The Tune Up Podcast

The bond between people, cars, and automotive culture is ever-changing, and reshaping the industry in exciting ways. This year at SEMA, the crew gathered together with industry experts to discuss how the latest trends are inspiring the next generation of gearheads, technicians, and automotive professionals.In Part 2 of 2 of this topic, the crew spoke with Bob Morreale, President of The Tuning School, to talk about how his passion for automotive tuning not only led to the creation of a successful business but also positioned The Tuning School as a leader in high-performance education. Bob and the crew dive into the current influence of social media on the automotive industry and discuss how to ignite the next generation’s passion for tuning and car culture — more specifically how young enthusiasts can turn their interests into careers.The Tuning School is an industry leader in High-Performance Tuning Knowledge, offering specialized courses in high-performance vehicle tuning, providing hands-on training and expert support. With step-by-step learning materials and online resources, it’s ideal for enthusiasts, technicians, and shops seeking to master vehicle tuning. Visit www.thetuningschool.com to learn more!

The bond between people, cars, and automotive culture is ever-changing and reshaping the industry in exciting ways. This year at SEMA, the crew gathered together with industry experts to discuss how the latest trends are inspiring the next generation of gearheads, technicians, and automotive professionals.In Part 1 of 2, the crew sits down with Chris Stewart, Founder & President of GRIDLIFE, to talk about how their events are transforming car culture and fueling a bright future for young talent. This is the episode to tune into if you want to hear about where car culture is headed next and ideas on how to inspire the next generation to not only stay in the industry, but also how they can thrive and help shape its future.GRIDLIFE is a unique motorsport brand that blends high-energy track events with the car culture community. Known for its grassroots racing, drifting, car shows, and live music, GRIDLIFE brings together enthusiasts, drivers, and creators to celebrate all things automotive in an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience. Visit https://www.grid.life to learn more and find upcoming events!

SEMA 2024 is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited! In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the automotive aftermarket. How is the landscape shaping up, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for the industry?Are you pumped for SEMA and AAPEX this year? Be sure to stop by the Shopmonkey booth  — we would love to meet you! You’ll find us at SEMA, booth #11861 (North Hall), and at AAPEX in Joe’s Garage.

In this episode, we tackle the topic of reversing negative stereotypes toward automotive repair shops. We explore the root causes of these misconceptions, from poor past experiences to a lack of transparency, and discuss actionable steps repair shops can take to rebuild trust with customers. Tune in to discover how improved communication, customer education, and modern technology are reshaping the way people perceive auto repair services, changing the narrative around the industry.

What are the pros and cons of specialization in auto repair? How niche should a shop be? Is it beneficial to for shops to specialize by vehicle type or type of work, or better to be a shop that does it all? The big question: what is better for business? Tune in to hear the crew’s thoughts.

What if you gave every customer a $5 gift card to enjoy a coffee at the cafe down the street while they waited for their vehicle? In this episode, the crew is coming in hot with game-changing tips and advice for shop owners to create unforgettable customer experiences and a vibrant presence within their local communities. Tune in to get access to creative ideas that are both practical and simple to execute, regardless of budget or business size. Links to resources discussed in this episode:https://www.youtube.com/@ConceptIIIPerformancehttps://www.shopmonkey.io/

Launching a successful auto repair shop is no small undertaking, but getting off on the right foot can make all the difference. Establishing the right tools and processes early on can lead to long-term benefits—more efficient operations, improved organization, an enhanced customer experience, and better insights into the business. It's also about creating a strong work culture that helps you attract and retain great employees. Tune in to hear the crew’s thoughts and discussion. 3:10KyleThe youtube video will be publishing at 6am tomorrow (June 4)

Online reviews — get them...or die? In this episode of the Tune Up Podcast, the crew discusses why it is critical for automotive shop owners to own and manage their online presence. Learn about the obvious (and not so obvious) benefits of gathering and responding to customer reviews and discover some practical steps to boost your online reputation. Watch the full video of the podcast on the Shopmonkey Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/kZyndMJpY58

Does AI play a significant role in the near and distant future of the automotive service industry? In this episode, the team tackles the topic of how AI might assist the various roles within shops and where we see it starting to show up already. We also discuss why some people are afraid of AI, and whether or not they should they be. Tune in to hear the crew's thoughts.

In this episode of The Tune Up Podcast, the crew takes a peek into the crystal ball and pulls out predictions for the upcoming year in all-things-automotive. Car rental agencies are selling their EV fleets. Will the EV empire start to take a downturn and trend more toward hybrid vehicles again? Or will there be new entry points for EV late adopters?How will the current state of the economy and inflation influence the automotive market? Will modern payment structures such as BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) move the needle on increasing a shop’s ARO?What new types of technology and services will rise in popularity in everyday shops? We discuss dry ice blasting services, ADAS, and more. Tune in to hear the crew’s thoughts!Links to resources discussed in this episode:11:20 — Hot Take on “The Exciting Future of EV for Niche Customs”