Ratchet+Wrench Radio

Old School, New Speed: Why Two-Way Radios Still Belong in the Modern Auto Repair Shop

Cell phones, texts, shop software—auto repair shops have no shortage of ways to communicate. But are they actually slowing you down? In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, two-way radio expert Stew McClintic talks about why “push-to-talk” technology is still one of the fastest, simplest tools shops can use to improve workflow.

From First Visit to Forever Customer

Customer retention doesn’t happen by accident. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, business consultant John Waters explains why trust is the real currency of the auto repair industry—and how shop owners can create exceptional experiences that keep customers coming back and referring others.

Fearless to Courageous

He built 14 stores. Then he sold 10 of them—one by one—during one of the toughest economic downturns in modern history.
In Fearless to Courageous, James Baxter reveals the sleepless nights, payroll fears, and hard leadership decisions that reshaped his company—and why focusing on four strong stores made him more profitable than ever before.
If you’re an entrepreneur navigating growth, succession, or tough calls about the future of your business, this episode delivers real-world insight on vision, culture, and the courage it takes to right the ship.
 

Shifting the Industry: Inside Tektonic 2026 with Sunil Patel

Seventy-five breakout sessions. Role-based tracks for owners, advisors, and technicians. Big-name keynotes. A coaching debate on one stage. Dedicated technical training on EV service, ADAS calibration, direct injection systems, and new refrigerants.
Tektonic 2026 isn’t about theory—it’s about results.
In this conversation, Tekmetric owner Sunil Patel explains why hard work isn’t enough, why systems win, and why Houston in April could be the reset button ambitious shop owners have been looking for.

From Shop Floor to Scale: Brian Bates on Leading Straightaway Tire Into Its Next Chapter

What happens when a lifelong shop owner steps into the COO role of a fast-growing national platform? In this episode, Brian Bates breaks down the walls shop owners hit when scaling, how to balance culture with growth, and why leadership—not capital alone—will determine who wins the next decade in the aftermarket.

Margin Under Pressure: How Surcharging Helps Shops Fight Rising Costs

Tariffs, inflation, and rising labor costs are putting real pressure on shop margins right now—and I know a lot of shop owners are asking how to recover those costs without upsetting customers. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, I sit down with payments expert Randy Motos to break down surcharging: what it is, how it works, what the compliance rules really are, and why “freedom of choice” at checkout is becoming a go-to strategy for shops looking to offset credit card fees while protecting customer trust.

Skating to Where the Puck Is Going: Why the Aftermarket’s Future Depends on Education and Leadership

Recorded live from the AAPEX show floor, Northwood University president Kent MacDonald sits down with editorial director Chris Jones to discuss what Wayne Gretzky’s famous advice means for the automotive aftermarket—and why leadership, entrepreneurship, and education have never mattered more.

Beyond the Bays: Why Shop Owners Must Understand Their Numbers to Protect Profits

Full bays don’t always mean healthy profits. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, host Christine Schaffran sits down with Hunt Demarest, CPA, partner at Paar, Melis & Associates, and author of Beyond the Bays, to unpack why so many shop owners feel busy but broke—and what they can do about it. From cash vs. profit confusion to overlooked financial fundamentals, Hunt explains how better understanding your numbers can change the trajectory of your business.

What 2025 Taught Us About the Aftermarket—And What Comes Next

What really drove aftermarket performance in 2025—and what signals should shop owners be paying attention to now? In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Auto Care Association senior director of market intelligence Mike Chung breaks down the data behind tariffs, inflation, supply chain shifts, and changing consumer purchasing habits. From parts buying to tire trends, Mike explains what the numbers reveal—and how they point to what’s coming in 2026.

Fight Forward

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your goals—but how you’re framing them?
On this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Chris Messer, vice president of transportation at Endeavor Business Media, sits down with Mike Jones, president of Discover Leadership, alongside editorial director Chris Jones for a powerful conversation on fighting forward. From personal growth to shop performance, they unpack why focusing on what you want—rather than what you’re trying to avoid—can change your results, your culture, and your leadership impact.
If you want a mindset shift that leads to real, lasting change, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.