Changing The Industry Podcast

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/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-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/profitabilityTransform 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/ShopMarketingProsShop 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, the conversation focused on Kobi Meyer's experience taking over his family's shop, Dana Meyer Auto Care, a San Francisco Bay Area staple for over 50 years. The discussion explored challenges unique to family-owned businesses, including the struggle to maintain a legacy while adapting to modern systems and higher costs of living. Several points came up, including the difficulty of paying competitive wages in an expensive market, the importance of a clear long-term vision for the business, and how coaching and software upgrades have helped strengthen shop operations.00:00 Struggling with finding passionate hires06:42 Streamlining operations and systems adjustments15:13 Buying in a gentrifying area18:38 Perception of others' earnings27:31 Living in a paradoxical paradise33:19 Midwest versus Coasts in Real Estate38:15 Stopping for Fried Chicken Lunch41:30 Reckless driving in the Midwest49:10 Discussing future expansion plans53:47 Planning for the Future58:30 Planning for the future01:01:32 Finding guidance is tricky

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/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-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/profitabilityTransform 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/ShopMarketingProsShop 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 welcome Josh Parnell, founder and CEO of Limitless Leadership, and leadership coach Bret Beitler. The conversation focuses on leadership development in the automotive industry, with Josh highlighting the importance of empowering team members and building a culture of coachability and accountability. The group explores the value and return on investment of team engagement at industry events, discussing both the benefits and the practical challenges of shutting down a shop for staff training.00:00 Concerns about closing the shop06:17 Employee engagement and productivity15:31 Previewing industry trends and vendors21:25 Encouraging team feedback and ideas26:20 Coaching through questions and discovery31:59 Embracing a coachable mindset35:02 Critiquing Social Media Consumption38:50 Conceptualizing Hypotheticals on Instagram46:46 Empowering leadership and team development48:58 Discussion on Milwaukee Pipeline Event59:06 Building a Future in the U.S.01:02:25 Awkward store encounter01:05:16 Wrapping up the discussion

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/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-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/profitabilityTransform 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/ShopMarketingProsShop 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 Underwood and David Roman join Brian Zemba, founder of CHG Leadership Consulting. Brian Zemba highlights the lack of leadership training among shop owners and the resulting impact on workplace culture and employee satisfaction. David Roman offers a counterpoint, questioning whether employees truly know what they want and emphasizing the challenges of motivating and retaining talent. Together, the trio explores the concept of "positive turnover"—helping employees find roles that fit their strengths, even if it means moving on—which can ultimately strengthen a shop's culture and success.00:00 Auto repair pricing and convenience09:40 Importance of Leadership Training13:25 Mechanics as consumer advocates17:56 Employee dependency and retention27:51 Using emotional intelligence32:25 Discussing effective communication and culture34:22 Understanding Positive Turnover42:48 Teaching kids entrepreneurship skills45:06 Coaching and wisdom in leadership50:34 Generational differences and workforce quality59:51 Being curious in business relationships01:01:18 Seeking understanding and ending conflict

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/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-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/profitabilityTransform 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/ShopMarketingProsShop 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, David and Lucas welcome Pixi Pickthall and Josh from Mesa, Arizona. Pixi and Josh share their unique approach to shop ownership, blending Josh’s decades of industry experience with Pixi’s social work background to create a highly personalized customer experience. The conversation dives deep into the challenges of setting proper labor rates, the importance of understanding financial metrics, and the need to balance quality service with fair profitability.00:00 Managing warehouse logistics09:25 Name change and market saturation12:50 Observations from working at dealership17:16 Challenges in hiring skilled technicians22:29 Implementing DVX for consistency29:16 Improving client experience36:25 Handling customer complaints39:22 Court warranty responsibility discussion45:55 Talking auto shop math basics49:50 Struggling with car ownership choices59:17 Financial stability and customer selection01:02:01 Seeking expert financial advice01:09:12 Auto Repair Shop Basics series01:10:48 Facing challenges and setbacks

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/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-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/profitabilityTransform 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/ShopMarketingProsShop 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 sit down with Joe Ocello and Tom Elder from AASP New Jersey to discuss the state of the mechanical and collision repair industries. Tom shares his perspective on the growing need for specialized education and proper documentation as vehicles become more technologically advanced. Joe emphasizes the importance of ongoing technical training and communication to keep independent shops competitive and safe.00:00 Teaching and building a skilled team08:22 Ignoring safety instructions14:35 Discussing mechanical challenges19:55 Dealership service concerns26:33 Replacing a deformed metal line28:52 Carrying on the industry's legacy34:24 Importance of business education42:42 Dealing with repair mishaps46:03 Discussing lawsuit strategy and repairs49:57 Used car ADAS diagnostic work58:46 Maryland ADAS certification debate01:00:51 Discussing automotive repair regulations01:08:25 Engaging shops beyond North Carolina01:10:31 Staying focused on future goals

