Auto Repair MUST Modernize! | A Conversation with Tekmetric
Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HEREIn this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with Amber Wright, VP of Business Development at Tekmetric, and Aaron Szafran, a former shop operator now with Tekmetric. Amber and Aaron share firsthand insights on how shop management software like Tekmetric can transform daily operations—emphasizing the importance of embracing change, streamlining shop processes, and building trust with customers through transparency and modern technology like DVIs (Digital Vehicle Inspections).Timestamps: 00:00 "Community and Growth in Industry"06:40 Shop Efficiency and Cost Challenges14:53 Building Trust Over Efficiency20:29 Adapting to New Shop Systems21:59 Cloud Transition and Data Security31:02 Proactive Customer Care Benefits36:46 Enhancing Customer Journey Communication38:03 Overbooking Risks in Auto Shops46:59 Defining "Fair" in Business Pricing51:42 "Decisions Driving Customer Experience"53:59 "Powerful Customer-Focused Tech Support"01:01:47 Truthful Advocacy Without Tough Spots01:08:03 Seamless Business Transition Process
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The Sherwood's from !! ROYALTY AUTO SERVICE !! Talk the Future of the Industry
Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HEREIn this episode, Jeff welcomes Sherwood Cook II and Sherwood Cook III of Royalty Auto for an in-depth conversation at ASTA 2025. The trio highlights the importance of advocacy in the automotive industry, emphasizing honest communication and putting the customer’s safety and best interests first. They discuss the current challenges facing independent shops, from the technician shortage to the escalating costs of tools and access to training, and explore ways to attract and retain the next generation of technicians.Timestamps: 00:00 "Safety Over Inconvenience Prioritized"05:41 "Rapid Channel Success Explained"11:12 "Sharing Training for Struggling Techs"18:27 "Passion for Lifelong Training"22:16 Micah's Creative Remote Control Hack30:24 Streamlined Auto Service Conversations35:31 "Assessing Vehicle Needs Insightfully"39:45 The Dilemma of Discounting43:11 "Practical Repairs Over Perfection"48:44 Passionate Mechanic's Reflection57:09 "Mentors, Survival, and Tool Humor"01:00:51 "First Tools and Truck Shop"01:04:14 Budget Tools vs Premium Quality01:08:34 Bought Used Scanner, Regret Depreciation01:14:47 Tech Industry Workforce Shortage01:22:30 Hands-On Summer Skills Camp
Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232
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DO NOT Work a Job You Hate! Promotive Will Help You Be Happy at Work
Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HEREThis episode was recorded at the ASTA Expo in Raleigh, North Carolina. You should go next year! Jeff Compton, Ethan Whidden and Stacy Black from Promotive have a conversation about how Promotive is now using AI with their virtual recruiter, Paige, to pre-screen candidates around the clock and ensure no great technician is unhappy at work. They also talk about how both shop owners and technicians need a good shop culture, continued training, and flexibility in benefits like PTO and four-day workweeks. Timestamps: 00:00 Recording at ASTA Expo - Looking Forward to AAPEX08:02 Shop Culture and Expectations15:29 "Missing the Shop Dogs"18:13 Embrace Continuous Technical Training25:55 Headset Restrictions Spark Workplace Debate29:52 "Prioritizing Safety Under Pressure"36:01 Shop Owners' Hiring Frustrations37:06 Hiring: Reputation and Compatibility Insights45:46 Decision-Making and Consultation Process47:27 Balancing Tech and Shop Perspectives54:44 "Service Advisors Need Empathy Training"58:27 Effective Brake Maintenance Communication01:03:38 Aligning for Industry Improvement
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DO NOT Discount Your Labor JUST to Get the Job! | Joel McLearn
Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HEREIn this episode, Jeff Compton is joined by Joel McLearn, shop owner from Nova Scotia. Today, he and Jeff get into the nitty-gritty shop management conversation from decisions about hiring and firing, to handling parts quality and pricing, and navigating the emotional side of customer service and business partnerships. And wait till you hear about the car battery incident! Timestamps: 00:00 It's Getting COLD in Canada!20:26 Confusion in Brake Inspection Practices30:19 "Effective Rust Prevention Techniques"31:47 Enduring Ford Engine Issues51:17 Minimum Charges in Service Industry56:28 Embarrassing Car Battery Incident01:12:58 Bridging Dealer-Aftermarket Divide01:21:30 Choosing Cost-Effective Car Repair01:24:00 Car Emission Testing Process Updated01:39:44 Effective Communication Strategies01:47:40 Misleading DVI Practices at Dealerships01:56:29 Proving Value Through Repairs02:06:51 Service Advisor Accountability Required
Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232
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Should the Auto Repair Industry Take Notes from the Heavy Duty Trucking Industry? | Mathieu Patenaude
Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HEREIn this episode, Jeff is joined by Mathieu Patenaude, a mobile heavy truck technician from the Ottawa area. Mathieu shares his journey from working for a school bus company to running his own mobile diagnostic business, explaining the challenges of adapting to rapidly changing truck technology and industry standards. They both talk about the challenges of working in harsh Ottawa winters, the unique demands of fleet maintenance, and the importance of thorough diagnostics and road-testing in the trucking world.Timestamps: 00:00 Ottawa Business Overview with Matthew06:08 Old School Car Troubleshooting13:03 Ottawa's Troubled Transit Project16:57 Parking Lot Truck Challenges21:34 Trailer Safety Overload Experience26:20 Renting Trucks vs. Specialized Equipment35:11 Pursuing a Career with Mercedes?37:16 "Tech Diagnostics: Knowledge Builds Over Time"43:47 Rising Door Rates in Canada47:29 "Shop Pranks with FUE Cans"56:12 "Rethinking Trade Apprenticeships"58:15 "Encouraging Thoughtful Problem Solving"01:08:05 Importance of Failure Analysis01:08:43 Incomplete Failure Analysis Practices01:15:40 Procrastinating Vehicle Maintenance Woes01:20:54 Changing Car Culture Impacting Youth01:25:32 Paving His Own Path01:30:48 Tech Distractions in the Workplace01:39:01 Transmission Fluid Level Check Process01:45:46 Handle Both Car Batteries01:47:07 Critiquing from an Ivory Tower01:51:39 Hidden Car Defects Dilemma
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My name is Jeff, and I'd like to welcome you on a journey of reflection and insight into the tolls and triumphs of a career in automotive repair.
After more than 20 years of skinned knuckles and tool debt, I want to share my perspective and hear other people's thoughts about our industry.
So pour yourself a strong coffee or grab a cold Canadian beer and get ready for some great conversation.
USA