Couverture de Confessions of a Shop Owner

Confessions of a Shop Owner

Confessions of a Shop Owner

De : Mike Allen
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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.© 2025 Mike Allen Direction Economie Management Management et direction
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    Épisodes
    • Ep 42 - Erich Schmidt | He Left Automotive Toxicity Behind
      Aug 19 2025

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      In this episode, Mike and Bryan are joined by Erich Schmidt of Schmidt Auto Care. Erich talks about the time he nearly fell victim to an elaborate online truck sales scam and details the red flags that helped him catch it just in time. The guys also talk about their shared obsession with motorcycles, and Erich describes his diverse collection and the role riding plays in his life. Erich also talks about how his recent professional growth and industry networking have contributed to his business’s record success.

      00:00 Meet Erich - He Likes Bikes

      05:01 Motorcycle Collection Overview

      07:10 Off-Road and Supermoto Passion

      11:37 "Sunday Rides on Kentucky Roads"

      14:39 Motorcycle Journey: New Orleans to Jacksonville

      18:21 Efficient Workshop Equipment Organization

      20:12 Technician Burnout and Tesla Hiring

      26:14 Facebook Marketplace Truck Search

      28:40 "Reluctant Road Trip Avoided"

      31:59 Dealership Doubts and Financial Precautions

      35:37 "Deciding Against Potential Scam"

      38:08 Photo Theft at Florida Dealership

      41:31 Mystery of Tipton Motorsports Location

      45:52 Hiring Boosts Efficiency and Revenue

      48:33 "Learning from Friends' Insights"

      52:01 Passion for Automotive Industry Growth

      54:16 Reflecting on Missed Business Opportunities

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      1 h et 1 min
    • Ep 41 - Nathan Ward and James Hornak | Two Evil Shop Owners in the Making
      Aug 12 2025

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      Nathan Ward and James Hornak recently opened Inconceivable Automotive in Raleigh, NC. Today, they tell the CRAZY story of how they became friends, fell into business ownership (starting by stealing a van off a man with Alzheimer's), and listen to advice from Mike. They all discuss openly the lessons they’ve already learned, such as the importance of clear communication, networking with other shop owners, and maintaining well-organized business processes from the outset.

      00:00 "Morning Bloody Mary Bar"

      03:48 Injury Recovery Leads to Adventure

      07:12 General Repair: Passion Meets Profit

      12:29 Balancing Workload and Priorities

      13:49 Repo Equipment Bargain Success

      18:10 Subcontracting Head Gasket Repair

      22:28 Stick to Normal Procedures

      24:21 "Building Connections with Elite Coaching"

      26:55 Sumo Wrestling Match at ASTA

      30:30 Business Partnership and Profit Sharing

      35:20 "Starting a Small Business Guide"

      36:59 Prioritizing Business over Income

      40:00 "Convenient Truck Service Location"

      44:43 Proactive Learner Praised

      47:15 "Toys Indicate Business Struggles"

      50:07 Electrical Misunderstanding Magic

      53:59 "Shop Owner Confessions"

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      58 min
    • Ep 40 - Kirby Sawyer | Nissan is the Chrysler of Japanese Car Companies
      Aug 5 2025

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      In this episode, Bryan and Mike are joined by Kirby Sawyer, owner of Super Rupair in Boulder, Colorado, a shop specializing exclusively in Subaru repair. Kirby shares the story of building a thriving, high-volume specialty shop, including his unique journey from employee to future owner. Of course, they get into charging for diag and why training is critical.

      00:00 "Meet Kirby Sawyer"

      03:34 "Mobile Diagnostics and Accountability"

      06:55 "Nissan's Legal Name Battle"

      11:40 Obsolete Subaru Glass Stockpile

      14:48 Economical but Prone to Corrosion

      16:27 Bar Trick with Number Cards

      19:47 Endless Subaru Cycle

      24:27 "Awkward Car Exchange Moment"

      28:58 Battery Tester Insights

      32:34 Turnover and Pay Plan Success

      33:23 Techs Improve Efficiency Rapidly

      37:38 Offer to Buy High-Mileage Accord

      39:43 Car Sales and Friend Recommendations

      44:44 Expo Hospitality Suite Sponsored

      48:47 "Refusal and Recommendation Story"

      51:18 "Shop Dog Comfort Gone Awry"

      54:16 "Farmer's Essential Values Test"

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      1 h et 1 min
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