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/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-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/profitabilityTransform 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/ShopMarketingProsShop 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, the conversation focused on Rich Fasulo's career journey, also known as Check Engine Chuck, as he shared his path from mobile diagnostics to shop ownership and back. One concept discussed was the importance of charging appropriately for diagnostic and repair work, with a strong emphasis on valuing your time and not giving away discounts out of pocket. A key theme that emerged was the struggle to balance caring for customers with running a profitable, sustainable business—highlighting how industry integrity depends on both technical skill and smart business decisions.00:00 Choosing between shop and mobile business06:56 Failing van inspection in New York08:19 Fixing my car with a friend11:42 Fixing a wheel balance issue14:25 Learning from Scannerdanner videos19:54 Writing detailed explanations for claims23:37 Ensuring quality and reputation25:38 Frustration with lack of effort27:23 Frustration with tech industry's focus30:26 Reflecting on past business failures35:51 Explaining billing to customers38:59 Realizing a Habitual Pattern42:03 Learning from industry peers44:34 Sharing videos for personal reasons48:38 Diagnosing and strategizing module repairs51:47 Troubleshooting a no-crank issue53:37 Bringing in more mechanical vendors

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/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-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/profitabilityTransform 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/ShopMarketingProsShop 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, the conversation focused on transitions into shop ownership, the challenges of maintaining industry standards, and planning for long-term success. The discussion explored how entering the automotive industry from a corporate background can offer a unique advantage, especially in management and process implementation. A key theme was the importance of building a strong shop culture rooted in quality and integrity, even when customer awareness often hinges more on convenience than craftsmanship. Lastly, several points highlighted the need to prepare exit strategies and succession plans early, ensuring shop owners are ready for both expected and unexpected changes in their business journeys.00:00 Airport confusion during an emergency05:04 Visiting the 9/11 Memorial Museum07:52 The importance of personal artifacts13:07 Struggles with delegation in auto shops16:44 Starting coaching with confidence17:18 Embracing Change to Drive Growth21:54 Father-in-law's car passion26:27 Long-term planning for business owners28:20 Learning about health savings accounts33:01 Attending a life-changing class36:53 Working in car parts sales38:18 Realizing customers don't notice quality43:06 Proper car wheel maintenance45:12 Ensuring job tasks are completed49:19 Discussing shop culture impact53:38 Workplace culture and technician skills57:05 Values and integrity in coaching58:52 Building a supportive team

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/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-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/profitabilityTransform 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/ShopMarketingProsShop 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 Underwood and David Roman are joined by Colin Thielman, owner of Thielman's Auto Repair in Pemberton, New Jersey. Colin shares his journey from running a busy home-based garage to opening a dedicated shop, emphasizing the steep learning curve and the importance of building out documentation and management systems. The conversation also covers adapting to new automotive technologies and the need for continuous training, as well as the crucial role of detailed financial tracking in scaling a business.00:00 Facing tough feedback and growth03:43 Managing workflow and staying busy09:25 Checking vehicle calibration needs12:39 Discussing insurance coverage options13:55 Insurance issues with car lifts19:14 Adjusting labor rates21:11 Analyzing car sales and costs24:42 Prius ABS module recall27:04 Discussing client concerns and liabilities29:23 Diagnosing car start issues35:31 Planning for retirement36:49 Discussing a faulty Chevy Avalanche39:47 Documenting vehicle condition with photos42:39 Hershey management training advice45:24 Training a New Employee51:10 Getting into diesel truck repair51:43 Balancing finances for survival

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/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-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/profitabilityTransform 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/ShopMarketingProsShop 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 Cavan Robinson and Tony Mercury of Vehlo from STX 2026. Cavan and Tony explore the evolving trade show landscape, discussing how rising costs and market saturation have changed their approach to event participation. They also dive into the growing influence of AI in the industry, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges it brings to shop management and marketing.00:00 Evaluating trade show expenses10:25 Finding the right trade show staff14:31 Attending the Northeast Show and Milwaukee Event17:37 Improving event attendance strategies25:47 Issues with recurring trade shows30:12 Questioning Technical Training Value35:21 Lunch with Margaret discussing retirement38:42 Advice for growing your business46:56 AI's impact on SEO strategies53:41 Managing AI Data and Partnerships57:36 Using GuestX for call issues01:00:29 Catfish leads to divorce

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/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-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/profitabilityTransform 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/ShopMarketingProsShop 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, Jim Montagner, a traveling GM world-class tech and owner of Valley Motor Auto and Truck, shares his unconventional entry into the automotive industry, beginning as a Vo-Tech student and eventually moving from independent shops to dealerships. Jim details the challenges of transitioning to mobile diagnostics, emphasizing the importance of sound business practices, such as bookkeeping and proper pricing, to sustain and eventually grow his business. The conversation explores the necessity of ongoing education in both technical skills and business management, highlighting the critical balance between delivering quality repairs and ensuring business profitability.00:00 Choosing a career path06:27 Discussing the cost of living06:56 Finding inspiration from others10:44 Expanding from diesel to general repairs15:28 Customer perceptions of mobile repair costs18:39 Talking to shop owners20:10 Pricing strategy challenges25:04 Unqualified mechanics hurting reputation28:38 Managing inconsistent work hours31:56 Navigating business start-up challenges33:27 Check Engine Chuck's viral success36:58 Finding first big job by chance41:49 Pricing for profitability in auto shops45:30 Learning ECM and EEPROM Programming48:39 Vacation scheduling challenges49:26 Making weekend plans55:33 Understanding Business Profit Margins57:27 Reading business books for success59:39 Planning future recording session