Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

ASTA is coming up September 24-26 in Raleigh. Be there or be square dog! Register now HERE

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!

In this episode, Mike Allen sits down with Tony and Becca Zanders to discuss the realities of selling an auto repair shop and what it takes to leave behind more than just a paycheck. They share the story of building Heritage Auto Repair from the ground up before selling it to a longtime employee, explaining why preserving their legacy mattered more than chasing the highest offer. The conversation explores private equity, succession planning, burnout, and the emotional challenges many owners face after selling their business. Tony and Becca also offer practical advice for increasing your shop's value, building systems that outlast you, and creating an exit strategy that aligns with your long-term goals.

Timestamps:
00:00 Legacy vs. Payday: The Truth About Selling Your Shop
01:00 Meet Tony & Becca Zanders: Building Heritage Auto Repair Together
04:41 From Backyard Garage to One of Idaho's Top Repair Shops
07:00 Selling to an Employee Instead of the Highest Bidder
08:20 Private Equity, High Multiples & Internal Buyouts
10:42 Questions Every Shop Owner Should Ask Before Selling
12:14 Don't Wait Until Burnout: The Three Keys to a Healthy Exit
16:07 Defining Your "Why" Before You Sell
17:44 Choosing the Right Successor and Passing the Baton
21:14 The Emotional Reality of Staying On After the Sale
23:24 Losing Your Identity After Selling Your Business
24:18 Empowering Employees to Increase Shop Value
27:13 The D6 Elements: Building a Sale-Ready Business
35:16 How to Start Planning Your Exit—Even If You're Late
37:03 The Biggest Mistakes That Destroy Shop Value
39:40 Why Strong Processes Matter—Even After the Sale
44:02 Vegas Food Recommendations & Planning for AAPEX

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

ASTA is coming up September 24-26 in Raleigh. Be there or be square dog! Register now HERE

If you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.

Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!

In this episode, Mike Allen and Matt Lofton tackle the tough realities of technician recruitment and retention in the automotive industry. They break down what makes for a world-class tech resume, including the importance of certifications and a repeatable diagnostic process. They also dive into creative benefits and pay structures that help shop owners attract and keep high-performing team members.

Timestamps:
00:00 Why effort matters: average effort equals average results
01:01 On location: Real shop talk—live from the upstairs lounge
02:12 Listener story: The perils of moving for a big technician bonus
03:31 Counter work: How service advisor experience changes your perspective
04:12 Building a world-class technician resume
06:10 Green flags when hiring technicians: culture, urgency, and communication
08:07 Assessing tech skill levels: How shop owners rank new hires
10:02 The realities of shop life: climate (un)controlled & passion required
11:15 Interview testing: Math, typing, and diagnostics
12:25 What a detailed diagnostic process REALLY sounds like
15:00 Repair process deep dive: Front pads and rotors, step by step
16:00 Certifications: Do ASE and OEM certs really matter?
18:19 Certification pay bumps and how smart shops use them
22:24 Additional benefits: Tool truck stipend, unique perks, and paid vacation
23:21 Spotting red flags in technician interviews
25:25 Dangerous hobbies, life outside work, and “yellow flags”
27:08 Get your questions HR-checked—don’t risk dangerous interview territory
28:19 Video games: Neutral factor or warning sign?
29:01 A-level techs vs. average: The importance of self-improvement
32:10 Tools for growth: ScannerDanner Premium and other training hacks
33:04 Is tech a job or a career? Why treating it like a profession pays
34:10 Unique retention benefits elite shops are offering now
36:18 The surprising power of honest feedback and shop culture
39:22 Flat rate, salary, and pay progression: Building real career pathways
41:45 What techs should ask in every interview (and why shops should let you talk to the team)
44:39 The best techs interview the shop right back
45:53 Why service advisor performance matters for technician pay
47:00 When mistakes happen: Who eats the loss—tech or shop?
48:41 “How do you want to get paid?” Structuring compensation around performance
50:00 Signing bonuses: rewards, risks, and negotiation tips
53:40 Why every tech should understand shop numbers (not just fixes!)

Keep shop management, payments, marketing (all the things) all in one place with Tekmetric. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Click HERE

ASTA is coming up September 24-26 in Raleigh. Be there or be square dog! Register now HERE

Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!

Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2027 is coming up in February and NOW is the time to sign up. It's happening in Vegas February 4-6 and it will be the best 3 days of your shops year when you attend. Learn now HERE

In this episode, Mike Allen welcomes Rich Falco to talk about the challenges and stories behind running a shop in today’s changing automotive landscape. They focus heavily on why shop owners need to invest in technician training and the difficulties many shops face bridging the gap between what techs want to learn and what the industry demands. A key theme that emerged was the growing impact of ADAS calibrations, the risk of improper repairs, and the increasing need for specialized equipment and procedures.

Timestamps:
00:00 Scope Drama: Impressive Diagnostics or Just for the ‘Gram?
01:05 Poker Nights & Shop Camaraderie
02:58 CTI Training Center – Tech Paradise
04:44 Bikers, Miatas & Life After Kids
05:11 Running a Mobile Calibration Business
06:29 Body Shop Calibrations: Bent Brackets & Bad Installs
07:05 Small Shops vs. Chains: Who Cuts Corners?
08:00 Essential Tools for Mobile Programming & Diagnostics
09:11 How Much Does a Well-Equipped Van REALLY Cost?
10:49 Why Shops Should Avoid “Hero” Jobs on Exotic Cars
13:15 Overconfident Techs (And When Ego Bites Back)
14:18 CTI’s Latest: Technician Evaluation & Skills Platform
16:17 Closing the Gap: Tech Training You Want Vs. Need
19:22 Best Training Tools: Online vs. In-Person
21:02 Shop Owners Bringing In-Depth Training to Their Doorstep
23:53 Should You Build Up Domestic Programming Skills?
24:34 Playground for Technicians: Touring the Research Center
25:07 Autel vs. PicoScope Throwdown
26:44 Shops Chasing “Hero Work” vs. Profitable Bread & Butter
28:18 Building Technician Career Paths—Real Tools for Real Growth
30:21 The Real Deal: What Techs Actually Want in Shops
32:42 Shop Owner Secrets: Training, Recruiting & Retention
34:44 Why the Best Techs Invest In Their Own Training
35:37 Networking & Recruiting at Industry Events
37:17 Rookie Shop Owners Who Get It Right (And Bring Cocktails)
41:47 Short-Form Training – The Secret Techs Actually Use
42:39 Why Boring Training Videos Kill Your Shop Culture
44:42 Not Reading the Service Info? Big Mistake
45:09 ADAS Calibrations, Liability, and Lawsuit Risks
47:24 Will Self-Driving Tech Change Everything?
52:45 Should We Fear (or Welcome) Our Robot Car Overlords?
54:05 Endgame: Cards, Cocktails & Hospitality at the Next Expo