From Guesswork to Process: Modern Diagnostic Strategies for Auto Repair Shops [RR 1093]
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About this episode
Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at the 2026 TST Big Event, Carm Capriotto sits…
Key takeaways
- —Efficiency in automotive repair directly affects shop profitability and technician performance.
- —Continuous education is crucial for technicians to stay updated with evolving automotive technologies.
- —Implementing a structured diagnostic process can significantly reduce repair times and improve customer satisfaction.
- —Utilizing modern tools and techniques, such as electronic testing, enhances diagnostic accuracy.
- —Shop owners should prioritize training and development to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Frequently asked
- Why is continuous education important for technicians?
- Continuous education helps technicians stay current with new technologies and repair techniques, which is essential for maintaining efficiency and quality in repairs.
- How can shop owners encourage their technicians to pursue training?
- Shop owners can create a training game plan, offer incentives for attending classes, and bring in instructors for on-site training to make education more accessible.
- What is the benefit of using electronic testing methods?
- Electronic testing methods can save time and improve diagnostic accuracy, allowing technicians to identify issues more quickly without disassembling components.
▸Full transcript
This is the Automotive Repair Podcast Network. Hi, everybody. Carm Capriato, Remarkable Results Radio at the TST Big Event, the 23rd year. We're here in Tarrytown, New York, just north of New York City. 3 incredible trainers today, and believe it or not, I've had a chance to interview each of them. The last one who just got off the stage is with me, Ken Zanders from Dorman Training.
But before we jump into that, don't forget about our podcast listening app, the Automotive Repair Podcast Network app. Just go to our website, there's all kinds of links to get to it. You don't need Spotify or Apple, although they're really good listening apps. This one brings all the shows we do together. You can share, you can look at the show notes, you can watch video, you can even download if you're not anywhere near Wi-Fi or you don't have digital access, and you could literally download them.
And you can create playlists. But anyway, great way to listen to all the content that we produce, 7 podcasts a week. And don't forget, we facilitate wisdom. We're always pushing the professional side of our automotive repair network. Thanks to our great sponsors who are always here for us and here for you too. So please check them out. Hey, stay ahead of the curve with NAPA Autocare's newest auto tech initiatives, Fast Track Assessments, Accelerator Immersive Training, and Tech Assist Smart Support.
The future of technician training is here. Connect with your local NAPA representative for more information. Hey, let's face it, your shop management system is the most critical tool in your shop, and NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with on-site training, 6 days a week support, and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the web at napatracs.com. I am here with Ken Zanders.
Hello, Ken. Hi, Carm. How are you? I am great. Thank you. We've done one or two multiple interviews. I just can't remember one or two in the past. I remember having dinner with you out on a summer night. Yes. Where were we? In Philly, maybe? I think that was Philadelphia. In Philly. Yes. Just a great time with you. I've seen your career over the years.
Way back in the day, I was an AC Delco distributor, so I remember, if you will, the Delco training centers. Yes. And you spent what, 8 to 10 years with that? Yeah. Yeah, it was pretty close to that, about 8 to 10 years. Really enjoyed the time there, but the travel had kind of gotten to me. My parents were ill and I had to make some decisions for the family and said, you know, it's time to kind of get grounded a little bit and be at home more.
So you became more of an independent? Yes. Got it. So we interviewed Andrew Fisher. The whole episode was about you. Not 100%, but of course, I know that he looks at you as a very important mentor to him. We talked about that. Yeah, we've got a little bit of a history. His grandfather used to come to my classes. Andrew at the time was a very young person, and it's a testimony when you're able to touch someone in a certain way where it builds their confidence in becoming one of the team in terms of the automotive industry.
Well, he almost started to cry on stage when he mentioned your name. And what I've learned about Andrew, he's so humble and he's a giver. And I think he learned that from you. I would hope that would be the case, because if we can spread that message to people, I think it can be a benefit for us all. So what I know about you is you love the word efficiency.
We're talking about that so much in the industry. And I guess that may lend itself to why we need to have continuous education in our industry and why there's just not enough specialists, technicians, and owners committed to continuing education. It's got to drive you nuts. Agree. One question that I pose to each and every participant that will hear me out when I do classes, I will pose the question, if there truly exists a better way to do something and you ignore it, Who gets hurt?
And most of them will respond right away, well, I probably would get hurt as a technician, they'll say. And then I'll say, who else? Probably the owner in the shop. I go, yeah, possible, right? And I say, what about your peer? Because if you did a technique that was a good technique and they mimicked that technique and it worked for them, well, now the shop's learning.
And they go, "Yeah." Kind of put 'em in a corner and I'll say, "Who really gets hurt though?" And they'll pause or think about it. And then I'll intervene. I'll say, "Your family gets hurt." I said, "'Cause in theory, less income is coming into the household." And I said, "If I'm wrong, and I can be wrong, I can definitely be wrong." I said, "Prove I'm wrong."
that you're making more money, and maybe it's more money being made with inefficient techniques. That is a very complicated thought. Yes. And I love it. I think it's perfect, but I'm not sure everyone who listens— what do you mean my family's impacted? I think the— come over here, let's talk. Well, let me explain the power of What that means to not only the company that you work for— well, they just pay me an hourly rate, or I'm this, or I'm that.
Well, then maybe you need to find someone willing to pay you for KPIs or efficiencies that you know you have to earn by being a perpetual student and continuing to train so that you could be at the top of your class. If they don't feel like they're going anywhere, they may not see that the family is going to be affected because it's just the same old.
And agree.— and there have to be examples that are shown. And probably the best example that I can think of, ASE, as an example, has gotten on board with a lot of the colleges through their educational foundation where they are now suggesting that the young technicians be taught how to do what is called a relative compression test. And basically it's a compression test that's done electronically versus conventional.
Now conventional means would be to take all the spark plugs out and get all the aesthetics out of the way that are on the engine. Even if he's the fastest, if he or she is the fastest technician in the world, it still takes time. So let's say, being somewhat generous based on what some owners may say, is 2 hours enough time depending on the engine family?
3 hours? Let's put 2 hours as the benchmark. So they go through the motions of following the steps to run a conventional compression test. 8-cylinder engine, it's got a lot of aesthetics, they got to move stuff out of the way, they take coils off, they run the tests, they're 2 hours in, they find nothing wrong. Now you gotta add the time to put everything back together, which is additional time.
Was the customer aware? Would they pay? I think the average customer, and I can't speak for every customer out there, but I think the average customer would say, well, you didn't do anything. You didn't find the problem. Why should I pay? And that's due to misunderstanding. I get it. When you go to a doctor, if he runs a test and we pass the test with flying colors, you still pay for the test.
But when it comes to the automotive industry, people are not as forgiving. They'll say right away, well, you didn't find my problem. So I think in the doctoring business, I love your analogy. Think about it all the time. I use it all the time. You go for a test, it's black and white. I mean, they know exactly what they're looking for in this particular test.
We're going to do a compression test. We know what we're looking for. And if it's negative, doctoring has a completely different mystique or respect to it, which goes back to the professionalism of our industry and our ability to say, we've got to do a compression test before we really find out what's going on inside the— if we find out that there's no problems, it's still going to cost $300 to do it.
Well, this is where doing electronically could possibly help save the day. If one could make the statement, I'm gonna have you, Mr. Customer, pay less money for the test, but I'll make more. Now at that point, I think I would have his or her attention. Well, what do you mean? Well, I'm gonna run this test electronically, and basically I'm gonna take an amperage probe, I'm gonna put it around your battery cable.
I don't have to take any parts aloof. I'm gonna attach it to my lab scope I'm gonna get this pattern that we expect to see. I'm hoping and expecting to get a pattern that's a good pattern. And at that point, I can say based on my experience, the relative compression on this vehicle appears to be good. Now, allowing me 15 minutes to hook up, allowing me an additional 15 minutes to run the test, including having a cup of coffee, in one half hour, I think we would have something viable that we could use.
Do it, baby. This is the whole efficiency thing. Exactly. The profitability and the success of the shop is what this whole efficiency thing is, which is why our people need to have this level of training. You're out with Dorman. I mean, I don't know, are you ever home? I do make it home sometime. In fact, I'll be home tomorrow. You will? And how long will you be at home?
For a week? I'll be home for a week. For a week? Yeah. Is in your contract? Well, You have to have time to refresh, right? Oh my God, that is so true. You have to have time to refresh. Yeah, I really enjoy what I do. It gets interesting for me because as I do my homework and research, you learn so much, and there's nothing in writing that'll help support it in that way.
Are you writing your own classes? I do create content, of course, as content for Dorman. They do appreciate what's being done because it's live on vehicle testing. And we're testing not good known product, but I dare say new product. So it kind of helps put us ahead of the curve in terms of our training, because we'll be talking about a subject that maybe a lot of instructors have not mentioned yet.
You were talking to me before we turned on the microphone about a process that you have when you're talking to people about overemphasizing the importance of training and doing certain Diag stuff. Can you help us with this? You bet. It's a process that, in my opinion, is a simplified process. And my step one is nothing new: verify the concern. I've actually gone to shops and I'll say, well, what was the customer's concern?
And he'll call over to Jim. Jim, what did Mr. Reynolds say was wrong with this car? Oh boy. Jim will say, oh boy, I wasn't here when it came in. And then Walter says— it's broken right there. Yeah, the whole thing, the whole process is— well, that's your breakdown, right? Right there. Right there. So now let's say we successfully get past question 1.
We then go to question 2. I've had some very good friends and technicians tell me, well, Kenny, why should I check for codes? Check engine light is on. Well, there could be a pending code. The pending code happened for a reason. There's nothing wrong with gathering that information and making a note. Do a pre-scan report. And then last but not least, probably the most violated step..
And a lot of technicians admit step number 3, you should be checking for TSBs. Maybe that TSB might be the only fix. If it's a code that's being set and it indicates, you know, it tells you step 1, step 2, step 3 on the TSB. And if the last step says reflash the ECM and that's the end of the bulletin, that's it.
