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 Nelson Tavarez, owner of Austin's Auto Service. Nelson shares his inspiring journey from working in telecommunications to becoming a successful shop owner, emphasizing the importance of discipline, saving, and seizing opportunities. The conversation delves into the impact of technology like Shop-Ware on shop efficiency and customer experience, as well as strategies for building wealth and financial security for both owners and technicians.

00:00 "Growth, Discipline, and Adapting"

04:53 "Taking a Gamble on Change"

07:20 "Trading Success Leads to Ownership"

13:16 Seamlessly Adopting Shopware Technology

16:19 Targeted Growth for Specialty Auto Shop

18:30 "Shopware's Future is Revolutionary"

22:23 "Personalized Service, Small-Shop Feel"

26:45 Trust, Change, and Lost Security

29:35 Generational Wealth Over Instant Gains

34:12 Maximizing Savings for Children

35:37 "From Rent to Ownership"

40:32 "Delayed Gratification and Society"

41:59 "Rethinking the Grind Mentality"

44:26 Sell What People Want

49:53 "Resilience and Team Effort"

51:33 Employee Prioritizes Family Over Career

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 Eric Joern for a deep dive into the realities of small business financial management in the auto repair industry. Eric stresses the importance of starting with a plan and leveraging professional guidance, rather than relying on risky trial-and-error approaches. The discussion highlights why using proper shop management systems and separating business finances is critical for long-term success.

00:00 "Valuable Business Advice and Insights"

10:15 Sales Tax Responsibilities Explained

15:34 Simple Budgeting for Profit

17:02 "Essential Shop Management Systems"

21:40 Shop Parts Tracking Essentials

29:56 "Seeking Proactive Tax Guidance"

35:04 "Importance of a Knowledgeable Accountant"

38:10 "Proactive Tax Planning Conversations"

43:34 "Inventory's Tax Impact Explained"

49:10 "Smart Tax Strategies Explained"

55:24 Focus on Strengths, Delegate Tasks

01:02:42 Excited for Business Improvement

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 Andy Tirado, co-founder of the ADAS Network. Andy discusses the challenges of delivering relevant, effective technical training across the automotive industry, highlighting the critical need for trainers to adapt content to local cultures and shop-specific needs. The conversation also explores the complexities of ADAS calibrations, from misinformation in service procedures to pressure from insurance companies.

00:00 Struggles with Local Training Participation

08:25 Improving Training Accessibility and Retention

10:24 "Training, Culture, and Communication"

20:09 "Missed Details in Calibration Procedure"

23:44 "ADAS Resource and Referral Network"

28:45 Greed, Insurance, and Right to Repair

33:43 "Taking Control of Business Processes"

40:54 Braking System Safety Concerns

46:09 Counterfeit Parts and Industry Issues

52:21 Car Alignment and Calibration Costs

53:56 "Trusting My Chosen Shop"

01:00:05 "ADAS Insights and Validation"

01:03:33 "Aligned for Selfless Collaboration"

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 Chris Gayne, owner of Dale County Diesel. Chris shares his unique journey from Army attack helicopter pilot to diesel shop owner, highlighting the importance of leadership and integrity in building his team. The conversation covers why prioritizing people and culture over technical skill is critical, the value of honest customer communication, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining passion while running a successful business.

00:00 Garage Trouble Without License

06:19 "Learning Through Experience"

09:39 Truck Repairs and Industry Journey

12:59 "Results Over Passion"

15:55 "Passion and Honesty in Selling"

17:05 "Transparent Auto Repair Process"

20:52 "Morals Over Money"

25:31 "Passing the Torch"

26:24 "Plans for Business Continuity"

29:31 "Failed Recruitment Due to Diploma"

33:14 "Lessons on Hard Work"

37:25 "Maximizing Growth Within Business"

42:09 "Shifting Passion and Letting Go"

45:17 "Work-Life Balance Struggles"

46:32 "Guidance Counselor Tension Escalates"

51:01 "Unexpected Apology on Facebook"

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 John Presnell, a shop owner from North Carolina, who shares his journey in taking over the family business. John discusses overcoming personal and professional resentments as he transitioned from working under his parents to owning the shop. Key topics include the challenges of shop growth and efficiency, strategies for training and developing a younger team, and the importance of personal growth through forgiveness and mentorship.

