Épisodes

  • 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
  • Reconnecting Your Shop And Community

    Reconnecting Your Shop And Community
    Nov 1 2024
    In this episode of Talking Shop with Shop Owner, Lucas Underwood, owner of L&N Performance Auto Repair in Blowing Rock, NC, discusses the impact of Hurricane Helene on the automotive repair community in North Carolina. Lucas describes how his shop and nearby repair businesses have rallied to support their devastated communities. Local shops have cooked meals for first responders and neighbors, helped with road clearing and offered free repairs for those in need.

    The discussion between Doug Kaufman, ShopOwner’s editorial director and Underwood highlights the strong bonds within the automotive repair industry, emphasizing how professionals come together in times of crisis. The Automotive Service and Tire Alliance of North Carolina (ASTA) set up a GoFundMe campaign to support affected shops, which quickly raised over $100,000. Additionally, organizations like WorldPac and Scanner Danner joined in, providing essential resources.

    Lucas and others will continue sharing this story and gathering support at the AAPEX show in Las Vegas, which serves as a central gathering for automotive professionals to connect and collaborate. This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity within the automotive repair community.

    For more on how to support the relief efforts, visit ASTA’s website or Samaritan's Purse, a local organization involved in disaster relief.

    Talking Shop with ShopOwner is presented by AAPEX, the premier automotive industry networking and educational event. The 2024 AAPEX Show will be held in Las Vegas, November 5-7. AAPEXShow.com
    ASTAUSA.org
    SamaritansPurse.org
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    30 min
  • Keeping Cool About Shop Fire Safety

    Keeping Cool About Shop Fire Safety
    Sep 4 2024
    According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are approximately 5,000 fires in automotive service and repair facilities each year. These fires cause an estimated $108 million dollars in direct property damage, result in about 10 civilian an 3 firefighter injuries, and often spread beyond the initial location resulting in even more damage and even deaths.
    The worst news? They’re usually preventable.
    In this episode of "Talking Shop With ShopOwner," ShopOwner editor Doug Kaufman and Steve Lockwood from Mountain State Fire Protection in Mesa, AZ, discuss fire safety in automotive repair shops. They discuss the potential threats in the automotive industry, such as combustible liquids and sparks from equipment. They also mention the importance of maintaining electrical equipment and the common occurrence of fires in automotive shops.
    Steve recommends shop owners keep their shops clutter-free and provide employee training on fire safety. He suggests reaching out to local fire protection companies or fire departments for resources and assistance. They also touch on the importance of sprinkler systems and the legal requirements for fire safety in shops.
    This episode of Talking Shop with Shop Owner is presented by AAPEX 2024, the premiere business and networking event in the automotive industry. Training is one of the key aspects of AAPEX - For more information about the huge number of onsite training sessions or to register, visit AAPEXShow.com.- On September 28, the price increases to $120. During registration, you can add individual training sessions for $150 each. For more value, choose the AAPEX Seminar Package and get five sessions of your choice for only $400 ($350 in savings).
    Visit Mountain State Fire Protection or your local fire department or fire protection agency to get more helpful tips.
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    16 min