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

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

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

My marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HERE

Make your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERE

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

This one was a long time coming. Today, Mike, Bryan and Braxton dig into some of the wildest and most misguided comments from the Confessions of a Shop Owner Facebook page recently. They tackle the notorious “$358k technician” story, breaking down why so many techs can’t do the math—or just don’t want to believe the numbers. You'll have a lot of fun hearing what some people in the industry have to say about some of the hot button issues...or really their lack of understanding.

Timstamps:
00:00 Techs in the comment section: “Nobody makes that much!” The $350K technician saga
02:31 Are you watching the podcast, or just the reels? Context, context, context!
05:07 Reggie’s story: Would you leave for a $1/hr raise? Why context gets lost online
07:12 Diagnostic skills, cognitive leaps, and why some techs will never make big money
10:09 Fairfax, VA: High rent, high output, high pay – breaking down the math
11:19 “Crabs in a bucket” and raging over others’ success
13:11 Who are the real 1%ers in the shop world? Defining success in auto repair
15:03 The service advisor breakdown: Where does all the time go?
16:09 Rage-baiting with advisor accountability, tracking every minute in the shop
18:29 Punch cards, bathroom codes, and memories of dealership micromanagement
20:01 How hard is it, really, to do a 10-minute write-up?
21:23 Mediocre service advisor confessions (& Braxton’s epic shade)
22:25 Do your employees secretly listen to your podcast?
23:45 The all-star “A Tech” myth: Can anyone really “do everything”?
25:11 Ego, memory, and those wild open forum stories
26:26 Are you really a unicorn tech, or did you just burn a car down?
28:00 Training vs. tech evolution: Has the industry outpaced technician effort?
29:21 After hours learning: What the top techs are really doing
30:26 Commenters vs. reality: Reading comprehension fails (and laughs)
33:02 “Never lost to a car” – the world’s biggest shop lie
35:01 Toolbox wars and the rolling rig debate: Weight, wheels & wild finance
42:02 Remote diagnostics, shop culture, and the power of process
49:00 Why context is everything: Dealerships, warranty companies & internet assumptions
52:28 If you’re mad at a reel, maybe just listen to the episode (and visit our sponsors)

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, Bryan Pollock sits down for a no-holds-barred conversation on shop ownership, team culture, and social media with Zeb Beard. Zeb shares why he's big on visualizing goals—and how that mindset helped him score a brand-new facility. They dive into why having dedicated roles, like a full-time DVI specialist, can massively boost shop efficiency (and profit). Plus, Bryan and Zeb talk about why they're not afraid to stir the pot with the trolls on social media, and how “playing grab ass” at the shop stalls progress.

Timestamps:
00:00 Why “100% production” is for amateurs
01:18 Why techs need to get off Google and show initiative
03:40 The hiring hack: leave info out and see who can problem-solve
06:00 Raising independent kids—now considered “dangerous”?!
08:26 Can’t = Motivation: Zeb's reverse psychology for success
10:02 Visualizing ridiculous goals (and how it landed a new shop)
12:13 Social media, comedy, and the birth of the viral “road report”
14:11 From slow shop to slammed: the power of relatable content
16:11 Why automotive posts attract trolls—and why Brian loves ‘em
19:03 Haters gonna hate, but the right customers love the realness
20:53 Stop showing brake jobs, start showing personality
25:35 Growth mode vs “growing into your skin” after scaling up
27:47 The struggle to find talent in rural America
30:17 Choosing city vs small town for shop location
32:41 Surviving a soft market and approval rate dips
35:05 Organic marketing: how the “road report” really moved the needle
37:00 Tracking the 10-year cycles in auto repair shop business
41:58 Boundary setting: solving the “grumpy shop owner” syndrome
43:53 Introducing William, the DVI wizard: why every shop needs one
48:04 How a DVI specialist and cleanup guy can outpace 3 extra techs
54:15 Unlocking ultimate tech efficiency with multiple bays per tech
59:18 Real math: How more bays explode your bottom line
01:00:47 Firing low producers—why your shop might actually run better

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 sits down with Jordan Mosely to talk about growth, technology, and the realities of running a multi-location business. Jordan shares how sticking to a proven playbook has helped him scale his quick lube and hybrid locations, and explains why obsessing over small cost details—like labor and materials—makes a huge impact on the bottom line. The conversation also dives into the pain (and promise) of current AI and software integrations, when Mike and Jordan both agree that the right technology is important, but execution, adaptation, and focusing on the basics are what truly drive success.

Timestamps:
00:00 Covered wagons and old-school shop software
02:14 What really goes down at shop events and happy hours
03:15 Playbooks and the secret to sticking with a process
04:14 The quick lube model vs. full-service auto repair
05:48 Learning from industry “gurus” and finding what works
06:38 Car wash business models and subscription secrets
08:09 Breaking down car wash economics and margins
09:26 Pennies make the profit: expense structure and labor
10:22 Why every phone call counts—and how much fumbled calls really cost
12:04 AI cameras, call reviews, and upgrading shop tech
12:41 Why onboarding new AI tools is painful (but worth it)
14:00 Using Rilla, custom AI, and making tech work for your team
16:28 Are unified shop platforms possible—or is it always 19 subscriptions?
18:42 The challenges of double-entry and why Tekmetric stands out
20:54 Tectonic event review: what a professional trade show looks like
22:24 Fixing cars vs. trying to code your own AI: why you should pick a lane
24:00 Confessions about chaos, change—and the need for therapy
26:14 Dealing with online haters in the auto industry
27:16 Remote and virtual advisors: the future, or a flop?
30:07 The “sales hammer” model and selling from afar
31:49 What happens when you try to run a fully remote shop
32:35 Why execution is everything for new shop models
34:42 20 groups, private equity, and the independent shop owner line
36:44 Why big shop owners show up at trade shows
38:14 Confession time: Subaru oil change disasters and red flags
39:25 High turnover in quick lube—onboarding and training struggles
40:05 Why you need to launch that training, even if it’s not perfect
41:57 What’s next: acquiring more stores, riding the oil price wave, and 1% daily improvement

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 and Matt talk about how to find and commit to a core operational identity—rather than constantly chasing new ideas or industry trends. True success comes from consistent execution of a strategy you believe in. You will NEVER underestimate the value of training, coaching, and leveraging proven systems like EOS or similar frameworks to help owners and employees gain clarity, stay accountable, and ultimately grow a sustainable, profitable business.

Timestamps:
00:00 Shop Owner Myths: $200 an Hour and the Truth about Starting Out
02:19 Celebrating Good Months
04:11 Best Month Yet—Sales Up, Staff Changes & a New Advisor
06:40 Fixing What Was Broken: Process, Accountability & a Data-Driven Turnaround
07:54 ARO Jumps by 20%—Here’s How They Did It
08:27 DVI Process Overhaul: Getting Real Numbers and Customer Buy-In
10:12 Tech Average Quotes—Setting and Hitting Profitable Targets
11:08 Maintenance Sales Struggles & Industry-Wide Challenges
12:23 Next Steps: Boosting Closing Ratios and Ongoing Advisor Training
13:09 Sales Presentation, Confidence & Learning to Overcome Objections
14:34 Regional Training Events: Why Travel Matters & Team Building
15:07 Bridging the Owner-Employee Gap: Training Techs & Advisors for Buy-In
17:20 Why Private Equity Buys Shops—Math, Mindset & Community Impact
20:19 Winning as an Independent: Local Presence, Team Culture, and Staff Retention
21:48 Training Takeaways: Eye-Opening Insights for Non-Owners
23:14 P&L and Labor Rate Workshops—Should Your Team Bring Their Books?
24:32 Shop Pay Plans & Real Labor Cost Realities
26:22 $350,000 Techs: The Truth Behind the Numbers & What’s Possible in Your Market
28:19 Pay, Value, and Raising Rates: What Customers Need to See
30:30 McDonald’s Drive-Thru vs. Customer Perception: Value & Expectations
31:33 Bringing Training In-House: Hosting Courses for Your Shop and Community
34:30 EOS, Traction, Rocket Fuel: Finding a System that Clicks
36:10 Visionary vs. Integrator: Why Every Shop Owner Should Read These Books
38:45 Team Structure, Core Genius, and the Power of Discipline
41:08 Identity Crisis? Finding (and Loving) Your Shop’s Unique Advantage
43:53 Don’t Change the Recipe—Simplicity and Full Commitment Win
46:43 Basketball Offense & Building the Right Team for YOUR System
48:46 Discipline, Focus & How Elite Shop Owners Set Themselves Apart
51:21 Quality Management Systems: Lessons from Manufacturing
52:15 Finding the Right Coach & System—Any Structure Beats None
53:46 Elon Musk Clarity: Vision, Discipline, and Blocking Out the Noise

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

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

My marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HERE

Make your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo HERE

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

In this episode, Chris Gayne shares stories from his transition out of a military career and into shop ownership, including the accidental founding of Dale County Diesel. The conversation dives deep into the difference between running a transactional versus a relational business, emphasizing the value of building real connections with customers and staff.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Transactional vs Relational: What Kind of Shop Are You Running?
02:31 – From Military Flight Instructor to Shop Owner: Chris’s Journey
06:43 – Surviving a Helicopter Crash (& What It Teaches You about Mistakes)
14:02 – Leadership in the Shop: Lessons from Army to Auto Bay
19:26 – Why Good Techs Deserve the Right Work—and Right Culture
25:09 – How to Handle the “Unfixable”—Being Honest With Your Customers
32:04 – Flat Rate vs Teamwork: What Actually Works?
37:01 – Confession Time: If There’s a Problem in My Shop, It’s Me
44:44 – Hard Policies, Real People: Why Relational Beats Rigidity
49:55 – When to Tell Customers: “It’s Time to Move On from This Truck”
51:06 – Wrap Up: Honesty, Growth, and Call for Your Confessions