Ratchet+Wrench Radio
342 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★★ - 23 ratingsThe official podcast of Ratchet+Wrench, providing strategies and inspiration for auto care success.
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Episodes
Enhance Your Service with The DVI Quadrant
April 17, 2024 05:00 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBIn this episode, Jamie Cuthbert, founder & CEO of AutoServe 1, talks about the harmony between auto repair shops and their customers when digital vehicle inspections are done with care, intention, and good communication.
Achieving Clarity Through Failure
April 10, 2024 05:00 - 36 minutes - 50.5 MBIn this episode, Juke Ball of Juke Auto in Austin, Texas, discusses mistakes he made as a young shop owner and the resulting lessons. You can read the story that inspired the episode, "What You Don't Know You Don't Know" on ratchetandwrench.com.
Growing From Mistakes to Become a Better Shop Owner
April 03, 2024 10:31 - 40 minutes - 37 MBIn this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Erich Schmidt talks about the early mistakes he made as a shop owner that have enabled him to become the conscious business owner he is today.
How to Hire Faster (and Retain Longer)
March 27, 2024 05:00 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MBIn this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Mike Allen, owner of Carfix Auto Repair & Tires with shops in the greater Raleigh, North Carolina area, talks about why he likes to hire fast (as quickly as the same day), how he does it, why it works and why his people stick around.
Strong Shop Culture Begins with Onboarding
March 13, 2024 11:35 - 30 minutes - 41.3 MBIn this episode, Bill Greeno of Quality Automotive Servicing in Truckee, California, talks about his meticulous process for onboarding new team members. Bill was a 2022 Ratchet+Wrench Best Workplaces winner and has a reputation for having a strong shop culture that begins with how he onboards his new hires.
Highlights from VISION 2024
March 06, 2024 06:01 - 20 minutes - 28.1 MBIn this episode, Ratchet+Wrench Editor-in-Chief Chris Jones takes a look back at the events at VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo in Kansas City, and shop owners and other industry professionals share their experiences from the event.
Getting Naked to Get Clarity
February 28, 2024 18:00 - 34 minutes - 48 MBIn this episode, entrepreneur, speaker, and people-first growth specialist Shari Pheasant gets real about how auto repair shop owners can get down on their team's level, increase emotional intelligence, and build a shop that's truly about putting people first.
How to Get Results While Networking at Conferences
February 21, 2024 12:22 - 36 minutes - 50.1 MBIn this episode, Dave Brown of DSB Leadership Group talks about his four keys to ensuring that you get the most out of your conference networking experience.
Opening the Lines of Communication (Replay)
February 14, 2024 06:00 - 21 minutes - 29.4 MBIn this replay episode from 2022, Deanna Bumgardner from Employer's Advantage LLC joins Ratchet+Wrench Radio to talk about being an emotionally intelligent shop owner when soliciting feedback from your team, why your team fears opening up in the first place, and tips for creating an environment of open communication.
Success Tips for Auto Repair Shop Coaches
February 07, 2024 06:00 - 29 minutes - 40.8 MBIn this episode, Marc Mawhinney of Natural Born Coaches talks about what makes a great coach, why marketability trumps all, and understanding what your clients want and how to get it to them. He also offers insight into how to level up your coaching business through strategic communication. Take the 2024 Ratchet+Wrench Industry Survey. Register for the 2024 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference
Deconstructing Technician Pay Plans
January 31, 2024 18:00 - 31 minutes - 43 MBIn this episode, Cecil Bullard of The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence discusses the various available technician pay plans shop owners can use and their pros and cons.
The Small Shop Success of Walker's Garage
January 24, 2024 06:00 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBIn this episode, Bill and Kaylin Walker of Walker's Garage in Brewer, Maine, discuss how they got their shop up and running. Bill had been a solo operator—wearing all of the hats most of the way—until Kaylin joined him in the front of the shop. They market like a big shop and now they're readying for expansion. Here's their story.
Staying One Step Ahead of the Market
January 17, 2024 06:00 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MBIn this episode, Travis Comfort, vice president of Rick's Automotive in Springfield, Missouri, talks about the innovative mind of owner Rick Hughlett, working on fleet accounts, and their modern shop complete with an employee gym.
Getting a Direct Hit with Direct Mail
January 10, 2024 16:41 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBIn this episode, Carrie-Lynn Rodenberg of Turnkey Marking talks about direct mail marketing and how auto repair shops can get the most out of it. We also discuss how to create your messaging, target your audience, measure results and how to fit it into your digital marketing mix.
