Claim OwnershipReal Talk with Mike Burke
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© 2026 Real Talk with Mike Burke
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Join entrepreneur and visionary Mike Burke as he interviews other successful business owners, go-getters and influencers to discover their stories - who they are, where they came from, and where they're going next. Check out full episodes on YouTube @RealTalkwithMikeBurke
107 Episodes
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In this episode, Mike sits down with a very special guest, his son Colby Burke, for an honest conversation between two generations. Colby shares how growing up around racing, long travel days, and hard work shaped his mindset, and how a side hustle tinting cars after hours slowly turned into a serious operation of his own. They talk about learning the trade through repetition, handling 10 to 20 cars a day, and how social platforms like Snapchat became his primary sales channel. Colby also ref...
In this episode, Mike sits down with Ray Van Dexter, owner of Dynamic Tint & Paint Protection, for a wide ranging conversation. Ray reflects on more than two decades in the window tint industry, from hand cutting film in a detached garage to operating multiple locations and building a 16,000 square foot flagship shop. The discussion covers early marketing lessons like creating custom film names, the evolution of shop branding, and how assembly line style workflow made high volume days pos...
In this episode, Mike sits down with Shane Oliberos, co owner of Xero Wraps in Hawaii, to talk about building a high performing paint protection operation in one of the most challenging markets in the country. Shane shares how his background in commercial graphics and vinyl naturally evolved into PPF, why precision matters so much to installers, and how growing up surfing on Oahu shaped his mindset and work ethic. The conversation covers the realities of running a shop in Hawaii, including li...
In this episode, Mike sits down with Philip Bunting, co-founder and CEO of ALSET to talk about building a business by fixing a problem he personally experienced. After purchasing his first Tesla and running into confusing pricing, missed callbacks, and upsell-heavy shop experiences, Philip set out to create a simpler, more transparent way for vehicle owners to protect their cars. The conversation explores how that idea became ALSET, why clear pricing and streamlined systems matter, and what i...
In this episode, Mike sits down with Ryan Pape, President and CEO of XPEL, for a wide-ranging conversation recorded at SDC 2026. Ryan shares why his theme for the year is excellence, how narrowing focus can outperform chasing endless ideas, and why identifying just a few priorities can create meaningful momentum across an organization. The discussion also explores leadership energy, lessons from keynote speakers, including insights on bringing your best self home, along with Ryan’s perspectiv...
In this episode, Mike sits down with John Gray of Gulf Coast Auto Shield to talk about building a multi-location operation rooted in craftsmanship and people. John shares how a lifelong love of detailing, paired with 25 years at FedEx, eventually led him from working out of his garage to operating three Houston-area shops with more than 30 employees. The conversation covers hiring challenges, why the best technicians often find you instead of the other way around, and how strong shop culture,...
In this episode, Mike sits down with Colin Reid, Senior VP of Dealership Solutions for WD Co-Auto in Western Canada, to unpack what it takes to support more than 1,100 automotive dealerships across four provinces. Colin explains how a dealer-owned cooperative model works, why partnerships matter at every level, and how his team supplies everything from paint protection film to electricity and credit-card services. The conversation also dives into regional differences in vehicle protection, in...
In this episode, Mike sits down with Rick Puthoff of Eclipse Window Tinting to reflect on more than three decades in the industry and the lessons that only time can teach. Rick shares how simple habits — like personally calling past customers just to say thank you — reignited shop culture and even led to new business through unexpected referrals. The conversation also covers his journey from installing sunroofs in the early ’90s to running a 22,000-square-foot facility, the hard lessons learn...
In this episode, Mike sits down with Tony Tran, owner of 101 Motors and Tempe Auto Spa, to trace a career that began in a high-school auto shop and grew into a multi-division operation. Tony shares the pivotal moment he walked away from a dealership job after being told he couldn’t pursue further education — a decision that pushed him to start rebuilding and selling vehicles out of his garage with a one-year warranty. The conversation also dives into building one-of-one vehicles, converting a...
Not every customer is your customer, and learning that lesson reshaped this entire company. In this on-location episode at XDC 26 in San Antonio Texas, Mike sits down with Greg Natonson of Chicago Auto Pros to talk about the journey from tech-world burnout to building one of the most recognized automotive shops in the country. Greg opens up about navigating a difficult business-partner split, how his team stepped up afterward, and why aligning vision early matters more than most o...
In this special XDC 2026 episode of Real Talk with Mike Burke, Mike sits down with industry veteran David Reed of Signature Glass Tinting for a wide-ranging conversation about the window film business. They talk about sales mindset, leadership, burnout, and what it takes to survive and thrive in a demanding industry. From unforgettable early-day tint shop stories to lessons on delegation, recruiting, branding, and long-term planning, this episode is packed with wisdom. Learn why “making the p...
At XDC 2026 I sat down with Christian and Rob from Never Ride Stock to talk real growth: building a reputation, scaling without losing the personal touch, and why relationships still close the biggest deals in tint and PPF. If you run a shop or want to scale one, this episode is for you. Question for you: What matters more in your shop right now, volume or personal touch? 🔗 Connect with Christian and Rob YouTube: @never_ride_stock Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverrid...
Back again at XPEL XDC 2026 in San Antonio, Texas with Josh Poponick of Blackout Tinting. We break down what it really takes to scale multiple locations: systems, team building, recruiting, training, and staying disciplined with capital. If you are trying to grow past one shop, this conversation will challenge how you think. 🔗 Connect with Josh Instagram: @blackouttinting YouTube: @BlackoutTinting Website: https://blackoutempire.com ➤ Subscribe to Real Talk With Mike Burke to...
What does success really cost? At XDC 2026 in San Antonio, we sat down with Austin Palmer, co-owner of One of One, to talk about the reality behind running one of the most respected high-end shops in the country. From starting in PPF back in 2013 to growing into a 24 person team in a 14,000 sq ft facility, Austin shares the behind the scenes reality of growth, culture, training, and the pressure most shop owners never talk about. Watch the full episode and tell us this in the comments: Wou...
If you’re seeking inspiration on reinvention, leadership, and helping others, todays episode has you covered. Adam Sides shares a powerful, candid journey from 25 years in the Army to civilian life, veteran transition work, and building a personal brand. He opens up about: •Army and National Guard experiences. •Heavy mental health battles, and the path to sobriety. •Equine therapy, and other veteran support initiatives. •Creating 29 Sides as a personal-brand and coaching platform. This ...
We talk with Brian Johnson about grit, pain, and the craft of building a lean, profitable detailing and PPF shop after a life-altering injury. From flipping sport bikes to clean-room standards, we trade tactics for margins, mindset, and customer trust that lasts. • NASCAR-style install process. • Sport bike consignment strategy, buying low and flipping bikes in Canada. • hotshot hauling across the U.S., union job, and the injury • recovery, depression, and a doctor who opened the door back ...
Wrestling icon Bill Goldberg joins Mike Burke for an unfiltered, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt conversation recorded at Goldberg’s Texas compound. From rescuing exotic animals to building 1,200-horsepower muscle cars, Goldberg opens up about life after wrestling, his “average is the enemy” mindset, stem-cell therapy, and finding balance beyond the spotlight. Hear stories about Goldberg’s retirement match, his new show “Collectible” on Paramount+, and the legendary cars in his garage. 🔗 Co...
On this episode of Real Talk with Mike Burke, Mike sits down with Jeff Green, founder of Lock-N-Climb, to hear the incredible story behind his ladder innovations that are now used worldwide in aviation, trucking, and beyond. Jeff shares how he went from running a family construction business to holding 43 patents, nearly giving up before a major airline deal changed everything, and the powerful advice from his late son that keeps him pushing forward. From personal tragedy to global success, J...
On this episode of Real Talk with Mike Burke, Mike talks with Ismail Leghari, founder of Detail Scale, a marketing agency dedicated to helping detailers, PPF, tint, and ceramic coating shops grow through Google ads and SEO. Ismail shares why picking up the phone still beats AI chatbots, the importance of Google Business profiles and reviews, and how small shops can grow with smart, low-cost marketing strategies. At just 24, he’s already helping nearly 60 clients scale their businesses — provi...
On this episode of Real Talk with Mike Burke, Mike sits down with James Melfi, PPF Product Manager at XPEL. James shares his journey from geeking out on detailing products in college to running a shop in New England, and now shaping the future of paint protection film at one of the industry’s biggest innovators. They dive into how product development really happens at XPEL, the launch of their new colored PPF line, and why listening to both installers and consumers is key to creating products...
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