Ratchet+Wrench Radio

When Do You Really Need to Prepare For Electric Vehicles?

When it comes to preparing for and investing in electric vehicles, are you better off jumping in or sitting back? Aaron Stokes, 20 year industry veteran and founder of Shop Fix Academy explains how he's approaching a future shift to EVs, including the metrics he's measuring in his own shops and the factors he's tracking along the way. 

How to Gain Ground With LinkedIn

You've probably heard all about the value of platforms like Facebook and Instagram when it comes to building business and making connections ... but what about LinkedIn? Desert Car Care's Frank Leutz explains how the platform's algorithm can deliver an unexpected ROI, how to access and connect with second and third-tier audiences, and how to leverage the support of key influencers in your market. 

Why Consumers Avoid Repair Shops

Matt Wojsaik, shop manager at Utires — which operates two repair locations in the Chicago area — details the results of a study that the company recently conducted. Wojsaik shares the most common reasons consumers avoid the mechanic and some solutions to solve those issues. Wojsaik also reveals the top repairs that consumers hold off on the longest along with much more from the survey. 

Your Field Guide to Hiring and Firing

Hiring and firing are actions all shop owners must maneuver, but may struggle to master. Roxi Bahar Hewertson, a consultant, business expert and author of books like "Hire Right, Fire Right: A Leader’s Guide to Finding and Keeping Your Best People," shares her tips for setting yourself and your team up for success through the hiring process, as well as how to be thorough and respectful when it's time to let somebody go.

Your Guide to Social Media Marketing Dos and Don’ts

Megan Williams, co-founder of 3P Marketing Solutions, talks with associate editor Mike Munzenrider about what makes a successful social media marketing strategy. While Williams approaches things from a collision repair perspective, listeners across the repair industry will hear some great tips for making the most of your social media efforts

Keeping Ahead of Today’s Tech Shortage

With a boost in post-COVID repair shop business, shop owners are facing fresh pressure to hire and retain talented technicians. Monthly guest and ShopFix Academy founder Aaron Stokes explains why now is the time to invest in your shop's talent before they get a better offer. 

The Making Of A Mobile Repair Business

Joel Milne, CEO of RepairSmith, joins the show. RepairSmith is a full-service mobile repair business that is rapidly expanding along the west coast. Milne shares insights on how the company is growing, where it hopes to be in the next few years, and some really great information on the little intricacies of running a mobile repair business and how it all works logistically.

How to Build Emotional Customer Connections Post-COVID

How do your customers feel about your shop? What is their emotional connection to your business and its role in their lives? And ultimately—what does that mean for your bottom line? Desert Car Care's Frank Leutz explains how shop owners can maximize their emotional impact by aligning the physical and digital customer shop experience in a post-COVID culture. 

How a Small Shop Launched Its Own 501C3

For Levon Arnold, owner of Long Arm Mechanics in Garden City, Idaho, community outreach is more than a goal. It's been built into his shop's day to day procedures through its own 501C3 program.  Tune in to learn how Arnold went about launching the program, some of the challenges faced along the way, and how the program has been incorporated into the shop's every day workflow. 

How to Time Your Next Shop Remodel

A tired, outdated operation can have a bigger impact on your shop's bottom line than you may realize.  Shop Fix Academy founder Aaron Stokes breaks down the remodel process and how shop owners can gauge if it's time for a few simple upgrades or a full refresh, as well as a few inexpensive tricks for simple maintenance that can make an impact.