Gearbox Podcast

Are you giving away free work without even realizing it? Struggling to raise your labor rate without losing customers? In this episode of The Gear Box Podcast, we sit down with Jaron Kleber from Repair Shops of Tomorrow to tackle one of the biggest challenges in the automotive industry—knowing your worth and charging for it. We’ll break down why so many shop owners underprice their services, how to confidently set and increase labor rates, and why giving away ‘freebies’ is costing your business more than you think. If you want to build a more profitable, sustainable shop, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss!

Get ready for the busy season at your shop with Shop Boss and see a 20% increase in your ARO! Learn more HERE Today, Jimmy Purdy and David Toole talk about the pros and cons of owning multiple repair shops. David emphasizes creating a strong shop culture, particularly when expanding locations. He shares advice on preforming reviews and evaluations of technicians to ensure they are aligned with shop standards and discusses the challenges involved in managing financial aspects of a growing business. 00:00 Streamlining for Growth and Profit 07:52 Interviewing: Beyond Questions, Assessing Fit 12:56 Repair Level Evaluation Process 19:34 Embracing Classic Cars Against Trends 24:41 Occasional Vehicle Mechanic Consultations 27:42 Valley Springs Acquires Giant Tree 33:51 Teen Driver Lands Job at 17 39:36 "Transforming Work Culture" 45:56 Balancing Workload and Staffing Ratio 49:16 Learning from Skilled Shop Owners 56:29 From Transformers to Team Investment 58:43 Seeking Independence in Coaching 01:08:05 Employment Regulations Hinder Productivity 01:12:08 The "Unneeded Feeling" Dilemma 01:17:08 Dave the Car Guy Updates

Get ready for the busy season at your shop with Shop Boss and see a 20% increase in your ARO! Click HERE to learn how Christian Mosley joins Jimmy Purdy to talk about automotive repair shop marketing. Christian talks about the pros and cons of social media how many shops have found wide success online. Jimmy shares his experience offering no-cost inspections to improve customer retention, saying that their retention rate increased significantly. The bottom line, though, is that quality work and good processes are essential in long-term customer relationships. 00:00 Understanding Client Lifetime Value 08:29 Targeted and Broad SEO Strategy 12:42 "Building a Self-Sustaining Business" 18:37 Convenience vs. Personal Interaction 25:49 Unexpected Positive Impressions Matter 29:18 Pre-Digital Marketing: Mailers and Tracking 32:14 Optimizing Repair Specials Timing 42:12 Reducing Resistance Increases Success 47:03 "Finding the Right Customer Fit" 50:25 Prioritize Quality Over Marketing 54:48 Business Audit and Digital Review 58:44 Comprehensive Digital Marketing Solutions

Get ready for the busy season at your shop with Shop Boss and see a 20% increase in your ARO! Learn more HERE In this episode of The Gearbox Podcast, Jimmy Purdy and Mike Allen talk about adaptability in today's industry. Mike shares why he offers free diag and gets into the constant balance between maintaining quality service and achieving growth. Listen to Mike Allen's new podcast "Confessions of a Shop Owner" HERE 00:00 Rural Store to Automotive Career 04:13 College Dropout Party Life 07:59 "Anomaly and Natural Selection in Business" 10:33 Assessing Growth and Contentment 14:32 Diagnostic Compensation Unchanged 19:10 Two Possible Conversation Outcomes 20:34 Owner Operators' Confidence Struggle 23:10 Value of Paid Coaching vs. Free Info 28:29 Scaling Business Challenges 30:19 Overvalued Small Business Reality Check 34:25 Cash Flow and Cars Debate 36:49 Technician's Emotional Roller Coaster 40:03 Scaling Challenges and Service Quality 43:19 Customer Relations Impact Warranty Perception 46:00 Evening Party Plans

Got big goals for your shop this year? Shop Boss can take them to the next level! Today, Jimmy Purdy and Coralee Zueff talk about shop management and how to find the ideal ratio of technicians to service advisors. Jimmy asks Coralee to share her experience and advice to shop owners on how to gain trust between advisors and technicians. Coralee gives tips on setting expectations and improving diagnostic processes for shop owners. 00:00 "Gearbox Podcast: Automotive Journeys" 05:42 Setting Customer Expectations as Advisors 07:17 Flexible Collaboration in Auto Shops 09:50 Streamlining Diagnostic Time Approval 14:42 Improving Diagnostic Processes in Shops 19:46 Handling Customer Complaints 22:44 Embracing Mistakes for Growth 23:46 Effective Communication in Shops 28:53 Balancing Car Repair vs. Replacement 30:55 "Comprehensive Car Inspection Sales Strategy" 34:43 "Balancing Human Touch in Sales" 38:49 DIY Auto Troubleshooting Tips 42:46 Finding Comfortable Terminology 45:46 Training Service Advisors on Brake Maintenance 49:00 Positive Feedback Journal 50:33 Global Auto Industry Coaching Classes

Got big goals for your shop this year? Shop Boss can take them to the next level! Todd Westerlund is an industry vet. Over 15 years of technical experience and more than 18 years in the repair shop coaching. Todd is a believer in opening your shop seven days a week for ultimate customer service. He also shares advice on how to make your processes more efficient. 00:00 Industry Insights & Training 07:25 Technician's Journey: 15 Years Experience 10:46 Hands-On Training Initiative 20:16 Flexible Work Schedules Benefit All 23:15 Balancing Technician Ego and Client Needs 29:42 Problem Solving in Auto Repair 33:42 Overwhelmed by Work Demands 38:17 Investing in Employees' Future 42:25 "Streamlining Inspection Process" 47:43 "Confession About Car Brake Negligence" 56:42 "Prioritizing Morally Right Hospitality" 58:03 "Open Invitation despite Poor Reviews" 01:05:55 Welcoming Shop Tour Experience 01:12:05 Call Center Amplifies Pre-booking Revenue 01:16:06 "Shops Boost Sales with Callbacks" 01:19:14 Bones: Protection Against Slips

Got big goals for your shop this year? Shop Boss can take them to the next level! Jimmy talks with Kingston and Ava about their family-run transmission business at AAPEX 2024. Ava shares her journey in office management and how she's learned hands-on and gotten pretty good at multitasking. Kingston is excited about the technical side of the business, and even though he's in the 8th grade, he loves rebuilding transmissions. 00:00 Transitioned from packaging to office management tasks. 05:51 Mom suggests learning web design for marketing. 08:49 Working for Dad's business is fulfilling. 11:53 Inspect and test cores, then box them. 15:02 Memorize, build, clean, polish, update, test, ship. 18:45 AAPEX is such a cool place, but you don't see many kids. 19:27 Great ATRA Expo-Apex combo boosts knowledgeable discussions.

Got big goals for your shop this year? Shop Boss can take them to the next level! Listen to Arun's podcast "We Are Driven" In this episode, Jimmy Purdy is joined by Arun Coumar, owner of Driven Auto Care and host of the "We Are Driven" podcast. Arun discusses the significance of efficient operations and avoiding high-pressure sales tactics to enhance the customer experience. Jimmy shares the challenges he faced in expanding his business, emphasizing the importance of having documented procedures for consistent quality. 00:00 Misdiagnosed allergy; later treated as seasonal allergies. 10:19 Experience teaches more than the SOP manual does. 12:59 Mistakes and engaged technicians enhance learning effectiveness. 17:17 Improving customer experience with meticulous vehicle inspection. 22:31 Ensure clarity in tasks and prioritize experience. 27:51 Picky customer values professional opinion when shopping. 36:11 Offer half-price diagnostics in November video. 43:39 Estimating unnecessary repairs versus actual car needs. 47:09 Adapt to customers' desires for effective sales. 51:05 Dressed as James Bond with Aston Martin. 59:32 Crank sensor repair complicated, delayed car delivery. 01:03:42 Worried about vehicle accidents and negative outcomes. 01:06:48 Avoiding delay, deceit, and disappointment ensures customer satisfaction. 01:11:13 A challenging year with evolving problems and goals.

Got big goals for your shop this year? Shop Boss can take them to the next level! In this episode, Jimmy Purdy is joined by Jim Cokonis to discuss the significance of mindset and culture in business, especially within the realm of technician coaching. Jim Cokonis shares an anecdote about Simon Sinek to highlight the benefits of positive management on employee satisfaction. Jimmy emphasizes the difference between treating technicians as people versus mere productivity tools and suggests focusing on positive aspects to boost morale. They also examine the importance of interactive, hands-on learning and its impact on knowledge retention, advocating for a tiered certification system to motivate continual professional development. 00:00 Balancing multiple roles is challenging for operators. 06:51 Toyota thrives on growing and maintaining culture. 12:23 Finding issues provides dopamine, possibly fostering negativity. 17:22 Present value to customers to prevent dissatisfaction. 24:01 Questioning the value of training certifications. 28:50 Recognize achievements to encourage self-improvement voluntarily. 35:52 Vehicle tracks data; uses ISO class 6 fluid. 40:08 Hands-on learning is essential for AC proficiency. 43:58 Teach others for higher retention and improvement. 49:36 Occupations now require technical reading and understanding. 56:19 Teaching each other enhances growth and learning. 01:00:10 Basics are key, teaching martial arts inspires. 01:05:09 Ensure comma placement for proper pause timing.

The craziness of the holiday season is here... But running your shop doesn't have to be crazy. Not with Shop Boss, anyway. Learn more about how they can help your ARO increase by 20%! Phil Leone, a seasoned automotive business coach, joins Jimmy Purdy. Phil emphasizes the necessity of thorough car inspections to ensure efficiency and job satisfaction among technicians. He shares the importance of quick quoting for waiting customers to enhance customer experience and minimize delays. Additionally, Phil discusses the value of ongoing coaching and how shop visits help identify real operational issues, ensuring genuine progress and accountability 00:00 Automotive business veteran enjoys training and improving. 09:30 Passionate about training focused on helping others. 10:26 Consistency leads to eventual success and personal improvement. 20:07 Negative reviews offer opportunities to build loyalty. 22:32 Inexpensive oil change builds long-term customer trust. 27:43 Oil changes unprofitable individually, profitable monthly overall. 33:09 Focus on dollar amounts, not percentages. 41:54 Evaluating and planning for shop owner's success. 44:36 Motivation and accountability lead to progress. 48:06 Finish tasks to progress, and collaborate on solutions. 53:40 Coaching provides guidance and reduces dependency over time. 01:02:33 Achieving high sales became increasingly effortless. 01:05:47 Chill, focus on growth, and maintain personalized coaching. 01:12:27 Woman spent $9,000 on undervalued car repairs. 01:14:32 Cars depreciate; purchased for transportation needs. 01:19:51 Thanks, have a great night and talk soon.

The craziness of the holiday season is here... But running your shop doesn't have to be crazy. Not with Shop Boss, anyway. Learn more about how they can help your ARO increase by 20%! Cecil Bullard is the CEO of The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence. Cecil discusses the challenges of dealing with driven individuals in group settings and the risks impatience can pose in business decisions. He also shares his experiences with vetting marketing companies, emphasizing the importance of thorough evaluation to avoid issues. 00:00 Coaching programs tailored to client business levels. 05:23 The M&A program offers growth and consolidation opportunities. 10:43 The Industry must modernize marketing and pricing strategies. 17:52 Vision: Professional, prosperous industry with work-life balance. 22:56 Persistence leads to achieving goals and connections. 27:40 Expect mistakes, solve them, and earn client trust. 35:43 Evaluating high performers sometimes includes misplacements. 36:56 Desire for others' success exceeds their own. 43:15 A Realistic view improved the father-child relationship significantly. 50:12 Guy's hype led to mixed results and discontent. 57:27 Challenges in accountability despite offering help. 01:00:28 Clients left for another caring coaching company. 01:04:52 Seeking agreement on decision-making and preparedness. 01:10:19 Business is always personal, despite claims otherwise.

The craziness of the holiday season is here... But running your shop doesn't have to be crazy. Not with Shop Boss, anyway. Learn more about how they can help your ARO increase by 20%! Jimmy Purdy chats with Buckaroo Bob about organizing major training events in the automotive industry. Buckaroo Bob explains the strategies behind attracting participants from outside the local area, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and education in automotive diagnostics and repairs. Jimmy reflects on the enthusiasm of younger technicians today, contrasting it with past advice to avoid the industry, and underscores the value of continuous training for career advancement. 00:00 Gearbox podcast hosts automotive industry discussions. 05:38 Training in five Texas cities, same classes. 07:56 East Coast training dominates over the West Coast. 11:39 Sponsors supported Texas events; seeking title sponsors. 15:21 Advance your career through training and become a rockstar. 17:07 Trying out advanced features on Santa Fe. 19:23 Training builds confidence and justifies diagnostic fees. 23:37 Sign up early to choose your classes. 26:30 Using jokes to ease tension in training. 29:44 Coach suggests shop presence; I prefer autonomy. 33:59 Technician anxiety stems from customer vehicle responsibility. 37:46 Third loan requires ordering your tool. 41:25 Apprentices learn self-reliance through guided teaching. 42:12 Diagnosis requires informed, timely communication and decisions. 48:10 Advice from others was surprisingly humbling. 48:44 Humbling, blessed by shared knowledge for improvement.

Jimmy Purdy is joined by Joe Hyde to discuss the importance of technicians recognizing their influence within the shop to improve workplace culture. Joe emphasizes the significance of teaching professionals to conduct one-on-ones and lead effectively without being in charge. He also introduces Limitless Leadership, a coaching initiative aimed at filling gaps in technician training by focusing on emotional and career development needs. 00:00 Retain employees by improving work conditions. 04:50 Giving technicians a voice through a coaching program. 09:31 Finding inefficiencies, focusing on negatives, unclear expectations. 10:06 Setting clear expectations prevents shop communication breakdowns. 15:49 Educate people, provide tools, and enhance interactions. 18:40 Mutual benefit from unbiased client interactions. 20:38 Webinar encourages long-term planning and open communication. 24:42 Supporting technician growth and mental health awareness. 27:34 New hire uncomfortable with the strict work environment. 32:09 Focusing on empathy boosts productivity and efficiency. 35:45 Technicians often overlook their guest experience role. 38:03 Reach us for a consultation call via LinkedIn. Thanks to our sponsor, Shop Boss! See how they can simplify your auto shop HERE

Today, Jimmy chats with Larry Anderson. Larry shares his journey from hands-on technician to business manager, hammering the importance of surrounding yourself with the right team. Jimmy reflects on the emotional roller coaster of managing customer feedback and the challenges of transitioning to a more managerial role. Larry offers practical advice on making business processes more efficient and selecting the right customers to ensure long-term success. 00:00 Adaptation eases setbacks and unexpected events. 06:36 Quickly remove unsuitable prospects from your business. 10:10 Coaching effectiveness depends on participant readiness. 12:51 Encouraged to hire the best tech talent. 15:42 No obstacles due to quick, structured discussions. 19:12 Motivation surpasses monetary incentives, right people matter. 21:49 Fascination with tech drives continuous learning guidance. 24:16 Rewritten processes are often ignored, causing frustration. 29:59 Group helps maintain focus, but can't cut it. 33:14 Multiple factors contribute to personal growth. 33:56 Coaching questions ROI, personal growth emphasized. 39:24 Realizing past mistakes fosters personal growth. 40:11 Reflecting on future growth and uncertain path. 43:18 Larry's your man for those vehicles. Thanks to our sponsor, Shop Boss! See how they can simplify your auto shop HERE

In this episode, Jimmy chats with David Boyd and Parker Branch. Parker emphasizes the importance of aligning values when seeking advice or mentorship, ensuring that guidance resonates personally and professionally. David shares his own experience, showcasing how advice from a mentor helped him navigate a challenging conflict, highlighting the value of informed counsel. Additionally, the trio discusses the tangible benefits of coaching programs, with an emphasis on setting clear goals and utilizing key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress effectively. 00:00 Coaching is multifaceted and essential for success. 03:50 Coachable mindset and consistency drive improvement. 09:21 Hire and train staff to sustain growth. 11:33 Employee training enhances growth more than sharing. 15:25 Show up, set goals, measure, track progress. 18:44 Reflect on oneself to elevate employee performance. 23:02 Peer support offers diverse solutions and camaraderie. 25:45 Evaluate the credibility of advisers carefully and critically. 28:10 Ask coaches questions to find the best fit. 31:52 Grounding is key to professional success and vision. 35:39 Prioritize passion and teamwork over business success. 40:10 Labor costs affect gross profit significantly. 44:03 Transitioned expert to advisor; assists, and mentors team. 47:43 Implement slow-day plans and continue customer engagement. 48:38 Great rapport, offering discount for timely service. 52:22 Customer appreciation strengthens relationships and trust. Thanks to our sponsor, Shop Boss! See how they can simplify your auto shop HERE

Brian Walker is the Owner and CEO of Shop Marketing Pros. In this episode, he and Jimmy Purdy discuss the challenges and strategies of customer interactions and marketing within the automotive industry. Brian discusses the importance of action in marketing efforts, emphasizing that doing nothing is not an option. Jimmy and Brian also explore the complexities of balancing different roles in a business, highlighting how marketing, HR, and other business aspects require careful management for success. Visit Shop Marketing Pros here 00:00 Solo trip cut short, returned home early. 09:34 Traveling inspires new possibilities and perspectives. 16:19 Business skills didn't come naturally, causing failure. 18:50 The 2008 crisis revealed my business weaknesses and improvement. 23:25 Handle imperfections well to gain loyal supporters. 31:16 Early web presence grew tech-heavy shop significantly. 34:30 Auto repair undercharging compared to other trades. 40:27 Rebranding needed due to misleading business names. 47:51 Rebranding emphasizes automotive and retains customer goodwill. 50:57 Undervalued service advisors; optimal 1:1 advisor-technician ratio. 53:56 Balancing productivity and needs justifies staffing choices. 01:00:13 Plan marketing strategy annually, and adjust efforts seasonally. 01:05:02 Professionals outweigh DIY for effective Google Ads. Thanks to our sponsor, Shop Boss! See how they can simplify your auto shop HERE

