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

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 Chuck Olsen and Josh McFarlin from AirPro to address recent controversy and questions circulating online about AirPro’s Augie calibration tool. Chuck and Josh set the record straight by diving into the rigorous testing process behind Augie, emphasizing the company’s commitment to safety and proper calibration. They also discuss the challenges of evolving technology in the automotive industry, the importance of continuous learning, and the need for constructive industry conversations—rather than social media drama—when evaluating new tools and processes.

00:00 Lifelong Automotive Career Journey

06:54 Evolving Career in Automotive Diagnostics

11:21 "Career Exploration to Ford Mastery"

19:07 Air Pro Discussion and Controversy

22:38 "Innovating System Calibration Process"

32:33 Technician's Misunderstood ADAS Calibration

37:41 Q&A: Clarifying Tool Capabilities

39:46 ADAS Calibration Task Force Insights

46:16 Ford's Collision Repair Staffing Imbalance

52:22 Calibration Challenges in the Automotive Industry

57:36 Recall Confusion with High-End Car

01:05:21 Technician Liability and Calibration Risks

01:11:08 Windshield Replacement Without Recalibration

01:13:35 Glass Installation and Calibration Issues

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 Uwe Kleinschmidt, formerly of Autovitals and now with Autotech IQ. Uwe shares lessons from his upbringing in East Germany and his journey to becoming a technology leader in the automotive industry. The conversation explores the challenges and importance of a strong shop culture and process, the need to empower customers through transparent digital vehicle inspections (DVI), and the evolving role of AI in improving shop communication and operational consistency.

00:00 Visit to David's Tense Shop

10:01 California Gas Price Concerns

14:06 Community College Enrollment Surge

19:37 "Value of First-Gen Immigrant Workers"

23:43 Chancellor Cole's Election Strategy

30:57 Engineer Relocates to Boost US Sales

36:48 "Choosing Shopware for Consistency"

40:29 "Adopting Carolyn's Shop Success Model"

45:25 Customer-Driven Sales Approach

48:49 Guided Customer Research Prompts

58:59 "Handle Unknown Text Links"

01:00:21 "Client Portal Development Needed"

01:05:53 The Curse of Knowledge in Retail

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 Samantha Higdon, Kevin Rozema, and Frank Scandura for a lively discussion about shop culture. The group highlights the crucial role of structure and systems in establishing and sustaining a positive workplace environment. They also emphasize the impact of one disruptive individual on team morale and performance, sharing real-world experiences of how quickly culture can improve once a toxic influence is removed. Finally, the conversation explores the connection between strong internal culture and public perception, stressing that shops with clear values and expectations not only attract better employees but also build greater trust with their customers.

00:00 "Schindler's Ongoing Legacy"

05:50 "Defunct Culture Exposed"

09:18 Implementing Shopware Systematically

09:46 Refining Workflow and Company Culture

14:09 Establishing Team Structure and Culture

17:50 Misaligned Hiring Risks Culture

20:04 Workplace Challenges for Technicians

24:45 Unmet Expectations Ruin Cultures

27:08 Shifting Focus for Profitability

31:34 Guiding Aspiring Automotive Careers

35:48 Mandatory Quarterly Education Benefits

39:58 Stop Temporary Fixes, Solve Core Issues

41:41 "Unhealthy Dynamics and Letting Go"

44:56 Toxic Leadership Dynamics

47:24 Shop Manager's Crucial Role

51:53 Promoting Continuous Automotive Education

55:17 "Adaptability: Embrace Change"

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 Nate Winston, who shares the story of leaving a long-term business partnership to open his own shop. Nate discusses the challenges and emotional toll of a toxic partnership, the importance of having clear roles and written agreements in business relationships, and the remarkable improvements in his well-being and shop success after going solo.

00:00 Affordable Custom Clothing Solutions

09:14 "Business Partnership Gone Wrong"

13:59 Missing Documentation Dilemma

16:46 Unexpected Lawsuit Loss: $15K Withdrawn

26:01 Banter Over Responsibilities with Juan

32:00 "Rarity of Genuine Selflessness"

35:11 Father's Resilience in Adversity

40:24 Increased Work Hours Achieved

46:19 Argument Led to Tragic Outcome

53:49 Goal-Setting Through Strategic Planning

54:52 Effective Goal Management

01:04:23 "Processing Loss and Grief"

01:08:19 Documenting Family Memories Intentionally

01:13:08 Trusting Independence at Age 10

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 Chris Luoma, owner of Jerry’s Automotive in Lansing, Michigan, and his wife-to-be, Lydia. Chris shares the story of stepping into a third-generation family business during a challenging transition, modernizing the shop by implementing systems like DVIs and updated parts and labor matrices, and the impact these changes had on the team and client base. Together, the group discusses the challenges and rewards of growing a single-location business, the importance of maximizing one shop before expanding, and the realities of balancing business ownership with family life.

00:00 Union Carbide Catastrophe

10:19 Focused Expansion of Existing Location

15:27 Avoiding Messy Boundaries

18:28 Family Business Takeover Dynamics

26:32 Elusive Goal of Success

29:27 "Facebook Friend's Unforgettable Prank"

37:11 "Diner vs. Steakhouse Costs"

38:48 Expensive Restaurant Nightmare

44:28 Tragic Cycle of Forgetfulness

48:56 DIY SodaStream Refill Setup Hazard

56:09 Antibiotic Misuse Causes Health Crisis

01:01:52 Innocent Misunderstanding at Dinner Table