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)
Supporting Skilled Trades Programs
Danny Corwin from Harbor Freight Tools for Schools and Jay Abitz from Freedom High School discuss why shops, dealerships, manufacturers, and other businesses need to support skilled trades programs. They also dive into the struggles schools are facing, from budget cuts to a lack of administrative support.View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guests:Danny CorwinExecutive Director, Harbor Freight Tools for [email protected] AbitzAutomotive Instructor, Freedom High [email protected]:Thermo KingAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technician Compensation Tool - See automotive, diesel, and collision technician compensation in your area at wrenchway.com/pay.Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Shop Leadership & Management Advice
John Spence, one of the top business experts in the world, author, CEO, and speaker, is back to offer key leadership and management advice. He covers the elements of a good culture, the importance of caring for your people, and the impact that keeping toxic high-performing people can have on your business.View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:John SpenceCEO, John Spence [email protected]:Jasper Engines & TransmissionsAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technician Compensation Tool - See automotive, diesel, and collision technician compensation in your area at wrenchway.com/pay.Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Teacher Shortage Crisis
Matt Kerhin, Technology & Engineering Teacher at Hartford Union High School, joins us to talk about the huge teacher shortage in technical education—from the impact of retiring teachers to training the next generation and the costs of retaining teachers.View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:Matt KerhinTechnology & Engineering Teacher, Hartford Union High [email protected]:Thermo KingAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technician Compensation Tool - See automotive, diesel, and collision technician compensation in your area at wrenchway.com/pay.Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Leadership Transition—Going from Technician to Manager
Russ Green, Operations Officer at Machinery Advisors Consortium, expresses how top employers need good leaders to keep people happy. Understanding employees, proper career growth, and keeping up with the industry pace are key to nurturing future leaders.View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:Russ GreenOperations Officer, Machinery Advisors [email protected]:Jasper Engines & TransmissionsAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technician Compensation Tool - See automotive, diesel, and collision technician compensation in your area at wrenchway.com/pay.Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Technician Pay Deep Dive
Tanner Brandt, President of Autodiag Clinic, discusses the value of evaluating your technicians’ actual take-home income and the necessity of proper pay plans when assessing technician compensation. Tanner also dissects WrenchWay’s recent Technician Pay Survey and Technician Compensation Tool.To see how much technicians are making in your area and to contribute your own data anonymously, visit wrenchway.com/pay.View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:Tanner BrandtPresident, Autodiag ClinicFollow Tanner on LinkedIn Sponsor:FullbayAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Improving Your Dealership or Shop
Jay Marrazzo, General Manager of AIM Group, LLC, brings a fresh perspective on how shops and dealerships can improve by thinking of different departments as having different cultures. He also gets candid and discusses our industry's shortcomings.View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:Jay MarrazzoGeneral Manager, AIM Group, LLC [email protected]:Sonic ToolsAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technician Compensation Tool - See automotive, diesel, and collision technician compensation in your area at wrenchway.com/pay.Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
2024 Technician Pay Survey Results & Data Tool
WrenchWay Co-Founders Jay Goninen and Mark Wilson dive into WrenchWay’s 2024 Technician Pay survey. The survey gathered data about pay and benefits from thousands of technicians across the country. WrenchWay processed the information and developed an evolving technician compensation tool available for free at wrenchway.com/pay. Download the video webinar: https://wrenchway.com/events/technician-pay-survey-results/ Sponsor:Jasper Engines & TransmissionsAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122About Our Guest:Mark WilsonCo-Founder & CEO, [email protected] Resources:Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Navigating Automotive Technician Education
George Arrants, Vice President at ASE Education Foundation, is back to clear up misconceptions about hiring employees under 18, discuss the shortage of teachers, and explore the impact that work-based learning can have on students.View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:George Arrants Vice President, ASE Education [email protected]:Thermo KingAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technician Compensation Tool - See automotive, diesel, and collision technician compensation in your area at wrenchway.com/pay.Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Repairing Relationships in the Service Department
Trust in the service department is imperative to running an effective shop. Derrick King, Director of Fixed Operations at ClearShift, joins us to give honest advice every shop needs to hear. From the importance of having transparency with your employees to simply respecting their career aspirations, you don’t want to miss these tips!View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:Derrick KingDirector of Fixed Operations, [email protected]:Sonic ToolsAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technician Compensation Tool - See automotive, diesel, and collision technician compensation in your area at wrenchway.com/pay.Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
How Do You Define Success?
