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)
Talking Shop: Alex Noll of ABR Houston
In this episode, we visit with Alex Noll, owner of ABR Houston European Specialty Repair in Houston, Texas. If you recall, Alex was featured in the February 2024 issue as the featured shop in Shop View. Today, Alex talks about his background in automotive, going to tech school, getting picked up by BMW, going after shop ownership, and what the future holds for him.
Podcast: Can Online Scheduling Increase Car Count?
In this episode, Steven Fafel of AutoOps shares industry data about the effectiveness of online scheduling and how it adds customers to the shop. He also talks about the latest feature that helps shops close more appointments after hours.
Can AI-Based Service Advisors Change the Game?
Kieran O'Brien of Shopgenie demos the company's new virtual advisor, Jasmine, and explains how this tech can help shops book more after-hours appointments and how AI is changing front-of-house operations.
Ready to Sell Your Shop? Here's How
In this episode, Matthew Schwab of Cluth Automotive in Houston, Texas, talks about what shop owners who are ready to turn over the reigns need to do to get a buyer for their shop.
Podcast: Profitable Partnerships: The Power of a Business Development Office
In this episode, Ceasar Cordon, who heads the Outside Business Development Team for Fifth Gear Automotive, talks about why collaborating with dealerships and competing shops has boosted their new business revenue by nearly 50% ... and how it can do the same for your shop.
How Standardizing Processes Leads to Success
In this episode, AJ Nealey, owner of Nealey Tire & Auto, which has five locations in Maryland, talks about using the EOS method to standardize his shop and how it has led to massive growth and success across the board.
How to Handle Customer Complaints In-Person and Online
In this episode, Brittany Schindler of Rod's Japanese Auto Care in Bellingham, Washington, who was also the 2021 AAPEX Service Advisor of the Year, explains how service advisors can handle customer complaints with grace.
Is Predictive Maintenance Better Than Recommended Maintenance?
Can predictive maintenance help your auto repair shop schedule more accurate repair appointments for customers? In this episode, Tim Hardin, senior vice president/GM global data services, Epicor, discusses the data that drives predictive maintenance and how it stacks up against the traditional 30/60/90K maintenance model in more accurate scheduled repairs to customers.
Successfully Managing Conflict in Auto Repair Shops
In this episode, Chris Cloutier of Golden Rule Auto Care in Dallas, Texas, discusses how to manage employee conflict in auto repair shops. He identifies what conflict in the workplace looks is, when employees should escalate grievances up to the auto repair shop owner, and how leaders resolve conflict within the team. Sponsored by Chemors
The Impact of Servant Leadership
In this episode, Karim Morsli of Winkler Automotive, talks about going from engineering and IT to auto shop ownership. He discusses how the servant leadership style he learned translated in the shop, and why having a selfless approach as a shop owner can change the shop, and more importantly, lift the industry.
How an App Can Turn Average Customers Into Loyal Members
In this episode, Jeremy Glassco of App Fueled and JJ Mont of JJs Auto Service talk about how using an app has created higher loyalty and retention for JJs shop and why it's smart to market to the phone.
Discussing Shop Processes with Dr. Dana Nkana
In this episode, Dr Dana Nkana of Automotive Doctor Consulting and Coaching Services talks about a few key processes that can improve shops.
Getting Started with AI in the Shop
In this episode, Dan Vance of Shop Dog Marketing talks about how auto repair shops can use AI to improve processes, workflow, customer engagement, and communication. He also dives into some interesting use cases for improving customer service and leveling up your marketing.
Becoming Radically Transparent with Customers
In this episode, Ratchet+Wrench columnist Dutch Silverstein talks about transparency and whether it's just a marketing buzzword to sell services to customers or a way for shops to build a culture that caters to the needs of the people they serve.
A Look Back on Worldpac STX 2024
In this episode, we take a look back on STX 2024 starting with data and industry outlook and moving into conversations with key personnel—Bob Cushing, Shane O'Connor, Rob Morrell, and Chris Salvo. We also speak directly with auto repair shop owners, a technician, and a parts supplier about lessons learned and why they value training.
Running a Profitable, Sustainable, and Enjoyable Shop
In this episode, Maryann Croce, shop owner and founder/coach at Small Biz Vantage, talks about why shop owners can get bogged down by their businesses, what causes it, and seven leadership tips to help them get out of the rut and on top of their game.
5 Exceptional Traits of Gen Z Employees
In this episode, Sara Fraser of Haas Performance Consulting dispels myths about Gen Z workers and discusses five traits that make them among the best workers in the workforce.
How NACAT Serves Automotive Educators
In this episode, the team at FenderBenders, a sibling publication to Ratchet+Wrench covering the collision repair sector, speaks to Drew Barnes and Heather Sebben of North American Council of Automotive Teachers. They're going to talk about what NACAT is and how it serves automotive. They’re reaching their 50th anniversary of operation and will celebrate that at their annual conference this summer.
Turning Comebacks Into Opportunities
In this episode, Kendall Warnock of A1 Automotive in Lincoln, Nebraska, talks about how auto repair shop owners can turn comebacks and upset customers into raving fans. He also talks about his humble beginnings growing up poor on a reservation and how that became the catalyst to how he learned to treat people and why he cares so much about his customers, team, and community.
Meeting the Automotive Aftermarket's Most Pressing Needs
In this episode, Jay Woodall, General Manager of National Accounts Retail/Branded at Interstate and a board member of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation, discusses the AACF's efforts to support individuals facing severe financial hardship during disasters, and provides guidance on accessing the charity's assistance for yourself or your employees.
Enhance Your Service with The DVI Quadrant
In this episode, Jamie Cuthbert, founder & CEO of AutoServe 1, talks about the harmony between auto repair shops and their customers when digital vehicle inspections are done with care, intention, and good communication.
Achieving Clarity Through Failure
In this episode, Juke Ball of Juke Auto in Austin, Texas, discusses mistakes he made as a young shop owner and the resulting lessons. You can read the story that inspired the episode, "What You Don't Know You Don't Know" on ratchetandwrench.com.
Growing From Mistakes to Become a Better Shop Owner
In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Erich Schmidt talks about the early mistakes he made as a shop owner that have enabled him to become the conscious business owner he is today.
How to Hire Faster (and Retain Longer)
In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Mike Allen, owner of Carfix Auto Repair & Tires with shops in the greater Raleigh, North Carolina area, talks about why he likes to hire fast (as quickly as the same day), how he does it, why it works and why his people stick around.
Strong Shop Culture Begins with Onboarding
In this episode, Bill Greeno of Quality Automotive Servicing in Truckee, California, talks about his meticulous process for onboarding new team members. Bill was a 2022 Ratchet+Wrench Best Workplaces winner and has a reputation for having a strong shop culture that begins with how he onboards his new hires.