A 26 Year Old Tech Trapped in an Old School Shop with Zach Fogle
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Why He's Losing Money on This Jasper Warranty Repair With Todd Compton & Mileage May Vary Podcast
Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsorsNeed to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERESave 15% on your next Launch Tech USA tool with code Launch15. Use that code at checkout HEREHandling a Jasper transmission failure is frustrating, but knowing how to navigate the warranty dispute process is essential.When a part fails immediately after installation, the tension between the shop and the provider often centers on compensation. We break down the realities of a warranty claim when the payout doesn't match the effort required to fix the vehicle. It is not just about the failed part; it is about protecting the shop's bottom line.00:00 Learning to communicate effectively05:44 Staff accountability practices08:28 Handling employee mistakes12:11 Handling a unique warranty case13:04 Effective communication for technicians18:04 Resolving a process issue21:47 Communicating with parts department staff23:37 Software feature wish list27:47 Discussing staff accountability29:56 Discussing engine parts returned for analysis35:30 Buying brake pads in 199938:07 Dealing with VIN number issues41:51 Technicians' career aspirations44:14 Challenges of becoming a shop owner46:19 Improving counter efficiency51:22 Discussing warranty opportunities52:10 Wrapping up with gratitude 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
Why Staying Comfortable Is Holding Your Shop Back | Kent Bullard, John Firm and Dawn Sloas
Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERESave 15% on your next Launch Tech USA tool with code Launch15. Use that code at checkout HEREIn this episode, Jeff Compton is together with Kent Bullard, John Firm, and Dawn Sloas at ASTA to discuss personal growth, leadership, and building stronger teams. Kent explains why getting uncomfortable is necessary for growth and how hardship can become an opportunity to learn and improve. The conversation explores why money should be a result of good execution rather than the main goal, and why leadership and culture are often the biggest challenges for shop owners. They discuss building trust, encouraging teamwork, asking better questions, and creating an environment where employees can learn from mistakes.They also cover accountability, the risks of micromanagement, letting people experience the consequences of their choices, and building processes with input from the people doing the work. The key takeaway is that real growth comes from ownership, continuous improvement, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.Timestamps:00:00 Turning Trauma Into Growth00:50 Morning Meetup Banter01:22 Coffee and Cold Brew02:25 Caffeine Toothpick Hack02:51 Kent at ASTA03:46 First Hunting Trip05:20 Nature and Gratitude08:58 Institute Updates09:55 Goals Beyond Money13:54 Execute and Grow16:47 Leading With Encouragement18:52 Culture Starts at the Top21:05 Stop Blame, Start Teamwork22:13 Leaving Doesn’t Fix It22:46 Own Your Choices24:11 Ask Why It Happened25:58 Accountability, Not Micromanaging29:15 How You Ask Matters31:08 Let Consequences Teach34:37 Stress Builds Strength40:19 Comfort Kills Growth41:37 Systems Over Blame45:21 Voice Versus Vote46:50 Wrap Up and Next Guest47:42 Final Thanks and Subscribe 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
Can a Technician Become the Boss and Still Fight for Techs? with Josh Farris
Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsorsNeed to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERESave 15% on your next Launch Tech USA tool with code Launch15. Use that code at checkout HEREIn this episode, Jeff is with Josh Farris, a Mini Cooper dealership technician from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to talk about diagnostics, dealership life, flat rate pay, and career growth. Josh shares his journey from working on a 1995 Lumina to gaining experience at independent shops, Volkswagen, Lexus, and Mini. They discuss electrical and CAN bus diagnostics, corrosion, warranty work, dispatching, advisor training, and the impact of low paying work on technician morale. The conversation also covers why technicians should be paid for DVIs and inspections, how tool costs can create unnecessary pressure, and why strong communication and integrity matter in automotive repair. Josh also shares his goal of moving into leadership so he can advocate for technicians while helping shops remain profitable.Timestamps:00:00 Why Diagnostics Matter00:50 Podcast Intro and ASTA Trip01:18 Josh Joins Mini Dealer Life03:49 Mini Electrical Nightmares04:52 Early Tinkering Origins06:00 First Big Fix: Lumina07:23 Apprenticeship and Licensing Path08:57 Host First Car Story11:51 Mods and CAN Bus Problems13:21 Shop Shutdown to Dealership Track16:27 Pay Gaps and Flat Rate Reality18:51 Lexus vs. German Engineering25:15 Warranty Time Controversy34:01 Advisor Training and DMS Struggles37:31 Advisor Knowledge Gap39:31 Train Advisors First40:50 Bad Explanations Hurt Trust42:52 Selling Without Division45:36 Flat Rate Pay Stress55:21 Stop Doing Freebies58:34 Becoming the Mini Lead01:03:25 Advocacy Through Communication01:05:38 DVIs and Getting Paid01:08:33 Tools Over Toolboxes01:15:15 Warranty and Brand Hype01:19:14 Tool Brand Stigma01:20:05 Removing Tool Barriers01:21:09 Five Year Career Goals01:22:29 Confidence in Diagnostics01:24:09 Getting Humbled01:26:38 Management Stress and Advocacy01:29:31 Customer Communication Matters01:31:54 Dealer vs. Independent Path01:35:11 Training and AI Shift01:38:54 AI Limits and Reality01:44:52 Building Diagnostic Talent01:52:36 Accountability and Integrity01:59:26 Closing Thanks and Sponsors 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
Being a YouTuber While Working as a Dealership Tech with JT the Car Guy
Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsorsNeed to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERESave 15% on your next Launch Tech USA tool with code Launch15. Use that code at checkout HEREIn this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with JT the Car Guy, a longtime Chrysler and Stellantis technician and YouTube creator, to discuss dealership life, content creation, and the changing automotive industry. JT shares his journey through two decades in Chrysler dealerships, the value of brand specific experience, and the challenges facing technicians today. They also discuss flat rate, apprenticeships, EVs, MPI videos, service advisors, diagnostic support, OEM parts, and the realities of working in a dealership.The conversation also explores building a YouTube channel, handling criticism, staying anonymous online, sharing knowledge without gatekeeping, and balancing life as a technician with life as a content creator.Timestamps:00:00 OEM vs. Aluminum Cooler00:57 Podcast Welcome and Guest Intro02:30 Two YouTube Channels Explained04:57 Handling Haters and Censorship05:52 JT’s Origin Story in Dealerships07:28 PT Cruiser Era and Reputation09:45 Filming Limits and Brand Focus13:47 Training Apprentices and EV Shift18:28 Old School Tools and Engine Talk24:02 Flat Rate Pay and Tech Shortage26:37 MPI Videos and Advisor Role31:02 Comebacks and Customer Service33:47 EGR to VVT and Vacuum Pumps35:15 Vacuum Pump Talk35:37 Cousin Pookie Origin37:55 Troubleshooter Life38:57 OEM Parts Only39:40 Dealer Diagnostic Reality43:16 Recalls and Dispatch45:17 Dash Work Nightmares48:03 DIY Comment Wars50:00 YouTube Creator Economics53:58 Early YouTube Influences58:34 Instructor vs. Freedom01:02:10 Sharing Fixes, Not Gatekeeping01:04:22 Forums and Allpar Days01:06:16 AI Customers and STAR Cases01:10:30 Future of Remote Diagnostics01:13:23 Network Fix Saves the Day01:14:18 Toyota Yoda Pay Dispute01:15:48 Staying Anonymous Online01:19:00 Creator vs. Shop Tech01:21:27 Warranty Time Reality01:24:03 Caravan Steering Rack Saga01:26:37 EV Future and Health01:30:15 Training Apprentices Today01:32:39 Tool Trucks vs. Retail01:37:04 Advice for New Techs01:40:30 SEMA and LLC Protection01:42:39 Dorman Cooler Controversy01:46:54 Wrap Up and Channels01:51:07 Final Thanks and Outro 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