Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Matt Fanslow dives into an unexpected but fascinating comparison between Jurassic Park and the auto repair industry, exploring themes of chaos theory, unintended consequences, and the importance of foundational knowledge. Drawing parallels from the iconic film (and Michael Crichton’s novels), Matt discusses how small decisions—like cutting corners or skipping fundamentals—can lead to big, unpredictable outcomes in business, careers, and life.

Key Topics Discussed:

"Your Scientists Were So Preoccupied With Whether They Could, They Didn’t Stop to Think If They Should"

• How the pursuit of innovation without foresight mirrors challenges in the automotive industry.
• The dangers of prioritizing profit or speed over sustainability and safety.

Chaos Theory & The Butterfly Effect

• Small, seemingly insignificant actions can have massive consequences (e.g., a poorly coded security system in Jurassic Park → dinosaur chaos).
• Applying this to business: How initial conditions (hiring, training, ethics) shape long-term success or failure.

The Perils of Skipping Fundamentals

• Ian Malcolm’s critique in Jurassic Park: "You stood on the shoulders of giants but never learned the underlying theory."
• Why technicians can’t jump straight to advanced diagnostics (e.g., lab scopes) without mastering electrical fundamentals.
• "Fundamental ≠ easy. It’s the foundation everything else relies on."

Unintended Consequences in Auto Repair

• Nedry’s sabotage: How underpaying for critical services (e.g., software, training) backfires.
• Diet analogy: One unhealthy choice can undermine progress—just like one overlooked repair detail can lead to comebacks.

Awareness & the "Little Things"

• The importance of paying attention to details in workflows, customer service, and team dynamics.
• Why hindsight often reveals blind spots—and how to cultivate proactive awareness.

Notable Quotes:

• "Chaos theory isn’t about randomness—it’s about how tiny, early decisions create unpredictable outcomes."
• "You can’t win the lottery without buying a ticket, but you also can’t master diagnostics without understanding electricity."
• "Respect the journey. Mastery isn’t just about skill; it’s about humility and earned wisdom."

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.

Contact Information

• Email Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com
• Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel
• Subscribe & Review: Loved this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

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