The Sherwood's from !! ROYALTY AUTO SERVICE !! Talk the Future of the Industry
About this episode
A dynamic conversation unfolds as Jeff sits down with Sherwood Cook II and III from Royalty Auto Service at Asta 2025. They delve into the evolving automotive industry, discussing the importance of recruitment and advocacy for both technicians and customers. Sherwood Cook II shares a heartwarming story about a customer in need, highlighting the positive impact of community support. The trio also explores the challenges of attracting new talent to the trade, emphasizing the need for hands-on learning and breaking down industry stigmas. Their insights into the future of automotive service are both enlightening and inspiring.
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In this episode, Jeff welcomes Sherwood Cook II and Sherwood Cook III of Royalty Auto for an in-depth conversation at ASTA 2025. The trio highlights the importance of advocacy in the automotive industry, emphasizing honest communication and putting the customer’s safety and best interests first. They discuss the current challenges facing independent shops, from the technician shortage to the escalating costs of tools and access to training, and explore ways to attract and retain the next generation of technicians.
Timestamps:
00:00 "Safety Over Inconvenience Prioritized"
05:41 "Rapid Channel Success Explained"
11:12 "Sharing Training for Struggling Techs"
18:27 "Passion for Lifelong Training"
22:16 Micah's Creative Remote Control Hack
30:24 Streamlined Auto Service Conversations
35:31 "Assessing Vehicle Needs Insightfully"
39:45 The Dilemma of Discounting
43:11 "Practical Repairs Over Perfection"
48:44 Passionate Mechanic's Reflection
57:09 "Mentors, Survival, and Tool Humor"
01:00:51 "First Tools and Truck Shop"
01:04:14 Budget Tools vs Premium Quality
01:08:34 Bought Used Scanner, Regret Depreciation
01:14:47 Tech Industry Workforce Shortage
01:22:30 Hands-On Summer Skills Camp
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oil seal
"We talk about an oil seal leak as an example, right? And how the priority is still that the car is safe."
An oil seal is a part that stops oil from leaking out of the engine. If it fails, it can cause oil to drip, which is not good for the car.
An oil seal is a component that prevents oil from leaking out of the engine or other parts of a vehicle. It's crucial for maintaining proper oil levels and ensuring the engine runs smoothly.
coolant temperature sensor
"...that cool attempt sensor good enough because it came back to have the airbag light looked at and was let's look at that cool attempt sensor pulled and sure enough."
The coolant temperature sensor checks how hot the engine's coolant is. If it doesn't work right, it can cause problems like the engine overheating.
A coolant temperature sensor measures the temperature of the engine's coolant, which is crucial for regulating engine performance and preventing overheating. If this sensor fails, it can lead to inaccurate readings and potential engine damage.
Chrysler
"...up into the which is a Chrysler"
Chrysler is a car brand from the United States that makes different types of vehicles, including cars and SUVs. They have been around for a long time and are well-known in the automotive industry.
Chrysler is an American automotive brand known for producing a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and minivans. The brand has a long history and is part of the larger Stellantis group.
power steering pressure switch
"...we were seeing it with the power steering pressure switch would wick all the way up into the ECM connector..."
The power steering pressure switch helps control how easy it is to steer the car. It checks the pressure in the steering system and tells the car's computer how much help to give you when turning the wheel.
The power steering pressure switch is a component that monitors the pressure in the power steering system. It helps the vehicle's electronic control module (ECM) determine how much assistance to provide to the steering system, enhancing steering feel and responsiveness.
Volkswagen Buses
"she had a Volkswagen buses okay as cabs and so that's what I started on I started on a cold Volkswagen's"
The Volkswagen Bus is a famous van known for its boxy shape and spacious interior. Many people used it for camping or as a family vehicle.
The Volkswagen Bus, also known as the Type 2, is a classic vehicle that became iconic for its unique design and versatility. It was popular for various uses, including as a camper and commercial vehicle.
speedometer cable
"doing speedometer cables and most most people that listen to this have no clue that you know that they used to have the old meters that had they were physical right the speedometer cable went into them"
The speedometer cable is a wire that helps the speedometer show how fast the car is going. In older cars, it was a physical cable that turned to give the speed reading.
A speedometer cable is a mechanical component that connects the vehicle's transmission to the speedometer, allowing it to display the vehicle's speed. In older vehicles, this was often a physical cable instead of an electronic sensor.
Honda Odyssey
"...my actually selling the first job it was like on my 20 2008 Honda Odyssey or something and it was all the flushes and everything on it and I know"
The Honda Odyssey is a type of family car called a minivan. The 2008 version is known for being roomy and having features that help families travel comfortably.
The Honda Odyssey is a minivan known for its spacious interior, family-friendly features, and reliability. The 2008 model includes various amenities and safety features that make it a popular choice for families.
Ram 1500
"on a ram I had a ram a 2017 Ram the other day"
The Ram 1500 is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is often used for work or towing. The 2017 version has a lot of features that make it comfortable to drive.
The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck known for its strong performance, comfortable ride, and advanced technology features. The 2017 model included various engine options and a spacious interior, making it a popular choice among truck enthusiasts.
spark plugs
"to put some spark plugs in that thing and some maybe some ignition coil boots..."
Spark plugs help start the engine by creating a small spark that ignites the fuel. If they wear out, the engine may not run well.
Spark plugs are essential components in gasoline engines that ignite the air-fuel mixture, enabling combustion. They play a crucial role in engine performance and efficiency.
ignition coil boots
"some maybe some ignition coil boots or some coils..."
Ignition coil boots are like protective covers that connect the coils to the spark plugs. They help keep everything working smoothly and prevent problems.
Ignition coil boots are rubber or silicone components that connect the ignition coils to the spark plugs. They help ensure a proper electrical connection and protect against moisture and dirt.
ignition coils
"or some coils because I know that they're common..."
Ignition coils help create the spark that starts the engine. Without them, the engine won't run properly.
Ignition coils are electrical devices that transform the battery's low voltage into the high voltage needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders. They are crucial for engine starting and performance.
Volkswagen Rabbit
"like I go down more rabbit holes than anybody should"
The Volkswagen Rabbit is a small car that is easy to drive and has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo. It's known for being reliable and fun to use, making it a popular choice for many drivers.
The Volkswagen Rabbit, known as the Golf in many markets, is a compact car that gained popularity for its practicality and fun driving experience. It is often discussed in automotive circles for its role in establishing the hatchback segment and its enduring appeal among drivers seeking a versatile vehicle.
VIN
"well it is vehicle identification number it is it's a"
A VIN is like a car's fingerprint. It's a special number that helps you know exactly what kind of car it is and where it was made.
VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, a unique code used to identify individual motor vehicles. It contains information about the vehicle's make, model, year, and place of manufacture.
vehicle identification number
"...vehicle identification number..."
A VIN is like a social security number for cars. It helps to identify each vehicle uniquely and can tell you important details about it.
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code used by the automotive industry to identify individual motor vehicles. It serves as a fingerprint for the vehicle, providing information about its make, model, year, and place of manufacture.
3.8
"...it's got a 3.8 what motor's in that 3.8..."
When someone mentions '3.8', they are talking about the size of the engine in liters. A larger engine usually means more power, but it can also use more fuel.
The term '3.8' typically refers to a 3.8-liter engine displacement, which indicates the size of the engine. Engine displacement is an important factor in determining the power and efficiency of the engine.
Dodge Ram
"I call Dodge Ram... I can't help it... they said oh this guy doesn't know what he's talking about"
The Dodge Ram is a big truck that people often use for work or towing things. It's known for being tough and reliable.
The Dodge Ram is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability and performance. It has been a popular choice among truck enthusiasts for its towing capabilities and rugged design.
Ford
"...did dad either drove a Ford or a Chevy because like Dodge has started..."
Ford is a well-known car company in the United States that makes many types of vehicles, like trucks and cars.
Ford is a major American automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and cars.
AMC Eagle
"...and Roli still drove an AMC Eagle every day"
The AMC Eagle is a car that was made by a company called AMC. It was unique because it mixed features of regular cars and SUVs, making it good for different types of driving.
The AMC Eagle was a compact car produced by American Motors Corporation (AMC) from 1979 to 1987. It was notable for being one of the first cars to combine features of a passenger car and an SUV, offering all-wheel drive and a rugged design.
AMC
"when there was AMC dealers and Eagle dealers in Ottawa he was their guy"
AMC was a car company that made popular cars in the U.S. a long time ago. They were known for being different and creative with their designs.
AMC, or American Motors Corporation, was a manufacturer of automobiles in the United States known for its innovative designs and compact cars during the mid-20th century.
Eagle
"AMC dealers and Eagle dealers in Ottawa he was their guy"
Eagle was a brand of cars made by Chrysler that was around in the late 1980s and 1990s. They made cars that were fun to drive and practical.
Eagle was a marque of the Chrysler Corporation that existed from 1988 to 1998, known for its unique vehicles that often combined sporty performance with practicality.
EGR valve
"...just put an EGR valve on it and and and he was he was he was identification..."
The EGR valve helps your car produce fewer harmful gases by sending some of the exhaust back into the engine to be burned again. This makes the car cleaner and better for the environment.
An EGR valve, or Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve, is a component in an engine that helps reduce emissions by recirculating a portion of the exhaust gas back into the intake manifold. This process lowers combustion temperatures and reduces nitrogen oxide emissions, which are harmful pollutants.
Subaru
"we are friends with Mr. Subaru"
Subaru is a car company from Japan that makes vehicles known for their ability to handle tough weather and terrain. They are popular for models like the WRX, which is great for racing and off-road driving.
Subaru is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles and boxer engines. The brand has a strong following among enthusiasts, particularly for models like the Subaru WRX and Outback.
Renault Modus
"you know modus whatever kept it"
The Renault Modus is a small family car that has a lot of room inside for passengers and their things. It's designed to be easy to drive around town and is great for families who need a bit more space without getting a big car.
The Renault Modus is a compact MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) that was designed to offer a spacious interior and practical features in a smaller footprint. While it may not be as well-known as other models, it is often mentioned for its unique design and functionality, particularly in urban settings.
Chevrolet C8
"their children have C8 high value in trades"
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast sports car that many people love because it looks cool and drives really well. The latest version, called the C8, is special because its engine is located in the middle of the car, which helps it perform better on the road.
The Chevrolet Corvette, particularly the C8 model, is a mid-engine sports car that represents a significant evolution in the Corvette lineage. Known for its impressive performance and striking design, the C8 has garnered high resale values and is often discussed in the context of automotive investment and enthusiast culture.
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