Ratchet+wrench Radio

This week, Ratchet+Wrench shares signs things may be returning to normal and an update on government funding. 

This week, we look at what the SBA is doing to ensure small businesses get their PPP money, a possible "Cash For Clunkers" reappearance and what Google and Apple are doing to fight the pandemic.  To reach out to congress about the Cash for Clunkers, click here. It’s the beginning of a new month. How is your business doing? Are things returning to normal? Getting worse? Let us know. Email me at TCollins@10missions.com   

Rissy Sutherland, one of the foremost experts in shop operations, president of SRS+Co, former shop owner and Ratchet+Wrench columnist, leads a panel discussion on marketing during the coronavirus on what shop owners should be doing now moving into the summer months.

This week, Ratchet+Wrench is providing an update on the funding available to small business owners.  For more information, click here: A breakdown of government funding available Tekmetric blog “The Latest on Paycheck Protection Program for Auto Repair Shops  It’s almost May and we’re curious, how are you holding up? Have you seen business pick up? What questions can we help you answer? Email TCollins@10missions.com with any questions or business updates you have!  

When you think of customer service, what's the first thing that comes to mind? For a lot of people, especially Millennials and Gen-Zers, it's all about convenience; customers will go to the first place that can get them what they need. A way to provide that convenient, 24/7 service? Utilizing an online chat platform. In this episode of the Grow segment, Ratchet+Wrench staff writer Abby Patterson sat down with Rob Infantino, founder and CEO of Openbay, about the opportunities that an online chat platform can bring to the table.

This week, Ratchet+Wrench shares an update on federal lending and options that shops have. 

During this difficult time, it can be hard to put on a happy face. But, as the leader of your operation, it's up to you to encourage your employees and help them through. Monthly guest Aaron Stokes offers up words of encouragement. 

This week’s round-up includes announcements from OEMs and industry organizations due to the coronavirus.  For more information on the Transformer’s Institute course, click here: For more insight into the EV study mentioned, click here.

With the coronavirus pandemic affecting businesses worldwide, the essential businesses are able to keep their doors open. But even with this, auto repair shop operators are having to get creative with their business practices. Dwayne Myers, owner of Dynamic Automotive, Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference speaker, and All-Star Award winner, talks with staff writer Abby Patterson about ways they've switched up usual business practices to keep the business moving.

In this episode of From the Editors, Bryce and Anna recap the many conversations they've had with shop owners and industry stakeholders to present the very best tips, strategies and insights for successfully getting your shop through COVID-19. From workflow to financial assistance to leadership, learn the strategies working for the industry's best operators.

Last week, we continued to cover the coronavirus and the impact that it’s had on the automotive industry, including a very special panel discussion with Rissy Sutherland of SRS & Co., Jimmy Alauria of 3A Automotive & Diesel Repair, Bob Redding of Automotive Service Association - ASA and Greg Buckley of Buckley's Auto Care. To listen, click here.  The industry continues to support auto repair shop owners by offering online training and webinars, which can be linked to within this story.  Another very important development for small business owners, The U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship issued information about major programs that will soon be available from the Small Business Association, which Jim Murphy, pro service coach with Elite, was kind enough to share with Ratchet+Wrench. Link here.  What can we help you with in the coming weeks? Please email me and let me know at TCollins@10missions.com

Andy Massoll, owner of The Detroit Garage in Farmington, Mich., shares how he got the word out about concerns he has for the future of the automotive repair industry. 

A panel discussions on solutions for handling the coronavirus pandemic as a small business owner. 

This week, we’re sharing some acts that were put into motion and share what one shop in Florida is doing to give back. Ratchet+Wrench wants to focus on the positive and what shop owners are doing to help out. If you or someone you know is doing something to help out during this scary time, email TCollins@10missions.com. 

Each week, Ratchet+Wrench will be bringing you a round-up of the industry's news. Let us know what you think in the comment section below or email associate editor, Tess Collins, at TCollins@10missions.com.  This week, we continue to cover the coronavirus and give an update on the state of the industry, through an index created by Tekmetric and also which states across the country are deeming automotive repair “essential businesses” through a list created by the Automotive Oil Change Association. Let us know what questions you have. What can Ratchet+Wrench do to help during this difficult time? Please let us know! 

With the coronavirus pandemic underway, many shop owners are wondering how to keep business afloat. While some of us have the luxury of working from home (like all of us at Ratchet+Wrench), shop owners don't have that choice. So, how can shop owners get through this difficult time and keep business going? President and shop owner, Jimmy Alauria of 3A Automotive Service, and one of this year's Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference speakers, talks with our staff writer, Abby Patterson, on how shops can stay proactive. For all of the latest coronavirus news, stay up to date with the latest in Ratchet+Wrench's coverage.

In this week's round-up, we discuss the coronavirus and share what some shop owners are doing to handle the situation. 

Recorded live at VISION, Aaron Stokes and associate editor Tess Collins discuss the recent tornado in Nashville (1:45), what he's doing to help out those impacted (2:30, how giving back helps with marketing (4:30) and culture (6:00).    Also, stay tuned for a behind-the-scenes recording (8:25) of Aaron, Tess and VP of content and events, Bryce Evans, before the podcast. 

In this week's round-up, we touch on the Nashville tornado, the coronavirus and Amazon's implications on the auto industry. 

Victor Darolfi, founder and CEO of RoboTire, discusses the inspiration behind his company (1:00), hesitations that he’s met from independent auto repair shop owners (3:00) and how the system works (5:10).  Darolfi then discusses where RoboTire currently is (12:00), including Dave Toole’s shop, Toole’s Garage in San Carlos, Calif. He also discusses what is probably the biggest obstacle standing in the way of shop owners investing in this—price (16:00).