen the technician workforce. In this recorded webinar, they cover what ASE Connects is, how it connects shops and schools, plans to bring every school onto the platform, and an overview of the new Industry Data Exchange. View the slides & watch the full webinar About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuests: Mar...
Eric Wagner, automotive professional, joins the podcast to talk about why the auto industry must shift from a numbers-driven mindset to a true people business in order to attract and retain our talent. Throughout the episode, Eric discusses the role leadership plays in attracting and retaining technicians, why managers need to truly know their people, and what it takes to bring new talent into the industry—and keep them. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the E...
Keith Smith, writer and visual storyteller of Straight Up Living, shares how he turned his ability to speak “technician” into spreading positivity in the automotive industry through his short film “From Bay Floors to Backroads.” In this episode, Keith walks us through his career as a technician, how he dove into filmmaking, and why he felt compelled to create uplifting visual content in an industry often surrounded by negativity. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! Ab...
Mark Wilson, Co-Founder & CEO of WrenchWay, joins us to recap 2025 and share what’s ahead for WrenchWay in 2026. They discuss the growing partnership with ASE and the launch of ASE Connects, efforts to collect better technician data, and key wins and losses from the past year. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Mark Wilson, WrenchWay, mark@wrenchway.com Links & Resources Get notifie...
Steve Johnson and Larry Dixon Jr., legendary drag racers, join us to share their paths in racing and how they’re helping inspire the next generation of automotive enthusiasts and technicians. During the episode, Steve and Larry share their racing journeys, why everyone in life needs mentors, and how the BAT-man Scholarship supports future technicians. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuests: Steve Jo...
Lew Olivier, Director of Outreach at the MN State Transportation Center of Excellence, joins us to discuss growing the next generation of technicians. Lew explains how events like Nitro-X spark student interest in technical careers, what shops can do as a first step to get involved with schools, and how small actions today can have a lasting impact on the technician workforce. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@w...
Ryan Kooiman, Director of Training at Standard Motor Products, joins us to talk about banding together to raise the professional standards in the repair industry. He covers the balance between technical curiosity and shop profitability, the importance of credentials like ASEs, and why mentorship is better for the industry than making young techs learn “the hard way." Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.c...
John Melendez, Owner of JDM Collision, discusses the immense value of carrying technical skills into management and other industry roles. He covers his evolution from technician to industry leader, the lasting impact of effective mentorship on the next generation, and how leveraging certifications directly drives higher pay. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: John Melendez, JDM Collision, john@j...
Marc Poulsen, National Accounts Manager, shares how AutoNet TV helps shops build trust with customers and why it’s essential. Learn why showcasing ASE-certified technicians matters, the public’s misconceptions about the technician role, and the challenges of explaining maintenance and complex repairs to customers. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Marc Poulsen, AutoNet TV, mpoulsen@autonettv.co...
Bill Demaree and Aaron Blount join us to share how Tom Wood University brings high school students into the dealership for hands-on automotive learning. They discuss the “why” behind the program, the importance of ownership support in building a marketplace of future technicians, and how they structure the curriculum to prepare students for real-world success in the industry. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wren...
In this special episode, the tables turn as Beyond the Wrench host Jay Goninen takes the hot seat! Guest host and longtime friend Josh Arnold, a technician himself, interviews Jay about his roots in the family auto shop, the journey to co-founding WrenchWay, and his favorite memories from the last five years of hosting Beyond the Wrench. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Josh Arnold, Subaru Senior Master Technician, Connect on LinkedInGuest:...
Chris Craig from RockED joins WrenchWay to discuss their partnership offering free soft skills training to schools and students. They talk about why soft skills matter for today’s technicians, what training is available on the RockED app, and how schools and students can get free access to the training. View the full webinar video and slides About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Chris Craig, RockED, chris.craig@rocked.us Links & Resources Get notified ...
Sunil Patel shares how his path from medical school to shop owner to Founder and CEO of Tekmetric shaped his approach to leadership. He discusses how a personal shop struggle inspired Tekmetric, why staying focused on your vertical drives success, and the leadership lessons he’s learned building a platform for automotive repair shops nationwide. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Sunil Patel, Te...
John Perez, Sr. Director of Talent Acquisition at Sonic Automotive, shares how they built a junior apprenticeship program for students under 18. From earning executive buy-in to keeping kids safe in the shop, John breaks down how they’re developing the next generation of technicians by starting earlier than most. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: John Perez, Sonic Automotive, john.perez@sonicau...
Tom Gattuso, Vice President of Events at SEMA, shares a behind-the-scenes look at planning the SEMA Show 2025. He talks about how the show continues to evolve, what goes into making it run smoothly, and his best advice for first-time attendees. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Tom Gattuso, SEMA, tomg@sema.org Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions Links & Resources Get notified ...
Eric Rusch, Director of Product Marketing at Milwaukee Tool, breaks down two exciting new products technicians will love—the M12 FUEL™ Subcompact Impact Wrench and the M12 FUEL™ Gen 2 Ratchet—live at the Milwaukee Pipeline 2025 event. He shares key product features, how Milwaukee Tool has evolved to meet industry needs, and why it’s so rewarding to see these tools come to life for mechanics. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, Wren...
Jason Isaacs, Director of Product Marketing at Milwaukee Tool, dives into shop lighting—how Milwaukee Tool develops durable products, key lighting solutions for technicians, and advice on the best lights for those just starting their careers. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Jason Isaacs, Milwaukee Tool Links & Resources Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list About Wrenc...
Recorded live at Milwaukee Pipeline 2025, Chris Enright—Founder & Owner of Enright Automotive and content creator—shares his journey from technician to shop owner and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, we dive into making the transition from tech to owner, the ROI of technician training, the power of clear communication, and more. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Chris Enr...
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I've been listening to this podcast for almost 4 years now, just great content, great interviews, so encouraging! Keep it going Jay!
Excellent show, great content on a subject that needs exposure! Way to go Jay & George!