Auto Service World Conversations

Will Ferrell impersonator David Babcock may show up as Ron Burgundy, Ricky Bobby, or Buddy the Elf, but his real work is on the trade show floor. In this episode of Auto Service World Conversations, he walks through how entertainment and curiosity can turn a quiet booth into a steady stream of qualified leads. Babcock not only explains his strategy for targeting the right attendees and help exhibitors cut through “the gauntlet of chaos” on the show floor, but how any exhibitor can avoid wasted spend and risk-averse marketing — and why most booths fail to make attendees feel like a big deal.Support the show

Aftermarket expert Derek Suen joins this episode to talk about the evolution of innovation in the automotive aftermarket. He highlights the shift from fixing failures to predicting them, with technician feedback at the heart of new solutions. Derek explains the growing complexity facing shops and distributors, the importance of data-driven collaboration and the need for better communication across the industry. He also explores how European advancements in EV adoption and sustainability offer valuable lessons for North America. Tune in to hear how leadership in this sector now demands curiosity, empathy and a commitment to breaking down silos for more connected, future-ready service.Support the show

Young aftermarket leaders want clearer paths, more trust and better communication from today’s executives. Elisse Richardson, district sales manager at Driv and chair of Modern Industry eXpertise (MiX), a leadership council made up of young industry leaders, about research findings. She explores why only so few high-potential leaders feel unclear on advancement, why many hesitate to raise concerns and how shifting priorities without context erodes alignment. Richardson explains how reverse mentoring, over-communication and letting young leaders own decisions – and even fail – can improve retention and performance.Support the show

We have our full conversations with representatives from Volvo, Ford and Stellantis to share in this episode. We asked Matt Girgis from Volvo Canada about the impact of rebates, Chinese EVs and more, Said Deep talks about consumer choice and Ford’s plan to offer traditional aftermarket services to current vehicle owners, Kevy Stephen from Ford talks about the growth and plans for its Ford Pro mobile service and Brad Horn runs through all the new offerings from Stellantis and why they made sure to give customers a wide number of options to suit their needs. Support the show

At its annual trade show in Vancouver, Samantha and Ian Coates discuss how Lordco Auto Parts is navigating a shifting aftermarket shaped by economic pressure, changing consumer behaviour and rapid technology adoption. They reflect on a year that saw trade strength early and a retail rebound driven by the launch of Lordco’s e‑commerce platform. The conversation explores how customers are prioritizing vehicle repairs while keeping cars longer, Lordco’s focus on premium branded parts and the growing role of data and technology in improving service. The pair also touch on inventory discipline, regional market differences, store expansion plans and the challenge of workforce succession.Support the show

Auto Service World Conversations sits down with Emily Chung, the new president and CEO of AIA Canada, to reflect on her first 100 days in the role. Emily shares how her background as a technician, service advisor and shop owner shapes her leadership style, her focus on staff and stakeholder relationships, and how she’s leveraging lived experience to speak on key issues like right to repair, advanced vehicle technology and the technician shortage. She also tackles the disconnect between distributors and shops and explains how AIA Canada can help bridge critical communication gaps across the aftermarket.Support the show

Welcome to the enhanced media segment for the March issue of Jobber News. We’re featuring AIA Canada incoming chair Jason Herle with more of our discussion that couldn’t fit in the pages of the feature. Jason talks about how he learned from his predecessor Brent Hesje, who also once served as AIA Canada chair, his key messages for the industry plus, what advice he would give to professionals in the automotive aftermarket.Support the show

Kim Cottle, president and CEO of Associated Equipment, a manufacturer of battery chargers, shares her journey from joining her family’s business to becoming its leader, highlighting her passion for U.S.-based manufacturing and product innovation. She advocates for women’s involvement in the automotive industry, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, networking and leadership roles. Kim looks at how to adapt to industry challenges, prioritizing exceptional customer service and fostering trust through integrity and strong professional relationships. She offers advice on resilience, collaboration and maintaining a human touch in an evolving, technology-driven industry.Support the show

Ontario is facing a mounting tire crisis after regulatory changes lowered recycling targets from 85% to 65%, leaving millions of tires stranded across the province. Adam Moffatt, executive director of the Ontario Tire Dealers Association, about how reduced obligations have triggered service cutbacks, stockpiles and growing fire, safety, insurance and environmental risks, especially in rural areas. Moffatt outlines the urgent need for government intervention, higher targets and regulatory fixes, and calls on dealers, municipalities and consumers to pressure to help alleviate the situation. Support the show

We rounded up highlights following conversations with representatives from Volvo, Ford and Stellantis from the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto. During Media Day, Matt Girgis from Volvo Canada explores about the importance of government incentives, how much they’ll actually help and what impact Chinese EVs can have on the market, Said Deep from Ford tells us how Ford is making an effort to bring what was traditionally aftermarket business over to the dealer side of things and Brad Horn from Stellantis dove into the importance of customer choice when bringing vehicles to market.Support the show