Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Matt Fanslow dives into an unexpected but fascinating comparison between Jurassic Park and the auto repair industry, exploring themes of chaos theory, unintended consequences, and the importance of foundational knowledge. Drawing parallels from the iconic film (and Michael Crichton’s novels), Matt discusses how small decisions—like cutting corners or skipping fundamentals—can lead to big, unpredictable outcomes in business, careers, and life.

Key Topics Discussed:

"Your Scientists Were So Preoccupied With Whether They Could, They Didn’t Stop to Think If They Should"

• How the pursuit of innovation without foresight mirrors challenges in the automotive industry.
• The dangers of prioritizing profit or speed over sustainability and safety.

Chaos Theory & The Butterfly Effect

• Small, seemingly insignificant actions can have massive consequences (e.g., a poorly coded security system in Jurassic Park → dinosaur chaos).
• Applying this to business: How initial conditions (hiring, training, ethics) shape long-term success or failure.

The Perils of Skipping Fundamentals

• Ian Malcolm’s critique in Jurassic Park: "You stood on the shoulders of giants but never learned the underlying theory."
• Why technicians can’t jump straight to advanced diagnostics (e.g., lab scopes) without mastering electrical fundamentals.
• "Fundamental ≠ easy. It’s the foundation everything else relies on."

Unintended Consequences in Auto Repair

• Nedry’s sabotage: How underpaying for critical services (e.g., software, training) backfires.
• Diet analogy: One unhealthy choice can undermine progress—just like one overlooked repair detail can lead to comebacks.

Awareness & the "Little Things"

• The importance of paying attention to details in workflows, customer service, and team dynamics.
• Why hindsight often reveals blind spots—and how to cultivate proactive awareness.

Notable Quotes:

• "Chaos theory isn’t about randomness—it’s about how tiny, early decisions create unpredictable outcomes."
• "You can’t win the lottery without buying a ticket, but you also can’t master diagnostics without understanding electricity."
• "Respect the journey. Mastery isn’t just about skill; it’s about humility and earned wisdom."

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: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com
• Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel
• Subscribe & Review: Loved this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion.

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

Ever meet someone in this industry doing something completely out of the box, and it works? That’s Ben Tilson.

Kim sits down with Ben, the second-generation owner of Tilson’s Auto Repair in Rochester, Minnesota. He’s not just growing a solid shop, he’s writing children’s books to spark curiosity and pride in the next generation of technicians. And no, it’s not a gimmick. These books are rooted in Ben’s journey with dyslexia and a passion for storytelling that’s reshaping how kids and their parents see the auto repair world.

We dive into the making of Technician Colton’s 10 Steps to an Oil Change and Olivia’s ABCs to a Car, how these books are being shared with local libraries, schools, and families, and how they’re quietly laying the foundation for future techs. His mission is clear: show kids that trades matter, that working with your hands is something to be proud of, and that this industry is filled with real opportunity.

But the episode goes way beyond books. We talk about Ben’s creative, grassroots marketing strategies, hosting community events, shop tours, dance parties, Santa in a sleigh, and more. These aren’t big-budget campaigns. They’re smart, authentic ways to build trust, brand loyalty, and lasting community ties.

This one’s not just inspiring, it’s a reminder that when you lean into who you are and lead with heart, you don’t just grow your shop. You build a legacy.

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

How To Get In Touch With The Guest

Ben Tilson, Tilson’s Auto Care

Tilson’s Auto Care Facebook

Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)

Technician Colton’s 10 Steps to an Oil Change

Olivia’s ABCs to a Car

Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing

Plan With The Pros

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment (00:00:01) Kim introduces the episode, mentions scheduling Ben, and thanks the podcast sponsors.
• Meet Ben Tilson & Tilson Auto Repair Background (00:00:55) Kim introduces Ben, discusses how she met him, and asks about the history and ownership of Tilson Auto Repair.
• Family Dynamics and Business Growth (00:02:20) Ben shares about second-generation ownership, working with his brother, and the shop’s growth through four locations.
• Sibling Partnership and Roles (00:04:14) Ben explains how he and his brother divide responsibilities and maintain a strong sibling relationship outside work.
• Other Siblings and Ben’s Path to the Business (00:06:06) Ben talks about his sisters, his college experience, and how he and his brother...

Recorded at the Institute Summit 2025, Tracy Holt and Patrece Holt Vance, a brother-sister duo from a family owned shop, share how their business transitioned into a new era of strategic growth and profitability under their leadership. They credit much of their progress to the accountability and peer support they found through the Institute’s Peer Groups. Tracy and Patrice also open up about the critical role of workplace culture and employee well-being in their success, and Tracy reflects on how a personal tragedy reshaped his "why" and fuels his drive today.

Tracy Holt and Patrece Holt Vance, Performance Place, South Jordan, UT

• Watch Full Video Episode
• The Institute of Automotive Business Excellence: https://www.wearetheinstitute.com/
• Don’t Sell, Connect: The Power of Emotion with Your Clients [RR 1032]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1032/
• Introduction (00:00:00)
• Guest Introductions and Family Business Background (00:01:01)
• Composite Partner Program and Accountability (00:02:00)
• Vulnerability and Sharing Struggles (00:04:14)
• Common Struggles Among Shop Owners (00:05:40)
• Summit Speakers and Dan Clark’s Message (00:06:12)
• The Evolving 'Why' and Taking Action (00:07:07) H
• Self-Doubt and Risk in Business (00:08:03)
• Family Dynamics and Succession (00:08:32)
• Balancing Work and Family Life (00:09:40)
• Major Life Pivot and Business Purpose (00:11:18)
• Lessons from Adversity and Team Building (00:13:08)
• CRM, Marketing, and Customer Loyalty (00:18:16)
• Profitability, Expansion, and Growth Mindset (00:19:20)
• Intuition and Sustainable Growth (00:20:39)
• Cost Management and Expense Control (00:22:10)
• Fear of Failure and Shifting Mindsets (00:24:24)
• Expansion, ROI, and Vision (00:26:38)
• Customer Relations and Word-of-Mouth (00:26:54)
• Opportunities, Multi-Shop Growth, and Caution (00:28:41)
• Conference Takeaways: Culture and Accountability (00:30:30)
• Continuous Improvement and Community Involvement (00:33:06)
• Implementing Conference Learnings (00:33:52)

• Follow on Facebook:

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.

Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/

Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

If you would like to join their private facebook group go here:

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound

Watch Full Video Episode

WOTD

Gregarious

gre·gar·i·ous

adjective

1. (Of a person) - Fond of company sociable.

2. (Of animals) - Living in flocks or loosely organized communities

3. (Of plants) - Growing in open clusters or in pure associations…

No matter the situation you find yourself in, storytelling is one of the most important things we can do to create shared experiences as humans. They help us understand each other, connect with one another, and even learn to empathize or identify with others.

Whether it is for business, for humor, or for a moral lesson - a good story is easier for any human audience to focus on and listen to and retain information from and all of this makes stories a powerful tool in your communication tool box.

Here is the formula:

LA (Location Action) *Helen, our club president suggested we remember this as the story starts in “Los Angeles”)

Want

Obstacle

Resolution

Next time you have a story to tell: Remember - Location - Action - Want - Obstacle - Resolution

Something to add? Something you’re curious about? Something you’d like to talk about? - email me here: speakup@craigoneill.net.

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound:

The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.

AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com

Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.

In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.

Contact Information

• Email Craig O'Neill: speakup@craigoneill.net
• Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

This episode highlights the life-changing impact of reliable transportation and the power of volunteerism in the automotive industry. Featuring Hands of the Carpenter in Denver and Onramp DFW in Dallas-Fort Worth, two organizations that provide vehicles and repairs to people in need, it explores how mobility creates freedom, opportunity, and lasting change.

Shop owner Chris Cloutier shares how supporting these efforts boosts morale within shops and gives employees a renewed sense of purpose. Listeners are encouraged to give back by donating time, services, or resources, reinforcing the industry's unique ability to uplift lives and strengthen communities.

Chris Cloutier, Golden Rule Auto Care and CEO of Autoflow.

OnRamp DFW: https://www.onrampdfw.org/

Hands of the Carpenter: https://www.handsofthecarpenter.org/

Show Notes:

• Watch Full Video Episode
• Introduction (00:00:00)
• The Importance of Transportation (00:02:23)
• Challenges for Shop Owners Helping Others (00:03:05)
• Hands of the Carpenter Overview (00:04:33)
• The Impact of Transportation on Single Moms (00:05:44)
• The Value of Reliable Vehicles (00:08:04)
• Refugee Family Story (00:09:46)
• Vetting and Car Distribution Process (00:11:58)
• Hands of the Carpenter’s Long-Term Support (00:14:01)
• Single Mom’s Journey to Stability (00:16:33)
• How Vehicles Are Sourced (00:20:19)
• Vehicle Donation and Repurposing (00:21:23)
• Scale of Support and Impact (00:23:41)
• Funding and Community Partnerships (00:24:06)

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Episode Highlights:

Metal Music & Culture

• Matt opens with a quote from the documentary Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey by Sam Dunn, discussing how metal celebrates what society often denies and why it remains a culture of outsiders.
• Shares his experience attending the Summer of Loud festival with his 10-year-old son, Christian, where they saw The Devil Wears Prada, Beartooth, I Prevail, Killswitch Engage, and Parkway Drive.
• Reflects on the positive atmosphere at metal concerts, breaking stereotypes about metal fans being angry or self-centered.

Christian’s Guitar Performance

• Christian, who has been taking guitar lessons for a few months, performed a medley at the Universal Music Center’s music fest in Red Wing, Minnesota.
• His set included:
• Eruption & Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love (Van Halen)
• Seek & Destroy & Master of Puppets (Metallica)
• Careless Whisper (Wham!)
• The crowd’s reaction shifted from curiosity to excitement as he played, proving his talent and stage presence.

Listener Questions Answered

• "What do terms like ‘putting someone over’ or ‘getting a pop’ mean?"
• Matt explains these are wrestling terms borrowed from pro wrestling lingo:
• "Putting someone over" = Making someone look good (e.g., helping them win or appear strong).
• "Getting a pop" = Eliciting a big reaction from the crowd (cheers or boos).
• "Kayfabe" = Maintaining the illusion that wrestling is real.
• He clarifies that while wrestling outcomes are scripted (a work), the physical toll is very real.
• "What are the music rules in your shop?"
• No strict rules—each bay has its own stereo.
• Genres range from metal to country to golden oldies, depending on who’s working.
• The shop’s soundproofing means customers never hear the music, so anything goes.
• (Matt jokes that if there were a rule, it’d be: "We play both kinds of music—heavy and metal.")
• "Is your shop air-conditioned?"
• Yes! They installed A/C last summer, and it’s been a game-changer for morale and productivity.
• Before A/C, the heat and humidity drained energy by mid-afternoon.
• Now, production stays high, attitudes are better, and it’s a major perk for attracting talent.
• Matt quotes a competitor: "If anything ever happens to our A/C, we’re getting a bigger one."

Final Thoughts

• Encourages listeners to challenge stereotypes—whether in the automotive industry or music scenes.

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: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com
• Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel
• Subscribe & Review: Loved this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

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