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/InstituteEvents2026

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

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

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 a single, sleek digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David sit down with Joe Ocello and Tom Elder from AASP New Jersey to discuss the state of the mechanical and collision repair industries. Tom shares his perspective on the growing need for specialized education and proper documentation as vehicles become more technologically advanced. Joe emphasizes the importance of ongoing technical training and communication to keep independent shops competitive and safe.

00:00 Teaching and building a skilled team

08:22 Ignoring safety instructions

14:35 Discussing mechanical challenges

19:55 Dealership service concerns

26:33 Replacing a deformed metal line

28:52 Carrying on the industry's legacy

34:24 Importance of business education

42:42 Dealing with repair mishaps

46:03 Discussing lawsuit strategy and repairs

49:57 Used car ADAS diagnostic work

58:46 Maryland ADAS certification debate

01:00:51 Discussing automotive repair regulations

01:08:25 Engaging shops beyond North Carolina

01:10:31 Staying focused on future goals

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/InstituteEvents2026

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

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

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 a single, sleek digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, the conversation focused on Rich Fasulo's career journey, also known as Check Engine Chuck, as he shared his path from mobile diagnostics to shop ownership and back. One concept discussed was the importance of charging appropriately for diagnostic and repair work, with a strong emphasis on valuing your time and not giving away discounts out of pocket. A key theme that emerged was the struggle to balance caring for customers with running a profitable, sustainable business—highlighting how industry integrity depends on both technical skill and smart business decisions.

00:00 Choosing between shop and mobile business

06:56 Failing van inspection in New York

08:19 Fixing my car with a friend

11:42 Fixing a wheel balance issue

14:25 Learning from Scannerdanner videos

19:54 Writing detailed explanations for claims

23:37 Ensuring quality and reputation

25:38 Frustration with lack of effort

27:23 Frustration with tech industry's focus

30:26 Reflecting on past business failures

35:51 Explaining billing to customers

38:59 Realizing a Habitual Pattern

42:03 Learning from industry peers

44:34 Sharing videos for personal reasons

48:38 Diagnosing and strategizing module repairs

51:47 Troubleshooting a no-crank issue

53:37 Bringing in more mechanical vendors

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/InstituteEvents2026

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

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

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 a single, sleek digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, the conversation focused on transitions into shop ownership, the challenges of maintaining industry standards, and planning for long-term success. The discussion explored how entering the automotive industry from a corporate background can offer a unique advantage, especially in management and process implementation. A key theme was the importance of building a strong shop culture rooted in quality and integrity, even when customer awareness often hinges more on convenience than craftsmanship. Lastly, several points highlighted the need to prepare exit strategies and succession plans early, ensuring shop owners are ready for both expected and unexpected changes in their business journeys.

00:00 Airport confusion during an emergency

05:04 Visiting the 9/11 Memorial Museum

07:52 The importance of personal artifacts

13:07 Struggles with delegation in auto shops

16:44 Starting coaching with confidence

17:18 Embracing Change to Drive Growth

21:54 Father-in-law's car passion

26:27 Long-term planning for business owners

28:20 Learning about health savings accounts

33:01 Attending a life-changing class

36:53 Working in car parts sales

38:18 Realizing customers don't notice quality

43:06 Proper car wheel maintenance

45:12 Ensuring job tasks are completed

49:19 Discussing shop culture impact

53:38 Workplace culture and technician skills

57:05 Values and integrity in coaching

58:52 Building a supportive team

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/InstituteEvents2026

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

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

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 a single, sleek digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas Underwood and David Roman are joined by Colin Thielman, owner of Thielman's Auto Repair in Pemberton, New Jersey. Colin shares his journey from running a busy home-based garage to opening a dedicated shop, emphasizing the steep learning curve and the importance of building out documentation and management systems. The conversation also covers adapting to new automotive technologies and the need for continuous training, as well as the crucial role of detailed financial tracking in scaling a business.

00:00 Facing tough feedback and growth

03:43 Managing workflow and staying busy

09:25 Checking vehicle calibration needs

12:39 Discussing insurance coverage options

13:55 Insurance issues with car lifts

19:14 Adjusting labor rates

21:11 Analyzing car sales and costs

24:42 Prius ABS module recall

27:04 Discussing client concerns and liabilities

29:23 Diagnosing car start issues

35:31 Planning for retirement

36:49 Discussing a faulty Chevy Avalanche

39:47 Documenting vehicle condition with photos

42:39 Hershey management training advice

45:24 Training a New Employee

51:10 Getting into diesel truck repair

51:43 Balancing finances for survival

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/InstituteEvents2026

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

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

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 a single, sleek digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Cavan Robinson and Tony Mercury of Vehlo from STX 2026. Cavan and Tony explore the evolving trade show landscape, discussing how rising costs and market saturation have changed their approach to event participation. They also dive into the growing influence of AI in the industry, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges it brings to shop management and marketing.

00:00 Evaluating trade show expenses

10:25 Finding the right trade show staff

14:31 Attending the Northeast Show and Milwaukee Event

17:37 Improving event attendance strategies

25:47 Issues with recurring trade shows

30:12 Questioning Technical Training Value

35:21 Lunch with Margaret discussing retirement

38:42 Advice for growing your business

46:56 AI's impact on SEO strategies

53:41 Managing AI Data and Partnerships

57:36 Using GuestX for call issues

01:00:29 Catfish leads to divorce

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/InstituteEvents2026

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

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

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 a single, sleek digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Jim Montagner, a traveling GM world-class tech and owner of Valley Motor Auto and Truck, shares his unconventional entry into the automotive industry, beginning as a Vo-Tech student and eventually moving from independent shops to dealerships. Jim details the challenges of transitioning to mobile diagnostics, emphasizing the importance of sound business practices, such as bookkeeping and proper pricing, to sustain and eventually grow his business. The conversation explores the necessity of ongoing education in both technical skills and business management, highlighting the critical balance between delivering quality repairs and ensuring business profitability.

00:00 Choosing a career path

06:27 Discussing the cost of living

06:56 Finding inspiration from others

10:44 Expanding from diesel to general repairs

15:28 Customer perceptions of mobile repair costs

18:39 Talking to shop owners

20:10 Pricing strategy challenges

25:04 Unqualified mechanics hurting reputation

28:38 Managing inconsistent work hours

31:56 Navigating business start-up challenges

33:27 Check Engine Chuck's viral success

36:58 Finding first big job by chance

41:49 Pricing for profitability in auto shops

45:30 Learning ECM and EEPROM Programming

48:39 Vacation scheduling challenges

49:26 Making weekend plans

55:33 Understanding Business Profit Margins

57:27 Reading business books for success

59:39 Planning future recording session

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/InstituteEvents2026

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

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

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 a single, sleek digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, the conversation focused on real-world challenges faced by shop owners and technicians, including the complexities of managing customer expectations and navigating negative reviews. One concept discussed was the need for transparent diagnostic processes and detailed communication, especially when customers question pricing or feel they already know the issue with their vehicles. A key theme that emerged was the importance of accurate shop management—covering everything from parts inventory to internal controls in software like Shop-Ware—to ensure profitability and reduce clerical errors.

00:00 Out-of-province vehicle inspections

06:53 Florida driver's license language law

15:54 Construction mistake with leaning structure

16:42 Visiting the 9/11 Memorial Museum

23:08 Challenges of Replacing Headlights

27:58 Car repair frustration and miscommunication

32:35 Discussing diagnostic trouble codes

37:32 Introducing Whisperflow for Note-Taking

47:24 Customer dissatisfaction with tire pricing

50:29 Dealer pricing and customer experiences

56:11 Adjusting labor rates and pay structure

01:01:02 Evaluating Business Efficiency and Labor

01:09:15 Old machinist's inventory strategy

01:09:52 Buying and selling steel

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/InstituteEvents2026

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

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

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 a single, sleek digital platform.

Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!

In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Trey Holley, a shop owner from Thomaston, Georgia. Trey shares his journey from being a lifelong mechanic to learning the ropes of business ownership, highlighting the unique challenges faced in small Southern towns. The conversation touches on the importance of supporting fellow shop owners rather than viewing them purely as competitors, and Trey offers insight into the work-life balance struggles that led him to prioritize both his health and the building of a strong, supportive team.

00:00 Atlanta airport's massive scale

03:41 Long walks at airports

06:27 Thunder Valley racetrack experience

10:30 Southern business challenges with generosity

13:29 Overwhelmed by business demands

19:09 New guy in town setting up

20:59 University town business challenges

22:34 Building Industry Relationships

26:46 Discussing business challenges with spouse

31:14 Discussing labor cost strategy

35:32 Quality control and final checks

38:55 Balancing work and family time

40:33 Dealing with family anxiety

44:57 Balancing multiple responsibilities

47:21 Discovering the Enneagram for Communication

49:12 On choosing the right people