Downshift with Tonnika

Power does not always come from pushing harder. Sometimes in life and in business, the smartest move is to slow down so you can move forward with control, clarity, and intention. Just like a great driver, growth means looking ahead, preparing for the climb, and knowing when it is time to change gears.

15 episodes

Downshift with TonnikaMay 21 · 1h 5m

Build Your Shop, but Don’t Forget to Build a Life | Greg Buckley - Ep 14

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMOIn this episode, Tonnika and Greg Buckley talk about about the challenges and rewards of running a family business in the automotive industry. Greg shares how health struggles led to a period of self-reflection and stepping back from day-to-day shop operations, only to discover the importance of finding new purpose through nonprofit work. Tonnika also reflects on the influence of her entrepreneurial family and emphasizes the value of building strong, empowered teams—both in the shop and beyond.Timestamps:00:00 Why wait to live? Enjoying life before retirement03:05 Getting hands-off with the shop – and how that backfired04:16 Health scares, stepping back, and losing your sense of mattering06:33 Rediscovering purpose through nonprofit work08:00 The powerful impact of giving back: Charity, YMCA, Autism Delaware11:07 Letting go as a parent and a shop leader – joy and heartbreak13:10 How real leadership boosts your shop’s KPIs14:11 Building a winning team by putting people in the right positions15:04 Why Grandma was the ultimate motivational coach17:16 Family hustle: Lessons from generations of business legacy20:05 Getting fired by your own family (and other shop stories!)24:31 When growth brings new problems (and how to solve them)26:02 The fine line between great service and setting boundaries with customers29:32 The heartbreak and lessons of closing the family shop31:42 Wild shop promos: Parties, hot dog carts, and building community33:56 The secret: Leading with empathy, not the iron fist35:28 Making work really work for your team (4-day weeks & real life outside the shop)36:33 Empowering your team to thrive and need you less38:08 Rebuilding your social circle and connections in the digital age42:15 The importance of “entering the room” even when you doubt yourself46:07 Why representation matters in the industry and mentoring the next generation48:58 Playing the long game: Using your voice for good55:52 Finding your passion outside the shop – and how to get started59:05 How to finish strong – and live out loud, guns blazing

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Downshift with TonnikaMay 14 · 55 min

Grow Your Shop By Doing Less? | Buckaroobob & Michael Guenther - Ep 13

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMOIn this episode, Tonnika, Buckaroobob Bucknbob (John Firm), and Michael Guenther, slow it down for some real talk about leadership, legacy, and life in the automotive industry. Tonnika opens up on how stepping away from micromanaging her shop transformed her team and gave her more opportunity to mentor and connect in the industry. John explains how coaching and positive culture completely changed his management style and shop relationships. They all agree: if you want your business to last (and not run you into the ground!), you’ve got to invest in leadership, let go of control, and keep finding ways to pay it forward in your community.Timestamps:00:00 Are you ready to let go and grow?02:23 Industry events, shop tours, and building automotive family05:45 Interviewing your own father (and repairing family bonds)09:14 Shop culture shock: The power of changing your leadership13:19 From micromanaging to mentoring – how the shop runs without you18:06 Training your customers (and yourself!) to let your team shine21:07 The hardest part of stepping back (and how to push through)23:15 Communication breakdowns, leadership blueprints, and getting proactive29:00 Owning your role, succession planning, and preparing for the future34:08 What networking and association leadership really look like38:02 Getting out of your own way: implementation vs. information44:20 Coaching transformations—what REALLY makes a great leader47:19 Should you become a shop coach? (And when not to)

Downshift with TonnikaMay 7 · 1h 1m

Why Busy Doesn’t Mean Profitable in Auto Repair | Mike Allen and Jim Cokonis - Ep 12

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMOIn this episode, Tonnika Haynes, Mike Allen, and Jim Cokonis get real about what it actually takes to build a successful shop without letting the wheels fall off behind the scenes. They break down the danger of stepping away too soon, why empowering your team doesn’t mean checking out, and the numbers every shop owner needs to quit avoiding — labor rates, parts profit, and KPIs that actually matter. This episode is all about leadership, accountability, and building a shop that works because of you… not only when you’re in it.Timestamps: 00:00 — The $100k/month trap: why you need to be IN your shop01:08 — Free Diag for customer acquisition: smart or crazy?03:39 — Leadership styles, micromanagement, and setting your people up for success06:05 — Don’t let KPIs kill your culture08:19 — Giving up micromanaging — but not management itself10:22 — Echo chambers, business focus, and the dangers of stepping back too far12:56 — Toyota Kaizen, process improvements, and empowering your team16:00 — Debunking old-school shop management myths18:03 — Changing workforce motivations: is it really different now?20:26 — Owners chasing absentee dreams before putting in the work22:59 — “Sweep your floor”: hard truths about focusing on your own shop25:51 — Decoding parts profit, labor rates, and the future of shop profitability29:21 — Why effective labor rate actually matters31:08 — Real math for shop owners: hitting your numbers34:39 — Charging for diagnostics: what actually works?38:32 — Selling top-tier service through education, not pressure41:00 — Extreme ownership, replicating leaders, and building scalable success44:27 — Lessons from Toyota: process beats shortcuts46:14 — Can you really teach empathy, sales, and service skills?48:37 — The “I am the problem” moment for every shop owner51:16 — Scaling up: letting go of direct customer ties53:18 — Training, leadership, and the myth of instant success56:36 — Hard-won lessons from promoting the wrong people

Downshift with TonnikaApril 30 · 54 min

How to Build a Repair Shop From the Ground Up | Jennifer Hulbert - Ep 11

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMOIn this episode, Tonnika welcomes Jennifer Hulbert from the Institute of Automotive Business Excellence and Service Plus Automotive. Jennifer shares her own journey taking over her family shop, highlighting the challenges of building the right team and embracing real leadership. They bust the myth that coaching is a cookie-cutter scam, stressing that true culture and accountability transform both the owner and the team.Timestamps:01:00 – Meet Jennifer: From HR to Shop Owner to Coach05:00 – Building a Shop From the Ground Up (And Surviving Dad’s Retirement)10:35 – Numbers Don’t Lie: Why Financials Matter More Than “Hustle”14:38 – Team Culture That Actually Works (And How To Build Yours)16:30 – Monday Meetings, Leadership Classes, and Real-Life Accountability21:00 – Surviving Economic Downturns & Military Community Challenges25:25 – The Real Talk on Hiring, Firing, and Growing a Rock-Solid Team28:30 – The Truth About Working ON vs IN Your Business31:45 – Letting Go: How to Hand Off Roles and Still Win33:35 – Investing in Staff: Training, Trust, and Those “AHA” Moments36:35 – Employee vs. Team Member: Spotting the Difference39:00 – Profit’s Not a Dirty Word—And Why Your Shop Needs It41:10 – Feeling Stuck as a Shop Owner? Step-By-Step on Moving Forward43:50 – Why You Should Stop Chasing “Bottom Feeders” and Stand Your Ground47:00 – Why Jennifer’s Hopeful for the Future of Auto Repair49:30 – Growth Hurts (But It’s Worth It): Unfiltered Conversation for Shop Owners52:24 – How to Get Connected With The Institute and Take Your Next Step

Downshift with TonnikaApril 23 · 1h 24m

Jeff Compton Tells All - A Real Look At His Industry Impact | Jeff Compton - Ep 10

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMOIn this episode, Jeff Compton, Tonnika and Ash dig into what's been going on lately on social media because of Jeff's podcast the Jaded Mechanic. Jeff opens up on how highlight reels from his podcast can be misunderstood by technicians, stressing the importance of listening to the full message and always communicating openly within the shop. Together, they tackle the problem of toxic employees, with everyone agreeing that sometimes letting go—even when it hurts production—is essential for a healthy team.Timestamps: 00:48 Blind date confessions and why Jeff can’t stop talking02:10 Social media spotlight: When highlight reels create havoc at work03:38 Are podcasts causing techs to “hold the shop hostage”?05:10 What Jeff really tells techs: Not just “quit”—have the conversation07:14 Why bad shop culture crushes accountability (on both sides)10:34 Does Jeff feel responsible for how techs interpret the show?13:09 The truth about good shops: If your team is great, the podcast isn’t your problem14:49 Who Jeff used to be—a “problem tech” story you can’t miss17:45 Holding on to toxic employees: When to cut bait (for real)18:39 Empty bays vs. empty culture: What happens when you finally fire the wrong person21:14 Are you hiring for desperation, or for the long haul?24:25 When lack of information/tools costs EVERY shop time and money26:52 How shop environments drive young techs out—can we fix it?30:12 “Industry uncles and aunties”—our responsibility to the next generation32:08 The real risk: Shop culture, tech mental health, and suicide in the industry33:35 Get real: Who Jeff was, and who he doesn’t want YOU to become36:07 Can “star players” and teamwork mix on the shop floor?43:43 Why guarded leaders struggle—and how to break the cycle48:31 Don’t ask for validation—ask for REAL answers in shop groups52:00 Why we HAVE to keep having these tough conversations1:02:03 Why Jeff is not “causing a technician war”—and how to really connect1:10:52 Ending the division—accountability for both owners and techs1:12:49 Leadership is loving your industry and aiming for 1% better, every day1:20:37 Final thoughts: Building a softer, better industry for the future

Downshift with TonnikaApril 20 · 1h 3m

[Special Audio Only Episode] Leadership vs. Management: The Truth Nobody Told You | Michael Smith - Episode 9

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMOIn this episode, Tonnika welcomes Michael Smith of The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence to talk about what it really takes to build a high-performing, people-first shop. Michael explains why genuine motivation can't be created by bonuses or external pressure—real motivation has to come from within. Tonnika brings up what she's learned about the differences between micromanagement and true leadership, opening up about the importance of self-awareness and the hard work of personal growth. Timestamps:00:00 – Why Real Motivation Comes from Within02:20 – What’s Your Shop Actually Worth? Legacy, Acquisitions & Selling05:08 – Why Shop Owners HATE Talking About the Big Picture07:37 – Leadership vs. Management: The Truth Nobody Told You10:06 – Facing Your Shadows: How Self-Awareness Changes Everything13:00 – Not Just Cars: Building a People-First Shop16:11 – Reverse Engineering Legacy: Starting with the End in Mind18:55 – Planning Your Future vs. Living Day to Day22:11 – The Secret Sauce of High-Performance Teams23:44 – Motivation, Bonuses & What Really Drives Great Work25:48 – The Power of Recognition vs. More Money29:12 – Breaking Through Old Industry Mindsets34:03 – Developing People First for Real Business Results37:18 – Little Things You Can Do Now (That Change Everything)42:00 – Resilience, Grit & The End of Imposter Syndrome46:43 – The Science of Growth: Transcendence & Asking Bigger Questions49:23 – Growth Means Getting Uncomfortable (And Why You Should Try)55:10 – How to Break Your Own Ceilings & Why It’s So Worth It59:48 – Recap: The Real Meaning of Leadership in Your Shop

Downshift with TonnikaApril 16 · 1h 4m

Women Are Impacting Auto Repair! | Coralee Zueff - Episode 8

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMOIn this episode, Coralee Zueff joins Tonnika Haynes and Ash Kaplan to share her journey in the automotive industry, reflecting on how her passion for racing and cars led her from technician to acclaimed author and trainer. Their conversation highlights the importance of building genuine customer relationships at the service counter, with Tonnika and Ash emphasizing how personal connection and communication drive trust and success far beyond KPIs. Find more about Coralee's book here00:00 – Why it’s RARE for everything to run perfectly in the shop01:00 – North Carolina cold vs. Canadian “lost snow”03:02 – Meet Coralee: 24 years in the automotive game04:13 – From car enthusiast teen to Red Seal technician07:03 – Writing the next resource for women in the trades08:22 – Why stories matter for the next generation of women10:07 – The power of mentorship and finding your “Automotive Auntie”12:21 – Advice for your younger self: embrace the winding road14:00 – Passion for hands-on work and leadership lessons from water parks16:00 – The reality and value of remote estimating17:36 – Building powerhouse teams: train from scratch or hire experience?19:27 – How service advisors from all backgrounds are raising the bar21:32 – Training tips: one successful thing at a time23:09 – Canadian in Texas: adventures at the Texas Two Step28:36 – Finding community as a woman in a male-dominated industry33:22 – No makeup, no judgment: the power of women’s retreats35:36 – Autocross, drifting, and motorcycles—track life confessions39:41 – Shop race cars and the benefits of getting employees out racing40:13 – All-girls high school racing teams and changing the pipeline41:43 – Will AI take our jobs? Not if people still need people44:11 – How spending just 15 more minutes with each customer pays off46:33 – Frontline service tips: name recognition and building trust49:01 – Why the best advisors might be bartenders51:21 – Setting expectations: the art of handling upset customers54:03 – Downshift: Slow down for more meaningful growth55:10 – Coralee on learning to say NO – and loving it58:03 – Take an extra day, enjoy the journey59:09 – Where to find Coralee’s books and training

Downshift with TonnikaApril 9 · 58 min

Before I Was the Boss Lady, I Was His Little Girl | William Brown and Ash Kaplan - Episode 7

Today, we welcome the man who started it all....William Brown, my daddio. It took some convincing to get him to open up, but I just HAD to let you meet him! Together with Ash Kaplan, we talk about how my dad didn't just build a shop, but and a legacy. He shares hard-earned wisdom from decades in the business, including how sacrifice and a refusal to quit paved the way for long-term success. Timestamps:00:00 Pricing for Profitability: Why YOUR benchmarks matter01:22 The Brown Effect: William Browns shop owner origin story05:10 From $3,000 Loans to $1.8 Million Shops—The Long Game07:35 Childhood Lessons Learned in the Shop09:02 “Excuses ain’t nothing but a made up lie”—Quitting in the Dip12:17 Making Hard Financial Choices (Do you need the Escalade?)16:28 When Is It OK to Treat Yourself? Dad’s Rules on Wealth18:57 Six Months in the Bank: Protecting Team and Family20:53 Work-Life “Balance”—What it Really Takes24:00 If Your Labor Rate Isn’t THEIR Business—Why Benchmarks are Personal28:38 “Pass the Baton”: Building Teams, Letting Go, and Growth37:40 Leadership vs. Boss: Why Pouring Into Your People Matters42:50 Firing, Hiring, and Being Held Hostage in Your Own Business47:10 When You Outgrow Your Shop (and Why that’s a Win!)56:25 Would You Do It Again?

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Downshift with TonnikaApril 2 · 1h 10m

Screw the Customer - Happy Workers Are More Important | Becky Witt - Episode 6

In this episode, Becky Witt joins Tonnika and Ash to say that having happy workers is the foundation for customer satisfaction. Becky also shares how a shift to annual maintenance and eliminating waiters doubled her average repair order, and drives home the importance of transparent pricing—encouraging shop owners not to discount out of emotion.Timestamps:00:00 Why “The customer is always right” is poppycock01:06 Meet Becky Witt: Childhood car obsession to shop owner05:25 From gas stations to Honda and back again07:32 Climbing the dealership ladder & national recognition09:47 Outgrowing stalls: The low-overhead secret13:19 Specializing in Honda: Lessons from the product cheapening department15:42 Luxury vs. lunch-bucket customers: Discovering your ideal clientele17:21 Changing shop management for good: Consulting stories20:00 What motivates techs (and how to find your own unicorn)22:07 Why most shop owners have it backwards about business25:11 Learning to get out of your own way as a leader27:13 The $47,000 mistake: Wasted time every morning30:06 Why you must always be open to new coaching and training32:00 Becky’s donut stories—Making lessons unforgettable34:16 Why she refuses to charge for her wisdom (and why that matters!)38:31 Teaching the whole shop: How real change sticks41:03 Real talk: Pricing from your own pocket hurts everyone43:02 Clients, customers, and people with broken cars—who you REALLY want46:00 Why shop loyalty starts with saying NO to the wrong jobs48:28 How Becky pioneered wait-oil changes (and why she stopped!)51:00 The annual maintenance model that doubled profits54:01 Ditching rides for loaner cars—cutting costs, leveling up service56:05 The #1 thing every new shop owner must do58:20 Why your team’s happiness is everything01:00:13 Why Becky won’t ever do “waiters” again01:03:02 Life after live training: Becky's biker adventures01:06:01 Advice for living your best (motorcycle-filled) life

Downshift with TonnikaMarch 26 · 1h 1m

How to Build Your Personal Brand | Lola Schmidt and Kim Walker - Episode 5

In this episode, Tonnika Haynes is joined by Lola Schmidt and Kim Walker for a candid conversation about navigating business ownership, brand authenticity, and the importance of community engagement. Kim shares her journey from education to entrepreneurship, underscoring the value of finding your footing and staying true to your strengths. Lola offers practical branding advice, encouraging listeners to keep things simple and consistent while remaining authentic. Both guests agree that for struggling shops, the most effective—and often free—marketing begins with networking and showing up in your local community.Timestamps: 00:00 "Kim's Spider Story"03:44 "Gym Encounter Shocks and Spreads"07:06 "Ready for Montana Cold"13:28 Women's Role in Business Support14:44 "Know Yourself, Your Partner, Boundaries"18:15 "Timing and Communication Challenges"24:03 "Queen of Genuine Kindness"26:44 "Discovering Identity and Natural Gifts"30:50 "Learning Boundaries and Saying No"32:06 "Expo Overwhelm and Recognition"35:05 "Fostering Connection Among Women"39:41 "Downshift to Gain Power"43:57 "Lessons on Million-Dollar Success"44:43 "Tracking Numbers Painfully Essential"49:10 "Brian Always Figures It Out"54:58 "Marketing Tips for Struggling Shops"57:32 "Challenging Assumptions About Representation"59:28 "Kids, Pajamas, and Montana Plans"

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Downshift with TonnikaMarch 19 · 51 min

Lower Car Count = More Money?? | Rick White - Episode 4

In this episode, Tonnika has on Rick White, president of 180 Biz. Rick explains why the best shop owners know when to slow down and reassess, not just push harder, and shares lessons on business leadership and the importance of being coachable. Tonnika opens up about her own journey letting go of micromanagement and learning to value her team.Timestamps:00:00 – Why discounts hurt more than you think (the “Disney World” account)02:04 – The real story behind “downshifting” and slowing down to speed up03:19 – Shop owner myths: Free time and business ownership realities06:20 – Social media vs. reality: What new shop owners miss08:01 – Coaching, DiSC personalities, and being (un)coachable10:07 – Rick’s intake process: When do you “fire” a coaching client?12:25 – Absentee ownership myth & staying connected to the shop17:06 – Growing leaders and letting go—real talk for micromanagers19:18 – “Embrace the suck”: Why bad weeks make you better22:00 – The Disney World savings hack: Stop robbing your kids!23:52 – The high cost of devaluing yourself26:55 – Making the numbers work: From $100 ARO to $850+29:12 – Responding to “You’re too expensive”—the mindset shift36:09 – Profit, not just sales: The truth about hitting $1 million42:00 – Working with family: Guardrails with kids in the shop47:09 – Learning to ask for (and receive) help49:13 – Rick’s Just One Thing: Value yourself, be a lifelong learner, and make an impact

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Downshift with TonnikaMarch 12 · 1h 29m

Overcome Your Fears and Be YOU!! | Episode 3

In this episode, Tonnika Haynes welcomes Ash Kaplan to talk about the realities of shop ownership and building a business with authenticity. Tonnika Haynes shares her journey taking over her family’s automotive shop, highlighting the challenges of stepping into leadership and learning to trust her team. Ash details her path from tinkering as a kid to founding Golden Hour Garage, emphasizing the importance of meaningful connections, empowering shop owners to reclaim their time, and why authenticity is her #1 core value. Timestamps:00:00 Authority, legacy, and what it really means to be in control00:28 Welcome & the power of “downshifting” in business01:22 Meet Tonnika & Ash: Shop owner & efficiency expert introductions02:19 Family, motherhood, and how your “why” changes with time04:20 “Working on, not in the business”—the struggle to delegate06:01 How an industry call led to a friendship—and better business07:16 Generational divides & why standing out matters in shop life11:14 Why Tonnika thought she needed “the old white guy up front” & learning to lead as herself13:04 The moment walking into an industry event changed everything17:33 The story behind “Downshift”—slowing down to level up18:25 Relationships first: Building trust and brand beyond company names21:06 Investing in people: How remote services help reclaim time & sanity24:33 The health scare that became a wake-up call for better business balance27:33 Letting go, trusting the team, and why delegation pays twice29:13 The magic of remote estimating: More customer time, more profit30:58 Selling with empathy, not assumptions—the secret to loyal customers33:40 How serving people first changes everything44:06 Ash’s journey from duct tape diva to shop problem-solver53:00 The grit it takes: Advice for women entering the industry01:04:42 Tonnika turns a struggling shop into a legacy of growth01:16:34 Why shop culture means everything—and how to actually build it01:22:04 Owning your story, embracing authenticity, and letting your “why” shine

Downshift with TonnikaMarch 6 · 1h 10m

Why Technicians and Advisors Don't Work Well Together and What Should Change | Jeff Compton - Episode 2

In this episode, Tonnika Haynes and Ash Kaplan welcome Jeff Compton from The Jaded Mechanic Podcast. Jeff Compton shares his frustration with old, ineffective shop practices and highlights the need for better advisor training. Ash Kaplan emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and technical understanding between the front and back of the shop, arguing that process—and not just technology—drives real improvement. Together, they discuss the impact of emotional discounting, why shops must prioritize ongoing training for both advisors and techs, and how communication gaps are still holding the industry back.Timestamps:00:00 – Why calling the customer just once is lazy and outdated[00:20] – Welcome to Downshift! The power of slowing down to speed up[01:13] – Role reversal: Jeff Compton in the hot seat[02:48] – Why only 5–10% are driving innovation in the industry[03:15] – Reaching the “other 90%” and shaking things up[04:10] – Stuck vs. Choosing: Are shops really “stuck” in old ways?[06:25] – Emotional discounting and the problem with low estimates[07:21] – The owner is often the problem—leadership and accountability[08:07] – When mistakes happen: Liability, tech pressure, and distractions[10:36] – Fixing communication: Front vs. Back of the shop[12:11] – Why technical training matters for service advisors[13:10] – The “family at the front counter” dilemma[17:00] – Coaching, training, and addressing resistance to change[18:12] – Why every shop needs advisor training—NOW[20:06] – Stories of change: When bringing in the spouse works[22:06] – The value of slowing car count to improve process[23:24] – Podcasts as an affordable coach[26:56] – The DVI process: Not a fix-all, but part of the system[33:31] – Is all this new tech actually closing the communication gap?[34:29] – You can’t fix your shop by only changing one thing[35:05] – Stop sending only techs to training—your advisors need it too[38:10] – How removing the emotional element boosts sales[40:16] – Flat rate PTSD: Surviving and thriving as a tech[43:17] – Focus on problem-solving, not hours produced[45:38] – The problem with skip-diagnosis & how to get paid what you’re worth[50:39] – Case study: Solving a Hemi truck issue the process-focused way[53:46] – Why process, documentation, and repeatable systems protect you[55:21] – Still calling the customer only once? It’s lazy—here’s why[56:37] – The weight of being a voice for young techs[58:47] – Technology is evolving—your training should too[59:33] – How women in the industry make process work[1:02:05] – Why free diagnostic devalues the work (and how to build value)[1:06:02] – What gives Jeff Compton hope for the auto industry

Downshift with TonnikaMarch 5 · 1h 6m

Listen to BAD Advice?? Zeb Beard Says To | Episode 1

It's our first ever episode!!!! Wow - never did I ever think I'd have a podcast. WHAT??!!! Yet, here we are. I'm ready for this journey and excited for you to join me. Today, for such a cool moment as episode one, who better to help kick it off than Diesel Jesus...Zeb Beard. He shares how he took bad advice and turned it into motivation, saying he's always been a dreamer and than now he's living that dream. My friend Ash Kaplan also joined us to talk about the value of continuous learning, whether through technical training or podcasts, and why having a supportive team—both in the shop and at home—matters. Thanks for listening! Timestamps: 00:00 – Turning Bad Advice into Good Advice: Zeb’s approach to coaching01:21 – Freak Show Cabernet & Favorite Wines02:07 – MetaShades and the Power of Tech in the Shop04:01 – Age, Gray Hair, and Embracing Milestones08:00 – Big Dreams at Age 10: Zeb’s Early Ambitions09:20 – Hustle Matters: From Junkyard Work to Road Grader13:00 – Coaching Companies, Internet Reputation, and Giving Back17:27 – Working with Susie: Family Hustle & Shop Processes19:18 – Teamwork & Shared Goals: World Domination Mindset20:55 – The Keys Vacation: Turning Goals into Motivation26:09 – Upgrading the Shop: Lessons in Expansion29:01 – Chasing the Chicken Plant—Political Realities35:08 – Landing the Dream Shop: Monticello Success Story36:45 – Visualization: Zeb’s Formula for Achievement40:30 – Advice for Shop Owners Ready to Quit43:23 – Building a Village: Friends, Faith, & Support49:02 – Training: Whose Responsibility Is It?51:15 – Hunger for Knowledge: Always Be Learning55:10 – Mega Location vs. Multiple Shops56:00 – Shop Organization: Lean Teams, Big Results01:00:04 – Zeb’s Proudest Achievement: Family & Legacy

Downshift with TonnikaMarch 4 · 1 min

What is Downshift with Tonnika?? | Trailer

Downshift with Tonnika - new episodes each Thursday!

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