WrenchWay Co-Founders Jay Goninen and Mark Wilson dive into WrenchWay’s 2024 Technician Pay survey. The survey gathered data about pay and benefits from thousands of technicians across the country. WrenchWay processed the information and developed an evolving technician compensation tool available for free at wrenchway.com/pay . Download the video webinar: https://wrenchway.com/events/technician-pay-survey-results/ Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founde...
May 15, 2024•56 min
George Arrants, Vice President at ASE Education Foundation, is back to clear up misconceptions about hiring employees under 18, discuss the shortage of teachers, and explore the impact that work-based learning can have on students. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: George Arrants Vice President, ASE Education Foundation george.arrants@aseeducation.org Sponsor: Thermo King About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWa...
May 08, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Trust in the service department is imperative to running an effective shop. Derrick King, Director of Fixed Operations at ClearShift, joins us to give honest advice every shop needs to hear. From the importance of having transparency with your employees to simply respecting their career aspirations, you don’t want to miss these tips! View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Derrick King Director of Fixed Operations, ClearShift derrick.king@clearshift.com Sponsor: Sonic Tools About Our ...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Fernando Miranda, Vice President of Transformers Institute, walks us through how everyone sets their own meaning of success in their career and life. He talks about how to create a positive mindset, ways to stay consistent through the highs and lows of life, and the importance of finding your inspiration. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Fernando Miranda Vice President, Transformers Institute fernando@transformersinstitute.com Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions About O...
Apr 24, 2024•1 hr 9 min
There is a lot of technology that impacts service departments. The hard part is evaluating what software or digital tool could be useful for your shop. Corey Smith, National Fixed Operations Training Manager for APCO Holdings, LLC, discusses how to get team buy-in for new products, the importance of training on new technology, and how to evaluate post-implementation. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Corey Smith National Fixed Operations Training Manager, APCO Holdings, LLC csmi...
Apr 17, 2024•57 min
WrenchWay partners with Hireology to help dealerships better hire technician talent. Tiffany Czerwinski, Director of Automotive Partnerships at Hireology, discusses the impact this new partnership will have on dealership recruiting. She also addresses several challenges the automotive industry is currently facing, including talent shortages and the absence of clear career paths. Lastly, she offers dealers valuable recruiting tips you won’t want to miss! View the video podcast on YouTube About Ou...
Apr 10, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Chris Craig, the Fixed Operations Content Owner from RockED, is back to talk about service department communication. In this episode, he dives into the current state of the automotive industry, gives various management and communication advice on how to support shop staff, and shares great tips for service advisors. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Chris Craig Fixed Operations Content Owner, RockED Follow Craig on Social Media Chris’ last episode: Making Your Service Advisors a...
Apr 03, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Sue Dickson, Founder of Give Me Ten, and Jack Wilson, Auto Service Instructor at Lake County Tech Campus, discuss the progress of collaborating with the industry to develop more meaningful work-based learning opportunities for students. Each individual's path in the automotive field varies, and not everyone is suited to become a technician. The Give Me Ten program simplifies the process for students to find a suitable career path and eliminates barriers for shops to invest in the future of the i...
Mar 27, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Josh Arnold, Master Technician of Toyota & Subaru Corvallis, is back again to give young technicians seven tips from his seven years as a technician. From focusing on developing skills to never wasting an opportunity, Josh passes along valuable lessons he has learned along the way. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Josh Arnold Master Technician, Toyota & Subaru Corvallis Josh's Last Beyond the Wrench Episode Sponsor: Thermo King About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder &am...
Mar 20, 2024•48 min
WrenchWay’s Co-Founder & CEO, Mark Wilson, covers an exclusive conversation with John Frazier, Service Director of Woody Anderson Ford, to discuss their new technician pay plan. This is a different type of episode for us, but provides great insight and real-world conversation about how one dealership started and implemented a forward-thinking technician compensation plan. We hope you enjoy! View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: John Frazier Service Director, Woody Anderson Ford ...
Mar 13, 2024•32 min
Let’s talk about improving the automotive industry and properly training future technicians. Philip walks us through why dedicated training during the day instead of after work can be valuable. He also breaks down the impact of hands-on training, and discusses the importance of teaching the basics. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Philip Austin Manager of Technical Training & Development, Niterra North America phaustin@ngksparkplugs.com NGK Shop Squad Sponsor: RepairPal Abo...
Mar 06, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Helping technicians quickly write accurate repair event documentation, Pencilwrench allows shops to provide customers with an invoice that is clear, concise, and readable. In this episode, we explore how new shop software can help improve the overall perception of technician careers by bringing professionalism and transparency to the forefront. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Joe McCue Founder & Partner, Pencilwrench joem@pencilwrench.com Sponsor: Universal Technical Insti...
Feb 28, 2024•58 min
Technician efficiency and productivity are crucial factors in maximizing your shop's profitability. In this episode, we discuss the impact new technology can have on shops, exploring how it can simplify technicians' tasks, improve customer retention, and ultimately boost revenue. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Jon Belmonte, CEO of AutoVitals jon.belmonte@autovitalsinc.com Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, Wrenc...
Feb 21, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Is the automotive industry still the only industry that uses faxes? Let’s talk about shop management, scheduling, and improving your shop’s efficiency! In this episode, we'll explore the unique SocketTime software and how it helps shops maximize every technician’s day and every hour, while still allowing flexible scheduling for technicians. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guests: Matthew Donovan Fixed Ops Director, Jay Wolfe Automotive Group Co-Founder, SocketTime Systems, LLC mdonov...
Feb 14, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Learn the importance of valuing your technicians, discover effective strategies on how to transition out of flat rate, and explore ways the auto industry can improve technicians’ career paths. Immerse yourself in Aleck's passion for the automotive industry in this week's episode! View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guests: Dr. Thomas Litzinger Executive Director, University of the Aftermarket Aftermarket Education Industry Chair, Northwood University litzinge@northwood.edu James O’Dell, ...
Feb 07, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Learn the importance of valuing your technicians, discover effective strategies on how to transition out of flat rate, and explore ways the auto industry can improve technicians’ career paths. Immerse yourself in Aleck's passion for the automotive industry in this week's episode! View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Aleck Brownstein Regional Vice President, Volvo Car USA aleck.brownstein@volvocars.com Sponsor: Wind River Payments About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & Preside...
Jan 31, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Born and raised in a dealership, Jim’s evolving passion for the automotive industry has blossomed into key advice on what it takes to create a great shop. From the importance of evaluating financial statements to the process of rebuilding dealerships in crisis, Jim breaks down his expertise in this week’s episode of Beyond the Wrench. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Jim Phillips Principal, Training Team USA jphillips@trainingteamusa.com Sponsor: Sonic Tools About Our Host: Jay...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 6 min
As a master technician with over 20 years of experience and a public figure within the industry, Bogi has a unique message to share. Discover the challenges she and other women face in the shop, the significant impact respect for technicians can have, and the changes the automotive industry has undergone over the years. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Bogi Lateiner Host of All Girls Garage, MotorTrend Bogi's Garage Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions About Our Host: Ja...
Jan 17, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Dealers come together, share best practices, evaluate each other's businesses, and grow together. Learn how valuable peer performance groups can be to dealers, explore how to support the career development of aging technicians, and dive into the evolution of the equipment industry. View the video podcast on YouTube (1:38) George’s Background (14:46) Performance Dealer Groups (24:30) Evolution of Equipment Industry (35:41) Career Development for Older Technicians (44:57) Motivating Next Generatio...
Jan 10, 2024•1 hr 6 min
We explore Josh’s career in automotive, discuss his decision to become an instructor, and he shares key advice for young technicians on how to find good managers and mentors. Our team is taking a couple of weeks off the podcast for the holidays. We would like to thank you for all of your support, wish you Happy Holidays, and we will see you in 2024! (3:00) Josh’s Career in Auto (12:51) Diverse Background for Teaching (18:13) Mentors for New Technicians (35:27) Understand Flat Rate (42:06) Good M...
Dec 20, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Enjoy this previously recorded webinar where WrenchWay Co-Founders, Jay Goninen and Mark Wilson, discussed the findings from WrenchWay’s 2023 Voice of Technician Survey. With over 650 responses from technicians, students, and other industry professionals, the survey uncovered feedback on job satisfaction levels, what individuals look for in an employer, and ways the industry can improve. Links to the full report and webinar are in the show notes. (8:19) What Technicians Want (18:58) Preferred Pa...
Dec 13, 2023•1 hr 7 min
Don’t miss Lisa McClease-Kelly’s unique advice for small businesses in this week’s episode of Beyond the Wrench. As Co-Owner of Network In Action Oregon and Kelly's Automotive, and with a background in nonprofits, Lisa offers a different perspective on ways shops can serve their community and staff. She also offers some other business advice on how shops can relay their values to their employees, tips on handling bad hires, and so much more! (5:45) Supporting Nonprofits (16:35) Small Business Co...
Dec 06, 2023•1 hr 4 min
We are proud to welcome Daniel Diaz, Service Technician at Braman BMW Miami (and rising TikTok star)! In this episode, Daniel offers advice to young technicians on purchasing tools, encourages all technicians to keep learning, and emphasizes the importance of finding the right shop management and support as a new technician. (1:27) Tool Organization for Efficiency (12:51) Keeping Up with Technology & EV (30:45) Having the Right Shop Support (34:32) Shopping Smart for Tools (43:50) Always Kee...
Nov 29, 2023•1 hr 7 min
Bob Gaito, Chief Executive Officer at Auction Central and Principal at Exit5 Auto Group, shares his unique auction and dealership experience in this week’s episode. Bob dives into how online auctions operate and the role of auctions in the automotive industry. He also discusses the different career options available for technicians in the auction world, and provides advice for shops looking to buy and sell inventory. (9:51) Layout of an Online Auction (26:02) Auction Technician Career Opportunit...
Nov 22, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Pride in your work and pride in the industry! In this week’s episode, Josh Arnold, Master Technician at Toyota & Subaru of Corvallis, radiates his contagious passion and positive attitude toward the automotive industry. Get an inside look at how to maintain a positive mindset in a challenging industry, the importance of having patience as a young technician, and the power of having a great mentor. (3:26) Negativity on Social Media (11:35) Subaru Technician Competition (31:12) Young Technicia...
Nov 15, 2023•1 hr
Veterans who have experience as military technicians offer a unique skill set that can bring significant value to shops and dealerships. In this bonus episode, we cover ways shops can recruit and retain veterans, how to evaluate appropriate pay and skill levels of techs, and offer tips for better communication with veteran techs. (5:15) Why Recruit Veterans? (11:02) Assisting with Tools (26:32) Communicating with Vets (37:34) Ways to Reach & Recruit Veterans (50:31) Financial Status Post-Ser...
Nov 10, 2023•1 hr 8 min
Culture is a big buzzword, but what does it actually mean? Dan Bredeson, Founder of Lead Front Consulting LLC and Author of the Amazon Bestseller "Seeds of Culture,” defines culture simply as, “how we do things.” In this episode, Dan breaks down all things culture, explains its historical significance, stresses the importance of building your credibility bank as a new leader, and so much more! (3:39) Dan’s Background (20:46) Summarizing Culture (27:40) New Leadership for a Failing Team (34:56) C...
Nov 08, 2023•1 hr 6 min
Shops need to be more transparent with their technicians about their financial standing, and technicians need better education on financial management and beyond. In this episode, Matt Fanslow, a Diagnostic Technician and Shop Manager at Riverside Automotive, delves into financial transparency and education, explains how positive technicians are the best salespersons for our industry, and offers guidance to technicians looking to discuss challenging topics with their managers. (2:40) Advocating ...
Nov 01, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Arvin Merino, the Service Director of Toyota of Seattle and Honda of Seattle, joins us to discuss the remarkable shop culture within their shops. Arvin explains how listening to shop staff, fostering relationships outside of the shop, and placing a stronger emphasis on staffing and selecting individuals with the right personalities have contributed to the overall growth of their shop culture. (4:29) Arvin’s Journey in Automotive (12:37) Listening & Communicating with the Team (28:09) Buildin...
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Tara Topel joins us to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Topel's Service Center, Inc.! As a Co-Owner of an independent shop and towing center, Tara brings a unique perspective to the table. During the episode, she covers ways in which shops can support schools, emphasizes the importance of encouraging youth to join the trade, and stresses the significance of taking care of your technicians—paving a brighter future for the automotive industry. (1:59) About Topel’s Service Center (16:17) Supportin...
Oct 18, 2023•1 hr 3 min
