Beyond the Wrench
Jay Goninen
Updated 3 days agoHow can automotive and diesel shops run a better business and be more profitable? How can we make the aftermarket and dealerships more attractive to younger generations? Each week, Jay Goninen, Co-Founder & President of WrenchWay, will sit down with shop owners, technicians, instructors, and professionals in the automotive and diesel industries to have them share their stories and insights. We’ll dive deep into what’s going on in shops and dealerships and what we can do to help drive the industry forward.The Beyond the Wrench Podcast is powered by WrenchWay.
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Episodes (319)
Challenges Future Technicians are Facing and How Shops Can Help ft. Cindy Barlow, WyoTech
Follow & rate the Beyond the Wrench Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!In this week’s episode of Beyond the Wrench we are joined by Cindy Barlow, Director of Internal Relation at WyoTech to discuss challenges students are experiencing, the importance of professionalism, how shops can help new techs and much more! About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] |608.716.2122About Our Guest:Cindy BarlowDirector of Internal Relations, WyoTech [email protected] | 307.620.1049Resources:Download the free WrenchWay Insiders app in the App Store or on Google Play:App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1534587616Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wrenchway.insidersConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
ASE Renewal App ft. Kevin Lekas, ASE
Follow & rate the Beyond the Wrench Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!Do you struggle with test anxiety? Don’t worry — ASE’s Renewal App is making it easier for technicians to stay up-to-date on their training. On this week’s episode of Beyond the Wrench, we are joined by Kevin Lekas, Project Manager, Special Testing Programs at ASE to explain anything and everything you need to know about ASE’s new recertification App. About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Kevin LekasProject Manager, Special Testing Programs at ASE [email protected]:Learn more about ASE’s Renewal App HEREDownload the ASE study guidesDownload on the App Store or Google PlayDownload the free WrenchWay Insiders app in the App Store or on Google Play:App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1534587616Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wrenchway.insidersConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
How to Improve and Attract Young Technicians to the Automotive Industry ft. Laura Lyons, ATech Training
Follow & rate the Beyond the Wrench Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!Forty-two percent of technicians leave the industry within the first two years (ASE). We need to ask ourselves, why is this percentage so high? What is causing new technicians to leave the industry and find a new career path? In this week’s episode of Beyond the Wrench, we are joined by Laura Lyons, President of ATech Training, to learn more about the concerns regarding joining the automotive industry, how to build a stronger industry, and how to set future technicians up for success. About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Laura LyonsPresident, ATech TrainingResources:Learn more about ATech Training Download the free WrenchWay Insiders app in the App Store or on Google Play:App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1534587616Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wrenchway.insidersConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
How Employee Recognition Can Make or Break Your Shop ft. Anna Straus, Sparck
Follow & rate the Beyond the Wrench Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!Does your shop recognize employees for their work? According to a recent WrenchWay Insiders polls, 78% of shops are failing to recognize employees.Employee recognition sounds like it is easy to manage. When in reality, most shops recognition strategies aren’t effective. Simply recognizing employees with gifts and money is no longer impactful. Shops need to get personal with specific recognition strategies that cater to every employee’s preference.In this week’s episode of Beyond the Wrench, we are joined by the incredible Anna Straus, CEO of Sparck, to learn more about the importance of employee recognition, the proper execution of employee recognition strategies, and how it can have a positive impact on your shop.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Anna StrausCEO, [email protected] Resources:Get Your FREE Employee Engagement Cost Analysis (sparckco.com)FREE #BeHeard Survey Report (sparckco.com)Download the free WrenchWay Insiders app in the App Store or on Google Play:App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1534587616Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wrenchway.insidersConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Bridging the Gap Between Schools & Industry ft. George Arrants, ASE Education Foundation
Follow & rate the Beyond the Wrench Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!This week, we’re excited to bring George Arrants, Vice President, ASE Education Foundation, onto the podcast. We cover a variety of topics, including: Why students are losing interest in the industry, the struggles of being a new technician, the importance of a successful mentorship program, and much more! About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:George ArrantsVice President, ASE Education FoundationResources:Download the free WrenchWay Insiders app in the App Store or on Google Play.Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Leadership in Repair Shops ft. Chuck Searles, Automotive Management Institute
Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!What does great leadership look like in a shop? Where can we find helpful management and leadership training? How do you measure the ROI of management training? This week, we chat with Chuck Searles, President of Automotive Management Institute (AMi), about all these topics and more. Enjoy!About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our GuestsChuck SearlesPresident, Automotive Management Institute (AMi)[email protected]:Download the free WrenchWay Insiders app in the App Store or on Google Play.Check out the podcast Jay & Chuck mention in the episode: Remarkable Results Radio by Carm Capriotto.Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Technician Training — Separating the Best Shops From the Rest ft. Jill Trotta, RepairPal
Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!This week, we welcome Jill Trotta, Vice President/GM, Industry, Sales, and Certification at RepairPal to the podcast. We talk about how the best-in-class shops are providing their technicians with regular training to ensure they’re staying up-to-date on the latest technology in the industry. We also discuss where shops can find training opportunities for their technicians, how to prioritize different types of training, and how to measure the ROI of technician training. About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Jill TrottaVice President/GM, Industry, Sales, and Certification, [email protected] Resources:For Technicians & StudentsCompare & Explore Technician Pay: View salary information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.Find Your Ideal Shop or Dealership: Looking for the best places to work? Discover and research the best shop or dealership for you at wrenchway.com/shops.For Shops & DealershipsHire Top Talent & Assist Schools: Connect with skilled technicians, engage with schools, and help elevate the auto and diesel industry with WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships. For Auto, Diesel, & CTE Instructors:Support Your Program & Connect with Industry: Get resources and equipment for your program and grow your industry partnerships with WrenchWay's free solutions for schools.Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Measuring the Success of Your Service Center ft. Jamie Powers, Smart Automotive
On this week's episode, we talked with Jamie Powers about the importance of key performance indicators, tips for communicating with employees, how to manage accountability during a technician shortage, and understanding the fixed operations role.Follow & rate the Beyond the Wrench Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, WrenchWay [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our GuestsJamie PowersFixed Ops Director for Smart Automotive in Iowa & [email protected]:Register for WrenchWay’s Anniversary Event: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/8916237792373/WN_59KPmzT6SxikTgHZ8arKaQDownload the free WrenchWay Insiders app in the App Store or on Google Play.Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Why Technicians are Leaving the Industry ft. Matt Fanslow, Bob Higgins, & Lunden Herndon
Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!On this week’s episode, we talk with three former technicians about what struggles they experienced working as techs, why they think techs are leaving the industry, and actions shops can take to boost technician retention.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, WrenchWay [email protected] |608.716.2122About Our GuestsBob HigginsService Adviser, Northwest Imports [email protected] | 617-957-0971Lunden HerndonAutomotive Technician, Rob's Automotive & [email protected] FanslowShop Manager/Diagnostic Technician, Riverside AutomotiveResources:Download the free WrenchWay app in the App Store or on Google Play:App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1534587616Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wrenchway.insidersConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Shops | Cheryl Thompson, CADIA
Subscribe & rate the Beyond the Wrench Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!In this week’s episode, we talk with Cheryl Thompson, CEO & Founder of Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion and Advancement. We discuss the meaning of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), why it’s important for our industry to embrace DEI, and what needs to change in the industry.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo- Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Cheryl ThompsonCEO & Founder, CADIAResources:Download the WrenchWay mobile app in the App Store or on Google Play. Learn more about the app on our website: https://wrenchway.com/insidersWrenchWay Roundtable - Women in Wrenching: How Do We Attract More Women to the Industry?: https://youtu.be/ovYZm3aLUBIConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Recruiting Military Veterans in the Shop | TC Olsen, LKQ
Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!We’re excited to be back after a short break! In this week’s episode, we’re talking with TC Olsen, Director Talent Acquisition, LKQ, about recruiting military veterans and how to manage military veterans once you have them in the shop. Hope you enjoy the episode, and don't forget to subscribe and rate us in the app store!About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:TC OlsenDirector Talent Acquisition, [email protected] | 615-509-6267LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tc-olsen-shrm-ta-cmvr-94780a59Resources:Download the WrenchWay mobile app in the App Store or on Google Play. Learn more about the app on our website: https://wrenchway.com/insidersWrenchWay Roundtable - Managing Military Veterans in the Shop: https://youtu.be/iFms4LzCKtAConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Supporting Women in the Automotive Industry | Tiffany Scherado, Amazing Women in Automotive
Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!Today, we welcome Tiffany Scherado to the podcast. Tiffany is the Facilitator for the new Amazing Women in Automotive group, and she brings some fantastic insight to the podcast on how we, as an industry, can better support women in automotive. Resources:Join the Amazing Women in Automotive Facebook Group for free here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2338974086401262/To learn more about WrenchWay School Assist, visit https://wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, WrenchWay [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Tiffany ScheradoFacilitator, Amazing Women in AutomotiveCFO, Lifetime [email protected] with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Successful Community Effort to Impact Tech Shortage | Sue Dickson, Closs Tire & Auto & Jack Wilson, Lake County Tech Campus
Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!On today’s episode, we’re talking with Sue Dickson, Owner & Operator of Closs Tire & Auto, and Jack Wilson, Auto Service Instructor at Lake County Tech Campus, to learn about how their local community has worked together to successfully make an impact on the technician shortage.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo- Founder & President, WrenchWay [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guests:Sue DicksonOwner & Operator, Closs Tire & AutoJack WilsonAuto Service Instructor, Lake County Tech CampusConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Sitting Down with Jim Mathis, Owner & CEO, WyoTech
Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!On this week’s episode, we have an intimate discussion with Jim Mathis, Owner & CEO of WyoTech, about his history and how he came to lead WyoTech.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, WrenchWay [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Jim MathisOwner & CEO, WyoTechConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Technician Recruitment | Steve Hamre, Lithia Motors
Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!Steve Hamre, National Technician Recruiting Manager for Lithia Motors, joins us for an engaging conversation about the value in technician career development, attracting more young people to skilled trades, and resumes tips for technicians.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, WrenchWay [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Steve HamreNational Technician Recruiting Manager, Lithia Motors, Inc.Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Developing Your Career as a Technician | Josh Masser, Vinny’s Towing and Recovery
Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!We’re diving into technician career development with Josh Masser, Service Manager, Vinny’s Towing and Recovery. Josh shares his experience as a technician and working his way through the industry, and we discuss a variety of topics, including: the importance of good leadership, on-the-job training, tools, and more.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, WrenchWay [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Josh MasserService Manager, Vinny’s Towing and RecoveryConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
How Dealerships Can Attract More Service Customers Online | Russell Hill, FixedOPS Marketing
Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!Today, we’re excited to welcome Russell Hill to the podcast. Russell is the Managing Partner at FixedOPS Marketing, which helps dealerships market their fixed ops departments. In this episode, we discuss how dealerships can improve their websites to attract new service customers.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, WrenchWay [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Russell HillManaging Partner, FixedOPS [email protected] | 903.819.5253Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Advances in the Automotive Industry & Technician Training | Carolyn Coquillette, ShopWare
Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!This week, we welcome Carolyn Coquillette to the podcast. Carolyn is the Founder & CEO of Shop-Ware, and the Owner of Luscious Garage which specializes in hybrid repairs. Listen in as we discuss advances in the automotive industry and technician training — particularly around hybrid and electric vehicles.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, WrenchWay [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Carolyn CoquilletteFounder & CEO, Shop-Ware & Owner, Luscious GarageConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
What It’s Like to Be a Mobile Technician | Andrew Sneed, RepairSmith
Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!Ever wonder what a day in the life of a mobile technician looks like? On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Andrew Sneed, Lead Technician for RepairSmith. Andrew tells us all about what it’s like to be a mobile technician, including benefits, unique challenges, and the skills that make a great mobile tech.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, WrenchWay [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Andrew SneedLead Technician, RepairSmithConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
How to Evaluate Credit Card Processors | Carly Roiniotis, Wind River Financial
Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!Today we’re talking with Carly Roiniotis from Wind River Financial about a very important topic for all shop owners and managers: evaluating credit card processors. In this episode, we discuss different types of providers, what to look for in a credit card processor and why it’s important, and more. Tune in and don’t forget to subscribe and rate the podcast!About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Carly RoiniotisClient Care Manager, Wind River [email protected] with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
How to Create a Career Path For Your Technicians | Jim Bennett, Automotive Training Institute & CarMasters Automotive
Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!It’s becoming increasingly important for shop owners and managers to have a clear path for career growth in order to recruit and retain technicians. But, what does having a clear career path look like and how do you even get started?We’re tackling this topic with Jim Bennett this week. Jim is the Owner of CarMasters Automotive and the Director of Technical Training & Development for ATI. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise around technician training to this discussion. This is an episode you do not want to miss!If you like this episode, be sure to register for our upcoming WrenchWay Roundtable where Jim will be joining us as a panelist. Details and registration link below:Why Shops Need to Focus on Technician Career DevelopmentFebruary 24, 2021 | 7pm CTDuring this roundtable, our panelists will help us understand the growing importance of career development programs in shops, what some of those programs look like, and what results shops have seen by having a program in place.Register for free: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6816131497334/WN_FeZBiH85Sja6-q9YQtDOLgAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Jim BennettOwner, CarMasters Director of Technical Training & Development, Automotive Training Institute (ATI)Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Building & Growing a Mobile Repair Business | Joel Milne, RepairSmith
Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!There are many unique challenges to building and growing a mobile repair business. This week on Beyond the Wrench, we chat with Joel Milne, CEO of RepairSmith, about how RepairSmith came to be, and what unique challenges they face running a mobile repair business.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Joel MilneCEO, RepairSmithConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
The Mobile Diagnostics Career | Tanner Brandt, Auto Diag Clinic
Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!We’re excited to welcome Tanner Brandt back to the podcast. Today, our discussion centers around mobile diagnostics. Tanner gives us the 411 on what mobile diagnostics is, what goes into being a great mobile diagnostician, and where he sees the mobile diagnostics business going in the future.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, WrenchWay [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Tanner BrandtOwner, Auto Diag ClinicConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Addressing Challenges in the Shop with Technology | Tim Cifelli, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY
Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!Today, we welcome Tim Cifelli, Marketing Director at BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY, to the podcast. In the episode, we discuss some of the challenges shop owners are facing today and how technology can not only solve many of the issues they’re experiencing, but also help them build more value into their business.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Tim CifelliMarketing Director, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGYConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
How to Build Value & Prepare to Sell Your Shop or Dealership | Rick Perrin, B2B CFO
Like the Beyond the Wrench podcast? Be sure to follow & rate us — whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!On today’s episode, we’re talking with Rick Perrin, Partner, B2B CFO, about how a shop owner can exit business successfully and profitably. We cover a number of topics, including: how a shop owner can prepare to sell their business, how valuation is calculated, and even what a technician should think about if they’re thinking of starting their own shop.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo- Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Rick PerrinPartner, B2B [email protected] | 608.576.3773Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok