Ratchet+Wrench Radio
Ratchet+Wrench
Updated about 19 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)
How to Vet, Hire and Retain Your Technicians | Doug Grills
In this episode, Doug Grills, owner of AutoStream Care Care Center with multiple locations across Maryland, talks about vetting, hiring and training technicians. Today, he's going to share his processes from: Creating goal posters with his team to cast a vision Why 1-on-1 meetings matter in retaining technicians The need for good communication Why training inspires technicians to stay How his shop vets potential new hires The advantage of providing benefits and incentives He'll also provide advice for small shops on how to make the right first hires. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Knowing How Your Techs Learn to Leads to Better Performance | Dave Boyes & Ron Shanas
In this episode, Dave Boyes and Ron Shanas of Today's Class talk about how shop owners can better coach their teams by understanding how their team members learn and process the knowledge they gain from educational sessions. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Keys to Customer Retention and Higher Car Count | Connor Tracy
In this episode, Connor Tracy, senior regional manager and director of partner relations at KUKUI, talks about ways shop owners can pinpoint gaps in their customer service sequence to increase the likelihood that customers keep coming back. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Marketing is About Getting More Customers | Ryan Burton
In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Ryan Burton of Leads Near Me. We discuss marketing, what it is, the difference between marketing, advertising and public relations and we get Ryan's reactions to the marketing results in the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Industry Survey Report. Lastly, we talk about his upcoming High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, from Nov. 29-Dec. 1. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Creating a Brand Customers Will Love | Taran Sodhi
In this episode, Taran Sodhi, owner of Conceptual Minds, an auto repair shop marketing firm, talks about how he helped Wiygul Automotive rebrand its shop and what shop owners need to think about when considering a refacing of their own. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft.
8 Reasons Why Techs Quit Auto Repair Shops | Chris Lawson
Why are auto technicians in auto repair shops leaving their jobs? In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Chris Lawson of Technician Find talks to editor Chris Jones about a Statistica survey that details eight reasons why people quit jobs and what auto repair shop owners can learn. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All | Joe Marconi
In this episode, Ratchet+Wrench columnist Joe Marconi talks about why shop owners need to be objective when interpreting external data and trends while taking a subjective look at the KPIs that impact their auto repair businesses. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
How We Created Our Mobile Diag and Training Company | Keith & Liz Perkins
Keith and Liz Perkins of L1 Diagnostics and Programming recount their humble beginning when Keith refused to work for free and was fired from his job only to realize his dream of being a full-time diagnostic tech was waiting for him on the other side. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
2023 RWMC Speaker Series | Meet Lucas Underwood
Lucas Underwood is the owner of L&N Performance Auto Repair in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. In this series focused on getting to know some of the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference speakers, Lucas is going to talk about what he does, what his session topic is about and why you should attend, what excites him about the industry today, and his biggest accomplishments and greatest lessons in business. He also talks about starting his shop and leaving the right legacy. If you're still not registered for the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference, visit rwconference.com and use promo code ChrisJones to get $100 off your registration. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
2023 RWMC Speaker Series | Meet Darrin Barney
Darrin Barney is the co-founder of Barney Brothers Offroad and Repair and the CEO of Elite Worldwide. In this series focused on getting to know some of the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference speakers, Darrin is going to talk about what he does, what his session topic is about and why you should attend, what excites him about the industry today, and his biggest accomplishments and greatest lessons in business. He's also going to tell you a fun story on leading by example. If you're still not registered for the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference, visit rwconference.com and use promo code ChrisJones to get $100 off your registration. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
2023 RWMC Speaker Series | Meet Phil Carpenter
Phil Carpenter is the COO of Urban Auto Care and Avalon Motorsports in Denver, Colorado. In this series focused on getting to know some of the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference speakers, Phil is going to talk about what he does, what his session topics are about and why you should attend, what excites him about the industry today, and his biggest accomplishments and greatest lessons in business. If you're still not registered for the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference, visit rwconference.com and use promo code ChrisJones to get $100 off your registration. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Giving a Voice to Everyone in the Industry | Tara Topel
In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Tara Topel of Topel's Service Center tackles the tough topics of diversity, equity, inclusion and representation. We look at it from the lenses of gender, ethnicity and ability (those with handicaps mentally and physically) and discuss how to encourage education and involvement so that shop owners and their personnel can be mindful of every customer and of one another. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
2023 RWMC Speaker Series | Meet Lauralee Schmidt
Lauralee Schmidt is the VP of marketing and operations of Schmidt Auto Care in Springboro, Ohio. In this series focused on getting to know some of the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference speakers, Lauralee is going to talk about what she does, what her session topic is about and why you should attend, what excites her about the industry today, and her biggest accomplishments and greatest lessons in business. If you're still not registered for the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference, visit rwconference.com and use promo code ChrisJones to get $100 off your registration.
