Remarkable Results Radio Podcast

How to Develop a General Manager for Your Auto Repair Shop [THA 503] Sep 18, 2026 40:17 Thanks to our Partners: NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode How does a shop owner find, develop, and trust the right person to become their number two? Shawn Gilfillan, owner and CEO of Automotive Magic, and Will Barkiewicz, General Manager and Integrator, share the evolution of a leadership partnership that started when Will applied for

From Daily Profit to Long-Term Business Value [RR 1109] Sep 15, 2026 38:07 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode What is your auto repair business really worth, and are you building it to become more valuable every year? Coach Chris Cotton, podcast host on the Automotive Repair Podcast Network, challenges shop owners to look beyond today's sales and profits and start thinking about the long-term value of the business they're

The Automotive Hiring Cycle: When and How to Recruit Top Technicians [THA 502] Sep 11, 2026 55:10 Thanks to our Partners: NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode What if the best time to recruit your next technician is when your shop isn't looking to hire? Lisa Coyle, CEO of Promotive, and Sam Freeman, Partner Manager at Promotive, reveal why automotive recruiting has a cycle, and why understanding when technicians are looking can give s

The Power of Financing: A Growth Tool for Auto Repair Shops [RR 1108] Sep 8, 2026 31:33 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode What happens when a customer needs a $2,000 repair but doesn’t have the cash available today? That moment can determine whether the vehicle gets repaired, the customer delays a critical service, or they take their business somewhere else. For automotive shops, offering flexible payment options can be more than a c

Daily Habits That Build a Stronger Auto Repair Shop Culture [THA 501] Sep 4, 2026 46:52 Thanks to our Partners: NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode What does a strong shop culture look like when you’re the people living it every day? Bree Wismer, Service Advisor and Frontline Culture Leader, and Trevor Hinds, Operations Manager and Dispatcher at Empower Automotive in Traverse City, Michigan, take us inside the daily habits a

Rapid-Fire Automotive News: AI, EVs, Autonomous Vehicles, and the $19B Trade School Boom [RR 1107] Sep 1, 2026 45:33 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode How quickly is the automotive repair industry changing, and are you ready for what's next? Tom Ham, shop owner and founder of the Automotive Management Network, joins Carm Capriotto for a fast-paced conversation covering 12 major trends shaping the future of auto repair. From autonomous vehicles and solid-state bat

Brakes for Breasts: How Auto Repair Shops Are Fighting Breast Cancer [THA 500] Aug 28, 2026 46:35 Thanks to our Partners: NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode What if your auto repair shop could help advance breast cancer research while growing your business? Co-founders Leigh Anne Best and Laura Frank, alongside Dr. Justin Johnson from the Cleveland Clinic, share the story behind one of the automotive industry's most impactful grassro

Top 5 Qualities of a Genuine Service Advisor [RR 1106] Aug 25, 2026 31:00 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode What makes a good service advisor great? Levi Linseman, performance coach at Autoflow, shares the five human qualities that separate a good service advisor from a truly trusted professional. With 25 years of automotive experience, including 15 years at the service desk, Levi explains why eye contact, a smile, warmth, c

Your Shop’s Toughest Competitor Is in the Mirror [THA 499] Aug 21, 2026 47:30 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Who is your shop's toughest competitor: the business down the street, or the people inside your own four walls? Carm Capriotto sits down with shop owners Dwayne Myers and Al Oramas to explore internal competition and why the biggest threats to a shop's success often come from wit

Bring the Classroom to the Shop: Raising the Bar For On-Site Training [RR 1105] Aug 18, 2026 39:06 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video EpisodeWhat if the best place to train your technicians isn't a classroom, but your own shop?In this episode of Remarkable Results Radio, Carm Capriotto sits down with Brandon Steckler, former Motor Age editor and industry educator, to discuss S.W.A.T. (Steckler Worldwide Automotive Technical Training and Diagnostics) and his m

Engage, Educate, Reward: How Today's Class Is Changing Auto Repair Training [THA 498] Aug 14, 2026 36:53 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode What if the best way to train an automotive team isn't another four-hour evening class, but a few minutes of learning every day? Carm Capriotto sits down with David Boyes, President of Today's Class, and Brad Updegraff, owner of Dave's Ultimate Automotive, to explore how continuo

Inside the ASTA Expo 2026: Training, Technology, and Tribal Networking [RR 1104] Aug 11, 2026 24:10 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode What happens when one of the industry's fastest-growing events doubles its exhibit space and brings together more than 200 exhibitors, 80+ training sessions, and thousands of automotive professionals? Carm Capriotto sits down with Ryan Ragan, Executive Director of the Automotive Service and Tire Alliance (ASTA), for a

Mastering Shop Flow with Online Scheduling and AI Communication [THA 497] Aug 7, 2026 50:14 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode What if the key to a better customer experience wasn't working harder, but creating better shop flow? Murray Voth of RPM Training and shop owner Doug Brackett join Carm Capriotto to discuss how online scheduling, AI-powered communication, and intentional processes can reduce front-counter chaos

Why Employees Disengage and How Leaders Reconnect Them [RR 1103] Aug 4, 2026 39:38 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Why are so many employees disengaged at work, and what can leaders do about it? Dr. JJ Peterson explores how business leaders can cure employee disengagement by applying the StoryBrand framework to their management style. The episode addresses a massive workplace crisis: roughly 80% to 90% of the American workforce ide

The AI-Informed Customer Has Arrived: What It Means For Auto Repair [THA 496] Jul 31, 2026 51:22 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Are your customers rolling up to the counter with their vehicles already "diagnosed" by ChatGPT or Gemini? More customers are turning to AI before they ever call your shop, using tools like ChatGPT and Gemini as the "WebMD" for their vehicles. They often arrive convinced they've

Get Out of Your Own Way: Leadership Lessons for Shop Owners [RR 1102] Jul 28, 2026 39:48 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode What's holding your shop back: your competition or your leadership? Bill Haas of Auto Ignite Management joins Carm Capriotto to challenge shop owners to rethink leadership, accountability, and the value of their expertise. Anchored by his mantra, "If you're not on your way, you're in the way," Bill discusses how compla

The “Kohl’s Cash” of Auto Repair: Turning Customer Rewards Into Repeat Business [THA 495] Jul 24, 2026 47:32 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode What keeps customers coming back when the shop down the street is advertising lower prices? Tom Sciortino of Total Automotive and Jeff Rudnick of Pit Crew Loyalty reveal how a well-designed loyalty program can become your shop's competitive advantage. Drawing from Tom celebrating

Deferred Work: The Most Overlooked Growth Opportunity in Auto Repair [RR 1101] Jul 21, 2026 48:36 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Most auto repair shops are sitting on a goldmine of untapped revenue without realizing it. In this episode, Carm Capriotto welcomes Jimmy Alauria of 3A Automotive & Diesel Repair to discuss how deferred work can become one of your shop's most effective growth strategies. By pulling just two years of data from his s

The Truth About ADAS Calibrations Every Shop Needs to Hear [THA 494] Jul 17, 2026 52:14 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode A viral social media clip about ADAS calibrations sparked thousands of comments and exposed a troubling reality: many automotive professionals still misunderstand when and why calibrations are required. In this episode, Carm Capriotto welcomes technical specialists and industry l

Curing Organizational Drag: The Courage to Fire a Non-Fit Employee [RR 1100] Jul 14, 2026 40:55 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Building a successful auto repair business isn't just about hiring great people; it's about creating a culture where the right people can thrive. In this episode of Episodic Education, Carm Capriotto welcomes Matt Lachowitzer, founder of Matt's Automotive Center, to discuss the leadership principles that helped grow hi

Maximizing Profit Through Effective Labor Rate Strategy [THA 493] Jul 10, 2026 39:30 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Your posted labor rate may not be the labor rate you're actually collecting, and that gap could be costing your shop thousands of dollars every month. In this episode, Carm Capriotto is joined by Andy Adams, a shop owner and business coach, and Rob Sperring, a service manager, to

Selling to the Curb: How AI Turned More Calls into Customers [RR 1099] Jul 7, 2026 37:39 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode What does it take to build one of the fastest-growing auto repair businesses while leveraging artificial intelligence to improve performance at every level? In this episode, Carm Capriotto welcomes Jesse Jackson, Founder and CEO of Mango Automotive, to discuss how she scaled from zero to eight locations in less than fi

AI Search Visibility: How Customers Find Your Auto Repair Shop [THA 492] Jul 3, 2026 41:38 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how consumers search for auto repair services, and shop owners who don't adapt risk becoming invisible online. Carm Capriotto welcomes Heather Myers, Chief Technology Officer at KUKUI, and Connor Tracy, Director of Partner Development a

Building a Winning Scoreboard For Your Auto Repair Shop [RR 1098] Jun 30, 2026 34:21 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video EpisodeWhat if your shop operated like a championship team, where everyone knew the score and was motivated to win together?Gerry Frank, business coach and former shop owner of 35 years, joins Carm Capriotto to explain how gamification can transform an auto repair business by increasing profitability, accountability, and employ

How to Sell Your Auto Repair Shop for Maximum Value [THA 491] Jun 26, 2026 42:19 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode The auto repair industry is facing a "Silver Tsunami" as thousands of shop owners approach retirement age. The challenge isn't simply selling a business; it's maximizing its value and creating a successful transition that benefits employees, customers, and future owners. In this

How a Purple Heart Veteran Became a 6-Shop Auto Repair Owner [RR 1097] Jun 23, 2026 30:02 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode What does it take to grow from a single auto repair shop to six locations in less than a decade? Host Carm Capriotto sits down with AJ DeBuono to discuss his journey from serving as a U.S. Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan to becoming a successful multi-shop operator. AJ shares the lessons learned through rapid growth, th

Why Auto Repair Specialists Leave Our Industry (And How Shop Owners Can Keep Them) [THA 490] Jun 19, 2026 51:00 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Why do talented automotive technicians leave the automotive industry, and what can shop owners do to keep them? Host Carm Capriotto is joined by Technical Specialist Matt Fanslow and Technician Find CEO Chris Lawson to explore what it takes to attract, hire, and retain top talent

2026 Automotive Training Trends Every Professional Shop Owner Needs to Know [RR 1096] Jun 16, 2026 20:54 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode How are automotive technicians learning today, and who is investing in their future? Matt Shepanek, President of the ASE Training Managers Council (ATMC), discusses the findings of the 2026 ATMC Benchmark Survey. The survey offers valuable insight into technician education, training preferences, emerging technologies,

Motor Oil supply Crisis: Fact, Friction, and What Happens Next [THA 489] Jun 12, 2026 36:25 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Is there really a motor oil shortage, or is the industry caught up in another wave of panic buying? In this episode of Remarkable Results Radio, host Carm Capriotto welcomes automotive expert Lauren Fix and Deckman Oil Territory Sales Manager Lee Rhodus to separate fact from fiction surroundi

Anyone Can Teach, But Not Everyone Can Educate: Lessons from 30 Years in Automotive Training [RR 1095] Jun 9, 2026 35:14 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Carm Capriotto sits down with Todd Fortier, retiring automotive professor and program coordinator from Illinois Central College, to discuss a lesson learned over three decades in education: anyone can teach, but becoming a true educator requires purpose, empathy, and continuous growth. Todd shares how his passion for e

From Data to Loyalty: How AI and Hospitality Are Redefining Shop Growth [THA 488] Jun 5, 2026 57:16 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode What happens when artificial intelligence meets world-class customer hospitality? In this episode of Remarkable Results Radio, host Carm Capriotto welcomes Mike DelaCruz, CEO of Overdryve Marketing, and Michelle Tansey, co-founder of Euro Clinic, for a forward-thinking discussion on how auto

Stop Hiring in Panic Mode: Build a Recruiting Pipeline for Your Shop [RR 1094] Jun 2, 2026 38:21 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Host Carm Capriotto welcomes Chris Lawson, founder of Technician Find, to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing independent auto repair shops today: finding and keeping great technicians. Chris explains why many shop owners fall into what he calls "fire alarm syndrome," waiting until a technician leaves before s

When Personal Stress Walks Into the Shop: How Leaders Protect Performance [THA 487] May 29, 2026 43:13 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Are you tired of telling your staff to “leave their problems at the door”? The reality is, what happens outside the shop often follows employees into the bays, the service counter, and every customer interaction throughout the day. Financial pressure, family struggles, burnout, stress, and

From Guesswork to Process: Modern Diagnostic Strategies for Auto Repair Shops [RR 1093] May 26, 2026 33:35 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at the 2026 TST Big Event, Carm Capriotto sits down with automotive trainer Ken Zanders to discuss the importance of ongoing technical education, building efficient diagnostic processes, and adapting to rapidly evolving vehicle technology. Ken explains why too many shops still rely on a chaotic “grocery l

Failing at Retirement: Building Eight Shops in Eight Years [THA 486] May 22, 2026 52:04 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Carm Capriotto talks with Matt Curry and Judy Curry of Craftsman's Auto Care about building one of the automotive industry’s most respected multi-shop operations twice. After growing Curry’s Auto Service to 10 locations and retiring in 2013, the Currys returned to the ind

The AI-Driven Auto Repair Leader: Using Technology as Your Strategic Thought Partner [RR 1092] May 19, 2026 51:30 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this forward-looking conversation, Carm Capriotto and Chris Cloutier, CEO of AutoFlow and owner of three Golden Rule Auto Care locations, explore how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the automotive repair industry; not as a replacement for people, but as a powerful tool that helps shop owners lead sma

The Rise of the Specialist: Redefining Automotive Professionalism [THA 485] May 15, 2026 53:43 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Host Carm Capriotto is joined by shop owners Craig Noel, Brett Beachler, and Tom Palermo for an important discussion on how “The Rise of the Specialist” is moving from idea to implementation inside automotive repair shops across the industry. Written by Carm Capriotto, “T

15 Headlines in 30 Minutes: Rapid Fire Automotive News For Shop Owners [RR 1091] May 12, 2026 37:34 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this fast-paced episode, shop owner and founder of the Automotive Management Network, Tom Ham, breaks down 15 major industry headlines in just 30 minutes, offering insight into the rapid changes reshaping automotive service, technology, and consumer behavior. From artificial intelligence and electric vehicles to ris

Why ADAS Calibrations Are Being Ignored in Auto Repair Shops [THA 484] May 8, 2026 57:12 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at the 2026 TST Big Event, host Carm Capriato sits down with shop owners and industry trainers Keith and Liz Perkins for a candid conversation about the evolving future of automotive repair. From the growing demand for private, hands-on training to the dangerous misc

Auto Repair Marketing Isn’t What You Think (AI Is Changing Everything) [RR 1090] May 5, 2026 30:32 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Dan Vance, CEO of Shop Dog Marketing, challenges how auto repair shops think about marketing in today’s AI-driven world. The conversation goes beyond websites and SEO, exploring how real marketing lives in every customer interaction and how tools like ChatGPT and Google AI Overview can become powerful strategic partner

Turn Your Parts Spend Into Team Rewards with the NAPA Team Tool Rebate [THA 483] May 1, 2026 30:01 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at the VISION 2026, host Carm Capriotto sits down with shop owner Pete McNeil and NAPA Auto Care leaders Jason Rainey and Lauren Briggs to break down the impact of the NAPA Team Tool Rebate program. Listen to a powerful real-world example of how the program can energ

Detective Mind Mapping: A Forensic Approach to Automotive Diagnostics [RR 1089] Apr 28, 2026 37:39 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at the TST Big Event 2026, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Andrew Fischer, shop manager at Cergizan's Auto and Truck Repair in Northwest Indiana, and an industry trainer. Andrew shares his disciplined, process-driven approach to diagnostics, his passion for technician development, and why shop culture

The Dealer Alternative Advantage in Today’s Auto Repair Industry [THA 482] Apr 24, 2026 42:22 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode In this episode, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Larry and Kara Rose of Larry’s Automotive in Newburgh, Indiana, to celebrate their recognition as the NAPA 2025 Auto Care Center of the Year. Their story is more than an award; it’s a roadmap for building a sustainable, family-dr

Build Customer Loyalty: Branding, Event Planning, and Community [RR 1088] Apr 21, 2026 29:52 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this episode, Carm Capriotto talks with Lola Schmidt, co-owner of Schmidt’s Auto Care, about how shops can rise above the “ordinary” perception of auto repair through intentional event planning, meaningful community engagement, and a fully integrated branding strategy. Key Topic Points Make the Shop an Experience:

Meet Paige: The Auto Repair Industry’s First 24/7 AI Recruiter [THA 481] Apr 17, 2026 41:40 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at the VISION 2026, this episode of Remarkable Results Radio features host Carm Capriotto in conversation with Lisa Coyle, Co-founder and CEO of Promotive, and Stacey Black, Account Manager at Promotive. Together, they unpack one of the most urgent challenges facing

Your Shop Might Need Marriage Counseling: Fixing Communication in Auto Repair [RR 1087] Apr 14, 2026 47:26 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at VISION 2026, host Carm Capriotto and Matt Fanslow explore how lessons from marriage counseling can improve communication in auto repair shops. The core discussion centers on Matt’s article for NAPA Auto Care's Insight Magazine, “Your Shop Might Need Marriage Counseling,” and the industry’s gap in sof

How to Get Unstuck When Your Auto Repair Business Stops Growing [THA 480] Apr 10, 2026 43:01 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode In this episode of the Town Hall Academy, host Carm Capriotto is joined by Matt Wagg and Shiju Thomas to tackle a common challenge in the automotive repair industry: getting “unstuck.” The conversation focuses on breaking through growth plateaus by sharpening leadership, building

The “Monster” in Your Head Is Costing Your Shop Money [RR 1086] Apr 7, 2026 46:14 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this episode of Coffee with Carm and a Coach, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Greg Bunch, business coach and Founder at Transformers Institute and owner of Aspen Auto Clinic, to unpack the mindset barriers that quietly limit leadership and growth in auto repair. At the center of the conversation is the “mo

Batman Needs a Robin: Meet Your Shop’s New Sidekick Ninja App [THA 479] Apr 3, 2026 46:34 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at VISION 2026, host Carm Capriotto is joined by Jeremy Glassco of AppFueled and shop owner Joe Schindler to explore how auto repair shops can better connect technology with customer engagement. Glassco introduces the concept of the “App Gap,” explaining that while c

Stop Leaving Money on the Table: How to Master Your Shop Management System [RR 1085] Mar 31, 2026 34:58 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at VISION 2026, host Carm Capriotto speaks with Evis Husejnovic of NAPA TRACS about how shops can boost profitability and customer service by better using their shop management systems. Husejnovic highlights that most owners use only 10–15% of their software, often missing key tools for managing op

Smart Glasses in the Shop: Inside NAPA Autotech’s XcceleratoR Training [THA 478] Mar 27, 2026 44:35 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at VISION 2026, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Matt Crumpton, Director of Program Development at NAPA Auto Care, and Robin Cowie, Creative Technologist, to explore the official rollout of NAPA’s Extended Reality (XR) training program. The conversation centers around so

Is Your Shop the Problem? Hard Truths from the Voice of the Technician Survey Results [RR 1084] Mar 24, 2026 47:06 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Host Carm Capriotto speaks with Jay Goninen, co-founder and president of WrenchWay, about insights from the 2026 Voice of the Technician Survey and what it reveals about the state of the automotive workforce. Jay encourages shop owners to download the free report to uncover blind spots and start meaningful conve

General Service Technician Academy: Building Educational Foundation For Tomorrow’s Careers [THA 477] Mar 20, 2026 33:40 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at VISION 2026, this episode highlights the General Service Technician Academy (GSTA), a two-day training program offered at VISION designed to build strong foundational skills for early-career automotive technicians. Host Carm Capriotto speaks with industry leader and sho

Own the Technician Shortage: How One Shop Owner is Transforming Industry Recruitment [RR 1083] Mar 17, 2026 34:04 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this episode, Carm Capriotto speaks with Chris Machado, founder of XGen Academy, about a bold new approach to solving the automotive technician shortage. Machado has developed an intensive 16-week training program that blends virtual reality simulations, classroom learning, and hands-on shop experience to acc

The Affordability Myth in Auto Repair: Rethinking How Service Advisors Present Repairs [THA 476] Mar 13, 2026 45:25 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode "I think the push back is more in our head than it is in the pocketbook." In this episode, host Carm Capriotto talks with Andy Fiffick and Chris Letendre about the perceived affordability crisis in auto repair. Both guests challenge the idea that customers can’t afford repairs, suggesting that

Stop Winging Human Resources in Your Auto Repair Shop [RR 1082] Mar 10, 2026 33:10 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this episode, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Lola Schmidt, COO of Schmidt Auto Care, to discuss how independent auto repair shops can professionalize their human resources and management systems. Lola outlines a deliberate, multi-step hiring process built to eliminate desperate decisions and reduce candid

The 250K Mile Maintenance Mindset: Mastering the Art of Vehicle Delivery [THA 475] Mar 6, 2026 46:44 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode This episode explores the critical “delivery” phase of a 250,000 mile maintenance program, reframing the moment you hand the keys back as the continuation of a long-term professional relationship, not the end of a transaction. Host Carm Capriotto, joined by Brett Beachler and Rena Renne

Why Employee Reviews Are Broken and What to Do Instead [RR 1081] Mar 3, 2026 53:22 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this episode of Coffee with Carm and a Coach, Carm Capriotto and leadership coach Murray Voth explain why traditional employee reviews often fail to build trust, engagement, or real growth. Instead, they advocate replacing formal evaluations with ongoing “Career Alignment Meetings,” and one-on-one conversatio

