Get registered for the ASTA Expo 2025 at the Raleigh Convention Center: https://geni.us/ASTA2025

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/InstituteEvents2025

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://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

Make sure you mention: CTISUMMER to get FREE data migration!

If you're ready to make a real change in your shop's success, join Shop Marketing Pros' Plan With the Pros workshop this October to connect with them and other shop owners. You'll leave with your entire year for 2026 planned out.

Click here to register: https://geni.us/PlanWithThePros

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 one sleek, digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David sit down with Darin Johnson, owner of Darin’s Auto Repair in Great Bend, Kansas. Darin shares the challenges of running a busy one-man shop, including the struggle to maintain a work-life balance and the tendency to discount services for customers emotionally. The conversation covers the importance of implementing shop management software, establishing more effective pricing strategies, and setting clearer boundaries to prevent burnout. Unfortunately, since this recording, Darin appears to have closed his business.

00:00 First Truck Drive Experience

07:10 Balancing Family, Work, and Support

15:17 Hiring and Training Essentials

16:16 Hiring Strategy: Prioritize Tech Roles

21:48 Efficient Schedule for Maximizing Revenue

32:23 Finding Sustainable Work-Life Balance

37:28 Structured Scheduling Strategy

40:59 "Optimizing Work Schedule Efficiency"

46:46 "Action Plan Essentials"

48:58 Optimizing Labor Rate Increments

59:01 "Vision Conference: Unite Shop Owners"

01:01:48 "When It Clicked for Me"

Get registered for the ASTA Expo 2025 at the Raleigh Convention Center: https://geni.us/ASTA2025

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/InstituteEvents2025

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://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

Make sure you mention: CTISUMMER to get FREE data migration!

If you're ready to make a real change in your shop's success, join Shop Marketing Pros' Plan With the Pros workshop this October to connect with them and other shop owners. You'll leave with your entire year for 2026 planned out.

Click here to register: https://geni.us/PlanWithThePros

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 one sleek, digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Adam Liu, and Paul Glowe for a candid discussion on common onboarding mistakes for new managers. The conversation highlights the common pitfall of unclear role expectations when shop owners hire their first manager, especially in family-run businesses. Adam and David share practical advice on the importance of clear task lists, job descriptions, and sticking to established onboarding processes—regardless of personal relationships.

00:00 Role Clarification in Management

09:16 "Effective Data Strategy in Shopware"

13:58 Defining Role Expectations

19:52 Family Dynamics in Business Frustration

24:04 Balancing Hard Work and Knowledge

29:13 Business Breakthrough Realization

34:08 "Motivation Through Peer Interaction"

39:17 Focused on Customer Experience

45:31 HVAC Insights from Automotive Experience

47:32 Efficient HVAC Diagnostic Approach

53:14 Pricey Diagnostic and Refrigerant Costs

01:00:03 "Jeep's Brake Disaster"

01:04:26 "Understanding Bitterness and Empathy"

Get registered for the ASTA Expo 2025 at the Raleigh Convention Center: https://geni.us/ASTA2025

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/InstituteEvents2025

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://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

Make sure you mention: CTISUMMER to get FREE data migration!

If you're ready to make a real change in your shop's success, join Shop Marketing Pros' Plan With the Pros workshop this October to connect with them and other shop owners. You'll leave with your entire year for 2026 planned out.

Click here to register: https://geni.us/PlanWithThePros

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 one sleek, digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Dan Thieken and Mason Weeks to discuss the challenges and triumphs of running an independent automotive shop. Mason shares his journey of starting, closing, and reviving his shop, highlighting the pitfalls of expanding too quickly and the importance of learning financial fundamentals. The group explores actionable strategies, such as raising prices, implementing inspection processes, and leveraging the 300% rule, to maximize profitability and shop efficiency.

00:00 Unscheduled Meetings Discussion

08:39 Failed Landing Flare Technique

12:57 Mike's Bland Humor

21:29 "Young Entrepreneur Leases Local Shop"

22:52 Regrets of Expanding Too Soon

27:09 Generosity's Financial Consequences

36:23 "Follow 300% Inspection Rule"

42:37 Car Repair: Safety and Responsibility

45:24 Boutique Auto Service Pricing Strategy

52:47 Importance of Providing Repair Estimates

54:26 Mechanic's Duty to Ensure Safety

01:01:02 Smart Investment in Custom Package

01:04:53 Bought Scanner for Versatility

01:11:18 Faulty Charger Sparks Gas Hazard