Wrench Nation
Frank Leutz
Last episode about 1 month agoCar Talk Radio Show on All things automotive
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Episodes (306)
#265 Advanced Techonology of Near Field Sensors & Vehicle Object Tracking
The average consumer driving behind the wheel has a limited understanding of the various camera, radar, and LiDAR that is incorporated into advanced driver awareness systems (ADAS) that enable a vehicle to have incredible safety enhancements. What are the differences between radar, camera systems, and LiDAR? What are the benefits to each and what are their limitations? Join us for a special edition of WrenchNation as CEO Paul Drysch of PreAct Software Technologies shares the specific details as we tackle the subject of near-field sensor technology & vehicle object tracking. *Please support this week's special partner of the show: Celebrating 50 Years of Innovation BG Products *Automotive Training Events Coming Soon : Accelerate: A Motor Age Training Event
#264 Credit Card Fraud & How To Avoid In Your Automotive Operations
The serious risk of credit card fraud while conducting transactions in your automotive business can be overwhelming if it regrettably happens. We dedicate a complete show on the latest alarming statistics regarding credit card scams, and how your automotive business can properly prepare to avoid them. We also review strategies to attain the lowest legitimate merchant fees without overpaying with special guest Dan Arndt of Card Connect Paradise. Join us as we investigate : -How thieves are getting technologically more clever with skimming devices -The risks to avoid with staff accepting payments & the importance of training -The variety of hardware and software to keep you financially secure as a merchant
#263 Keeping Car Culture Alive One LIVE Stream At A Time
Capturing thousands of car shows and LIVE STREAMING to the world is a passion of K. Mikael Wallin "The Crazy Swede" of Customikes. With years of working with his classic ride clients in the garage, Customikes offers both real-world restoration and repairs along with sound advice regarding how to approach a budget to get the most bang for your buck while enabling a safe & reliable cruising work of rolling art. Mikael stops by the show to discuss how he got started behind the lens and what inspired him to keep sharing a multitude of car shows to folks across the globe that may not be able to attend a show and his life spirit of spreading that contagious positive car culture vibe. Frank also goes in-depth about the importance of supporting the SEMA RPM ACT to protect your rights to install aftermarket performance parts as the EPA is making it a top priority to enforce AGAINST these performance part installations. CLICK HERE TO TELL YOUR ELECTED OFFICIAL TO SUPPORT THE RPM ACT
#262 Supply Chain Logistics Concerns as EV Demand Increases
Supply Chain Logistics Concerns as EV Demand Increases As the green movement ramps up quickly and the Electric Vehicle demand starts to increase, how does the automotive supply chain embrace and keep up with the OEM'S? The labor shortages, current supply-demand imbalances, and ripple effects of global bottlenecks have created additional loads on one of the key talents of the supply chain -the Program Manager. Actify CEO Dave Opsahl visits the show for a SPECIAL EDITION preview into how the automotive supply chain operates, the current challenges that will need to be addressed, and some of the solutions that exist to aid for a smoother transition into the future. How are suppliers currently handling the challenges within the EV arena ? As the "Great Retirement " of the baby boomer demographic takes a foothold in our economy, how will we overcome the labor shortages that we are seeing? How can the Federal Govt act to enhance and help with some of the issues regarding the supply side? What are the current concerns with the OEM & Program Manager relationship?
#261 Special Edition : Tech Force Foundation White Paper Release | Women Technicians Solving the Tech Shortage
Woman Techs : Solving the Tech Shortage Problem As there is a huge demand for skilled automotive technicians , Tech Force Foundation is carving out huge strides with over 40 million in scholarships providing huge opportunities for younger technicians entering the automotive industry. Tech Force has just released an in depth white paper regarding women who are entering the industry, and some of the biggest challenges they face , despite being relentless about their goals. Special guests Dana Rapoport of Tech Force Foundation & Dr Dana Nkana of Scott's Auto stop by the show to open up a sincere discussion about how the automotive industry is embracing change for a more inclusive environment , while still greatly needing areas of improvement. Dana Rapoport, Chief of Diversity and Inclusion for TechForce Foundation, is a passionate member of the organization who finds purpose in helping students and instructors reach their career objectives. Dr. Dana Nkana was born and raised in the amazing African continent. In his pursuit of the American dream, he gained admission to the University of Illinois where he obtained the following degrees: Bachelor of Science, Master of Law, Master of Science, and a doctorate in Management and Leadership, with an Emphasis in Organizational Development from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona where he know is the Chief Learning Officer for the award winning Scott's Auto based out of Colorado , and now in Phoenix with a new location on 7th st totalling 5 locations Auto Recall : Ford Recalls Nearly 3 Million Vehicles for Rollaway Risk
#259 Are You Prepared For an Electric Vehicle Lifestyle ?
