***TIME SENSITIVE***

Make sure you jump on the first MUST-ATTEND event of 2025: https://geni.us/Summit2025

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Ron Shanas and Paul Pate from Today's Class. Ron and Paul get into the sophistication of their adaptive learning platform, explaining how artificial intelligence and machine learning tailor training to individual technicians' needs by identifying their strengths, weaknesses, and confidence levels. They highlight the importance of confidence in improving work performance, supported by scientific studies linking confidence to productivity and accuracy. Lastly, they discuss the onboarding process for their training platform, emphasizing the importance of aligning training with business goals to ensure shops gain the maximum benefit from their investment.

00:00 AI-Driven Adaptive Learning

06:01 "Learning, Emotion, and Memory"

12:17 Persistence in Music Mastery

17:59 Ineffective Training Retention

23:58 Adult Learning: Autonomy and Recognition

30:51 Streamlining Training Through Data Insights

35:00 Make or Break Moment

40:46 Fuel Trim Case Study Mystery

47:33 "Embrace Struggles in Business Learning"

52:06 Teaching Reading and Decoding

56:11 Cohort-Based Shop Data Training

01:03:33 Personalized Training Challenges

01:06:52 "Fostering High-Level Team Discussions"

***TIME SENSITIVE***

Make sure you jump on the first MUST-ATTEND event of 2025: https://geni.us/Summit2025

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Rick White of 180biz, and Mike Himes, a shop owner from Brookville, Pennsylvania. Rick highlights the importance of valuing your services to ensure customers do the same. Mike shares his experience raising prices and how it helped eliminate problematic customers. The group also discusses the strategic use of technology and digital tools to enhance customer communication and streamline operations.

00:00 Reduce customer charge from $1,800 bill?

09:56 "You should consider trying another approach."

15:28 Self-value is essential for business success.

18:01 Labor costs inflated through hidden markups.

21:21 Braxton's repeated car shop visits discussed.

31:22 Celiac disease, no peripheral vision caused clumsiness.

34:03 Planning future roles and managing life changes.

42:15 Raising prices eliminated problematic, non-paying customers.

47:18 Embrace growth through uncomfortable client interactions.

51:24 Superior product: Follow guidelines, replace necessary parts.

56:51 Mike Allen supports skilled tradesmen with benefits.

01:03:36 Inspection must be thorough and well-communicated.

01:04:31 They approve, organized process, explained with pictures.

01:14:08 Digital Concierge tracks, analyzes, transcribes phone calls.

01:14:52 Avoid rapid growth for quality assurance.

***TIME SENSITIVE***

Make sure you jump on the first MUST-ATTEND event of 2025: https://geni.us/Summit2025

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Brandon Sloan. Brandon discusses resolving a tricky issue with a 2014 Sierra by identifying a hairline fracture in a spark plug. Lucas criticizes flat-rate pay systems, emphasizing they unfairly burden technicians and reflect poor management practices. Lastly, Brandon and the hosts discuss the repercussions of misinformation in the industry, highlighting the importance of expertise and transparency.

00:00 Story emphasizes changing priorities over passion.

07:50 Misdiagnosis due to incorrect identification of part.

14:47 Costs demand sufficient revenue to justify wages.

16:31 Understaffed machinists struggling with workflow demands.

21:18 37" tires damage Dodge Ram transmission quickly.

26:25 Dealers avoid ECM tuning for big trucks.

33:45 Acknowledging being a flawed shop owner.

38:12 Pricing changes for engine modifications and upsells.

47:03 Lower cost means lower quality expectations.

51:28 Inspecting 2014 GMC Sierra transmission. Converter replaced.

57:17 Educated customer on spark plug resistance issues.

59:47 Cam actuator caused DTC; updated software fixed.

01:04:30 Lucas Underwood was murdered by fake friends.

***TIME SENSITIVE***

Make sure you jump on the first MUST-ATTEND event of 2025: https://geni.us/Summit2025

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Ryan Ragan, the new executive director for an automotive service alliance in North Carolina. Ryan discusses the importance of developing team members into experts, emphasizing the need for dedicated time and resources. He also highlights the value of vocational training over traditional college pathways, aiming to reduce debt and increase job readiness for new technicians. Lastly, the episode delves into strategies for organizational transparency to avoid rumors and misinformation while fostering an inclusive environment.

00:00 Therapy offered school escape amid family issues.

05:20 He's mobile, unlike Kirk Cousins, Brady-like.

09:38 Intensive effort invested in finding the candidate.

12:55 Effort essential for associations' relevance and success.

13:28 Providing real value through cutting-edge training.

16:53 Access exclusive training, networking, and negotiation benefits.

22:51 High industry turnover due to management and career paths.

25:50 Collaboration improves the industry; Changing the Industry Podcast.

28:34 Excited for development training at NC State.

30:27 Focusing on Charlotte market strategies and training.

35:39 Collaborative, adaptable approach; future plans underway.

37:52 Event location crucial for out-of-state attendees.

39:44 Exciting future improvements for upcoming show.

43:41 Stupidly drove pink truck into Bronx danger.

48:49 Defendant prepares poorly for court with advice.

50:13 Airsoft gun prank mistaken for robbery panic.

53:37 Gun unsnapped: scared, unshined shoes: lazy.

58:14 Judge Ginn: Family friend, praised fair legal process.

59:16 Breakdown led to appeal due to oversight.

***TIME SENSITIVE***

Make sure you jump on the first MUST-ATTEND event of 2025: https://geni.us/Summit2025

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Jeff Compton and Keith Perkins. Jeff discusses a scenario involving dishonesty in auto repair, specifically the improper use of tensioners and resistors. Keith shares his experiences and frustrations with repair malpractice, emphasizing the importance of consumer education over financial gain. The group also delves into the legal and ethical challenges surrounding the use of reconditioned car parts, highlighting the need for repair shops to balance cost savings with safety.

00:00 Crash data complicates module replacement process.

05:34 Found wired resistors near seatbelt pretensioner.

15:24 Confrontation revealed deception; honesty followed.

19:38 Son requested name removal; legal threats ensued.

25:10 Uncertainty about aftermarket windshield safety standards.

28:26 Must arbitrate Disney disputes, can't sue.

32:36 Sometimes too cautious, emphasizing legal documentation.

40:51 Class discussion quiet; had to elicit responses.

46:03 New legislation mandates state-issued locksmith identification.

48:16 Thieves violently steal cars in Canadian neighborhoods.

53:18 Argument on security vetting and second chances.

01:01:48 Seeking seals for polar bears near Churchill.

01:04:16 Social media exposes mistakes in auto repair.

***TIME SENSITIVE***

Make sure you jump on the first MUST-ATTEND event of 2025: https://geni.us/Summit2025

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Steve Schlaff and Michael Hilzley, experts leveraging fleet management within their businesses. Steve emphasizes the importance of performing Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs) tailored to customer goals, which helps avoid future disputes and builds trust. Lucas reflects on the challenges of managing fleet maintenance and maintaining consistent profit margins, sharing insights on effective customer communication. Michael highlights how maintaining relationships with fleet clients during emergencies can build long-term loyalty.

00:00 Shifted focus from large fleets to small businesses.

09:50 H Vac company faced frequent DEF lockout issues.

12:09 Fleet now committed to regular maintenance after issues.

20:49 Include comprehensive parts for sustainable GP/hour.

26:56 Truck's bad gearbox risks crash; owner unconcerned.

30:51 Technicians understand technical gravity better, easier.

35:23 Business obligations, fleet management, system-building process.

40:41 Leadership hindered by constant meddling and changes.

44:45 Consistency in fleet service billing causes concern.

49:24 Struggled with vehicle maintenance approach mindset.

55:17 Plan fails; detainee breaks out of car.

01:00:34 Obligation to alert vehicle owner about issues.

01:04:48 Build trust, adjust expectations, understand fleet goals.

***TIME SENSITIVE***

Make sure you jump on the first MUST-ATTEND event of 2025: https://geni.us/Summit2025

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Derick Van Ness from Big Life Financial. Derick discusses the impact of state tax deductions on federal taxes, with a focus on high-income earners in states like California and New York. David shares his relaxed attitude towards financial management, explaining how he balances cash flow despite economic struggles. Derick also highlights the importance of having a reliable team and establishing a financial operating system for business owners.

00:00 Considering hiring a forensic accountant for business review.

05:15 Evaluate current advisors; start with taxes.

07:39 R&D entails credits for system upgrades efforts.

12:01 Limiting state taxes as federal write-offs.

14:52 Conference and event travel cause financial strain.

16:31 Bank crisis caused financial ruin, power loss.

23:02 Shop owners often overlook tax seriousness.

24:00 CPAs busy auditing, rarely offer proactive advice.

28:32 Automate savings early for financial security.

31:46 Recommended savings percentage and retirement amount?

34:07 Aggressively save; build income streams beyond business.

36:10 Budget for two months' shop expenses buffer.

41:50 Real estate improves over time with depreciation.

44:54 Pursue passion freely, enjoy life without constraints.

47:45 Alternative investments offer consistent income for retirees.

50:21 Intangible capitals determine your EBITDA multiplier.

52:27 Prepare for unexpected events despite profitability.

55:57 Send info to stream on Facebook page.

***TIME SENSITIVE***

Make sure you jump on the first MUST-ATTEND event of 2025: https://geni.us/Summit2025

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

In this bonus episode, Lucas sits down with Mickey Leech, the CEO of Schumacher Electric, to explore the pitfalls of chasing quick riches over hard work in business.

Mickey shares his unconventional career journey, detailing the valuable lessons he learned from various early jobs and emphasizing the significance of collaboration and empowerment within the workforce. Lucas underscores the importance of hiring people who complement one's weaknesses to build a stronger team.

00:00 Executives transitioning industries often gain new insights.

05:20 Organizations often overlook their end-user impact.

08:56 Trust and relationships drive industry innovation.

09:22 Passionate gearheads create essential automotive products.

13:07 Pathway to excellence: improve incrementally each day.

18:30 Leaders must control, reject feedback, limit vision.

20:55 Anxiety unresolved by prayer despite religious beliefs.

22:40 Agility needed for future education and economy.

25:54 Find me on LinkedIn for career help.