Learn how to navigate at SEMA/AAPEX Learn how to vote in this year's election Braxton Critcher discusses the latest developments in the automotive repair industry. The episode highlights a major shift towards AI-powered in-vehicle voice assistants, driven by a new survey from Soundhound AI Incorporated. Braxton also introduces TireGuru's new Tire Price Optimizer tool, designed to give auto shops a competitive edge by using real-time local pricing data. Additionally, a collaborative initiative be...
Oct 30, 2024•9 min
Listen to the full episode covering Tekmetric's acquisition of Shopgenie with Sunil Patel and Kieran O'Brien Learn more about the 2024 AAPEX Student Program Nominate someone or an organization for the AACF Humanitarian Award! Braxton Critcher discusses the recent merger between Tekmetric and Shopgenie, highlighting the benefits of an integrated CRM marketing platform for shop owners. Braxton shares updates on the Apex show, emphasizing its student program to attract top talent to the industry. L...
Oct 23, 2024•11 min
Learn more about the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation and help where you can! In this episode, Braxton is joined by John Kairys, Executive Director of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF). John discusses the automotive aftermarket community's commitment to supporting those in need, emphasizing the foundation's rapid assistance process and high approval rate. Braxton shares the inspirational story of a Michigan shop owner helping out in North Carolina, illustrating ...
Oct 21, 2024•35 min
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Kieran O'Brien and Sunil Patel to discuss the breaking news of the merger between Shopgenie and Tekmetric. Kieran and Sunil delve into the strategic decision behind merging their companies, emphasizing the benefits of combining their efforts rather than build...
Oct 18, 2024•19 min
Listen to our conversation with NASTF Executive Director Donny Seyfer Listen to Good News in Auto Repair with Eric Merchant and Hurricane Relief Help Operation Mechanic Hurricane Relief Braxton Critcher delivers the latest updates on the automotive repair industry. Stellantis' major organizational changes due to weak global demand, and the National Automotive Service Task Force board elections, with new opportunities for AI integration in auto repair. Braxton also highlights a significant recall...
Oct 16, 2024•12 min
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! Vote in this year's NASTF elections! In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Donny Seyfer to discuss the latest happenings in automotive repair news. Donny shares insights on the NASTF election changes, highlighting the new voting system implemented on their website to streamline the process for th...
Oct 14, 2024•27 min
Donate to Merchant Automotive! In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Kory Rozema, Eric Merchant, and Elijah McMillan from Michigan to discuss good news in auto repair. Elijah introduces a supportive networking group formed with Kory and Eric, highlighting the importance of community and collaboration in the industry. Eric shares his experience organizing a supply drive for storm-impacted areas, detailing the efforts to coordinate aid and the outpouring of support from various states. Th...
Oct 11, 2024•37 min
In this episode, Braxton breaks down the tentative agreement reached between the International Longshoremen's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, which provides a temporary relief to supply chain disruptions. Elijah shares about the initiative of gathering and delivering supplies to Hurricane Helene victims in North Carolina, highlighting the industry's community spirit. Additionally, Braxton reports on Chrysler's recall of over 150,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles due to a fire risk...
Oct 09, 2024•11 min
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! Braxton Critcher is joined by Eric Sponhaltz, a member of the Tool and Equipment Committee for the Auto Care Association. Eric provides an in-depth look at the Repair Act, explaining its significance for both consumers and the automotive industry. Braxton and Eric discuss the pressing need for bipartisan ...
Oct 04, 2024•28 min
In this episode, Braxton Critcher highlights the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene, emphasizing the devastation faced by automotive repair shops and the GoFundMe campaign launched by ASTA to support those affected. He discusses the put the Brakes on fakes initiative by the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, which aims to combat the rise of counterfeit auto parts with the backing of Homeland Security and US Customs. Additionally, Braxton shares insights on the growin...
Oct 02, 2024•10 min
Donate here: https://bit.ly/4ejh3qB To request assistance, download your application here: https://bit.ly/3zBONAu and submit your completed application to [email protected] by October 11th. Mike Allen joins Braxton and Lucas to discuss the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on automotive repair shops in Western North Carolina. Lucas shares firsthand accounts of the destruction, including entire towns being washed away and major roads being closed. Mike emphasizes the need for indu...
Sep 28, 2024•15 min
In this episode, The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP) has announced plans to dissolve its national association by the end of the year, while continuing to support local affiliates. Additionally, the Repair Act's progress in Congress has hit a pause as representatives go on recess, with a vote expected to be reconsidered in November. Lastly, the Institute for Automotive Excellence is set to hold a hands-on training for service advisors in Ogden, Utah, focused on enhancing skills in...
Sep 25, 2024•10 min
Today on Good News in Auto Repair, Ed Rosa reveals eye-opening insights into the personal stories of those he helps, emphasizing the prevalent issue of homelessness among employed individuals. Braxton appreciates Ed's dedicated community work and the therapeutic benefits it brings Ed, notably reducing his PTSD symptoms. 00:00 Good news in auto repair: uplifting stories. 04:21 Started nonprofit on impulse; quickly succeeded. 07:02 My priority is homeless and disabled veterans. 11:20 Car loss can ...
Sep 20, 2024•38 min
In this episode, Braxton Critcher covers the latest trends and updates in the automotive repair industry. Braxton discusses the SEMA market research revealing that Americans are holding onto their cars longer than ever. He also highlights the rise of Gen Z in the trades industry, with Wyotech reporting an 85% graduation rate and a notable increase in job placements. Additionally, Braxton talks about the decline in new vehicle sales since Covid-19, leading dealerships to shift focus towards used ...
Sep 18, 2024•10 min
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Dwayne Myers to discuss the importance of the Repair Act in the automotive industry. Dwayne highlights how advancements in automotive technology could potentially lock out independent repair shops, stressing the need for security measures that allow fair acce...
Sep 16, 2024•24 min
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, Braxton Critcher welcomes Cavan Robinson, the new General Manager at Shopware, to discuss the importance of Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI) in the automotive repair industry. Cavan shares insightful statistics on how implementing DVI can significantly increase the average repair order v...
Sep 13, 2024•30 min
In this episode, Braxton Critcher delves into pressing topics in the automotive world. He highlights the significant push from the Auto Care Association for the Repair Act, encouraging listeners to contact their congresspersons to protect their rights in vehicle repairs. Braxton also covers BMW's ambitious plans to introduce hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2028, which aim to expand the existing infrastructure alongside Toyota. Additionally, he discusses the recent leadership changes within the auto...
Sep 11, 2024•12 min
In this episode, Braxton Critcher shares a good news story with Chris Enright, owner of Enright Automotive. Chris talks about how he helped a fellow mechanic, Matthew Parker, attend a critical training event by covering most of his expenses. Braxton and Chris then discuss the importance of offering support and encouragement within the industry, emphasizing how even small gestures can make a significant impact. 00:00 Offered training to a mobile mechanic on TikTok. 06:29 Great opportunity, worked...
Sep 06, 2024•16 min
Braxton discusses the ASA's stance on the EPA’s new emission standards, warning about the potential hardships these regulations could impose on independent repair shops. He also highlights the skyrocketing car insurance rates, which have seen an unprecedented increase of up to 22% in just one year, largely driven by factors like inflation and higher repair costs. Additionally, Braxton celebrates a heartwarming story of community support where Advanced Auto Parts and the NASCAR foundation donated...
Sep 04, 2024•12 min
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Ryan Kooiman and Chris Gardner from MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. Chris underscores the importance of Automated Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and the problematic lack of standardized calibration practices. Ryan shares his hands-on experience in the field, hi...
Aug 30, 2024•26 min
In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Cavan Robinson and Mike Allen. Braxton covers California's zero-emission mandate and the Specialty Equipment Market Association's response. Cavan discusses his plans for the future of Shop-Ware as the new General Manager. Mike shares valuable advice for first-time attendees of industry training events, emphasizing the benefits of actionable insights. Thanks to our sponsor AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching! Schedule your free strategy session here: autofixa...
Aug 28, 2024•10 min
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Mike Allen, who shares insights on the intricacies of raising rates in the automotive repair industry. Mike discusses the importance of aligning service quality and facilities with increased rates to maintain customer trust. Additionally, the value of network...
Aug 22, 2024•18 min
In this episode, Braxton Critcher covers several important updates in automotive repair news. He looks into the Auto Care Association's significant upgrades to its demand index tool, enhancing data precision for automotive professionals. Braxton also highlights Mercedes Benz's intensified efforts against counterfeit parts that jeopardize road safety, as well as GM's recent recall of its Cadillac Lyriq electric SUVs due to a software issue affecting the braking system. Want to take the ASE survey...
Aug 21, 2024•11 min
This podcast is all about good news in the auto repair industry! Today, Frank Leutz shares about his shop's commitment to community service, detailing their collaboration with the Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center to provide free auto repairs to families in need once a quarter. He also emphasizes the culture of giving back among his technicians, who are inspired to leverage their skills for the benefit of others. Furthermore, Frank discusses future community initiatives, including an art g...
Aug 16, 2024•17 min
Braxton talks about Midas’ new ad campaign promoting no "BS" in their shops. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers are working towards releasing a white paper to cover what the industry needs to help support shops and ADAS. Additionally, you'll hear about Colorado's new lemon laws, aiming to provide stronger protections for consumers buying defective vehicles. Thanks to our sponsor AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching! Schedule your free strategy session here: autofixautoshopcoaching.com...
Aug 14, 2024•9 min
The Auto Care Association (ACA) CEO Bill Hanvey urges the industry to push Congress to advance the stalled Repair Act, and Braxton emphasizes the importance of using the provided link to contact representatives. Additionally, CarShield reaches a $10 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over misleading advertising allegations, prompting the company to provide clearer information on covered repairs. Finally, Jay Kuykendall, an automotive instructor from Portland Community College, ...
Aug 07, 2024•12 min
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, Braxton Critcher welcomes Chris Jones, the new Editorial Director at Endeavor Business Media, to discuss the latest in automotive repair news. Chris shares his journey within the industry, highlighting his recent promotion and the vision for Endeavor's various automotive brands. He touche...
Aug 05, 2024•28 min
In this episode, Braxton Critcher gives the need-to-know info about CarShield, a company known for offering vehicle service contracts. Braxton highlights a critical quote from Samuel Levine, director of the Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection, emphasizing the deceptive practices that left many consumers with financial headaches. He also explores consumer complaints about false promises, such as rental cars and the ability to choose any repair shop, which often went unfulfilled...
Aug 01, 2024•15 min
Braxton Critcher covers several crucial updates in the automotive repair industry in this episode. He discusses new legislation in Michigan targeting car theft, highlighting stricter penalties for owning burglary tools. Braxton also mentions the impressive fundraising efforts of the Collision Repair Education Foundation, which raised over $110,000 to support collision repair programs nationwide. Lastly, he sheds light on the growing concerns over vehicle data privacy as U.S. Senators urge the FT...
Jul 31, 2024•10 min
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, Braxton Critcher and Chris Messer from Endeavor Business Media share an overview of the upcoming Ratchet Wrench Management Conference. Chris emphasizes the event's unique peer-to-peer format and new attractions like the VEHLO Victory Lap with RC cars. Additionally, he discusses the import...
Jul 26, 2024•18 min
