Ratchet+Wrench Radio

Innovate: Tips for Creating a Podcast

Monthly guest Frank Leutz, a podcast guru, shares how to make your own podcast.  1:00: Introduction  5:15: Why you should have a podcast  7:30: Business plan for your podcast  11:30 Format and structure of the podcast 12:30 Podcast logo  14:00 Getting ideas for content   22:30: Recording, broadcasting and editing  27:30: Grow your audience  32:30: Podcast payoff  38:00: Wrap-up 

From The Editors: The New Golden Rule of Leadership

In the inaugural episode of From the Editors, vice president of content Bryce Evans and editorial director Anna Zeck break down the biggest stories in the February issue of Ratchet+Wrench.   First, the two discuss the shift in leadership styles over the years (anyone remember lots of yelling from their high school coaches?), why it’s important to serve your teams, and how to put each team member in the best position to succeed (2:22). Next, learn exactly how to implement “the new golden rule of leadership,” which involves leading employees how they need to be led (6:30). To round out the issue, find out columnist Aaron Stokes’ tips for getting out of a rut and how to stay motivated when the best direction to take is unclear (10:20).   And finally, get a behind-the-scenes look at Ratchet+Wrench’s latest launch, the ADAPT: Automotive Technology Summit, happening May 31-June 2 in Nashville (12:15).   

How I Did It: Attracted the Next Generation

Casey Welch, CEO and co-founder of Tallo, a hiring platform, shares how shop owners can attract Generation Z and how they're different from Millennials.  2:00 minute mark: Who Gen Z is 3:00 minute mark: How Gen Z differs from Millennials  6:00 minute mark: Gen Z's similarities to the Baby Boomers  7:30 minute mark: How to attract these job candidates  11:00 minute mark: What Gen Z is looking for in an employer     

How I Did It: Hired Outside My Comfort Zone

Grote Industries was recently highlighted by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb for its partnership with Ivy Tech Community College and the Indiana Department of Correction. Through the program, Grote provides workplace experience and training, as well as opportunities for permanent employment to women returning to the workforce.  Andrew Garrett, human resources officer at Grote, discusses the benefits to the program and why automotive repair shop owners should consider getting involved in something similar.

Lead: The KPI You Should be Tracking

Monthly guest Aaron Stokes shares his pick for the KPI you should be tracking (but probably aren't) and how to go about improving it. 

Grow: Expand Your Marketing Tactics

This week on Ratchet+Wrench Radio, we talk with two marketing experts from Podium on how to up your game in the marketing playing field.

Innovate: Master Publicity

Publicity is a great way to reach customers, but not every shop owner is trained for it. Frank Leutz, owner of Desert Car Care of Chandler, and co-host Susie Wong, discuss the dos and don’ts of a press release, how to attract the media and how to prepare for a TV appearance.   Hear more from Frank at http://bit.ly/WrenchNation

Lead: Dealing with a Toxic Employee

Aaron Stokes shares how negative staff members can disrupt the entire business, how to prevent it from happening and how to know when enough is enough.

How I Did It: Creating a Solution to a Problem

Tom Burden, founder of Grypmat, shares the inspiration behind his tool tray, which was named one of Time's Best Inventions of 2018, and his advice on finding your inner problem-solver. 

Innovate: Create a Marketing Calendar

Frank Leutz and co-hose Susie Wong break down their marketing calendar and provide tips so others can create their own for the upcoming year.