Ratchet+Wrench Radio
Ratchet+Wrench
Updated 1 day 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 (481)
How I Did It: Hired Outside My Comfort Zone
Grote Industries was recently highlighted by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb for its partnership with Ivy Tech Community College and the Indiana Department of Correction. Through the program, Grote provides workplace experience and training, as well as opportunities for permanent employment to women returning to the workforce. Andrew Garrett, human resources officer at Grote, discusses the benefits to the program and why automotive repair shop owners should consider getting involved in something similar.
Lead: The KPI You Should be Tracking
Monthly guest Aaron Stokes shares his pick for the KPI you should be tracking (but probably aren't) and how to go about improving it.
Grow: Expand Your Marketing Tactics
This week on Ratchet+Wrench Radio, we talk with two marketing experts from Podium on how to up your game in the marketing playing field.
Innovate: Master Publicity
Publicity is a great way to reach customers, but not every shop owner is trained for it. Frank Leutz, owner of Desert Car Care of Chandler, and co-host Susie Wong, discuss the dos and don’ts of a press release, how to attract the media and how to prepare for a TV appearance. Hear more from Frank at http://bit.ly/WrenchNation
Lead: Dealing with a Toxic Employee
Aaron Stokes shares how negative staff members can disrupt the entire business, how to prevent it from happening and how to know when enough is enough.
How I Did It: Creating a Solution to a Problem
Tom Burden, founder of Grypmat, shares the inspiration behind his tool tray, which was named one of Time's Best Inventions of 2018, and his advice on finding your inner problem-solver.
Innovate: Create a Marketing Calendar
Frank Leutz and co-hose Susie Wong break down their marketing calendar and provide tips so others can create their own for the upcoming year.
Grow: Recruiting the Best
Jason Stretch, owner of Legendary Automotive and Truck Service, discusses the importance of recruiting and his approach to the process.
Lead: Show Appreciation
With the holiday season upon us, Aaron Stokes discusses the importance of giving thanks for one of your most valuable assets—your employees.
Innovate: A Personal Account of the Tech Shortage
In his inaugural podcast, Frank Leutz, owner of Desert Car Care of Chandler, and co-host Susie Wong, tackle the tech shortage and discuss the techniques that have worked for them as well as areas that they’ve struggled with.
How I Did It: The Customer Focus
In this week's episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Junior Word, president of Carquest North America discusses how he's been able to keep a focus on the customer throughout his time with the company and what he hopes to bring to his new position.
The Consolidation Threat
Jim Lang, president of Lang Market, discusses what independent shop owners need to do in order to stay relevant.
Grow: Stress Management 101
With SEMA and AAPEX week upon us, Ratchet+Wrench decided to focus on how to manage stress with a busy schedule. In this week's episode, we talk with trainer, speaker, and coach, Joe Robinson, who works for companies all over the world focusing on stress management and work-life balance.
Lead: Creating a Fearless Environment
In this month's episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Aaron Stokes talks about how shop owners can become plagued with fear and how they can get out of this mindset.
Grow: Master Social Media
Jennifer Filzen, owner and operator of Rock Star Marketing, explains why small business owners need to get on the social media train now and what shop owners can do to take it to the next level.
How I Did it: Modernize My Shop
Greg Buckley's Delaware shop is an example of a modern shop that's continually invested in new technology. In this podcast, Buckley explains just how he's modernized his shop and how other shop owners can, too.
Innovate: Positive Guidance
Founder of the Automotive Training Center, Larry Witherspoon, explains his program, which uses auto repair to mentor at-risk youth.
Grow: The Benefits of Mobile Repair
Bridgette Tuquero of YourMechanic, a website based platform that connects technicians and customers, discusses the benefits of mobile repair and what auto repair shop owners can learn from its business model and how to leverage platforms like this to grow their businesses.
How I Did It: Elevating Customer Service
Julio Martinez, owner of Elam Kwik Kar, tells us how he took customer service in his shop to the next level.
Sponsored: The 4 Key Components of Direct Mail
Josh Davis, EVP of sales at Mail Shark, breaks down how the key components of every direct mail campaign, if done correctly, ensure a growing customer base. For additional information about direct mail or Mail Shark, contact Josh directly at 484-302-7266 or visit themailshark.com/ratchet.
Lead: How to Be a Role Model
In this month's episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Aaron Stokes speaks on the importance of being a role model vs. a typical owner.
Innovate: Trends in Marketing
Tim Ross, president and CEO of Mudlick Mail Marketing, discusses trends in marketing and why direct mail isn't dead.
Lead: Benefits of Using Flat Rate
In this month's episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Aaron Stokes speaks about the benefits of using a flat rate, as well as figuring out the right employees for this system.
Grow: Building Self-Sufficient Staff
Bill Greeno, a "management guru" in the automotive industry, shares his tips on getting employees to become more independent, along with tools to get them started.
Innovate: Recruiting Techs
Ben Pohl, graduate and automotive tutor at College of DePage in Illinois, shares his thoughts on what makes an effective tech program and what shop owners can do to attract a top quality tech.