Ratchet+Wrench Radio

Nonprofit Auto Repair: From Social Worker to Shop Owner (w/ Kathy Heying)

In this episode, Cathy Heying, founder of The Lift Garage in Minneapolis, Minnesota, visits Ratchet+Wrench Radio to talk about the inner workings of nonprofit auto repair shops. Heying, who was once a social worker, made a career change at 38 in order to help more people in real time. Here's what we discussed: Her time as a social worker When she became an auto technician The founding of The Lift Garage How the nonprofit operates How she helps customers understand car care How her techs are compensated Partnering with outside independent auto repair shops to service her customers The challenges of her work that differ from what other shop owners face.  

Talking Shop with Jeff Beck of Beck’s Garage

In this episode, Jeff Beck, owner of Beck's Garage in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, joins Chris Jones to talk about how he got started in automotive, the creation of his shop, his affinity for Route 66-style Americana antique decor, show he trains his team and his love for repairing classic cars. 

Podcast: Mango Automotive’s National Growth Plan (w/ Jesse Jackson)

In this episode, Jesse Jackson, owner of Mango Automotive, talks about her drive to make her brand of auto repair shops a national name. She shares how she got into the auto care industry, getting into her first shop, how she skillfully acquires new shops, her onboarding process and the timeline for full national coverage.

Podcast: Providing Modern Tools for Today’s Automotive Students (w/ Suresh Krishna)

In this episode, Suresh Krishna, CEO of Northern Tool+Equipment stops by Ratchet+Wrench Radio to discuss his company's latest role in helping high school automotive programs. Through Tools for the Trades, students get to use professional-grade tools found in auto repair shops to learn about the industry and work on vehicles. Suresh also discusses Northern Tool+Equipment's partner in the program, NASCAR legend Richard Petty and how he got involved with the program.

Podcast: Stellantis Shows Its Hand and Other Right to Repair Updates (w/ Bob Redding)

In this episode, ASA Washington, D.C. representative Bob Redding visits Ratchet+Wrench Radio to talk about a variety of Right to Repair topics. We discuss: Stellantis and its new business focused on monetizing consumer vehicle data. What's going on behind the scenes in Washington, D.C., with Right to Repair advocates and OEs. What the automotive aftermarket can do right now to show its support. Why 2023 is a pivotal year for Right to Repair legislation. What the automotive aftermarket can learn from the Farm Bureau-John Deere memorandum of understanding in agricultural Right to Repair. What's next for Maine's Right to Repair advocates now that the signature threshold has been met.  

Podcast: Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference Announcement

If you attended the 2022 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference, you were treated to a Texas-sized conference in downtown Arlington, Texas with over 30 sessions, top-flight presenters and many networking opportunities.   This year, the Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference is in Aurora, Colorado, from September 21-23, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency Aurora Conference Center. And much like conferences in the past, here's what you can expect from the 2023 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference: Three days of learning from industry experts and peers Over 30 strategy sessions focused on improving your business Dedicated networking to build high-value connections Unlimited opportunities for personal growth Registration is now open, AND we're holding a call for speakers this year. This means you or someone you know and admire can be recommended to speak at the 2023 conference.  We want fresh faces, new ideas and topics that matter to you right now and in the future.  Deadline to submit or nominate: MARCH 1. The online form is open to shop owners, vendors, and other stakeholders to nominate speakers, suggest session topics, and guide the direction of the 2023 event. Click here to view the submission form and nominate a speaker or suggest a session topic. Click here to register as an attendee for the 2023 conference. 

How to Recession-Proof Your Shop (with Brad Fink)

In this episode, Brad Fink of Christian Brothers Automotive talks about how shops can weather a potential recession. He shares his experiences as a shop owner and as a leader within the franchise on how he's approached economic tightening through conservative business practices while continuing to give to customers and the community.

How to Approach Electrification (with Chris Salvo)

In this episode, Chris Salvo of Electrified Garage talks about how shops should ready themselves for electrification. He shares insights from his career working with Tesla and offers ways shop owners can start getting their technicians up to speed on understanding EV parts and maintenance.

What Techs Want in a Shop (w/ Jimmy Alauria)

This week, we talked to Jimmy Alauria, president and shop owner of 3A Automotive Service and co-founder and CEO of Victory Teambuilding Group. He discusses the findings of a survey he created that polled technicians about what they really want from an auto repair shop. 

Write Ads That Make Technicians Respond (with Chris Lawson)

In this episode, Chris Lawson of Technician Find, an agency that helps independent auto repair shops find qualified technicians through digital ad campaigns, joins us to talk about his company. We discuss why shops need to change their hiring narrative, ways to write effective job ads, and how Technician Find's clients have made the service work for their shops.