The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast cover art

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast

Written by: Kim and Brian Walker
Listen for free

About this listen

 The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker. Experts in their field who work with shop owners take it to the next level and create a unique approach to marketing. See the growth in your business you’ve been working so hard for by using time-proven marketing that works, fueled to go further by your shop's uniqueness.Copyright 2026 Kim and Brian Walker Economics Management Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • Bold Leadership with J.R. Portman [E202]

    Bold Leadership with J.R. Portman [E202]
    Apr 29 2026
    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledLeadership isn’t always about learning how to manage other people. Sometimes it’s about getting uncomfortable enough to finally lead yourself.In this episode, Brian talks with J.R. Portman about his experience at Bold Advanced Leadership, a training that pushed him physically, mentally, and emotionally. They talk about enthusiasm, honesty, trust, getting over the fear of looking foolish, and how those lessons apply just as much at home as they do inside the business.If you own an auto repair shop and you’re trying to grow as a leader, this is one you’ll want to hear.Listen now and go fill those bays.Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction to Bold Advanced Leadership (00:01:04) J.R. Portman introduces the leadership training event, describing it as "Navy SEAL training for emotional leadership" focused on individual growth.Discovering the Training (00:02:09) J.R. explains how he heard about the event from a peer at a coaching group for marketing agency owners.The Value of Peer Recommendations (00:03:54) The speakers discuss the power of recommendations from trusted peers in similar professional roles over traditional advertising.The "Fight Club" Mystique (00:05:15) J.R. describes the intentionally vague and cryptic nature of the event, which adds to its mystique and shared experience.An Intense, Immersive Experience (00:06:16) The training is described as an intense, sleepaway camp-like experience that bonds participants through shared trials and breaks normal routines.Expectations vs. Reality (00:08:02) J.R. shares his initial expectations, like doing a trust fall, and how the intensity and methodology pushed him beyond comfort.Learning Personal Limits (00:09:05) The training challenged J.R.'s comfort zones, particularly in public speaking, forcing him to unlearn control and embrace emotional expression.The Breakdown and Rebuilding Process (00:10:30) The event intentionally broke participants down to rebuild them, using intimate group settings and intense, personal leadership exercises.Applying Leadership Skills to Real-Life Situations (00:14:42) J.R. discusses how the training helps manage healthy conflict and emotional situations, like those in a leadership team meeting.Main Takeaway: Living with Enthusiasm (00:16:42) J.R.'s biggest takeaway was the permission to live more enthusiastically and bring more energy to his professional and personal life.Balancing Business and Personal Growth (00:18:33) The discussion highlights how the training's lessons apply equally to business leadership and personal life, such as being a parent.Who Should Attend This Training? (00:20:14) The ideal attendee is someone actively seeking personal growth and willing to be pushed, not someone forced to be there.The Power of Positive Self-Talk (00:21:55) An exercise demonstrated the physical power of positive self-talk ("I can") versus negative self-talk ("I can't").Second Takeaway: The Importance of Honesty (00:23:29) Another key lesson was being more direct and honest with people, and the value of genuinely getting to know team members.The Value of Getting Uncomfortable (00:26:24) J.R. explains how being forced out of his comfort zone and facing the fear of failure was a powerful lesson.Final Advice for Listeners (00:28:50) J.R. advises listeners to act quickly on growth opportunities and intentionally seek out experiences that challenge and upset their norms.How To Get In TouchJoin The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on FacebookMeet The ProsFollow SMP on FacebookFollow SMP on InstagramGet The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing BookEmail Us Podcast Questions or Topics Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Bold Advanced Leadership by Driven LeadershipSeven Figure AgencyThe 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John MaxwellThe Great CEO WithinThanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledThis episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you.AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://...
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • The Loyalty Gap: Why Customers Don't Come Back [E201]

