Ratchet+Wrench Radio
Ratchet+Wrench
Updated 3 days agoRatchet+Wrench Radio offers four tracks each month that explore the industry's biggest trends, most pressing topics, and the leadership and business management tips and strategies you need to thrive.
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Episodes (473)
2022 Best Workplaces: Quality Automotive Servicing
On this week's episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Paul Hodowonik talks to Bill Greeno, co-owner of Quality Automotive Servicing and our winner of the small shop best workplaces.
The Next Generation of Shop Leaders
Today I'm joined by Andrew Marcott, the general manager of American Pride Automotive. He's among the next generation of shop leaders. We talked about: His work at American Pride Automotive. What the Biden Administration's commitment to EVs means for shop owners and technicians. Young technicians as digital natives and the advantages of that. Becoming an early adapter to change and technologies the auto industry. Why shops need to embrace the digital age and how younger customers engage. Bridging shop and community. What barriers to entry young millennial/Gen Z shop owners face. Why now is a good time to be in the auto service industry.
How an EV Repair Program is Succeeding at a Maine College
Today, we're going to learn about Southern Maine Community College, which has launched an EV repair program giving technicians hands-on experience working with and repairing electric vehicles. We talk to Ruth Morrison, director of the auto department at SMCC. She joins the show today to share how the program came about and why having something like it is so important for the health of the aftermarket.
Employee Retention Begins with Culture
Rajeev Kapur, author and CEO of 1105 Media, joins Ratchet+Wrench Radio to talk about how businesses need to evolve to meet the demands of the new workforce. Kapur explains actionable ways for leaders to ensure that the employment they provide is more than just a paycheck. His new book is called Chase Greatness: Enlightened Leadership for the Next Generation of Disruption.
Exit Strategies and Succession Planning
Staff writer Paul Hodowanic chats with Ratchet+Wrench columnist and industry coach Joe Marconi about the recent sale of his business. Marconi opens up about the evolving nature of his exit plan and discusses every angle of how to go about it whether you're selling to an outside buyer or passing it down to a longtime employee or family member. Whether you've owned your shop for one year or 50 years, Marconi says every business needs an exit strategy and he shares tips on how to create one.
Understanding EV Fire Risks
Digital Multimedia Editor Noah Brown is joined by AutoinsuranceEZ's Laura Adams to discuss the organization's latest finding that EVs are less likely to catch on fire than ICEs or hybrids. Brown and Adams also discuss why shops should still maintain a safe work space that can lower the chance of fires.
Jiffy Lube Rolls Out EV Services
Back in September, Jiffy Lube launched a pilot program testing a complete service package for electric vehicles. Jiffy Lube President Edward Hymes and Marketing Director Sara Smith join the show to talk about the success of the program over the last few months and how they see themselves fitting into an electric-focused future.
The Keys to Confronting Conflict
Scared to let someone go or confront a so-called "cancer" in your shop? In this week's Ratchet+Wrench Radio episode, columnist Aaron Stokes walks through his process for documenting misbehavior and, if necessary, letting that team member go successfully.
Sponsored Podcast: The Future of Parts Ordering
Join AutoZone's Tim Hecklinski as he discusses the past, present, and future of ordering parts online. For more information, please visit autozonepro.com.
How to Woo Customers, Protect Your Business and Nail New Hires
This week's episode contains snippets of some of our best and most listened to interviews of the year. First up, editorial director Anna Zeck chats with Dynamic Automotive's Dwayne Myers to learn how shops can approach the sensitive topic of price and avoid making customers feel vulnerable, overwhelmed, or taken advantage of. Then, William Ferreira, a go-to repair defense specialist, explains how to bridge the gap and build an attorney relationship that's well worth the investment. Finally, columnist and Shop Fix Academy founder Aaron Stokes discusses hiring tips to take into the new year and why you might be holding your hiring potential back.
The Struggles that Shop Owners Face
Staff Writer Paul Hodowanic chats with body shop owner Louie Sharp about his battles with PTSD and childhood trauma as the two embark on a larger discussion about mental health among shop owners. Thought to be one of the most stressful last two years for business owners in modern history, the discussion yields plenty of strategies shop owners can use in their own lives to ensure their mental health is strong.
