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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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280 Episodes
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In this recorded webinar, Tom Wozniak, Diesel Instructor at Madison College, and John Gustafson, Shop Owner at Gustafson Brothers, share both the school and shop perspectives on building stronger partnerships. They discuss where shops should start, how to get the most out of advisory committees, the importance of consistency, and the power of serving on school boards to be a voice for the industry. Watch the full recording here: https://wrenchway.com/events/back-to-school-building-effective-...
Rena Rennebohm, CEO of Empowered Advisor, shares why shops thrive when service advisors put technicians first. With years of experience coaching advisors, Rena explains how stronger collaboration between advisors and technicians leads to better shop culture and performance. She also dives into challenges such as high service advisor turnover, the lack of respect advisors often face, and why she believes nearly 50% of shops are short-staffed at the front. Check out the full video version of th...
In this episode, Dave Anderson, President of Learn to Lead, gives leaders actionable strategies for handling tough situations while earning trust and respect. He shares practical advice on holding even high-performing team members accountable, making confrontation conversational, and avoiding the loss of credibility. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Dave Anderson, Learn to Lead, dave@learntole...
Lenny Fumarolo shares his journey from working in NASCAR to becoming a Protective Armored Specialist for the United States Secret Service (USSS). He breaks down how others can follow in his footsteps, what daily repairs and maintenance look like in such a high-security role, and how tools, uniforms, and the overall environment differ from typical shops. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Lenny A...
Darrin Barney shares his journey from running a family-owned shop with his brother to becoming CEO of Elite Worldwide. He talks about the early struggles of building a profitable business and the importance of having the right team in the right roles. Darrin also opens up about buying the company that changed his life and how he now helps shop owners build more successful businesses—and better lives. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goni...
Lauren Reinhold, Director of Training & Education at Kirk NationaLease, shares her journey from technician to teacher to leading a technician training and apprenticeship program. She discusses how connecting with students on a personal level helps them succeed, and she breaks down key parts of the program she's building. Lauren also highlights the disconnect between industry and education that’s impacting the technician shortage. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!...
Curtis Gardner, Audi Master Guild Technician at Sewell Audi of North Houston and Founder of Gnarred LLC, shares what young technicians need to know to build a respectful and lasting career. With 15+ years of experience, he covers common mistakes, how to survive your first months in the shop, and why discipline and strong workflows matter. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Curtis Gardner, Sewell...
John Roberts, Shop Foreman at Metro Toyota, didn’t plan to be on the podcast—but his insights were too good not to share. In this episode, John breaks down the powerful difference between training and mentoring, shares how he builds confidence in his team, and explains why becoming a top-tier technician takes more than just skill—it takes the right mindset. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Joh...
Marc Erickson, National Sales at AutoMeter Products, Inc., grew up in a drag racing family and naturally found his way into the automotive world. Over 20 years ago, he started at AutoMeter, and his passion for the brand has only grown. In this episode, Marc discusses the importance of credibility and honesty with customers, offers an inside look at AutoMeter’s brand and customer service, and shares stories from his first drag race to meeting some famous industry names. Check out the full vide...
In this episode, Dan Aldrich, Director of Automotive Technical Training at Christian Brothers Automotive, dives into what sets top technicians apart—a growth mindset paired with strong mentorship. Dan explores why soft skills are just as crucial as technical skills, how mentorship can transform many careers, and why investing in yourself is key to moving forward in the industry. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, ...
Bryan Robbins, Owner & Lead Instructor of Hot Rod High School, is bringing auto tech education to students at home through online lessons and take-home kits. What started during COVID now reaches homeschooled students and beyond. Bryan shares his journey of following in his dad’s footsteps as a teacher, how Hot Rod High School found success, and how he pitched shops Shark Tank-style to gather funds. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay G...
Joel Adcock, Director of Partnerships & Business Development at Revv, joins us to talk about the growing demand for ADAS calibrations in today’s vehicles. He explains how often calibrations are needed—even after basic repairs—and why prescans should be part of every job. Joel also highlights the need to better educate drivers on what ADAS is and how fast vehicle technology is changing. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! Sign Up for the ADAS Empowerment Community ...
Miles Bell, General Manager of Dave’s Auto Center, shares how his family’s shop built a combined following of over 4 million on social media to help grow their independent auto shop. He talks about how he and his dad, Dave Bell, have learned to work together by playing to each other’s strengths, their “secret sauce” for social media success, and the valuable lessons—and mistakes—they’ve made along the way. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Ja...
Dave Bell, Founder of Dave’s Auto Center, joins us to share his real journey from growing up in poverty to starting a successful shop and building a loyal social media following. He walks us through how he made the leap from being an operator in the business to becoming a true owner, why mentorship matters so much to him, and the one quality that separates great technicians from the rest. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, Wrench...
Erik Fagerstrom, Director of Training and Talent Development at GreatWater 360 Auto Care, explains how supporting your technicians’ growth helps the whole shop succeed. He discusses growing your team through regular one-on-one meetings, tackling tough culture challenges head-on, and the value of providing clear career paths with real examples of technicians advancing. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.c...
Mike Spagnola, President & CEO of Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), joins us to talk about the iconic SEMA Show and the important work the organization is doing behind the scenes to support the automotive, diesel, and parts industries. He covers key issues like tariffs, Leno’s Law, and the political efforts SEMA is driving beyond their annual event. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About Our Guest: Mike Spagnola President & CEO, Specialty Equi...
In this webinar recording, WrenchWay and ASE introduce the School Assist All-Star Awards—a new program recognizing schools and shops making a real impact in promoting automotive and diesel careers. David Johnson, President & CEO of ASE, joins WrenchWay Co-Founders Jay Goninen and Mark Wilson to talk about the award criteria, the importance of strong school-shop partnerships, and how these relationships support shop retention and recruitment. View the Webinar Video Learn More About Schoo...
Gary Uyematsu, National Technician Training Manager at BMW North America, joins us to discuss the continuous learning it takes to succeed as a technician and how BMW approaches technician training. He also highlights some industry disconnects, like career counselors not fully understanding technician careers, along with the unique challenges of teaching and developing today’s technicians. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About Our Guest: Gary Uyematsu National Tec...
Darin Damron, SE Regional Vice President at Jasper Engines & Transmissions, is back to share what he’s seeing from the highest-performing shops. He highlights the common traits these shops share—like their commitment to continuous learning, focus on hiring and keeping the right people, and putting people first. Darin also covers valuable training resources and materials every shop owner and manager should have on their radar. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! S...
Jennifer Holland, Assistant Vice President of Marketing at ASE, walks us through the incredible growth ASE has experienced over the years as a staple in the automotive industry. She highlights how ASE has reimagined its marketing efforts, gives an inside look at the organization today, and shares the impact their annual Instructor Training Conference has on helping instructors stay current with training and build their professional network. Learn more about the 2025 ASE Instructor Training C...
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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!