
The Limitless Leadership Podcast was created to help automotive repair shops learn how to lead, coach, train, and manage people better by sharing proven techniques…
156 episodes
















































































In this episode, Josh is joined by Samantha Higdon, owner and head coach at Shift Point Training Academy and 2024 AAPEX Service Advisor of the Year. Samantha shares her journey from CSR to award-winning service advisor, emphasizing the importance of continuous, individualized training for automotive professionals. She also discusses actionable strategies for reducing workplace stress through prioritization and time management, and highlights how personalized, virtual coaching can help advisors and teams achieve greater results.

In this episode, Josh Parnell sits down with Andrew Fischer, owner and trainer at FACTS (Fischer Automotive Consulting and Training Services). Andrew shares his journey from watching his grandfather attend technical classes as a child to becoming a leader and trainer in the automotive industry. Three key points stand out: Andrew emphasizes the lifelong importance of training and networking for technicians; he challenges the perception of being “just a tech” by highlighting the professionalism and impact of specialists in the industry; and he offers a heartfelt discussion on leadership, stressing the power of extreme ownership and lifting up others.

In this episode, Josh Parnell explores the daily huddle's transformative impact and essential structure. Josh emphasizes three key points: the importance of holding huddles daily to boost team communication and engagement, the value of starting huddles in the morning to set a positive tone for the day, and the inclusion of engagement opportunities—such as icebreakers and public praise—to create genuine connection and increased performance among team members.

In this episode of the Limitless Leadership Podcast, host Josh Parnell interviews Dave Macholz, CEO and founder of AVTECC, about his mission to reshape the automotive technician industry. Dave highlights that the real challenge facing the industry is not a shortage of technicians, but rather a problem with retention, which leads to significant costs and disruptions for shop owners. He also discusses the need to move beyond traditional cognitive exams and instead implement performance-based, proficiency testing and ongoing continuing education so that technicians can demonstrate their true capabilities and maintain current skills. Finally, Dave emphasizes the importance of grassroots support from technicians, shop owners, and educators, noting that broad industry change will only be possible through collective action and a shared commitment to improving professional standards.

Bryce Evans, Founder and Editor of Auto Service Leader, joins me to talk all things leadership, from leading and driving change in an industry that he didn't have a background in, to learning, listening, and ultimately starting his own publication. Bryce is well known and respected in automotive repair, and the voice of the customer is at the forefront of the minds at Auto Service Leader. When the leader gets better, everyone gets better, and the automotive repair industry is better because of Bryce Evans.

Shop owner Chris Enright joins me to talk all things leadership, how to level up in multiple areas of our lives, and how he leverages social media for exposure, growth, and education. An industry leader in his own right, Chris believes in the power of coaching and training, and shares how investing in yourself, exercising self care, and sharpening the ax allows you to grow in to the leader you were destined to be, at work and at home.

Any time I'm introduced to a fellow leadership coach, I'm always excited. But when I find out that the leadership coach also coaches Limitless Leadership AND lives in Houston, I can only assume that the connection was fate. As a believer in the power of transformation and our limitless potential, Rick Torrison understands how our life experiences both positive and negative, can shape our perspective and view of our own lives, the world and the people around us. As a global speaker, bestselling author and master coach with over 20 years of experience, Rick is passionate about empowering individuals and organizations to break free from their limiting beliefs and step into their limitless potential. Tune into this episode to crush limiting beliefs, cultivate an infinite mindset, and unleash your true potential.

As a field training representative for Hunter Engineering Company, Justin Allen is one of the top trainers in our industry. With over 25 years of industry experience, he's seen a lot of changes, both good and bad. But one things remains the same... the people, and the opportunity for us to be a bright light for them in what sometimes feels like a dark place. In this episode, we dive into the discussion of shifting paradigms, recognizing the similarities between anxiety and excitement, and learning how to channel our emotions to stay positive in the midst of challenges.

Kelsey Outram of Lift Auto Repair Marketing joins me to share how he and his co-founder, who happens to be his wife, have been able to find balance for family and scale their business through servant leadership. The Outrams, armed with backgrounds in finance and marketing, took a leap of faith jumping into an unfamiliar industry years ago, and have carved an incredible path along the way. Fast forward to today, and Lift Auto Repair is a marketing leader in the automotive industry and one of the fastest growing companies in Utah. This episode tackles a variety of leadership topics that will leave you wanting more. Tune in, and prepare for LIFToff!

