Ratchet+Wrench Radio

Keeping Fleets Moving: What Battery Technology Means for Shop Success

Fleet vehicles can't make money when they're sitting in a shop. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Dan Autey, head of automotive aftermarket at Stryten Energy, breaks down the growing complexity of today's vehicle electrical systems, why battery health is becoming critical to fleet uptime, and how shops can position themselves as trusted fleet partners. From start-stop technology and advanced battery systems to technician training and preventive maintenance, Autey shares practical insights to help shop owners stay ahead of the industry's rapid evolution.

E189 Jul 22, 2026 16 min

125 Years of People-First Leadership: What Shops Can Learn from Grote Industries

Why do employees stay at a company for 25, 40, even 50 years? In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Josh Wilber discusses the hiring and retention lessons behind Grote Industries’ 125-year legacy. From identifying future leaders and navigating generational shifts to avoiding costly hiring compromises, Wilber shares practical strategies shop owners can use right now to build stronger teams, improve retention, and create a workplace people genuinely want to be part of.

E187 Jul 15, 2026 25 min 6 annotations

From Giving Back to Getting Ahead: How Smart Shops Turn Community Impact Into Growth

Giving back can do more than support a good cause—it can also strengthen your shop's reputation and deepen customer loyalty. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Christine Schaffran talks with Adam Sutton, CEO of DX3 Brands and RNR Tire Express, about how shop owners can turn community involvement into a strategic advantage by creating meaningful, authentic connections in their local markets.

E195 Jul 10, 2026 23 min

Right to Repair's Next Chapter

Congress recently advanced legislation addressing Right to Repair, but the final language looks much different than what independent repair advocates originally sought. Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association, joins Ratchet+Wrench Radio to explain what made it into the bill, what was left out, what happens next, and how shop owners can help shape the future of vehicle data access and consumer choice.

E194 Jul 08, 2026 20 min 15 annotations

Building Generational Wealth Through Your Shop

In the final episode of Financial Future of Independent Auto Repair, CPA Nick Papakyrikos connects the dots between profitability, shop valuation, and long-term wealth creation. From the “Rule of 130” to the power of a “second bite of the apple,” Nick breaks down how shop owners can turn a successful business into generational wealth—while avoiding the mistakes that leave too much risk tied up in one asset.

E188 Jul 01, 2026 29 min 7 annotations

The Gold Mine Under Your Shop

In episode two of this special Ratchet+Wrench Radio series, The Financial Future of Independent Auto Repair Shops, CPA Nick Papakyrikos unpacks one of the industry’s hottest—and most misunderstood—topics: private equity. From EBITDA and shop valuations to platform companies and generational wealth, Nick explains why investors see independent repair shops as prime opportunities, even when owners feel burned out or undervalued. Whether you plan to sell someday or grow for the long haul, this episode breaks down the financial game reshaping the aftermarket—and how shop owners can stop thinking like technicians and start thinking like investors.

E186 Jun 24, 2026 29 min 6 annotations

Why Busy Shops Often Feel Broke

CPA Nick Papakyrikos joins Ratchet+Wrench Radio host Christine Schaffran for Episode 1 of a three-part series on why busy shops still struggle financially, what private equity sees in the industry, and how shop owners can build lasting wealth instead of burnout.

E185 Jun 17, 2026 38 min 1 annotation

From Dream to Drive: How Ashley Jo Bloom Built PNW Automotive on Grit, Transparency, and Vision

Ashley Jo Bloom, co-owner of PNW Automotive, talks about growing up in the garage, redefining shop culture, empowering future technicians, and building a family business designed to last for generations.

E184 Jun 10, 2026 25 min 2 annotations

Inside the Technician Mindset: What the 2026 Voice of Technician Survey Reveals

Technicians are speaking up—and the message is clear. From pay and career paths to culture and communication, this episode dives into what shop owners must understand (and do differently) to compete for talent in 2026.

E183 Jun 03, 2026 38 min 12 annotations

Unlocking Hidden Equity: How Shop Owners Can Turn Real Estate into Growth Capital

Think your shop is just four walls and a lift? Think again. Discover how real estate strategies like sale leasebacks can fuel expansion, boost liquidity, and reshape the way you grow your business.

E182 May 27, 2026 19 min 9 annotations

Mind Over Mayhem: How Shop Owners Can Stay Calm, Focused, and in Control

Between difficult customers, endless to-do lists, and constant problem-solving, it’s easy for shop owners to operate on autopilot. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Margaret Light explains how simple mindfulness habits can help you slow down, think clearly, and lead more effectively—without adding another task to your day.

E181 May 20, 2026 23 min

AI in the Bay: How Shop Owners Are Building Custom Bots That Actually Work

AI isn’t replacing your team—but it might be the fastest way to multiply their time. In this episode, Seth Thorson shares how shop owners can move beyond the hype and start building custom AI agents that streamline HR, improve technician documentation, and elevate service writer performance.

E180 May 13, 2026 26 min 4 annotations

Motivation That Moves the Shop Forward

What really drives your team to perform at a higher level? In this episode, Mike Mooney breaks down how shop owners and leaders can move beyond surface-level motivation tactics to build genuine buy-in. From aligning personal and company goals to challenging outdated processes and creating a culture of accountability, he shares actionable strategies to help teams stay engaged, adaptable, and committed to long-term success.