    The Loyalty Gap: Why Customers Don't Come Back [E201]
    Apr 22 2026
    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledYou got the customer. You did the work. You got paid…and then they disappear.That’s not normal, and it’s costing you way more than you think.Kim Walker digs into the loyalty gap that keeps auto repair shops stuck in a transactional cycle and shows why customer loyalty is built in the space between visits, not just at the counter. From follow-up and personal connection to surprise-and-delight moments, rewards programs, and consistent communication, this episode is a reminder that customers come back when they feel remembered, valued, and part of something bigger than the repair order.If you want more repeat business, stronger referrals, and customers who stop price shopping, this is one you need to hear. Listen to the full episode and start building loyalty on purpose.Show Notes with TimestampsPodcast Introduction (00:00:00) Kim Walker introduces the Automotive Repair Podcast Network and the show.Host Introduction & Sponsor Shoutout (00:00:09) Kim Walker introduces herself, mentions her absence, and thanks sponsors.Episode Topic Introduction: The Loyalty Gap (00:01:12) Kim introduces the main topic: customer loyalty and why customers don’t return.Personal Loyalty Example & Reflection (00:02:20) Kim shares personal examples about loyalty to local vs. big box stores.Transactional vs. Relational Business (00:03:28) Discussion on shops running transactional businesses and the importance of customer experience.Why Customers Don’t Return (00:04:49) Explains reasons customers don’t come back: lack of follow-up, no emotional connection, not memorable.Building Loyalty: What It Looks Like (00:07:14) Defines true loyalty: trust, referrals, not price shopping, and customer connection.Practical Ways to Build Loyalty: Surprise & Delight (00:09:48) Tips on creating memorable moments, gifting, and personal touches for customers.Personal Touches & CRM Use (00:11:50) Examples of using CRM to remember customer details and follow up meaningfully.Sponsor/Advertisement Break (00:12:35) Sponsor messages about shop management software and loyalty app solutions.Loyalty & Rewards Programs (00:14:38) Discusses meaningful loyalty and rewards programs and available resources.Supporting Local Causes (00:15:36) Shares story of involving customers in local/community support efforts.Consistent, Non-Promotional Communication (00:16:50) Emphasizes regular, non-promotional communication to stay top of mind.Database Mailers with Heart (00:18:02) Encourages using CRM for meaningful mailers, not just promotions or coupons.Reference to Brittany Hodak & Super Fan Mindset (00:19:10) Mentions previous episode with Brittany Hodak and introduces the “SUPER” fan framework.Breakdown of the SUPER Acronym (00:20:32) Explains each part of the SUPER acronym for building super fans.Final Thoughts & Call to Action (00:22:57) Encourages listeners to implement one loyalty-building idea and reach out via email.Episode Wrap-Up & Network Promotion (00:24:02) Thanks listeners, promotes other shows on the network, and invites to tune in next week.Podcast Outro (00:24:28) Kim closes the episode and provides info on where to find more content.How To Get In TouchJoin The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on FacebookMeet The ProsFollow SMP on FacebookFollow SMP on InstagramGet The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing BookEmail Us Podcast Questions or Topics Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Auto Repair Marketing MastermindAutomotive Repair Podcast NetworkEpisode 156: Creating Superfans with Brittany HodakThanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledThis episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you.AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional ...
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Everything That Has Changed in Auto Repair Marketing Since Episode 1 [E200]

    Everything That Has Changed in Auto Repair Marketing Since Episode 1 [E200]
    Apr 15 2026
    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledTwo hundred episodes in, and a lot has changed. In this milestone conversation, Brian and Kim, look back at the biggest shifts in auto repair marketing since episode one, from the rise of AI and Local Service Ads to the growing importance of your Google Business Profile, reviews, trust signals, automation, influencers, and short-form video. It’s a real-world look at what’s working now, what has changed for shop owners, and where marketing seems to be headed next. Give it a listen and see how your shop can stay ahead instead of playing catch-up.Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction and Episode Context (00:00:00) Hosts introduce themselves, mention Lindy the dog, and set up the episode’s theme: changes in marketing over four years.Sponsor Acknowledgments and Network Thanks (00:01:18) Thanking sponsors and the Automotive Repair Podcast Network, with shoutouts to Carmen and Tracy.Request for Listener Input (00:02:19) Hosts ask listeners for topic suggestions for future episodes, both marketing and non-marketing related.The Rise of AI in Marketing (00:03:17) Discussion of AI’s impact on marketing, including AI-driven shop recommendations and content creation.Google Local Service Ads for Auto Repair (00:05:05) How Google Local Service Ads became available to auto repair shops and their major impact on revenue.Google Business Profile’s Growing Importance (00:06:48) Google Business Profile now rivals websites as the “front door” for shops, especially due to AI and clickless search.The Increasing Value of Online Reviews (00:08:59) Reviews have become more critical, with customers reading them in-depth and their influence on search and revenue.How Reviews Influence Search and AI (00:12:12) Examples of reviews triggering search results and their importance across multiple platforms, not just Google.Google’s Vicinity Update and Local SEO (00:14:13) Explanation of the Vicinity Update, which prioritizes proximity in search results and limits ranking in distant areas.Shift from SEO Manipulation to Trust Signals (00:15:48) SEO has moved from tricks (like keyword stuffing) to building trust through real signals like certifications and authentic content.Automation Replacing Manual Marketing Tasks (00:20:10) Automation now handles tasks like appointment reminders and review requests, reducing manual work for shop owners.The Rise of Influencers and Personal Branding (00:20:58) Influencers, including shop owners, have become more prominent, building authority and credibility through content.Short-Form Video and TikTok’s Impact (00:22:16) Short-Form video, especially on TikTok, has become a major marketing tool for small businesses and influencers.Outro and Calls to Action (00:22:57) Encouragement to contact the hosts, join their Facebook group, leave reviews, and follow the podcast for future episodes.How To Get In TouchJoin The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on FacebookMeet The ProsFollow SMP on FacebookFollow SMP on InstagramGet The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing BookEmail Us Podcast Questions or Topics Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Remarkable Results RadioAutomotive Repair Podcast NetworkAuto Repair Marketing MastermindThanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledThis episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you.AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
No reviews yet