{"version":"1.1.0","producer":"fm.getcarcurious","layer":"official","episode":{"title":"Honest Conversations Move the Industry Forward","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/honest-conversations-move-the-industry-forward","audioUrl":"https://www.buzzsprout.com/940384/episodes/19313716-honest-conversations-move-the-industry-forward.mp3","description":"Chris Craig—Fixed Ops Curriculum Developer at RockED and content creator with 135,000 followers across platforms—has built his following by saying the things most people are afraid to post. In this episode, he breaks down why showing both sides of every industry argument is slowly shifting the culture, from the ASE certification debate to the 30/30/30 myth, what shops get wrong when hiring new grads, and the financial traps that push young techs out of the trade.Watch the video recordingAbout the EpisodeHost: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Chris Craig, RockED, chris.craig@rocked.usLinks & ResourcesGet notified of new episodes --> Join our email listJoin the ASE Connects CommunityASE Connects brings shops, dealerships, and schools together in one structured network to strengthen the technician pipeline. By making it easier to connect, collaborate, and support students through job shadows, internships, and classroom engagement, ASE Connects helps schools build stronger programs and helps shops develop a more consistent, local source of future technicians. Learn more:ASE Connects Memberships for Shops & DealersASE Connects Memberships for Schools (Free!)Connect with us on social:FacebookInstagramXLinkedInYouTubeTikTok"},"annotations":[{"id":408648,"startTime":327.0,"endTime":341.4,"type":"term","title":"ASE","url":"/glossary/ase","quote":"AndI usuallydothatinapost,likeaspiritoflikemythbustingASCstuff becausepeoplewillsay,Oh,there'snohands-onportionofthetest,soit'snotaqualitycertification,orIalsohearit'sjustabunchofcorporatepeopleinsuitsthatcomeupwiththosetestquestions,notactualtechnicians.","canonicalId":"term:ase","priority":0.75,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"ASE refers to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, which runs standardized certification tests for automotive technicians. In this segment, the host is talking about how ASE certification is earned and how people debate whether it reflects real hands-on skill.","simplifiedExplanation":"ASE is a well-known organization that tests and certifies auto technicians. The idea is to show you have proven skills, not just that you work in the industry."}},{"id":408649,"startTime":341.4,"endTime":356.2,"type":"concept","title":"hands-on experience","url":"/glossary/hands-on-experience","quote":"AndtheseareallthingsthatweknowASChasthingsinplacetocircumventandgoaround,andtechniciansareinvolvedinthatquestionuhcreationprocess,andyouhavetohavehands-onexperience.\n[351.8s] Whileit'snotahands-ontest,youhavetohavethatexperiencedocumentedtoearnthatASCcertification.","canonicalId":"concept:hands-on-experience","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In technician certification debates, “hands-on experience” means real time working on vehicles, not just studying theory or answering questions. The host uses it to argue that credible credentials should reflect practical shop-floor competence.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Hands-on experience” means actually working on cars in the real world. The host is saying certification should be based on that practical experience, not just book knowledge."}},{"id":408650,"startTime":351.8,"endTime":390.0,"type":"term","title":"ASC certification","url":"/glossary/asc-certification","quote":"Whileit'snotahands-ontest,youhavetohavethatexperiencedocumentedtoearnthatASCcertification.","canonicalId":"term:asc-certification","priority":0.8,"confidence":0.55,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"ASC certification is being discussed as a credential technicians can earn through documented experience and testing. The host argues that while it may not be a hands-on test in the moment, it still requires experience and is meant to be credible to employers and customers.","simplifiedExplanation":"ASC certification is a credential that says a technician has met certain standards. The host is saying it’s tied to experience and is meant to be a trustworthy proof of skill."}},{"id":408651,"startTime":368.1,"endTime":374.2,"type":"term","title":"OEM certifications","url":"/glossary/oem-certifications","quote":"Everycommentwaslikenotworththepaperiswrittenon,nobodycaresaboutthat.