Ratchet+wrench Radio

In this episode, Steven Fafel of AutoOps shares industry data about the effectiveness of online scheduling and how it adds customers to the shop. He also talks about the latest feature that helps shops close more appointments after hours.

Kieran O'Brien of Shopgenie demos the company's new virtual advisor, Jasmine, and explains how this tech can help shops book more after-hours appointments and how AI is changing front-of-house operations. 

In this episode, Matthew Schwab of Cluth Automotive in Houston, Texas, talks about what shop owners who are ready to turn over the reigns need to do to get a buyer for their shop. 

In this episode, Ceasar Cordon,  who heads the Outside Business Development Team for Fifth Gear Automotive, talks about why collaborating with dealerships and competing shops has boosted their new business revenue by nearly 50% ... and how it can do the same for your shop.

In this episode, AJ Nealey, owner of Nealey Tire & Auto, which has five locations in Maryland, talks about using the EOS method to standardize his shop and how it has led to massive growth and success across the board.

In this episode, Brittany Schindler of Rod's Japanese Auto Care in Bellingham, Washington, who was also the 2021 AAPEX Service Advisor of the Year, explains how service advisors can handle customer complaints with grace.

Can predictive maintenance help your auto repair shop schedule more accurate repair appointments for customers? In this episode, Tim Hardin, senior vice president/GM global data services, Epicor, discusses the data that drives predictive maintenance and how it stacks up against the traditional 30/60/90K maintenance model in more accurate scheduled repairs to customers.

In this episode, Chris Cloutier of Golden Rule Auto Care in Dallas, Texas, discusses how to manage employee conflict in auto repair shops. He identifies what conflict in the workplace looks is, when employees should escalate grievances up to the auto repair shop owner, and how leaders resolve conflict within the team.    Sponsored by Chemors

In this episode, Karim Morsli of Winkler Automotive, talks about going from engineering and IT to auto shop ownership. He discusses how the servant leadership style he learned translated in the shop, and why having a selfless approach as a shop owner can change the shop, and more importantly, lift the industry. 

In this episode, Jeremy Glassco of App Fueled and JJ Mont of JJs Auto Service talk about how using an app has created higher loyalty and retention for JJs shop and why it's smart to market to the phone.

In this episode, Dr Dana Nkana of Automotive Doctor Consulting and Coaching Services talks about a few key processes that can improve shops.

In this episode, Dan Vance of Shop Dog Marketing talks about how auto repair shops can use AI to improve processes, workflow, customer engagement, and communication. He also dives into some interesting use cases for improving customer service and leveling up your marketing.

In this episode, Ratchet+Wrench columnist Dutch Silverstein talks about transparency and whether it's just a marketing buzzword to sell services to customers or a way for shops to build a culture that caters to the needs of the people they serve. 

In this episode, we take a look back on STX 2024 starting with data and industry outlook and moving into conversations with key personnel—Bob Cushing, Shane O'Connor, Rob Morrell, and Chris Salvo. We also speak directly with auto repair shop owners, a technician, and a parts supplier about lessons learned and why they value training.

In this episode, Maryann Croce, shop owner and founder/coach at Small Biz Vantage, talks about why shop owners can get bogged down by their businesses, what causes it, and seven leadership tips to help them get out of the rut and on top of their game.

In this episode, Sara Fraser of Haas Performance Consulting dispels myths about Gen Z workers and discusses five traits that make them among the best workers in the workforce. 

In this episode, the team at FenderBenders, a sibling publication to Ratchet+Wrench covering the collision repair sector, speaks to Drew Barnes and Heather Sebben of North American Council of Automotive Teachers. They're going to talk about what NACAT is and how it serves automotive. They’re reaching their 50th anniversary of operation and will celebrate that at their annual conference this summer.

In this episode, Kendall Warnock of A1 Automotive in Lincoln, Nebraska, talks about how auto repair shop owners can turn comebacks and upset customers into raving fans.  He also talks about his humble beginnings growing up poor on a reservation and how that became the catalyst to how he learned to treat people and why he cares so much about his customers, team, and community. 

In this episode, Jay Woodall, General Manager of National Accounts Retail/Branded at Interstate and a board member of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation, discusses the AACF's efforts to support individuals facing severe financial hardship during disasters, and provides guidance on accessing the charity's assistance for yourself or your employees.

In this episode, Jamie Cuthbert, founder & CEO of AutoServe 1, talks about the harmony between auto repair shops and their customers when digital vehicle inspections are done with care, intention, and good communication.