Ratchet+Wrench Radio

The Next Generation of Shop Leaders

Today I'm joined by Andrew Marcott, the general manager of American Pride Automotive. He's among the next generation of shop leaders.   We talked about: His work at American Pride Automotive. What the Biden Administration's commitment to EVs means for shop owners and technicians. Young technicians as digital natives and the advantages of that. Becoming an early adapter to change and technologies the auto industry. Why shops need to embrace the digital age and how younger customers engage. Bridging shop and community. What barriers to entry young millennial/Gen Z shop owners face. Why now is a good time to be in the auto service industry.

How an EV Repair Program is Succeeding at a Maine College

Today, we're going to learn about Southern Maine Community College, which has launched an EV repair program giving technicians hands-on experience working with and repairing electric vehicles.   We talk to Ruth Morrison, director of the auto department at SMCC. She joins the show today to share how the program came about and why having something like it is so important for the health of the aftermarket.

Employee Retention Begins with Culture

Rajeev Kapur, author and CEO of 1105 Media, joins Ratchet+Wrench Radio to talk about how businesses need to evolve to meet the demands of the new workforce. Kapur explains actionable ways for leaders to ensure that the employment they provide is more than just a paycheck. His new book is called Chase Greatness: Enlightened Leadership for the Next Generation of Disruption.

Exit Strategies and Succession Planning

Staff writer Paul Hodowanic chats with Ratchet+Wrench columnist and industry coach Joe Marconi about the recent sale of his business. Marconi opens up about the evolving nature of his exit plan and discusses every angle of how to go about it whether you're selling to an outside buyer or passing it down to a longtime employee or family member.  Whether you've owned your shop for one year or 50 years, Marconi says every business needs an exit strategy and he shares tips on how to create one. 

Understanding EV Fire Risks

Digital Multimedia Editor Noah Brown is joined by AutoinsuranceEZ's Laura Adams to discuss the organization's latest finding that EVs are less likely to catch on fire than ICEs or hybrids.  Brown and Adams also discuss why shops should still maintain a safe work space that can lower the chance of fires. 

Jiffy Lube Rolls Out EV Services

Back in September, Jiffy Lube launched a pilot program testing a complete service package for electric vehicles. Jiffy Lube President Edward Hymes and Marketing Director Sara Smith join the show to talk about the success of the program over the last few months and how they see themselves fitting into an electric-focused future.

The Keys to Confronting Conflict

Scared to let someone go or confront a so-called "cancer" in your shop? In this week's Ratchet+Wrench Radio episode, columnist Aaron Stokes walks through his process for documenting misbehavior and, if necessary, letting that team member go successfully.

Sponsored Podcast: The Future of Parts Ordering

Join AutoZone's Tim Hecklinski as he discusses the past, present, and future of ordering parts online. For more information, please visit autozonepro.com.

How to Woo Customers, Protect Your Business and Nail New Hires

This week's episode contains snippets of some of our best and most listened to interviews of the year.  First up, editorial director Anna Zeck chats with Dynamic Automotive's Dwayne Myers to learn how shops can approach the sensitive topic of price and avoid making customers feel vulnerable, overwhelmed, or taken advantage of.  Then, William Ferreira, a go-to repair defense specialist, explains how to bridge the gap and build an attorney relationship that's well worth the investment.  Finally, columnist and Shop Fix Academy founder Aaron Stokes discusses hiring tips to take into the new year and why you might be holding your hiring potential back. 

The Struggles that Shop Owners Face

Staff Writer Paul Hodowanic chats with body shop owner Louie Sharp about his battles with PTSD and childhood trauma as the two embark on a larger discussion about mental health among shop owners. Thought to be one of the most stressful last two years for business owners in modern history, the discussion yields plenty of strategies shop owners can use in their own lives to ensure their mental health is strong.