In this special interview with Carm Capriotto, podcaster and revered automotive industry leader, we dive deep into his mission to reshape the language of the automotive field. Carm shares how a simple idea sparked by a TV show turned into a labor of love that he's been passionate about for the last couple years. His goal? To elevate the title of one of, if not the most important, roles by shifting the industry's language from "technicians" to "mechanical specialists," in order to hold the profession in the highest regard. But that's just the start. A title shift brings a mindset shift, and a mindset shift brings the rise of the specialist. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, self-development, and changing the way we perceive and approach the work we do.

Analytics expert Chris Radvansky joins me to share his take on adaptability in leadership. How are we leading ourselves to be the most effective leader for others? We dig into that question, as well as the importance of knowing where you're at in order to know what direction to go in, and how accurate data plays such a critical factor in this knowledge.

On this episode, I sit down with John Phelps, the Director of Channel Partnerships at Tekmetric, the Leading Automotive Repair Shop Management Software. More than just a tech provider, Tekmetric was built with shop owners in mind—understanding the daily challenges they face and offering tools that help them work smarter, not harder. John shares how the company’s mission goes beyond innovation, aiming to help repair shops create seamless customer experiences built on trust. We dive into the power of relationships—between shops and customers, between teams, and within the broader industry network. At the core of Tekmetric’s philosophy is the belief that customers are more than just Tekmetric users; they’re partners. Tune in to discover how the right approach and the right tools can help you build a business that truly lasts.

When family plays a major role in your business, effective communication is at the forefront, ensuring clarity and direction for all involved. On this episode, I sit down with Greg Buckley, the head of his family’s business enterprise, to chat all things leadership, including what it was like to go from a single shop to two, 85 miles from each other. Greg has been in the industry for nearly 60 years, so his wealth of knowledge is abundant, and I can assure you that you’re going to be walking away from this episode better than before.

As the new Executive Director for the ASTA, Ryan Ragan is a man on a mission. He says what he means and means what he says, and he's taking action with the Automotive Service & Tire Alliance (ASTA) to drive change in an industry that needs it. There's power in coming together and walking alongside each other as we experience the same highs, lows, and everything in between. The ASTA is an organization that supports this and truly embodies what it means to serve while leading. On this episode, we talk about redefining what failure really means, the importance of adopting a leadership mindset, and leveling up to be the best versions of ourselves.

Podcast Host and Producer Braxton Critcher joins me to share his take on the industry with an outside perspective. From the good, the bad, and the ugly, Braxton shares real life examples that sheds light on how far our industry has come and the direction we're all striving to go in. Braxton's upbringing and strong faith laid the foundation for his leadership skills, and he drops some leadership nuggets that you will definitely walk away from this episode better than before.

The ruler of the auto gods and the perfector of the pretty, Lola Schmidt, joins us to talk about what it REALLY looks like to put people first. As COO of Schmidt Auto Care, Lola uses her corporate background to provide structure and change that not only serves her customers, but her TEAM, better. From 4-day work weeks to effective communication, we dive into the importance connection before content, and how the power of processes and branding can elevate your shop to the next level. Register for "Fueling Connections" April 11th and 12th in Mooresville, North Carolina, where you'll see Lola lead an entire 1/2-day session on how to make your brand work for you, and actionable steps to implement stronger branding and more efficient processes in your shop immediately. Click the link below to register today!

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of automotive nirvana. Now that I have your attention, Mike Allen is here to talk about all those things and more on this episode. Mike is a 3rd generation shop owner who has a passion for networking and bringing the automotive repair community together, whether as President of the board of the ASTA, or podcast host of “Confessions of a Shop Owner”, Mike’s influence is evident. Much like the namesake of his own podcast, Mike shares some leadership confessions as well as valuable insights he’s gained in his leadership journey.

In a world obsessed with instant success and constant productivity, Chuck Conners reminds us that true growth comes from small, intentional steps taken each day. Chuck is the head of sales at Tekmetric, the Leading Automotive Repair Shop Management Software. He's also a published author of 1% BTTR, which offers a fresh perspective on progress and persistence. If you've ever had the desire to go from great to greater, this is an episode you do not want to miss.

