Ratchet+wrench Radio

Are you ready for Stokes Second Tuesday? I'm sitting down with Ratchet+Wrench columnist and founder of Shop Fix Academy Aaron Stokes to talk about how to grow your business through car count. If that sounds familiar, his March column bore the same name and we're going to be unpacking all of the concepts within the column to give you a fuller picture.

My guest today is Michael Tougias, author of the book, "No Will Set You Free." He's going to talk about why have a hard time saying no---especially at work---and how using this simple word can help managers and employees reclaim time and boost productivity without feeling like jerk.

On this week's episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Paul Hodowonik talks to Dan Garlock and Matt Oldenburg of Silver Lake Auto and Tire Centers and our winner of the large shop best workplaces.

On this week's episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Paul Hodowonik talks to Richard Brauer, co-owner of 59 Auto Repair and our winner of the medium shop best workplaces.

On this week's episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Paul Hodowonik talks to Bill Greeno, co-owner of Quality Automotive Servicing and our winner of the small shop best workplaces.

Today I'm joined by Andrew Marcott, the general manager of American Pride Automotive. He's among the next generation of shop leaders.   We talked about: His work at American Pride Automotive. What the Biden Administration's commitment to EVs means for shop owners and technicians. Young technicians as digital natives and the advantages of that. Becoming an early adapter to change and technologies the auto industry. Why shops need to embrace the digital age and how younger customers engage. Bridging shop and community. What barriers to entry young millennial/Gen Z shop owners face. Why now is a good time to be in the auto service industry.

Today, we're going to learn about Southern Maine Community College, which has launched an EV repair program giving technicians hands-on experience working with and repairing electric vehicles.   We talk to Ruth Morrison, director of the auto department at SMCC. She joins the show today to share how the program came about and why having something like it is so important for the health of the aftermarket.

Rajeev Kapur, author and CEO of 1105 Media, joins Ratchet+Wrench Radio to talk about how businesses need to evolve to meet the demands of the new workforce. Kapur explains actionable ways for leaders to ensure that the employment they provide is more than just a paycheck. His new book is called Chase Greatness: Enlightened Leadership for the Next Generation of Disruption.

Staff writer Paul Hodowanic chats with Ratchet+Wrench columnist and industry coach Joe Marconi about the recent sale of his business. Marconi opens up about the evolving nature of his exit plan and discusses every angle of how to go about it whether you're selling to an outside buyer or passing it down to a longtime employee or family member.  Whether you've owned your shop for one year or 50 years, Marconi says every business needs an exit strategy and he shares tips on how to create one. 

Digital Multimedia Editor Noah Brown is joined by AutoinsuranceEZ's Laura Adams to discuss the organization's latest finding that EVs are less likely to catch on fire than ICEs or hybrids.  Brown and Adams also discuss why shops should still maintain a safe work space that can lower the chance of fires. 

Back in September, Jiffy Lube launched a pilot program testing a complete service package for electric vehicles. Jiffy Lube President Edward Hymes and Marketing Director Sara Smith join the show to talk about the success of the program over the last few months and how they see themselves fitting into an electric-focused future.

Scared to let someone go or confront a so-called "cancer" in your shop? In this week's Ratchet+Wrench Radio episode, columnist Aaron Stokes walks through his process for documenting misbehavior and, if necessary, letting that team member go successfully.

Join AutoZone's Tim Hecklinski as he discusses the past, present, and future of ordering parts online. For more information, please visit autozonepro.com.

This week's episode contains snippets of some of our best and most listened to interviews of the year.  First up, editorial director Anna Zeck chats with Dynamic Automotive's Dwayne Myers to learn how shops can approach the sensitive topic of price and avoid making customers feel vulnerable, overwhelmed, or taken advantage of.  Then, William Ferreira, a go-to repair defense specialist, explains how to bridge the gap and build an attorney relationship that's well worth the investment.  Finally, columnist and Shop Fix Academy founder Aaron Stokes discusses hiring tips to take into the new year and why you might be holding your hiring potential back. 

Staff Writer Paul Hodowanic chats with body shop owner Louie Sharp about his battles with PTSD and childhood trauma as the two embark on a larger discussion about mental health among shop owners. Thought to be one of the most stressful last two years for business owners in modern history, the discussion yields plenty of strategies shop owners can use in their own lives to ensure their mental health is strong. 

With supply chain disruptions making headlines and headaches this year, it's a good time to take a closer look at what makes a great relationship between operators and suppliers. Adam Tatum, director of operations at the Virginia Group, a Jiffy Lube franchisee based in the east coast, joins the podcast to talk about his best practices for maintaining great relationships in the industry.

Derek Kaufman, managing partner for Schwartz Advisors, chats with Digital Multimedia Editor Noah Brown about all things telematics: What they are, how they've changed over the last couple of years, and how your shop can use the technology in the coming years.

Editorial Director Anna Zeck welcomes Ratchet+Wrench columnist and Shop Fix Academy Founder Aaron Stokes to the podcast to discuss how to optimize the time between Christmas and the New Year. Stokes shares what every shop owner should be doing before the start of the new year and how to set yourself up for success heading into 2022. 

Christina Ross, president of Silver Frog Marketing, joins Digital Multimedia Editor Noah Brown to outline what makes a good digital marketing campaign and how to effectively employ one for your shop. 

Editorial Director Anna Zeck caught up with Shop Fix Academy Founder and Ratchet+Wrench columnist Aaron Stokes to discuss hiring and recruiting. Zeck and Stokes discuss how shops should present themselves, how to act as your best self and how that affects your ability to get the best team members. Stokes identifies what you could be doing wrong and how to fix it.