We Need to Call Training "Continuing Education" | Bret T. Fadley

0:06In your budget, set aside to plan for these ongoing continuing education. We can't— I think it was Jim Kokkanis that said it last year, we need to change the verbiage of a training event. We're not training dogs, we are continually educating ourselves. Yeah. Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen, to another exciting episode of the Jada Mechanic podcast. Um, if you're looking on the screen right now, you're recognizing a good friend of mine, Mr.

0:36Brett Fadley. Uh, we're here tonight kind of, you know, because I don't get to talk to Brett as much as I want to. Um, and I really, I really wish, you know, um, and Brett's been busy a lot in the last little while with some stuff going on, which is, you know, we all face that kind of thing. But Brett, thank you for joining me tonight, man.

0:56I really appreciate it. Dude, Jeff, thanks for the opportunity again. It's always good to see you, my friend. Like you said, be more pleasurable if we could see more often of the in-person stuff. So yeah, well, and like I said, we're coming up real close to Tools. We've got what, about 6 weeks out from Tools in Pennsylvania? Tools, yes. April 29th to May 3rd in Hershey this year.

1:20So our little slogan is come unwrap your potential. I love that. I love that. And like, last year was my first year to Tools, and, uh, when we were in Lancaster, and, um, I'll tell everybody, it was a cool vibe last year. It really was, because like, well, you could see how much work you had put in to try and bring this thing, you know— I don't want to— is it fair to say bring it back, Brett?

1:44You know, yes, you can say it's been brought back, risen from the dead. You know, it's not zombie-like. Uh, I initially put a lot of effort into it, but you know, when we became Mid-Atlantic Auto Care, that helped tremendously, especially this year, like you said. And I'll share the reason that some people haven't heard me or promoting tools as much as I normally have.

2:09Yeah, is I've been dealing with a lot of medical problems that are currently with my wife since the beginning of the year. So thank goodness for the organization and the help that I've received this year to keep putting this event and driving it forward because I want to see Tools become what, you know, a big show here for the Northeast sector. And I'll say this, that like we talk about, you know, how certain shows have different feels and, you know, everybody kind of gets all up in their feels about, you know, Aston says it has a very unique kind of, you know, vibe to it.

2:43And you and I have been there before and you can kind of, you know, you know what I'm saying? It has that. But like your show has that same thing. Like, I was sitting there last year in Pennsylvania and it had that same vibe of— it's not like— it was just so many friends and familiar faces, Brett, coming together that it didn't feel— it felt like ASTA in a different location, which is kind of what I'm going for, buddy.

3:09And that was, you know, so I mean, like, because we talk— like, I've been to Apex and SEMA now twice, and it's cool because you're in Vegas, but it's a whirlwind, right? So some of these events, sometimes it's, it's finding that the right mix of enough people. And I don't want to say the right people or the wrong people because like that gets clicky, but you know what I mean.

3:31There's a vibe at Tools last year that just felt really relaxed and homey and comfortable and familiar, and yet it was the first time I was there. It was the first time a lot of us had been there. So yeah, hats off to you, man, for doing such an awesome job. I'm so excited that it's, it's coming up and, you know, people were at the Hershey Lodge, which is the place to be in, in Hershey.

3:54I've never been to Hershey. Well, I say never, I was there when I think when I was like 6, so I don't remember. My, my dad took me down for a car show, um, you know, because my dad did that kind of stuff when I was young. And I say he took me down there, he would have been down there to probably pick up a project car for, for a customer or on the hunt for parts.

4:16I don't remember what, it was so long ago, so I don't have any recollection of what Hershey's like. But I, I loved the drive that I did down last year coming down to Lancaster, and I'm looking forward to that drive down. I really am. It's a nice, beautiful drive that time of year to come down. Good. We can't wait to have you there.

4:35Um, uh, be prepared, uh, they pump in the Hershey Lodge through the air, is Chocolate is pumped. The chocolate smell is pumped through the whole lodge. So if you are a chocolate lover, you better carry a napkin or a handkerchief because you'll be drooling. That's my weakness is chocolate for sure. Anything sweet I love, but chocolate especially. I'm always looking for chocolate.

5:01It doesn't help my waistline, but it's one of those strong coffee and good chocolate. I probably could sustain my whole existence on that. I just did a bourbon night, Jeff. I hired a lady to come in and did a bourbon tasting night, and she paired all the 4 bourbons that she brought with chocolates. Wow. And it definitely— everyone she picked, it went right with that bourbon.

5:26And I'm not a big bourbon person. I— if you know me, I'm a beer guy. Yeah, give me a beer and I'm happy. But it was interesting. Uh, then you— where you're talking about the chocolate, and you put— you put a good chocolate with anything and it, it makes it— accentuates everything. Yeah. So that's, you know, people that are— we still have lots of open spots available for tools is what I'm trying to say.

5:49So if you're sitting on the fence about, you know, joining Brett and I, please don't— get off that fence and go. Because I mean, I guarantee you this, this event has that same kind of vibe that so many other people are looking for in terms of, you know, that, that ability to network because we talk about you know, the technical training and the courses and all that kind of stuff that are at, you know, these events.

6:14And that's important. And, you know, it's a big deal. It's the reason why a lot of us go. But like Brett and I were talking, man, a lot of this stuff, the beauty of these events is the networking that you get to do, right? Like, absolutely. You get to meet these shop owners that have, you know, leveled up from maybe where you are or wanting to level up with you, but you're talking about different challenges and the same challenges.

6:38And, you know, it's just I keep telling everybody, you come away with the confidence that, wow, man, I can completely turn this thing over tomorrow. You know, whatever might be in front of you as an obstacle, you come away so empowered with the idea that it's really not that big a deal because you've talked to people that were through it and are going through it and have gone past.

6:58And you just feel like Monday morning when you come back from these shows, you can start, you know, implementing these change. And that's the beauty of these shows. It isn't about Necessarily the little nuggets. We all get nuggets from every course that we're in all the time, but it's that confidence that you come away with because you make new friends and somebody, you know, says, no, definitely, you know, Brett, go do that thing that you're thinking about doing because I did it and it worked for me.

7:25That's what the beauty of what we come away from these events from. I feel the camaraderie. It only helps strengthen the industry. Yes. You know, if we can all be together in one place, whether it's at Tools or ASTA Vegas or, you know, Vision, um, it— the camaraderie and the friendships you can build are lifelong. It's— to me, you can't put a price on that.

7:50No. When people say, well, I can't afford to take myself or my entire team to any of these events, because it— it— let's face it, if you're gonna invest— invest, not expense. Yep. To take your team, you got to shut the shop down. Yeah. So you're losing revenue, and it's not cheap. You know, for me to take my entire team, which I've done the last 3 or 4 years, down to ASTA, it's a $10,000 weekend.

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9:08They're a partner in success. I've been in the trenches and I know what works. TechMetric isn't just managing shops, it's transforming them. Measure up by every measure with TechMetric. Hit the link in the show notes below for more. Yeah. 'til you pay for the registration, hotel, and everything else. However, it's an investment. And not only the camaraderie you're gonna gain from people that you meet at that event, it's only gonna strengthen and build your camaraderie within your shop.

9:34Yeah, that's the other thing, you know, Tanika talked about how, you know, in Tanika's new podcast, she talked about her young, you know, I don't call him young, Albert, her kind of what you can call him, her head technician. All around Albert's work area, he has things written down. And stuck up on notes and sheets of paper and whatever key things that were said at these events that he takes and puts in his brain and then, you know, plasters up around him to kind of remember, you know, it's part of his process.

10:05It's part of his, you know, belief system when he's at the shop, that kind of thing. You can't put a price on that, right? Because it's when you come home from these events and you have memories that you shared together with your employees and your boss and, you know, your friends that we see here like Brett, I mean, how cool is it that like we see now the Burris', right?

10:27Every time we go to one of these events, or we see Jon Furrmer, you know, all these— Tanika, like, you know, all these people that are so— we're so fortunate to be able to call them family or friend. Friends, family. Yeah, that like they're all there, but it's— you come away from the event and you— and employee to employer, you have these memories of things that you shared, whether it's dinner or something, you know, that will stay in your, in your, stay in your psyche about what makes that relationship, that working relationship, so special is those things you share, you know.

11:05And before we came on, you and I were talking about the excitement about attending these events. Yeah, as once you have attended and you've created these relationships, you're excited to get back because you can't wait to be in person with your friends and hang out, have a drink, have some chocolate or whatever, and just converse and be there in person. Yeah, not— I don't know how many industries can say that.

11:32I mean, we— let's face it, we are in a tough industry, but we need— we need each other to help build us each up individually because I just talked to you earlier this week about an issue I was having, and that's some of that relationships you build by coming into networking is like, all right, we're stuck and we've, we've went through the processes and, you know, you kind of— and I think everybody gets it, you get a brain fog, you go in a circle and it's like, all right, I feel fortunate to be able to call somebody like you or Brian Pollack, Brandon Steckler, Andrew Fisher, Keith Perkins and say, hey, We've run into this.

12:10Yeah. What have you guys done? Yeah, yeah. I, and I know when I was thinking about that truck, Brett had a truck that it was, um, was it a Ford Excursion? Ford Excursion with a parasitic drain that you were tracking down. Parasitic drain, we think it's coming out of the GEM module, which that GEM module on that one is obsolete, right? Like, it's not obsolete, nobody has them, not supported anymore.

12:34I have a story, I have, um I have a '21 Nissan. I guess in Canada they call it a Kicks, but it'd be like another— I guess they don't call them Kicks in the US. It's like a Nissan, it'd be like a Mini Rogue or something. I think I've seen them. Okay, so maybe a little— yeah, 1.6 liter. And so 2021, you know, and I'll have to do the kilometer things, and I'm sorry guys because that's what works up here, but it's got— they have a 5-year, 100,000-kilometer warranty on the powertrain..

13:04And of course, so I work at a used car lot. We sold this to this lady over 2 years ago, and she comes in the other day and she says, uh, you know, I have an oil leak— which wasn't a leak in the sense of dripping down the side of the engine, it's actually blow-by coming past the fill cap— and, uh, it runs rough.

13:24Well, does it ever run rough. It's a completely dead hole on cylinder 2. Like, you can— it's a really hard misfire flashing the whole thing. She's been driving this car until she's decides that she can make it in, you know, make her appointment, take it off the road. And so I get at it and I start looking at it real quick, and I'm like, I break my process.

13:45And I'm running through it real quick because I have, at this point, I have like 4 cars that are backed up that have to get done in terms of our recondition to be sold. So, you know, she has an extended warranty that we have provided, sold through her, whatever. But we're a shop that is such, so small in size and staff, there's only 2, that sometimes like the after service, the after-sale service, sometimes if it needs a repair, um, we have to sublet a lot of that out because otherwise we get so backed up in moving our units, right?

14:15So real quick, I'm looking at this and I'm like, I don't have any kind of— I'm not firing number 2 coil at all. I'm like, that's weird. So I could do through my checks and everything like this, and I'm like, yeah, it's not firing number 2 coil. And I'm like, so I look check my wiring. Wiring's all good, circuits can power up, can carry load.

14:35I'm like, well, she's got a warranty still on the engine control module. Um, call up the dealer and see about when they can get this in. And because I don't have the facility where I'm at, and again, it's still under warranty, to, to put an ECM in this anyway. And it's under warranty, so we would, you know, we would be doing something unjust, I feel like, if we were to charge her and put it in, right?

14:57She can get it for free. So we make the appointment and I'm sitting there and the whole time I'm working on these other cars and I'm getting it done. I'm like, something just doesn't seem right here. So I talked to Brian and I bring it back in and I go through and because I had abandoned my process and not done a relative compression test, I start over with the RC test and sure enough, it's got a dead hole on cylinder 2, which we knew it had a misfire, but I'm going back and I, so I start trying to load and test the coil another way and I can prove that the ECM is not actually

15:28cutting the coil off. It's just responding to the fact that it won't create any pressure in number 2. And that's one of those things, Brett, where it's like, if I didn't have these people that I've been able to reach out to, I would've made the wrong shot. I would've sent over there for the dealer. Now it's at the dealer and they're telling her that it needs an engine, which it does.

15:50It's got no pressure, can't build anything in cylinder 2. But now we have to go through the problem of trying to figure out if they're actually gonna warranty it or not, because I guess they're finding sludge in the bottom of the engine. She's been very good about her maintenance since she bought it, but she bought it at like 70,000 kilometers, right? I'm sorry, guys, and it's now at close to 100.

16:13So we don't know the first half of that car's life in terms of— we don't know how well it was taken care of. So now we're all sitting here trying to figure out like what's going to happen, and that's kind of one of those things where If I wasn't so fortunate to have made the network I'd built, I would have made the wrong call.

16:35And it only reflects on you. That's right. Like Tanika says, you got to slow down to go fast, right? I wasn't doing that. I was just trying to go fast. And we all probably fall into that rut too. Confidence can kill you. Your auto repair shop doesn't slow down, and neither should your tools. When diagnostics get more advanced, systems get smarter, and vehicles get more complex, one name keeps shops moving forward: Launch Tech USA.

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17:41We're pushing the industry forward. So if you're ready to work faster, diagnose better, and stay ahead of the curve, visit our website at www.launchtechusa.com. Yeah, it does. Yeah, it really does, because the one time you think it's the same thing as it always was is the one time it isn't going to be there, right? Yep. Um, but I'm excited to, to see some of the, the, the classes that you've got.

18:09I know Brandon Steckler is back this year, Keith Perkins is back. Um, yeah, we got Andrew Fisher. Let me pull them up here. But we— Tools is going to have some something for everybody, um, from bottom level guy to the, to the owner of the shop, um, service advisors, some marketing skill stuff. Uh, we even got collision. We have a bunch of collision classes.

18:38We tried it last year. It didn't go over too good, but we're trying to build the collision side of the industry as well. Yeah. And bring them into the— I mean, I've been in this business almost 40-some years, and that's always our hardest draw is trying to get the collision shops in one room. It is, it is. But we got collision classes for them.

19:00So we're, you know, Birdie's going to be there, Melissa Patterson, Coralie Zuff is going to be there. Of course, we got Rick White, Cecil Bullard, Jimmy Lee's coming. Yes. Um, even Kent. We got Kent Bullard coming this time. I, I'm excited to see Kent again because Kent just did an episode that got released with, um, Josh Purnell. You might not have heard it, but what a powerful episode that was.

19:24Um, Kent, I know if you're gonna hear this before I get there, um, dude, I'm gonna give you a hug when I see you, man, because his, his episode with Josh really touched me. Really, there's somebody that's really making a name in our industry is Josh. Unfortunately, we didn't— couldn't bring him in this year. Yeah. Um, but he was— I was kind of heartbroken.

19:46And the problem is, is being your— the event organizer, and when we say no to some people, I'm the one that has all the personal connections. Yes. Yeah. Um, and, and again, it's I don't want to say that everybody's going to too many because we talked about that before we got on, but like I was sharing with you how like it's so hard for me when I'm at an event to come home and just flip back to being in, right, Jeff?

20:12Because like my brain is still, you know, flying around. It's still in Vegas or it's still in, you know, North Carolina or it's still in Pennsylvania. So when I come back, like these, these ones that are, they're, they're jet setting every month or somewhere else, my hat's off to them for being able to do it because it is not— living out of a suitcase is not fun.

20:31No, that's for musicians, not for mechanics. My waistline is already growing. I can't imagine if I would be on the road. Oh yeah, like, it's just— when I was in Vegas, I've never eaten so much, like, dense food, you know what I mean? What's a 14-ounce steak 2 nights in a row? It's no big deal. Like, you know, heart attack waiting to happen.

20:58Let's eat a pound steak every day for, you know, 4 days consecutive. What? The hell, you're in Vegas only once, right? And so that's the whole thing. Traveling for me is, is I love it and I love seeing my family when I'm out there. And, and, you know, like Brian Pollock, it's so funny. Hey, Brian's not that far from me, it's like a 3-hour drive, but yet, you know, we don't get to see each other as much as we should.

21:22So we all got busy, we all have busy lives and time gets away from us. Yeah, so that makes sense. That's another thing going to these events it kind of lets you enjoy it because now you slowed down some with your personal busy life. You made the commitment to go to one of these events to learn and network and stuff, and it gives you some time to— And we build— When you try and organize an event like this, you want to make sure you have enough networking time where it's not class, class, class, this, this, and it's just running 20 miles an hour, 50 miles an hour all the time.

22:00So we do allow a lot of time. And I think somebody said it, some of the real learning goes on at the bar or in the couches in the area after the fact. Yeah, 100%. I mean, I can still remember last year, that was when I got to introduce Check Engine Chuck to Paul Danner, right? Which that was really cool because they were both there.

22:25So I got to introduce those two people who have been pivotal in my career, you know, and I'm blessed to be able to call them both friends, but to be able to bring them together, who they were— they had known each other, but of each other, and then to see that kind of— they get to know one another and sit around and have a drink and share stories and all this kind of stuff.

22:44That's the coolest vibe that you can, you can be responsible for or take a little credit for or just get to witness, because it's the same as like Chuck getting to meet Tanika, you know, and, and like, because she lights up a room, right? She just— she's so absolutely— oh, she's such a— I, I just laugh because your podcast is killing it.

23:05Like, it's doing so well. And, you know, she's a natural. I told her that. She's like— because when she talked before it hit the ground, she's like, she's talking to me, and I'm like, you have nothing to worry about. Nothing. Like, the people love you, and you are for all you think about, you know, you're not an— you're, you're an introvert. You're the most easy to talk to introvert then that I've ever met in my life.

23:30Yeah, you know what I mean? And she's— so she has that gift. I don't know if it's that Southern thing or, or what, but she's just killing it. So I mean, she's awesome. I told her the other, the other day, I was like, yeah, she was worried about it too. I'm like, Tanika, you ain't got nothing to worry about. You got this.

23:45Yeah, I said, when I said, when you went on in Florida last year at the summit by the institute in Florida, you said you were so nervous when you got up there on that stage to do your presentation and you had nothing to worry about. You killed it. Yeah, you're a natural. Some people have it, some people don't. Yeah. Yeah. And she's, she's got it in spades.

24:06And I mean, people are— the amount of people that are going to reach out to her that want to be on her show, she has nothing to worry about. Like, she literally just has to flick on the microphone and the magic is going to happen. She's so, she's so blessed that way. She already has such a huge following that people are just going to want to continue to share with her and to, and to be, to lift her up.

24:29She's got nothing to worry about. She was so— she talked to me and like, you know, how do you do this? And I'm like, listen, I'm not the guy you want to follow, but how to, you know, because I think Lola Schmidt's another one. Yes. Oh my God, yes. For sure. I, I, I'm, I'm excited if she's coming because like last year she ain't gonna make it.

24:52Sorry. I know. Yeah, she's got a family thing going on that same weekend. Yeah, same with, uh, Paul and Kristen Danner. Yeah, I know. It's— so when we change the date, Brett, did that kind of have a, a negative or was it just, um So originally, when we left the Kalahari, when Dave Bossinger and I were trying to revive Tools, and we did finally revive it at the Kalahari where it was dying, we did a break-even year.

25:27Yeah. And we were looking, and none of us knew how to figure out, okay, well, this shit, you need to book years in advance for dates and places. We didn't know that. Originally, we looked at Hershey. Of course, at that time, we had, you know, we didn't have a good enough attendance and financials to even do it. But I was looking for this kind of a weekend, like the last weekend of April, beginning of May.

25:51Where it wound up is that last weekend in May, the last couple years, is because the Central gave us that date. I was scared because it's the Friday after Memorial Weekend. Yeah, and it didn't hurt us. So we were kind of trying to keep it since we already had them dates set the last couple of years. But this is what Hershey had available, so we took it.

26:16Yeah, it might be a couple of years. It might fluctuate a week or two one way or the other until we can get solidified as this event continues to grow and we can solidify a specific weekend that this is the dates. Yeah, I don't want to fluctuate it. You know, like, okay, this year it's the end of May, next— or the 8th of April.

26:35Next year it's in the middle of May. Yeah. But I don't also don't want to overlap other shows because I don't want to take away any attendees, sponsorships, vendors, and stuff because they have budgets too that they got to follow. Yeah. And it's just like, you know, it's just like our friends from the shops that are— that are managed to make so many of these.

26:56Like, it's, it's a big commitment., you know, logistics-wise to be able to attend these events. That if we start packing a bunch of them on, you know, to a month or something, I, I've, I find that people, you know, have to make the choice of one or the other. It's pretty hard to get away from your shop, you know, 2 weeks in the same month, you know.

27:15And I'm hoping that people choose Tools, especially if they didn't get to go to Vision. Yes. Yeah. Um, Tools is another option. It's not— it's in the spring. It's not in the fall where you got all these other shows that are going on. Yeah, we have a lot planned in Hershey. You know, we're going to do the Wednesday night. The Amazing Women are having a women's social that night.

27:39And we also have two options for people coming in Wednesday night for just a social night, either over at Troegs Independent Brewing or they can go to Hershey Adventure Landing and ride the go-karts. I will probably be at the brewery then because you know where I'll be right next to you. Because I'm not— I mean, it's not that I don't enjoy the go-karts, it's just like I, I would rather, you know, I, I don't do so well sitting that low to the ground going that fast.

28:09Yeah, there's a lot that goes into planning this and a lot of people don't see the back end. Uh, it's a huge, big financial commitment. Mm-hmm. Uh, so just trying to break even is what you're trying to do. Yeah. Yes, we are trying to make a profit because we use that money for other things within the Mid-Atlantic organization, plus we also need a deposit for the following year.

28:33Yes. Yeah. All right. If you don't have a huge organization with a big pocketbook, you rely on shows like Tools and our other show that we've run in the fall, Super Saturday, out in Trevose. Yeah, which is a— we're gonna— is a smaller regional show, but we're trying to grow Tools as the big Northeast sector of the United States show. And I, I can tell you honestly, like, I don't find— you know, I find that Tools is right up there with the quality of, of event and quality of training.

29:06That's the beauty of this, is like, you know, and, and, you know, people talk about Vision. I've never attended Vision. I didn't get a to go again this year. Um, you know, and everybody kind of holds that, but I mean, I, I took some amazing classes last year at Tools, and, and they're going to be even better this year. So people, if you're thinking like, well, is it going to be— is it going to be good?

29:29Yeah, because here's what's the beauty of this sometimes, is you can be in a smaller classroom with less people, and then you see them. Brett knows exactly what I'm talking about. You kind of see where it's like you get a little more um, a different vibe in the class in the sense that we haven't got so many people asking questions and stuff, and you can get a little more, um, break into a question.

29:50You know, I see Brian and Jim Kokonas when they do this right at Tools was great last year because their, theirs is very much a really neat class to be in because it's not that it's impromptu, it's not, there's a, there's a, a set that they're getting through, but the, the conversation always opens up in that class.. And I've sat through it twice now and I'll sit through it every time because the questions that come back and forth from them and to the audience, that's where the nuggets are, is what that little bit that, you know, and like Brian and Jim, you could make the argument there's not probably two smarter as a pair in

30:28a class in anywhere in the industry. So, you know, I'm partial to both of them. They're very good friends of mine. But like, if you want to catch a really cool class, that's the one to catch. They're bringing them both, the Ctrl+Alt+Delete and Shit You Don't Know 2.0. 2.0. Yeah. So which I know they've had other ones, but now we're bringing it to the Northeast.

30:47And what's neat about that class is it's kind of like it's a case study fundamentals process type mishmash smorgasbord buffet. And because that's how Brian— and Brian and I have been friends for a long, long time. So that's kind of how we talk about how do you get through this and how do you do this? It comes back to that, that process, right?

31:09So when Brian and I, we talked for a long time, like, can you even teach process? And he believes you can.? And I believe you can, but I believe it's like, it's anybody— not anybody. The easy thing is to be able to teach the, the theory, but getting somebody to put the theory into a process, that's the trick. And Brian is— and Jim are phenomenal at that.

31:32You come out of there with an idea about how to really implement this into your process, and that's, to me, that's the true sign of really good teaching, right? Because from what I understand, um, even if you've taken the Shit You Don't Know and Shit You Don't Know 2.0 before, it's going to be different content because they're constantly adding to it. Well, and that's the thing, like, I'm so privileged to be in group chats with those guys, right?

31:58So it's like they'll talk about vehicles that they've got in their shop right now, and we're sharing little things back and forth, and they're like, well, that's going to be a case study., you know, and then Brian's going to use that as a case study, you know. Tommy Markham, I'm wearing his shirt, you know, he submits stuff constantly to Brian. Brian, look at this, you know, or Zeb Beard, look at this.

32:17And then before you know it, you're going to be sitting there and it's like, wow, that was cool, that— what a cool car, or what a neat problem to solve. It all comes from that, that ability. Again, it goes back to networking. These guys, you talk to Tommy, you talk to Zeb, you talk to Brian, like Tommy especially, recently, the last 2 years, like, it has been only through networking that he, you know, has found this power to say, like, I'm gonna do my business this way, you know.

32:45It wasn't that he wasn't running a successful business, but he, he had a complete mind shift. A lot of that was Zeb Beard's influence, right? Zeb can influence people. Really? Actually, I'm gonna, I'm gonna make a shout out. Zeb, you told me you were coming. This year, and I don't see you on the registration. I do see Tommy registered. Yeah, yeah, Tommy's gonna— Tommy's gonna come down.

33:08Now, we did talk, Brett, about, um, Tommy has a particular grievance with most of the events, and he voiced it today. The coffee at some of the events is just terrible. So you mean, uh, like at the breaks and stuff? Yeah, yeah. So he's— and he's like me, he's a coffee fiend. Like, he's— he likes his coffee a certain way. He likes it strong, you know, good coffee.

33:34So, um, you know, we're not putting anybody on the spot, but like, maybe this is an opportunity for you, Brett, that if you get the best coffee at any of the events, it just becomes a shoo-in, you know? Well, I, I will tell you, it's been a while since I've had any events at the Hershey Lodge that I have attended. Yeah, the food has always been good.

33:55Good. Um, It's last year at the— that was some of our complaint from the venue last year. I think I was kind of disappointed with the service and the food side of it because the event— the venue could have held us for a while. Yeah, with that trade show floor, which was all— I mean, it's old. It's, it's a runner. They had a new face on an old building and never updated the inside.

34:23Yeah, which is unfortunate because that place could have held us for a couple of years. But because of some of the feedback we got, some of the disappointments, they weren't willing to say, yeah, we could do better. Yeah. So we went looking elsewhere. I think we landed on a very nice location with Hershey Lodge. I think we're going to be able to grow this event where it will be a destination event.

34:49Like, hey, bring your family to Hershey. Yeah, um, there's a lot to do in that area, and I can't wait to see it. Can't wait to— this attendance we need, Mike, we need your attendance. Yeah, we need you guys to get registered between now and 6 weeks. The room block at the Hershey Lodge runs out March 20th. Other than that, uh, you'll be paying a full— a bigger price than what we got locked in.

35:14It's I think it's $199 plus taxes. That's what— which isn't bad for that hotel. No, it's not. Not at all. It's, uh, I'm excited to go. And like I said, you know, I love the fact that like Tools is a driving distance for me. Now it's not like a 1-hour, it's like a 6-hour drive, but I mean, it's still— it's a beautiful— it's a beautiful trip for me.

35:36Um, I know my friend might be coming from the other side of Toronto, and I think he'll probably drive down, so he's got another 2 hours on his drive. Frank is supposed to be coming down. I'm not sure if Anis is going to drive down or not. We're still on the fence about that. I'm working on Anis to try and get him to come.

35:52But like, I'm trying to bring these people from, you know, Canada, if I can, over because it's not that far a drive to come down to TULS. So my Canadian contingents is listening. If you're thinking about— and there's one other, his name escapes me at the moment, Brett, I apologize for that. But he's already told me that he's thinking he will make the trip down to Tools.

36:12Cool. My, my Canadian brothers and sisters that are listening, if you're looking, listening for an event that you want to make, this is not all that hard of an event to do. And I would love— so here's my long-term goal, Brett. I'd love to be able to start up a caravan that leaves, like, and I don't mean a car, I mean like a rolling caravan, at least from somewhere around Ontario, and comes down to Tools every spring.

36:37Because that would be awesome. To see the kind of the Canadian invasion. If you ever watched an old movie, Canadian Bacon, way back in the day with— Oh my God, yes. All that line's fresh. I just picture it in my head because you're going to be amazed when you get to the Tools how it feels to be there. And I keep saying I want it to be for me like it is for Astroworld, in every conceivable year going forward in my career, as long as I get up and do this, that it's one of those that it's a no-miss for me, you know what I mean?

37:11That's what I want Tools to be for me, because it's just, it's about a vibe. I mean, I love Apex and, and SEMA, I love Las Vegas, but if I don't go, it's, it's okay. I've been, you know what I mean? But there's something special about, about Tools, is my point, guys, if you're listening. So my Canadian friends, let's make this happen.

37:31You know, they reach out to me all the time and they go, there's nothing happening in Toronto. And I'm like, you're right, there's not. And that's really sad. And I've— trust me, I've tried to get some, some people interested in, in having more input and feedback on what goes on in Ontario. But it's a slow process, guys. So, you know, if you're within driving distance or flight and you want to come to Tools and you're up in Canada thinking, where do you go?

37:58Come down, join me, and you're gonna have a great time. These events are so pivotal for what's going to happen in, in this industry going forward, it's not even funny. Um, we're not going to, you know, solve some of the problems in the industry, but I'm not trying to go all doom and gloom, but we're not going to get our hand on some of the, the fixes unless we do these events and talk with people and network, because that's really what it is.

38:25We know what we have to do. It's getting that confidence to do it right, Brad. Is this— it's the same as tackling a car. You have to— absolutely. And it's, you know, and that's what you take away from these events, people. It's just, it's so powerful when you come home from them. You feel like, you feel like you could solve anything. You feel like you could fix anything.

38:44You feel like your business is, you know, turning a corner every time you come home from them. They're amazing. Yeah. And we're, you know, we'll have a trade show there on Friday and Saturday. Um, bring your jackets. The Jimmy Lee, Brett jacket war will be on. I know Benji's already— he's waiting for me to do some posting, and then he's going to start rubbing it in because that trophy's still on the— oh yeah, I know, in the fucking South.

39:09I'm sorry. Well, I think it's— I think it's mostly like— I think— I don't want to say that Christy dresses Benji, but I mean, we see that she made that. It asked his outfit she made. Yeah, because, you know, but we see Benji the rest of the time and then you see him at an event and you're like, that's a completely different guy.

39:31Like, dude, when I— when Jimmy Lee and I, when we went to that ASTA, to the— we had a plan. Yeah, we, we bought the same jackets, the same LED. This— the LED bow tie was, was our secret weapon. And then I walk into that casino night and I heard Brett Brett, I couldn't see him because of those ASTA lights, and I saw him and I texted Jimmy right away, like, dude, we don't have a chance.

39:59My staff was all worried when I jumped on that little cocktail table. So Benji, I love you, bro, but I think there's people coming for you this time, man. So, so bring your jackets, man, bring your jackets. Let's have some fun, uh, Saturday night. Uh, we'll have our end of event dinner, even though we'll have some things Sunday morning. Um, Jimmy Lee will be our keynote speaker.

40:23Nice. So he's, he's stoked about that. Yeah. And, uh, one thing I'd like to propose to you, Mr. Jaded Mechanic, is Friday night at the welcome reception, have a welcome— come meet the Jaded Mechanic in person. Yeah, that's something we're gonna try this year. Um, I think it's gonna be, uh, a very very interesting. Um, I have to get some pictures so you can— and, and some markers so you can do some signatures in, in a jacket.

40:56I'll bring you the jacket, brother. Yeah. Um, and honestly, I think that's just something that's going to be really cool because like so many people reach out to us and reach out to me, but it's— I'll tell you right now, it's very hard to remember sometimes the, the face to the name. Right? Because you got to remember, like, when I'm looking at my Messenger screen, your profile pic is this big, and I'm, I'm losing my sight.

41:20So, um, so these meet and greets, this idea, we're gonna try this this year because it's like, you know, you're moving around these events and you're always bumping into people and people are stopping you. And I'm not trying to say that I don't want that to happen. I do, because I want everybody that, you know, if you see me and you want to say hello, please don't ever feel like I'm too busy or I can't I can't make the time, I will make the time every time.

41:43But this is going to be cool because if you want to come and just say hello and talk about something with me for a minute, or set up, uh, get a vibe for a feel of like, would we be a good interview, then by all means, Friday night when I'm, you know, probably sitting at a table, you know, drinking a beer, um, come by, you know, and, and just say hello.

42:02And, uh, you know, if you want a picture with me, I don't know why anybody would But I'll be happy to do that. Right. And this is the thing for me is it's like I don't ever take for granted this, this relationship that I have with guys like Brett and everybody, the names we talk about. I don't, I don't take it for granted for one second because like, you know, I'm not the shot baller, okay?

42:26And, and but yet to be accepted and embraced and encouraged by so many of them, really, really, I never let that that down from, from my eyesight in terms of what, what, where I keep my eyes focused. Um, and it's been really cool to be accepted, and so many of them come up and have such nice things to say. And, and, you know, I, I'm doing it for all of us.

42:51It's not about, you know, like Lucas had a really good post today, but it's, you know, about blame and all that kind of stuff. I'm not trying to pit one team against the other. I'm trying to make both people understand You know, we move through this together. You know, like Brett understands, when you're trying to solve that problem car, that Expedition in the shop, you know, it's a situation of your management and your techs working together.

43:12It's not about being divided at all. That's the beauty of these, these shows, people, is you come in and you spend some time together away from the shop. You kind of decompress a little bit and you meet people that inspire you. That's what this is about for me, you know, inspiring people. And, and, you know, I'm blessed to be able to, to call these people my friends because they just, they make me want to be better every day.

43:36And that's what's so cool, you know? Yeah, that's what these events do. Absolutely. Yeah. So, so come by and, you know, I don't know if I have pictures to sign, but you could get a picture with me. Um, I'll make sure we have something there. The hope is next, in the next coming year, maybe we might get some swag up, and that'll be really cool.

44:00Because like, I made the one clip that Braxton threw together, you know, I said I got to get that on a t-shirt, and I already had like 10 messages saying, you know, I want the t-shirt in black and I wear a 3X. And I'm like, okay, t-shirts will be, uh, you know, are going to be popular. And I said, well, maybe we put that on a coffee mug, and then somebody says or a beer glass.

