Ratchet+Wrench Radio
Ratchet+Wrench
Updated about 13 hours 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)
Skating to Where the Puck Is Going: Why the Aftermarket’s Future Depends on Education and Leadership
Recorded live from the AAPEX show floor, Northwood University president Kent MacDonald sits down with editorial director Chris Jones to discuss what Wayne Gretzky’s famous advice means for the automotive aftermarket—and why leadership, entrepreneurship, and education have never mattered more.
Beyond the Bays: Why Shop Owners Must Understand Their Numbers to Protect Profits
Full bays don’t always mean healthy profits. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, host Christine Schaffran sits down with Hunt Demarest, CPA, partner at Paar, Melis & Associates, and author of Beyond the Bays, to unpack why so many shop owners feel busy but broke—and what they can do about it. From cash vs. profit confusion to overlooked financial fundamentals, Hunt explains how better understanding your numbers can change the trajectory of your business.
What 2025 Taught Us About the Aftermarket—And What Comes Next
What really drove aftermarket performance in 2025—and what signals should shop owners be paying attention to now? In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Auto Care Association senior director of market intelligence Mike Chung breaks down the data behind tariffs, inflation, supply chain shifts, and changing consumer purchasing habits. From parts buying to tire trends, Mike explains what the numbers reveal—and how they point to what’s coming in 2026.
Fight Forward
What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your goals—but how you’re framing them? On this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Chris Messer, vice president of transportation at Endeavor Business Media, sits down with Mike Jones, president of Discover Leadership, alongside editorial director Chris Jones for a powerful conversation on fighting forward. From personal growth to shop performance, they unpack why focusing on what you want—rather than what you’re trying to avoid—can change your results, your culture, and your leadership impact. If you want a mindset shift that leads to real, lasting change, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
The Overlooked Goldmine: What Auto Shop Owners With Silent Partners Don’t Realize About Exit Planning and Tax-Free Gains
Silent partners can be a powerful asset—or a costly blind spot—when it’s time to sell an auto repair business. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, host Christine Schaffran sits down with Nick Papakyrikos, CPA, to uncover how smart exit planning, clear agreements, and the right tax structure can turn a future sale into a largely tax-free payday.
From Food Stamps to Small Business of the Year: The Relentless Leadership of Kendall Warnock
Fifteen years ago, Kendall Warnock was a technician with a dream, five T-shirts, and a shop name chosen to land at the front of a phone book. Today, he leads one of Lincoln, Nebraska’s most respected repair facilities and has been named Small Business of the Year. Now he’s bringing his hard-won leadership lessons — built through grit, humility, and nonstop self-development — to Ratchet+Wrench readers as an online columnist in 2026. In this episode, we talk about his journey, his mindset, and why he believes helping others is his true calling.
A Century in Motion: The Veenstra Legacy at 100 Years
For 100 years, Veenstra’s Garage has served its Michigan community through depressions, relocations, sweeping industry change, and four generations of leadership. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Editor Christine Schaffran sits down with Mike and Jason Veenstra to talk about legacy, modern challenges, the transition from father to son, and what it really takes to keep a shop thriving for a century.
Meet Ratchet+Wrench’s Newest Columnist, Katie French
Katie French’s journey from a Power Wheels–obsessed kid to AAPEX Service Advisor of the Year is anything but ordinary. Now, as she joins Ratchet+Wrench Magazine as an online columnist in 2026, she’s bringing real-world experience, raw honesty, and a deep passion for elevating shop culture. On this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, editor Christine Schaffran sits down with Katie to talk about her early days in the industry, her mission to amplify overlooked voices, and what shop owners can expect from her upcoming columns.
Building the Next Generation: How ASE Foundation Standards Are Shaping Tomorrow's Technicians
The automotive industry faces a critical technician shortage—but Mike Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation, is tackling the problem from the ground up. Learn how 2,000 accredited schools across the country are preparing the next wave of skilled professionals, and discover what employers can do to identify and nurture young talent in their own backyard.