Productive Vendor Relationships
With supply chain disruptions making headlines and headaches this year, it's a good time to take a closer look at what makes a great relationship between operators and suppliers. Adam Tatum, director of operations at the Virginia Group, a Jiffy Lube franchisee based in the east coast, joins the podcast to talk about his best practices for maintaining great relationships in the industry.
Podcast: Make Telematics Work for Your Shop
Derek Kaufman, managing partner for Schwartz Advisors, chats with Digital Multimedia Editor Noah Brown about all things telematics: What they are, how they've changed over the last couple of years, and how your shop can use the technology in the coming years.
Taking Advantage of the Holiday
Editorial Director Anna Zeck welcomes Ratchet+Wrench columnist and Shop Fix Academy Founder Aaron Stokes to the podcast to discuss how to optimize the time between Christmas and the New Year. Stokes shares what every shop owner should be doing before the start of the new year and how to set yourself up for success heading into 2022.
How to Master Digital Marketing
Christina Ross, president of Silver Frog Marketing, joins Digital Multimedia Editor Noah Brown to outline what makes a good digital marketing campaign and how to effectively employ one for your shop.
Why You Struggle to Hire
Editorial Director Anna Zeck caught up with Shop Fix Academy Founder and Ratchet+Wrench columnist Aaron Stokes to discuss hiring and recruiting. Zeck and Stokes discuss how shops should present themselves, how to act as your best self and how that affects your ability to get the best team members. Stokes identifies what you could be doing wrong and how to fix it.
Integrating Technology in Auto Repair
Tekmetric Co-Founder Prasanth Chilukuri joins staff writer Paul Hodowanic from the 2021 AAPEX Show to briefly discuss Tekmetric's new developments before having a longer discussion on technology and its integration into the repair business.
ADAPT Automotive Technology Summit Preview
10 Missions Media Editorial Director Anna Zeck spoke with Vice President of Content and Events Bryce Evans about what exactly the ADAPT Automotive Technology Summit is, what you can expect while you're there, and why the event is so important for the automotive aftermarket. Spots are still open for the Summit! Register online at adaptsummit.com/register.
The Benefit to Hiring Veterans
Pete Baldine, President of Moran Family of Brands joins Editorial Director Anna Zeck to discuss the company’s commitment in adding veteran owners and employees and the value they bring to the system. Moran Family of Brands, one of the nation’s leading automotive repair franchises, counts 14 United States veterans among its 120 total franchisees. Moran franchise owners have been enlisted in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines branches of the military, as well as the national guard.
How to Build a Culture
Editorial Director Anna Zeck chats with Matt Lachowitzer, owner of Matt's Automotive, a multi-shop operation in Minnesota and North Dakota. Lachowitzer was honored as the 2021 Ratchet+Wrench All-Star Award Winner and caught up with Anna at the Ratchet+Wrench Management conference earlier this year. Their conversation dives deep into the culture Lachowitzer has built and gives tons of great tips on how to build a winning culture.
Becoming a Manager
Editorial Director Anna Zeck chatted with David Askwith, director of operations for the Maryland based-Auto Stream Car Care. Anna and David chat about his journey to a management role and the mistakes and great decisions he made along the way. Askwith provides perspective on what he would do differently, giving great advice for anyone trying to become a manager themselves or for a shop owner who is looking for a manager.
Making Sense of Marketing
Editorial Director Anna Zeck chats with Ryan Hillenbrand, owner of Urb's Garage and Shop Fix Academy coach, about how to maximize your shop's marketing during Q4. Zeck and Hillenbrand discuss how to make sense of all your options to make sure you're getting the bang for your buck.
Finding Your Balance
How much time is too much time to spend on your business? Editorial Director Anna Zeck chats with Brian Sump, owner of Urban Autocare and Avalon Motorsports, about finding a successful balance that will led to the best business results. Recorded at the 2021 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference, Zeck and Sump also touch on some of the highlights of Sump's keynote speech.
SPONSORED: The Why and How of Social Media
Shana Steigerwalt, president and founder of Modern Driven Media, discusses tips and tricks for taking on social media as a shop owner. This podcast is sponsored by BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY. To learn more, visit boltontechnology.com.
Develop a Plan for the Future
For many repair shops, business is booming. But it won't forever. Shop Fix Academy Founder Aaron Stokes explains why now is a perfect time to plan for the future, so when the downturn comes, you're ready.