Gearbox Podcast

In this powerful milestone episode, Jimmy sits down with Brent Kilmer — owner of Velocity Tire & Auto and coach with Repair Shop of Tomorrow — for a raw and inspiring deep dive into what it really takes to grow as a shop owner and leader. From battling resistance to coaching, to learning when to let go of bad habits (and bad employees), Brent shares how he transformed his business — and himself — by embracing change. Expect hard truths, laughs, and plenty of wisdom about leadership, pricing your worth, and killing the “old version” of yourself that’s holding you back. Whether you’re behind the counter or under the hood, this conversation will hit home.

In this episode, Jimmy sits down with Charlie Zlatkoz of Pleasant Car Care to talk about the journey from technician to shop owner—and why that leap requires a totally different mindset. They dive into the concept of "auto hospitality," fixing process bottlenecks, hiring the right team, and the power of saying yes to customers. Whether you're running a shop or just passionate about business, this episode is packed with real-world insights and game-changing advice

In this episode, Jimmy Purdy sits down with leadership coach Josh Parnell of Limitless Leadership to unpack what it really takes to grow as a leader—both in the shop and in life. From mastering communication and the power of one-on-ones, to balancing recognition with accountability, Josh shares practical strategies that drive team engagement, improve performance, and even restore relationships at home. Together, Jimmy and Josh dive into imposter syndrome, the importance of repetition and practice, work-life “rhythm,” and why investing in people beats chasing quick fixes. Whether you’re a shop owner, a team leader, or just someone striving to lead better, this conversation is packed with insights, quotes, and stories that will inspire you to take action.

In this episode, Felipe shares how his AI-powered tool seamlessly integrates with CRMs to capture, analyze, and leverage real customer conversations. From recording interactions to providing actionable insights, Felipe explains how advisors and sales teams can boost productivity, strengthen client relationships, and make data-driven decisions—all without disrupting their workflow. We also talk about the challenges of working with less-than-perfect internet, the humor in everyday names, and the exciting possibilities of AI in customer engagement.

What happens when a former Wall Street financier-turned-school teacher opens a five-bay auto shop in a small Maryland town? You get JJ — a powerhouse of faith, grit, and strategy. In this episode, JJ shares how he transformed his shop from grinding $40K months into a $450K+ monthly revenue engine — all without a massive facility or a big-city advantage. Learn how he used a coaching framework, customer service, and even AI to revolutionize operations, empower his team, and prove that purpose and process can outperform size and location. Whether you’re in a 2-bay rural shop or a 50-lift mega facility, this episode will challenge what you believe is possible.

In this episode of The Gearbox Podcast, Jimmy Purdy sits down with Josh Overlander, Director of Business Development at Detect Auto, to explore how data and AI are revolutionizing the way independent repair shops do business. From identifying lost revenue opportunities to measuring real technician productivity in real time, Josh shares how Detect Auto helps shops bridge the gap between shop floor performance and profitability.

In this episode, Jimmy sits down with Brian Rhodes, founder of Auto Shop Recruiting and a 20-year veteran of talent acquisition, to crack the code on hiring techs and advisors in a market where “Help Wanted” banners are everywhere. Brian explains why the old “post-and-pray” ad doesn’t work anymore—and how independent shops can compete head-to-head with dealers, chains, and even OEM training programs for A-level talent.

Whether you’re a one-man shop dreaming bigger, or a multi-bay owner stuck in neutral, Elijah’s hard-won lessons on pricing, scheduling, and customer trust will help you shift from survival mode to booming business. Tune in to learn how a pole-barn passion project became a high-growth auto-repair force—and why your location, lift count, or local economy no longer have to cap your potential.

In this episode, Jimmy Purdy from Shift’n Gears Auto Repair sits down with Oscar Gomez, founder of Master Automotive Training, for a no-filter conversation about diagnostics, technician training, and the realities of modern auto repair. From network code nightmares to crank-no-start mysteries, they dive into why proper testing matters, how to charge for your shop’s value, and the tricky balance between learning on the job and protecting the customer’s car. Whether you’re a tech, a shop owner, or just someone who wants to understand what’s really going on under the hood, this episode brings honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom from the front lines of the industry.

In this brutally honest episode, Jimmy Purdy and Lola pull no punches as they unpack the real chaos behind the scenes in auto repair — and spoiler alert: it's not the techs or the customers. From the constant battle with unreliable parts suppliers to the identity crisis of techs-turned-owners who'd rather rebuild a transmission than sell an oil change, this conversation is raw, relatable, and ruthlessly insightful. If you've ever wanted to scream at a parts counter or felt like you're running a zoo instead of a business, this one’s for you. Lola also shares the emotional toll of nearly losing everything — her business, her confidence, and her sense of belonging. She opens up about the dark days when she had mentally checked out, pursued other jobs, and even contemplated walking away from the auto industry for good.

Back by popular demand, Another live version of our local call in radio show.

Nate Winston returns to the podcast one year after a dramatic business split — and he’s not the same guy. In this raw and reflective conversation, Nate opens up about the emotional toll of walking away from a 20-year friendship and 16-year partnership, the legal chaos that followed, and how he's found peace building his own shop from the ground up. From implementing Profit First to sandblasting therapy in the Rust Belt, Nate shares the lessons that helped him regain control, find happiness, and say no thanks to hiring. If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or betrayed in business — this one hits deep.

In this episode, Jimmy sits down with shop owner Josh Rainwater, who’s in the thick of a serious growth phase — and not holding back. Josh talks about what it means to go all in on your business, pushing through those brutal weeks where quitting sounds tempting, and the strategy behind hiring to free himself up from the bay and the front desk. If you’ve ever been stuck between turning wrenches and running the show, this one’s for you.

A local, live call in radio show, featuring Leigh-Ann Purdy of Shift'n gears auto repair.

Private equity firms are flocking to the auto repair industry like never before—but why? In this episode, Jimmy Purdy sits down with industry expert Jim Parker to break down the boom in shop acquisitions, what makes auto repair recession-resistant, and how COVID put the spotlight on blue-collar businesses. Plus, they dive into a shocking stat: 40% of small business owners are nearing retirement, but many aren’t prepared to sell. If you own a shop (or plan to), this is an episode you can’t afford to miss!

We sit down with Josh Coomes, who is in his second year of running his auto repair shop. We dive deep into the challenges of managing car count, marketing strategies, and the struggle of balancing growth with efficiency. Josh and Jimmy discuss the tipping point where too much work can actually hurt a shop, the importance of processes, and whether discount services like free diagnostics are a smart play or a race to the bottom. If you're a shop owner, mechanic, or just love the business side of the automotive world, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Gear up for a special edition of The Gear Box Podcast! 🎙️🔧 This time, I’m bringing you along for a Saturday morning like no other—live from the airwaves of Gear Head Radio! It’s a call-in radio show where we talk cars, repairs, industry insights, and everything in between—unfiltered and in real-time. Get ready for live questions, expert advice, and a whole lot of gearhead banter. Whether you're a shop owner, technician, or just love talking cars, this episode is packed with engaging, fast-paced conversations that will keep you tuned in. Hit play and let’s talk shop!

In this episode of The Gearbox Podcast, we sit down with Brandon Jones, a former shop owner, coach, and leadership mentor, who is on a mission to change the way repair shops estimate jobs. Brandon has just launched Hub Shop Solutions, a groundbreaking company that provides a team of remote estimators, allowing service advisors to focus on what truly matters—building strong client relationships. We dive into Brandon’s journey from shop owner to mentor and now entrepreneur, exploring how his new venture is helping shops improve efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction. Whether you're a shop owner, service advisor, or industry professional, this episode is packed with insights on streamlining operations and boosting profitability in today’s fast-paced automotive world. Tune in to learn how Hub Shop Solutions is reshaping the future of repair estimating! 🚗🔧 #AutoRepair #ShopSuccess #TheGearboxPodcast