E179 May 06, 2026 28 min 17 annotations

From Transactions to Trust

From tracking declined services to asking customers how they prefer to be contacted, Keith Mait, Senior Vice President and Auto Leader at Synchrony, outlines practical steps shops can take right now to turn one-time transactions into lasting relationships. He explains why loyalty isn’t a program—it’s a discipline—and how shops that stay connected between visits with timely, relevant communication will win in an increasingly competitive market.

E178 Apr 29, 2026 27 min 44 annotations

Give Up What You Don’t Need

A technician crashes two vehicles and causes $14,000 in damage. Instead of punishment, Louie Sharp chose something different. In Give Up What You Don’t Need, you’ll hear how one decision—to release revenge and lean into leadership—turned a mistake into an investment and transformed an employee into a production manager. If you’re holding onto anger, fear, control, comparison, or even yesterday’s success, this episode will challenge you to ask one powerful question: What do I need to give up to grow? Because sometimes the next level of leadership isn’t about doing more—it’s about finally letting go.

E176 Apr 24, 2026 29 min 7 annotations

Work-Life Balance Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Leadership Skill

Running a shop doesn’t mean living at work. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, licensed therapist Margaret Light unpacks the mental load of ownership—and how small mindset shifts can help leaders protect their energy, relationships, and businesses.

E169 Apr 22, 2026 17 min 2 annotations

From “Office Lady” to Industry Advocate: Michelle Pippin on Building Confident Women Leaders in Auto Repair

Michelle Pippin never planned on joining the automotive industry. A broken timing belt on a remote Alaskan highway changed everything. Now, nearly a decade later, she’s leading a movement to intentionally invite, mentor, and empower women in auto repair—and challenging shop owners to rethink how leadership is built inside their businesses.

E174 Apr 15, 2026 22 min 24 annotations

Recycled, Reliable, Ready: Why Smart Shops Are Turning to Recycled OEM Parts

What if the part your customer needs is already built, already tested, and already on a truck headed your way? In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Vince Edivan and Shannon Nordstrom unpack the real story behind recycled OEM parts—how they’re sourced, certified, and delivered—and why forward-thinking repair shops are using them to protect margins, reduce cycle times, and offer customers good-better-best options that keep cars (and relationships) on the road.

E173 Apr 08, 2026 37 min 1 annotation

Carrying the Torch: Tonnika Haynes on Leading Brown’s Automotive Into the Next Generation

What happens when your dad hands you the keys to the shop—and the responsibility—before you’re old enough to vote? In this candid conversation, Tonnika Haynes opens up about legacy, leadership, letting go, and why sometimes the best training is being pushed off the boat and told to swim.

E172 Apr 01, 2026 29 min

Old School, New Speed: Why Two-Way Radios Still Belong in the Modern Auto Repair Shop

Cell phones, texts, shop software—auto repair shops have no shortage of ways to communicate. But are they actually slowing you down? In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, two-way radio expert Stew McClintic talks about why “push-to-talk” technology is still one of the fastest, simplest tools shops can use to improve workflow.

E171 Mar 25, 2026 15 min

From First Visit to Forever Customer

Customer retention doesn’t happen by accident. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, business consultant John Waters explains why trust is the real currency of the auto repair industry—and how shop owners can create exceptional experiences that keep customers coming back and referring others.

E170 Mar 18, 2026 20 min

Fearless to Courageous

He built 14 stores. Then he sold 10 of them—one by one—during one of the toughest economic downturns in modern history. In Fearless to Courageous, James Baxter reveals the sleepless nights, payroll fears, and hard leadership decisions that reshaped his company—and why focusing on four strong stores made him more profitable than ever before. If you’re an entrepreneur navigating growth, succession, or tough calls about the future of your business, this episode delivers real-world insight on vision, culture, and the courage it takes to right the ship.

E175 Mar 13, 2026 27 min

Shifting the Industry: Inside Tektonic 2026 with Sunil Patel

Seventy-five breakout sessions. Role-based tracks for owners, advisors, and technicians. Big-name keynotes. A coaching debate on one stage. Dedicated technical training on EV service, ADAS calibration, direct injection systems, and new refrigerants. Tektonic 2026 isn’t about theory—it’s about results. In this conversation, Tekmetric owner Sunil Patel explains why hard work isn’t enough, why systems win, and why Houston in April could be the reset button ambitious shop owners have been looking for.

E177 Mar 11, 2026 16 min

From Shop Floor to Scale: Brian Bates on Leading Straightaway Tire Into Its Next Chapter

What happens when a lifelong shop owner steps into the COO role of a fast-growing national platform? In this episode, Brian Bates breaks down the walls shop owners hit when scaling, how to balance culture with growth, and why leadership—not capital alone—will determine who wins the next decade in the aftermarket.

E168 Mar 04, 2026 31 min

Margin Under Pressure: How Surcharging Helps Shops Fight Rising Costs

Tariffs, inflation, and rising labor costs are putting real pressure on shop margins right now—and I know a lot of shop owners are asking how to recover those costs without upsetting customers. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, I sit down with payments expert Randy Motos to break down surcharging: what it is, how it works, what the compliance rules really are, and why “freedom of choice” at checkout is becoming a go-to strategy for shops looking to offset credit card fees while protecting customer trust.

E167 Feb 25, 2026 17 min