Fire Safety 2.0: The Risks Your Shop Can’t Afford to Ignore
With more than 5,000 auto shop fires annually and rising risks from EVs, high-output chargers, changing shop layouts, and aging suppression systems, fire safety has become a moving target. In this episode, Mountain State Fire Protection owner Steve Lockwood joins Christine Schaffran to reveal the overlooked hazards hiding in plain sight, the upgrades that matter, and the must-do inspections every shop should prioritize. If you want to protect your people, property, and profit, this is essential listening.
Bridging the Technician Gap: How Shops Can Adapt to the Industry’s Biggest Disruption
Ford’s CEO says 5,000 technician jobs are sitting open—and that’s just the beginning. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Christine Schaffran talks with Repairify’s Chief Transformation Officer, Keith Crerar, about the skills shortage, the rise of ADAS complexity, and the real-world technology helping shops stay ahead. From AI to change management to technician training, Keith breaks down what shop owners must do now to stay competitive—and safe.
Mind Your Business
At SEMA in Las Vegas, Chris Messer and Mike Jones dive into why your mindset—not your skill set—determines the trajectory of your business. From the power of surrounding yourself with the right people to embracing change in a fast-moving industry, this episode challenges shop owners and leaders to elevate their awareness, rethink their environment, and commit to becoming an even better version of themselves. If you want to shift from fixed to growth mindset—and inspire your team to do the same—this conversation is your starting point.
The Power of Support: Building Strong Connections for Mental Health in the Automotive Industry
Long hours, physical strain, financial stress, and the weight of customer expectations—life in the automotive industry can take a toll. But you don’t have to face it alone. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Margaret Light, a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in supporting automotive professionals explores the critical role of healthy support systems, how to build them, and why vulnerability, connection, and communication are key to resilience both in and out of the shop.
Smart Giving, Bigger Savings: A Guide to Year-End Charitable Strategies for Shop Owners
As the year winds down, charitable giving becomes more than a goodwill gesture—it can be a powerful tax-saving strategy for shop owners. CPA and automotive financial advisor Nick Papakyrikos returns to Ratchet+Wrench Radio to explain how to make donations the smart way, from gifting appreciated stock to using donor-advised funds, navigating upcoming 2026 rule changes, and choosing the right timing based on your shop’s financial performance. If you want your generosity to work harder for both your business and your community, you won’t want to miss this discussion.
Big Thanks, Small Budget: Smart Ways to Show Employee Appreciation
You don’t need lavish parties or big bonuses to make your team feel valued. In this episode, small business expert Nick Papakryikos talks about meaningful, budget-friendly ways to show appreciation during the holiday season. From catered lunches and “12 Days of Appreciation” countdowns to handwritten notes and extra paid time off, learn how small, sincere gestures can boost morale, strengthen loyalty, and help your business start the new year on the right foot. To learn more, visit Nick Papakyrikos' website.
Trust in the Bay: How Educating Customers Builds Lasting Loyalty
When it comes to auto repair, trust is everything. In this episode, shop owner Gary Hinendes of Gary’s Automotive Repair shares how taking time to educate customers—especially those who feel intimidated walking into a shop—can transform fear into confidence and first-time visitors into lifelong clients. From listening more than talking to training his team on empathy and transparency, Gary reveals why putting people before profits is the smartest business strategy a shop can make.
Focus on the Outcome
In this fifth episode of our Endeavor to Discover series, Endeavor B2B’s Chris Messer, Executive Vice President of the Transportation Group, sits down with Mike Jones, President and CEO of Discover Leadership, and Randy O’Connor, President of D2D Development — also known as the Chief Outcome Officer. Together, they explore what it means to focus on the outcome — how defining a shared vision, owning your commitments, and celebrating progress can transform your business, your leadership, and your life.
The Art of Aging Gracefully: Servicing Older Vehicles
As drivers hold onto their vehicles longer than ever, service complexity continues to rise. In this episode, GM’s Aaron Charbonneau, Director of Dealer Service and Warranty Operations, and Patrick Meissner, Director of Strategic Service Initiatives and Accessories, discuss how technicians and shop owners navigate the growing mix of old and new technologies. From training and parts availability to customer trust and predictive maintenance, they share insights into what it takes to deliver a seamless service experience—no matter the model year.
The Dynamic Story of Dwayne Myers
Today, we’re talking with Dwayne Myers, CEO and co-founder of Dynamic Automotive — recently named America’s Top Small Business of 2025 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. What started as a one-location repair shop in Frederick County, Maryland, has grown into seven thriving locations, nearly 60 employees, and more than 1,300 five-star reviews — all built on the belief that customers should be treated like family and employees like owners. We’ll talk with Dwayne about the company’s journey, its people-first culture, and what it takes to build a business that truly endures.
Women in Auto Care at AAPEX 2025: Inspiration, Awards, and Opportunity
We’re shining a spotlight on an exciting part of the automotive industry — the women who are driving innovation, leadership, and change in the aftermarket. Joining us is Missy Stephens, Community Engagement Manager for Women in Auto Care, a community of the Auto Care Association. We’ll be talking about their upcoming events at AAPEX 2025 in Las Vegas, including the Women in Auto Care Breakfast and Awards Ceremony, where outstanding women and allies in the industry will be recognized, and the casual evening reception where connections are made and community grows. If you want to learn more about how women are shaping the future of the aftermarket — and how you can be part of it — you won’t want to miss this conversation.
Gearing Up for SEMA with Tom Gattuso
The countdown is on for one of the biggest events in the automotive world—the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. This year, the energy doesn’t stop at the convention floor. Outside, the roar of engines, the smell of burning rubber, and the adrenaline of live motorsports will take center stage as OPTIMA powers the weeklong OPTIMA Unleashed experience—capped off with SEMA Fest, the ultimate celebration of car culture. I’m joined by Tom Gattuso, Vice President of Events for the Specialty Equipment Market Association. Tom has been shaping automotive events for more than two decades, and he’s here to give us an inside look at what’s new, what’s exciting, and how SEMA continues to push the limits of innovation, performance, and connection across the industry. So buckle up—we’re diving into what makes this year’s SEMA Show a full-throttle experience from start to finish!
The "I Will" Attitude
In Episode 4 of our Endeavor 2 Discover series, Chris Messer, Executive Vice President of Endeavor Business Media’s Transportation Group is joined once again by Mike Jones, President and CEO of Discover Leadership. Today’s topic is all about the I Will Attitude—what it means to replace words like I think or I’ll try with the confidence of I will. It’s a simple shift in language that can change the way you lead, the way you work, and the way you show up every day.
Who is Rob the Blonde Mechanic?
Meet Robin Reneau—once a single mom who didn’t know how to check a dipstick and went through three broken-down cars in four years. Fast forward to today: she’s the first Black woman mechanic to own an independent repair shop in Georgia, running Rob the Blonde Mechanic, LLC. Robin’s journey from high school dropout to shop owner and community leader is all about resilience, representation, and proving what’s possible when you refuse to shrink yourself.
Long Live Your Story
In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest challenges shop owners face: cutting through the nonstop noise of media and actually connecting with customers. With so many flashy ads and constant messages hitting us from every direction, how do you make your shop stand out? The answer might surprise you — it’s not about being the loudest, but about telling a better story. In today’s conversation with Lola Schmidt of Schmidt Auto Care, we’ll explore how to define your brand’s tone, engage with your community, and keep your marketing story alive. By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with practical steps to build a brand that people trust, remember, and come back to. Long live your story!
Christian Brothers' $12M Investment in Training Excellence
This week, host Chris Jones sits down with Michael Suttle, chief development officer at Christian Brothers Automotive, to explore how this growing franchise is revolutionizing technician training in the automotive repair industry. In this episode, Michael shares the exciting details behind Christian Brothers' $12 million investment in a state-of-the-art 14,000-square-foot technology and training center, set to open in 2027. Discover how this facility will help their 315 locations stay ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology, particularly in the critical area of advanced driver assistance systems.