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In this episode, Jeff Compton is joined by Dutch Silverstein and his daughter Ana. Dutch brings up the differences of a transaction-based vs relationship-based business model, urging shop owners to pursue what aligns with their personal values and long-term goals. The conversation highlights the need for self-reflection and sacrifice when considering shop ownership, as well as the dangers of lowering standards in the industry.

Timestamps:
00:00 Celebrating Your Return

03:50 Family-Owned Automotive Safe Haven

07:57 Car Repair Frustrations Persist

11:43 Mechanic Reputation and Trust

14:40 Mechanic's Business Growth Journey

16:52 Personal Betrayal in Safe Space

20:25 "Coaching Costs and Industry Influence"

25:51 "Pursuing Integrity Every Day"

28:49 "Sacrifice for Future Success"

31:10 "Boost Productivity, Build Wealth"

35:13 Work Ethic and Presence

37:00 "Training Wheels Off Moment"

42:23 "Self-Reflection for Business Growth"

43:38 Understanding Business Metrics & Decisions

46:31 Avoiding Pitfalls in Business Growth

50:25 "Unpaid Work Clarification"

53:21 Empowering Technicians for Success

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Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.

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In this episode, Jeff Compton welcomes Chuck Mitchell, this year's APPEX Giveaway Winner from the Changing the Industry Podcast with Lucas Underwood and David Roman. Chuck shares his story of how he got into the industry from fleet management and parts retail to shop ownership. He's passionate about the current technician shortage and helping younger generations. He and Jeff talk about the importance of cross-industry collaboration among local shops, the need for better training and information access, and the value of mentoring new technicians to create a more sustainable future for the automotive industry.

Timestamps:
00:00 Meet Chuck Mitchell

06:39 "Friend's Growth in Dealerships"

15:05 Balancing Business and Compassion

17:06 Shop Ownership Challenges

22:58 "Building Confidence Through Understanding"

30:19 Improving Industry and Supporting Workers

34:07 Tech Career Paths in Shops

36:44 "EV Direction and Innovation"

43:25 "Reviving Craftsmanship in Auto Industry"

48:24 "Vehicle Repair Challenges Persist"

52:18 Customer Service and Accountability

01:00:09 "AI, VR, and Cost Challenges"

01:03:39 "Nurturing Young Techs"

01:11:31 "Industry Growth Through Connection"

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Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.

Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE

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In this episode, Jeff Compton is joined by Check Engine Chuck and Ryan Mullen for a conversation about the realities of working in automotive diagnostics. Ryan tells the story of being homeless and in addiction to becoming a sought-after diagnostician, emphasizing the importance of networking and community for professional growth. Check Engine Chuck highlights the power of persistence in tackling complex vehicle problems and the need to continually invest in skills and tools. They also talk about shop politics, technician shortages, and the rewards—and challenges—of building a career in the modern auto repair industry.

Timestamps:
00:00 The Power of Networking

07:13 "Homelessness to Triumph Story"

14:42 Valuing Talent in Industry

18:04 Balancing Work and Family Time

25:23 DRB3 vs. Y Tech Challenges

30:59 "Frustration, Help, and Connection"

36:37 "Patent Dispute and YouTube Fallout"

37:18 "My Tool is the Best"

43:58 "Discovering His Channel Journey"

49:55 Building Connections Through Snapchat

58:33 Addiction, Trauma, and Crime Connection

59:17 Changing Perspectives on Redemption

01:09:09 "Duralast Crank Sensor Solution"

01:12:05 Sequoia Airbag Sensor Fix

01:19:43 "Elite Techs Gather at Vision"

01:21:40 "Adapting Business for Success"

01:28:44 Diagnostic Tech Shortage Crisis

01:32:16 "No Ceiling for You"

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Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.

Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE

Register NOW for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference coming up HERE

In this episode, Jeff is joined by David Peacock, a mobile mechanic based in Calgary, Alberta. David talks about his life as a subcontractor, pointing out it's pros and it's cons. He's had plenty of run-ins with harsh Canadian winters and long commutes. They also bring up the current tech shortage and what needs to happen to see it improve.

Timestamps:
00:00 Fort McMurray: Canada's Boom Town

08:28 Leaving Toxic Work Environments

13:57 "Embracing Mobile Work Independence"

17:29 "Automotive Collaboration Challenges"

25:32 Fleet Operating Costs Insights

30:14 Truck Inspections and Frame Issues

35:05 Dealer Warranty Issues Persist

38:22 "Commission-Based Confusion in Charges"

46:06 "Vacation Saved, Gratitude Earned"

52:41 Oil Change Frustrations

57:27 Autel Remote Shop Experience

01:01:35 TPMS Tool Usage Tips

01:07:15 "Low-Maintenance Generational Drivers"

01:10:31 Miscommunication Leads to Customer Frustration

01:20:38 "Advisor Weakness in Auto Industry"

01:23:41 Understanding Oil Leak Perceptions

01:27:49 "Choosing Stability Over Ambition"

01:36:03 Experience Doesn't Guarantee Mastery

01:39:20 Start Small, Build Understanding

01:43:13 "Technician Time and Process"

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Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.

Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE

Register for Tektonic HERE!

In this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with Amber Wright, VP of Business Development at Tekmetric, and Aaron Szafran, a former shop operator now with Tekmetric. Amber and Aaron share firsthand insights on how shop management software like Tekmetric can transform daily operations—emphasizing the importance of embracing change, streamlining shop processes, and building trust with customers through transparency and modern technology like DVIs (Digital Vehicle Inspections).

Timestamps:
00:00 "Community and Growth in Industry"

06:40 Shop Efficiency and Cost Challenges

14:53 Building Trust Over Efficiency

20:29 Adapting to New Shop Systems

21:59 Cloud Transition and Data Security

31:02 Proactive Customer Care Benefits

36:46 Enhancing Customer Journey Communication

38:03 Overbooking Risks in Auto Shops

46:59 Defining "Fair" in Business Pricing

51:42 "Decisions Driving Customer Experience"

53:59 "Powerful Customer-Focused Tech Support"

01:01:47 Truthful Advocacy Without Tough Spots

01:08:03 Seamless Business Transition Process

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Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.

Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE

Wanna go to Tekmetric's first ever industry training event Tektonic? Register HERE

In this episode, Jeff welcomes Sherwood Cook II and Sherwood Cook III of Royalty Auto for an in-depth conversation at ASTA 2025. The trio highlights the importance of advocacy in the automotive industry, emphasizing honest communication and putting the customer’s safety and best interests first. They discuss the current challenges facing independent shops, from the technician shortage to the escalating costs of tools and access to training, and explore ways to attract and retain the next generation of technicians.

Timestamps:
00:00 "Safety Over Inconvenience Prioritized"

05:41 "Rapid Channel Success Explained"

11:12 "Sharing Training for Struggling Techs"

18:27 "Passion for Lifelong Training"

22:16 Micah's Creative Remote Control Hack

30:24 Streamlined Auto Service Conversations

35:31 "Assessing Vehicle Needs Insightfully"

39:45 The Dilemma of Discounting

43:11 "Practical Repairs Over Perfection"

48:44 Passionate Mechanic's Reflection

57:09 "Mentors, Survival, and Tool Humor"

01:00:51 "First Tools and Truck Shop"

01:04:14 Budget Tools vs Premium Quality

01:08:34 Bought Used Scanner, Regret Depreciation

01:14:47 Tech Industry Workforce Shortage

01:22:30 Hands-On Summer Skills Camp

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Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.

Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE

Register NOW for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference coming up HERE

This episode was recorded at the ASTA Expo in Raleigh, North Carolina. You should go next year!

Jeff Compton, Ethan Whidden and Stacy Black from Promotive have a conversation about how Promotive is now using AI with their virtual recruiter, Paige, to pre-screen candidates around the clock and ensure no great technician is unhappy at work. They also talk about how both shop owners and technicians need a good shop culture, continued training, and flexibility in benefits like PTO and four-day workweeks.

Timestamps:
00:00 Recording at ASTA Expo - Looking Forward to AAPEX

08:02 Shop Culture and Expectations

15:29 "Missing the Shop Dogs"

18:13 Embrace Continuous Technical Training

25:55 Headset Restrictions Spark Workplace Debate

29:52 "Prioritizing Safety Under Pressure"

36:01 Shop Owners' Hiring Frustrations

37:06 Hiring: Reputation and Compatibility Insights

45:46 Decision-Making and Consultation Process

47:27 Balancing Tech and Shop Perspectives

54:44 "Service Advisors Need Empathy Training"

58:27 Effective Brake Maintenance Communication

01:03:38 Aligning for Industry Improvement

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Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.

Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE

Register for Tektonic HERE!

In this episode, Jeff Compton is joined by Joel McLearn, shop owner from Nova Scotia. Today, he and Jeff get into the nitty-gritty shop management conversation from decisions about hiring and firing, to handling parts quality and pricing, and navigating the emotional side of customer service and business partnerships. And wait till you hear about the car battery incident!

Timestamps:
00:00 It's Getting COLD in Canada!

20:26 Confusion in Brake Inspection Practices

30:19 "Effective Rust Prevention Techniques"

31:47 Enduring Ford Engine Issues

51:17 Minimum Charges in Service Industry

56:28 Embarrassing Car Battery Incident

01:12:58 Bridging Dealer-Aftermarket Divide

01:21:30 Choosing Cost-Effective Car Repair

01:24:00 Car Emission Testing Process Updated

01:39:44 Effective Communication Strategies

01:47:40 Misleading DVI Practices at Dealerships

01:56:29 Proving Value Through Repairs

02:06:51 Service Advisor Accountability Required

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