Shop owner and industry leader Bret Fadely joins us to talk all things leadership, lessons learned, the power of networking, the joys of craft beer, and the importance of investing in training and development. Join us at the annual TOOLS conference in Lancaster, Pennsylvania May 29th to June 1st, 2025, and tune in to this episode to find out why.

Joshua Taylor is on a mission to help technicians live happier, healthier, and more productive lives. As the host of the Wrench Turners podcast with over 20 years in the automotive industry, he understands how important it is to stay above the line while on the daily grind. Inspired by both of his grandfathers, Joshua believes that anything is possible with hard work, and he shares what this looks like and how we can achieve what we set out to accomplish once we take action.

This week, I sit down with Kevin Peak of Christian Brothers Automotive to discuss the power of 1-on-1 meeting, or as he calls them, "Coffee Talks." These simple yet intentional conversations create a space for team members to feel heard, valued, and truly supported. Kevin shares about the power of connection, where engagement and performance follow. Don't miss this episode packed with leadership wisdom and practical takeaways to strengthen your team relationships!

Limitless Leadership is excited to partner with Jon Kidwell, CEO of Leadwell, to introduce Leadwell+, a simple platform to increase engagement, provide visibility on how teams are doing, and strengthen leaders with training and development. Jon and I break down the reasons for Leadwell+, share the value of it, and how it works. 70% of employees are disengaged at work. So how do we change that? Connection creates engagement, and engagement increases performance. If you're looking to increase performance and subsequently grow your revenue, it starts with connection, and Leadwell+ is the tool for you. If you work with people, this episode is a MUST watch/listen! Jon and I break down the reasons for Leadwell+, share the value of it, and discuss how connection creates engagement, and engagement increases performance. If you're looking to increase performance and subsequently grow your revenue, it starts with connection, and Leadwell+ is the tool for you.

We're almost done with January, and statistically speaking, over 1/2 of us have already quit our new year's resolutions. Many of us set goals at the end of the year and haven't addressed them since. Many of us are already questioning why we tried to make the changes we did when we made them, and we've subsequently fallen victim to the familiar cycle we've experienced year after year. Nothing changes if nothing changes. But why is this year going to be different? In this episode, I dive into the importance of consistency, intentionality, and attitude when it comes to driving change via the actions we take. We learn that the greatest challenge for many of us isn't motivation, goal setting, or confidence; The greatest challenge is simply taking action. Tune in to learn how to take action even when you have no idea how to begin or what direction to move.

Director of Training with Standard Motor Products Ryan Kooiman joins us to share his take on people development, servant leadership, and developing a spirit of resilience. When we pour into and invest in our people, we're setting them up for success, and the ability to grow an develop others. Ryan shares real life experiences and dives into what it looks like to lock arms with team members to provide clarity and direction in their development process.

Shift happens! Especially when changes are being made. Shop Owner and host of The Gearbox Podcast, Jimmy Purdy, joins us to talk about the shifts that are necessary for growth and development.

What does leadership mean to you? What core principles are critical to effective leadership? Shop owner and business coach Maryann Croce joins us to break down the 7 pillars of leadership and how to apply each on a daily basis.

Jeff Compton aka The Jaded Mechanic joins us to talk about perspective, purpose, and positioning ourselves to be change agents in our industry. As a technician with over 30 years experience, Jeff has seen a lot of changes over the course of his career. He's experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, and at one point found himself as a jaded mechanic, cynical of the industry that he made a career out of. And then he discovered his purpose, and became a driver of change, hosting his own podcast, and making an impact through the vessel of automotive repair day after day. His story is one of grit, resilience, and determination that we can all benefit from when we acknowledge and recognize the power of perspective.

It's that time of the year again! It's goal setting season, and VP of Limitless Leadership Brandon Jones join us to talk all things goals. Why they're important, how we set them, and most importantly, how we achieve them.

Head of Business Development at Tekmetric, PJ Leslie, sits down with us to talk about the power of effective communication, and the role that discomfort plays when adopting a growth mindset. As one of the first employees at Tekmetric, PJ knows a thing or two about growth, as he's seen exponential growth with the brand, and even serves as the face of Tekmetric at conferences and industry events, showcasing the software solutions to potential enterprise clients.

