Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

In this episode, Lucas Underwood and David Roman are joined by Sunny Massera, a custom car and truck builder from Oregon. Sunny Massera shares the hard lessons he learned from business ownership, including the importance of choosing the right business partner and the unexpected realities of running a shop versus working for someone else. The conversation also covers the challenges of building custom and performance vehicles—from managing customer expectations to dealing with unreliable aftermarket parts.

00:00 Moving between New Mexico and California

04:19 From flat rate to custom cars

07:30 Realizing business complexities

09:46 Deciding not to work alone

13:05 Getting hired at second Bronco shop

16:22 Discussing how to fund a startup

20:36 Partner's role in business growth

23:18 Revamping old Broncos

28:11 Understanding the engine issue

31:14 Working at custom car shops

33:21 Learning through hands-on projects

36:45 Test driving vehicles before ordering

40:00 Restoring a 59 Ranchero

41:33 Future of classic car market

46:46 Challenges finding car parts

50:09 Troubleshooting transmission issues

53:35 Fixing ongoing installation issues

56:10 Tuning engine installations

59:15 Advice for young professionals

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

In this episode, David and Lucas discuss the challenges of handling difficult customer complaints, specifically a negative review following a diagnostic process and the denial of repair work. They dive into the importance of clear communication, setting expectations with consumers, and defending the value of professional diagnostic procedures. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the need for industry-wide improvement, highlighting how prioritizing quality repairs and properly educating both staff and customers can help move the automotive industry in a better direction.

00:00 Client disputes repair charges

04:23 Diagnostic process and repair decision

06:32 Challenges of Dealing with Customers

12:13 Discussing steak pricing strategies

14:11 Handling customer expectations

16:25 Discussing repair pricing strategy

22:10 Ensuring quality car repairs

24:46 Surrounding yourself with success

26:35 Frustrations in the auto repair business

32:03 Challenges of business growth

35:45 Focusing on quality and process

37:05 Why we started the show

40:35 Technician frustrations over pricing

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros

In this episode, Austin joins the Changing The Industry Podcast to discuss his journey from dealership technician to shop owner in South Carolina. Austin shares the challenges of buying a shop as a young technician, including navigating the SBA loan acquisition process and building a reliable team after early hiring struggles. The conversation covers practical strategies for technician management and compensation, as well as the importance of professional bookkeeping and mentorship as a shop grows.

00:00 Navigating industry-exclusive groups

08:31 Hiring the first technician

13:09 Starting the podcast idea

20:25 Cost transparency with manufacturers

23:02 ETI's role in tool manufacturing

27:38 Managing car programming and updates

34:15 Car's auto-braking false alarms

39:15 Quick and safe control arm repair

44:53 Building a strong technician team

52:07 Technician attendance and bonus policy

55:11 Dealing with difficult coworkers

58:51 Growing with business mentors

01:05:03 Evaluating business coach effectiveness

01:12:50 Importance of clean financial records

01:14:53 Wanting a strict accountant