Ratchet+Wrench Radio

Mind Your Business

At SEMA in Las Vegas, Chris Messer and Mike Jones dive into why your mindset—not your skill set—determines the trajectory of your business. From the power of surrounding yourself with the right people to embracing change in a fast-moving industry, this episode challenges shop owners and leaders to elevate their awareness, rethink their environment, and commit to becoming an even better version of themselves. If you want to shift from fixed to growth mindset—and inspire your team to do the same—this conversation is your starting point.

The Power of Support: Building Strong Connections for Mental Health in the Automotive Industry

Long hours, physical strain, financial stress, and the weight of customer expectations—life in the automotive industry can take a toll. But you don’t have to face it alone. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Margaret Light, a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in supporting automotive professionals explores the critical role of healthy support systems, how to build them, and why vulnerability, connection, and communication are key to resilience both in and out of the shop.

Smart Giving, Bigger Savings: A Guide to Year-End Charitable Strategies for Shop Owners

As the year winds down, charitable giving becomes more than a goodwill gesture—it can be a powerful tax-saving strategy for shop owners. CPA and automotive financial advisor Nick Papakyrikos returns to Ratchet+Wrench Radio to explain how to make donations the smart way, from gifting appreciated stock to using donor-advised funds, navigating upcoming 2026 rule changes, and choosing the right timing based on your shop’s financial performance. If you want your generosity to work harder for both your business and your community, you won’t want to miss this discussion.

Big Thanks, Small Budget: Smart Ways to Show Employee Appreciation

You don’t need lavish parties or big bonuses to make your team feel valued. In this episode, small business expert Nick Papakryikos talks about meaningful, budget-friendly ways to show appreciation during the holiday season. From catered lunches and “12 Days of Appreciation” countdowns to handwritten notes and extra paid time off, learn how small, sincere gestures can boost morale, strengthen loyalty, and help your business start the new year on the right foot. To learn more, visit Nick Papakyrikos' website. 

Trust in the Bay: How Educating Customers Builds Lasting Loyalty

When it comes to auto repair, trust is everything. In this episode, shop owner Gary Hinendes of Gary’s Automotive Repair shares how taking time to educate customers—especially those who feel intimidated walking into a shop—can transform fear into confidence and first-time visitors into lifelong clients. From listening more than talking to training his team on empathy and transparency, Gary reveals why putting people before profits is the smartest business strategy a shop can make.

Focus on the Outcome

In this fifth episode of our Endeavor to Discover series, Endeavor B2B’s Chris Messer, Executive Vice President of the Transportation Group, sits down with Mike Jones, President and CEO of Discover Leadership, and Randy O’Connor, President of D2D Development — also known as the Chief Outcome Officer.
Together, they explore what it means to focus on the outcome — how defining a shared vision, owning your commitments, and celebrating progress can transform your business, your leadership, and your life.

The Art of Aging Gracefully: Servicing Older Vehicles

As drivers hold onto their vehicles longer than ever, service complexity continues to rise. In this episode, GM’s Aaron Charbonneau, Director of Dealer Service and Warranty Operations, and Patrick Meissner, Director of Strategic Service Initiatives and Accessories, discuss how technicians and shop owners navigate the growing mix of old and new technologies. From training and parts availability to customer trust and predictive maintenance, they share insights into what it takes to deliver a seamless service experience—no matter the model year.

The Dynamic Story of Dwayne Myers

Today, we’re talking with Dwayne Myers, CEO and co-founder of Dynamic Automotive — recently named America’s Top Small Business of 2025 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
What started as a one-location repair shop in Frederick County, Maryland, has grown into seven thriving locations, nearly 60 employees, and more than 1,300 five-star reviews — all built on the belief that customers should be treated like family and employees like owners.
We’ll talk with Dwayne about the company’s journey, its people-first culture, and what it takes to build a business that truly endures.

Women in Auto Care at AAPEX 2025: Inspiration, Awards, and Opportunity

We’re shining a spotlight on an exciting part of the automotive industry — the women who are driving innovation, leadership, and change in the aftermarket.
Joining us is Missy Stephens, Community Engagement Manager for Women in Auto Care, a community of the Auto Care Association. We’ll be talking about their upcoming events at AAPEX 2025 in Las Vegas, including the Women in Auto Care Breakfast and Awards Ceremony, where outstanding women and allies in the industry will be recognized, and the casual evening reception where connections are made and community grows.
If you want to learn more about how women are shaping the future of the aftermarket — and how you can be part of it — you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Gearing Up for SEMA with Tom Gattuso

The countdown is on for one of the biggest events in the automotive world—the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. This year, the energy doesn’t stop at the convention floor. Outside, the roar of engines, the smell of burning rubber, and the adrenaline of live motorsports will take center stage as OPTIMA powers the weeklong OPTIMA Unleashed experience—capped off with SEMA Fest, the ultimate celebration of car culture.
I’m joined by Tom Gattuso, Vice President of Events for the Specialty Equipment Market Association. Tom has been shaping automotive events for more than two decades, and he’s here to give us an inside look at what’s new, what’s exciting, and how SEMA continues to push the limits of innovation, performance, and connection across the industry.
So buckle up—we’re diving into what makes this year’s SEMA Show a full-throttle experience from start to finish!