Ratchet+Wrench Radio

How Sunil Patel Built Tekmetric

In this episode, I talk to Sunil Patel, founder of Tekmetric, one of the industry's leading shop software platforms. We dive into his back story as a shop owner and what led to the creation of Tekmetric. We also take a peek under the hood of the software and discuss why shop owners need to find a shop management platform if they want to build to scale.

Growing Through Car Count (w/ Aaron Stokes)

Are you ready for Stokes Second Tuesday? I'm sitting down with Ratchet+Wrench columnist and founder of Shop Fix Academy Aaron Stokes to talk about how to grow your business through car count. If that sounds familiar, his March column bore the same name and we're going to be unpacking all of the concepts within the column to give you a fuller picture.

Increase Your Productivity by Saying ’No’

My guest today is Michael Tougias, author of the book, "No Will Set You Free." He's going to talk about why have a hard time saying no---especially at work---and how using this simple word can help managers and employees reclaim time and boost productivity without feeling like jerk.

Best Workplaces 2022: Silver Lake Auto and Tire Centers

On this week's episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Paul Hodowonik talks to Dan Garlock and Matt Oldenburg of Silver Lake Auto and Tire Centers and our winner of the large shop best workplaces.

2022 Best Workplaces: 59 Auto Repair

On this week's episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Paul Hodowonik talks to Richard Brauer, co-owner of 59 Auto Repair and our winner of the medium shop best workplaces.

2022 Best Workplaces: Quality Automotive Servicing

On this week's episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Paul Hodowonik talks to Bill Greeno, co-owner of Quality Automotive Servicing and our winner of the small shop best workplaces.

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.