Ratchet+Wrench Radio

A Beginner’s Guide to Geofencing

What exactly is geofencing? How does it work and why is it such a powerful marketing tool? Megan Williams, co-founder of 3P Marketing Solutions, a digital marketing company, breaks down the details of this powerful marketing tool and explains how shop owners can add the resource to their marketing efforts. 

Unlock the Power of the Working Interview

Working interviews can help you find your best new hire, but there are some caveats to keep in mind in order to make the most of the process. Greg Bunch, owner of Aspen Auto Clinic, founder of the Transformers Institute, and winner of this year's Best Workplaces, shares a few key tips his team has learned through the years when it comes to holding working interviews. 

How Thinking Small Can Boost Shop Efficiency

Plenty of shop owners in a hurry to expand their operations, but advantages of running a small operation are often overlooked.  This week, as the owner of his own small shop, Aaron Stokes highlights the hidden perks of running a small shop and how "thinking small" can help boost efficiency for shops of all sizes. 

The Importance of Creating a Retirement Plan

In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Greg Skolnik, industry coach and owner of Motor Works auto repair in Rockville, Md., speaks to the importance of setting up a retirement account for employees. Skolnik dives into the competitive advantage it offers the company and why he sees it as an essential business practice moving forward. 

Training Is Essential

In this special promotion from BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY, John Burkhauser surveys the contemporary training landscape and provides insight as to why you should train everyone on your staff (even if they leave).  John ‘JB’ Burkhauser is an Auto Repair Specialist with over 35 years of experience, from A-Level and ASE Certified Master Technician, Shop Foreman, Advisor and Shop Manager, to Automotive Trade School Instructor and Technical Writer. He currently serves as the Director of Education at BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY, where he coaches independent and franchise repair facilities on how to grow their business through best practices and everyday technology, resulting in increased car count, repair order revenue, and customer trust. JB is also a highly sought after industry thought leader who has been published in both the US and Europe.

Overcome Gatekeepers to Reach Decision-Makers

In a world that can be filled with rejection, how can you break past the internal gatekeepers that can block your path to potentially powerful business partnerships? From email introductions to cold call policies and the power of spearheading your own media production, Frank Leutz, owner of Desert Car Care in Chandler, Ariz., has a few strong ideas. 

Tax Updates From the Pros

From the latest round of PPP to employee retention credits, Eric Joern, a James Hamlin & Co. accountant with a focus on the automotive industry talks through the latest legislative updates shop owners should keep top of mind as they prepare their 2020 tax filing.

How to Make the Most of a Slow Season

Some months are bound to be busier than others, but a slow period doesn't have to be a total loss.  Rather than ride out a historically slow time of the year, Shop Fix Academy founder Aaron Stokes explains why now is the time to grow the business by fine-tuning your operations in preparation for busier days ahead. 

A Helping Hand

Jeff Baker, owner of Local Wrench in Belfair, Wash., shares how his local auto repair shop has extended a helping hand during the COVID-19 pandemic. From hosting field trips for the local youth to running fun social media contests, Baker has kept his community top of mind. Baker shares his story and how he hopes it can influence others to do the same. 

Electric Vehicles: Major Disruption or Major Opportunity?

From the Biden administration's plans for a zero-emissions federal fleet to General Motors' move to sell only zero-emission vehicles by 2035, the future is looking electric. But what could a future filled with EVs mean for the general repair industry? In the latest episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Frank Leutz, owner of Desert Car Care in Chandler, Ariz., discusses what the transition could include and some of the changes shop owners should keep on their radar as they plan for the future.