How I Lead to Get The Best From My Team | J.J Mont
In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, J.J. Mont of J.J.'s Auto Service in Waldorf, Maryland, stops by to talk leadership. J.J. is known around his shop for his emotionally intelligent and empathetic servant leadership that aims to get people in the right positions to maximize their potential. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
2023 RWMC Speaker Series | Meet Chris Knuth
Chris Knuth owns Star Motors European Service and founded APAC ATI, both in San Juan Capistrano, California. In this series focused on getting to know some of the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference speakers, Chris is going to talk about what he does, what his session topic is about and why you should attend, what excites him about the industry today, and his biggest accomplishments and greatest lessons in his years in business. If you're still not registered for the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference, visit rwconference.com and use promo code ChrisJones to get $100 off your registration. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Placing Excellent Above Satisfaction | Anthony Bodine
In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, our guest is Anthony Bodine of Protech Automotive Services in Johnston, Rhode Island. Today, Anthony discusses why he's a stickler for the details when it comes to the aesthetics of his shop, how he manages the Protech brand, the care his techs give vehicles and how customers perceive his shop. He also talks about all of the ways he strives for excellence in making his shop a premium place for his customers to do business. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Is Your Bottom Line an Afterthought? | Murray Voth
Most small businesses, such as auto repair shops, focus on customers and sales. Once all the bills are paid and the team members are compensated, there's not enough profit left to build the business—unless you start from the bottom and work backward to discover your real income goal. Today's guest is Murray Voth of RPM Training. Murray is going to teach shop owners how to do the math that creates a bigger net profit for the shop. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Growing Your Business with Data-Driven Marketing Techniques: Sponsored Podcast
In this episode of Ratchet + Wrench Radio, sponsored by Cinch, Justin Rae, Founder & CEO of Cinch, sits down with Matt Hudson, Content Director for Ratchet + Wrench, to talk about some of the ways shops can sharpen their marketing strategies through the improved use of data. Go here to learn more about Cinch and schedule a demo for a free $50 Amazon gift card.
Securing Your Shop’s Data | Sunil Patel
In this episode, Sunil Patel of Tekmetric discusses cybersecurity as it pertains to auto repair shops, the difference in security between on-site and cloud storage, how to secure your shop's data to prevent breaches and unexpected data loss and how Tekmetric is approaching cybersecurity. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Optimizing Your Website for Success | Tony Mercury
In this episode, Tony Mercury, VP of Revenue at Autoshop Solutions, stops in to talk all things website. We look at how shop owners should approach building and using a website to convert customers, as well as the type of imagery, content and messaging you need to get customers to choose you. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Are EV Tires a Viable Profit Center? | Tim Eisenmann
In this episode, Tim Eisenman, CEO of Torqata, talks about EV tires and whether or not shop owners can and should capitalize on servicing tires as an entry point to capturing EV customers. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
How I Created My Shop’s Brand Story and Vision | Rob Choisser
In this episode, Rob Choisser of Choisser Automotive Services in Davidsonville, Maryland, talks about how he got into the industry and the four trademarks upon which he built his shop's culture. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
How I Became a Million-Dollar Service Advisor | Chelsea McDonald
In this episode, Chelsea McDonald of Certified Transmission in Bellevue, Nebraska, shares her journey into the auto care industry and how she committed to becoming the best service advisor in her shop. She also offers actionable tips for service advisors looking to get that winning edge. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
The Interesting History of Kenwood Tire & Auto | Spencer Carruthers
In this episode, Spencer Carruthers, owner of Kenwood Tire & Auto in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, tells the story of this historic shop that was once a one-room school and a public library. He also shares insights he's learned about how auto repair shops can capitalize on EV tires as a service. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
How Branded Merchandise Helps Our Shop | Susan McGrath
In this episode, Susan McGrath of Girlington Garage in South Burlington, Vermont, talks about how she and shop owner Demeny Pollitt began using branded merchandise. McGrath tells how they choose what to invest in, what customers like, what fell flat, and how it has helped the shop become known in the community. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft