Épisodes

  • Strategize and Connect: What to Expect at Tektonic 2026

    Strategize and Connect: What to Expect at Tektonic 2026
    Mar 18 2026
    In a recent interview, Doug Kaufman, the host of "Talking Shop with ShopOwner," spoke with Lauren Langston, president and COO of Tekmetric, to discuss the upcoming Tektonic 2026 Conference. The conference is set for April 9th and aims to empower automotive repair shop owners through strategic insights, networking opportunities, and best practices.

    Langston emphasized the importance of yearly business planning and taking time away from daily operations to reflect on goals for the future. Attendees will benefit from sessions tailored for everyone in the shop, from owners to technicians.

    With expert speakers and a focus on integrating technology with operational excellence, Tektonic promises to enhance profitability and customer satisfaction within the automotive repair industry.

    For information, visit Tekmetric.com/Tektonic.
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    18 min
  • Hire for Character, Train for Skill: Leadership & Tech That Actually Grow Your Shop

    Hire for Character, Train for Skill: Leadership & Tech That Actually Grow Your Shop
    Feb 25 2026
    In this episode of Talking Shop with ShopOwner, Doug Kaufman talks with David Rogers (Auto Profit Masters / Shop4D / Keller Brothers Auto Repair) about the people-first strategies and practical tech that help independent shops win.
    In the conversation, the industry veterans cover hiring for character and developing technicians, creating a culture that reduces rework and drives retention, simplifying tech stacks to remove wasted clicks, and using contained AI safely to surface useful KPIs.
    David also shares how focusing a team on one or two critical metrics — not a dozen — creates real, repeatable gains. Tune in for straightforward tactics you can apply this month to improve customer experience, shop throughput and employee loyalty.
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    33 min
  • Tektonic 2026 — Training, Tech & Real Results

    Tektonic 2026 — Training, Tech & Real Results
    Feb 19 2026
    Doug Kaufman sits down with Sunil Patel, founder & CEO of TekMetric, to unpack Tektonic 2026 — an industry-wide conference built for every role in the repair shop, not just a vendor event.

    Learn how TekMetric’s data view across more than 14,000 shops reveals what top performers do differently and how Tektonic will translate those insights into practical, measurable outcomes.

    Patel explains the conference format — 75 role-based breakout sessions where owners, service writers, technicians and foremen can “choose your own path” through hands-on technical training (including EV topics), service-writing skill workshops, MSO growth panels and a coaches debate. Hear about keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and TekMetric’s consultative approach to helping shops reach their next result (for example, improving average repair order through better DVIs and photo standards).

    Event starts April 9, 2026 at the Marriott Marquis Houston. More info and registration: TekMetric.com/Tektonic
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    11 min
  • Taming the Chaos: How Shop Owners Can Regain Control

    Taming the Chaos: How Shop Owners Can Regain Control
    Aug 22 2025
    In this episode of Talking Shop with ShopOwner, Doug Kaufman interviews David Rogers, COO of Keller Brothers and founder of Auto Profit Masters, about the challenges automotive repair shop owners face with juggling multiple management systems.

    Rogers emphasizes that many shops lose thousands of dollars monthly due to inefficiencies stemming from fragmented systems that don't communicate with each other.Rogers introduces Shop4D, an ecosystem solution developed to address these issues. Shop4D integrates various aspects of shop management, providing real-time data and connectivity to empower shop owners, managers, and technicians. This allows for better decision-making, improved efficiency, and increased profitability.

    Developed with a $15 million investment and tested in Rogers' own shop, Shop4D aims to give independent shops a competitive edge against larger dealerships and chains by enabling efficiency, transparency, and employee empowerment. Rogers stresses the importance of finding a system where all components are centralized, and the software company takes ownership of any issues, rather than passing the blame.

    Shop4D supports multi-shop operations and enables technicians to work better without unnecessary stress, Rogers emphasizes. Ultimately, Rogers hopes to help the entire automotive industry to succeed.

    Shop owners interested in learning more can visit Shop4D.com or email David directly at david@shop4D.com.
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    39 min
  • Top Techs Announced In Televised Festivities

    Top Techs Announced In Televised Festivities
    Dec 12 2024
    America loves competition and will tune in to watch competitors battle on TV. Forget about watching washed up fighters slap at each other - you can watch REAL champions compete at the U.S. Auto Tech National Championship Driven by Yokohama for the title of 2024 U.S. Auto Tech National Champion.
    In this episode of Talking Shop with ShopOwner, host Doug Kaufman, editor of ShopOwner Magazine, chats with Andy Buehler, automotive technology instructor and 2024 champion of the US AutoTech National Championship, and Kim Arnold from Intersport’s Elite Trades Championship Series about the program. They discuss the competition, which highlights the importance of skilled trades, celebrates automotive technicians, and addresses workforce shortages.
    Andy shares his journey in automotive technology, teaching, and competing, while Kim elaborates on the competition's structure and its impact on inspiring the next generation of technicians. Listeners also learn about the camaraderie among competitors and the significant prizes and support provided to participants.
    The program aims to elevate the trades' prestige and encourage more professionals and students to join. Key takeaway: The championship is not just a competition—it’s a movement to champion skilled trades as vital and rewarding careers.
    Tune in for an inspiring conversation celebrating innovation, education, and the future of automotive technology. The competition's final round will air Friday, December 27th at 8:00 pm on CBS Sports Network. Visit USATNC.com for more information.
    Talking Shop with ShopOwner is presented by AAPEX.
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    22 min