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.
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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 and David are joined by Cole Tanner, a veteran technician, who shares his journey through family business transitions, personal struggles, and the realities of working in the automotive industry. Cole opens up about overcoming addiction and trauma, emphasizing the importance of honest conversations about mental health in the trades. The group discusses technician frustrations regarding compensation, shop inefficiencies, and the vital need for support structures within the industry.

00:00 Frustrating restaurant wait experience

06:25 Growing up with my parents

08:11 Discussing childhood challenges

12:51 Breaking cycles of family trauma

16:25 Losing friends to addiction

19:34 Discussing compensation challenges

22:25 Consistent vs erratic performance

26:35 Running an efficient repair shop

27:42 Technicians disconnected from inspection value

33:12 End-of-month sales pressure

36:27 Improving communication and accountability

37:58 Discussing future plans and concerns

41:13 Finding balance and past experiences

46:02 Struggles with drinking habits

47:53 Hitting rock bottom moments

50:40 The dangers of addiction

53:47 Pushing for constant improvement

56:52 Taking responsibility after prison

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 and David are joined by Matt Clarke of Clark Automotive. Matt shares his journey back to his family's auto repair business, emphasizing the importance of refining operations and focusing on delivering high-quality service rather than chasing high car counts. The group discusses the evolving role of business coaching and training, including the value of accountability partners and the need to adapt to new technology in the industry.

00:00 Trade Show Costs Are Ridiculous

03:47 Union Inefficiency and Consequences

09:13 "Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity"

11:58 "Evolving Business Learning Challenges"

14:35 "Epiphany in Management Training"

18:14 "Refining Craft, Scaling Doubts"

22:03 Choosing the Right Coach

24:48 "Struggling with Accountability"

28:06 "Unexpected Family Connections"

33:15 "AI-Generated Estimate Dispute"

37:26 "Balancing AI and Personal Touch"

39:32 "Fitness, Gear, AI, and Darkness"

44:37 "Unfiltered Critique of a Guru"

45:20 "Mastery vs. Fake Expertise"

48:44 "Adapting Teaching to Audience"

54:39 "EV Market Resistance Analyzed"

56:42 "Building Growth and Connections"

58:38 "Vespa Culture: New York Only"

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

Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026

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

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

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In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by David Veldman, who shares his personal journey coping with the recent loss of his father and its impact on his direction and motivation in the automotive repair business. The conversation explores how major life events, such as grief or health struggles, can affect business owners, especially those without strong support systems or sustainable operations. David Roman provides a contrasting perspective, emphasizing the importance of shifting focus toward the next generation and building a business that can survive without constant owner involvement.

00:00 "Grieving Without a Rudder"

10:05 "Finding Aim Through Adversity"

12:08 "Finding Direction and Motivation"

17:14 "Dad's Varied Career Path"

24:37 Machine Shop Succession Challenges

30:13 "The Box That Changed Me"

34:50 Efficient Flywheel Machining Strategy

39:58 "Importance of Knowledge and Processes"

47:09 "Pay Taxes Like an Employee"

51:14 "Tax Payment Delays Explained"

57:40 "Sad Start, Weird Ending"

01:03:03 Lakeside Anniversary Offer

01:04:49 "Possible Marijuana Overdose"