Fernando Miranda, Vice President of Transformers Institute, walks us through how everyone sets their own meaning of success in their career and life. He talks about how to create a positive mindset, ways to stay consistent through the highs and lows of life, and the importance of finding your inspiration.View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:Fernando MirandaVice President, Transformers [email protected]:Jasper Engines & TransmissionsAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technician Compensation Tool - See automotive, diesel, and collision technician compensation in your area at wrenchway.com/pay.Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. S4kk7gNd06uNo6x2lythConnect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
The Impact of Digital Tools on Fixed Operations Management
There is a lot of technology that impacts service departments. The hard part is evaluating what software or digital tool could be useful for your shop. Corey Smith, National Fixed Operations Training Manager for APCO Holdings, LLC, discusses how to get team buy-in for new products, the importance of training on new technology, and how to evaluate post-implementation.View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:Corey SmithNational Fixed Operations Training Manager, APCO Holdings, [email protected]:RepairPalAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technician Compensation Tool - See automotive, diesel, and collision technician compensation in your area at wrenchway.com/pay.Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Dealership Recruiting w/ WrenchWay & Hireology
WrenchWay partners with Hireology to help dealerships better hire technician talent. Tiffany Czerwinski, Director of Automotive Partnerships at Hireology, discusses the impact this new partnership will have on dealership recruiting. She also addresses several challenges the automotive industry is currently facing, including talent shortages and the absence of clear career paths. Lastly, she offers dealers valuable recruiting tips you won’t want to miss!View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:Tiffany CzerwinskiDirector of Automotive Partnerships, [email protected]:Wind River PaymentsAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technician Compensation Tool - See automotive, diesel, and collision technician compensation in your area at wrenchway.com/pay.Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Service Department Communication
Chris Craig, the Fixed Operations Content Owner from RockED, is back to talk about service department communication. In this episode, he dives into the current state of the automotive industry, gives various management and communication advice on how to support shop staff, and shares great tips for service advisors.View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:Chris CraigFixed Operations Content Owner, RockEDFollow Craig on Social MediaChris’ last episode: Making Your Service Advisors a Priority ft. Chris CraigSponsor:Jasper Engines & TransmissionsAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Creating Work-Based Learning Opportunities for Students
Sue Dickson, Founder of Give Me Ten, and Jack Wilson, Auto Service Instructor at Lake County Tech Campus, discuss the progress of collaborating with the industry to develop more meaningful work-based learning opportunities for students. Each individual's path in the automotive field varies, and not everyone is suited to become a technician. The Give Me Ten program simplifies the process for students to find a suitable career path and eliminates barriers for shops to invest in the future of the industry.View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guests:Sue DicksonOwner & Operator, Closs Tire & AutoFounder, Give Me [email protected] Jack WilsonAuto Service Instructor, Lake County Tech [email protected] and Jack's last Beyond the Wrench episode.Sponsor:Machinists Union District Lodge 77About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
7 Tips from a 7-Year Technician
Josh Arnold, Master Technician of Toyota & Subaru Corvallis, is back again to give young technicians seven tips from his seven years as a technician. From focusing on developing skills to never wasting an opportunity, Josh passes along valuable lessons he has learned along the way.View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:Josh ArnoldMaster Technician, Toyota & Subaru CorvallisJosh's Last Beyond the Wrench EpisodeSponsor:Thermo KingAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
New Technician Pay Plan at Woody Anderson Ford
WrenchWay’s Co-Founder & CEO, Mark Wilson, covers an exclusive conversation with John Frazier, Service Director of Woody Anderson Ford, to discuss their new technician pay plan. This is a different type of episode for us, but provides great insight and real-world conversation about how one dealership started and implemented a forward-thinking technician compensation plan. We hope you enjoy!View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:John FrazierService Director, Woody Anderson [email protected] Our Guest Host:Mark Wilson, Co-Founder & CEO, [email protected] Resources:Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Philip Austin, Technical Training & Development Manager, Niterra North America
Let’s talk about improving the automotive industry and properly training future technicians. Philip walks us through why dedicated training during the day instead of after work can be valuable. He also breaks down the impact of hands-on training, and discusses the importance of teaching the basics.View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:Philip AustinManager of Technical Training & Development, Niterra North [email protected] Shop SquadSponsor:RepairPalAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Joe McCue, Founder & Partner, Pencilwrench