\n[368.1s] OEMcertificationsareandalwayswillbeking.","canonicalId":"term:oem-certifications","priority":0.65,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"OEM certifications are credentials issued by, or tied to, the original equipment manufacturer (the automaker). The host claims OEM certifications are “king,” meaning they carry extra weight in the industry because they’re specific to a brand’s systems and training."}},{"id":408652,"startTime":376.5,"endTime":390.0,"type":"concept","title":"third-party certifying body","url":"/glossary/third-party-certifying-body","quote":"it'sgettingtothepointnowwhereit'sgettingabout50-50,um,wherealotofthepositivecomments I'mseeingislike,Iactuallylikehavingathird-partycertifyingbodyfortechniciansoutthere.","canonicalId":"concept:third-party-certifying-body","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.78,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A third-party certifying body is an independent organization that evaluates technicians rather than the automaker or employer doing it directly. The host likes this approach because it can provide portable credentials that aren’t locked to one dealership network.","simplifiedExplanation":"A third-party certifying body is an outside organization that checks and certifies technicians. The host thinks it’s helpful because it can make your certification count even if you change jobs or brands."}},{"id":408653,"startTime":420.5,"endTime":430.1,"type":"term","title":"blue belt","quote":"Ilike tocompareittojujitsu,becauseI'maBrazilianjiu-jitsupractitioner,abluebelt.\n[424.6s] Um,wehaveabeltsystemforranks,right?","canonicalId":"term:blue-belt","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, belt colors indicate rank and skill level. The host uses “blue belt” as an analogy for how certification and experience can signal competence to others.","simplifiedExplanation":"In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, belt colors show your rank and skill. The host is using it as a simple way to explain how credentials can communicate experience."}},{"id":408654,"startTime":649.9,"endTime":730.48,"type":"term","title":"video inspections","url":"/glossary/video-inspections","quote":"Andvideoinspectionsisagoodexampleofthat becauseI'lltalkfromlike,you know,thebusinessperspective.\nThere'salotofgreatdataouttherethatifyouusevideoinspectionsonaregularbasis,yourcustomerpayrepairorderscanbeincreasedby20to30percent.","canonicalId":"term:video-inspections","priority":0.75,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Video inspections” are when a shop records the vehicle condition (often with the technician narrating) and shares that footage with the customer before work is approved. The goal is to make findings easier to understand, which can increase how many repair orders customers agree to. In this segment, the host ties it to higher customer approval rates and technician efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"Video inspections mean the shop records what’s wrong with your car (usually on video) and shows it to you. Instead of just saying “it needs work,” they can point to the exact issue on camera. The host says this can lead to more approved repairs and better efficiency."}},{"id":408655,"startTime":655.2,"endTime":661.9,"type":"term","title":"customer pay repair orders","url":"/glossary/customer-pay-repair-orders","quote":"There'salotofgreatdataouttherethatifyouusevideoinspectionsonaregularbasis,yourcustomerpayrepairorderscanbeincreasedby20to30percent.\nThattellsmetheywork.","canonicalId":"term:customer-pay-repair-orders","priority":0.65,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Customer pay repair orders” are repair jobs that the customer approves and pays for (as opposed to warranty work, internal goodwill, or other non-customer-funded categories). Shops track this because it reflects how effectively they diagnose issues and communicate them. Here, the host claims video inspections can raise the share of repairs that customers pay for by 20–30%."}},{"id":408656,"startTime":682.5,"endTime":687.7,"type":"concept","title":"training","url":"/glossary/training","quote":"However,theyneedtobetrainedonhowtodoeffectivevideoinspectionssotheycanactuallyreceivethosehours.\nIthinkthere'ssomethingtobetalkedaboutofmaybethrowthemacoupleoftentsforthosegoodvideoinspectionsreachingthecustomerandthingslikethat.","canonicalId":"concept:training","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In this context, “training” means teaching technicians how to perform video inspections effectively—so the footage and explanation are clear enough to drive customer approvals. The host argues that without training, technicians may see video inspections as extra work rather than a tool that helps them get paid for efficient, accurate diagnosis. This frames training as a prerequisite for realizing the business benefits.","simplifiedExplanation":"Here, “training” means showing technicians how to do the video inspection the right way. Without that, it can feel like extra steps that don’t help. The host says training helps technicians use video inspections effectively so they can benefit from them."}},{"id":408657,"startTime":720.7,"endTime":726.5,"type":"concept","title":"opposing forces","quote":"Wedothatwithopposingforces.\nIfI'mgoinglike this with just one hand back and forth on the screen,I can't be as accurate.","canonicalId":"concept:opposing-forces","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Opposing forces” here is a metaphor for how using both hands (and thus applying balanced input) improves precision. The host uses it to explain why doing video inspections with a more structured, two-sided approach can improve accuracy compared with a less controlled, one-sided method. It’s not a physics term in the automotive sense, but it’s a named idea used to justify process changes.","simplifiedExplanation":"The host is using “opposing forces” as a metaphor. The idea is that when you use both sides in a controlled way, you can be more precise than if you’re only doing it one way. They’re applying that to how they present information on video."}},{"id":408658,"startTime":1114.4,"endTime":1129.4,"type":"term","title":"3030-30 rule","url":"/glossary/3030-30-rule","quote":"Haveyoueverheardofthe3030-30rule? ... Sothe3030-30rulewentaroundsocialmediaprobablysixmonthsago.","canonicalId":"term:3030-30-rule","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The “30/30/30 rule” is a social-media claim about automotive technicians: you supposedly need about $30,000 worth of tools, $30,000 worth of school debt, and you’ll make about $30,000 per year. In this segment, the host says the rule is widely repeated but not accurate, especially the idea that you need that much money up front to start working.","simplifiedExplanation":"The “30/30/30 rule” is a popular internet idea that says new auto technicians must spend about $30,000 on tools and have about $30,000 in school debt, and then they’ll make about $30,000 a year. The speaker is saying that’s basically a myth and doesn’t match real life."}},{"id":408659,"startTime":1129.4,"endTime":1141.8,"type":"term","title":"school debt","url":"/glossary/school-debt","quote":"thatbeanautomotivetechnician,youneedtohavethirtythousanddollarsoftools,thirtythousanddollarsofschooldebttomakethirtythousanddollarsayear.","canonicalId":"term:school-debt","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“School debt” here refers to student loans or other borrowing used to pay for automotive training. The segment uses it as part of the “30/30/30 rule” claim about the cost of becoming a technician.","simplifiedExplanation":"In this context, “school debt” means money you owe from loans taken out to pay for training or schooling. The speaker brings it up to explain a claim about what it supposedly costs to become a technician."}},{"id":408660,"startTime":1526.4,"endTime":1572.9,"type":"term","title":"mentorship","url":"/glossary/mentorship","quote":"Whattheyhaveisaverysolidfoundationofautomotivetheoryandsomehands-onexperiencedependingontheschool,andthey'rereadytohitthegroundrunning,buttheystillneedthatmentorship,they'stillneedthattraining,they'stillneedthatguidance,uh,\nuh,andtheyneeditinalotofdifferentcategoriesthattheyjustdon'treceiveitininalotofcases.","canonicalId":"term:mentorship","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Mentorship in a shop context means experienced technicians guiding newer hires—showing correct procedures, helping interpret symptoms, and correcting mistakes. The segment argues that this guidance is what bridges the gap between school theory and real-world work.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mentorship here means a more experienced person helping a newer tech learn the job the right way. The host says that kind of guidance is often missing when people start working."}},{"id":408661,"startTime":1566.2,"endTime":1572.9,"type":"term","title":"diagnostics","url":"/glossary/diagnostics","quote":"Butasfarasbeingaccurateindiagnosticsandstuff,thatstilltakeshands-ontrainingandrepetitiontogettothatpoint.\nYouneedtohavethatmentorship.","canonicalId":"term:diagnostics","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Diagnostics is the process of figuring out what’s causing a problem by using tests, measurements, and systematic troubleshooting. The host emphasizes that accurate diagnostics still requires hands-on training and repetition, not just certification or classroom theory.","simplifiedExplanation":"Diagnostics means figuring out what’s wrong with a car using tests and careful troubleshooting. The host is saying you can’t learn that fully from school alone—you need practice."}},{"id":408662,"startTime":1589.2,"endTime":1598.1,"type":"term","title":"lube tech","url":"/glossary/lube-tech","quote":"Iwatchedsomanylubetechsstraightoutofcollege,comeintothedealershipI wasworkinginandfinancethebiggest,nicestsnap-onboxyou'veeverseen.\nTheycan'taffordtofillit.","canonicalId":"term:lube-tech","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A lube tech is an entry-level shop role focused on lubrication services—typically oil changes and other routine fluid/maintenance tasks. The segment uses it to describe how some new hires get pushed into expensive tool financing before they’re fully trained for the job.","simplifiedExplanation":"A lube tech is usually an entry-level mechanic who does basic maintenance like oil changes and other routine checks. The point here is that some people start in that role without enough training or support."}},{"id":408663,"startTime":1589.2,"endTime":1598.1,"type":"brand","title":"Snap-on","url":"/glossary/snap-on","quote":"Iwatchedsomanylubetechsstraightoutofcollege,comeintothedealershipI wasworkinginandfinancethebiggest,nicestsnap-onboxyou'veeverseen.\nTheycan'taffordtofillit.","canonicalId":"brand:snap-on","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Snap-on is a premium tool brand known for professional-grade hand tools and tool storage used in dealerships and repair shops. In this segment, it’s referenced as the “biggest, nicest” tool box/kit a new lube technician might finance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Snap-on is a well-known brand of high-end mechanic tools. The host is saying some new techs get expensive Snap-on tool setups right away, even if they can’t really afford the payments."}},{"id":408664,"startTime":1599.2,"endTime":1604.8,"type":"term","title":"APY","url":"/glossary/apy","quote":"Theygointodebt25,35%APYbecausetheygotsoldoffatrucksomewhere.\nAndthenthey'relikesixmonthsintoit,like,Idon'tevenknowthisisifthisisforme.","canonicalId":"term:apy","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"APY (annual percentage yield) is the yearly interest rate you earn or pay when interest compounds over time. In the context of financing, a high APY means the total cost of borrowing can grow quickly, especially if you’re already stretched financially.","simplifiedExplanation":"APY is the interest rate on a loan, shown as a yearly number. If it’s high, the loan gets more expensive faster because the interest can build on itself."}},{"id":408665,"startTime":1654.0,"endTime":1654.0,"type":"term","title":"Ohm's law","url":"/glossary/ohm-s-law","quote":"They can explain to you Ohm's law and electrical theory, and they know all the components on a car and how they kind of work together...","canonicalId":"term:ohm-s-law","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Ohm's law is a basic electrical relationship that links voltage, current, and resistance. In automotive diagnostics, it helps you reason about electrical circuits when you’re checking sensors, wiring, and power/ground paths.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ohm's law is a simple rule for electricity. It helps you figure out how voltage, current, and resistance relate, which is useful when diagnosing electrical problems in a car."}},{"id":408666,"startTime":1654.0,"endTime":1654.0,"type":"term","title":"electrical theory","url":"/glossary/electrical-theory","quote":"They can explain to you Ohm's law and electrical theory, and they know all the components on a car and how they kind of work together...","canonicalId":"term:electrical-theory","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.78,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Electrical theory is the set of concepts used to understand how circuits behave—like how current flows, how loads draw power, and how faults show up. For technicians, it’s the foundation for systematic electrical diagnosis instead of guessing.","simplifiedExplanation":"Electrical theory is the “how electricity works” background. It helps a technician test circuits logically and find where a problem is coming from."}},{"id":408667,"startTime":1661.7,"endTime":1673.0,"type":"concept","title":"flat rate tech diagnosing vehicles on a daily basis","url":"/glossary/flat-rate-tech-diagnosing-vehicles-on-a-daily-basis","quote":"Now they got to get their hands on it on a repetitive basis in a lives shop with all the stresses that come with it to really get to that point where they're fundamentally ready to be like a flat rate tech diagnosing vehicles on a daily basis.","canonicalId":"concept:flat-rate-tech-diagnosing-vehicles-on-a-daily-basis","priority":0.42,"confidence":0.82,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Flat rate” is a pay system where technicians are paid a set amount per job (often based on a published labor time), rather than an hourly wage. It can increase pressure to work quickly, which affects how new techs learn and how they approach diagnostics.","simplifiedExplanation":"Flat rate means you get paid a fixed amount for each job, not by the hour. That can make the job feel rushed, especially when you’re still learning how to diagnose problems."}},{"id":408668,"startTime":1695.8,"endTime":1700.0,"type":"term","title":"Macuhscrewdrivers","quote":"I spent 85 buckson asetof Macuhscrewdrivers, and Ididn'tneed Macscrewdrivers like at all.","canonicalId":"term:macuhscrewdrivers","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.45,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This appears to be a transcription error for a specific screwdriver brand (likely “Mac”/“Mac Tools”). The speaker’s point is about early-career tool spending—buying specialty tools before you actually need them.","simplifiedExplanation":"This sounds like a tool brand name (screwdrivers). The story is basically that the speaker bought expensive tools early, even though they didn’t really need them yet."}},{"id":408669,"startTime":1759.8,"endTime":1768.4,"type":"term","title":"PDI","url":"/glossary/pdi","quote":"He had come into areally entry-level position in the dealership, was more of like a porter PDI typeof person.","canonicalId":"term:pdi","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"PDI stands for Pre-Delivery Inspection, a checklist process done before a new vehicle is handed to the customer. In a dealership setting, entry-level roles may involve preparing cars and verifying basic items before delivery.","simplifiedExplanation":"PDI means Pre-Delivery Inspection. It’s the step where a dealership checks a new car before it’s given to the buyer."}},{"id":408670,"startTime":3626.7,"endTime":3634.0,"type":"car","title":"red F-150 2001 standard shift","url":"/cars/ford/f-150","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ae/2021_Ford_F-150_%28fourteenth_generation%29_front_view_01.png","quote":"Uh,thereasonwhythisismyfavoritevehicle,it'saredF-1502001standardshift.\n[3631.9s] Uh,Igotsomuchhistorywiththistruck.","canonicalId":"car:ford:f-150","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck, and the 2001 model is part of the early-2000s F-150 generation. “Standard shift” here means a manual transmission, which many enthusiasts prefer for direct driver control compared with automatics.","simplifiedExplanation":"That’s a Ford F-150 pickup from 2001, and “standard shift” means it had a manual transmission. A manual lets the driver choose the gears instead of the car doing it automatically.","imageAttribution":"Gold Pony (CC BY 3.0)","imageLicense":"CC BY 3.0","imageSourceUrl":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2021_Ford_F-150_(fourteenth_generation)_front_view_01.png"}},{"id":408671,"startTime":3686.6,"endTime":3689.3,"type":"term","title":"framesnapped","url":"/glossary/framesnapped","quote":"Um,theframesnappedinhalfonedayatthegasstation. Ihadtofixit.","canonicalId":"term:framesnapped","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Frame” refers to the truck’s main structural backbone that supports the body, suspension, and drivetrain. If the frame “snaps,” it’s a severe structural failure that can make the vehicle unsafe and often requires major repair or replacement.","simplifiedExplanation":"The frame is the main metal structure that everything else in the truck is attached to. If it “snaps,” the truck’s structure is broken, which is a big safety problem."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Jay Goninen","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/honest-conversations-move-the-industry-forward/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}