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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

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

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Eric Svedberg of European Autowerks. Eric shares his journey from starting in the gas station business at 16 to owning and growing a successful automotive shop. The conversation dives deep into the persistent technician shortage, with Eric outlining the challenges in attracting and retaining skilled talent and the evolving pay structures needed to stay competitive. The hosts and Eric also explore strategies for fair compensation, diagnostic testing systems, and the importance of shop culture and communication in bridging the divide between owners and technicians.

00:00 Starting at a gas station job

04:49 Rebranding to Automotive Specialists

09:29 Mac and cheese cart setup

11:26 Bellman warns about minibar sensor

15:40 Salary expectations for auto techs

18:05 Explaining the three-level system

21:04 Handling customer pushback

25:35 Technician pay discussions

26:54 Negotiating a technician's pay raise

30:33 Paying employees more than expected

34:26 Explaining the production bonus system

37:27 Growing demand for skilled technicians

41:53 Ensuring seamless parts distribution

44:01 Discussing social media dynamics

48:42 Dealing with unreliable workers

52:06 Understanding different industry perspectives

55:27 Dealing with technician issues

56:07 Discussing employee accountability

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

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

In this episode, the Changing The Industry Podcast team sits down with Josh Weiss, CEO of Vehlo, to discuss company culture, leadership, and the rapidly evolving automotive industry. Josh shares his philosophy on servant leadership and the importance of fostering a high-performance, low-ego environment at Vehlo. The conversation highlights how open communication and feedback fuel trust and engagement within the organization. Finally, the group explores the challenges of constant innovation in automotive service, emphasizing the critical role technology and adaptability play in shop success.

00:00 Building a winning team culture

04:44 Team communication and weekly updates

09:41 Joining the company journey

12:34 Rapid innovation in auto industry

14:05 Shopware's unique customer experience

19:35 Choosing shopware for its ease

22:35 Listening to customer feedback

23:22 Thanking the guest or speaker

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

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

In this episode, Lucas Underwood and David Roman are joined by Ira Waldman and Tim Iezzi, who share their experiences with technical training and diagnostics in the automotive industry. Ira Waldman explains the value of comprehensive accident investigations and how data pulled from vehicles is increasingly crucial for liability and repairs. Tim Iezzi and Ira Waldman detail their hands-on training classes, emphasizing the importance of practicing with equipment to build real skills. Throughout the conversation, the group discusses challenges facing trainers—including undervaluation and barriers to fair compensation—while reflecting on what true success looks like in the industry.

00:00 Consulting work and accident investigations

04:58 Calibration data and liability concerns

08:48 Lab scope training launch

11:32 Practicing lab scope basics

15:25 Common mistakes using scopes

19:03 Importance of planning and tools

20:10 Teaching procedural oil change steps

24:46 Improving technician education

27:00 Training value and budget changes

32:48 Challenges faced by fitness trainers

36:16 Launching the training company

39:46 Impact of low-cost car markets

41:29 Covid’s impact on auto repairs

47:30 Troubleshooting equipment issues

50:25 Defining personal success

52:21 Interviewing successful people

54:28 Thanking the audience

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

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

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Cole Tanner, a veteran technician, who shares his journey through family business transitions, personal struggles, and the realities of working in the automotive industry. Cole opens up about overcoming addiction and trauma, emphasizing the importance of honest conversations about mental health in the trades. The group discusses technician frustrations regarding compensation, shop inefficiencies, and the vital need for support structures within the industry.

00:00 Frustrating restaurant wait experience

06:25 Growing up with my parents

08:11 Discussing childhood challenges

12:51 Breaking cycles of family trauma

16:25 Losing friends to addiction

19:34 Discussing compensation challenges

22:25 Consistent vs erratic performance

26:35 Running an efficient repair shop

27:42 Technicians disconnected from inspection value

33:12 End-of-month sales pressure

36:27 Improving communication and accountability

37:58 Discussing future plans and concerns

41:13 Finding balance and past experiences

46:02 Struggles with drinking habits

47:53 Hitting rock bottom moments

50:40 The dangers of addiction

53:47 Pushing for constant improvement

56:52 Taking responsibility after prison

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 a single, sleek digital platform.

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

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Matt Clarke of Clark Automotive. Matt shares his journey back to his family's auto repair business, emphasizing the importance of refining operations and focusing on delivering high-quality service rather than chasing high car counts. The group discusses the evolving role of business coaching and training, including the value of accountability partners and the need to adapt to new technology in the industry.

00:00 Trade Show Costs Are Ridiculous

03:47 Union Inefficiency and Consequences

09:13 "Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity"

11:58 "Evolving Business Learning Challenges"

14:35 "Epiphany in Management Training"

18:14 "Refining Craft, Scaling Doubts"

22:03 Choosing the Right Coach

24:48 "Struggling with Accountability"

28:06 "Unexpected Family Connections"

33:15 "AI-Generated Estimate Dispute"

37:26 "Balancing AI and Personal Touch"

39:32 "Fitness, Gear, AI, and Darkness"

44:37 "Unfiltered Critique of a Guru"

45:20 "Mastery vs. Fake Expertise"

48:44 "Adapting Teaching to Audience"

54:39 "EV Market Resistance Analyzed"

56:42 "Building Growth and Connections"

58:38 "Vespa Culture: New York Only"

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

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

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by David Veldman, who shares his personal journey coping with the recent loss of his father and its impact on his direction and motivation in the automotive repair business. The conversation explores how major life events, such as grief or health struggles, can affect business owners, especially those without strong support systems or sustainable operations. David Roman provides a contrasting perspective, emphasizing the importance of shifting focus toward the next generation and building a business that can survive without constant owner involvement.

00:00 "Grieving Without a Rudder"

10:05 "Finding Aim Through Adversity"

12:08 "Finding Direction and Motivation"

17:14 "Dad's Varied Career Path"

24:37 Machine Shop Succession Challenges

30:13 "The Box That Changed Me"

34:50 Efficient Flywheel Machining Strategy

39:58 "Importance of Knowledge and Processes"

47:09 "Pay Taxes Like an Employee"

51:14 "Tax Payment Delays Explained"

57:40 "Sad Start, Weird Ending"

01:03:03 Lakeside Anniversary Offer

01:04:49 "Possible Marijuana Overdose"

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 a single, sleek digital platform.

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

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Darryl and Jackie Beech to explore the dynamics of running and transitioning a family-owned automotive business. Darryl reflects on the importance of having strong business processes and work-life balance, sharing his motivation to set Jackie up for long-term success as she steps into a larger leadership role. Jackie opens up about the challenges—and privileges—of carrying forward her father's legacy, focusing on the value of maintaining strong customer relationships while preparing for inevitable changes.

00:00 "Doubting His Radio Future"

04:40 "Family, Loss, and Betrayal"

08:19 "Mismanagement and Lack of Structure"

10:42 "Shopware's Lifesaving Support"

14:53 Forensic Analysis in Auto Failures

18:21 "Tailored Vehicle Maintenance Advice"

21:31 Transitioning Business Leadership and Operations

23:38 "Balancing Business and Social Hurdles"

28:52 "Senior Tech Rejects Management Training"

31:54 "Saving a Family Legacy"

35:02 Navigating Tough Clients Effectively

38:49 "Embracing Leadership Humility"

40:32 "Early Career Diversification Needed"

44:45 "Growth Through Decisions and Challenges"

48:08 Managing Stress and Support Systems

49:55 "Overcoming Recession and Struggle"

53:34 "Navigating Family Life and Struggles"

56:48 "Childhood Memories: The Good Side"

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

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

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Kevaughn Williams, Operations Manager at 360 Payments. Kevaughn underscores the importance of company culture in building a motivated, accountable team, highlighting how 360’s values of transparency and peer-to-peer accountability support both employees and customers. The discussion covers practical strategies for automotive shops to protect themselves from payment chargebacks, with Kevaughn outlining red flags to watch for and offering tips to improve payment security.

00:00 "360 Culture and Leadership"

04:28 "Honesty and Accountability Matter"

08:13 "Impactful Workplace Culture Insights"

11:16 "Towing Office Experience Reflection"

14:50 Car Rental Customer Support Journey

15:54 Rental Car Upgrade Mishap

21:08 Mandatory Work Schedule Change

24:40 Building Youthful Team for Success

27:58 "Disney Trip as Life Milestone"

28:40 Prioritizing People Over Business

34:51 Preventing Text-to-Pay Fraud

38:11 Fraud Awareness and Payment Precautions

39:06 DocuSign ID and Card Verification

44:24 Chargeback Fraud at Local Shop

48:02 "High-Risk Account Threshold Explained"

50:23 Transparency and Informed Decisions

53:22 "David's CSP Concerns"

56:19 "Buttoning Debate Unresolved"