Helping technicians quickly write accurate repair event documentation, Pencilwrench allows shops to provide customers with an invoice that is clear, concise, and readable. In this episode, we explore how new shop software can help improve the overall perception of technician careers by bringing professionalism and transparency to the forefront.View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:Joe McCueFounder & Partner, [email protected] Sponsor:Universal Technical InstituteAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Jon Belmonte, CEO, AutoVitals
Technician efficiency and productivity are crucial factors in maximizing your shop's profitability. In this episode, we discuss the impact new technology can have on shops, exploring how it can simplify technicians' tasks, improve customer retention, and ultimately boost revenue.View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:Jon Belmonte, CEO of [email protected]:Jasper Engines & TransmissionsAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shopsShops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Matthew Donovan & Craig Misak, SocketTime
Is the automotive industry still the only industry that uses faxes? Let’s talk about shop management, scheduling, and improving your shop’s efficiency! In this episode, we'll explore the unique SocketTime software and how it helps shops maximize every technician’s day and every hour, while still allowing flexible scheduling for technicians.View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guests:Matthew DonovanFixed Ops Director, Jay Wolfe Automotive GroupCo-Founder, SocketTime Systems, LLC [email protected] Craig MisakPresident and Founder, SocketTime Systems, LLC [email protected] Sponsor:Sonic ToolsAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shopsShops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Dr. Thomas Litzinger & James O’Dell, Northwood University
Learn the importance of valuing your technicians, discover effective strategies on how to transition out of flat rate, and explore ways the auto industry can improve technicians’ career paths. Immerse yourself in Aleck's passion for the automotive industry in this week's episode!View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guests:Dr. Thomas LitzingerExecutive Director, University of the AftermarketAftermarket Education Industry Chair, Northwood [email protected] O’Dell, AAPAssistant Director of Aftermarket Education, Northwood [email protected]:Machinists Union District Lodge 77About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shopsShops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Aleck Brownstein, Regional VP, Volvo Car USA
Learn the importance of valuing your technicians, discover effective strategies on how to transition out of flat rate, and explore ways the auto industry can improve technicians’ career paths. Immerse yourself in Aleck's passion for the automotive industry in this week's episode!View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:Aleck BrownsteinRegional Vice President, Volvo Car [email protected]:Wind River PaymentsAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shopsShops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Jim Phillips, Principal, Training Team USA
Born and raised in a dealership, Jim’s evolving passion for the automotive industry has blossomed into key advice on what it takes to create a great shop. From the importance of evaluating financial statements to the process of rebuilding dealerships in crisis, Jim breaks down his expertise in this week’s episode of Beyond the Wrench. View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:Jim PhillipsPrincipal, Training Team [email protected]:Sonic ToolsAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shopsShops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Bogi Lateiner, Host of All Girls Garage on MotorTrend
As a master technician with over 20 years of experience and a public figure within the industry, Bogi has a unique message to share. Discover the challenges she and other women face in the shop, the significant impact respect for technicians can have, and the changes the automotive industry has undergone over the years.View the video podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:Bogi LateinerHost of All Girls Garage, MotorTrendBogi's GarageSponsor:Jasper Engines & Transmissions About Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shopsShops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
George Russell, Founding Member, Machinery Advisors Consortium
Dealers come together, share best practices, evaluate each other's businesses, and grow together. Learn how valuable peer performance groups can be to dealers, explore how to support the career development of aging technicians, and dive into the evolution of the equipment industry.View the video podcast on YouTube(1:38) George’s Background(14:46) Performance Dealer Groups(24:30) Evolution of Equipment Industry(35:41) Career Development for Older Technicians(44:57) Motivating Next GenerationAbout Our Guest:George RussellFounding Member, Machinery Advisors [email protected]:Thermo KingAbout Our Host:Jay GoninenCo-Founder & President, [email protected] | 608.716.2122WrenchWay Resources:Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shopsShops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok