Want to see growth at your shop? It's as simple as using Tekmetric. Learn more HERE [https://auto.tekmetric.com/4iOySkk]

Turnkey Marketing has helped my shop's marketing in ways I could have never on my own. They can do the same for here. Try them out HERE [https://www.turnkeyautomarketing.com/]

Elite Worldwide keeps me accountable and takes a look at how I run my buisness from an unbiased perspective. It's greatly helped my shop! Learn more about how they can help you too HERE [https://eliteworldwide.com/]

Sunil Patel is the Founder and CEO of the best Shop Management Software in the industry - Tekmetric. PJ Leslie is a Miata lover like me and the Head of Business Development at Tekmetric. Today, Sunil tells me about the time when he owned a shop and an employee wrecked a customer's car. What happened next was CRAZY! 

00:00 Don't Hate on Miata Lovers

08:57 Building Tekmetric: From Challenges to Creation

10:56 Industry Transformation and Shifting Demographics

14:55 "Tekmetric Dominates Aftermarket Software"

16:14 Strategic AI Integration Approach

20:23 Enhancing Service with Detect Auto

23:31 "Botched Car Lift Incident"

26:10 Minor Damage, Customer Informed

31:07 Transitioning from Trainual to Way We Do

33:53 Streamlined Automotive Business Integration

38:57 Empowering Leadership Approach

40:28 "Smart Jobs Integration Needed"

45:00 "Why-Based Training Benefits"

47:35 Incremental Improvements Drive Success

Ep 28 - Sunil Patel and PJ Leslie | Don't Make Fun of Miata Lovers

Support the show by supporting our sponsors! Click/touch the sponsor name for more info.

Tekmetric [https://auto.tekmetric.com/4iOySkk]

Turnkey Marketing  [https://www.turnkeyautomarketing.com/]

Detect Auto [https://www.detectauto.com/]

Today, Mike Allen and Bryan Pollock are joined by Brian Stolpa, owner of Brian’s Motor Works Euro shop. They talk challenges of hiring—especially the decision between training an apprentice versus bringing in an experienced tech—and the realities of scaling a shop in today’s market. And yes, things get heated at the end when Mike brings up flat rate vs salary. Who's right? We may never know. But Bryan thinks Mike is wrong. We'll leave it there.

00:00 How Often Do You Buy Socks?

08:32 Hiring Strategies for Small Businesses

15:51 From NASCAR Aspirations to Mechanic

19:18 "Training Challenges in Skilled Labor"

24:42 "Finding the Right Team Fit"

27:58 Kids Dream of YouTube Fame

36:38 "Leasing vs. Owning Cars"

41:32 "Successful Implementation at Raleigh Shops"

43:34 Effective Communication with Customers

50:18 Flat Rate vs. Salary Risks

56:54 Unpaid Work Dilemmas

01:02:32 Post-COVID Job Shift Dynamics

Ep 27 - Brian Stolpa | We Get Heated Over Flat Rate vs Salary

In this episode, Matt challenges Mike to maximize his top-performing store without neglecting the fundamentals, like building stronger staff relationships. Ouch. That's what shop coaching is for, though! Sometimes, the toes need to get stepped on. 

Learn more about how Tekmetric can change your shop HERE [https://auto.tekmetric.com/4iOySkk]

Touch HERE [https://www.turnkeyautomarketing.com/] to see what Turnkey Marketing can do for you and your shop

Want shop coaching like this from Elite Worldwide? Reach out to learn more HERE [https://eliteworldwide.com/]

00:00 Self-Reflection and Accountability

05:10 Streamlining Shop Management with Tekmetric

08:59 Streamlined Estimate Notification Service

10:11 Boosting Tire Sales Strategy

14:21 Manual Process Checklists внедрение

18:11 Professionalizing Customer Experience

22:00 Improving Listening in Relationships

23:12 "Balancing Work and Family"

28:54 Tekmetric Sales Tracking Insight

32:03 Understanding Sales Cycle Timing

36:01 Increasing Sales Through Advisor Practice

38:28 Efficient Client Follow-Up Strategy

42:58 "Enhancing Phone Skills for Sales"

44:28 "Never Write NVH Without Test Drive"

47:44 Revenue Goals and Projections

53:00 Understanding Business Break-Even Points

55:19 "Broadening Perspectives at Events"

57:41 "Reconsidering My Words"

Ep 26 - Coaching Call #4 | Role Play at the Repair Shop? 

Got a confession you'd like to make? Call 704-CONFESS (704-266-3377)

Learn more about Autoshop Answers HERE [https://www.autoshopanswers.com/]

Today, Mike and Todd Westerlund talk about setbacks, success, and Todd makes a pretty crazy Confession.  Todd also talks about what it takes to find real success in business, and that it comes down to dedication and drive.

00:00 Mindset's Role in Business Success

05:08 "Pursue Passion, Seek Mentorship"

07:05 Reevaluating Sales Techniques

10:23 Tech Job Breakthrough in San Francisco

15:53 "Embrace Self-Reinvention"

18:16 "Trust Radar: Todd's Intuition"

22:55 "Relentless Reminder of Aging"

23:39 "Relentless Reminder Tattoo"

29:29 Hospital Benefits Arrangement

33:09 Perception of Success and Self-Reflection

34:43 "Maximize Efficiency, Not Hours"

BONUS EPISODE! | Todd Westerlund Has A Confession

So, the more podcasts I do, the more people I meet who love Tekmetric as much as I do. I still meet shop owners who don't use it, though. Are you one of those people who are not using Tekmetric because you're stubborn? Don't let pride get in the way of improving your business. Try them today - CLICK HERE [https://auto.tekmetric.com/4iOySkk]

Turnkey Marketing is making my life easier and my business better. Good thing they don't just help me. See for yourself how the can do the same at your shop HERE [https://www.turnkeyautomarketing.com/]

Detect Auto helps you catch the stuff you miss at the shop. If you don't think you're missing stuff, check again. It shocked me to know how much money I was missing when I got Detect Auto - find out for yourself today HERE [https://www.detectauto.com/]

Ed Trevino owns Kanuga Tire & Auto in Hendersonville, NC. Ever since opening his shop, stuff seems to keep going wrong. From COVID-19, Hurricane Helene, and WNC wildfires, he's pushed through it all. So what would he do differently if he could do it over? Ed's response might surprise you. 

00:00 Too much alcohol?

05:31 "Tekmetric: Quick Learning, Strong Growth"

12:10 Shoe Allotment Deduction Contemplation

16:52 Pandemic-Era Valet Hysteria

26:29 Seeking Advice: Joining a Mastermind

28:24 Subconscious Self-Worth Limitations

36:34 "Quality Services vs. Low Rates"

39:12 Shop Errors and Repair Costs

43:24 Navigating Storm Aftermath Challenges

51:57 Agent's Reluctance to Visit Clients

58:23 Rarely Carry Cash

01:00:16 "Tree Damage Unbothered"

Ep 25 - Ed Trevino | What Else Could Go Wrong? 

Tekmetric is the best and it makes shops the best they can be. Is your shop the best it can be? If not, then you need Tekmetric. Get it HERE [https://auto.tekmetric.com/4iOySkk]

Turnkey Marketing may not be what Josh needs for his shop right now, but if you've got room to grow, believe me when I tell you, Turnkey Marketing will help you fill that room. See more HERE [https://www.turnkeyautomarketing.com/]

I talk about Elite Worldwide on these podcasts so much for a reason. Because when something works really well for you, you want to tell others about it. So here we are. Me telling you about Elite again. Because it's worth it, and I KNOW their one-on-one coaching will help your shop. Learn more HERE [https://eliteworldwide.com/]

In this episode, Bryan and I are joined by Josh Rainwater, a shop owner from Louisville, Kentucky. He, like many of us, has spent the night at his shop a time or two. We've all been there at some point. Today, Josh confesses that he realizes something needs to change because that is not healthy for him, his family, or his business to require that much of him. What did we tell him? Find out today. 

00:00 Leadership Coaching at NASCAR Technical Institute

03:47 Pandemic Job Loss to Uber

07:45 Booming Business Opportunities

11:37 HVAC Replacement: Charm and Decisions

14:29 "Hotel Lobby Recording Session"

17:06 Feet Pic Earnings Proposal

19:38 Elite Worldwide Custom Coaching

24:19 AI-Driven Appointment Bookings

26:26 Small vs. Large Shop Challenges

31:26 "QC Documentation Issue"

33:23 Handling Tricky Situations Efficiently

37:21 "Discount Demand After Order Error"

40:21 Unsustainable Work Habits

41:50 Balancing Commitments and Workload

46:41 Optimizing Labor and Parts Margins

50:44 "Planning to Hire Soon"

Ep 24 - Josh Rainwater | Bryan Sold Feet Pics

Learn more about how Tekmetric WILL change your business HERE [https://auto.tekmetric.com/4iOySkk]

Turnkey Marketing does what I'm not good at...Marketing. Even if you know marketing, let Turnkey do it for you, freeing you up to run your business. Visit them HERE [https://www.turnkeyautomarketing.com/]

Detect Auto uses AI the RIGHT way. Use them and you won't have to worry of how to use AI anymore. Learn more HERE [https://www.detectauto.com/]

Darrin Barney is the President and CEO of Elite Worldwide, the coaching company I use. And after this conversation, it further confirmed why I love using them. He made me think in ways I haven't in years. I even teared up a few times in this conversation. Darrin gets it. I learned something from this conversation. You will too. 

00:00 Bragging Rights in Tough Times

03:22 "Effective Marketing Solutions for Growth"

07:14 Balancing Gym and Bar Life

12:07 "Elite Coaching Experience Overview"

13:33 Partial Achievement, Constructive Feedback

19:07 "Finding Inspiration from Bob"

22:09 Optimizing Technician Efficiency

24:43 "Enduring Automotive Friendships"

26:28 Automotive Growth and Coaching

29:58 Helping People: The Ultimate Goal

34:10 Child's Emotional Upset Explained

35:58 Balancing Passions and Family Time

39:39 Be More Human

45:50 Prank: Brake Cleaner Swap

47:41 "Toastmasters: Overcoming Shyness Through Speech"

52:18 Jimmy Page's Zeppelin Legacy Journals

Ep 23 - Darrin Barney | I Made a Grown Man Cry

You know what's crazy? I had my once-a-month coaching call with Matt Lofton the other day, and I was actually looking forward to it! It's crazy that once you start to see results from hard work, you look forward to the hard work. Do you need accountability in your shop? Reach out to Elite Worldwide and get it today. CLICK HERE [https://eliteworldwide.com/]

Tekmetric is awesome. It's made my shop awesome. I could leave it there, but because it's changed my shops future, I want the same for you. Can you make your shop more awesomer than mine? Start HERE [https://auto.tekmetric.com/4iOySkk]

Did you see the videos from my conversation with Carrie-Lynn with Turnkey Marketing? She said some spicy things about marketing and how many shop owners SUCK at marketing. But, she was spot on. Man, she helps my shop online. She can and will for you too. Learn more HERE [https://www.turnkeyautomarketing.com/]

Taylor Wilson is the President of Velocity Auto Care and today he and Mike talk about how having kids changes how you run your business. If done right, for the better. Also, how has he learned to manage his shop from afar? Learn today.

00:00 "Decline in Car Count Observed"

04:31 "Just Say Yes" Critique

08:38 Morning Training for Exceptional Service

10:18 Missed Events Due to Hunting

15:19 Overcoming Focus Challenges

17:28 Complacency Led to Business Decline

22:38 "Photo Requirements Challenge Workflow"

26:08 Technicians Willing to Work Saturdays

27:23 Car Service Convenience Challenges

31:24 Adapting to Change and Accessibility

34:20 Open-Minded Business Approach

Ep 22 - Taylor Wilson | Having Kids Was Good For His Shop?

I use Tekmetric at my shop, and it's changed everything! It can do the same for you. CLICK HERE [https://auto.tekmetric.com/4iOySkk]to learn how.

I love launching helpful new technology at my shop! Especially when it makes my shop more efficient. That’s what Detect Auto has done for me. Want to learn how? Click HERE [https://www.detectauto.com/]

Carrie-Lynn tells the story today of how and why she started working with repair shops. Because she believes in the industry! Let her help you make your marketing about the customer and not your ego today. Learn how HERE [https://www.turnkeyautomarketing.com/]

Today, Mike Allen sits down with guests Carrie-Lynn Rodenberg from Turnkey Marketing and Tyler Ellinson, a multi-store operator in the Pacific Northwest. They talk about the ups and downs of marketing and the failures shop owners make trying to do it themselves. Carrie-Lynn also shares the number one problem she sees shop owners make daily in their marketing.

00:00 Dallas Recording at Elite Worldwide Event

06:16 Ambivalence Towards Car Enthusiasm

09:00 Contemplating Career Change Dilemma

12:42 Transitioning Family Business Leadership

15:33 "Discovering Small Business Marketing"

17:13 "BNI Networking and Marketing Coaching"

21:26 Auto Repair Shop Growth Partnership

26:11 Avoid Bottom Feeders: Offer Value

27:45 Pricing Communication in Service Industries

30:11 Free Diagnostics to Attract Customers

33:17 Building Rapport to Attract Customers

39:03 Entrepreneurial Priorities and Pitfalls

40:27 Proactive Problem-Solving Fix

46:04 Training Focus for Team Growth

49:07 Goal Setting and Succession Planning

50:26 Delegating for Efficiency

Ep 21 - Carrie-Lynn Rodenberg & Tyler Ellinson | I Almost Started A Dental Practice

Got a confession you need to make? Call 704-CONFESS. (704-266-3377)  

Today, Mike Allen and Todd Hayes talk about why his business model works and why many people don't like his methods. But why? They work!    

00:00 "In the Trenches Entrepreneur"  
05:06 Scripted Sales Dialogue Success  
07:18 "Dream Job with Star Athletes"  
12:24 Fluid Exchange Follow-Up Process  
15:12 AI Evolution Since 1986  
19:02 Polaroid Success and Service Failures  
19:51 AI Monitors Call Tone Effectively  
22:38 "Mastering Client Retention Techniques"  
26:50 Successful Entrepreneurial Transformation  
28:58 Weekend Job Brokering Insights  
33:10 Expanding Customer Thresholds  
35:23 "Diagnostic Fees Elimination Success"

BONUS Episode! Todd Hayes Welcomes The Hate

Confessions of a Shop Owner is hosted by Mike Allen, a third-generation shop owner, perpetual pot-stirrer, and brutally honest opinion sharer.  In this weekly podcast, Mike shares his missteps so you don’t have to repeat them. Along the way, he chats with other industry personalities who’ve messed up, too, pulling back the curtain on the realities of running an independent auto repair shop. But this podcast isn’t just about Mike’s journey. It’s about confronting the divisive and questionable tactics many shop owners and managers use. Mike is here to stir the pot and address the painful truths while offering a way forward. Together, we’ll tackle the frustrations, shake things up, and help create a better future for the auto repair industry.

Mike Allen

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