Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2025

Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

Make sure you mention: CTISUMMER to get FREE data migration!

If you're ready to make a real change in your shop's success, join Shop Marketing Pros' Plan With the Pros workshop this October to connect with them and other shop owners. You'll leave with your entire year for 2026 planned out.

Click here to register: https://geni.us/PlanWithThePros

Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into one sleek, digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Samantha Higdon, founder of Shift Point Academy. Samantha explains the philosophy behind Shift Point’s training, emphasizing relationship-based selling and the importance of communication within shop teams. The conversation also explores how training programs can adapt in a changing industry, including countering the impact of AI and fostering ongoing accountability for both trainees and shop owners.

00:00 Top Tier Service Advisor Insights

08:01 Importance of Parts Deposit

14:25 "Communication Challenges with Autism"

20:58 Service Advisor Training Incident

25:58 Messy Hotel Stay After Bar Visit

32:35 "New CSR Training in NJ"

38:33 "Shopware Inspection with 5 Cs"

39:57 "Manual Workflow Explanation"

45:15 Cost Breakdown of Diagnostic Tests

50:37 Grocery Shopping Routine

55:48 Spring Car Care Clinic Recap

01:01:58 Faulty Inspection Uncovered

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2025

Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

Make sure you mention: CTISUMMER to get FREE data migration!

If you're ready to make a real change in your shop's success, join Shop Marketing Pros' Plan With the Pros workshop this October to connect with them and other shop owners. You'll leave with your entire year for 2026 planned out.

Click here to register: https://geni.us/PlanWithThePros

Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into one sleek, digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Ken Miller, owner of 821 Collision and president of AASP New Jersey. Ken outlines the ongoing challenges faced in the collision repair industry, stressing the relentless pressure from insurance companies and their impact on repair quality. He shares a chilling story about uncovering dangerously incomplete repairs on a nearly new vehicle, emphasizing the importance of thorough inspections and documentation. The conversation also explores the increasing overlap between collision and mechanical shops, driven by the complexities of ADAS systems and the need for greater collaboration and education in both fields.

00:00 Insurance Challenges Undermine Auto Repair

05:09 Tampered Seat Belt System Detected

08:00 Post-Collision Inspection Basics

12:45 Car Repair Struggles and Inspections

13:26 Car Imperfections and Concerns

16:43 Professional Responsibility Irrefutable

20:29 Insurers’ Auto Settlement Practices

24:50 Researching Title 17 Regulations

28:22 CEO-Employee Pay Gap Concerns

32:29 Dispute Over $40K Repairs

36:36 Calibration and Liability in Auto Repairs

40:22 Reluctance in Auto Repair Challenges

42:08 Insurance Companies' Calibration Dispute

46:44 Licensure Tied to I-CAR Accreditation

50:01 "Advanced Auto Tools Misjudged"

51:44 Challenges in Training and Labor Rates

55:46 Expanding Mechanical Team in NJ

58:14 Enhancing Mechanical Show Value

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2025

Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

Make sure you mention: CTISUMMER to get FREE data migration!

If you're ready to make a real change in your shop's success, join Shop Marketing Pros' Plan With the Pros workshop this October to connect with them and other shop owners. You'll leave with your entire year for 2026 planned out.

Click here to register: https://geni.us/PlanWithThePros

Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into one sleek, digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Tonnika Haynes, second-generation shop owner of Brown's Automotive in Chapel Hill. Tonnika shares the inspiring story of her family’s legacy in the automotive industry, detailing her journey from growing up in her father’s body shop to taking over the business and navigating the challenges of shop ownership. The conversation covers the importance of maintaining strong core values and community involvement, the lessons learned from previous generations, and Tonnika’s commitment to supporting the next wave of automotive professionals.

00:00 Untold Story of Inspiration

06:28 Reflecting on Parental Work-Life Balance

15:27 Realization: "I'm Owed Nothing"

17:13 Gift of Parenthood Reflections

25:29 "Shop Evolution and Inspiring Leadership"

29:29 Buying a Corvette Dilemma

37:09 "Concerns Over Industry Representation"

42:26 "Dedicated and Punctual Workforce"

47:58 Choosing Family Over Long Hours

48:44 No "Kill Switch" for Illness

58:30 Shop Closure Decision Explained

59:37 "Car Service Delay Options"

01:05:55 "Memories of Downtown Snack Shop"

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2025

Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

Make sure you mention: CTISUMMER to get FREE data migration!

If you're ready to make a real change in your shop's success, join Shop Marketing Pros' Plan With the Pros workshop this October to connect with them and other shop owners. You'll leave with your entire year for 2026 planned out.

Click here to register: https://geni.us/PlanWithThePros

Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into one sleek, digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Cecil Bullard, who shares his recent experience recovering from major brain surgery and how it’s influenced his perspective on business and leadership. Cecil emphasizes the importance of foundational principles and clear communication in running a successful auto repair shop. The conversation also explores the challenges of pricing, profitability, and the need for a unified, professional standard in the automotive industry.

00:00 Delayed Pituitary Surgery Journey

08:32 Trash Disposal Frustration

13:44 Organized Shops Boost Customer Comfort

20:13 Small Shop Owners' Time Dilemma

23:27 Turning Struggles Into Opportunities

28:23 "Maximizing Profit on Tie Wraps"

35:41 Veteran Diagnostic Tech Dilemma

41:50 Discount Strategy Debate in Auto Shop

44:07 "Technicians Undervalued; Raise Rates"

48:43 Self-Regulate Industry Standards

56:17 Orthodontist Organizes Continuing Education Show

59:59 Airplane Oil Cap Mishap

01:06:00 "Motivation Beyond Money"

01:10:06 Investing in Legacy Over Luxury

01:16:57 "Overwhelming Support Before Surgery"

01:20:18 "Industry's Bright Future Ahead"

Get registered for the ASTA Expo 2025 at the Raleigh Convention Center: https://geni.us/ASTA2025

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2025

Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

Make sure you mention: CTISUMMER to get FREE data migration!

If you're ready to make a real change in your shop's success, join Shop Marketing Pros' Plan With the Pros workshop this October to connect with them and other shop owners. You'll leave with your entire year for 2026 planned out.

Click here to register: https://geni.us/PlanWithThePros

Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into one sleek, digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Nicholas Lerubino, second-generation technician and lead tech at Mark’s Auto Service in Gillette, New Jersey. Nicholas shares how caring deeply about customers and the industry brought both fulfillment and stress, detailing the emotional toll of serving skeptical clients and navigating challenging shop cultures. The conversation examines the importance of achieving a work-life balance in the automotive industry, the realities of technician burnout, and the significance of having a supportive network within the field.

00:00 "Incriminated and Betrayed Heist"

06:03 "Eric's Vital Support"

07:25 Discovering Mario Rojas's Impact

10:40 "Brief Courtesy Call Notification"

15:26 Warranty Work Isn't Profitable

17:15 "Leaving Due to Shop Culture"

21:20 "Handling Employee Write-Up Concerns"

24:08 "Gravy Work vs. Practical Skills"

27:04 Failure to Follow Procedure

28:59 Throttle Body Diagnosed in Minutes

32:10 Fuel Leak and Code Issues

37:06 "Balancing Business and Personal Life"

40:06 "Expectations for Young Men's Work"

42:58 "Prioritize Work Over Leisure"

45:28 "Finalizing Paperwork Concerns"

50:57 "Process Obsession's Daily Impact"

54:04 Nearly Fatal Garage Door Incident

55:08 Avoiding Dangerous Road Stretch

58:20 Identical Specs Uncovered

Get registered for the ASTA Expo 2025 at the Raleigh Convention Center: https://geni.us/ASTA2025

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2025

Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

Make sure you mention: CTISUMMER to get FREE data migration!

If you're ready to make a real change in your shop's success, join Shop Marketing Pros' Plan With the Pros workshop this October to connect with them and other shop owners. You'll leave with your entire year for 2026 planned out.

Click here to register: https://geni.us/PlanWithThePros

Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into one sleek, digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Bob Leonard from Mobility Works. Bob shares his unique path from studying music to a long career in modifying mobility vehicles, detailing what drew him to working with adaptive equipment for individuals with physical disabilities. The conversation also explores the challenges and rewards in automotive education and training, from Bob’s passion for sharing knowledge to his observations on why the industry sometimes "eats its young."

00:00 Avoid Overcommitting Tasks

07:57 Hiring Red Flag: Unused Parts

12:27 "Understanding Disabilities Naturally"

22:00 "Rejecting Traditional Education Path"

25:39 "Bad Boss Experience at Gas Station"

28:46 Passion for Teaching vs. Gatekeeping

38:24 "Maximizing Young Workers' Potential"

41:39 Automotive Technology Evolution

49:05 Car Repair: Unclogging Sunroof Drains

51:43 Dealer Visit After Service Warning

59:08 "Use 'Q' Hardware to Prevent Squeaks"

01:04:32 Intricate 3D Wood Flooring Designs

01:07:30 "Spending Choices: Cars vs. Dining"

Get registered for the ASTA Expo 2025 at the Raleigh Convention Center: https://geni.us/ASTA2025

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2025

Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

Make sure you mention: CTISUMMER to get FREE data migration!

If you're ready to make a real change in your shop's success, join Shop Marketing Pros' Plan With the Pros workshop this October to connect with them and other shop owners. You'll leave with your entire year for 2026 planned out.

Click here to register: https://geni.us/PlanWithThePros

Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into one sleek, digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Jesse Sammons and Todd Compton for an honest discussion on the challenges of running an automotive repair shop. Todd shares his experience of a dramatic drop in car count and revenue after switching marketing companies and tightening the types of jobs his shop accepted. The group explores the unintended consequences of restricting work too much, the importance of regularly reviewing shop processes and phone interactions, and the ongoing struggle to balance technician autonomy with effective leadership.

00:00 "Distant Busy Ties"

04:52 Google Ads Issue and Solution

07:41 Narrowing Service Scope Over Time

10:57 "Post-Trip Staff Meeting Insights"

16:11 Balance Between Growth and Rest

17:28 "Admitting Mistakes, Fixing Them"

23:48 Relentless Commitment to Research

27:24 Teaching Complexity: Duplication Challenge

29:27 Letting Go to Empower Growth

32:12 Mechanic Dedication Scale

36:52 Efficient Learning for Complex Systems

37:52 Intermittent Electrical Fault Challenges

41:38 Shifting Focus to Client Experience

46:55 Technician-Owner Relationship Dynamics

48:03 Unhelpful Car Inspection Practices

52:32 Technician Motivation and Performance Dilemma

54:39 Accountability Over Authority

58:13 Embracing Empathy Today

Get registered for the ASTA Expo 2025 at the Raleigh Convention Center: https://geni.us/ASTA2025

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2025

Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

Make sure you mention: CTISUMMER to get FREE data migration!

If you're ready to make a real change in your shop's success, join Shop Marketing Pros' Plan With the Pros workshop this October to connect with them and other shop owners. You'll leave with your entire year for 2026 planned out.

Click here to register: https://geni.us/PlanWithThePros

Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.

Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into one sleek, digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David sit down with Justin Allen at TOOLS 2025 to talk about Justin’s journey in the automotive industry and his transition from sales to training with Hunter. Justin opens up about his struggles, the importance of building connections, and how past challenges have shaped his approach to supporting others in the industry. The discussion also covers the value of ongoing education, the impact of effective feedback and leadership styles, and the critical role that personal relationships and work-life balance play for shop owners.

00:00 "Childhood Relocation Impact"

10:00 "From Commune to Career Opportunity"

15:46 Collaborative Improvement, Not Direct Feedback

17:48 "Attracting People Pleasers"

21:55 Pursuit of Improvement Insight

27:43 "Balancing Freedom and Overcommitment"

36:31 "Reluctance to Embrace New Information"

41:07 Encourage Quiet Connections

44:27 "Networking Confusion: Forgetting Adam"

48:16 Overwhelmed by Financial Stress

56:29 Reluctant School Event Attendance

01:00:41 Landscaper's Business Growth Insights

01:04:06 "Online Distractions and Guilt"