Ratchet+Wrench Radio

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. 

The Changing Landscape of Online Reviews

Nearly a year after COVID-19 first began making headlines, the virus continues to impact the way most small businesses operate. With more customer interaction happening online than ever before, the pandemic has also left its mark on the way customers write and search through online reviews.  But what exactly has shifted in the digital review landscape and why? Brett Steele, director of auto services for Podium, breaks down the trends business owners should keep on their radar.

The Power of Keeping Good Company

After a year filled with ups and downs, it may be hard to find the energy to kickstart those goals and plans for the new year ahead.  For Aaron Stokes, founder of Shop Fix Academy, finding fresh motivation is all about surrounding yourself with the people, resources and environments that inspire you.  Stokes talks tips in spotting the factors that may be draining your motivation, tapping networks that will offer fresh perspectives, the resources that can fill you with new energy and the reason for finding and leaning into the unique combination that works best for you in today's episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio. 

How to Move Forward from Tough Times

This week's episode is part two of our conversation with Dynamic Automotive CEO Dwayne Myers. If you missed part one, don't worry, we recap the highlights, but you can also listen to it at ratchetandwrench.com/podcasts. This episode picks up after the financial crisis of 2007 and Dynamic's issues with their new larger bank. Learn how partners Dwayne, Lee and Jose picked up the pieces, fought back and ultimately pulled themselves out of debt, going on to create a world-class, industry-leading shop operation.

How to Tackle Year-end Planning—And Stick With It

Year-end planning. It may not be fun but it is a critical process to master when it comes to a shop's ultimate success. From setting net pay to renegotiating your shop's lease to understanding the ROI of your shop's marketing efforts, monthly podcast guest Frank Leutz, owner of Desert Car Care in Chandler, Ariz., breaks down how to manage the weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual planning steps shop owners can take to stay on top of year-end planning and keep up with it all year long.