Sherwood II Says We MUST Find Better Ways to Recruit Talented Techs

About this episode

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.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 welcomes back Sherwood Cook II of Royalty Auto. Sherwood talks about the challenges he's had with technician recruitment and stresses the importance of inspiring young techs through programs like their Junior Technician Night. Jeff and Sherwood also talk about industry-wide issues with parts quality, availability, and the increasing difficulty of repairs. Their conversation highlights how these factors impact shops and customers.Timestamps:00:00 Preserving the Legacy & Striving for Excellence00:33 Christmas Break & Personal Reflections02:21 Surviving Canadian Winters: Funny Stories03:30 Junior Tech Night: Growing the Next Generation04:48 New Stations & Engaging Kids in the Trades05:55 Making Electrical Training Fun for Kids07:19 Spotting Future Superstars at Tech Night09:03 Giveaway Stories: Toolkits, Nerf Guns & Kids Negotiations13:00 The Decline of Hands-on Skills & Why It Matters16:20 Trades Skills Shortages: Opportunities and Concerns18:41 The Role of AI: Is It Replacing Technicians?20:14 Shop Pricing, Value, and Why Craftsmen Stand Out27:04 OE vs. Aftermarket Parts: Quality and Supply Issues32:06 Parts Availability Crisis: ABS Modules & TipM Odds36:17 Aftermarket Solutions: Salvaging Unrepairable Cars42:08 TRP Parts: Challenges with Used Components46:32 The Hackers Behind Module Repairs: Sharing Knowledge51:11 True Value in the Repair Industry: Pricing Your Work54:39 Learning to Charge Appropriately for Your Service59:11 Side Work: Garage Repairs vs. Shop Experience1:01:46 Shop Insurance & Customer Protections1:03:17 Nuggets for Shop Owners: Value, Markup, & Relationships1:08:06 Building Value: Pickup, Washes, Roses & More1:11:42 Price vs. Craftsmanship: Which Arena Will You Play In?1:18:14 Goals for 2026 & Launching a Training Website1:20:11 Training Events: Vision, Asta, and Promotion Strategies1:29:22 Social Media’s Role: Reaching the Next Wave of Techs1:33:20 Never Stop Learning: Lessons for Young and Veteran Techs1:34:57 Final Messages: Legacy, Responsibility, and Growth 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