Changing The Industry Podcast

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments , your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments , you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Emily Oliver joins the podcast to share her journey of taking over a small family auto repair shop in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Emily talks about the challenges of modernizing operations, from adopting new software like Shop-Ware to implementing more thorough documentation and communication processes with customers. The conversation also highlights the complexities of hourly billing in auto repair, the challenges of managing family roles in business, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation as the shop grows. 00:00 Family auto shop's history 08:56 Simple billing system explained 10:55 Tracking time in auto repair bays 19:04 Standardizing Inspection Processes 23:10 Issues with technician pricing 30:07 Convincing family about car maintenance 36:33 Communicating with customers 39:47 Dealing with other mechanics' issues 46:27 Early challenges and learning curve 54:21 Managing finances and staying focused 56:10 Discussing parts pricing strategy 01:01:21 Gaining insights from peer feedback

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments , your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments , you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas Underwood and David Roman are joined by Sam Freeman, Alexandra Pare, and Daniel Ekstrand from Promotive. The group demos “Paige,” Promotive’s AI-powered virtual recruiter, showcasing how AI is transforming the hiring and prescreening process in the automotive industry. The conversation dives into current industry trends, including why technicians are leaving dealerships for independent shops and the top reasons candidates are looking for new positions. They also get candid about the frustrations of online reviews, sharing stories and strategies shop owners use to respond to feedback—both good and bad. 00:00 Overview of Promotive's Services 11:55 Managing morning priority calls 15:43 Handling Language and Mumbling Issues 18:44 Automated messaging for applicants 27:21 Icy disaster during bachelor party 32:58 Early adoption of Facebook and DVI 37:41 Missed email confusion 42:59 Hotel room negotiation challenge 44:38 A quick conference trip 52:30 Challenges of running a car shop 59:36 Trying the Worst BBQ in KC 01:03:25 Handling negative feedback 01:07:19 Feedback on Uber improvements

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments , your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments , you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, the conversation focused on the realities of technician mental health in the automotive industry. Several points were raised, including the lack of resources and support for young technicians, the stigma among men around discussing feelings and seeking help, and the crucial role that perspective and mentorship play in navigating workplace stress. 00:00 Wearing outfits for a photo 06:15 Hiring someone with unusual past jobs 08:04 Sourcing clean, pure meth 12:49 Understanding indica and sativa effects 14:40 Dealing with smoke smell in cars 19:36 Dealing with unresolved personal issues 20:24 Helping employee with health issues 26:30 Defining happiness with Rick White 28:45 Learning about cars before the internet 33:08 Understanding Mental Health Challenges 34:07 Tech industry mentorship challenges 39:51 Judging parents and kids' behavior 41:10 Childhood playground altercation 46:38 Being transparent about business struggles 47:59 George's life-changing discovery 52:51 Understanding the need for help 53:57 Managing negative thoughts 57:11 Discussing consequences of inaction

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments , your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments , you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas Underwood and David Roman are joined by Tyler Steever, a technician from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Tyler Steever shares his path into the industry, highlighting how mentorship and hands-on learning shaped his career. The conversation delves into the importance of good shop culture and personal development, with Tyler Steever emphasizing the impact of teaching others and building supportive relationships. The episode also addresses mental health in the industry, as Tyler Steever openly discusses his personal struggles and the need to break the stigma around seeking help. 00:00 Getting into vehicle repair 05:03 Team cattle sorting challenge 06:51 Learning from a mentor 10:02 Rodeo scene and local issues 12:59 Changing jobs in the auto industry 16:34 Teaching horse training clinics 21:28 Reflecting on family and self-worth 23:33 Marriage as a lifelong commitment 26:01 Communication in Marriage 30:32 Warren Buffett's best advice 32:21 Struggling with mental health at school 36:21 Growing up with a religious dad 40:39 Technician's unexpected promotion story 41:51 Quitting a job rashly 46:39 Sharing personal goals and vision 49:38 Dog comforts during a breakdown 52:10 Discussing family and Ziploc bags 56:10 Spreading awareness and support

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments , your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments , you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, the conversation centers around Alex DeSantis's journey from working in auto repair shops to becoming a coach for auto shop owners. The discussion explored the importance of clear communication and establishing standard operating procedures in the industry, highlighting how many shops still struggle with basics like proper onboarding and workflow organization. Several points were raised, including the value of sharing business data transparently with employees, practical benefits shop owners can offer beyond health insurance, and the crucial role of teaching both technical and communication skills to the next generation of technicians. 00:00 Empowered Advisor journey 06:17 Starting part-time coaching with Rena 08:31 Getting business coaching advice 13:29 Neglecting business investments and maintenance 15:56 Discussing employee benefits options 18:31 Complaints about AI-generated content 23:05 Frustrations with shop inefficiency 26:59 Improving communication with clients 29:30 Changing Views on Trade Education 31:18 Future-proofing with human expertise 34:42 Dealer advisor training issues 38:44 Encounter with silent shopkeepers 42:45 Office space changes 47:17 Talking about the mysterious fire 49:55 Local tales and warnings 53:04 Getting pitched SEO on podcasts 55:02 Preparing for 2027 expansion

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments , your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments , you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, David & Lucas are joined by Brett Beitler to discuss the challenges and rewards of leadership in both family entertainment centers and the auto repair industry. Brett shares his experience in turning around struggling businesses, highlighting the importance of strong leadership, employee empowerment, and cultivating a culture of unreasonable hospitality. The conversation also explores the differences in leadership needs between industries, emphasizing the value of coaching, communication, and continuous personal growth for business success. 00:00 Setting up automatic audio switching 09:40 Inspiration to join preschool industry 10:28 Expanding business in Houston 16:37 Forming a Leadership Partnership 23:16 Improving airport bathroom satisfaction 27:04 Issues with Accountant and Bookkeeping 35:00 Dealing with customer feedback 40:18 Finding the Right Coaching Clients 43:05 Practicing effective leadership skills 53:33 Teaching Leadership to the Next Generation 58:29 Empowerment in the Workplace 01:01:37 Keeping up with rapid tech changes

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments , your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments , you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Ash Kaplan, owner of Golden Hour Garage. Ash shares her journey growing up in the automotive industry, how she built her niche helping struggling shops streamline workflow, and why process consistency is essential for shop success. The conversation also explores the impact of AI and automation in automotive repair, emphasizing the ongoing need for human expertise and genuine customer relationships. 00:00 Visual calendar time zone issue 10:32 Building workflows for struggling shops 12:27 Finding a solution for consistency 17:50 Explaining the company name 25:15 Documenting a car recall dispute 30:36 Employee motivation and compensation issues 32:59 Overcoming belief in others 39:15 Lessons on gullibility from father 47:26 Weekly and Quarterly Accountability Meetings 52:34 Building internal talent for growth 56:56 Discussing AI sustainability issues 59:31 AI's Impact on Job Markets 01:07:20 AI in automotive service shops

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments , your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments , you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, the conversation focused on the experiences of an apprentice technician who won the Shop-Ware scholarship. One concept discussed was the importance of standardized processes in the shop to ensure consistent work quality and reduce customer complaints. A key theme that emerged was the value of mentorship and hands-on learning, with support from experienced technicians helping apprentices gain skills and confidence. The discussion explored how exploring diverse training resources, including online courses and technical classes, can accelerate professional growth for new technicians. 00:00 Brake pad inconsistencies and complaints 05:44 Cleaning caliper brackets 16:24 Bringing Kaitlyn on board 17:54 Training and skill progression 27:40 Learning electrical diagnostics skills 31:43 Talking about tough car repairs 33:59 Discussing employee pay incentives 42:57 Choosing the right conference sessions 48:07 Learning diagnostics through videos 52:21 Testing car battery voltage 58:50 Dealing with difficult customers

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments , your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments , you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, the conversation focused on the evolution of diagnostics in the automotive industry and the transition from technician to business owner. One concept discussed was the value and limitations of certifications such as ASE, with a candid look at how credentialing and industry standards affect technician growth. A key theme that emerged was the importance of community-based training and support, emphasizing how shop owners and technicians can elevate industry standards by hosting and attending collaborative training events. 00:00 Identifying and fixing a valve issue 08:12 Early influence of my dad 14:32 Debating test competency methods 17:00 Discussing ADOS legislation requirements 24:41 Criticizing school accreditation practices 29:29 Continuous education in auto care 36:00 Community troubleshooting and collaboration 38:59 Getting support for Pico tools 46:38 Getting help from friends 52:22 Building community through hosting 53:43 Collaborating with suppliers for training 01:01:59 Advantages of live streaming 01:08:14 Marketing strategy for 2026 01:14:30 Improving industry skills through content 01:15:01 Getting started with the scope

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments , your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments , you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Cecil Bullard and Wayne Marshall discuss the challenges facing the automotive industry today. They examine the complexities and controversies surrounding technician licensing and certification, highlighting the need for industry-wide standards. The conversation also addresses the importance of financial literacy and measurable productivity in running a successful shop. 00:00 Debating dealership licensing issues 10:17 Balancing employee pay and motivation 13:05 Building Employee Loyalty 18:33 Improving employee wages and management 23:01 Business fundamentals and financial ratios 29:03 Planning an Exit Strategy 35:00 Chris Enright on industry frustration 41:01 Need for sophisticated testing 46:14 Importance of unique selling proposition 51:13 Importance of inclusivity and differentiation 54:12 Challenges with membership relevance 01:03:44 Young talent and enthusiasm 01:04:15 Recruiting a young car enthusiast

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments , your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments , you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Tara Topel to dig into the challenges facing shop owners and the broader automotive industry. They examine the importance of building businesses that can run independently of their owners, emphasizing the need for processes, standards, and effective delegation. The conversation also highlights a lack of engagement with valuable industry resources, such as the Auto Care Association, underscoring the need for greater awareness and participation among shop owners. Finally, they discuss the shifting landscape of automotive technology—from EVs to ADAS calibrations—and the risks and responsibilities that come with staying current. 00:00 Handling online criticism 07:36 Balancing business and family time 11:22 Trading our souls for convenience 18:10 Preparing for business contingencies 26:12 Joining a National Auto Association 30:40 Helping People Who Want Change 32:37 Importance of labor in auto shops 40:45 ADAS calibration cost concerns 46:05 ADAS system calibration advice 48:59 Pilot and maintenance disagreement 56:20 Traffic control and roundabouts 59:47 Distracted driving habits

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments , your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments , you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas Underwood and David Roman are joined by Charles Burke and Luke Murray from the Worldpac Training Institute. The conversation focuses on the importance of mentorship and structured apprenticeship programs in the automotive industry, the challenges of reaching and engaging more shop owners with effective training and business resources, and the personal impact of mentorship—both in the industry and in personal life. 00:00 Transitioning from technical to business training 05:42 Grounded from flying career 09:44 Choosing movies before streaming 12:41 Becoming a BMW instructor 14:04 Focus on mentor training 18:43 Mentorship and training apprentices 19:46 Creating a custom apprenticeship program 23:10 The importance of effective mentorship 28:29 Building ASTA through community sharing 31:50 Explaining profit margins simplistically 33:25 Helping others with industry insights 38:01 Funny story about Chris Chesney 39:21 Spreading the word about free training 42:11 Passion-driven learning benefits

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments , your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments , you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, listeners hear the story of a small-shop owner’s journey to purchase and grow TenPin Motors in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. The conversation focused on the challenges of transitioning from technician to owner, including finding and training quality staff. A key theme that emerged was the importance of building lasting customer relationships and delivering a superior client experience to stand out in a competitive market. The discussion also explored the realities and concerns of scaling to multiple locations, highlighting industry trends toward consolidation and the difficulty of maintaining quality and culture as shops grow. 00:00 Buying the dealership 08:21 Discussing small town expansion plans 14:49 Transitioning from technician to business management 16:35 Realizing the need to plan 22:32 Creating a welcoming atmosphere 27:13 Adjusting Services After Technician Left 35:03 Focusing on customer care in auto shops 40:14 Upgrading marketing and customer service 45:41 Increasing Profit While Managing Costs 49:17 Planning Future Business Growth 53:24 Concerns about expanding quality 01:00:47 Fostering positive industry growth

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments , your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments , you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas Underwood is joined by Shaun Tipton, who shares his 28-year journey from technician to shop owner. Shaun Tipton discusses the common pitfalls technicians face when transitioning to ownership, emphasizing the importance of understanding financials and setting fair labor rates. The conversation also highlights the critical role of workplace culture and effective leadership in building a successful, ethical shop. 00:00 Advice for aspiring shop owners 09:04 Understanding fair pricing for clients 13:46 Recognizing the need for help 15:51 Red flags in job histories 24:19 Fair employee compensation discussion 30:04 Balancing personal values and money 32:43 Flaws in metro coaching models 40:49 Switching to a single software system 43:49 Benefits of using Shop-Ware 48:09 Focusing on personal interests 53:42 Importance of leadership in ownership 59:46 Long-term life planning advice

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments , your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments , you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas Underwood and David Roman are joined by Sunny Massera, a custom car and truck builder from Oregon. Sunny Massera shares the hard lessons he learned from business ownership, including the importance of choosing the right business partner and the unexpected realities of running a shop versus working for someone else. The conversation also covers the challenges of building custom and performance vehicles—from managing customer expectations to dealing with unreliable aftermarket parts. 00:00 Moving between New Mexico and California 04:19 From flat rate to custom cars 07:30 Realizing business complexities 09:46 Deciding not to work alone 13:05 Getting hired at second Bronco shop 16:22 Discussing how to fund a startup 20:36 Partner's role in business growth 23:18 Revamping old Broncos 28:11 Understanding the engine issue 31:14 Working at custom car shops 33:21 Learning through hands-on projects 36:45 Test driving vehicles before ordering 40:00 Restoring a 59 Ranchero 41:33 Future of classic car market 46:46 Challenges finding car parts 50:09 Troubleshooting transmission issues 53:35 Fixing ongoing installation issues 56:10 Tuning engine installations 59:15 Advice for young professionals

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments , your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments , you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, David and Lucas discuss the challenges of handling difficult customer complaints, specifically a negative review following a diagnostic process and the denial of repair work. They dive into the importance of clear communication, setting expectations with consumers, and defending the value of professional diagnostic procedures. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the need for industry-wide improvement, highlighting how prioritizing quality repairs and properly educating both staff and customers can help move the automotive industry in a better direction. 00:00 Client disputes repair charges 04:23 Diagnostic process and repair decision 06:32 Challenges of Dealing with Customers 12:13 Discussing steak pricing strategies 14:11 Handling customer expectations 16:25 Discussing repair pricing strategy 22:10 Ensuring quality car repairs 24:46 Surrounding yourself with success 26:35 Frustrations in the auto repair business 32:03 Challenges of business growth 35:45 Focusing on quality and process 37:05 Why we started the show 40:35 Technician frustrations over pricing

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments , your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments , you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Austin joins the Changing The Industry Podcast to discuss his journey from dealership technician to shop owner in South Carolina. Austin shares the challenges of buying a shop as a young technician, including navigating the SBA loan acquisition process and building a reliable team after early hiring struggles. The conversation covers practical strategies for technician management and compensation, as well as the importance of professional bookkeeping and mentorship as a shop grows. 00:00 Navigating industry-exclusive groups 08:31 Hiring the first technician 13:09 Starting the podcast idea 20:25 Cost transparency with manufacturers 23:02 ETI's role in tool manufacturing 27:38 Managing car programming and updates 34:15 Car's auto-braking false alarms 39:15 Quick and safe control arm repair 44:53 Building a strong technician team 52:07 Technician attendance and bonus policy 55:11 Dealing with difficult coworkers 58:51 Growing with business mentors 01:05:03 Evaluating business coach effectiveness 01:12:50 Importance of clean financial records 01:14:53 Wanting a strict accountant

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments , your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments , you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Arun Coumar joins Lucas Underwood and David Roman to discuss the challenges and rewards of multi-shop ownership. Arun highlights the critical role of shop culture and management in shop performance, emphasizing how the right team can make or break operations. The conversation also dives into the evolving automotive industry landscape, touching on consolidation trends and the necessity for adaptability in both business structure and mindset. 00:00 Implementing an alternative work week schedule 10:26 Considering leaving a job 13:46 Realizing success isn't easy 19:57 Logging mileage for efficiency 26:01 Focus on local expansion first 29:37 Considering sole ownership vs. growth 33:54 Finding purpose after life challenges 42:44 Creating and defining meaning 45:40 Talking about single life challenges 53:06 Choosing your life's challenges 58:51 Challenges in the parts distribution industry 01:00:58 Discussing future market changes

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments , your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments , you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, David and Greg dive into the realities of shop ownership, growth, and staffing challenges in the auto repair industry. Greg shares his journey from IT business owner to owner of Figs Auto Repair in Charlotte, highlighting the importance of adapting processes for efficiency and using tools like Shop-Ware. The conversation also covers practical hiring lessons, including the need to hire and fire quickly and the value of connecting technicians with the broader industry through training events to improve retention. 00:00 Blood draw complications 05:28 Comparing safety of substances 13:13 Navigating traffic delays 18:35 Challenges with new hires 24:24 Handling tough diagnostic jobs 29:03 Adjusting pay for evaluation tasks 36:10 Discussing car repair estimates 40:51 Learning from industry veterans 41:52 Community engagement in North Carolina 49:25 Improving employee efficiency 52:56 Customer communication and follow-ups 01:02:58 Cooking steak tableside 01:04:43 Discussing conference networking opportunities 01:10:37 Networking and local support connections

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments , your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments , you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Eric Svedberg of European Autowerks. Eric shares his journey from starting in the gas station business at 16 to owning and growing a successful automotive shop. The conversation dives deep into the persistent technician shortage, with Eric outlining the challenges in attracting and retaining skilled talent and the evolving pay structures needed to stay competitive. The hosts and Eric also explore strategies for fair compensation, diagnostic testing systems, and the importance of shop culture and communication in bridging the divide between owners and technicians. 00:00 Starting at a gas station job 04:49 Rebranding to Automotive Specialists 09:29 Mac and cheese cart setup 11:26 Bellman warns about minibar sensor 15:40 Salary expectations for auto techs 18:05 Explaining the three-level system 21:04 Handling customer pushback 25:35 Technician pay discussions 26:54 Negotiating a technician's pay raise 30:33 Paying employees more than expected 34:26 Explaining the production bonus system 37:27 Growing demand for skilled technicians 41:53 Ensuring seamless parts distribution 44:01 Discussing social media dynamics 48:42 Dealing with unreliable workers 52:06 Understanding different industry perspectives 55:27 Dealing with technician issues 56:07 Discussing employee accountability