Register for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston April 9-11 and use Code CONFESSIONS500 for $500.00 off. 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.

Elite Worldwide has CHANGED my business and life through their one-on-one coaching. Use them like I do HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Today, Ashley Butler and Rochelle Gotsdiner join Mike Allen to break down how to scale your repair shop through strong processes. Ashley shares how clear communication and consistent customer updates can set your shop apart—because most of your competitors get it wrong daily. They also chat about how embracing AI and innovative training methods can solve the industry’s notorious people problem and unlock serious growth.

Timestamps:
00:00 Why “saying yes” matters and how to stop losing business
03:56 Ashley Butler introduces her shop story and scaling to 14 stores
04:46 How Ashley Butler structures her week for maximum impact
08:42 Succession planning, family business, and running on “auto-pilot”
10:18 The secrets to working with your spouse without disaster
12:05 Turning crisis into opportunity: Creating a top-tier training center
14:51 On a mission for talent: Training novices into flat-rate techs
15:56 Why community involvement and university ties pay off
18:18 Maximizing space, remodeling battles, and why your waiting room matters
20:39 The “speed” advantage: Serving customers before they even ask
27:31 Game-changing customer communication habits—so the phone never rings at 3pm
32:22 Trust, integrity, and what it really takes to keep your reputation bulletproof
35:14 Shop processes, procedures, and how competitors make you look good
35:59 Integrating AI into shop training and HR: first steps and big potential
41:10 How anyone can build custom AI tools for their shop
43:35 Private equity, big chains, and why it’s opportunity (not threat!) for indies
46:11 Guerrilla recruiting: real-world tactics for poaching top techs and advisors
49:57 Shop owner black belt: Using networks and timing to score the best deals
51:26 Why perfect policies don’t exist (and that’s okay!)

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.

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

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Matt Lofton and Mike Allen talk through Mike's shop's performance in March. Matt talks about the importance of pre-building estimates and leveraging tools like Detect Auto to maximize tech average quote and streamline workflow. Mat also shares his approach to combating misleading "vanity flush" services in the market, emphasizing transparent communication with customers.

Timestamps:
00:00 – The “Vanity Flush” Confession: Why $99 Services Aren’t What You Think
02:24 – eBay Hero Cards, Shop Swag, and Why Autographs Still Matter
04:14 – Record First Quarter, March Recap, and Looking Ahead
05:50 – Fly With the Eagles Recap: What High Performers are Learning
08:52 – DIY Shop AI: How to Create Your Own AI Agents and Save Big
12:03 – Struggling with Close Rates? Blame (or Bless) Your Advisor
14:09 – Prebuilding Estimates for Maximum Tech ARO
16:13 – Setting Up Customers: Deferred Work, Maintenance, and Upsells
17:33 – BG Programs, Fluid Service Sales, and Overcoming Industry Myths
20:01 – How Corporate Store Pricing Drives Shortcuts (and Dirty Tricks)
23:05 – Value-Add vs. Price-Only: The Ruth’s Chris Cheeseburger Analogy
24:49 – How to Fill Tomorrow’s Bays with Opportunity, Not Just Oil Changes
28:16 – The Pit Stop Program: Getting Customers Back 4x Fast
30:48 – The Loyalty Cliff: Retaining vs. Losing First-Time Customers
33:12 – Risky Repairs and the Real Cost of Saying “Yes”
39:45 – Ritz Carlton vs. Motel 6: Finding Your Shop’s Sweet Spot
43:04 – Social Media “Rage Bait”: Marketing Tactics and Lessons Learned
44:58 – Worry About Your Own Shop! Why Community Trumps Competition
48:21 – Peer Groups and Getting Ahead—Why You Shouldn’t Go It Alone

Tekmetrics' business model of listening to customers' needs and implementing new systems makes them super shop-friendly. Start using them at your shop today 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

Elite Worldwide coaching has changed the game for me and my shop. Need a boost? Use Elite like I do. HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

This one was fun - put three popular podcasts in a room for an hour, and you never know what will happen...THIS WAS NO EXCEPTION Today, Lucas Underwood, Mike Allen, and Tonnika Haynes open up about the real challenges of shop ownership, podcasting, and share some crazy stories along the way.They dive deep into the difficulties of managing growth and the importance of setting boundaries—especially when it comes to family businesses and succession planning.

Timestamps:
00:00 Lucas and Mike Make it Awkward
01:42 The infamous Benji story and awkward work gaffes
02:46 How Tonnika went from outsider to industry board member
04:31 Reflecting on diversity, intimidation, and leadership in the industry
06:36 Board politics, cleaning up after the "old guard," and learning the ropes
08:01 Confessions about podcasting: growth, ego boosts, and business neglect
09:37 On loving people (to a fault), hiring headaches, and why feelings can't run a business
12:10 Tough lessons learned: leadership critiques gone wrong
14:05 Reeling back commitments to avoid burnout and family drama
16:45 Discussions about business hours, staff, and shifting industry cultures
19:03 Why every shop is different and one-size-fits-all advice doesn't work
20:13 Coaching, cult-followings, and why shop owners get fiercely loyal
22:44 The weight of influence: why podcasters and coaches impact real lives
24:31 When business coaching turns into a fraternity (and how to break free)
26:20 The coaching gold rush: who's really helping, who's just cashing in
28:33 Podcast production goes legit—systems, processes, SOPs
34:25 Therapy time: handshake deals, business agreements, and life after podcasts
36:32 Family business confessions—succession nightmares, buyout basics, and trust-but-verify
50:43 Lessons learned the hard way—and why you’ll survive
51:33 Practical advice: documentation, buy-outs, and avoiding family business disasters

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

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

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

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Jay Huh is the owner Carmedix in Durham, NC. Today, he tells Mike how he figured out how to run a shop the hard way. After years of struggling, he has built an efficient, highly profitable shop that gives him total freedom. They also talk about ShopFix and what the coaching company is doing after the loss of Aaron Stokes.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Jay's confession on not making enough money
02:17 – Why sharing mistakes online changed everything
04:40 – Living on $1,000 net per shop and barely making it
06:07 – Consolidating down, shop tours, and landing in the “anchor” spot
08:19 – Do we really need so many shop owner groups? Breaking down the division
09:35 – Shop culture, coaching, and why too many owners are still broke
10:45 – Shop Fix vs. other coaching: It’s about heart, not just numbers
13:07 – Haters, jealousy, and why everyone thinks their way is best
14:43 – Growing the right way—efficiency before expansion and protecting family time
15:16 – Let’s talk cruises! Why Speaker A rides MSC and the yacht club life
16:46 – Degenerate gambling confessions: Blackjack, craps, and cruise ship casinos
18:01 – Owning a beach house: Boats, depreciation, and gathering your crew
20:00 – The exit plan: Cashing out vs. the freedom of autopilot shops
21:10 – The guardrails: How Speaker A uses daily numbers, not vibes
23:00 – Forget top-line revenue, focus on real margin
25:17 – Shop meetings, keeping techs and advisors rowing together
26:01 – Why the multi-store “dog” life isn’t for everyone
26:30 – The danger of scaling without the cash to back it up
27:59 – Shop size vs. profit: Luke Walker’s $1M store reality check
29:05 – The secret: Hire high skill, pay well, and net more
31:12 – Money loves speed: Adapting shop processes for today’s customers
32:13 – Show & sell: Finding the urgent fix, but always telling the whole story
35:20 – Ethics, shortcuts, and hiring for integrity
36:05 – Losing Aaron: Leadership, legacy, and moving Shop Fix forward
39:14 – What’s next? Shop Fix’s plan and why the mission’s stronger than ever

Register for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston April 9-11 and use Code CONFESSIONS500 for $500.00 off. 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.

Elite Worldwide has CHANGED my business and life through their one-on-one coaching. Use them like I do HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Seth Thorson and Keith Perkins own shops and are both on the NASTF board. Today, they talk about AI and how shop owners can leverage Chat GPTs and Chrome extensions to streamline operations and keep their customer data protected. Keith weighs in on the future of technician roles, pointing out that while robotics and AI may eventually change the landscape, hands-on skills and adaptability will be critical for years to come.

Timestamps:
00:00 Techs replaced by AI?

06:25 AI and data ownership

09:41 Learning the GTP foundation

10:18 Teaching effective coding practices

13:15 Teaching basic and premium features

17:19 Using AI to access online data

20:20 Circuit City vs. Best Buy insights

25:37 Son considering trade school program

31:28 Starting with the basics

35:48 Putting in extra effort

37:22 Learning through hard work

42:59 Michael Brody-Waite's leadership approach

43:38 Seth's class for shop owners

49:18 Concerns about AI and human thinking

51:12 NAPA's augmented reality training

53:32 Balancing textbook learning and hands-on

56:37 Mike's 90-day check-in

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.

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

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Hunt Demarest is a CPA with Paar, Melis, and Associates. Today, he joins Mike to talk shop financials, tax credits, and private equity. Hunt breaks down why consistent improvement—just 3% better each quarter—is more sustainable than chasing explosive growth. He offers a candid warning about risky investments, sharing his own hard lesson with a too-good-to-be-true real estate scheme. Finally, Hunt dives into the rise of private equity buying up repair shops, explaining how that's driving up valuations and changing the market for owners looking to sell.

Timestamps:
00:00 Incremental improvement beats unrealistic growth—why 3% better every quarter wins
01:10 Teaching personal finance at Vision 2026 (and why accountants don’t read your Social Security statements)
02:07 The truth about R&D tax credits and audit nightmares
03:44 What you must ask before taking any credit—defending yourself at audit time
05:03 Hunt’s background: how he got into auto repair accounting
08:08 Will AI replace your bookkeeper or CPA? Real talk, not hype
10:32 Why shop owners need to understand financial statements & what current ratio means for your cash
12:18 Managing AR, cash flow, and the case for paying vendors weekly
14:43 Shop profitability: 8 months out of 12 is the norm, not the exception
15:43 Trends: The scale and extremes of shop margins have changed MASSIVELY
17:21 Labor rates at $386/hr and what actually drives profit
18:54 The 20% net profit “gold standard”—and who really gets there
19:34 Why comparing owner compensation plus net income tells the real story
21:26 What’s the average net profit for shops? (Spoiler: it’s better than you think)
22:15 Beware public “industry average” surveys—actual profits vs. reported tax returns
23:01 Why working with an industry-specialized CPA beats a generic accountant every time
24:14 The inner circle: who should be on your financial “advisory board”
25:00 The most common (and WRONG) beliefs about shop accounting
29:53 Hunt’s biggest personal mistake: the $25k investment gone wrong (and what to learn from it)
32:10 Private equity: what’s happening, who’s buying, and what it means for YOUR exit
36:10 Should you sell now? How PE offers stack up vs. passing to family
37:06 Why PE doesn’t care about your P&L—sometimes it’s all about your customer count
38:02 Final thoughts, lessons learned, and why even the pros get it wrong sometimes

Tekmetrics' business model of listening to customers' needs and implementing new systems makes them super shop-friendly. Start using them at your shop today 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

Elite Worldwide coaching has changed the game for me and my shop. Need a boost? Use Elite like I do. HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Mike Allen and Matt Lofton go deep on the realities of starting a business partnership. Mike Allen shares lessons learned from his own experiences establishing partnerships, emphasizing the importance of clear agreements and communication. Matt Lofton draws from his experience with both successful and failed partnerships, highlighting the dangers of handshake deals and the need for thorough “what-if” planning.

Timestamps:
00:00 "Spring Break, Partnerships, Feedback"

03:17 "Partnerships: Risks and Considerations"

08:27 "Clear Terms Before Partnerships"

11:39 "Dissolved Partnership and Planning"

15:49 "Partnerships and Business Assets"

19:43 Private Equity Incentives Explained

21:55 "Effectiveness of Profit-Based Incentives"

26:23 "Financial Deep Dive Workshops"

29:27 "Key Points in Partnership Agreements"

31:14 "What-If Scenarios and Alignment"

38:38 "Managing Business Equity Dynamics"

41:50 "Front-End Business Agreement Setup"

45:03 "Revisit Business Agreements Regularly"

47:35 "Partnership Structure and Agreements"

52:26 "High-Value Networking & Insights"

53:38 "Best Shop Owners Seek Growth"

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

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

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

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Travis May and Mike Martin are shop owners who coach with Elite Worldwide. Matt Lofton, as many of you know, is the Director of Coaching for Elite (and my personal coach/therapist). Today, we all talk about how having coaches through Elite have literally changed our lives and helped us in ways we may never be able to truly explain.

Timestamps:
00:00 Falling in love with your own success: Absentee ownership pitfalls
01:08 Meet the guests: Legacies, buyouts, and shop owner backgrounds
05:21 The journey to Elite: Why top shop owners chose coaching
06:30 Humbling lessons—how the Elite Master Service Advisor program changes everything
10:09 Accountability, habit-building, and real growth with ongoing coaching
12:17 2025 Recap: Big wins, tough months, and lessons learned
14:31 The owner’s struggle: Profit discipline & staying out of “the cookie jar”
16:02 Finally closing the building deal: How perseverance pays off
17:19 Navigating post-pandemic reality: The “sugar rush” is over
18:46 Big goals for 2026: Celebrating wins—and moving forward
20:40 The power of taking action: Why implementation beats excuses
23:45 Personal growth, team impact, and communicating with your staff
24:32 Best event takeaways: Coffee Bean Analogy & daily goal setting
28:15 Why community events and peer networks make all the difference
33:11 Biggest struggles today: Generational gaps & trusting your process
38:55 Parting wisdom: If you don’t have a coach, get one!