44:25Beer glass would be cool. So, you know, it's not that I'm trying to get all, you know, monetized and everything, but I mean, I do, you know, there's just— I'm proud of what we've been able to build, and I want to be able to share it with a whole lot of people. And I don't do it— I don't do this for the money, guys.

44:41I do it because I really in my heart believe that I've seen change, and I've been to these events and I've seen— I've witnessed change. And when you are at these events and you feel it, right, Brett? You just feel it. You do. There's a different vibe. Yeah. You know, I think I've said it before when I was interviewed, when I went to Vision last year for my first time, it is— you'd mention it— it is an overwhelming experience if you've never been to it because it's so— it's big.

45:15It's phenomenal. But because of the networking and the friendships I have built by going to other events, it was a whole different experience for me because I knew a lot more people. Yeah. And the more you attend these events, whether you attend one a year or two a year or one every other year or whatever, because it's, it's, it's an investment. Sure it is.

45:37The friendships will grow and you will become part of this changing this industry. And that's how we do it. Um, we're not islands. No, we have to be one big landmass. Yeah. And that's— people reach out to me all the time and they just, you know, it's always the same thing. They go like, I heard your conversation with Brad, or I heard your conversation with Tanika, or I heard your, you know, conversation with Jess Ann.

46:01And it's like people are resonating with the conversations that we're having with each other. And that's the whole thing, because then they don't feel like they're in their own little shop in their own little world fighting this battle. It just, you know, it, it, it becomes a grind, but it doesn't become like this ever impending thing that I can't get my head wrapped around, you know what I mean?

46:26Like, you make this network and people help you to some days just get through the day, and then other months they help you level up. To that next goal that you had in mind for your business or your shop or, or you as a technician. That's the whole thing with this, right? Is 1% better every day, like our friend Josh keeps saying.

46:46Well, if you do the math, 1% a day in 100 days, you've doubled. Well, that's an optimistic, you know, goal. But even if you're just 10% better at the end of the year, that's 10%. That's big, right? I'm gonna do that with beer. All right, so if I drink 1% more beer tomorrow on the alcohol level, right? Like, you know, some of the American beer is pretty light.

47:13Like, you guys do, you know, you have it in the 4s still, and I mean, that's cute. I'm a craft beer guy, so I don't drink anything under 6%. Yeah, my go-tos are usually 10% above. Yeah, uh, Jeff, I got one here I paid $300 for. It's a Sam Adams Utopias. Okay, 28.9%. Oh yeah, that's, um, yeah. So if you want to level up your beer game, um, Tools is where you can do it too.

47:50So yeah, I'm just excited. Um, Brett, what's some of the, the standout classes that we've got? Like, I know we kind of touched on who's coming, but, you know, well, Steckler's doing— we— so when we try and set these up, I don't want to be repetitive with classes. So if I'm looking for classes that these instructors have that may have not have been done before, or we didn't have them in our event, so Steckler's bringing two new ones that we've never had: Uncovering the Boundaries of Tool and Test Equipment Yeah, I want to sit through that one.

48:23Um, you know, we got some stuff from, you know, the Garage Gurus, some like fuel talk, fuel trims and misfires. We got some electrical classes in there. Uh, David Hobbs is doing— going through a phase. Nice. You know, we got, uh, Robert Kenny coming. I love Robert. Robert, he always has. So we're gonna do some modern Automotive braking systems with him. Yeah, so we, we got stuff for everybody.

48:53Uh, Samantha Hignan and Tom Shearer are going to be doing some things. The one that I really am excited about that they're going to do together is called Write It Right. From the— it's for the technician's perspective on how to get their work sold. Nice. On how to write up their DVIs and explanations so the service advisor can sell it. I want to sit in that one too.

49:19Yeah, you know, Keith Perkins is coming in for, uh, network failures. I think he's also going to be doing a Volkswagen Audi class. Yeah, for modules. Um, we do have one Tesla class, basically. I think it's called Tesla Essentials. But we, we got stuff, you know, management stuff from on the side with, um, you know, Rick White's doing a couple, and Cecil and Kent.

49:47Yeah, got some marketing things, but we pretty much tried to do some stuff that if you're bringing the shop, not everybody is that top diag guy. You got to have stuff, um, to cover some of the other bases. I think Hunter's going to be doing some alignment. We do have a couple off-site classes— Oh, nice.— They're not— it's 5, 10 minutes down the road, so it's not that far.

50:14Dan Theaken's coming in. He's going to be doing a Tire Profit class that you can— Awesome. He begged me and I'm like, all right, we're going to— I want to beg my committee. He's like, I want to give them this class. So I'm not sure if it's the first time they've done that, this class or not. I know he's been talking about it.

50:34You know, Tim Iezzi and Ira Waterman are going to be there. So we got some top-notch guys. And on the collision side, we got David Lure coming in. And I don't know all these guys, so I'm looking through here. Um, I'll, I'll say this, guys. If you're, if you're bringing, say, your whole team, right, and say you have an already top-performing kind of, uh, service writer right, and, and they have a block, maybe, just maybe, uh, have them sit in, say, a Brandon Steckler class or something more diagnostic-based for them.

51:12Not because you want to take your service writer and make them a diagnostic whiz. I'm not trying to sell anybody on that idea that it's that easy. Um, but I think, you know, Brett and I talk all the time about what makes so many of these— some of the relationships so effective is is that understanding of each other's roles and what we've had to do to get there and what we do on a day-to-day.

51:33So, you know, I've got to know Ashley Kaplan really good in the last couple weeks, and Ashley talks about like, she's the first advisor I ever knew of that had ASE credentials. You know what I mean? So I'm not saying, Brett, that we're gonna sit in a class and they're gonna come out ready to fix cars, but they come out with a better understanding of sometimes that they can work with the customer and then that, that language to the, the technician, right, in conveying— you know, Brett knows where I'm going with this, right?

52:01Yeah. To communicate better. So if you're sitting there and it's like, oh, I don't know, like, I don't, I don't know if my advisor would, would get anything out of an advisor class, put them in, put them in something technical. I mean, it may be tough for them, maybe they don't want to do it. I'm not forcing anybody, but just keep an open mind to this idea because, like, I come to these and I sit in the business classes, I sit in the advisor class, classes.

52:22Like, I don't just sit in the technical stuff, a lot of it because I'm not all that smart and a lot of it's way over my head. But what has been really powerful for me is to be able to sit in a class with Rick or Cecil or Kent or, you know, an advisor class or Becky Witt at some of your other events that I've sat in.

52:41And I get that vibe of that— how that when they understand know your numbers and they talk about the business and stuff, I come away with such a better better understanding of it that I'm like so much more appreciative of the ones that are doing it right, I guess is what I'm trying to say, Brett. Like, it's— yep, don't sit there and think your role as a tech, you should only take technical.

53:02Don't do that. Do not do that. If you have a pocket where you're trying to fill, be open to anything. Go take it. You know, it's— you'll be surprised at the people you'll meet and the stuff you'll come out of there learning. It's incredible, guys. It really is. You know, I think, uh, Sarah Fraser and Tracy Capriati are bringing a class about communications.

