Most shop owners open their doors because they want to fix what was broken in the last place they worked. But once the dust settles, many realize they built themselves a job, not a business. According to Brian Hammond, one of ATI’s newest coaches and a lifelong entrepreneur, real success begins when you stop thinking like a shop owner and start operating like a business owner.

In this episode of Maximum Octane, Kim Hickey and Jason Patel talk with Brian about the truth behind entrepreneurship, the sacrifices it demands, and the mindset shifts required to build something that lasts. Brian shares how losing his corporate job at Goodyear pushed him into business ownership, how his childhood paper route became the foundation for his work ethic, and why processes and profitability are the pillars of any stable company.

The conversation dives deep into the realities most shop owners avoid such as setting aside true cash reserves, delaying gratification, refining standard operating procedures, and building a team so strong that the business can thrive whether you are there or not. Kim and Jason also tackle the common excuse of being “just a shop owner” and explain why that thinking traps talented people in survival mode.

Tune in to episode 133 of Maximum Octane if you want a clear look at what it really takes to grow, protect, and sustain your business beyond day-to-day chaos.

Episode Takeaways:

4:10 The real meaning of entrepreneurship and why the market decides what succeeds

6:55 Why most shop owners start strong but stall without a bigger mission

9:58 How Brian’s job loss pushed him into his first business

12:10 Why learning on the fly is not enough without the right mentors

15:40 The mistake of building a job instead of building a business

16:50 Why breaking even is not a business strategy

18:00 Why processes and SOPs are the foundation of stability

20:30 How cash reserves change decision-making and open opportunities

23:40 Why sacrifice and delayed gratification are nonnegotiable for growth

31:20 The mindset shift from shop owner to business owner

Connect with Brian Hammond:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• BLE Training

Let's connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Email: info@maximumoctane.com

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Most shop owners think their biggest challenges are parts, staffing, or car count. According to David Boyd, CEO of Call Inbound, the real problems often hide in places you cannot see: dropped calls, unclear expectations, and communication gaps that quietly drain revenue every single day.

In this episode of Maximum Octane, Kim Hickey and Jason Patel sit down with David to unpack the communication failures that start at the front counter and ripple through the entire shop. David brings the perspective of a Six Sigma master black belt and a decade of experience working inside independent repair shops, helping owners refine their processes and eliminate the costly friction that arises from miscommunication.

They delve into the real reasons customers become frustrated, the expectations advisors often overlook, and why shops lose business even when the phone is ringing. David also explains how modern communication tools, call recording, and smart data integration help advisors stay consistent, protect the customer experience, and earn trust at every touchpoint. If you want fewer dropped balls, fewer comebacks, and fewer disappointed customers, this episode lays out the blueprint.

Tune in to episode 132 of Maximum Octane to learn how better communication can transform your shop's efficiency, reputation, and bottom line.

Episode Takeaways:

3:10 How David's Six Sigma background shaped his approach to communication

5:30 The perception gap between what owners think customers want and what they actually expect

9:40 Why voice communication is still the backbone of the shop experience

11:10 The number one miscommunication that leads to customer frustration

14:00 How digital tools give advisors instant context that builds trust

17:20 Why every shop needs call recording as a diagnostic tool

19:10 How to use recordings for training instead of confrontation

24:40 The first 15 seconds of a call determine an entire relationship

28:20 What shops must know about data security and vendor trust

31:00 How AI reduces review time and improves advisor consistency

33:40 Why training only works when you can measure progress

Connect with David Boyd:

• LinkedIn
• Call Inbound website
• Follow Call Inbound on Instagram

Let's connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Email: info@maximumoctane.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most auto shops know they need marketing, but few understand what customers actually base their decisions on. According to Travis Bickham, Chief Commercial Officer at Shopmonkey, the biggest threat to a shop isn’t competition. It is the trust gap between what customers expect and what shops deliver.

In this episode of Maximum Octane, Jason Patel and George Zeeks sit down with Travis Bickham to break down the reality of modern consumer behavior, why transparency is now the new currency, and how shops can use technology to elevate their customer experience instead of complicating it. They cover everything from Google reviews and digital inspections to branding, communication, and the emotional side of making customers feel safe when their vehicle breaks down.

Travis also explains why automotive has an unprecedented opportunity to redefine its reputation, how technology is accelerating faster than ever, and why shops that fail to adapt will be left behind. He walks through practical steps shops can implement today to close the trust gap, improve communication, leverage digital tools, and build a brand that customers talk about long after they leave the shop.

Tune in to episode 131 of Maximum Octane if you're after a roadmap to stop guessing at marketing and start creating experiences that customers rave about.

Episode Takeaways:

3:30 Why customers distrust automotive shops and how branding shapes first impressions

5:30 Why transparency is becoming the new currency in auto repair

7:10 How digital inspections help customers understand and trust repairs

10:50 Why shops must protect long-term relationships, not short-term transactions

13:50 How people, processes, and technology work together to elevate your brand

15:30 Why authentic reviews outperform perfect review scores

18:50 How turning transactions into relationships keeps customers returning

21:40 Where AI can help and where human advisors still matter most

26:20 What shops should look for in technology partners

31:20 Why the automotive industry has a huge opportunity to rebrand itself

Connect with Travis Bickham:

• LinkedIn
• Shopmonkey

Let's connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Email: info@maximumoctane.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.