Beyond the Wrench
Jay Goninen
Updated 4 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)
Building the Foundation to Attract Young People to the Industry | Timmy Martin, Red Oak Independent School District
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!Welcome to another episode of Beyond the Wrench. This week, we’re talking with Timmy Martin. Timmy is an Automotive Technology Instructor at Red Oak Independent School District. Timmy is passionate about educating young students about how the industry operates. We discuss how shops can help grow automotive programs at both the high school and post-secondary level, and drive more interest in the industry.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, WrenchWay [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Timmy MartinAutomotive Technology Instructor, Red Oak Independent School DistrictConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Fixed Ops: What We Learned in 2020 & What to Expect in 2021, Ed Roberts & Tully Williams
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 kicking off the new year with a bang! We’ve brought back two of our most popular podcast guests of 2020 — Ed Roberts and Tully Williams. In this episode, we discuss what we learned in fixed operations in 2020 and what we expect to see in 2021. Topics include: mobile service, technician pay and retention, how shops can help schools, and more.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, WrenchWay [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guests:Ed RobertsFixed Operations Director, Bozard Ford LincolnTully WilliamsFixed Operations Director, The Niello CompanyConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
The Missing Step to Successfully Recruiting Technicians | Mark Wilson, WrenchWay
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!For the final episode of 2020, we’re talking with Mark Wilson, CEO of WrenchWay & Find A Wrench. We discuss the importance of understanding the process a technician goes through from the time they are made aware of a job opening to the time they are hired. There is a major step in the technician’s job search process that shops and dealerships are failing to address when trying to attract the ideal candidate. Listen in to find out what that step is and how your shop can take this opportunity to attract more and better technicians.ResourcesSubscribe to the WrenchWay Blog: https://wrenchway.com/blog/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.insidersAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Mark WilsonCo- Founder & CEO, WrenchWay [email protected] with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
What Technicians Looks For in a Shop | Damon Agostino, Sixth Street 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!We’re bringing Damon Agostino onto the podcast today. Damon is a Technician at Sixth Street Automotive in Macclenny, Florida. On this episode, Damon gives us his perspective into what technicians look for in a shop, including: how management can motivate technicians, struggles with new techs coming into the shop, what to do when your career has plateaued, and much more.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Damon AgostinoTechnician, Sixth Street AutomotiveConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Solution-Based Approach to Tools | Scott Saxton, Sonic Tools
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 welcoming Scott Saxton to the show. Scott is the Director of Sales - North America for Sonic Tools. This week, we’re talking about all things tools-related, including the dealership/shop-owned tools model, asset management, financial guidance for new techs, and more. Tune in to this week’s episode, and make sure to subscribe to the Beyond the Wrench podcast to never miss an episode!About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Scott SaxtonDirector of Sales - North America, Sonic ToolsConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Going to Bat For Your Technicians | Jeff Daniel, Maple Hill Auto Group
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!Great technicians are in high demand… which is exactly why shops and dealerships need to focus on retaining the technicians they have more than ever.This week, we welcome Jeff Daniel, Service Director at Maple Hill Auto Group, to the show. We discuss how management can gain and build the trust of their technicians and get ownership/general manager buy-in in order to retain the technicians they have and attract more.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Jeff DanielService Director, Maple Hill Auto GroupConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Recruiting, Retaining, & Developing Technicians | Brian Sump, Avalon Motorsports
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 Brian Sump, Owner of Avalon Motorsports, who was recently named Shop Owner of the Year by AAPEX. In today’s episode we’re diving into recruiting, retaining, and developing technicians in your shop.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Brian SumpOwner, Avalon MotorsportsConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
WrenchWay Insiders: New Mobile App for Technicians | Mark Wilson, WrenchWay
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’s a new mobile app that was just released called WrenchWay Insiders. The app gives technicians, service advisors/managers, and industry professionals a place to voice their opinions on different issues in the industry (and rewards them for doing it). It’s a fun way to give feedback that will help improve the industry for existing and future techs. We’ve brought back Mark Wilson, CEO of WrenchWay, this week to give a rundown of the app and what you need to know.Request an invite to the WrenchWay Insiders app!About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Mark WilsonCo- Founder & CEO, [email protected] with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
A Technician’s View of Issues in the Automotive Industry | Josh Tebben, Ryan Auto Mall
