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!)