Recorded live at AAPEX 2025, this episode features Tara Topel, the new president of Vehicle Service Experts (VSE), and Missy Stephens, Community Engagement Manager for the Auto Care Association.

The discussion highlights the rebranding of the Auto Care Association’s Car Care Professionals Network (CCPN) to VSE, reflecting the broader industry that includes heavy-duty vehicles.

Key initiatives include:

• Resource Hub:An online center covering topics from shop coaching to ADAS best practices.

• Industry Relevance:Translating Auto Care market data into actionable insights for shop planning.

• Best Practices:The VSE council, currently 10–12 members, aims to grow to 15–20, compiling guidance on apprenticeships, ADAS, and more.

The episode also covers the Right to Repair movement. The association needs real-world examples where shops lacked access to data or support, to counter Congress's claims. Shop owners can submit stories via a QR code on the Auto Care website and are encouraged to share their experiences by hosting legislators.

Get involved, share your experiences, and take an active role in shaping the policies that affect your shop and the entire industry.

Recorded live at AAPEX 2025, this episode features Dan Vance, CEO of Shop Dog Marketing, sharing how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping marketing, business strategy, and the auto repair industry. The conversation explores how AI is changing consumer behavior—from lightning fast website visits focused on trust signals to customers using AI for vehicle self-diagnosis and shop recommendations, with AI often presenting only a few options, strong branding and clear communication matter more than ever.

In the marketing sphere, Vance explains that attention spans are incredibly short. Website visitors typically spend just 20 seconds looking for clear trust indicators such as professionalism, strong reviews, warranties, online scheduling, and financing options. Visual cues communicate faster than text, while warm colors and photos of the team help build familiarity and trust. Online scheduling continues to grow in importance as many consumers prefer it over making a phone call.

Vance encourages shop owners to embrace AI as a “digital butler”—a tool that anticipates needs, explains marketing metrics in plain language, and helps owners show up more confident, shifting from reacting to problems to intentionally driving growth.

Dan Vance, Shop Dog Marketing.com

Recorded live at AAPEX 2025, this episode brings together leaders from Australia’s Jax Tyres and Auto to show just how closely the Australian automotive aftermarket mirrors the U.S. market. Featuring CEO Steve Grossreider, franchise owner Dan Spiteri, future franchisee Will Attard, and Autoflow’s Chris Cloutier and Craig O’Neill, the conversation underscores shared global challenges—most notably the technician shortage—and the reassurance that the industry is moving along a parallel path worldwide.

Rather than chasing quick fixes, the discussion centers on culture-driven solutions: expanding diversity, building clear career paths and succession plans, and advocating for the industry at the grassroots level. Jax's customer-first mindset is a recurring theme, with every team member accountable for the client experience and a strong emphasis on clear communication to help customers understand emerging technologies like ADAS.

With just under 100 stores, Jax’s avoids multi-franchise ownership, instead holding each franchisee accountable for the customer experience in their territory. The key takeaway is clear: in both Australia and the U.S., long-term aftermarket success depends on investing in people, strengthening culture, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to the customer.