In this episode, Jimmy Purdy and Steph, known as "that Tool Girl," delve into the polarization within the automotive industry, challenging the notion that "the customer is always right." Steph shares her insights on the critical need for clear, effective communication with customers to avoid misunderstandings and disputes. They also tackle the impact of social media on businesses, emphasizing the ethical responsibility of shops to admit and rectify their mistakes. 00:00 Apprenticeship varies; four-year track for automotive. 06:21 Government overreach deters poorly executed vehicle repairs. 13:46 Imports car parts from USA; rotors locally. 18:03 Unnecessary charges for simple repairs, excessive billing. 23:47 Accountable for verifying before ordering parts. 27:10 He avoided admitting fault to protect his ego. 32:53 Fraud persists despite perceived transparency online. 42:25 The Transmission issue led to burned overdrive clutches. 44:19 Customer upset switches service after one mistake. 50:46 Fear-driven avoidance hinders accepting and capitalizing on mistakes. 54:19 Exaggerated video views, unexpectedly reached 3 million. 01:04:46 Professionally handle mistakes, and prioritize the bigger picture. 01:05:40 Viral video causes significant financial impact. Thanks to our sponsor, Shop Boss! See how they can simplify your auto shop HERE

In this episode, Jimmy Purdy is joined by Jeff Compton, a frequent attendee of the SEMA convention. Jeff shares his enthusiasm for walking extensively at the event, even considering it a potential weight loss opportunity. Jimmy highlights the ease of navigating SEMA using the Tesla Loop, which offers free rides around the convention center. The duo also delves into the contrasts between SEMA and Apex conventions, noting SEMA’s vibrant, innovation-focused atmosphere versus Apex's intimate, business-oriented approach. Check out Jeff Compton and the Jaded Mechanic Podcast here 00:00 Pulling over leads to potential negative outcomes. 06:15 2020: Nightmare event experience with memorable shows. 14:26 Legendary figures are fading, meet them soon. 16:58 Insight into influencer earnings compared to the dealership. 23:20 We don't have to get along, empowering meeting. 31:26 Understand the process, not isolated solutions; broader perspective. 33:25 Networking and learning at seminars and events. 40:16 Discussing In-N-Out Burger availability in Vegas. 48:07 Ask banks about high-interest savings options. 52:39 Harbor Freight should improve Canadian accessibility. 57:36 SEMA showcases innovative tools by young creators. 01:03:36 Passion and community sustain motivation in industry. 01:07:25 Defeat initially, motivation regained from events. 01:12:05 Negativity breeds; face-to-face interactions inspire growth. 01:15:57 Winter trip: SEMA, Constance Noons, Mustang photos. 01:23:58 Keeping our group together makes experiences special. 01:26:29 Tired from travel, struggling to stay awake. Thanks to our sponsor, Shop Boss! See how they can simplify your auto shop HERE

In this episode, Jimmy Purdy is joined by Andrew Clement from "Rogue Wrenching" and the "Changing the Industry" podcast group. Andrew emphasizes the importance of clear communication and setting expectations, sharing how a lack of these can lead to frustration and inefficiency. He also discusses the critical need for continuous learning and development in the automotive repair industry, highlighting his significant income boost from prioritizing education. Additionally, Jimmy and Andrew explore the challenges technicians face in balancing productivity with a healthy work-life balance, underscoring the importance of structured processes and accountability. 00:00 Faulty part causes immediate issues upon installation. 10:01 Industry struggles with time-based billing practices. 13:42 Technicians need guidance for successful business ownership. 18:35 Diverse experience made me a well-rounded technician. 21:26 Success comes from focus and punctuality, not overtime. 29:54 I perform better under pressure, and handling tasks. 35:31 Blame shared; improve skills and environment efficiency. 38:42 Promoting technical experts overlooks management skills. 44:11 Filter frustration, guide thoughtfully, and teach empathy. 51:52 Undefined expectations lead to employee frustration and errors. 53:49 Follow, learn, and manage expectations to build trust. 01:00:14 Importance of a clear, practical employee handbook. 01:06:18 Frequent communication eases difficult manager-employee conversations. 01:10:24 Rescheduled trip necessitated extra vacation request. 01:15:31 Skill improvement increased earnings; prioritizing family balance. 01:20:33 Good communication and trust ensure success. Thanks to our sponsor, Shop Boss! See how they can simplify your auto shop HERE