00:00 "Florida Drivers in Mountains"

04:44 "Slow, Stressful 27-Mile Drive"

08:23 Frustration Over Van Repairs

12:17 "Engine Coolant Leak Fail"

13:43 Flatlands Pickup Talk

19:18 "Overcoming Negativity and Growing"

21:26 "Parables as Framework for Success"

24:34 "Career Choices and Challenges"

28:52 "Family Dynamics and Influence"

33:02 "Accident Leads to Lasting Injury"

34:52 "From Porta Potty to Upgraded Space"

39:05 "Reflections on Growth and Work"

42:51 "Start at the Beginning"

44:59 "Keeping Business Decisions Private"

48:35 "Community Action and Attendance"

50:15 "Over a Barrel Moment"

55:24 "Sense Trade-off in Marriage"

56:09 "Affirmative Response"

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, David and Lucas are joined by Uwe Kleinschmidt of AutoTechIQ. Uwe explains how AI-powered tools are revolutionizing the Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) process, highlighting how annotated photos and captions can help customers better understand repair recommendations. The discussion also explores industry coaching advice on customer communication, with Uwe challenging traditional authority-based approaches by emphasizing transparency and customer empowerment.

00:00 AI Streamlines Automotive Service Communication

06:39 "DVI: The Ultimate CRM Tool"

10:11 "Streamlining Auto Flow Processes"

11:51 "Routine Inspections for Vehicle Health"

15:18 "Optimal Vehicle Maintenance Decisions"

18:23 "Transparency Builds Trust in Service"

24:39 "Tech8IQ Delays Dispatch Process"

27:37 "AI Fixing Cost Discrepancies"

30:18 "Autonomy Issues in Service Inspections"

32:48 "Coaching Pushback on Customer Calls"

36:24 "Key KPI: Customer View Rate"

39:25 "Improving Customer Interaction Metrics"

44:27 Shopware Weakness and DVI Feedback

47:05 "Gen Z's Communication Preferences"

51:28 Embedded Comparison Video Idea

53:08 "AI Image Stirs Debate"

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 Ruth Wisniewski, Senior Director of Customer Success at Vehlo. Ruth shares how her team at Vehlo elevates client experience by helping shops leverage software to meet their goals, from boosting efficiency to increasing car count. The discussion explores the importance of building a favorite brand through “moments of truth” in the customer journey, and the role company culture plays in delivering exceptional service.

00:00 "Vehlo Customer Success Leadership"

03:48 "Streamlining Your Shop's Experience"

07:40 "Building Culture Around Experience"

10:46 "DIY Car Fixer Fails"

15:14 "Creative Problem-Solving Improves Outcomes"

18:13 "Sales vs. Customer-Centric Approach"

20:30 Shady Shopware Setup Concerns

25:25 "Customizable Customer Experience at Vehlo"

26:56 "Empowerment Through Vehlo's Support"

31:08 "Customer Experience: A Guided Reflection"

35:50 "Cost of Goods Discrepancy"

36:44 "Reading Release Notes Religiously"

42:16 "Lion's Mane and Nerve Healing"

45:49 "Recovering Without Surgery"

47:06 Lion's Mane for Focus?

52:14 "Best Banana Pudding Ever"

53:18 Raleigh's Amazing Food Scene

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 Jonathan Seitzer, a former Wall Street product manager who is stepping into the world of auto shop ownership. Jonathan shares his journey from discovering the podcast and automotive industry to the challenges of buying an established shop with no technical background. The conversation covers the realities of inheriting an existing staff, balancing necessary changes with preserving shop culture, and the daunting task of building a supportive work environment while facing industry-wide staffing and training hurdles.

00:00 "From Marines to Wall Street"

03:45 "Electric Vehicle Charging Stations"

07:15 "Journey Back to Mars"

12:44 Customer Reactions to Pricing Changes

14:16 "Challenges with Dutch Customers"

16:25 "Effective Marketing Strategy Essentials"

21:44 "Golden Handcuffs Dilemma"

25:29 "Building a Hiring Pipeline"

28:24 "Fostering Growth and Balance"

31:03 Scaling Revenue Through Skilled Leadership

34:49 Preparing the Next Generation

37:20 "Challenges in Automotive Careers"

40:58 "Beware Leadership Temptations"

44:05 "Finding Balance in Leadership"

45:51 "The Struggle to Take Seriously"

52:01 "Building Trust Through Consistency"

55:12 "Cluttered Midwestern Dealership Tale"

56:18 "Impactful Change Through Appearance"

59:50 "Supportive Learning Community"