Those first 3 steps remind me of blood work. You know, think about it. Yeah. You know, verify check for codes, TSBs. If you see a certain rating on whatever these— God, do you ever look at blood work? I have no idea what it means. Oh, by the way, did you ever know that if you saw— if you got your Quest blood work?
Yes. You sent to you? Yeah. There's question marks near it and it'll tell you what the range that that spec— the specification is. And so you can go down there and before you even see the doctor, you can get happy or sad. And I, and I— Your very own. And I highly agree with that method. I call the worksheet method. The worksheet method.
Okay. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. And so here it is, we're looking up TSBs that could lead us in the right direction. In the right direction. And wow. And check for codes, you say there's 6 of these, there's, there's 3 more. What's number 4? Well, there's one more I want to add, but I'll call this a subset step. Let's make it maybe 3A, uh, check starting charging Ah, check the battery starting and charging.
Hello? If I don't have a good source, that's the basic. Yeah. And many of your scan tools will assist in doing that. I own a particular scan tool where there's a module that you attach to the scan tool and it has software in there where it'll run battery starting charging. Yeah. And it's a done deal. So now I get past that. I've got a good source, I've got a good starting system, I've got a good charging system.
No matter what, I'm going to check engine mechanical because it just makes sense to me. If I've got an engine, it's not a good engine, my opinion, the diagnostics stop because I need a good engine before I can go any further. How you gonna determine that? Well, we're gonna run the test electronically. A current probe is placed around the battery cable. The current probe is then attached to a laptop with software.
We crank the engine over. You're setting the engine up where it doesn't start but cranks. You'll get a particular signature on the lab scope, and then based on your experience, you'll make a decision as to whether that signature or pattern passes or fails. To show you that it has is significance at a high level. I remember seeing a presentation done by the ASE Educational Foundation which is the accreditation process for automotive training programs across the country, and they are prompting those schools to teach relative compression testing no matter what.
It just makes sense. These engine families have become very difficult to get to things. A lot of aesthetics are in the way. To be able to run that test on an engine where it's difficult to get to components without having to take a lot of items, you know, off the vehicle, that speaks volumes. Once you are comfortable running that test, you may be a half hour, 45 minutes in at best, versus if you did it conventionally, you might be an hour, 2 hours in, and then only to find out the compression's good.
Is this process necessary for drivability or check engine I would say absolutely. It just makes sense. It's a make sense process. Common sense. Number 5, check ignition. Check ignition. I route the person to ignition because by checking ignition, that can be another area that could be fairly quickly accessed. Maybe you could pull a fuse. You can look at all the coils on that one circuit.
There could be various ways to access ignition-related information and also determine in your opinion, if everything is good or bad. And of course, check what fuses too. I mean, I think you just mentioned that. Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. The automotive world is changing fast and customers are expecting speed, accuracy, and confidence in every repair. To keep your shop competitive, your technicians need training that's smarter, faster, and future-focused.
That's why NAPA Autocare is excited to introduce 3 new Auto Tech initiatives. Fast Track Assessments, the Accelerator Training Program, and Tech Assist. It all starts with Fast Track Assessments. This tool pinpoints a technician's exact skill level, whether they're a student, job applicant, or a new hire, so you know their strengths and where they need improvement without putting a customer's vehicle at risk.
Then comes Accelerator Training Program. Using immersive technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI-driven simulations, it compresses years of technician development into just months. Trainees practice real-world jobs—alignments, brakes, diagnostics—in a safe, virtual-first environment with instant feedback. Instead of tying up your senior techs, they can focus on customers while new hires become billable, competent team members in record time. And once they're on the job, TechAssist keeps that support going.
Through AR-capable smart safety glasses, your technicians can instantly pull up torque specs, wire colors, component locations, and even connect with a live expert who sees exactly what they see, providing guidance step by step. System integration with information platforms and DVI streamline workflow and boost efficiency. This assess, accelerate, assist approach helps your shops deliver better quality repairs, faster training, and long-term success. The full solution launches March 2026, but Beta registration is now open.
Want your shop to lead the future of automotive training? Connect with your local NAPA representative today. Hey, let's face it, your shop management system is the single most important tool in your shop, period. NAPA Tracks has made selecting the right shop management system easy by offering the industry's best, most comprehensive SMS. Now it all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you need to run it.
After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice, and having local representation is a huge plus. Customizing Trax to your business, whether you're a one-person shop or a large multi-bay or multi-location company, our representative consults with you to help optimize your shop's workflow, efficiency, and profitability. Trax always has the flexibility to do business how you need to do it, which means it can also grow as your business grows.
And unlike the other guys, we'll be there for you after installation with the best training and support in the business. Yes, a learning management system tailored to each role in your company. Simply put, Trax was designed and built for shop owners just like you. Visit us on the web at napatrax.com. That's N-A-P-A-T-R-A-X dot com. Are we as an industry— we've got scan tools inside the shop and the owner buys them, are they making a stronger commitment that each, at least a diagnostic specialist inside the bays, knows that piece of equipment in and out?
In my opinion, I wish there were more data interpretation class. And what I mean by that, how to interpret the data and then challenge the technician on his or her interpretation of the data. One question I always pose in my class is looking at a MAP sensor, M-A-P sensor. Yeah, I tell them, I say, well, let's say we're both looking at the scan tool together and we look at the scan tool, and for the MAP sensor PID, it literally says 10 inches of mercury.
Well, right away the technician in many cases will go off the scales. Wait a minute, Ken, I live in Chicago. I need to see a vehicle with 18 inches of mercury. I say, really? And he'll say, yeah. He says, that's what I'm used to seeing. He says, if you're seeing 10 inches on the scan tool, something's wrong. Well, then we'll talk further, only to find out that the 10 inches of mercury on the scan tool is accurate.
Now then I go on to explain. I said, well, there's a formula that I'm going to give you. I need you to take barrel, whatever the barrel information is, minus the map information., and then we're going to let that equal engine vac. Let's for a moment pretend we have a perfect vacuum, and we'll use 30 inches of mercury. 30 inches minus 10 equals 20.
Now again, picking on Chicago, if you got an engine in the service bay with 20 inches of mercury, that's a phenomenal number. So you cannot look at every individual number alone? No, no. I would always kind of look at the data and do my best to interpret that data appropriately, 'cause that's gonna help me make some good decisions. See the same old people in the classes?
And I don't mean old. I mean, the same people in your classes around the country? It depends. They have us going so many areas now. I maybe make an area maybe once or twice a year. Okay. And I gotta be honest with you, when I do come back that second time, I do have a crowd that's very open to what's being said.
They're willing to listen, but at the same time, I challenge them. It's a friendly challenge. Hey, you're more than welcome to disagree, but go to the service bay, go in the bay and put it to the test. Start applying. Yeah. And if there's something you disagree with or say, hey, I don't think this works for me, then let's talk about it. Because now you're opening up a debate and you have no information to support what you believe.
What classes are you teaching now, Ken? We're doing classes on automotive lab scopes. I'd love to see us evolve to doing some classes with more concentration on engine mechanical analysis, ignition, fuel systems, definitely what they call communications, because communication interpretation is starting to change dramatically. We did a class today here at TST on the General Motors VIP platform. Which stands for Vehicle Intelligence Platform.
And just prior to coming here this week, I had a chance to speak to some friends who work at a GM dealership. And when I was posing the question, hey, have you heard of the VIP platform? I said, well, what does it mean when someone says, what is VIP in reference to General Motors? And he responds, he says, I think it's the way of just the way the modules talk to each other.
And I respond, I said, "Do you feel that's a sufficient explanation?" And he'll say, "Well, no." And I'll say, "So we need to do some homework, right?" And he agrees. So we're kind of working together as a team to do the homework and offer some better understanding. I hope you all listening here or watching us realize that Kenny never asks a question that has a very simple answer to it.
No. I love the fact that you constantly challenge a person's think. Well, we have to, and it helps us all because right now I was speaking to some friends about it and they go, "VIP, VIP, I've never heard of that. I've never—" And they started researching. They started going to the internet. They started going to service information. They started making notes. These guys are self-training without you even asking them.
When you said that in today's class, did you have a lot of blank stares? No. Guys started getting on their phone researching. Oh, they did? Oh. They sure did. Right there. They sure did. And then they were listening because we had mentioned something that they call OTA, over-the-air updates. The average consumer, he'll get a request on the dash or on the radio, "Hey, we want to do an update."
He responds yes, he or she responds yes, they update it over the air. A lot of technicians, very good technicians, are concerned, "Well, will this— how will this affect my business? I do programming on a consistent basis." Customer doesn't have to go to the dealership for any of that. He can do it right home in his garage, provided all the conditions are set right.
That's not going to solve a problem that the vehicle has. It's just going to keep it whatever current means. Well, there's a lot to be said for keeping it current. And for them to be able to do that over the air, as they say, I think that's a significant moving forward for the manufacturer. Uh, it's not just GM doing it. There are other manufacturers that are doing it as well.
Sure. Uh, even with some emissions programs, I was talking to a gentleman that has an emissions program in his state. They will actually look up to see if there's any updates that the vehicle needs, and if that vehicle has not had that update, they will not test the vehicle until that update is done. Sounds smart. Yeah. So it's gonna be a change in a lifestyle for all of us.
If we're not paying attention to this evolving technology, we're going to be so far out. To your point, the success that you want to have has to come from your continuing education. I love the whole who you're affecting. Ultimately, my family, because be the main breadwinner or not, yes, you're still part of the monies that need to be created so that you can live a lifestyle that at least pays your bills, you can put some money away.
Yes. And do owners, enough owners, and I'm speaking to you owners who are listening, appreciate that you're feeding all these families, all these mouths in these families. And if you do, then what are you doing about continuing education and all the 50 different things the good strategies of a good CEO has to make? But here we're at a training event and the education, not only for leadership and CEO and process and systems education, but we're talking about basic core high-tech, how the vehicle works training.
Absolutely. Each shop, and again, this is just someone speaking from the outside in. I'm not an owner, I'm not a business person by any means, but I do look at things that make sense. There's nothing wrong with having a training game plan for the year. Even if you don't make it, even if you don't go, even if nothing happens, at least there was a training game plan.
Yeah. When there's no game plan, life gets in the way. So what bothers the hell outta me is when I talk to owners and I say, so what classes have you sent your people to? Be it leader-led, be it, you know, lunch and learns and all the different components of great continuing education. They say, well, my people won't go. And then the next question that I ask, and I know it's very sarcastic and facetious, I say, who owns the business?
And when, but then I get down into the weeds. Listen, we had this thing, we were going to do a Friday, Saturday, you know, Kenny Sanders would come into town, blah, blah, blah, all that. They still can't because there's so much going on in life and so much scheduled. Where are Where is that bridge that the commitment to training is? You got to have 40, we want 60.
There's all these different components. I will pay for training, all of this stuff. The business, in my opinion, just my opinion, is not going to survive if we are not tackling this high-tech training initiative that our people who are responsible to make us the money in the bays. Yes. Efficient. Ly. Let's bring that word back. Yes. And it may take a year or two to bring the culture of continuing education into a business, especially if the owner gets pushback.
No, I agree. There's nothing wrong with at least attempting to plan ahead and then learn from the, you know, whatever mistakes are made along the way. For instance, if I start, let's say, 2027 as a year of learning. Okay, maybe the first 6 months you don't push, but let's say over that 6-month period, you notice John is having a problem with putting— diagnosing certain drivability issues.
Maybe a class could be put together when things maybe slow down. Maybe they slow down during the summer months. I don't know when. Yeah, but find a time where people can make a commitment where you can put the excuses aside. Well, John, it's January. In August of this year, we're looking at doing some training. Oh, I'm on vacation in August. Okay. What week are you on vacation, John?
I don't know yet. Can you talk to the family and maybe give me some insight, John? Because we really need to do this. John, how about if we carve out 3 hours on the other 3 weeks that you're not going to be on vacation and do this lunch and learn program that's coming up that I know Xanders is going to do and You got to listen to this guy.
He's going to help you. Well, we're trying to plan ahead, John. Can you work with us? I know. Exactly right. Because, you know, John, we're committed to continuing education. Yes. We need this in our business. Yeah. Again, efficiency. We need to make the right, smart kind of money that will sustain this business, your salaries and the incentives that we work on and all the things that we have to pay to keep this lovely business open.
And a lot of shops are shifting the approach. Some are even soliciting the independent instructors and saying, hey, can you come in, do a session at our shop, versus me sending maybe 3 or 4 technicians to California to participate in this big event? Maybe I'm averaging $2,000 per tech. Yeah, you could go down to $1,000 by bringing somebody in. And we talked about it with Keith Perkins and with Andrew Fisher, this identical concept.
And as I told both of them, I thought that was the future of, uh, high quality, great content absorption. Yes. Because of the intimacy of it. Yes. That you're right there shoulder to shoulder. Somebody's not gonna be afraid to ask you a question. Absolutely. In a setting like that, rather than 60, 90 in a room. I think it would be a great way to promote someone's moving forward.
It would be a great way to plan ahead. It would be a great way to set goals. Because if we're constantly on the run, how can we plan ahead? How can we set goals? Before you know it, the full year is out. You're like, "Man, we didn't get anything done." You know what? You just said 3 words that's a mouthful. You said, "On the run."
Yes. And to me, that describes people that are behind the 8-ball. Oh yeah. That haven't done a lot of things right and are just existing in a matrix. I don't want to go crazy, but you know where I'm going. They're always on the run. Let's fix this. What happened? Oh, don't do that again. And what about this? Oh, fix that over here.
Turn the lights on. Get this. It's like move the battery charger. There's, It's ca— on the run, I guess to me means chaos. That is chaos. I literally, there's a shop that I visit frequently. They're very good friends, but the way they repair cars is somewhat scary. You talked to them. You talked to us about them at dinner in Philly. Remember that Tracy?
Oh yeah. Yeah, you did. And you said, God, I love these people, but they just can't. Oh, they— I went there the other day. All it takes, all it takes is the mention of something. What do you think? Well, I think it's the crank sensor. You turn around, the crank sensor's been already replaced. Wait a minute, what's going on? We were just talking about it for a minute.
Why did the crank sensor come out? Ah, 'cause you're all-knowing, all-seeing. No, it can't. No, anybody can walk in and say it and they're on it. It's just crazy. It's, it's chaos. The way they look at it, they look at it as, well, I'll play devil's advocate. I'll look at a list of possibilities and service information. I'll go down that list. Eventually, probability may work in my behalf and I'll win.
But you're going down a grocery list. How is that efficient? And they'll look at me and they'll say, well, Kenny, we gotta make money. How are you making money? No, you're not. I think that's the misnomer here. Yeah. It is not replace as many top-end things that we think are right. And you know what? Customer's willing to pay, so we're fine. I'm sorry, ethically I believe that's the wrong way to approach it.
I do as well, and I do my best to try to get them to listen to reason, and you're gonna get to some, and some you're not. But the ones you are able to get to see another way or change the mindset, that's the reward. You are one of the wisest men that I know. No, just an enthusiast who went too far.
I love it. Ken Zanders, Dorman Training. Thanks for being here, man. Thank you. Thanks for being on board to listen and learn from the premier automotive repair business podcast, Remarkable Results Radio. Get your episodic education on the ARPN listing app at automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com. Also enjoy the podcast on our Carm Capriato YouTube channel. Carm is all for advancing the professional automotive service industry. Until next time.
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The Automotive Hiring Cycle: When and How to Recruit Top Technicians [THA 502]
Thanks to our Partners: NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:8e59eec7-a235-4fa3-a072-956fea3fe478-7" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:49a777bf-d263-4496-bf0b-2eb3a46ac96a-11" data-testid="conversation-turn-24" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> What if the best time to recruit your next technician is when your shop isn't looking to hire? Lisa Coyle, CEO of Promotive, and Sam Freeman, Partner Manager at Promotive, reveal why automotive recruiting has a cycle, and why understanding when technicians are looking can give shop owners a significant advantage. Lisa and Sam explain how recruiting data, market timing, candidate behavior, and consistent relationship-building can create a much more proactive hiring strategy. Download the 6 Month Promotive Hiring Insights Report for FREE: https://info.gopromotive.com/RRR What You'll Learn Why technician recruiting has a cycle and why timing matters.Why “post and pray” recruiting puts your shop at a disadvantage.Why finding a top technician can take 60 to 70 days.How local market data can improve your job postings.Why you should recruit even when you don't have an opening.What may really be behind candidate ghosting.Why a counter-offer doesn't have to end the relationship.How consistent communication can prevent first-day no-shows.Why complicated hiring processes can cost you great candidates.How the F.O.R.D. method can make interviews more personal and effective. Great recruiting is about timing, data, and relationships. Don't wait for an empty bay to discover you need a recruiting strategy. Understand when technicians are most likely to consider a move, know what candidates in your market are searching for, simplify your hiring process, and stay connected with good people even when the timing isn't right. Your next great technician may not be looking when you're ready to hire. The opportunity is to build the relationship when they're ready to listen. 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/ Meet Paige: The Auto Repair Industry’s First 24/7 AI Recruiter [THA 481]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a481/ Lisa Coyle, CEO of Promotive Sam Freeman, Partner Manager at Promotive NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training, six days a week of support, and local representation. http://napatracs.com/ Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. https://www.todaysclass.com/ Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. https://www.kukui.com/ You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/ Connect with the Podcast: Download and Listen on Our Mobile App: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/app/Visit the Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriottoFollow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/Follow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmastersJoin Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insiderAll books mentioned on our podcasts:https://remarkableresults.biz/booksOur Classroom page for personal or team learning:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroomBuy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carmSpecial episode collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcastwith Carm Capriotto:https://remarkableresults.biz/<a href="https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/" target="_blank"...

The Power of Financing: A Growth Tool for Auto Repair Shops [RR 1108]
Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode What happens when a customer needs a $2,000 repair but doesn’t have the cash available today? That moment can determine whether the vehicle gets repaired, the customer delays a critical service, or they take their business somewhere else. For automotive shops, offering flexible payment options can be more than a convenience. It can be a powerful tool for helping customers say yes to the work their vehicles need. Kwane Stokes, Assistant Vice President and Relationship Manager in the automotive division at Synchrony, explains how the program can help shops remove financial barriers, increase repair opportunities, and create another reason for customers to return. Kwane also addresses why many shops still aren't offering financing and how the biggest obstacle may simply be the assumptions advisors make about a customer's ability or willingness to pay. What You'll Learn Why financing should be presented as a payment option, not something an advisor decides a customer needs.How the program's average first and repeat purchase amounts demonstrate the potential impact on average repair order (ARO).Why assuming a customer can't qualify for credit can cause shops to lose needed repair work.How monthly promotional offers can give shops another reason to communicate with their customers.How advisor incentives and simple training can encourage more consistent presentation of financing.What the upcoming "waterfall" financing model could mean for customers who aren't approved through the primary credit program. The biggest opportunity may not be finding more customers. It may be giving the customers already sitting at your counter more ways to say yes. The key is removing the assumption that you know what a customer can or cannot afford. Present the options, explain them clearly, and let the customer decide what works for their financial situation. For a shop, financing isn't simply about collecting payment. It's another tool for helping customers get the repairs they need while protecting the relationship and keeping the work in your shop. Kwane Stokes, AVP, Relationship Manager, Auto Network, Synchrony Learn more about the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with on-site training and six days a week of support: http://napatracs.com/ Connect with the Podcast: Download Our Mobile App:https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/app/Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriottoFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmastersJoin Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insiderBooks Page:https://remarkableresults.biz/booksOur Classroom Page:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroomEpisode Collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collectionsBuy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcastwith Carm Capriotto:https://remarkableresults.biz/Automotive Field TheorywithMatt Fanslow:https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the NumberswithHunt Demarest: https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcastwith Brian and Kim Walker: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitzwith Chris Cotton: https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/Speak Up! Effective Communicationwith Craig O'Neill: https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

Daily Habits That Build a Stronger Auto Repair Shop Culture [THA 501]
Thanks to our Partners: NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:8e59eec7-a235-4fa3-a072-956fea3fe478-7" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:49a777bf-d263-4496-bf0b-2eb3a46ac96a-11" data-testid="conversation-turn-24" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> What does a strong shop culture look like when you’re the people living it every day? Bree Wismer, Service Advisor and Frontline Culture Leader, and Trevor Hinds, Operations Manager and Dispatcher at Empower Automotive in Traverse City, Michigan, take us inside the daily habits and communication practices that keep their team aligned, productive, and focused on the customer. Rather than approaching culture from the owner's perspective, Bri and Trevor share what happens on the front lines. They explain how Empower Automotive breaks down the traditional divide between the front counter and the bays, keeps everyone on the "same bus," and creates a workplace where every person understands their role, respects the team around them, and contributes to the same goal. What You'll Learn Why the front counter and specialists must operate as one team.How daily huddles and short training sessions keep the team aligned.Why the 1:00 PM check-in can prevent late-day customer surprises.Why a "no-update" update can be one of the most valuable customer communications.How to respond when customers arrive with AI-generated or parts-store diagnoses.How respect, communication, and accountability create confident professionalism. Building a world-class shop culture doesn’t require a massive budget or a complicated organizational overhaul. By committing to these small, consistent actions, you can transform your shop from a high-stress environment into a thriving, unified business that both your team and your customers enjoy. Bree Wismer, Service Advisor, Frontline Culture Leader, Empower Automotive, Traverse City, MI Trevor Hinds, Operations Manager, Dispatcher, Workflow and Culture, Empower Automotive, Traverse City, MI NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training, six days a week of support, and local representation. http://napatracs.com/ Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. https://www.todaysclass.com/ Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. https://www.kukui.com/ You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/ Connect with the Podcast: Download and Listen on Our Mobile App: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/app/Visit the Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriottoFollow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/Follow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmastersJoin Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insiderAll books mentioned on our podcasts:https://remarkableresults.biz/booksOur Classroom page for personal or team learning:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroomBuy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carmSpecial episode collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcastwith Carm Capriotto:https://remarkableresults.biz/Automotive Field Theorywith Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numberswith CPA Hunt Demarest: https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcastwith Brian and Kim Walker:<a...

Rapid-Fire Automotive News: AI, EVs, Autonomous Vehicles, and the $19B Trade School Boom [RR 1107]
Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode How quickly is the automotive repair industry changing, and are you ready for what's next? Tom Ham, shop owner and founder of the Automotive Management Network, joins Carm Capriotto for a fast-paced conversation covering 12 major trends shaping the future of auto repair. From autonomous vehicles and solid-state batteries to the changing value of trade careers, AI, government regulation, 3D printing, and vehicle reliability, Tom and Carm explore the technologies and economic shifts shop owners need to understand. What You'll Learn How autonomous vehicles could reshape vehicle safety and the repair industry.What advances in solid-state batteries could mean for EVs and vehicle range.Why trade careers are gaining momentum as technology changes traditional employment.How the technician shortage is creating new opportunities for shops to develop talent.How government regulation and emissions enforcement could affect vehicle owners and repair shops.What current vehicle reliability trends reveal about today's automotive brands.How 3D printing could help shops solve parts availability challenges.Why AI is becoming a powerful tool for reducing friction and improving efficiency.Why shop owners need to stay curious and adapt as automotive technology continues to accelerate. The automotive repair industry is changing faster than ever. The shops that thrive will be the ones willing to understand emerging technology, embrace new tools, develop their people, and continually rethink how they operate. The future isn't coming someday. It's already showing up in the service bay. Tom Ham, Automotive Management Network. Tom’s previous episodes HERE. Learn more about the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with on-site training and six days a week of support: http://napatracs.com/ Connect with the Podcast: Download Our Mobile App:https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/app/Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriottoFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmastersJoin Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insiderBooks Page:https://remarkableresults.biz/booksOur Classroom Page:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroomEpisode Collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collectionsBuy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcastwith Carm Capriotto:https://remarkableresults.biz/Automotive Field TheorywithMatt Fanslow:https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the NumberswithHunt Demarest: https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcastwith Brian and Kim Walker: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitzwith Chris Cotton: https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/Speak Up! Effective Communicationwith Craig O'Neill: https://craigoneill.captivate.fm
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Why Flat Rate Is Failing Today's Technicians with Dustin Stutzman
Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsorsNeed to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERELaunch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HEREIn this episode, Dustin Stutzman, a shop foreman and high-efficiency flat-rate technician, shares why he left engineering for the automotive industry and how he became a master technician without a dedicated mentor. Drawing from years in dealership service departments, Dustin explains how flat-rate pay, poor dispatching, and corporate policies often discourage quality repairs and technician development. The conversation explores AI, diagnostic pay, training, dealership culture, and what it will take to retain skilled technicians in the future.Timestamps:00:00 Learning Without Mentors 00:47 From Engineering to Automotive 01:51 Work-Life Balance and Career Values 04:45 AI and the Future of Service Advisors 07:16 Paying Technicians for Video Inspections 11:45 The Shop Foreman Role 14:07 Dispatching Work by Skill Level 17:19 Solving a Cold-Start No-Start Mystery 23:31 Fighting for Diagnostic Pay 24:50 Feeling Appreciated by Great Leadership 30:00 Leaving After Pay Cuts 34:46 Dealer Groups and Industry Consolidation 39:48 Becoming a Chrysler Master Technician 42:40 Life on the Training Road 43:27 Why Dustin Avoided GM 44:30 Diesel Emissions and Warranty Pay 49:02 Getting Diagnostic Time Approved Upfront 55:40 Quoting Worst-Case Repairs 57:53 Service vs. Parts Department Friction 01:03:41 Dispatch Roulette at Dealerships 01:05:15 Demanding Real Diagnostic Data 01:05:46 The Air Filter Diagnostic Lesson 01:11:25 Old-School Electrical Diagnostics 01:13:57 Chrysler Warranty Pay and the Neon Squeak 01:15:19 The 40-Hour Dash Rattle 01:16:46 Brick Road Dash Rattle 01:17:32 One-Shot Repair Success 01:18:06 Foam-Filled Repair Solution 01:19:25 Why Dustin Praises Chrysler WiTech 01:21:09 Preventive Maintenance Matters 01:22:34 Oil Change Reality Check 01:25:19 The Cost of Oil Neglect 01:29:45 Training Technicians Under Flat Rate 01:33:18 The Missing Career Path for New Techs 01:34:39 Learning by Doing 01:37:45 Advocating for Better Pay and Metrics 01:41:20 Dealer Groups and Technician Burnout 01:45:07 The Technician Shortage and Pay Gap 01:50:16 Keeping Great Technicians 01:53:16 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Events Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

Episode 275 - Trying To Elevate Automotive Training with Trevor Schlientz of Autonerdz
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/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-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/profitabilityTransform 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/ShopMarketingProsShop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!In this episode, the conversation focused on the evolution of diagnostics in the automotive industry and the transition from technician to business owner. One concept discussed was the value and limitations of certifications such as ASE, with a candid look at how credentialing and industry standards affect technician growth. A key theme that emerged was the importance of community-based training and support, emphasizing how shop owners and technicians can elevate industry standards by hosting and attending collaborative training events.00:00 Identifying and fixing a valve issue08:12 Early influence of my dad14:32 Debating test competency methods17:00 Discussing ADOS legislation requirements24:41 Criticizing school accreditation practices29:29 Continuous education in auto care36:00 Community troubleshooting and collaboration38:59 Getting support for Pico tools46:38 Getting help from friends52:22 Building community through hosting53:43 Collaborating with suppliers for training01:01:59 Advantages of live streaming01:08:14 Marketing strategy for 202601:14:30 Improving industry skills through content01:15:01 Getting started with the scope

Christopher Clingerman Compares Fleet Life to the Dealership
Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERELaunch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HEREIn this episode, Jeff talks with Christopher Clingerman, a fleet mechanic out of Rochester, New York. Christopher shares how he went from working on tractor trailers to maintaining school buses, and what surprised him most about the switch from dealership life to fleet work. They get into the day-to-day challenges techs deal with, from bad parts and misdiagnosed vehicles to the importance of training and having a shop culture that actually supports its people.Timestamps:00:00 Working at Hyundai dealership11:46 Frustrations with car dealership service26:28 Routine vehicle inspections37:40 Using vegetable oil in hydraulics42:50 Modified trucks and safety issues56:41 Concerns with turbocharged engines01:09:59 Laid back work environment01:19:22 Training opportunities during work hours01:25:33 Changes in welding education01:37:39 Brian's electrical skills explained01:46:34 Working on vehicle repairs01:57:40 Using real tools to teach skills02:10:56 Comparing tire brands and costs02:18:54 Open door for venting support Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

99.08% Diagnostic Accuracy: Inside a Master Tech’s Playbook
Joe Adams interviews Adams Automotive Master Technician Josh Gerbrecht about his journey from technician to top diagnostician, sharing the systems that drove his 99.08% diagnostic accuracy and the big takeaways from a Key-to-Key-to-Callbacks weekend. They discuss the front-office/back-office symbiosis, the Rack Attack inspection process, recruiting and paying technicians their worth, shop tours and hospitality, and how AI could streamline diagnostics and incentivize accuracy over just speed. AutoshopAnswers.com Auto-Shop-Media.com