Leadership Is the Problem...And the Solution

In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Chris Craig returns to Repair Shop Reckoning to tear the lid off the real issue plaguing the automotive industry: Toxic Leadership!

From the dealership drama to independent shop dynamics, Chris and Kevin dive deep into the culture clashes, ego-driven managers, and leadership failures that fuel technician burnout, broken systems, and the ongoing skilled labor crisis. They don’t hold back.

You’ll hear stories from both sides of the shop advisor and tech, flat rate and hourly, indie and dealer. Chris shares what really happens behind closed doors in dealerships, from dummy appointments to sabotage between techs and service writers. Kevin brings the independent world perspective, showing how leadership can build culture, empower teams, and create profitable, drama-free shops if done right.

They dig into:
-The ego epidemic in management
-How poor leadership ruins flat rate systems
-Real solutions to increase efficiency without killing morale
-Why technicians and advisors are fighting each other (when they should be partners)
-The power of AI to save time and build trust
-Why culture starts at the top and the hard truth most owners avoid
-And a mic-drop moment on how keeping a toxic high performer can silently destroy your entire shop

This episode isn’t just a rant. It’s a roadmap for what great leadership actually looks like in the shop. If you care about retention, culture, and real shop success, this one’s a must-listen. Time to stop blaming flat rate and start looking in the mirror.