EV Sales Increase as Technology Moves Forward As the economy slowly corrects by way of increasing inflation, and specifically the price action of unchartered territory....regarding fuel prices... is the consumer ready to make a shift to seriously considering an Electric Vehicle platform or are we years away from a practical solution making our peace to finally separate from fossil fuels. We discuss the practical, and not so practical details of EV platforms and how this transportation transition needs a careful ear and eye before making a decision. Is EV Tech truly "green" and climate friendly ? Commodity resources abound outside of the U.S. -how can we capitalize on the EV transition and are we too late ? Sensor fusion & technology for ADAS -EV systems to be aware of -what they are & the importance of human oversight behind the wheel. Automotive industry talents Scott Brown of Connie & Dick's Service Center and Rocky Khamenian of Bimmer & Benz Specialists join this special edition of WrenchNation as we discuss the challenges facing the EV industry and key tips regarding your next EV purchase . *In Depth EV News & Information Source : electrek.co
#258 One of The Worlds Oldest Ferrari’s : Ed Williman
Car Mechanic, Collector & History Preservationist Ed Willimann | Owner of Historic Ferrari Platforms & Vintage Collection Ed Willimann -Prescott AZ vehicle collector and enthusiast is preserving history in a very special way with an incredible collection over the years of vintage Ferrari's & more ! Ed stops by the Wrench Nation show to discuss his history as a Navy Veteran, the great journey behind seeking out the Ferrari 125 ,and the storied history of the legendary Enzo Ferrari Scuderia early years !
#257 Low & Slow : The History of Low Rider Culture | Phoenix Custom Build Talent Luis Miranda & Richard Ochoa
As a Phoenix native, Luis Miranda, owner of Miranda's Custom Cars, got his start working on cars by helping his father at the age of 8 & has spent the last 35 years carving a true legacy under hood within the lowrider scene with grace & style. We discuss his fascinating journey : Before his first build project --literally digging graves with Dad to earn some money for his dream ride. Working with legendary lowrider Hall of Famer Mando Estrada on the very first official Lowrider of the Year "Brandy Madness" Why lowrider culture may disappear as the new generations my disconnect. The importance of humility under hood and in the community. * SHOW NOTE : We do apologize , as the last segment was lost ( studio hard drive was not emptied ) and we did stitch together another Lowrider legend Richard Ochoa from Ep 237 for this interview. We will have Luis back on in the future. *Please take a moment and visit our sponsors to support our podcast. Grateful for your loyalty & appreciate you joining us, and remember , if you know of an automotive hero -reach out to us here as we would love to share their story : http://bit.ly/WrenchNation Weekly Newsletter Sign Up ( Free )
#256 Automotive Scholarships Making Huge Strides For Skilled Trades
Automotive Scholarships Making Huge Strides For Skilled Trades One of the greatest needs in the automotive community is the fundraising & charitable donations that quietly contribute to many up and coming automotive students, giving them not only the opportunity to succeed, however, in many occasions, a major MAJOR life de stressor.. as costs can pile up. Collision Repair Education Foundation's Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode & Philanthropist retired collision industry veteran Tim Adelmann are our special guests this week, as we dive in to this critical area of the industry ! Join us as we discuss : Are we making a difference, or are we still trudging uphill to seek collision industry talent ? Do parents still have the same negative viewpoints of the industry? Tim Adelmann donation set to make a difference for many students/shares why so important Corporate Automotive America & the Scholarships Available and CREF Scholarship Winner Pays it Forward Big Time-Her Incredible Story Shifting Careers
#255 How to Navigate the Murky Waters of a Market Correction In Your Service Bays
How to navigate the murky waters of a market correction & remain on top in your service bays . We are seeing a hodge podge of viewpoints in the stock market , with the FEDS slowly ramping up interest rates -in attempts to hedge the wild side of record breaking inflation. With a noticeable downtrend as of recent ( MAY 2022) and a miserable earnings season for many corporations, how will this effect the consumer and specifically-what do we need to be prepared for with our automotive service enterprises ? Automotive talent Kim Hickey of Automotive Training Institute & the Maximum Octane Podcast pitstops on the show to discuss some of the key basics of your financial house that need to be in shape . The importance of cleaning your financial house to keep a low debt factor. What language do I use in my marketing presentations during this economic climate? Back to the Basics : Service Advisor Skill Set Improvements Why cutting back on Marketing Budget will be the Death of Your Ops
#254 The Great Resignation Bust & Skilled Trades Boom : Automotive Enrollment| Education on the RISE
The Great Resignation Bust & Skilled Trades Boom : Automotive Enrollment on the RISE With the old, and quite frankly, beat up headlines of "SKILLED TRADES SHORTAGE IN DIRE STRAIGHTS"....many in the automotive industry ..from Shop owners, dealer franchisees & educators have taken the bull by the horn with huge strides in attracting younger talent towards a career path as an automotive technician. LATEST NEWS REPORT Skilled Trades Enrollment Uptick Many of you are working hard to change the game & take control of your future operations and have dedicated resources to help make a BIG DIFFERENCE to get the word out .....AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS are NOT ONLY NEEDED ....but one of the most respectable & stable career choices that can be had. Join us for this special edition of Wrench Nation with special guest Automotive industry talent & shop operator Greg Buckley of Buckley's Auto Care Apply for Automotive Scholarships : Tech Force Foundation
#253 Mecum Auctions Motor Trend TV Lead TV Commentator : John Kraman
SPECIAL GUEST : LEAD MECUM AUCTIONS MOTOR TREND TV COMMENTATOR JOHN KRAMAN LEAD MECUM TV COMMENTATOR JOHN KRAMAN PIT STOPS IN THE WRENCHNATION STUDIOS TO DISCUSS THE LEGENDARY HISTORY OF THE MECUM FAMILY & THEIR HUMBLE BEGINNINGS , ALONG WITH SOME AMAZING INSIGHT TO THE CURRENT COLLECTIONS OFFERED FOR SALE ! *HOW TO APPROACH AN AUCTION AND THE BIDDING PROCESS FOR THE FIRST TIME *THE FAMED HOOKED ON VETTES COLLECTION OFFERING *AUTOMOTIVE ROAD ART THAT LEAVES YOUR NEIGHBORS ENVIOUS *JOHN KRAMAN TALENTED MUSICIAN BEHIND THE SCENES COMMUNITY SEGMENT BONUS : BIG HEART AUTHOR & RESTAURATEUR RANDY WALTERS TELLS HIS INCREDIBLE STORY OF INSPIRATION AND PASSION BEHIND HIS LATEST BOOK RELEASE "HAMBURGERS HOT DOGS & HUGS " Frank Hops in....Dodge Garage Thrill Ride AT MECUM GLENDALE
Industry Special Edition : Diversity,Inclusion & Equality | Automotive Aftermarket Series
Special Edition : Inclusivity , Diversity & Equality | Automotive Aftermarket Series How can we as an automotive aftermarket, comprised of so many functions, ensure that prejudice & discrimination is eliminated from the landscape of our micro and macro cultures, where everyone is treated fairly and welcomed ? Prejudice & discrimination is a tough topic to unfold in just one short hour , however, well needed and justified , especially during a time of huge shortages of skilled talent, that we can all agree ...can effect the bottom line , no matter how large or small our enterprises. Maintaining a playing field that ensures each and every individual has the opportunity to flourish, automotive talents & leaders Tammy Tecklenburg & Jill Trotta join us in studios to discuss how to champion Inclusivity, Diversity & Equality throughout the automotive aftermarket . Interested in learning more & attending workshops? Please visit the Center for Automotive Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Women in Auto Care Leadership Conference
#252 History’s Weird & Wacky Cars
The automotive landscape over the past 100 years has seen it's fair share of wild & wacky vehicles...and for the most part ..they all wanted to answer a unique call of style , function or , let's just say INCLUDED.. IN A particular niche of being different ! We have all experienced that glance through the driver or passenger window & stated "what the heck was that "? On today's show -we visit some of that zany automotive history ! BONUS : Catch our recent visit at the Las Vegas Concours as we preview the 100 year old LaFrance Fire Truck by Gary Wells -LA BESTIONE Automotive Service Professional ? Come join our tribe over at Service Life , where we exchange ideas and content to improve our skills under hood & behind the service counter !
#251 Ace Performance Auto OVERCOMES THE CHALLENGES : Second Location Grand Opening
SPECIAL GUEST : SEAN GORDON | AIMEE ANDREWS | ACE PERFORMANCE AUTOMOTIVE CELEBRATION IS IN THE AIR FOR THE TEAM AT ACE PERFORMANCE AUTOMOTIVE AS THEY GROW A SECOND LOCATION ! WE DISCUSS ALL OF THE CHALLENGES AND EXCITEMENT OF BUILDING OUT EXPANSION TO A SECOND LOCATION AS WELL AS WHAT IT TAKES FOR A TEAM TO COME TOGETHER TO PROVIDE SERVICE EXCELLENCE AND STRIVE TO BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE COMMUNITY ! WHAT ARE THE MOST STRESSFUL CHALLENGES ? HOW DID THEY ACQUIRE TECHS DURING A SHORTAGE ? DID CURRENT SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES CAUSE EQUIPMENT DELAYS ? WHAT MARKETING SEEMS TO BE A HUGE SUCCESS FOR OPENING DAY? JOIN US AS SEAN, AND AIMEE PITSTOP LIVE IN STUDIOS TO SHARE THEIR AUTOMOTIVE JOURNEY BONUS : TOP AUTO REPAIR NIGHTMARES THAT ARE COMPLETELY AVOIDABLE -WE REVEAL TIPS ON HOW TO AVOID A FINANCIAL UNDER HOOD DISASTER
#250 The Gentleman Racer : Michael Satterfield
The Gentleman Racer® The Gentleman Racer® With an extensive background in the automotive industry , Michael Satterfield has always been a free spirit at heart. In 2002 Michael created an incredible platform : The Gentleman Racer , an award winning website with a fresh take on automotive lifestyle ,travel and fashion. Michael pitstops at the WrenchNation show to share his spectacular journey, and his passion for the automotive industry and vehicle enthusiasts world wide, while announcing his recent collaboration with Fireball Tim Lawrence (HOLLYWOOD CONCEPT ARTIST responsible for over 400 vehicle designs of some of the most famous Hollywood Movie Cars including BATMAN, AVENGERS, PRIEST and more ) and his very first coloring book feature . SPECIAL BONUS : Joe Hyde Technical Director, ASE Master L1 Technician of Christian Brothers Automotive surprise in studio visit Are you an automotive service independent garage owner ? Join our group Service Life , as we roll up sleeves and share in the knowledge to make us that much better -FREE to join
#249 Hot Wheels Mania : Guinness Book World Record Holder : Mike Zarnock
Mike Zarnock Hot Wheels Passion As the world renowned "Super Collector of Hot Wheels " & 2021 Hot Wheels Hall of Famer, Mike Zarnock lives and breathes all things Hot Wheels. With a collection that goes way back in time, and a true passion for Hot Wheels , Mike is inspiring many as a historian and YouTuber who brings you in to the world of collecting and leaves you wanting more ! Partnering with our good friend Fireball Tim Lawrence , a HOLLYWOOD CONCEPT ARTIST responsible for over 400 vehicle designs of some of the most famous Hollywood Movie Cars including BATMAN, AVENGERS, PRIEST and more...( his 989 Batmobile is currently at the Petersen Museum in Hollywood)... who RECENTLY teamed up with Mike Zarnock to create an incredible COLORING BOOK : *Official MIKE ZARNOCK Coloring Book: 19 of the coolest HOT WHEELS on the Planet you can COLOR Amassing over 8k Hot Wheels cars and ultimately landing on Ripley's Believe it or Not while also setting a Guinness Book of World records back in 2003 & 2007, Mike is our special guest on this edition of Wrench Nation !
#248 Special Edition : Are We Close to Electric Vehicle In Bay Service ?
Where do we go from HERE ? With the recent White House (Dec 2021 ) announcement of some pretty lofty and ambitious goals of half of the vehicles on the road in the U.S. being electric vehicles by the year 2030 , what opportunities will we have in the automotive service aftermarket by way of service and repair ? Will the non stop back & forth grey area of Right to Repair give the aftermarket everything we need as service operators & automotive technicians to truly have unfettered access to data\information to come close to servicing these platforms , and will we be able to maintain some sense of profitability here as we grow our enterprises in to the future? A tough conversation digging in to where we are at as an industry , and what should we be paying attention to ? My special guest , industry technologist, shop owner and technical trainer Scott Brown of Connie & Dick's Automotive stops by to tackle some of these critical points while lending a common sense approach to the in bay EV future. *TEASER BONUS TO LIGHTEN IT UP How about a good old fashioned Guinness Book World Record Holder who has one of the largest collections of Hot Wheels and memorabilia ? We preview a snippet of Mike Zarnock ( future full length episode coming soon) Hot Wheels History ! Service Life Series : Repeat Referral Business | Getting it Right
#247 The Largest Classic Vehicle Used Parts in the World : DVAP
With over 10,000 classic used vehicles , Desert Valley Auto Parts is no joke when it comes to the largest selection of used parts for your classic hooptie. Treating each part delivery, whether it is a local request, or somewhere in the country or , for that matter, in the world , the folks at DVAP treat each transaction with serious care , after all, a 68 Impala passenger door may be the only one found & can't risk damage during shipping. They take it serious & love what they do ! Jason McClure & Brian Smyth of DVAP stop by the show to discuss their days filming Desert Car Kings on Discovery & share the inner workings of operating a top notch modern day salvage yard specializing in classic vehicle used parts .
Paul Walker Giving Heart Lives On : Cody Walker & Chris Lee of Fuel Fest Pay Tribute
The legacy of the late actor Paul Walker lives on through the Fast & Furious movie franchise, but more importantly by way of his incredible giving spirit & big charitable heart via Reach Out World Wide & Fuel Fest. Cody Walker & Chris Lee stop by this special edition of the show to reflect on Paul Walker's life and the impact of Fuel Fest as a way for car enthusiasts to celebrate automotive culture while giving back to charity. As it is always an honor to spend time with some incredible talents , I am truly grateful you spent some time with Wrench Nation . Please consider subscribing to our weekly emails ( lower middle page to the right ) for some more insight to the fascinating people & places of the automotive industry. No spam . No BS . Just great content that we can all experience & grow from. Thank you -Frank
#246 Celebrating Life & The Passion for Automotive , Art & Music : Special Guest | FUEL FEST | Cody Walker & Chris Lee
Carrying on the incredible legacy of Paul Walker and the REACH OUT WORLDWIDE Foundation, Chris Lee , Cody Walker and the FUEL FEST family truly bring car enthusiasts together for a massive celebration of music, arts and all things cars and trucks ! Join us on this special edition of Wrench Nation as Cody & Chris stop by the show & discuss Paul Walker's life & charitable through the incredible festival going on across the country -Fuel Fest Grab your Fuel Festival tickets : https://bit.ly/3oxTqSC
#245 Modern Day Engine Oil : Pennzoil Michael Thomas
With so many advancements in engine technology , engine oil has made the same , with a variety of specifications that are critical to mpg, emissions and the overall performance of a vehicle. On this edition of Wrench Nation we are honored to have Pennzoil oil expert Michael Thomas discuss these oil advancements and the misconceptions of engine oil service of past years, and the big differences that need to be administered with today's modern engines. Catch Michaels podcast : Michael's Motor Alley Podcast
#244 Clutch & Battery Tips : Steve Neukum AMS Automotive
With a streamlined and very efficient approach.. AMS offers Clutch Kits & Hydraulics (Rhino Pak) & the reliability behind the automotive industry leading batteries that you deserve in their Power Sonic lineup of batteries. Steve Neukum of AMS joins us to discuss technical tips regarding clutch systems and what we may take for granted when it comes to that quietly resting battery & especially that auxiliary battery that we are starting to see in more & more vehicles. The worst thing when you purchase a part , is not having the technical support that sometimes is required when working under hood with a vehicle , or on your ATV or motorcycle...AMS offers real world ASE certified technicians with their help \support line that is ready to make you successful when working in the service bays or on your own ride ASE Certified tech team at 800.528.6743 or visit www.showmetheparts.com/AMS to source your next clutch kit or battery
#243 Dave Kindig : Kindig It Design
Dave Kindig With an eye for automotive art and style bringing some of the worlds most illustrious & spectacular vehicle restorations and unique custom designs , Dave Kindig and the team at Kindig It Design bring the passion for the build and attention to detail ! Visit kindigit.com for more details and check out the original series BITCHIN RIDES on Motortrend TV for a deep dive in to rendering and design, to the building and restoration of some incredible works of rolling automotive art ! Dave stops by this special edition of the show to share his journey and SEMA highlights for 2021.
#242 The Lack of Skilled Mechanics & The Dire Need for Industry Change: WrenchWay Jay Goninen
WrenchWay: Helping Technicians Find Jobs at Top Shops & Dealerships We dive in to some of the critical areas of the automotive industry and it's past regarding the technician shortage while speaking with Co-Founder & President of WrenchWay Jay Goninen .