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)
What I’ve Learned as a First-Time Shop Owner | Jesse Sammons, Thoroughbred Motors
In this episode, Jesse Sammons of Thoroughbred Motors in Ramona, California, talks about the lessons he's learned in his first two years of shop ownership. Jesse opened his auto repair shop—45 minutes from downtown San Diego—during the height of the pandemic in 2020. Today, he reflects on his career as a technician and the takeaways he got from working at other shops that have helped him succeed in his own. Jesse discusses: Opening a shop during COVID His start in the auto care industry Working to build a shop that was different from the other shops he had worked at before The things he thought would be easy but have proved to be challenging Making the mental switch from technician to shop owner How he's creating a nurturing work environment for his team His philosophy on customer service and his approach to marketing How he will lead his shop through the rapid changes happening in California
Setting Boundaries and Managing Customer Expectations (w/ Tonnika Haynes)
In this episode, Tonnika Haynes of Brown's Automotive in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, discusses boundaries and expectations. Every shop needs to have a protocol on how to help customers who don't fully understand what shops can and cannot do within reason. Tonnika discusses: Being a second-generation shop owner How she decided to get into the industry and taking over her father's shop How she manages customer expectations How she handles difficult customers Helping customers understand the difference between the dealership service model and how independent shops work How to set personal boundaries How overwork put her in the hospital and why shop owners need to take time off Why she loves shop ownership
Podcast: The Life of Shop Owners w/ Joe Marconi
In this episode of Ratchet+Wench Radio, my guest is R+W columnist Joe Marconi. Joe owned his shop Osceola Garage for 41 years before retiring in 2022. Today, he talks about the things that keep shop owners up at night and other situations shop owners face. We discuss: The 'What if's" that cause anxiety in shop owners The responsibility of providing gainful employment and benefits to your team How to confront your negative thinking How to delegate and break perfectionism The importance of creating the right systems and processes for success How one-on-one meetings create confidence in a shop owner's vision Why shop owners need to be visible and transparent with their team How goal setting helps team buy-in Why having a plan for emerging tech and sharing it with the team matters even if you're not going to execute it in the near future How to always remember what you're grateful for and why you do what you do
How to Establish Trust and Win Customers Online - Part 2 (w/ Jimmy Lea)
In the second installment of this two-part series, Jimmy Lea, product evangelist at Kikui, is back to show shop owners more about developing and growing trust online through Google. This week, Lea talks about: What the sweet spot is for Google Reviews. How to optimize the replies you add to customer reviews to help others better find your shop. How many positive reviews does it take to grow your star rating? Whether Facebook Reviews have more weight than Google Reviews. The importance of having a consistent listing across the entire web. How much weight Google places on customer reviews in its algorithm? An email hack email to get a review and schedule the next service appointment at the same time.
How to Establish Trust and Win Customers Online - Part 1 (w/ Jimmy Lea)
In this episode, Jimmy Lea, product evangelist at Kikui, kicks off this two-part series on how shop owners can develop trust online through Google. This week, Lea talks about: Why shop owners need to pay attention to Google Reviews Why obsessing over 5-star ratings isn't the right strategy with Google Why shop owners must engage with customer reviews and why Google loves this How to report consumer abuse (false reviews)aimed at tanking your reviews What is review gating and why it's a bad practice for your shop How to properly solicit customer reviews How to get optimized Google reviews to attract the right customers
How We Set Up Our Shop for ADAS (w/ Silver Lake Auto and Tire Centers)
In this episode, Ratchet+Wrench Radio welcomes Tyler Peartree and Jim Nawrocki of Silver Lake Tire and Auto Centers. They discuss how Silver Lake successfully implemented ADAS services and what shop owners need to know about cost, benefits, liability and space requirements.
Podcast: 2023 Best Workplaces: Curt’s Auto Repair
In this episode, the last in our 2023 Best Workplaces podcast series, our guest is Curt Rock, owner and founder of Curt's Auto Repair in Phoenix, Arizona. He talks about his shop, how he developed his people-focused inverted pyramid leadership style, his hiring process, how he takes care of his technicians and what serving multiple generations of families means to him.
Podcast: 2023 Best Workplaces: SimplyTRUE Auto Group
In this episode, the first in our 2023 Best Workplaces podcast series, Will Dunford, chief operating officer at SimplyTRUE Auto Group, talks about the shop, its culture, what makes it an anomaly in the auto care industry and the value of nurturing people (and their families).
Rissy Sutherland on Her Past, Her Passion and Her Pursuits
In this episode, Rissy Sutherland, CEO and president of Drive Automotive Services, an Atlanta-based corporate office that runs repair shops for all major vehicle brands across six states and under a handful of operating banners, talks shop with host Chris Jones. Rissy talks about her childhood in her father's auto repair shop, going to tech school as a female, the triumphs and challenges of being a woman in auto care, how she built her business and more.
Nonprofit Auto Repair: From Social Worker to Shop Owner (w/ Kathy Heying)
In this episode, Cathy Heying, founder of The Lift Garage in Minneapolis, Minnesota, visits Ratchet+Wrench Radio to talk about the inner workings of nonprofit auto repair shops. Heying, who was once a social worker, made a career change at 38 in order to help more people in real time. Here's what we discussed: Her time as a social worker When she became an auto technician The founding of The Lift Garage How the nonprofit operates How she helps customers understand car care How her techs are compensated Partnering with outside independent auto repair shops to service her customers The challenges of her work that differ from what other shop owners face.
Talking Shop with Jeff Beck of Beck’s Garage
In this episode, Jeff Beck, owner of Beck's Garage in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, joins Chris Jones to talk about how he got started in automotive, the creation of his shop, his affinity for Route 66-style Americana antique decor, show he trains his team and his love for repairing classic cars.
Podcast: Mango Automotive’s National Growth Plan (w/ Jesse Jackson)
In this episode, Jesse Jackson, owner of Mango Automotive, talks about her drive to make her brand of auto repair shops a national name. She shares how she got into the auto care industry, getting into her first shop, how she skillfully acquires new shops, her onboarding process and the timeline for full national coverage.
Podcast: Providing Modern Tools for Today’s Automotive Students (w/ Suresh Krishna)
In this episode, Suresh Krishna, CEO of Northern Tool+Equipment stops by Ratchet+Wrench Radio to discuss his company's latest role in helping high school automotive programs. Through Tools for the Trades, students get to use professional-grade tools found in auto repair shops to learn about the industry and work on vehicles. Suresh also discusses Northern Tool+Equipment's partner in the program, NASCAR legend Richard Petty and how he got involved with the program.
Podcast: Stellantis Shows Its Hand and Other Right to Repair Updates (w/ Bob Redding)
In this episode, ASA Washington, D.C. representative Bob Redding visits Ratchet+Wrench Radio to talk about a variety of Right to Repair topics. We discuss: Stellantis and its new business focused on monetizing consumer vehicle data. What's going on behind the scenes in Washington, D.C., with Right to Repair advocates and OEs. What the automotive aftermarket can do right now to show its support. Why 2023 is a pivotal year for Right to Repair legislation. What the automotive aftermarket can learn from the Farm Bureau-John Deere memorandum of understanding in agricultural Right to Repair. What's next for Maine's Right to Repair advocates now that the signature threshold has been met.
Podcast: Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference Announcement
If you attended the 2022 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference, you were treated to a Texas-sized conference in downtown Arlington, Texas with over 30 sessions, top-flight presenters and many networking opportunities. This year, the Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference is in Aurora, Colorado, from September 21-23, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency Aurora Conference Center. And much like conferences in the past, here's what you can expect from the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference: Three days of learning from industry experts and peers Over 30 strategy sessions focused on improving your business Dedicated networking to build high-value connections Unlimited opportunities for personal growth Registration is now open, AND we're holding a call for speakers this year. This means you or someone you know and admire can be recommended to speak at the 2023 conference. We want fresh faces, new ideas and topics that matter to you right now and in the future. Deadline to submit or nominate: MARCH 1. The online form is open to shop owners, vendors, and other stakeholders to nominate speakers, suggest session topics, and guide the direction of the 2023 event. Click here to view the submission form and nominate a speaker or suggest a session topic. Click here to register as an attendee for the 2023 conference.
How to Recession-Proof Your Shop (with Brad Fink)
In this episode, Brad Fink of Christian Brothers Automotive talks about how shops can weather a potential recession. He shares his experiences as a shop owner and as a leader within the franchise on how he's approached economic tightening through conservative business practices while continuing to give to customers and the community.
How to Approach Electrification (with Chris Salvo)
In this episode, Chris Salvo of Electrified Garage talks about how shops should ready themselves for electrification. He shares insights from his career working with Tesla and offers ways shop owners can start getting their technicians up to speed on understanding EV parts and maintenance.
What Techs Want in a Shop (w/ Jimmy Alauria)
This week, we talked to Jimmy Alauria, president and shop owner of 3A Automotive Service and co-founder and CEO of Victory Teambuilding Group. He discusses the findings of a survey he created that polled technicians about what they really want from an auto repair shop.
Write Ads That Make Technicians Respond (with Chris Lawson)
In this episode, Chris Lawson of Technician Find, an agency that helps independent auto repair shops find qualified technicians through digital ad campaigns, joins us to talk about his company. We discuss why shops need to change their hiring narrative, ways to write effective job ads, and how Technician Find's clients have made the service work for their shops.
How Honest Wrenches Built a Winning Culture (with Travis Troy)
In this episode, Travis Troy of Honest Wrenches in Des Moines, Iowa, talks about why he and business partner Josh Mullins hold culture within their shop in high esteem. He opens up about his methods, such as family outings, team outings and even cooking for his team members, why culture matters internally and externally, and how to lead the way as a shop owner. Lastly, he dives into another facet of Honest Wrench's culture, customer service, and why attention to detail helps his service advisors treat customers with exceptional care.
Talking Shop with Tim Suggs & Rachel Grewell of Turbo Tim’s Anything Automotive
In this episode, we talk to Tim Suggs and Rachel Grewell of Turbo Tim's Anything Automotive in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We talk about how Tim got started in automotive, his love for cats, big shops, and his community. We also discuss how Rachel decorated the shop, some of its eclectic and fun touches, how they train the front and back of the house, their shop culture, and more.
What’s Your Mission? (w/ Chris Cloutier)
In this episode, Chris Cloutier of Golden Rule Auto Care and autotext.me visits Ratchet+Wrench Radio to discuss personal mission statements. Many shop owners have a detailed and comprehensive vision for the health and growth of their shop, but how many also apply this to their personal lives where all of that drive stems? Chris breaks down his four pillars for developing a personal mission statement and tells how you can use a personal mission statement to be your external governing compass in all of your decisions making personally and professionally.
Can APAC ATI Solve the Auto Technician Shortage? (w/ Chris Knuth)
In this episode, Chris Knuth of APAC ATI stops by the show to talk about how his nonprofit auto technician training program can help shops across the country with labor shortages. He shares the background of the organization, how it finds technicians to train, and how auto repair shops can work with him.
How to Build Your Apprenticeship Program (w/ Mitch Moncur)
In this episode, Mitch Moncur of Denny's Auto in Riverton, Utah, talks about how he finds, trains, and develops high school-age apprentices to be shop-ready by their graduation date.
AAPEX Bonus: Lauren Beaulieu of Advance Professional
In this episode. Ratchet+Wrench Editor Chris Jones catches up with Lauren Beaulieu, VP of Advance Professional, Worldpac, Carquest, and Autopart International. They are to revisit a story from the June 2022 issue of Ratchet+Wrench on TechNet Impressions and talk about what's new with the program.