Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

In this episode, Matt Fanslow reflects on the recent passings of two cultural icons—Ozzy Osbourne and Hulk Hogan—and draws parallels between their careers and the automotive aftermarket industry. Both figures revolutionized their respective fields (music and professional wrestling) through innovation, perseverance, and an unparalleled connection with their audiences. Matt explores what we can learn from their legacies, including the importance of passion, reinvention, and recognizing opportunities outside our comfort zones.

Key Discussion Points

1. Ozzy Osbourne: The Accidental Pioneer of Heavy Metal

• Ozzy’s final performance at the Power Trip festival, where he performed in immense pain, skipping pain meds to stay present.
• How Black Sabbath (with guitarist Tony Iommi) accidentally created metal by downtuning guitars after a workplace injury.
• The importance of appreciating contributions even if you’re not a die-hard fan.
• The value of knowing how you’ve impacted others (like Ozzy hearing tributes before his passing).

2. Hulk Hogan: The Man Who Made Wrestling Mainstream

• Hogan’s physical sacrifices (spinal damage from his signature leg drop) and how wrestling is a work but not fake.
• His ability to connect with audiences in ways no wrestler had before—comparable to Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock.
• How Hogan’s heel turn (becoming a villain with the NWO) revitalized wrestling during a slump.
• The role of timing, charisma, and reinvention in long-term success.

3. Lessons for the Automotive Aftermarket

• Passion & Perseverance: Like Ozzy and Hogan, success in the aftermarket requires dedication and pushing through challenges.
• Reinvention: Hogan’s shift from hero to villain kept him relevant—how can shops adapt to stay ahead?
• Breaking Out of Comfort Zones: Both Ozzy and Hogan expanded beyond their core careers (reality TV, movies). How can shops engage in community work, sponsorships, or other visibility-boosting activities?
• Continuous Improvement: Getting 1% better every day compounds into major growth over time.

4. Personal Reflections & Industry Parallels

• Matt’s admiration for educators like Paul Danner, who revolutionized training accessibility.
• The importance of finding the right shop culture for growth (just as Hogan thrived under Vince McMahon’s WWE expansion).
• Why awareness of opportunities—both inside and outside the industry—is crucial.

Notable Quotes

• "Ozzy and Hogan didn’t just succeed in their fields—they redefined them. That’s the kind of impact we should strive for in the aftermarket."
• "Wrestling isn’t fake; it’s a performance with real consequences. Same goes for our work—every repair matters."
• "If you improve by just 0.33% every day, you’ll be 100% better in a year. Small steps lead to big changes."

While Ozzy and Hogan came from entirely different worlds, their stories remind us that innovation, adaptability, and connection are universal keys to success. Whether you’re a technician, shop owner, or industry educator, there’s always room to grow—and maybe even revolutionize your corner of the aftermarket.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.

Contact Information

• Email Matt:

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

You know that feeling when summer’s barely over, kids are back in school, and suddenly you’re staring down September, wondering what the heck to post on social media? Yeah, that’s where this episode comes in. Brian is back with Caroline Legrand for their monthly marketing prep session, your go-to podcast for staying ahead with smart, simple ideas that actually matter.

They’re covering everything from prepping your fall events, tying in national awareness months (like National Preparedness Month), and even having some fun with off-the-wall days like “Talk Like a Pirate Day” and “Bald is Beautiful.” But it’s not just fluff, this episode is packed with real ways to build trust, showcase your shop’s personality, and create content that positions your brand as the go-to in your community.

Whether it’s using DVI photos the right way, setting up educational posts, or just being more intentional with your calendar, this episode is all about showing up prepared before your slow season hits.

This episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. Shop Management software that works the way you need it to right out of the box.

Want to revolutionize your marketing? AppFueled does it all email, text, app notifications, and even call center integration. Stop guessing and start connecting with AppFueled.com

Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)

Preparing for August’s Marketing

Days of the Year

National Calendar

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgement (00:00:10): Brian introduces the episode, guest Caroline, and thanks the sponsor. Sets up the September marketing theme.
• Overview of September Marketing and Industry Events (00:01:09): Discussion about September being packed with causes and events, and how shops can leverage industry events and conferences.
• Smoothing Out Workload for the Holidays (00:03:59): Advice on scheduling regular clients during slower holiday months to balance shop workload.
• Monthly Themes: Save Your Photos & National Preparedness Month (00:05:44): Encouragement to take and use shop photos, and tie in National Preparedness Month with vehicle safety and maintenance.
• Preparedness Content and Giveaways (00:07:20): Ideas for preparedness videos, EDC (Everyday Carry) for vehicles, and preparedness kit giveaways.
• Community Sponsorships: Little League & Baby Safety (00:11:23): Promoting shop involvement in Little League sponsorships and baby safety events, including car seat checks.
• Read a New Book Month (00:13:20): Encouraging team reading and sharing book recommendations as part of shop culture.
• Weekly Themes: Child Passenger Safety & Compassionate Leadership (00:13:37): Highlighting Child Passenger Safety Week and Compassionate Leadership Week, and their relevance to shop training and culture.
• Other September Weeks: Fall Foliage, Security Officer, Truck Driver Appreciation (00:15:30): Ideas for pre-trip checks, security officer discounts, and truck driver/fleet customer appreciation.
• Fun September Days: Beards, Bacon, Labor Day, Pizza, Beer (00:18:09): Creative content ideas for World Beard Day, International Bacon Day,...

This episode dives into the real challenges of technician retention and why it’s time to rebrand automotive careers, moving beyond the outdated terms “mechanic” or “technician” to embrace the title of “specialist.” Craig Noel unpacks the urgent need to move away from traditional flat rate pay systems and toward compensation models that prioritize fair pay, financial security, and work-life balance. He also shares his own innovative pay structure designed to reward skill and dedication while keeping top talent engaged.

Craig Noel, Sun Automotive, Springfield, OR. Listen to Craig’s previous episodes HERE

• Watch Full Video Episode
• Rise of the Specialist - A NEW Language Standard for Auto Repair Specialists: https://remarkableresults.biz/downloads/
• Episodic Education (00:01:06)
• Shop Expansion and ADAS Specialty (00:01:45)
• Staffing Challenges and Work-Life Balance Shift (00:02:54)
• From Mechanic to Technician to Specialist (00:05:22)
• The Rise of the Specialist (00:06:22)
• Educating Consumers on Complexity (00:07:56)
• Recognition and Respect for Technicians (00:09:52)
• Shift from Flat Rate to Work-Life Balance (00:10:24)
• Craig’s New Pay Structure (00:12:47)
• Bridging the Generational Gap (00:20:06)
• Financial Transparency with Staff (00:21:03)
• Personal Motivation for Change (00:23:34)
• Recruitment and Retention Strategies (00:26:58)
• Diverse Career Paths in Automotive (00:27:47)
• The Power of Language: Calibration Specialist (00:29:05)
• Educating Customers on Technical Systems (00:29:47)
• Value of ASE Certification and Public Recognition (00:30:56)
• Integrity and Problem-Solving in the Shop (00:32:09)
• Training...