53:23Yeah. And that's basically for everybody. Yeah. Uh, goes along with that. Last year at Tools, I think we did— Rich Falco and them hosted the Train by Techs. Yeah, that's happening again this year. I believe we are giving it another whirl again this year. So that went over really well. As far as I know, Rich has reached out to some of the Trained by Tech guys and some of them will already be there.

53:48Uh, that's a, that's an interesting aspect to what we do at Tools. Yeah, on that this year. So we got a lot of stuff going on and like I said, we tried put together a— for the amount of classroom space they allotted us for our attendance numbers, which was small, I'd like to increase it a few more. So we need a We need you guys to go to midatlantic.org and look, click on the tools and hit register.

54:18Yeah. To help build this show up because I'd like to see it become what ASTA has become in the South. And I tell everybody it has at least that much potential to do that. It really does, guys. Like it is, there's, you know, people go, oh, North Carolina is like the epicenter of everything in the aftermarket. Automotive side. And there are a lot of big companies are based out of North Carolina, but man, there are some killer shops in Pennsylvania.

54:46There are some people and some of the smartest people, Paul Danner's in PA for people, like let's be real. So it's like the Northwest is full of talent. And if we can get those people coming and get immersed into it, you know, you could see this become that, you know, destination event that everybody wants to make happen every year. I really believe it has the potential to do that.

55:12Well, you're coming, so I wouldn't see why everybody don't come. Yeah, well, because that's just it. I can't— I can't be— I have to be vocal about the fact that I'm going, but I can't be too vocal because there's always that people are like, oh, that a-hole's gonna be there. Now I think next year we'll probably have to have some like red velvet lines for you and some security guards posting around you.

55:40Oh, it's so funny. You'll be sitting there with your beer like Allen Iverson. Practice? I don't practice. I just do. Listen, if you've listened to the podcast, you know I don't come in with a script, or I talk all the time about process. I am the best you've ever seen at throwing the process away and just like throwing shit at the wall.

56:06I do it all the time. So I could baffle with bullshit with the best of them, buddy. So it's, it's so cool to me that like, you know, these, these events— what's beauty about tools is it's, it's not so regimented, you know what I mean? Like, it's very free-flowing and, you know, And I can say this is like every time that you didn't see people like rushing to get somewhere and they didn't have time to stop and say hello.

56:34Breakfast and dinner and all these events have been always so cool and laid back about, you know, just having a conversation. And I mean, you know, we talk sometimes about how some classes you get a vibe like you don't— like you can't ask questions because they're trying to get through. And I've never seen that happen at Tools. I've never been in one class yet.

56:56And I think that that's a, that's a key thing too, because like, you know, we talk about the— when you're at these events and if you have something you want to ask or a question, make sure you ask it while you're here. Yeah, the only dumb question is the one never asked. Yeah. And you know, it's— I keep going back to it, somebody could give you the same answer, but when you get the answer with their passion that they're giving it to you That's the, that's the secret sauce, guys, that makes you, you know, really, really think that something can work or it really holds weight with you.

57:29Is because, you know, when you, when you get a chance to be around some people that are, that you look up to, that you respect, that, you know, have, are where you want to go, um, don't be intimidated. Just come up. Everybody is so friendly, um, that I've never had somebody, you know, come away from an event going, oh, I met this person and, you know, they weren't like I thought.

57:52Everybody has been so warm and welcoming that it's just— it's— I come away so invigorated. It's— I've had some people say, you know, like, some of the big shows have become more corporate and the personal touch is left. Yeah. I, I vowed for Tools, as long as I'm involved and I'm still around, I will never let that show, no matter how big it grows— yeah— get that personal touch away from the show.

58:24Yeah. Because I— we just talked about it pretty much this whole episode, the feelings you get when you go to these shows. You want them open, you want them friendly, you want them inviting. Yeah. And I, I, I'm a personable guy. Um, I will make friends with my worst enemy because that's who I am. It's And I don't want that feeling to go away.

58:46No matter how big the show goes. I'm that same way. Like, you guys have got to understand, like, sometimes if you, if you hear something, you know, and a lot of it is, is I see it more and more, Brett. It's like we're into this, you know, 30-second clip world and people see one little thing and they make a judgment. Okay. What I can tell you is that, like, not everybody absolutely loves me, as crazy as it is.

59:10But if you've seen something and you're like, and you feel like it's stuck under your craw and you want to say something about it, by all means approach me and come, come say, come tell me. Like, you'll probably find that like when we have the conversation, a couple minutes worth of conversation about it, you'll come away with a better understanding about where I was actually going and what I was actually trying to say.

59:31And, you know, you might still think that guy's like, ain't too bright, but they'll be glad that you got the conversation, that you understood. Okay, now I get a better idea about where he's coming from. From. Because again, it's sometimes in the way that I deliver, in the way that I talk, people think it's a very much an us versus them type of vibe.

59:51And it's, it's so not that. But it's just sometimes it's the way it comes through, it's the way I talk. So if you, if you see me and, you know, something I said you didn't like it, please come up and tell me, man. This is— I want to do this and get it better, you know. And I want to be these events where people can feel like they can talk to anybody, you know.

1:00:13And that's, that's what we're— that's the end goal for Brett and I is, is like this feeling of family when we're at these events is that because that's what makes you keep wanting to come back. You want to connect with the people that you see again and then the new people that are always coming in and out of this industry, these young people, man, it is so cool when you meet some of them and they inspire you because like these young kids, man, like you feel their passion for this.

1:00:40It's crazy how— And we need to keep nurturing that passion because so many of them young ones wind up in a dealership that treat them like crap and they go out of our industry. And then we've lost them. So all of us should be vowing. Like last year I took a guy that wasn't even my employee to Tools. He's my employee now because I took him to Tools.

1:01:04Yeah. And, and you got to remember, sometimes like a lot of the negativity that we have in the conversations comes from people that are outside of our circle. So what I'm going to say is that like they're within our industry, but maybe they do work in that new car dealer kind of problem, the situation, right? And I'm not trying to throw shade on them because that's a big part of my career, but we're like, if you're a dealer tech and you can somehow make it to Tools or you can make it to the bench can, you know, come by.

1:01:33When you get that feeling here where you're talking to these guys, you're gonna see how it's so different what we do day in and day out in these shops compared to what you do. And I'm not saying it's right or wrong, harder or easier, that's not what I'm saying. It's just different. And you'll find that, like, you will meet people that will be very welcoming to you, and they will be very respectful to you, and they will want to know more about what you do every day.

1:02:02And that's been part of my platform, has been able to share what a lot of the dealer techs do every day and what they go through. But when you come into this environment and you meet these people, it's a completely different uplifting type of attitude that they have to this industry, the way they see it. And, um, it can get infectious, man.

1:02:21It really can. Yeah. And that's, that's the cool part, right? So, you know, don't think that because you're you know, you work at a dealership or something and you know about the course, don't think that you can't come here and get something out of it. It's not— that's the furthest thing from the truth. You'll come out away— you'll come away from it so empowered, invigorated.

1:02:45Like I said, you'll be amazed. And it doesn't mean that you got to then get out of the dealer and go work at an independent. That's not what I'm trying to say. But you will take tools from these events that you'll be able to implement into your job. You'll be able to understand better what the other side of the coin is like.

1:03:01So, hey, uh, so before you— we get out of here, there's still sponsorship opportunities for, uh, anybody, business or anybody would like to sponsor. And there are a few exhibitor spaces left, so those are filling up fast. Yeah, yeah. And the trade— the guys, the trade show is always like really, really good at tools. Really good. Like, better than you would expect it to be is what I— is that what I can honestly say.

1:03:30Um, so, you know, if you're— if you're an expo kind of guy, like, you know, you're coming here to see the newest, flashiest stuff, um, definitely make that part of your— part of your trip. Um, Brett, what else— what else do we share real quick before we get off of here? Uh, well, Well, Mid-Atlantic ACA is, if you're in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware area, you can become a member and you can save on your registration fee because right now registration for the full weekend is $679.

1:04:06We also have 3-day that you can buy Thursday, just Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or you can do a 2-day or you can even do an à la carte 1 day. Uh, so those prices are all up on the, on the website. The other event we do in the fall is, it's like I said, it was a smaller regional event called Super Saturday. That's also a strong smaller event that's been going on for 14 years, I think.

1:04:33Yeah. Um, but we're going to— the organization is going to run both and try and grow the Tools as the big regional, main regional show for the Northeast and use Super Saturday as Maybe move that around from different areas of the states to see if we can get some more people from the western side involved and maybe the northern side. But yeah, these events, Jeff, if you haven't been to Vision, I'm going to highly encourage you to come to Tools and set aside in your budget, set aside to plan for these Ongoing continuing education.

1:05:12We can't— I think it was Jim Kokkanis that said it last year, we need to change the verbiage of a training event. We're not training dogs. Nope. We are continually educating ourselves. Yeah. So I'm hoping that you decide after listening to Jeff and I and knowing that the one and only Jada Mechanik will be there for a meet and greet, that you want to come to Hershey, Pennsylvania, April 29th to May 3rd.

1:05:41Unwrap your potential and register for the event. Yes. Yeah, we keep saying it and it's small peanuts, but like people have done the math, right? And you talk about, you know, cost this much to go to an event and somebody says, oh, it's like $10,000. Think about that. You know, I wonder how many hours of labor you sell over the next year with that small increment you would just have to do to each work order., right, Brett, to hit that $10 grand.

1:06:07We're talking small peanuts, guys, right? So just don't think, can I do it? Think, I'm gonna do it. And then just make one little tiny financial change and, and do it, because you will come away from these shows— like, like Jim's— like Jim said, it's not about training, it's continuing education. Training always has like, I trained for this. And I'm done, I completed it.

1:06:33Continuing education— education is ever-evolving and nonstop ongoing, and we all have to do that in this industry because, like Brett and I got on, the tech— before we got on, the tech is changing so fast you can't even keep up on it. Like, I was working on a 2021 Audi Q5 hybrid e-tronic today. Like, I mean, that's what I'm working on, right?

1:06:55And everybody goes, What the hell is he doing on that? Well, it wasn't too complicated because it's not that old, but I'm, I'm sitting there, you know, prepping it for sale, right? So there I have to become familiar with all the systems on all this different stuff. So if it wasn't for the fact that I have friends that I've met that worked on that thing when it was brand new that I can reach out to and say, hey, how do I make this light go off?

1:07:20Or what, you know, that's the beauty of this networking, and that's what it comes from, is being able to share your experiences with people. People want to hear your story. People want to be heard. So give and you will receive, and you will be so— you just, you feel weightless when you walk out. You feel so enlightened by these events, it's not even funny.

1:07:46So if you're on the fence, like I started out with, you know, get a hold of myself, get a hold of Brett. We'll have any— I'll send you any link I can, give you all the answers I can about the event, and Man, get off your butts and sign up for it. It's as simple as that. The event is like— I love this event because it feels to me like, like home.

1:08:06It feels like going home, and, and it's not where I live, but it's a part of me that like, it just feels very familiar and comfortable. And that's what you want in an event. That's, that's what it is all about, is how much you feel it. And it's, it's got in spades, man. So, Brett, thank you, man. Anything else you want to say?

1:08:28Dude, I appreciate the opportunity. It's always nice to chat with you. I can't wait to see you here in a few weeks. Yeah, give you a little— give me that big bear hug, and yeah, I'll bring a beer for you. Thank you, man. You know, you and your wife are in my prayers as always, so I'm glad to see that things are turning the corner there.

1:08:47That's good. And for sure, like when I, when I see, you know, when I see, I'll be sure to give you a hug. People that, you know, when you see me, like, I don't know if I'll be sitting down or standing up. I am a hugger. If I met you once, probably the second time I meet you, I'll give you a hug.

1:09:04If you want to hug me the first time you meet me, I'm not going to say no. I'm just that way. You know, if you want to take a swing at me, it's okay too. But just come by and say hello. Honestly, you know, I think it's going to be a lot of fun. And, you know, these events, people, make them happen, make them part of your schedule, because I've never— and Brett, I'm sure same thing— he's never had one person say, I friggin wish I hadn't gone.

1:09:33Now, I've never said that. And I've been going to events for a few years of the newer style events. But I mean, I've been in this business. I used to go to these trade shows and these kind of weekends a long time ago. Back in the day we called them a convention, but it wasn't— more of a continuing education. But they're always fun when you can get together with your brothers and sisters in our industry.

1:09:56Yeah. So everybody, that's our, that's our, that's our push for tools. So, you know, uh, like I said, reach out to us if you want, you know, any information that we can give you. If you can't make tools, make it a priority to make an event. Make it. You'll hopefully, you'll see me at more of them, and, uh, you know, you'll see Brett at a ton of them too.

1:10:19And, um, you know, they'll change your life. So everybody, as always, like I always say, try to be 1% better tomorrow. Um, thank you to all my sponsors. Thank you all the lovers and the haters of the podcast. As of late, it's been great. Um, go listen to You know, my, my Tanika's new podcast, go listen to, you know, Jess Ann's new podcast.

1:10:42They are, they're both upcoming guests on the Jaden Mechanic podcast, and likewise I'll be a guest on theirs. There's some great conversation coming out in the very near future that's just gonna rock your world about what we're discussing and how it's going to be. And I mean, this, this event is just going to kickstart, you know, I think the next level for so many of us.

1:11:04So, you know, Make it a habit to be at these events and I love you. I can't wait to see you all at Tools. Thank you for listening, Brett. Can't wait to see you, buddy. Thanks, buddy. Appreciate it. Love you all. Talk to you soon. Bye. Hey, if you could do me a favor real quick and like, comment on and share this episode, I'd really appreciate it.

1:11:28And please, most importantly, set the podcast to automatically download every Tuesday morning. As always, I'd like to thank our amazing guests for their perspectives and expertise, and I hope that you'll please join us again next week on this journey of change. Thank you to my partners in the ASAR Group and to the Changing the Industry podcast. Remember what I always say: in this industry, you get what you pay for.

1:11:51Here's hoping everyone finds their missing 10mm, and we'll see you all again next time.