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 welcome Josh Tebben. Josh is an Automotive Technician at Ryan Auto Mall. Josh has a lot of experience working both as a heavy equipment and automotive tech for both independent shops and dealerships. We talk through a lot of topics including warranty labor rates, pay, the disconnect between the shop and the front of the house, and more!About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Josh TebbenAutomotive Technician, Ryan Auto MallResources:Request an Invite to the WrenchWay Insider Mobile App: https://wrenchway.com/wrenchway-insidersBeyond the Wrench Episode - Warranty Repayment Rates From the OEM Perspective | Squire Pettis, Alfa Romeo: https://www.buzzsprout.com/940384/5230774Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Thinking Outside the Box to Generate Interest in the Trucking Industry | Ray Clark, Truck Country
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 back fresh off of TechMission 2020, and we’ve invited one of our industry roundtable panelists to continue the conversation here on the podcast. Ray Clark is the Training & Development Manager at Truck Country, and Ray has a lot of great ideas on how we can get more technicians entering the industry. We discuss different types of programs, how to interact with students from 6th grade through 12th grade, and how to work with schools and guidance counselors to help generate more interest in the field.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guests:Ray ClarkTraining & Development Manager, Truck CountryConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Attracting High School Students to the Industry | Ben Zimmerman, Verona Area High School
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 Ben Zimmerman, Technology Education Teacher at Verona Area High School in Wisconsin. We’re talking about how shops and dealerships can help attract more young students to the industry by supporting their local high schools. Whether it’s giving a shop tour, doing a demo, or donating tools and equipment — there are so many simple ways we can make a big difference. About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Ben ZimmermanTechnology Education Teacher, Verona Area High SchoolConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Service Advisors & Technicians: Getting Them on the Same Page | Tom Dorsey, Auto Vitals
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’s no shortage of laughs in this week’s episode with Tom Dorsey, VP of Digital Shop Evangelism at Auto Vitals. Join us as we dive into the relationship dynamics between technicians and service advisors.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guests:Tom DorseyVP of Digital Shop Evangelism at Auto VitalsDigital ShopTalk Radio | Digital Shop Talk Facebook GroupConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Culture in the Shop | Shannon Withington & Deacon Bonick, Toyota of North America
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 diving into shop culture in dealerships, and we’ve got not one, but TWO great guests from Toyota North America to offer their insights on this topic from both a business and a technical perspective. Listen in to learn how aligning goals, gathering feedback, and maintaining a consistent process can help set the foundation for a healthy culture in the shop.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guests:Shannon WithingtonDistrict Service & Parts Manager, ToyotaDeacon BonickField Technical Specialist, ToyotaConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Expanding Your Shop’s Online Presence | Marion Miller, JASPER Websites
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 Marion Miller to the show! Marion is the President of Complete Marketing Resources & JASPER Websites. In this episode we dive into how shops can grow their business, cut their marketing costs, and make more money — all by expanding their online presence. About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Marion MillerPresident, Complete Marketing Resources & JASPER Websites270-339-4176 | JASPER WebsitesConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Developing Leadership in the Service Department | Mike Vogel, ASMC
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 Mike Vogel, President of ASMC - Automotive Service Retention and Service Manager Coaching. Today’s topic is all about leadership in service departments. We talk about the importance of focusing on people, working up the ranks, and setting a career path for your technicians.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Mike VogelPresident of ASMC - Automotive Service Retention and Service Manager CoachingConnect with Mike on LinkedInConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Warranty Repayment Rates From the OEM Perspective | Squire Pettis, Alfa Romeo
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 recently put out a poll on whether or not warranty repayment rates for technicians are fair for an episode of WrenchWay Weekly. We generated a lot of conversation around the topic, so we wanted to extend the discussion on this week’s episode of Beyond the Wrench.Today, we welcome Squire Pettis, Regional Aftersales Manager, Alfa Romeo, to the show. With 12 years of experience with OEMs, Squire offers some great insight on warranty repayment rates from how they are calculated to how manufacturers work with parts suppliers, and more. About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Squire PettisRegional Aftersales Manager, Alfa RomeoConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Putting Techs First in Your Service Department | Jason Harris, Digital Dealership Solutions
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’re chatting with Jason Harris, President of Digital Dealership Solutions. Jason has worked his way through every single position at a dealership to learn the business inside and out, and now runs an automotive marketing agency.On this episode of Beyond the Wrench, we discuss increasing profitability by managing the processes within your dealership. We also talk about the importance of putting technicians first in your service department.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Jason HarrisPresident, Digital Dealership SolutionsConnect w/ Jason on social by search for Strategy with JasonConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
