John Roberts, Shop Foreman at Metro Toyota, didn’t plan to be on the podcast—but his insights were too good not to share. In this episode, John breaks down the powerful difference between training and mentoring, shares how he builds confidence in his team, and explains why becoming a top-tier technician takes more than just skill—it takes the right mindset. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay , jayg@wrenchway.com Guest: John ...
Jul 16, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Marc Erickson, National Sales at AutoMeter Products, Inc., grew up in a drag racing family and naturally found his way into the automotive world. Over 20 years ago, he started at AutoMeter, and his passion for the brand has only grown. In this episode, Marc discusses the importance of credibility and honesty with customers, offers an inside look at AutoMeter’s brand and customer service, and shares stories from his first drag race to meeting some famous industry names. Check out the full video v...
Jul 09, 2025•58 min
In this episode, Dan Aldrich, Director of Automotive Technical Training at Christian Brothers Automotive, dives into what sets top technicians apart—a growth mindset paired with strong mentorship. Dan explores why soft skills are just as crucial as technical skills, how mentorship can transform many careers, and why investing in yourself is key to moving forward in the industry. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay , jayg@wren...
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr
Bryan Robbins, Owner & Lead Instructor of Hot Rod High School, is bringing auto tech education to students at home through online lessons and take-home kits. What started during COVID now reaches homeschooled students and beyond. Bryan shares his journey of following in his dad’s footsteps as a teacher, how Hot Rod High School found success, and how he pitched shops Shark Tank-style to gather funds. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Gonin...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Joel Adcock, Director of Partnerships & Business Development at Revv, joins us to talk about the growing demand for ADAS calibrations in today’s vehicles. He explains how often calibrations are needed—even after basic repairs—and why prescans should be part of every job. Joel also highlights the need to better educate drivers on what ADAS is and how fast vehicle technology is changing. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! Sign Up for the ADAS Empowerment Community Grou...
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Miles Bell, General Manager of Dave’s Auto Center, shares how his family’s shop built a combined following of over 4 million on social media to help grow their independent auto shop. He talks about how he and his dad, Dave Bell, have learned to work together by playing to each other’s strengths, their “secret sauce” for social media success, and the valuable lessons—and mistakes—they’ve made along the way. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Go...
Jun 11, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Dave Bell, Founder of Dave’s Auto Center, joins us to share his real journey from growing up in poverty to starting a successful shop and building a loyal social media following. He walks us through how he made the leap from being an operator in the business to becoming a true owner, why mentorship matters so much to him, and the one quality that separates great technicians from the rest. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay ,...
Jun 04, 2025•1 hr
Erik Fagerstrom, Director of Training and Talent Development at GreatWater 360 Auto Care, explains how supporting your technicians’ growth helps the whole shop succeed. He discusses growing your team through regular one-on-one meetings, tackling tough culture challenges head-on, and the value of providing clear career paths with real examples of technicians advancing. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay , jayg@wrenchway.com G...
May 28, 2025•59 min
Mike Spagnola, President & CEO of Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), joins us to talk about the iconic SEMA Show and the important work the organization is doing behind the scenes to support the automotive, diesel, and parts industries. He covers key issues like tariffs, Leno’s Law, and the political efforts SEMA is driving beyond their annual event. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About Our Guest: Mike Spagnola President & CEO, Specialty Equipment...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this webinar recording, WrenchWay and ASE introduce the School Assist All-Star Awards—a new program recognizing schools and shops making a real impact in promoting automotive and diesel careers. David Johnson, President & CEO of ASE, joins WrenchWay Co-Founders Jay Goninen and Mark Wilson to talk about the award criteria, the importance of strong school-shop partnerships, and how these relationships support shop retention and recruitment. View the Webinar Video Learn More About School Ass...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Gary Uyematsu, National Technician Training Manager at BMW North America, joins us to discuss the continuous learning it takes to succeed as a technician and how BMW approaches technician training. He also highlights some industry disconnects, like career counselors not fully understanding technician careers, along with the unique challenges of teaching and developing today’s technicians. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About Our Guest: Gary Uyematsu National Technici...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Darin Damron, SE Regional Vice President at Jasper Engines & Transmissions, is back to share what he’s seeing from the highest-performing shops. He highlights the common traits these shops share—like their commitment to continuous learning, focus on hiring and keeping the right people, and putting people first. Darin also covers valuable training resources and materials every shop owner and manager should have on their radar. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! Shop O...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr
Jennifer Holland, Assistant Vice President of Marketing at ASE, walks us through the incredible growth ASE has experienced over the years as a staple in the automotive industry. She highlights how ASE has reimagined its marketing efforts, gives an inside look at the organization today, and shares the impact their annual Instructor Training Conference has on helping instructors stay current with training and build their professional network. Learn more about the 2025 ASE Instructor Training Confe...
Apr 23, 2025•59 min
Victoria Thomas, CFO & Owner of Kellymoss Inc., talks about how dreaming bigger has helped drive their business success. She shares her morning routine, why leaders can’t outwork their to-do lists, and how she’s learned to delegate parts of the business to focus on bigger goals. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About Our Guest: Victoria Thomas CFO & Owner, Kellymoss Inc. victoria@kellymoss.com Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions About Our Host: Jay Goni...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Kurt Fenzel, EV & ADAS Instructor at I-CAR, shares how he's staying ahead of the rapidly evolving automotive technology by providing the right education to technicians. He reflects on his time as a high school automotive teacher, offers tips on managing the challenges of ADAS and other advanced technologies, and discusses the space and equipment needed to properly calibrate these high-tech vehicles. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About Our Guest: Kurt Fenzel EV &...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Bill Demaree, Corporate Director of Fixed Operations at Tom Wood Automotive Group, shares how intentional habits have helped grow their stores. He discusses the importance of hiring and firing based on company values to shape the culture, embracing technology to improve staff efficiency, and how stepping into different roles at stores has helped him identify areas for growth. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About Our Guest: Bill Demaree Corporate Director of Fixed Ope...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Joe Burda, I-CAR Instructor, surveyed over 100 auto collision technicians to understand what motivates them to join the industry. In this episode, he shares insights from the survey, explores common trends among respondents, and discusses how the industry can attract the right talent to address the ongoing workforce shortage. Download Auto Collision Face-to-Face Industry Survey Summary Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About Our Guest: Joe Burda Instructor, I-CAR Sponso...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Mollie Hughes, Service Operations Program Lead at Audi, discusses the Audi Twin Cup competition, which highlights the industry's top technicians, service advisors, and brand specialists. Mollie shares insights into the competition's structure and memorable moments from past events. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About Our Guest: Mollie Hughes Service Operations Program Lead, Audi Mollie.Hughes@audi.com About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay...
Mar 19, 2025•54 min
Josh Arnold, Team Lead at Subaru of Austin, joins us again for his fifth appearance on Beyond the Wrench. Nearly a year has passed since Josh moved to a new shop out of state, and during that time, he’s made several key changes in both his personal and professional life. In this episode, he shares his experience moving tools, starting fresh, and adopting healthier habits to take better care of both his mind and body as a technician. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! Abo...
Mar 12, 2025•59 min
Brad McKinney, Director of Talent Acquisition at Cavender Auto Family, shares a crash course on recruiting technicians in today’s market. With the technician shortage and technicians having the upper hand, your shop needs to stand out. Brad offers tips on effective communication during the hiring process, avoiding overselling candidates, and preparing managers for interviews. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About Our Guests: Brad McKinney Director of Talent Acquisitio...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 19 min
Chris Craig, Fixed Operations Content Owner at RockED, shares insights from his new white paper and upcoming book on technician training and leadership. He discusses the difference between an appointed leader and a true leader, understanding younger generations, and how to balance multiple personalities in the shop. Chris also highlights the importance of communication and provides tips for young technicians aspiring to be in managerial roles. View White Paper - Wired For Success: Amplifying Tec...
Feb 26, 2025•55 min
Naomi Kraemer, a first-generation technician, shares her journey from overcoming insecurities as a young tech to becoming a Main Line Technician at Subaru of Olathe. She reflects on the challenges of landing her first shop job, the invaluable experience gained while shadowing master technicians, learning about when to ask questions, and the initial shock of tool costs. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About Our Guests: Naomi Kraemer Main Line Technician, Subaru of Olat...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Joe Toscano, keynote speaker, author, and technology expert of “The Social Dilemma” Netflix documentary, discusses his journey of returning to his automotive roots to become COO of Gateway Auto. He touches on tips for choosing the right shop software, protecting customer data, and creating strong passwords for better online security. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About Our Guests: Joe Toscano COO, Gateway Auto Host, LeadFoot Automotive Podcast joe@gatewayauto.co Spo...
Feb 12, 2025•42 min
The highly anticipated final part of our live Beyond the Wrench episode with Walser Automotive Group is here! In this episode, we dive deeper into what makes Walser’s culture stand out. Our guests discuss how they hire for cultural fit, emphasize the importance of first impressions with recruits, and leverage school visits and community relationships to attract new talent. Check out the full live version of the podcast on YouTube! About Our Guests: Sherry Schultz Chief Human Resources Officer Li...
Feb 05, 2025•45 min
For the first time, we took the Beyond the Wrench Podcast live on social media with our friends at Walser Automotive Group . In this episode, we explore how Walser has earned its reputation as one of the nation’s top dealership employers. We dive into their “People Strategy,” how they engage technicians in community recruitment, and how they create clear career paths for technicians. Stay tuned—part two goes live next week! Can't Wait? Check out the full live version of the podcast on YouTube! A...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 6 min
WrenchWay Co-Founders, Jay Goninen and Mark Wilson, reflect on 2024, sharing highlights, challenges, and what’s to come in 2025. They discuss proud moments, lessons learned, and future plans—all while focusing on WrenchWay’s mission to promote and improve technician careers. View the view version of the podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Mark Wilson Co-Founder & CEO, WrenchWay mark@wrenchway.com About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Max Sorensen, Senior Vice President of Operations at Caliber discusses the critical role mentorship and structure play in shaping successful auto collision technicians. He shares insights on Caliber’s Technician Apprentice Program (TAP), the rise of female apprentices, and how a bad mentor can derail careers. View the view version of the podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Max Sorensen Senior Vice President of Operations, Caliber Maximillian.Sorensen@calibercollision.com About Our Host: Jay Goni...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr
Jessica McAllister, Lead Technician, shares insights on attracting young technicians to the industry. As a young technician herself, she talks about the challenges of breaking into the diesel and trucking fields, the power of a great mentor, staying positive despite industry negativity, and offers three key tips for young technicians to kickstart their careers. View the view version of the podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Jessica McAllister Lead Technician About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Found...
Jan 08, 2025•59 min
To celebrate the holiday season and the new year, we thought it’d be fun to reshare an exciting episode from earlier this year. In this episode, Bogi Lateiner, a master technician with over 20 years of experience and the host of All Girls Garage on MotorTrend, shares her unique perspective on the challenges women face in the shop. She also highlights the significant impact that respect for technicians can have and discusses the changes the automotive industry has undergone over the years. View t...
Jan 01, 2025•1 hr 4 min
To kick off the holiday season, we thought it’d be fun to reshare an exciting episode from earlier this year. In this episode throwback, John Spence, one of the top business experts in the world, author, CEO, and speaker, offers key leadership and management advice. He covers the elements of a good culture, the importance of caring for your people, and the impact that keeping toxic high-performing people can have on your business. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: John Spence CE...
Dec 25, 2024•1 hr 2 min
