Épisodes

  • Episode 245 - Why Shop Owners Need a Plan Beyond Fixing Cars With Cecil Bullard
    Dec 1 2025

    Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
    Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

    Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026

    Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
    Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability


    Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
    Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

    Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

    Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into one sleek, digital platform.


    Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!



    In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Cecil Bullard, industry veteran and business coach. Cecil shares the importance of properly valuing diagnostic labor in automotive shops, explaining why most shops fail to charge adequately for the complex testing modern vehicles require. The conversation highlights the necessity for shop owners to plan for their financial future, emphasizing retirement strategies and the risks of working solo. Finally, they discuss the value of building a strong team and why technicians with no interest in leading or managing should reconsider opening their own shop.

    00:00 DHT's Impact on Male Development

    08:25 Auto Shop Diagnostic Process

    14:58 Hormones, Cars, and Adjustments

    20:55 Optimizing Average Repair Order

    26:23 Professional Standards in Coaching

    32:23 "Raise Your Labor Rate"

    33:52 "Revenue Variance Insights"

    41:03 "Family Shop Management Plan"

    46:51 "Contentment, Family, and Responsibility"

    50:35 "Solo Work: Control vs. Risk"

    57:30 Risk Balancing for Lifestyle Goals

    01:02:58 Debt vs. Investing Motivation Struggles

    01:06:09 Sun's Shift in Auto Shop Strategy

    01:14:51 "Perspective and Self-Improvement Insights"

    01:17:37 "Beyond Fixing Cars"

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    1 h et 24 min
  • Bonus Episode - Smart Consumer Financing and the Modern Shop Owner’s Journey With Liz Perkins
    Nov 29 2025

    Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
    Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

    Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026

    Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
    Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability


    Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
    Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

    Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

    Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into one sleek, digital platform.


    Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!



    In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Liz Perkins, shop owner, technician, and multi-business entrepreneur, along with Jesse Meddaugh from 360 Payments. Liz shares her journey of growing a business from shop operations to training and managing multiple ventures, emphasizing the importance of understanding and mastering the financial side of the company—even getting hands-on with bookkeeping for deeper insights. The conversation explores the impact of integrated consumer financing on shop sales and customer experience, with both Lucas and Liz highlighting how offering payment options can reduce stigma, increase approval rates, and empower customers.

    00:00 "Seamless Consumer Financing Growth"

    03:51 Streamlined Vehicle Financing Process

    08:30 Rising Costs of Car Repairs

    12:36 Guaranteed Results Over Cheap Fixes

    15:21 "Negative Impact of Free Diagnostics"

    17:00 "Choosing Free Diagnostics Wisely"

    20:40 "Working Mom's Struggles"

    23:26 North Carolina DMV Renewal Woes

    27:24 "Keep Growing, Keep Building"

    32:09 Quick Harness Installation Guide

    32:45 "Frustrated Mechanic Wrecks Harness"

    38:32 Bookkeeping vs. Accounting Confusion

    40:48 Understanding Business Fees

    43:53 DIY Accounting Confidence

    45:51 "Monthly P&L and Accounting"

    50:52 Efficient Scheduling for Long Commutes

    54:28 Tire Service Pricing Inquiry

    56:27 Balancing Growth vs. Staying Solo

    59:10 Grammar Concerns with Dashes

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    1 h et 5 min
  • Episode 244 - The Power of Accountability and Setting Standards in Business With Jeremy Hoyle
    Nov 24 2025

    Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
    Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

    Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026

    Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
    Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability


    Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
    Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

    Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

    Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into one sleek, digital platform.


    Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!



    In this episode, Lucas Underwood and David Roman are joined by Jeremy Hoyle, leadership coach and veteran of the family entertainment industry. Jeremy shares his personal journey from frontline worker to senior executive, emphasizing the importance of investing in your own professional development. The conversation delves into EOS and business fundamentals, with practical advice on leveraging KPIs and accountability to drive growth.

    00:00 "Work Ethic and Ownership"

    05:23 Leadership & Business Coaching Journey

    10:44 "Dependability and Leadership Value"

    19:37 "Building Layers for Growth"

    23:39 "Improving Call Conversion Rates"

    31:02 "Leaders Need Accountability Systems"

    35:09 "Missed Conversations and Discipline"

    38:26 Teaching Accountability Through Standards

    45:05 "Mopping Mishaps and Frustrations"

    50:12 "Policing Standards and Staffing"

    56:50 Linchpins vs. Industrial-Era Education

    01:03:09 "Struggles of Running a Shop"

    01:03:49 "Sell the Shop"

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    1 h et 10 min
  • Episode 243 - Facing Burnout and Building a Side Hustle With Kyle Buenger
    Nov 17 2025

    Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
    Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

    Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026

    Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
    Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability


    Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
    Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

    Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

    Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into one sleek, digital platform.


    Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!



    In this episode, David Roman and Lucas are joined by Kyle Buenger, owner of KB Mobile Programming. Kyle shares his journey from burnout in a traditional shop environment to launching his own mobile programming business in Phoenix, Arizona. The discussion centers on the importance of proper financial planning, including pricing and insurance, for independent technicians. It also addresses the challenges and opportunities of working in a market with limited diagnostic talent, as well as the need to develop systems that support growth and long-term sustainability.

    00:00 "Inconsequential Things Won't Change"

    09:04 "Initiative to Solve Programming Issue"

    13:05 "Starting Work and Progressing"

    18:45 Honda Accord vs Ferrari Debate

    21:50 Maximizing Mobile Repair Profitability

    27:55 Managing Expenses with Steady Income

    32:48 "Progress Over Fear of Loss"

    39:37 Raise Prices and Build Value

    44:04 Avoiding Tool Salesmen

    48:27 "Work Dispatch and Programming Process"

    53:22 "Investing and Reinvesting in Business"

    01:00:04 Diagnostic Testing and Routine Basics

    01:08:20 Tampered Seat Belt Leads Trauma

    01:09:47 Unwanted, Costly, Certified Repairs

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    1 h et 16 min
  • Episode 242 - From Hot Yoga to Hot Leads With Hallie & Caroline of Shop Marketing Pros
    Nov 10 2025

    Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
    Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

    Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2025

    Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
    Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

    Make sure you mention: CTISUMMER to get FREE data migration!


    If you're ready to make a real change in your shop's success, join Shop Marketing Pros' Plan With the Pros workshop this October to connect with them and other shop owners. You'll leave with your entire year for 2026 planned out.

    Click here to register: https://geni.us/PlanWithThePros

    Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

    Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into one sleek, digital platform.


    Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!



    In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Hallie Wasinger and Caroline Legrand from Shop Marketing Pros at the Sunrise event in Arizona. Hallie and Caroline share their expertise on the importance of identifying your shop’s ideal customer and crafting targeted marketing strategies, especially using Facebook, Google, and even programmatic ads. The discussion also covers the effectiveness of traditional marketing like mailers and coupons, the challenge of tracking ROI in advertising, and the nuts and bolts of creating engaging social media content.

    00:00 Hot Weather Reactions Differ

    09:10 Unexpected Heatwave Experience

    11:21 Geographic Targeting for Business Pages

    17:26 "Marketing Value-Added Services"

    25:18 Streamlined Pricing Eliminates No-Shows

    28:41 "Ethical Success vs. Unethical Gains"

    36:18 "Luxury Laura Avatar Humor"

    38:13 Marketing Strategy for Ideal Clients

    45:31 Overpriced Analytics with Customer Tracking

    48:46 Intrusive Client Data Proposal

    56:18 "Auto Knockoff with Personality"

    01:02:14 "Balcony Rescue Highlights Tension"

    01:05:24 Dad's Shop: No Heat Experience

    01:09:16 "Mama Kim's Guidance After Loss"

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    1 h et 15 min
  • Episode 241 - Building Better Auto Shops Through EOS & Mastermind Groups with Adam Rath
    Nov 3 2025

    Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
    Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

    Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2025

    Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
    Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

    Make sure you mention: CTISUMMER to get FREE data migration!


    If you're ready to make a real change in your shop's success, join Shop Marketing Pros' Plan With the Pros workshop this October to connect with them and other shop owners. You'll leave with your entire year for 2026 planned out.

    Click here to register: https://geni.us/PlanWithThePros

    Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

    Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into one sleek, digital platform.


    Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!



    In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Adam Rath to reflect on the journey and evolution of their industry mastermind group. Adam shares how the group has grown from its early days, emphasizing the importance of building a community where shop owners can collaborate and hold each other accountable. The hosts discuss the impact of implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in their businesses, highlighting its role in shaping leadership and clarifying organizational vision.

    00:00 Leadership Restructuring and Future Plans

    05:58 Growth and Accountability Through Masterminds

    13:41 Addressing Customer Education Gaps

    20:16 "Self-Implementing EOS Journey"

    24:36 Assessing Employee Alignment & Capability

    27:01 End-Year Hiring Pitfalls

    32:55 Survival Over Vision

    39:59 Protective Leadership Commitment

    43:56 Personal Reflection on Growth Ambitions

    50:32 "Reviving Vision in Medical Device Sales"

    57:02 Reflect and Appreciate Progress

    01:02:56 Intentional Clarity Breaks

    01:04:48 Streamlined Meeting Schedule Changes

    01:08:32 "Successful Business and Industry Giveback"

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    1 h et 14 min
  • Episode 240 - Transforming Auto Shop Training and Staff Accountability with Samantha Higdon from Shift Point Academy
    Oct 27 2025

    Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
    Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

    Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026

    Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
    Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability


    Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
    Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

    Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

    Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into one sleek, digital platform.


    Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!



    In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Samantha Higdon, founder of Shift Point Academy. Samantha explains the philosophy behind Shift Point’s training, emphasizing relationship-based selling and the importance of communication within shop teams. The conversation also explores how training programs can adapt in a changing industry, including countering the impact of AI and fostering ongoing accountability for both trainees and shop owners.

    00:00 Top Tier Service Advisor Insights

    08:01 Importance of Parts Deposit

    14:25 "Communication Challenges with Autism"

    20:58 Service Advisor Training Incident

    25:58 Messy Hotel Stay After Bar Visit

    32:35 "New CSR Training in NJ"

    38:33 "Shopware Inspection with 5 Cs"

    39:57 "Manual Workflow Explanation"

    45:15 Cost Breakdown of Diagnostic Tests

    50:37 Grocery Shopping Routine

    55:48 Spring Car Care Clinic Recap

    01:01:58 Faulty Inspection Uncovered

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    1 h et 8 min
  • Episode 239 - The Real Risks Behind Cheap Collision Repair with Ken Miller
    Oct 20 2025

    Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
    Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

    Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026

    Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
    Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability


    Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
    Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

    Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

    Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into one sleek, digital platform.


    Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!



    In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Ken Miller, owner of 821 Collision and president of AASP New Jersey. Ken outlines the ongoing challenges faced in the collision repair industry, stressing the relentless pressure from insurance companies and their impact on repair quality. He shares a chilling story about uncovering dangerously incomplete repairs on a nearly new vehicle, emphasizing the importance of thorough inspections and documentation. The conversation also explores the increasing overlap between collision and mechanical shops, driven by the complexities of ADAS systems and the need for greater collaboration and education in both fields.

    00:00 Insurance Challenges Undermine Auto Repair

    05:09 Tampered Seat Belt System Detected

    08:00 Post-Collision Inspection Basics

    12:45 Car Repair Struggles and Inspections

    13:26 Car Imperfections and Concerns

    16:43 Professional Responsibility Irrefutable

    20:29 Insurers’ Auto Settlement Practices

    24:50 Researching Title 17 Regulations

    28:22 CEO-Employee Pay Gap Concerns

    32:29 Dispute Over $40K Repairs

    36:36 Calibration and Liability in Auto Repairs

    40:22 Reluctance in Auto Repair Challenges

    42:08 Insurance Companies' Calibration Dispute

    46:44 Licensure Tied to I-CAR Accreditation

    50:01 "Advanced Auto Tools Misjudged"

    51:44 Challenges in Training and Labor Rates

    55:46 Expanding Mechanical Team in NJ

    58:14 Enhancing Mechanical Show Value

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    1 h et 5 min