What Young Techs Should Know About Working in the Diesel Industry | Matt Heacox, Diesel Forward
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 makes the diesel industry attractive to up-and-coming technicians? What should they know before getting into the industry?We have Matt Heacox with us today to share his perspective on these topics. Matt started out his career as a diesel technician and now works as the Director of Service & Technical Support for Diesel Forward. Matt offers great insights as to what the diesel industry has to offer young techs, how to choose between a dealer location vs. an independent, and what questions technicians should be asking shops during the interview process.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Matt HeacoxDirector of Service & Technical Support, Diesel ForwardRegister for the Upcoming Dealer Expo! Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Revolutionizing the Automotive Service Repair Industry | Alan Symmes, Revolution Automotive Services
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 Alan Symmes, Owner of Revolution Automotive Services in Norwood, Massachusetts. From growing up without a car to preparing to open his second shop, Alan has made it his mission to revolutionize the automotive service repair industry for everyone involved — and that starts with his employees. We discuss the importance of training, having difficult conversations with employees, how to determine fair compensation, and more. About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Alan SymmesOwner, Revolution Automotive ServicesConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Getting Techs Into the Industry & Keeping Them There | David Rogers, Shop 4D
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 David Rogers to the podcast. David is an innovator in the aftermarket industry. His experience has allowed him to develop multiple businesses to help make life easier for shops. In this episode, we discuss the much needed paradigm shift that needs to take place in the aftermarket industry in order to get more technicians coming into the industry and less leaving. We cover many topics, including: Technician compensation, creating a more efficient shop, communication with your customers, and working with local schools.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:David RogersPresident, Shop [email protected] with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
How Shops (Big & Small) Can Attract Technicians | Lisa Joseph, Find A Wrench
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 dive into recruiting for shops. Our guest is Lisa Joseph, Director of Recruiting, at Find A Wrench. We discuss what shops (big and small) can do to make their jobs more attractive to technicians. We dive into recruiting in rural areas, work culture, the importance of transparency, the always be recruiting mentality, and much more!About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Lisa JosephDirector of Recruiting, [email protected] with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
WrenchWay: Where Shops Go to Find Techs & Techs Go to Find Shops | Mark Wilson, WrenchWay
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 meeting with Mark Wilson to get the latest updates on our newest platform for technicians and shops, WrenchWay. Similar to a “Zillow for technicians,” techs use WrenchWay to find out what it’s really like to work at shops in their area, and shops can show why techs love working for them. Listen in to hear about how things are going with the new platform and what’s coming in the future.You can learn more about WrenchWay by visiting their website: https://wrenchway.comAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Mark WilsonCo-Founder & CEO, [email protected] with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Positioning Your Dealership For Success in Attracting Techs | Jake Schaefer, Smart Motors Toyota
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!Is traditional recruiting too slow for technicians? How can dealerships set themselves up to successfully attract technicians in this highly competitive market?This week, we’re chatting with Jake Schaefer, Service and Parts Director at Smart Motors Toyota in Madison, Wisconsin. We discuss how Smart Motors embraces transparency by using WrenchWay to address technicians’ questions earlier in the job search process, how their tool program helps attract young techs, and more!About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Jake SchaeferService and Parts Director, Smart Motors [email protected] | 608.577.6667Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Driving the Trucking Industry Forward | Amanda Schuier, Quality Transport Company
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 Amanda Schuier to the show! Amanda is the Senior Vice President at Quality Transport Company in Freeport, IL, and she’s very involved with the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC). Amanda’s passion for the trucking industry is contagious, and in this episode we dive into the technician shortage, technician staffing problems, and share a little bit about TMC.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Amanda SchuierSenior Vice President, Quality Transport [email protected] with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
A Different Kind of Dealership Culture | Ed Roberts, Bozard Ford Lincoln
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 Ed Roberts, Fixed Operations Director at Bozard Ford Lincoln. Ed is an amazing leader who has helped develop a culture that drives technician retention. Listen in, and learn how Ed focuses on culture from the interview to training and beyond to create an amazing team.About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Ed RobertsFixed Operations Director, Bozard Ford [email protected] | 904.891.981Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok