Welcome to ShopSoup Podcast ⁨@SoupRadio247⁩

In this episode, Brent Garrett shares insights from his book '30 Days of a Better Business,' discussing leadership, business growth, and creating a positive company culture. Greg and Brent explore strategies for small business success, team building, and personal development.

Keywords

small business, leadership, business growth, company culture, entrepreneurship, coaching, team building, business strategy

Key topics

Business growth strategies

Leadership and team development

Creating a positive company culture

The importance of vision and mission statements

Managing the messy middle of business growth

Building trust and employee engagement

Using Maslow's hierarchy for understanding customer and employee needs

The role of coaching and mentorship in business

Sound bites

"Slow and steady wins the race."

"Trust is the foundation of client relationships."

"Make lives better for your team, customers, and vendors."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Brent Garrett and His Journey

02:31 The Essence of Small Business Ownership

05:10 The Narrative of 'Thirty Days of a Better Business'

08:00 Mentorship and Learning from Mistakes

10:59 The Importance of Client Experience

13:45 Building Relationships in Business

16:21 The Value of Younger Generations in Business

19:15 Navigating the 'Messy Middle' of Business

22:24 Vision and Mission Statements in Business

24:46 Strategies for Achieving Business Goals

29:00 Navigating the Journey: Vision and Mission

30:56 Understanding Needs: Maslow's Hierarchy in Leadership

35:17 Burnout vs. Fatigue: Supporting Team Members

41:01 Building a Positive Culture: The Power of Gratitude

48:23 Coaching for Growth: Empowering Small Business Owners

51:19 The Road Ahead: Applying Lessons from the Book

Get Your Free Copy of Brent's Book

30 Days of a Better Business by Brent Garrett - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=30+Days+of+a+Better+Business+Brent+Garrett

The Skilled Trades Coach - https://www.skilledtradescoach.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentgarrett

Website - https://www.skilledtradescoach.com

Welcome To ShopSoup Podcast. On Episode 27, I sit down with Andrew Dominguez of Asher Auto Group that includes Asher Automotive and DTX Automotive. Two dynamic shops that are a result of Andrews determination to provide growth and opportunities for his team members.

SUMMARY

In this inspiring interview, Andrew Dominguez shares his journey from a young dealership employee to successful auto shop owner. He discusses overcoming challenges, building trust with customers, leadership, and strategic growth in the auto industry.

KEYWORDS

auto industry, entrepreneurship, leadership, business growth, customer trust, auto repair, dealership, small business, success story

KEY TOPICS

Andrew's early start in auto industry

Building customer trust and loyalty

Leadership and team development

Scaling multiple auto repair locations

SOUND BITES

"People buy from those they trust"

"Uniform service is a leadership issue"

"Success is about giving value to others"

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Andrew Dominguez's Journey

02:47 Early Career and Lessons Learned

05:25 Transitioning to a Bigger Dealership

08:34 Climbing the Ranks and Facing Challenges

11:30 Desire for Independence and Entrepreneurship

14:05 Building Relationships and Customer Trust

17:00 The Decision to Start His Own Business

19:48 Navigating Challenges and Building a Brand

22:41 Personal Life and Support System

28:04 The Impact of Tough Love

30:45 Lessons from Loss and Leadership

32:47 Taking Risks for Growth

35:50 Navigating Partnerships and Challenges

38:40 Building a Team and Expanding Opportunities

40:33 The Role of Coaching in Business Success

44:31 Learning from Mistakes and Adjusting Strategies

48:13 Understanding Business Dynamics and Financing

49:58 The Old vs. New Business Mindset

52:18 Empowering the Next Generation of Technicians

53:16 The Importance of Transparency in Leadership

55:46 Balancing Family and Business Life

58:39 Finding Hobbies and Personal Time

59:57 Navigating Work-Life Integration

01:04:38 The Evolving Nature of Success

01:07:18 Future Aspirations and Growth Strategies

RESOURCES

Auto Service Leaders Conference 2026 - https://theaslconference.com

Auto Service Leaders - https://autoserviceleaders.com

Andrew Dominguez's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewdominguez

Asher Automotive - https://asherautorepair.com/

DTX Automotive - https://dtxautomotive.com/

Guest Links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewdominguez

Welcome to ShopSoup! In Episode 26, I get to talk with Mike DelaCruz, CEO of Overdryve, a marekting agency that helps shops understand their marketing reach and performance with insight and precision. Mike and I go back a ways and we talk about how we've both grown from the DemandForce days when we first met. We share some laughs, great stories and more on this episode of ShopSoup.

In this engaging conversation, Greg Buckley and Mike DelaCruz explore the evolution of the automotive industry, the impact of AI, community involvement, and personal growth. Discover practical insights on marketing, leadership, and balancing life and work from two industry veterans.

KEYWORDS

auto industry, AI in marketing, community engagement, leadership, personal growth, marketing strategies, automotive repair, industry innovation

KEY TOPICS

AI integration in marketing and operations

Community involvement and brand building

Leadership and personal growth in the auto industry

KEY FRAMEWORKS

Customer Connection Model

AI-Driven Marketing Operating System

ACTION ITEMS

Implement community engagement strategies based on local demographics

Use AI tools to forecast and monitor marketing performance

Train staff with scripts and coaching for customer interactions

SOUND BITES

"Learn three things about every new customer."

"Love what I do and it gives me peace."

"Industry has given us so many good things."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

03:38 The Birth of Overdrive and Its Mission

09:10 AI in Marketing: Transforming Strategies

14:52 Overcoming Fear of AI in the Industry

18:33 The Importance of Customer Relationships

27:52 Balancing Acquisition and Retention Strategies

34:20 Personal Life and Finding Balance

37:10 The Balance of Martial Arts and Life

37:36 Building Confidence Through Self-Defense

39:13 The Therapeutic Benefits of Physical Activity

39:53 Inspiration from Community and Personal Growth

42:19 Navigating Business Relationships and Ethics

43:12 Strategic Marketing in Competitive Areas

46:09 Understanding Community Needs for Effective Marketing

47:53 The Importance of Community Engagement

50:21 Giving Back: The Emotional Rewards of Community Involvement

54:07 Personal Reflections and Family Achievements

57:43 The Value of Human Connection in Business

59:53 Mentorship and Industry Contributions

RESEOURCES

Steve Jobs Stanford Speech - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc

Auto Care Association - https://www.autocare.org

Grog (AI platform) - https://grog.ai

ChatGPT (OpenAI) - https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt

Plug and Play Silicon Valley - https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com

GUEST LINKS

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/mikedelacruz

Twitter - https://twitter.com/mikedelacruz

Website - https://overdryve.com

Welcome to ShopSoup Podcast! Download and listen to our show on Apple, Google, Spotify and all other favorite streams.

n this episode, I have a recap of not just the Tektonic event in Houston, but I listened and watched Michael Stelzner talk about the impact that AI will have on the future work force. Will copywriters become extinct? Will Service Advisors go the way of the dial phone? You might find it surprising to hear.

Summary

Greg Buckley discusses the recent Tech Tonic event, the impact of AI on the automotive industry, and the future of technology in business. Insights include AI's role in efficiency, job evolution, and industry innovation.

Key Topics

AI's impact on automotive industry

Efficiency and automation in shops

Industry evolution and future trends

Takeaways

AI will significantly improve shop efficiency and profitability.

Automation can free up staff to focus on customer relationships.

Industry leaders are embracing AI as a tool for growth, not a threat.

Change is constant; adapting to new technology is essential.

Transparency about AI use can enhance customer trust.

Sound bites

"Welcome to Shop Soup, a unique episode."

"I'm excited about AI's role in our future."

"Change is constant; we must adapt."

Chapters

00:00 Tech Tonic: A Premier Event Recap

04:50 Embracing AI in the Automotive Industry

10:08 AI's Impact on Job Efficiency and Relationships

20:17 Navigating the Future of AI in Business

Resources

Tech Tonic 2023 Event - https://www.tekmetric.com

Michael Stelzner - Social Media Examiner - https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/michael-stelzner/

Welcome to another episode of ShopSoup. This week we cover just some commentary on operating a family business and how one might exit away from it. Sell it to the next generation? Give it away? Simply close it up? Or, do you go the Private Equity route? Many paths to consider.

Greg Buckley shares insights on family business legacy, strategic planning, and leadership in the automotive industry, emphasizing the importance of purpose, succession planning, and continuous learning.

KEY WORDS

family business, automotive industry, leadership, legacy, succession planning, strategic growth, mentorship, business exit strategies

KEY TOPICS

Family business legacy and succession planning

Leadership and team development in small businesses

Strategic growth and diversification in automotive industry

SOUND BITES

"Knowing your exit strategy is crucial."

"Say no more often to focus on your goals."

"Put your team in a position to succeed."

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome to Tectonic: A Family Business Perspective

02:24 The Importance of Planning for Business Exit

05:15 Mentorship and Team Success in Family Businesses

07:46 Navigating Family Dynamics in Business

10:16 Legacy and Future of Family Businesses

12:44 Curiosity and Continuous Learning in Business

Welcome to ShopSoup. I'm your host Greg Buckley and today it's just me on the mic and offering up some personal reflections since I had a week filled with listening and learning about the topic. Thanks for stopping in the Soup Kitchen and please subscribe!

Greg Talks Private Equity in Automotive & Hospitality

In this episode, Greg shares his insights on how private equity influences industries like restaurants and automotive care, emphasizing the importance of understanding this financial strategy’s long-term effects. He reflects on local case studies, historical management practices, and broader economic implications.

• The $29 billion acquisition of Restaurant Depot by Cisco services and its underlying data-driven motives
• How private equity’s focus on scalability and debt impacts small and independent businesses
• The rise and fall of Iron Hill Brewery’s expansion through private equity, bankruptcy, and rebranding
• Management philosophies of Jack Welch and their influence on today’s corporate and manufacturing practices
• Global manufacturing shifts, offshoring trends, and China’s strategic economic manipulations
• The cultural and operational challenges of maintaining independence in a fragmented automotive landscape
• The importance of industry pride, relationship management, and advocating for our craft amidst economic changes
• The cyclical nature of business development, debt cycles, and industry consolidation
• Reflection on societal attitudes towards capitalism, fairness, and legal versus ethical strategies

• Private equity often aims to leverage data and scale for maximum profit, sometimes at the expense of small business stability.
• High debt levels have caused even successful restaurant chains like Iron Hill to close operations unexpectedly.
• Management tactics like Jack Welsh’s aggressive workforce reductions have long-term impacts on industry culture and quality.
• Manufacturing has historically offshored to low-wage countries but is now somewhat returning to the U.S., with China's economic stratagems shaping global supply chains.
• The automotive service industry is increasingly divided but still retains core values of community and relationships.
• Industry stakeholders should stay informed, communicate openly, and advocate for a positive industry reputation.

00:00 - Introduction and episode overview on private equity in business

02:18 - Private equity’s focus on data and scalability in restaurant businesses

04:39 - Insights from Adam Coffey on private equity deals and exits

06:33 - Case study: Iron Hill Brewery’s expansion and bankruptcy

09:03 - The dangers of debt and bankruptcy as strategic tools

11:24 - Historical management practices and cultural shifts in business

13:45 - Offshoring manufacturing: trends, reasons, and China’s manipulation tactics

16:34 - The influence of management styles on today’s industry practices

18:03 - The decline of teamwork and industry fragmentation

19:29 - Building relationships with consumers and industry pride

20:29 - The cyclical nature of debt, build, sell, and rebuild in business

22:27 - Corporate history insights from Delaware and industry consolidations

24:51 - Lessons from oil companies and industry turbulence

26:14 - Reflection on industry resilience and future challenges

30:07 - The importance of understanding and managing industry relationships

32:27 - The impact of efficiency, debt, and pricing in automotive aftermarket

34:53 - Personal reflections on industry passion and legacy

36:26 - Final thoughts: industry strength, community engagement, and prideResources & Links:

• Adam Coffey - Private Equity Expert
• Restaurant Depot
• Iron Hill Brewery - Company Website
• Repair Pal - Founder David's story
• Carlyle Group
• Yelp

Connect with Greg Buckley:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

Welcome to the ShopSoup Podcast! This week we welcome Nate Winston, solo shop owner of Winston's Complete Auto Care in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Nate's began on the side of the road when his Cavalier broke down due to a failed alternator. Since then, he has survived multiple headwinds over the course of twenty years to finally have a complete place of his own.

In this episode, Nate Winston shares his journey from a self-taught mechanic to a successful shop owner, navigating partnership challenges, specializing in Japanese cars, and balancing family life with business growth. Gain insights into industry trends, effective hiring practices, and maintaining shop excellence.

auto repair, shop ownership, industry trends, hiring, Japanese cars, business growth, work-life balance

Key Topics

Shop ownership journey

Partnership challenges and resolutions

Industry trends and future outlook

Specialization in Japanese cars

Work-life balance and family priorities

Industry specialization

Work-life balance

Effective hiring process

Sound bites

"He was my retirement plan"

"They sent me six dollars"

"Working and moving on with my life"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:45 Navigating Business Partnerships

05:37 The Journey into Automotive Repair

08:08 Training and Specialization in the Industry

10:55 Family Life and Work-Life Balance

14:50 Personal Experiences with Car Theft

20:18 Future Plans and Aspirations

20:22 Building the Business: Hiring and Growth

24:01 Creating a Clean and Efficient Shop

26:38 Balancing Work and Family Life

29:33 Navigating the Future of the Automotive Industry

Resources

Shop Soup Podcast - https://www.shopsoup.fm

Conig Wall Art - https://www.conig.com

Elite Training Events - https://www.eliteworldwide.com

Promotive Industry Service - https://www.promotive.com

Welcome To ShopSoup Podcast. I'm your host Greg Buckley, a multi-shop owner in Delaware that has seen, heard and experienced in being part of a 3 generation automotive repair shop.

This weeks guest is Dave Schedin (pronouced, Shi-deen) of Computrek Systems, a coaching and consulting firm out of Spokane, Washington. Dave and I discuss the importance of personal development for the shop owner and it impacts the success of their business.

In this engaging conversation, Dave Schedin shares his journey from automotive technician to coach, emphasizing the importance of personal development, purpose, and mindset in transforming auto repair shops. Discover practical strategies for leadership, team building, and creating a legacy that lasts beyond the business.

keywords

auto repair, personal development, leadership, coaching, business growth, mindset, industry transformation

key topics

Personal development and self-awareness in business

The importance of purpose and legacy in leadership

Strategies for team building and technician training

Overcoming scarcity mindset and embracing abundance

The role of mindset and emotional intelligence in industry success

"Addressing the root pain points in shops"

"Profit is a map, not the destination"

"Growth happens outside the comfort zone"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Personal Journey

02:46 The Role of Psychology in Coaching

05:34 Transformational Coaching vs. Behavior Modification

08:23 Self-Awareness and Personal Development

11:07 Addressing Pain Points in the Automotive Industry

13:38 Defining Purpose and Legacy in Business

16:36 The Importance of Continuous Growth

19:39 Challenges Faced by Service Advisors

22:25 Creating a Supportive Environment for Advisors

25:20 The Infinite Game of Business

27:58 Aging and Its Impact on Business Perspective

30:34 Legacy and Long-Term Vision

37:44 Taking Responsibility for Personal Growth

38:10 Facing Life's Challenges

39:47 Transformative Leadership and Self-Awareness

42:19 The Journey of Personal Development

47:13 Instilling Personal Development in Employees

50:34 The Power of Self-Awareness

56:19 Finding Joy in Business

57:58 Transforming the Automotive Industry

resources

Leadership and Self-Deception by Arbinger Institute - https://www.arbinger.com/resources/books/leadership-and-self-deception/

Anatomy of Peace by Arbinger Institute - https://www.arbinger.com/resources/books/anatomy-of-peace/

guest links

Website - https://computreksystems.com/