Improving Attitudes and Respecting Other Professionals The Jaded Mechanic Talks With TobaTech From TikTok
About this episode
Mark Elliott, known as Toba Tech on TikTok, shares his journey from a jaded mechanic to a passionate automotive content creator. Discussing the challenges of the automotive industry, including mentorship, training, and the importance of quality work, Mark emphasizes the need for respect among professionals. He reflects on his experiences with various shops and the impact of social media on networking and knowledge sharing. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of automotive repair, including the rise of EVs and the importance of adapting to new technologies.
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In this episode of our podcast, we have a candid conversation with Mark Elliott, also known as Toba Tech on TikTok. Mark dives into his experiences working in a tire shop, discussing the challenges and demands of the job, especially during the busy snow tire season. He shares insights into the long hours, with shifts stretching from seven in the morning to seven at night, Monday to Thursday, and how his team manages the intense workload. Mark also talks about the recent changes under his new boss, including the option to work overtime during peak periods, which has led to record-setting months for the shop. Tune in to hear Mark's personal take on the automotive service industry and his rise on social media platforms like TikTok.
[00:01:35] TikTok and automotive content.
[00:05:19] Fishing in Winnipeg
[00:08:52] Career uncertainty after nine years.
[00:09:06] Mechanic job experiences.
[00:14:59] Mentorship in the industry.
[00:15:03] Apprenticeship program challenges.
[00:19:31] Job performance and car repairs.
[00:21:42] Ford quality and German cars.
[00:22:44] A career transition and growth.
[00:28:43] Valuing ourselves in the industry.
[00:30:47] Transitioning to quality repairs.
[00:33:53] Cheap customers and aftermarket parts.
[00:39:36] EVs and hybrids in automotive.
[00:40:39] EVs and higher disposable income.
[00:44:17] The need for technological adaptation.
[00:47:10] Specialization of transmission repairs.
[00:51:11] Recalling faulty vehicle parts.
[00:55:18] Engine block coolant intrusion.
[00:58:19] Social media and the industry.
[01:02:43] The toxic end of networking.
[01:04:20] Calling out social media behavior.
[01:07:00] Approaching transmissions and systems.
[01:11:33] Custom car exhaust work.
[01:13:27] Quality of aftermarket car parts.
[01:15:52] Difficulty with seized wheel bearings.
[01:21:21] Technician shortage and business potential.
[01:22:03] Finding skilled workers and immigrants.
[01:26:27] Realness of the podcast.
[01:28:59] Networking and building relationships.
[01:31:34] Confrontation and understanding in conversations.
[01:34:45] Gratitude and Excitement.
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TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232
American Motors Corporation (Amc) Javelin
"... around. I think it was the one teacher's old AMX Javelin. And they're all like, oh yeah, this is a big old..."
Ford Escape
"...I'm just watching this guy and we give him a Ford Escape control arm, right? And it pays you 1.7. Three an..."
Patriot Jeep Patriot
"... where he did like a press and wheel bearing on a jeep patriot and 45 minutes he fucked with this the c-clip don..."
Nissan Rogue
"...ike, all right, give Like a smaller than a Nissan Rogue. I did one of them on Thursday and I was cursing...."
Toyota A90
"Like a smaller than a Nissan Rogue. I did one of them on Thursday and I was cursing. Cause it was higher mileage. It was like a 90, but you a chance he shows up and the tools oh my god massive toolbox he had like enough to run a whole shop and we're like okay like some of this has to go like it should be just we're small shop right we don't have the room for this but anyways first week on first week on the job and for me because like i'm i get the chance now to run the shop right i'm running the shop the back shop right now And I always like to just watch the guys and just see what they can do before, you know, I want to instill, like, the way we like to do things. And I'm just watching this guy"
Chevrolet Silverado
"...ut man, now, like I priced an encoder motor for a Silverado Sierra. It was five. 55 cents more money at the d..."
Chevrolet Cruze
"...I mean? And you compare it to like an Econox or a Cruze. Look, is a Chevy Cruze better No, it's not. A Hy..."
Chevrolet Bel Air
"...especially like, you know, you get an old, an old Bel Air or something like that. Like it's, yes, it had to..."
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