Why Women are the Secret Weapon in Auto Repair Shop Hospitality [THA 474] Feb 27, 2026 47:26 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode In this episode, Melissa Parker, Amy Bartel, and Sara Abrecht join Carm Capriotto to discuss why women are the automotive industry’s “secret weapon.” The panel explores the concept of automotive hospitality, focusing on relationships, empathy, and customer experience as key drivers of trust, lo

The New Economics of Auto Repair: Rising Rates, Fewer Cars, Higher Profits [RR 1080] Feb 24, 2026 42:56 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this episode, Carm Capriotto speaks with Tom Ham about the rising labor rates shaping the automotive repair industry. Drawing from the Labor Rate Tracker tool on the Automotive Management Network, Tom explains how shops across the country are steadily increasing rates, with many approaching the $200 per hour

The Superhighway to Estimating: Canned Jobs and Categories For Shop Efficiency [THA 473] Feb 20, 2026 38:26 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Host Carm Capriotto dives into the untapped power of Shop Management Systems (SMS) with business coach Dave Schedin and Ben Dexter, National Training Manager at NAPA TRACS. Together, they reveal how two often-overlooked tools, categories and canned jobs, can dramatically improve shop efficiency

Beyond Service Advisors: Embracing the ‘Repairathist’ Mindset [RR 1079] Feb 17, 2026 39:13 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode "The reality of a client advocates daily work is translating fear into clarity." Shop owner and coach Clint White explores a powerful shift at the auto repair front counter, from “Service Advisor” to “Repairathist.” He explains that because vehicles represent freedom and control, many customers arrive feeling anxious

Looking Rich VS Living Free: The Hidden Truth About Success and Money [THA 472] Feb 13, 2026 53:26 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode "Rich is loud. Wealthy is quiet." In this episode, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Jerry Kezhaya and Dr. Laura Shwaluk, owners of The Auto Shop and business coaches with Business Builder Mentor and Mastermind. They share their unconventional journey from healthcare to auto repair, including

Executing a 25 Year Plan: Retired at 47 [RR 1078] Feb 10, 2026 36:44 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this episode, Carm Capriotto reconnects with industry veteran Peter Rudloff to explore his transition from shop owner to consultant, his “stay in your lane” philosophy, and the future of EV repair. Rudloff shares how a 25-year exit plan allowed him to retire from shop ownership at 47 and transition into his home-bas

The Digital Front Door For Auto Repair: SEO, Google, and Website Marketing [THA 471] Feb 6, 2026 41:33 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Megan Dineff of Ervine’s Auto Repair and Grand Rapids Hybrid and EV joins marketing specialist Dan Vance of Shop Dog Marketing to explore the evolving relationship between websites and the future of search. They explore why a website remains the digital “front door” of a business, where custome

Beyond the Repair Order: The Strategy of Customer Loyalty [RR 1077] Feb 3, 2026 42:08 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this episode, Jeff Rudnick of Pit Crew Loyalty explores the powerful shift from transactional business models to relationship-driven customer loyalty in the automotive repair industry. He challenges shop owners to rethink marketing and branding through the lens of real human connection—introducing the idea that “sof

The 250K Mile Mindset: Selling Maintenance Without Selling Fear [THA 470] Jan 30, 2026 49:19 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Reaching 250,000 miles on a vehicle isn’t luck—it’s leadership. In this episode, we explore what long-term vehicle maintenance really looks like and why today’s shops must rethink how they communicate with customers. Too often, maintenance is treated as a series of isolated repairs. This conver

Beyond Babysitters: Developing Strong Managers and Financial Transparency [RR 1076] Jan 27, 2026 35:35 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Chris Lawson of TechnicianFind tackles a critical disconnect in the automotive repair industry: shop owners say they want a General Manager to run their business, but are only willing to hire a “babysitter.” The conversation explores what it truly takes to build real management—centered on financial transparency, clear

Streamlining the Mundane: How Automation Buys Back Time [THA 469] Jan 23, 2026 40:16 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Saim Raza and Tristin Sweeney, co-founders of Shift Automotive, discuss how their AI-powered software is transforming the vehicle service experience. Their platform automates OEM maintenance recommendations and simplifies shop workflows by integrating manufacturer data into professionally forma

The Capacity Crisis: What If It Didn’t Have To Be So Hard? [RR 1075] Jan 20, 2026 39:51 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Krystal Zellmer tackles the capacity crisis facing automotive shop owners, challenging the idea that leadership has to be hard. The conversation centers on self-awareness, highlighting how recognizing automatic behaviors is the first step to becoming a more effective, intentional leader. Using her peanut M&M metaph

Mastering Your Shop Finance: The Power of Specialized Automotive Accounting [THA 468] Jan 16, 2026 32:43 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode This episode explores the critical role of specialized financial management with shop owner Liz Perkins and CPA Hunt Demarest. The discussion focuses on Perkins’ move to a CPA firm dedicated solely to the automotive industry, emphasizing how general accountants often misclassify data and miss k

Do You Own a Business or a Job? [RR 1074] Jan 13, 2026 44:19 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode James Stephenson shares his journey from a struggling technician to the leader of multiple successful businesses, offering a candid look at what truly drives sustainable growth in auto repair. The conversation tackles the technician hiring crisis head-on, reframing recruitment as an ongoing, intentional process and roo

Future-Proofing the Automotive Industry: Consolidation, AI, and Career Evolution [THA 467] Jan 9, 2026 38:51 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode The automotive industry is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history. In this episode, Cavan Robinson, VP of Operations for the Aftermarket at Vehlo, and Tony Mercury, VP of Revenue at Auto Shop Solutions, break down what shop owners need to understand—and act on—ri

The Four Defining Roles in Your Business Story: Victim, Villain, Hero, and Guide [RR 1073] Jan 6, 2026 34:37 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Dr. J.J. Peterson, PhD in communications, explains how business owners can elevate their leadership by stepping into the role of the Guide instead of operating as the hero, villain, or victim. Using proven storytelling frameworks, Peterson outlines four core characters, Victim, Villain, Hero, and Guide, and why self-aw

The Chicken or the Egg Trap: Hiring and Marketing for Auto Repair Shops [THA 466] Jan 2, 2026 39:08 Thanks to our Partners, Shop Dog Marketing, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Recorded Live at AAPEX 2025, this episode tackles the classic “chicken or the egg” challenge for auto repair shop owners: should the focus be on marketing to generate work or recruiting technicians to handle it? The answer is simple—both. Sustainable growth requires managing

Profitable vs. Valuable: The Hard Truth About Selling Your Shop [RR 1072] Dec 30, 2025 36:59 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Becca Zanders, Certified Exit Planning Advisor, explains why most auto repair shop owners are unprepared for an exit—and how to change that. Only 20–30% of businesses that go to market actually sell, and nearly half of those sales are forced by the “Five Ds”: Death, Divorce, Disability, Disagreement, or Distress. Becca

Vehicle Service Experts: Resources, Strategy and Best Practices for Shops [THA 465] Dec 26, 2025 32:39 Thanks to our Partners, Shop Dog Marketing, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at AAPEX 2025, this episode features Tara Topel, the new president of Vehicle Service Experts (VSE), and Missy Stephens, Community Engagement Manager for the Auto Care Association. The discussion highlights the rebranding of the Auto Care Association’s Car Care

When Customers Ask AI First: What Shop Owners Need to Know [RR 1071] Dec 23, 2025 35:27 Thanks to our Partners, Shop Dog Marketing, NAPA Auto Care, and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at AAPEX 2025, this episode features Dan Vance, CEO of Shop Dog Marketing, sharing how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping marketing, business strategy, and the auto repair industry. The conversation explores how AI is changing consumer behavior—from lightning fast website visits foc

The Aussie Connection: US and Australian Auto Repair Face Parallel Challenges [THA 464] Dec 19, 2025 48:34 Thanks to our Partners, Shop Dog Marketing, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at AAPEX 2025, this episode brings together leaders from Australia’s JAX Tyres & Auto to show just how closely the Australian automotive aftermarket mirrors the U.S. market. Featuring CEO Steve Grossrieder, franchise owner Dan Spiteri, future franchisee Wil

The Level Testing Sales Amplifier: A Tiered System for Auto Repair Diagnostics [RR 1070] Dec 16, 2025 33:06 Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode “Simple scales, complex fails. The simpler I can create systems, the easier it is to train people, the easier it is for them to sell, the easier it is for my people to communicate with each other.” Eric Svedberg breaks down a smarter, more profitable way to price diagnostic work—what he calls the Level Testing Sales Am

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