Ratchet+Wrench Radio

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

Talking Shop: Dave’s Pro Auto Service | Stephannie Maneval

In this episode, Stephannie Maneval, owner of Dave's Pro Auto Service in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, talks about her rise from service advisor to shop owner and takes us through her shop and what she loves about being an owner.
 
Sponsored by FordMotorcraft

How to Vet, Hire and Retain Your Technicians | Doug Grills

In this episode, Doug Grills, owner of AutoStream Care Care Center with multiple locations across Maryland, talks about vetting, hiring and training technicians. Today, he's going to share his processes from:
Creating goal posters with his team to cast a vision
Why 1-on-1 meetings matter in retaining technicians
The need for good communication
Why training inspires technicians to stay
How his shop vets potential new hires
The advantage of providing benefits and incentives
He'll also provide advice for small shops on how to make the right first hires.
 
Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft

Knowing How Your Techs Learn to Leads to Better Performance | Dave Boyes & Ron Shanas

In this episode, Dave Boyes and Ron Shanas of Today's Class talk about how shop owners can better coach their teams by understanding how their team members learn and process the knowledge they gain from educational sessions.
 
Sponsored by Ford Motorcraft