This week, we welcome Tom Wozniak, Diesel Technology Instructor at Madison College, and two of his current students, Jacob Breunig and Max Richard. Together, they discuss the importance of having confidence and patience as young technicians, express concerns regarding the future of diesel, and emphasize the need for shops to establish career paths to retain technicians. (1:26) Guest Backgrounds (15:09) Applying School Lessons in the Shop (26:04) Patience & Confidence as Young Techs (39:46) T...
Oct 11, 2023•1 hr 8 min
Brandon Steckler, Technical Editor at Motor Age Magazine, takes us on a unique voyage through his automotive career. Moving from a technician role to becoming an instructor and eventually an author has provided Brandon with valuable industry insights. In this episode, he covers how to enhance our technician certification system, ways to gain a deeper understanding of younger technicians, and discusses the significant shortage of educators. (4:48) Teaching in the U.K. (15:22) U.S. Certifications ...
Oct 04, 2023•1 hr 1 min
Allen Turner, Owner of Allen Turner Automotive Group, believes the most important people in his dealerships are his technicians. In this episode, we explore how Allen’s passion for automotive began, what a good shop culture looks like, and how he has grown his own roster of technicians. (1:06) Allen’s Passion for Automotive (10:49) Prioritizing Technicians (24:48) Good Shop Culture (40:41) Growing Your Own (54:22) Technician Mentorship Resources: WrenchWay Local Chapters WrenchWay Shop Membershi...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Tracey Hicks, Automotive Instructor at Frederick County Public Schools, gives us an inside look at what it’s like to build a high school auto program while gaining industry relationships. Tracey discusses the benefits of working with past graduates, the impact of industry support on his program, and the need to introduce trades to kids at a young age. (2:38) Tracey’s Teaching Journey (14:12) Benefits of Being Involved with Alumni (20:47) Positive Influence of Industry Support (30:08) Running Eff...
Sep 20, 2023•1 hr 4 min
David Mortlock, the Fixed Ops Director at Sheppard Auto Group, understands the importance of building relationships with his technicians. In this episode, David covers how to manage your P&L statement while growing and keeping techs happy, the importance of getting to know your techs and their goals, and the need to prioritize the technician and service advisor relationship. (16:55) Treating Technicians Right (20:59) Developing Technician Career Paths (33:42) Managing P&L While Growing T...
Sep 13, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Small but mighty, Madison Andrews, a technician at Group 1 Automotive, doesn't let her gender, size, or age stop her from excelling as a strong technician in the shop. In this episode, Madison discusses her automotive career, the impact good mentors can have on technicians, and what it's like being a female in the industry. (1:22) Madison’s Journey in Automotive (11:44) Joining Toyota’s T-TEN Program (28:50) Building Trust as a Young Tech (38:15) Having & Creating Positive Mentor Relationshi...
Sep 06, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Shops know the importance of working with local schools, and schools need support from industry—yet there is a disconnect. During this bonus episode, we dive into how shops can better grow their relationships with schools, the benefits of working with schools early on, and the importance of setting the right expectations for young technicians. (5:58) How Industry Currently Supports Schools (10:44) Positive Impact of Working with Schools (21:45) #1 Tip for Shops: Show Up (32:43) Setting a Career ...
Sep 01, 2023•59 min
The popularity of merging and selling shops has really grown within the last decade. It can be a scary process for shop owners and their employees, but that is where Cole Strandberg, Principal at FOCUS Investment Banking, and his team come in. Tune into this episode to learn how to attract buyers to your shop and get educated on the merger and acquisition process. (7:20) The M&A Process (14:26) Guiding Staff During Shop Sale (19:43) How to Attract Buyers (32:25) KPIs to Focus On (39:24) Impo...
Aug 30, 2023•56 min
Adam Bryant, Shop Foreman of Enxing Kia, makes his second appearance on Beyond the Wrench this week! In this episode, Adam provides simple shop tasks young technicians can do to help make a positive impression. He also discusses why it is important to have confidence as a young tech and shop benefits to look for when seeking employment. (16:04) Simple Tasks to Increase Shop Efficiency (24:19) Be Patient & Confident (38:21) Shops Investing in Their People (42:15) Pressure & Expectations o...
Aug 23, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Stephanie Stanke, Owner of Wooster's Garage, brings a fresh perspective in this week’s episode on how our industry can address one of its most significant shortcomings—the technician shortage. Stephanie discusses the importance of collaborating with local youth and schools, how she has built alliances with her competitors, and ways the industry can attract more female technicians. (2:07) Stephanie’s Automotive Career (12:56) Getting Involved with Local Schools (29:27) Industry Losing Its Best Pe...
Aug 16, 2023•1 hr 8 min
As a shop manager or owner, it is crucial to establish effective communication and build relationships with your technicians. As a Commercial Supervisor of James Matthews Ford, Jon Boyd understands this task better than most. During this episode, Jon shares how he manages his diverse team and discusses ways shops can improve their technicians’ lives. (1:46) Jon’s Career (12:22) Getting Honest Feedback from Employees (29:52) Responsibility of Communication (37:09) Becoming a Trusted Leader (41:46...
Aug 09, 2023•1 hr 2 min
In this bonus episode, we replay a recent WrenchWay roundtable discussion about flat rate. Our panelists Russel Wickham from Country II and Jon Boyd from James Matthews Ford, LLC. engage in conversation about their opinions on flat rate and how it’s impacting the industry. They also give advice on how to improve the flat rate system along with more insight on how flat rate impacts technicians. (7:11) Experiences with Flat Rate (13:08) What Does Flat Rate Mean? (22:04) The “Why” Behind Flat Rate ...
Aug 04, 2023•1 hr 6 min
Danny Combs, Founder of Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT) and father of an autistic child, explains the common misunderstandings of autism and how his team is teaching autistic kids technical skills so they can have a career in skilled trades. Danny’s passion that he has for his students, the autism community, and skilled trades is truly unmatched. You don’t want to miss this episode and all the great things TACT is accomplishing! “Anybody that wants to come here and learn has that opp...
Aug 02, 2023•1 hr 1 min
In this episode, Jay Goninen is joined by Mark Wilson, Co-Founder & CEO, and Sara Kerwin, Director of Marketing at WrenchWay, to discuss the unfiltered truth about WrenchWay’s three-year journey in the automotive & diesel industry. The team discusses lessons they’ve learned, changes they’d like to see in the industry, and some hard truths that shops and dealers need to hear. Plus, they give some shoutouts to some industry all-stars. (5:48) WrenchWay’s Special Limited Time Pricing (26:23)...
Jul 26, 2023•1 hr 6 min
Jason Olinger, Lead Automotive Technician at Gwatney Chevrolet is back on Beyond the Wrench! In this week’s episode, Jason explains how he has helped build and grow his shop’s apprenticeship program and shares key lessons he has learned along the way. (7:27) Starting an Apprenticeship Program (18:59) Choosing Mentors & Curriculum (25:45) Exploring Different Teaching Methods (37:31) Quarterly Check-ins (49:01) Vetting Out Good Apprentices Resources: WrenchWay Local Chapters WrenchWay's $1,000...
Jul 19, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Get ready for a jam-packed episode where we talk about the secret weapon of technicians: Communication! Join us as we chat with Zach Espinosa, Automotive Technician at Dolan Toyota. We talk about how he has mastered the skill of communication, the importance of face-to-face interactions with technicians, and how we need to build a technician community. (2:53) Zach’s Career Progression (16:53) Communication in the Shop (28:17) Techs Talk About Pay (35:41) Importance of Networking Outside of the S...
Jul 12, 2023•1 hr 5 min
In this bonus episode, we replay our previous roundtable discussion on flexible scheduling in shops. Our panelists, Arvin Marino from Toyota Seattle and Crystal Terrell from Leonard Bus Sales, Inc., explain how effective communication and culture in your shop can create flexible scheduling opportunities. They also discuss the future of flexibility and give tips on how shops can adjust to flexible scheduling. (5:11) Overview of Flexible Scheduling Types (16:06) Technician Feedback on Flex Schedul...
Jul 07, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Houman “HK” Kashanipour, CEO & President of Alliant Power, joins us to talk about the changes and growth diesel shops are facing. HK also discusses the changes Alliant Power has gone through, what it will take to attract future diesel technicians, and how dealers can stay profitable while the industry changes. (1:32) Growing & Serving Customers (10:46) Rebranding Alliant Power (18:06) Keeping Up With Trends (32:50) Attracting Future Diesel Techs (49:17) Creating a Strong Foundation for C...
Jul 05, 2023•58 min
In this week’s episode, Jon Olstad from Walser Polar Chevrolet explains lessons he learned as he went from technician to team lead at the dealership where he has been working for 20+ years. Jon also offers interview advice, provides ways technicians can have a growth mindset, and talks about how he mentors his peers. (1:08) Creating a Team Between Parts & Service (8:17) Two-Sided Technician Interviews (24:17) From Technician to Team Lead (47:12) Growth Mindset (52:16) Leading Your Peers Reso...
Jun 28, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Host an art gallery at the shop, get food trucks, or even put on a jazz festival! Shop owners and managers, take your solution-seeking personality of fixing cars and add a community element to your business. In this week’s episode, Frank Leutz who is the Founder of Desert Car Care and Founder & Host of WrenchNation, talks about how to get creative, select a budget, and choose themes to turn your shop into a destination for local events. (13:12) Importance of a Coach (20:40) Making Your Shop ...
Jun 21, 2023•1 hr 8 min
There are a lot of gaps in the industry regarding pay, culture, and more that are affecting our ability to attract the next generation of technicians. In this episode, John Fallows, Industry Development Specialist at the School District of Philadelphia, shares what his students are facing when entering the industry, ways shops can better structure their internship programs, and how he has built credibility with his students. (8:56) Gaining Credibility with Students (12:25) Future of Post-Seconda...
Jun 14, 2023•1 hr 5 min
Employees need the shop and the shop needs employees. Simple as that, right? In this week’s episode, Fred Gestwicki Jr, President of Fix-it With Fred, LLC, gives examples on the benefits of being flexible with your staff, explains the importance of understanding your employee’s point of view, and shares a number of management stories from over the years. (5:22) How Recruiting Has Changed (22:57) Bettering Technician Relationships (36:35) Types of Owners (51:17) Building a Top Team Resources: Now...
Jun 07, 2023•1 hr 4 min
William (Bill) Demaree who is the Corporate Director of Fixed Operations at Tom Wood Group joins us on this week’s episode to walk us through his journey in automotive. He also discusses how his group prioritizes their core values and different ways to recruit shop employees. “You have to find talent where they’re at.” - Bill Demaree, Tom Wood Group (1:00) Bill’s Career in Automotive (13:14) Importance of Patience (22:44) Knowing Your Core Values (39:25) Employee Career Plans & Pay (48:35) R...
May 31, 2023•1 hr
Victoria Thomas, CFO & Co-Owner of Kellymoss Inc. joins us on this week’s episode to discuss the growth that comes from failure and having the right mindset. Victoria and host, Jay Goninen, also cover the lack of women in automotive, the value of telling your story, and how to overcome the financial barrier of motorsports to get started in racing. (1:51) Victoria’s Background (16:03) The Story of Kellymoss Inc. (27:38) Growth That Failure Causes (45:03) Lack of Women in Automotive (57:02) Fu...
May 24, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Warning: This podcast covers topics that may be intense to some listeners. Viewer discretion is advised. Are you happy as a technician? Why or why not? Is it your work environment or personal life affecting your happiness? In this week’s episode, Joshua Taylor who is the Founder of Wrench Turners Online and Just Work Hard Consulting, dives deep into the mental wellness of technicians. Joshua shares data he has gathered from technician wellness surveys, explains the true costs anxiety can have on...
May 17, 2023•1 hr 5 min
We hear a lot of shops say, “For insurance reasons, my shop can’t hire workers who are under 18-years-old.” Our response to them is usually, “Are you sure?” In this week’s podcast, Matthew White who is the Bureau Director at the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, educates us on how easy it can be to hire youth apprentices, and offers useful employment resources for shops and employees. (1:37) Matthew’s Role & Background (12:37) Employment Resources for Shops (28:38) Myths & P...
May 10, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Andrew Batenhorst, Body Shop Manager at Pacific BMW, brings progressive thinking to the collision repair industry. In this episode, hear how he is going above and beyond to improve the industry, the ways he keeps in touch with his staff, and how he introduced meditation at the shop. (6:29) Andrew’s Background (13:08) Struggling to Find Talent (24:34) Keeping Staff Happy (38:07) Meditating at the Shop (45:27) Manager & Technician Relationships (57:42) Future of the Collision Industry Help us ...
May 03, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Craig Tomczyk, the Auto/Diesel Technician at FirstGroup America, gets technical in this week’s episode. Listen in as he breaks down his career, covers the importance of understanding and bettering your operational knowledge, discusses his diagnostic process, and much more. (1:28) Craig’s Journey to Becoming a Technician (13:07) Importance of the Theory of Operation (21:42) Steps in the Diagnostic Process (32:58) Using Schematics (49:47) The Value in Failing Resources: WrenchWay’s Solutions for T...
Apr 26, 2023•1 hr 7 min
Kathleen’s drive and passion are contagious in this week’s episode! Tune in to hear Kathleen Long, Chief Revenue Officer at RepairPal, cover the positive impact of being transparent with your technicians, the true value of networking, and the importance of investing and measuring your business correctly. (3:03) Kathleen’s Background (12:48) Definition of Networking (26:20) Shops Investing in Their Business (43:36) Building Trust & Communication (53:06) Future of Shop Leadership Resources: Wr...
Apr 19, 2023•59 min
Should shops pay technicians for their inspection time? Tune into this week’s episode to hear Murray Voth, President of RPM Training, answer the “tough” questions, discuss what it means for your shop to be a thought influencer in the community, and cover the importance of identifying your strengths and weaknesses. (7:57) Identifying Strengths & Weaknesses (14:15) Thought Influencing (23:56) Fear of Training Technicians (35:50) Paying Technicians for Inspection Time (55:44) History of Being a...
Apr 12, 2023•1 hr 12 min
