This episode explores how the automotive industry can attract and retain skilled professionals by transforming both its language and its workplace culture. The words we use shape public perception, influence recruiting, and build long-term respect for the profession.

Beyond language, the discussion dives into the physical and cultural environment of repair shops. Topics include maintaining clean, professional spaces that foster pride, offering work-life balance to prevent burnout, and ensuring fair pay progression with clear career paths.

To build a sustainable future, the automotive industry must evolve in how it speaks, works, and cares for its people.
Professional language, modern environments, fair pay, education, and a sense of pride in quality will redefine automotive careers as essential, respected, and rewarding.

Jake Sorensen, McNeil’s Auto Care in Sandy, UT. Listen to Jake’s previous episodes HERE

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The Karen Cooper Foundation, founded by Bob Cooper and his daughter Michele, honors the legacy of Bob’s late wife, Karen, by bringing Christmas joy to shelter dogs through toys and treats. What began as a family tradition in San Diego has grown into a nationwide nonprofit, gifting thousands of dogs each year while raising awareness for adoption and responsible pet ownership. As a 501(c)(3) charity, every donation goes directly to the animals, providing enrichment, comfort, and hope until they find their forever homes.

The foundation’s roots trace back to an annual tradition Karen and Bob started years ago. Inspired by Karen’s question, “What happens with all these dogs on Christmas morning?” she suggested, “Why don’t we bring Christmas to them?”—sparking a mission that continues today.

In 2023, after life-changing events including Bob’s sale of Elite Worldwide and the heartbreaking loss of Karen in a Memorial Day weekend car accident, Bob and Michele formalized the foundation to honor and celebrate Karen’s legacy.

The Karen Cooper Foundation operates with three key goals:

1. 1. Bring Christmas joy to shelter dogs, ensuring they experience the magic of the holiday.

   2. Raise awareness about adoption, helping dogs and puppies find their forever homes.

   3. Honor Karen’s legacy, keeping her spirit alive through every act of giving.

   
   

• The Aftermarket Radio...

The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) returns to Las Vegas on November 4–6, bringing the industry’s biggest names, most advanced training, and a completely redesigned show floor.

Here’s what you can expect:

• A major structural change to the show floor, segmenting exhibitors by product category for buyer efficiency.

• Keynote speaker announcement: Wayne Gretzky, “The Great One.”

• Expanded education with 75+ classes plus a new “Meet the Trainer” segment for direct access to instructors.

• https://www.aapexshow.com/

AAPEX 2025 is more than a trade show; it’s the industry’s hub for education, innovation, and connection. Come prepared, but leave room for unexpected conversations and discoveries that could transform your business.

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Bill Haas of Auto Ignite Management and Matt Wagg of Accelerated Diagnostics and Automotive, who also coaches with Auto Ignite, dive deep into a topic often overlooked yet critically important for automotive repair shops: the power of robust systems and processes.

Too many shops rely on inconsistent, informal methods of “this is how we did it yesterday.” The result? Fluctuating outcomes, missed opportunities, and daily frustration. Imagine four technicians completing a Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) in four different ways, which can be confusing for staff, stressful for owners, and costly for customers. The solution is a unified process that everyone follows to deliver consistent results. “Without systems, the owner becomes the system.” Every decision rests on the owner’s shoulders, trapping them in the daily grind. Leaders must shift from being “needed” to being “required”: their role is to create the environment for success, not micromanage.

• Systems Win Wars: As Carm Capriotto said, strong systems are the foundation of a profitable and enjoyable business.
• Breaking Free from Chaos: Inconsistent methods (“this is how we did it yesterday”) lead to stress, missed opportunities, and fluctuating results.
• The Owner’s Dilemma: Without systems, the owner becomes the system. Matt Wagg’s injury showed the necessity of trusting people and processes.
• Profit Through Process: Profitability is tied directly to defined, repeatable steps. Systems also eliminate business “friction” and make operations easier.
• Key Benefits of Documented Processes: Faster, smoother training & onboarding. Clear accountability for both staff and owners. Ongoing continuous improvement to adapt and grow
• Empower Your Team: Trust the people you’ve hired. Give them processes and training, then step back. Empowered teams drive success, customer satisfaction, and owner freedom.

Takeaway: Strong systems aren’t just about profit; they create happier teams, better customer experiences, and sustainable growth.

What does the future of the automotive repair profession look like through the eyes of technicians themselves? Jay Goninan unpacks Wrenchway’s annual Voice of Technician survey with 4,700+ responses, revealing a concerning drop in satisfaction, but also a roadmap for improvement.

Key Insights:

• Technician Sentiment: 50% wouldn’t recommend their shop, with negativity dominating social media.
• Career Development: Technicians want visible growth paths, certifications, and new specialized roles like ADAS or EV diagnostics.
• Compensation: Pay remains the top frustration. Shops need profitability strategies and flexible pay plans (61% prefer hourly/salary with bonus).
• Culture & Tools: Proper equipment, work-life balance, and intentional team-building are critical to retention.
• Professionalism: Shifting language from “mechanic” to “specialist/technologist” elevates the industry’s perception.
• Leadership & Communication: Shop owners must ask “why,” listen to technicians, and implement meaningful change.
• Download: https://wrenchway.com/resources/2025-voice-of-technician/#download-report

This isn’t just about attracting new talent; it’s about creating workplaces where technicians feel valued, respected, and see a future in the industry.

Jay Goninen, WrenchWay

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• ...

The conversation draws on insights from the 2025 Paar Melis Benchmark Report, built from verified financials and survey data from hundreds of shops. The report reveals what top performing shops are doing differently and where common challenges remain.

Key Takeaways:

• Paar Melis Report Insights: Get a real world look at what drives profitability, efficiency, and growth across the industry.
• Track the Right Metrics: Focus on gross profit, productivity, and expense management.
• Use Benchmark Reports: Compare your numbers to industry averages to spot strengths and weaknesses.
• Seek Expert Guidance: Professional input helps shop owners interpret data and optimize results.
• Adapt to Grow: Success comes from knowing your numbers and being willing to adjust processes.

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David Boyd, Six Sigma Black Belt, emphasizes that defined processes and systems are essential for shop efficiency and growth. Every task follows a process, whether recognized or not, and “rapid toggling” (doing the same job differently each day) leads to chaos.

Key Insights:

• Define Processes: Ask “Why do you do it that way?” to uncover gaps and create consistency.

• Use DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control, establish “normal” and fix what’s “abnormal.”

• Apply Lean Thinking: Reduce wasted motion and idle time (e.g., proper tool placement, faster approvals).

• Link KPIs to Action: Observe workflows directly (“management by walking around”), not just reports.

• Commit to Continuous Improvement: It’s a loop, not a one-time fix.

• For MSOs: Scaling requires standardized systems and local accountability.

The payoff: higher efficiency, stronger customer experience, productive technicians, fewer mistakes, and sustainable growth.

David Boyd, https://www.callinbound.com/

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Ghosting, when candidates or employers suddenly stop communicating, is one of the biggest frustrations in the automotive hiring process. It impacts everyone, from fresh tech school grads to 30-year veterans, and makes filling roles even harder.

For Candidates

• Be Honest: Shops value transparency about skills and areas for growth.

• Make a Strong Impression: Be punctual, dress appropriately, and communicate delays.

• Stay in Touch: Keep recruiters and shops updated, communication builds trust.

For Shop Owners

• Move Fast: Top technicians field multiple offers. A quick verbal offer after a strong first interview can secure them.

• Be Clear: Write detailed job ads that set expectations and filter unqualified applicants.

• Mind Your Reputation: Shop appearance, online reviews, and culture shape candidate perceptions.

• Show the Opportunity: Highlight training, career growth, wages, and benefits beyond just pay.

• Prepare for Counter Offers: Be ready to show long-term value when candidates get tempted to stay put.

Recruiters like Promotive help both sides by prepping candidates for interviews and matching shops with the right cultural and financial fit.

The bottom line: honesty, communication, and speed are the antidotes to ghosting. Treat the hiring process like a first date, make it the start of a strong, lasting connection.

It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit https://gopromotive.com/