Ratchet+Wrench Radio

A Look Back on Worldpac STX 2024

In this episode, we take a look back on STX 2024 starting with data and industry outlook and moving into conversations with key personnel—Bob Cushing, Shane O'Connor, Rob Morrell, and Chris Salvo. We also speak directly with auto repair shop owners, a technician, and a parts supplier about lessons learned and why they value training.

Running a Profitable, Sustainable, and Enjoyable Shop

In this episode, Maryann Croce, shop owner and founder/coach at Small Biz Vantage, talks about why shop owners can get bogged down by their businesses, what causes it, and seven leadership tips to help them get out of the rut and on top of their game.

5 Exceptional Traits of Gen Z Employees

In this episode, Sara Fraser of Haas Performance Consulting dispels myths about Gen Z workers and discusses five traits that make them among the best workers in the workforce. 

How NACAT Serves Automotive Educators

In this episode, the team at FenderBenders, a sibling publication to Ratchet+Wrench covering the collision repair sector, speaks to Drew Barnes and Heather Sebben of North American Council of Automotive Teachers. They're going to talk about what NACAT is and how it serves automotive. They’re reaching their 50th anniversary of operation and will celebrate that at their annual conference this summer.

Turning Comebacks Into Opportunities

In this episode, Kendall Warnock of A1 Automotive in Lincoln, Nebraska, talks about how auto repair shop owners can turn comebacks and upset customers into raving fans. 
He also talks about his humble beginnings growing up poor on a reservation and how that became the catalyst to how he learned to treat people and why he cares so much about his customers, team, and community. 

Meeting the Automotive Aftermarket's Most Pressing Needs

In this episode, Jay Woodall, General Manager of National Accounts Retail/Branded at Interstate and a board member of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation, discusses the AACF's efforts to support individuals facing severe financial hardship during disasters, and provides guidance on accessing the charity's assistance for yourself or your employees.

Enhance Your Service with The DVI Quadrant

In this episode, Jamie Cuthbert, founder & CEO of AutoServe 1, talks about the harmony between auto repair shops and their customers when digital vehicle inspections are done with care, intention, and good communication.

Achieving Clarity Through Failure

In this episode, Juke Ball of Juke Auto in Austin, Texas, discusses mistakes he made as a young shop owner and the resulting lessons. 
You can read the story that inspired the episode, "What You Don't Know You Don't Know" on ratchetandwrench.com.

Growing From Mistakes to Become a Better Shop Owner

In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Erich Schmidt talks about the early mistakes he made as a shop owner that have enabled him to become the conscious business owner he is today. 

How to Hire Faster (and Retain Longer)

In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Mike Allen, owner of Carfix Auto Repair & Tires with shops in the greater Raleigh, North Carolina area, talks about why he likes to hire fast (as quickly as the same day), how he does it, why it works and why his people stick around.