Leaders can't influence if they can't connect. Jacki Lutz is the Content Director for Auto Care Association, and she joins us to discuss how we can connect through content, among other things. From the importance of core values, to leading through difficult times, to being vulnerable with your team, to getting over the fears stopping you from being limitless, Jacki shares a wealth of knowledge and information in this episode that will leave you wanting more.

VP of Training for AutoFlow, Craig O’Neill, joins us to discuss the level of importance communication plays in our lives. As the host of Speak Up!, a podcast dedicated to effective communication on the aftermarket radio network, Craig does a deep dive on leading with communication, the impact of toastmasters, and how we can be change agents in our industry.

Charles Sanville, also known as The Humble Mechanic, joins me to chat all things leadership, the importance of taking action, doing the right thing, and taking care of people. Most people will never take action to create the life they're destined for. Charles is not like most people. Tune in to find out how a Volkswagen technician turned into a full time content creator by simply taking action and not allowing roadblocks to stop him along the way.

Multi-unit shop owner AJ Nealey joins us to talk leadership, grit, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. AJ brings a wealth of knowledge in this episode that everyone can learn and grow from.

The Auto Care Association is the voice for the auto care industry—a coast-to-coast network of 500,000 independent manufacturers, distributors, parts stores and repair shops offering quality, choice and innovation for drivers. ACA President Bill Hanvey joins us to discuss the right to repair, the importance of core values, and how to be the change agent in the automotive industry. Please visit the link in the show notes to learn how to support Right to Repair legislation for the automotive industry.

Practice makes... PROGRESS! But we have to be consistent in the practice to make the progress. On this episode, Josh talks all things training... from the WHY behind it, to the proven method that Limitless Leadership uses, to the ROI received. One of the biggest mistakes shops make is not investing in proper training, or receiving information and throwing it against the wall. Josh does a deep dive on how to effectively train and how to finally make it STICK!

Keith Perkins is an automotive repair shop owner, trainer, leader, husband, and father. On an episode you do NOT want to miss, Keith drops some fire on how he's been able to create and cultivate a culture that will blow you away! His unconventional approach to leadership and his heart to serve his TEAM make this an episode everyone, especially business owners, need to hear.

Chris Jones, the Group Editorial for the Vehicle Repair Group at Endeavor, joins Josh to share his take on leadership, communication, and the importance of having your story told. Chris' unconventional journey into the automotive industry is a testament that everything happens for a reason, and we can't ever let the seat that we're in dictate the significance of our impact.

Out with the old, in with the new. The Josh Parnell Leadership Podcast was a fun ride, but the rocket ship we're on is soaring to new heights, and we're laser focused on the targeted direction. The Limitless Leadership Podcast was created to help automotive repair shops learn how to lead, coach, train, and manage people better by sharing proven techniques and thought provoking interviews from industry leaders. The key to sustainable growth and profitability lies in the perfect synergy of leadership and performance, and we're dedicated to helping aspiring leaders in the automotive repair industry tap into unrecognized potential to achieve limitless results. People + Process = Profit.

Josh sits down with Bret Beitler, a husband, father, multi-brand / multi-unit owner and operator, and pilot, to talk about what it's like to deliver unexpected results to not only customers, but also team members. Bret shares the importance of showing up, and being more than an employer to employees. In an industry where the bar is set so low, Bret and his team are changing the game and redefining service one connection at a time.

Brandon Jones, AAP, is a seasoned performance coach with a track record of delivering proven results. Together, he and Josh Parnell help automotive repair shop owners, service managers, and service advisers learn how to lead, coach, train, and manage people better by sharing proven leadership techniques and resources. They help team members grow as leaders and influence business analytics measuring and managing key performance indicators. Brandon and Josh believe that the key to sustainable growth and profitability lies in the perfect synergy of leadership and performance coaching. On this episode, he sits down with Josh to discuss all things leadership, performance, and automotive.

People don't care how much we know until they know how much we care, and one of the many responsibilities we have as leaders is to create safety and trust so that we can provide clarity and direction. Having individual meetings with our team members can be the culture shift our business needs, but how do we do them? This episode answers that question and more as Josh shares 6 pro tips on how to lead 1-on-1's.

On this exciting episode, EJ McCoy, the Pet Waste Millionaire, join us to talk all things entrepreneurship.

On this special Pre-Father's Day episode, Kevin Goodnight joins us to share his story and help us live lives of purpose and substance. Kevin is an author, a speaker, and most importantly a dad who is educating men everywhere on how to be dadvoted: for dads devoted to discovering their duty, direction, and destiny.

We can't influence if we can't connect, and if we can't connect, we'll never be able to impact others the way we were created to. Ben Gonzalez of White Pickett Team shares how we should put connection first, adopt a servant leadership mindset, and the impact will be greater than we could ever imagine.

Jared Miller joins us to share his heart for leadership, how he changed his life by investing in himself, and how to discover the truth amidst the lies we've been told.

On this episode, the leadership TEAM from the BNI Cypress Northwest Business Exchange shares what the purpose and overview of BNI is. They discuss the concept of giver's gain and how networking with fellow business owners allows for growth in themselves and their businesses.

Influenced by health challenges in their youth, two incredible doctors had a vision to create better lives for the northwest Houston communities. Driven by that vision, Dr. Derian Johnson and Dr. Bethany Pipkin founded Ignite Chiropractic. On this episode, they sit down with me to share a message of hope and inspiration.

Employee engagement is critical to the success of any business. Whether its efficiency, production, or team member retention, engagement plays a factor. Rob Kamranpoor, Founder of RK Leadership and COO of EME Utility Engineering joins us to share 3 tips on how to engage employees and what it looks like to focus on connection before content.

Have you ever been labeled? Have you ever felt like you’re too young, too old, you’re going to fail, you’re not worth it, you’re damaged, or nothing ever goes your way? Perceived limitations are potentially tied to those labels, and it can be challenging to break free from the confines they create. So how do we turn those limitations into lessons? How do we move away from limiting our challenges and begin to challenge our limits? This episode dives into 5 practical steps we can implement to find freedom from within.

Best selling author, speaker, educator, and coach Chip Baker joins us to talk about the impact of influence. In order to make an impact, we have to be proactive. We have to be intentional. We have to go get it! And Chip shares how.

Randall Haug is a man of many talents and titles, as he is a father, husband, author, speaker, catalyst, military leadership consultant, and account executive. On this episode, he joins us to share his book "It's Not About Me" and opens up about his idea of servant leadership and how we can show up fro those around us.

On this episode, husband, father, author, and speaker Ben Hinton joins us to share his incredible journey from an incurable disease diagnosed at 6 weeks old that eventually lead to multiple battles losing sight in his right eye as a young teen and a brain injury as a young adult. But those setbacks didn't deter Ben’s unwavering faith to share his voice to help others be influential leaders in their lives. This is a powerful episode you do not want to miss!

On this episode, Leadership Coach and Trainer, Jon Kidwell, sits down to discuss servant leadership and how to live out this style of leadership everyday.

Episode 6 of a 6-Episode Series on Leveling Up On this episode, Real Estate Investor Stuart Grazier joins us to share practical steps we can take to level up financially.

Episode 5 of a 6-Episode Series on Leveling Up On this episode, Fitness Lifestyle Coach Jessica Parnell joins us to share practical steps we can take to level up physically.

Episode 4 of a 6-Episode Series on Leveling Up On this episode, Coach IV Marsh joins us to share practical steps we can take to level up academically.

Episode 3 of a 6-Episode Series on Leveling Up On this episode, Mindset Coach J’anvieu Parnell joins us to share practical steps we can take to level up emotionally.

Episode 2 of a 6-Episode Series on Leveling Up On this episode, Pastor Jason Robinson of Church of The King joins us to share practical steps we can take to level up spiritually.

In this episode, I share the message of my new book, Leading a Legacy, How to Live Today to Make an Impact for Tomorrow. The legacy we lead determines the legacy we leave, so what steps can we take today to make an impact for tomorrow? I kick off a 6-episode series by introducing 5 ways we can all level up to ultimately leave a legacy to be proud of.

On this episode, Josh shares the concept of change, and what it takes to effect it. We go through things in order to grow through things, and this episode dives into what the process looks like and how we’re able to adapt throughout it.

No matter the industry or level of leadership, most people share a collective, honest desire to be a part of an organization with a high level of trust.

In a world that’s always evolving, creativity and innovation is more critical than ever. Today’s ‘great’ is tomorrow's 'good', and forward thinking can help us maintain greatness, but what happens when we can’t seem to see the forest through the trees when it comes to enhancing or evolving? In this episode, Josh reads from his new book releasing in January titled “Leading a Legacy”, and shares 5 practical ways we can become more creative.

Our guest this week is Beau Payne. A US Army Infantry Veteran, MLB draft pick of the Florida Marlins, keynote speaker, podcast host, recovery coach, published author and most importantly, a recovering alcoholic and addict. Following a tumultuous upbringing, riddled with familial and substance abuse, Beau entered adulthood with no aim or direction in life. On this episode, he shares his story of finding himself in prison for the second time, finally confronting his past pain before being released. He shares that despite our past mistakes, there is a hope beyond understanding- a hope that offers a new season. A hope that brings purpose to our pain.

On this impactful episode, Julie Nee shares how to wipe away the fog and shine! Julie is a trainer, speaker, leader, author, and cancer survivor. She brings an energy and positivity to everyone she comes in contact with, and this interview was no different.

When there’s a breakdown in communication, a void gets created, and oftentimes negativity fills that void. In this episode, we learn about the importance of communicating for the sake of connecting.

National speaker, best selling author, and philanthropist Sam Brown joins us to share his story and the power of growing through what we go through.

Season Davis joins us to discuss the importance of helping and supporting others. She is the owner of The Cheese and Chocolate Queen, the Chief People Officer and Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at AMP Attorney Consulting, and just a rad person who appreciates meaningful connections.

Russell Doup is an LPL financial planner, a motivational speaker, and NCAA football champion. As a former collegiate walk-on himself, Russell joins us to share what it means to lead with a “walk-on mentality”. This is a message on opportunities, and the incredible things that can happen when we decide to capture them.

Husband, Father, and Workflow Guru, Pete Coleman joins us to share his powerful story about transformation and change. Professionally, Pete developed a method that was a game changer for Christian Brothers Automotive, an automotive repair franchise spanning 30 states and over 280 locations. This method is used across the national brand to improve and enhance shop productivity, workflow management, and professional development. Personally, Pete's emotional yet triumphant story of weight loss, dying on an operating table, and getting a second chance at life is one that is a true testimony of resilience, love, and endurance. Pete's radical change continues to inspire and impact thousands nationwide.

On this episode, Author, Pastor, Executive Coach, and Strategist Jason Stonehouse shares his background in leadership, how he broke free from his struggles with anxiety, and how he’s using his experience to help others lead more effectively.

On this brand new episode, we do a deep dive into the importance of delegation, why we DON’T do it, and why we SHOULD. We wrap up the episode by touching the 5 bullet points on effective delegation that EVERY leader needs to know.

Real estate business leader Jeff Smith joins us to talk about the importance of communication in ANY business and how culture plays a role in driving the mission forward. Jeff also opens up about a group called "Subto", and shares how this Houston, Texas-based TEAM is changing the narrative in real estate.

Do you ever... wish you had more time in your day? struggle with procrastination? often feel busy, but not productive? struggle finishing what you sta… On this episode titled "Be The Buffalo", we dive into 5 practical applications we can use to maximize our time and manage it effectively. We discuss specific techniques we can use to capture opportunities along the way.

Nationally recognized Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach, Leadership Expert and Podcast Host, Lamarr Womble joins us to share the release of his new book “Legendary: How Any Student Can Become A Legendary Leader!”, and discusses his journey as a self-employed businessman and the impact he’s had the opportunity to make by delivering his message to over 60,000 students, educators and corporate professionals since 2008.

On this episode titled "The Leadership Mindset", we discover how to unlock the potential for success by talking about challenging limiting beliefs. We’ll discuss and unpack 5 aspects to the leadership mindset that help us along our leadership journeys.

In our very first episode, we adopt a "Think Like a Rookie" mindset by diving into 5 practical steps we can take to commit to growth and development.