Talking Shop: Tech One Automotive
January 02, 2024 06:00 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBIn this episode, Daniel Wisian of Tech One Automotive in Austin, Texas, talks about what's new at his shop and walks us through his processes as a shop owner. He talks about his hiring and retention practices, expanding his shop, how he budgets for marketing, and collaborating with Tesla early on. Wisian's shop was featured in the March 2023 issue of Ratchet+Wrench.
2023 Wrap Up & Announcements
December 26, 2023 13:42 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBIn this episode, Ratchet+Wrench Radio host Chris Jones reviews some of his favorite episodes of the year and talks about changes to the podcast for 2024. Sponsord by Ford Motorcraft
How I Built a Massive Social Media Following for My Shop | Chris Enright
December 19, 2023 06:00 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBIn this episode, Chris Enright of Enright Automotive talks about how he amassed a huge following on social media. To date, he has 53,000 YouTube subscribers, 30,000 TikTok subscribers, 45,000 Instagram followers and his Instagram Reels have over 50 million views. Chris talks about how he did it and how you can find your brand voice on social media and get noticed. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
How to Create a Learning Environment within the Shop | Jeff Furrow
December 12, 2023 06:00 - 44 minutes - 41 MBIn this episode, Jeff Furrow of Wellsboro Automotive talks about being a relational leader and how that translates into creating an environment where his technicians can learn, grow, and in turn train their fellow techs. He also discusses his apprentice program and how he finds students. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Not Your Everyday Auto Repair Shop | Mike & Susan Henn
December 05, 2023 06:00 - 29 minutes - 40.9 MBIn this episode, Mike and Susan Henn of Henn Automotive talk about their southern North Carolina shop. Mike talks about getting rejected by the bank for a loan, building his shop with his own hands, how he trains his technicians, and why they stay for the long haul (most have been with the shop for over a decade). Susan discusses managing the front end, why providing full benefits matters and her role in creating the environment of the shop. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft.
Believe in Yourself and Stay the Course | Rachel Spencer
November 28, 2023 13:49 - 27 minutes - 38 MBIn this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Rachel Spencer of Spencer's Auto Repair shares her journey through shop ownership and how she overcame challenges personally and professionally to become the empathetic and strong leader she is today. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Growing Oceanside Auto and Managing Gen Z Technicians | Daniel Stewart
November 21, 2023 06:00 - 37 minutes - 51.6 MBIn this episode, Daniel Stewart, service manager at Oceanside Auto in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, talks about his shop, its future goals, its culture and how he gets the best from his Gen Z technicians. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Talking Shop: Dave’s Pro Auto Service | Stephannie Maneval
November 14, 2023 06:00 - 16 minutes - 22.6 MBIn this episode, Stephannie Maneval, owner of Dave's Pro Auto Service in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, talks about her rise from service advisor to shop owner and takes us through her shop and what she loves about being an owner. Sponsored by FordMotorcraft
How to Vet, Hire and Retain Your Technicians | Doug Grills
November 07, 2023 05:03 - 34 minutes - 47.1 MBIn this episode, Doug Grills, owner of AutoStream Care Care Center with multiple locations across Maryland, talks about vetting, hiring and training technicians. Today, he's going to share his processes from: Creating goal posters with his team to cast a vision Why 1-on-1 meetings matter in retaining technicians The need for good communication Why training inspires technicians to stay How his shop vets potential new hires The advantage of providing benefits and incentives He'll also p...
Knowing How Your Techs Learn to Leads to Better Performance | Dave Boyes & Ron Shanas
October 31, 2023 06:36 - 31 minutes - 42.6 MBIn this episode, Dave Boyes and Ron Shanas of Today's Class talk about how shop owners can better coach their teams by understanding how their team members learn and process the knowledge they gain from educational sessions. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Keys to Customer Retention and Higher Car Count | Connor Tracy
October 24, 2023 05:00 - 45 minutes - 41.8 MBIn this episode, Connor Tracy, senior regional manager and director of partner relations at KUKUI, talks about ways shop owners can pinpoint gaps in their customer service sequence to increase the likelihood that customers keep coming back. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Marketing is About Getting More Customers | Ryan Burton
October 17, 2023 05:00 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MBIn this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Ryan Burton of Leads Near Me. We discuss marketing, what it is, the difference between marketing, advertising and public relations and we get Ryan's reactions to the marketing results in the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Industry Survey Report. Lastly, we talk about his upcoming High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, from Nov. 29-Dec. 1. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Creating a Brand Customers Will Love | Taran Sodhi
October 10, 2023 05:00 - 41 minutes - 38 MBIn this episode, Taran Sodhi, owner of Conceptual Minds, an auto repair shop marketing firm, talks about how he helped Wiygul Automotive rebrand its shop and what shop owners need to think about when considering a refacing of their own. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft.
8 Reasons Why Techs Quit Auto Repair Shops | Chris Lawson
October 03, 2023 11:17 - 40 minutes - 55.6 MBWhy are auto technicians in auto repair shops leaving their jobs? In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Chris Lawson of Technician Find talks to editor Chris Jones about a Statistica survey that details eight reasons why people quit jobs and what auto repair shop owners can learn. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All | Joe Marconi
September 26, 2023 05:00 - 29 minutes - 40.8 MBIn this episode, Ratchet+Wrench columnist Joe Marconi talks about why shop owners need to be objective when interpreting external data and trends while taking a subjective look at the KPIs that impact their auto repair businesses. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
How We Created Our Mobile Diag and Training Company | Keith & Liz Perkins
September 19, 2023 05:00 - 39 minutes - 54.3 MBKeith and Liz Perkins of L1 Diagnostics and Programming recount their humble beginning when Keith refused to work for free and was fired from his job only to realize his dream of being a full-time diagnostic tech was waiting for him on the other side. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
2023 RWMC Speaker Series | Meet Lucas Underwood
September 18, 2023 11:57 - 23 minutes - 32.8 MBLucas Underwood is the owner of L&N Performance Auto Repair in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. In this series focused on getting to know some of the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference speakers, Lucas is going to talk about what he does, what his session topic is about and why you should attend, what excites him about the industry today, and his biggest accomplishments and greatest lessons in business. He also talks about starting his shop and leaving the right legacy. If you're still n...
2023 RWMC Speaker Series | Meet Darrin Barney
September 14, 2023 05:00 - 13 minutes - 18.6 MBDarrin Barney is the co-founder of Barney Brothers Offroad and Repair and the CEO of Elite Worldwide. In this series focused on getting to know some of the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference speakers, Darrin is going to talk about what he does, what his session topic is about and why you should attend, what excites him about the industry today, and his biggest accomplishments and greatest lessons in business. He's also going to tell you a fun story on leading by example. If you're s...
2023 RWMC Speaker Series | Meet Phil Carpenter
September 13, 2023 05:00 - 14 minutes - 20.6 MBPhil Carpenter is the COO of Urban Auto Care and Avalon Motorsports in Denver, Colorado. In this series focused on getting to know some of the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference speakers, Phil is going to talk about what he does, what his session topics are about and why you should attend, what excites him about the industry today, and his biggest accomplishments and greatest lessons in business. If you're still not registered for the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference, visit ...
Giving a Voice to Everyone in the Industry | Tara Topel
September 12, 2023 05:00 - 34 minutes - 47 MBIn this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Tara Topel of Topel's Service Center tackles the tough topics of diversity, equity, inclusion and representation. We look at it from the lenses of gender, ethnicity and ability (those with handicaps mentally and physically) and discuss how to encourage education and involvement so that shop owners and their personnel can be mindful of every customer and of one another. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
2023 RWMC Speaker Series | Meet Lauralee Schmidt
September 08, 2023 05:00 - 11 minutes - 15.6 MBLauralee Schmidt is the VP of marketing and operations of Schmidt Auto Care in Springboro, Ohio. In this series focused on getting to know some of the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference speakers, Lauralee is going to talk about what she does, what her session topic is about and why you should attend, what excites her about the industry today, and her biggest accomplishments and greatest lessons in business. If you're still not registered for the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Management Confere...
How I Lead to Get The Best From My Team | J.J Mont
September 05, 2023 05:00 - 33 minutes - 45.4 MBIn this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, J.J. Mont of J.J.'s Auto Service in Waldorf, Maryland, stops by to talk leadership. J.J. is known around his shop for his emotionally intelligent and empathetic servant leadership that aims to get people in the right positions to maximize their potential. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
2023 RWMC Speaker Series | Meet Chris Knuth
August 31, 2023 05:00 - 15 minutes - 21.2 MBChris Knuth owns Star Motors European Service and founded APAC ATI, both in San Juan Capistrano, California. In this series focused on getting to know some of the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference speakers, Chris is going to talk about what he does, what his session topic is about and why you should attend, what excites him about the industry today, and his biggest accomplishments and greatest lessons in his years in business. If you're still not registered for the 2023 Ratchet+Wren...
Placing Excellent Above Satisfaction | Anthony Bodine
August 29, 2023 05:01 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBIn this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, our guest is Anthony Bodine of Protech Automotive Services in Johnston, Rhode Island. Today, Anthony discusses why he's a stickler for the details when it comes to the aesthetics of his shop, how he manages the Protech brand, the care his techs give vehicles and how customers perceive his shop. He also talks about all of the ways he strives for excellence in making his shop a premium place for his customers to do business. Sponsored by Ford Mot...
Is Your Bottom Line an Afterthought? | Murray Voth
August 22, 2023 05:00 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MBMost small businesses, such as auto repair shops, focus on customers and sales. Once all the bills are paid and the team members are compensated, there's not enough profit left to build the business—unless you start from the bottom and work backward to discover your real income goal. Today's guest is Murray Voth of RPM Training. Murray is going to teach shop owners how to do the math that creates a bigger net profit for the shop. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Growing Your Business with Data-Driven Marketing Techniques: Sponsored Podcast
August 18, 2023 08:22 - 19 minutes - 26.1 MBIn this episode of Ratchet + Wrench Radio, sponsored by Cinch, Justin Rae, Founder & CEO of Cinch, sits down with Matt Hudson, Content Director for Ratchet + Wrench, to talk about some of the ways shops can sharpen their marketing strategies through the improved use of data. Go here to learn more about Cinch and schedule a demo for a free $50 Amazon gift card.
Securing Your Shop’s Data | Sunil Patel
August 15, 2023 05:00 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBIn this episode, Sunil Patel of Tekmetric discusses cybersecurity as it pertains to auto repair shops, the difference in security between on-site and cloud storage, how to secure your shop's data to prevent breaches and unexpected data loss and how Tekmetric is approaching cybersecurity. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Optimizing Your Website for Success | Tony Mercury
August 08, 2023 05:00 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBIn this episode, Tony Mercury, VP of Revenue at Autoshop Solutions, stops in to talk all things website. We look at how shop owners should approach building and using a website to convert customers, as well as the type of imagery, content and messaging you need to get customers to choose you. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Are EV Tires a Viable Profit Center? | Tim Eisenmann
August 01, 2023 05:00 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBIn this episode, Tim Eisenman, CEO of Torqata, talks about EV tires and whether or not shop owners can and should capitalize on servicing tires as an entry point to capturing EV customers. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
How I Created My Shop’s Brand Story and Vision | Rob Choisser
July 25, 2023 05:00 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MBIn this episode, Rob Choisser of Choisser Automotive Services in Davidsonville, Maryland, talks about how he got into the industry and the four trademarks upon which he built his shop's culture. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
How I Became a Million-Dollar Service Advisor | Chelsea McDonald
July 18, 2023 05:00 - 31 minutes - 43.5 MBIn this episode, Chelsea McDonald of Certified Transmission in Bellevue, Nebraska, shares her journey into the auto care industry and how she committed to becoming the best service advisor in her shop. She also offers actionable tips for service advisors looking to get that winning edge. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
The Interesting History of Kenwood Tire & Auto | Spencer Carruthers
July 11, 2023 05:00 - 29 minutes - 41.1 MBIn this episode, Spencer Carruthers, owner of Kenwood Tire & Auto in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, tells the story of this historic shop that was once a one-room school and a public library. He also shares insights he's learned about how auto repair shops can capitalize on EV tires as a service. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
How Branded Merchandise Helps Our Shop | Susan McGrath
July 04, 2023 05:00 - 15 minutes - 20.9 MBIn this episode, Susan McGrath of Girlington Garage in South Burlington, Vermont, talks about how she and shop owner Demeny Pollitt began using branded merchandise. McGrath tells how they choose what to invest in, what customers like, what fell flat, and how it has helped the shop become known in the community. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Why I Hired a Coach (and Why You Should, Too) | Kevin Oswald
June 27, 2023 17:00 - 25 minutes - 35.1 MBIn this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Kevin Oswald, owner of Oswald Service and Repair in Idaho Falls, Idaho, talks about his decision to hire a coach and the difference it made for his shop. He also opens up about changing coaches and why for some owners, a different perspective can add to their growth and success.
Can a Shopgenie Change How Shops Do Business? | Kieran O’Brien
June 20, 2023 05:00 - 21 minutes - 29.2 MBIn this episode, Kieran O'Brien, co-founder of new CRM Shopgenie, talks about how the pitfalls of auto repair shops and their ability to follow up with online customers. We also discuss how the CRM can help shop owners rake in Gen Z and mobile-first customers with its online scheduling and automation capabilities. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft
Can Shopgenie Change How Shops Do Business? | Kieran O’Brien
June 20, 2023 05:00 - 21 minutes - 29.2 MBIn this episode, Kieran O'Brien, co-founder of new CRM Shopgenie, talks about how the pitfalls of auto repair shops and their ability to follow up with online customers. We also discuss how the CRM can help shop owners rake in Gen Z and mobile-first customers with its online scheduling and automation capabilities. Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft