Ratchet+Wrench Radio
The official podcast of Ratchet+Wrench, providing strategies and inspiration for auto care success.
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Episodes
Tuesday Sep 01, 2020
Tuesday Sep 01, 2020
Her stature may be small, but her sales and service skills are mighty. Becky Merlini, service advisor of Adams Autoworx in Castro Valley, Calif., was named this year's Best Shop Worker for a reason. While she came to work for owner Bill Adams with no automotive experience whatsoever, her ability to form trust and intimacy with customers made her stand out. Listen to her backstory [1:24], what makes her stand out from the rest [4:26], and how she was dubbed the "Shop Mom" of the auto repair business [14:57].
Thursday Aug 27, 2020
Thursday Aug 27, 2020
Nearly a quarter of shop owners admit that they do not routinely track technician efficiency or productivity, according to the Ratchet+Wrench Industry Survey, two figures that are among the most important for measuring success. All too often in the industry, shops track these numbers, or KPIs in general, but have little idea how to interpret or make business decisions based off those numbers—especially when they fall short of set goals. In this episode, learn eight simple questions to ask when encountering a drop in either number.
Monday Aug 17, 2020
Monday Aug 17, 2020
Lindsay Whalen, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time WNBA champion, talks about some of the leadership principles she now utilizes as a college basketball coach at the University of Minnesota. Many of her strategies, such as identifying great assistants, offer relevant tips for business leaders like those that operate auto repair facilities.
Tuesday Aug 11, 2020
Tuesday Aug 11, 2020
This week, a major cancellation, retirement and legislation were all announced.
Monday Aug 10, 2020
Monday Aug 10, 2020
In this month's episode of From the Editors, editorial director Anna Zeck combs through the magazines' archives to find the best tips for how to overcome turnover on your team and bounce back stronger than ever. Learn more about the value of exit interviews, how to think strategically about your team, and why you need to consider your own role before starting the hiring process.
Sunday Aug 09, 2020
Sunday Aug 09, 2020
Monthly podcast guest Frank Leutz, owner of Desert Car Care in Chandler, Ariz., shares how to reinvigorate your technicians and get them back on track and loving what they do.
Monday Aug 03, 2020
Monday Aug 03, 2020
This week, we examine the HEALS Act and what OEMs are saying about government loans.
Sunday Aug 02, 2020
Sunday Aug 02, 2020
David Askwith, director of operations, Autostream Car Care in Maryland, shares how after months of struggling during COVID-19, his MSO hit its best sales day ever and is now outpacing pre-COVID pace.
Tuesday Jul 28, 2020
Tuesday Jul 28, 2020
This week, we report on trends in small businesses across the nation, SEMA news and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
Monday Jul 27, 2020
Monday Jul 27, 2020
The goal for owners Eric and Allison Smith of Cannon's Automotive Service? Keep getting better and better when it comes to leadership, marketing, and overall processes. And after taking over Allison's father's business, they joined Elite Pro Service to get an extra helping hand in the mix. On top of that, they utilized an old idea from Allison's father that has proved to be a big success. They even got on their local radio station to promote their cause [15:45-18:15]. Hear all about their growth over the past couple of years and how those on the outside and hard work helped get them to where they are now.