Ratchet+Wrench Radio

The Small Shop Success of Walker's Garage

In this episode, Bill and Kaylin Walker of Walker's Garage in Brewer, Maine, discuss how they got their shop up and running. Bill had been a solo operator—wearing all of the hats most of the way—until Kaylin joined him in the front of the shop. They market like a big shop and now they're readying for expansion. Here's their story.

Staying One Step Ahead of the Market

In this episode, Travis Comfort, vice president of Rick's Automotive in Springfield, Missouri, talks about the innovative mind of owner Rick Hughlett, working on fleet accounts, and their modern shop complete with an employee gym.

Getting a Direct Hit with Direct Mail

In this episode, Carrie-Lynn Rodenberg of Turnkey Marking talks about direct mail marketing and how auto repair shops can get the most out of it. We also discuss how to create your messaging, target your audience, measure results and how to fit it into your digital marketing mix.

Talking Shop: Tech One Automotive

In this episode, Daniel Wisian of Tech One Automotive in Austin, Texas, talks about what's new at his shop and walks us through his processes as a shop owner. He talks about his hiring and retention practices, expanding his shop, how he budgets for marketing, and collaborating with Tesla early on.
Wisian's shop was featured in the March 2023 issue of Ratchet+Wrench.

2023 Wrap Up & Announcements

In this episode, Ratchet+Wrench Radio host Chris Jones reviews some of his favorite episodes of the year and talks about changes to the podcast for 2024.
Sponsord by Ford Motorcraft

How I Built a Massive Social Media Following for My Shop | Chris Enright

In this episode, Chris Enright of Enright Automotive talks about how he amassed a huge following on social media. To date, he has 53,000 YouTube subscribers, 30,000 TikTok subscribers, 45,000 Instagram followers and his Instagram Reels have over 50 million views.
Chris talks about how he did it and how you can find your brand voice on social media and get noticed.
 
Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft

How to Create a Learning Environment within the Shop | Jeff Furrow

In this episode, Jeff Furrow of Wellsboro Automotive talks about being a relational leader and how that translates into creating an environment where his technicians can learn, grow, and in turn train their fellow techs. He also discusses his apprentice program and how he finds students.
Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft

Not Your Everyday Auto Repair Shop | Mike & Susan Henn

In this episode, Mike and Susan Henn of Henn Automotive talk about their southern North Carolina shop. Mike talks about getting rejected by the bank for a loan, building his shop with his own hands, how he trains his technicians, and why they stay for the long haul (most have been with the shop for over a decade). Susan discusses managing the front end, why providing full benefits matters and her role in creating the environment of the shop.
Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft.

Believe in Yourself and Stay the Course | Rachel Spencer

In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Rachel Spencer of Spencer's Auto Repair shares her journey through shop ownership and how she overcame challenges personally and professionally to become the empathetic and strong leader she is today. 
 
Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft

Growing Oceanside Auto and Managing Gen Z Technicians | Daniel Stewart

In this episode, Daniel Stewart, service manager at Oceanside Auto in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, talks about his shop, its future goals, its culture and how he gets the best from his Gen Z technicians. 
Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft