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Master Tech to Millionaire
Join Adams Automotive & AutoShop Answers and find out how to go from Master Tech, to a millionaire.
37 episodes
01
Master Tech to MillionaireJuly 8 · 51 min
Wayne Stewart and his Precision Tune Shop Transformation - Bonus Zoom Episode 11
Glenn interviews Wayne Stewart, owner-operator of a top Precision Tune in Noonan, GA, about his journey from past struggles to running a high-performing shop. Wayne explains how Auto Shop Answers and Key2Key helped transform his business—boosting sales, improving shop presentation, and fostering a disciplined, winning culture. He shares practical lessons on hiring and developing A-players, managing conflict versus toxicity, and the day-to-day execution that drives results. The episode is a candid look at leadership, faith, and the real work behind creating a standout auto hospitality business. AutoShopAnswers.com Auto-Shop-Media.com
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02
Master Tech to MillionaireJuly 5 · 33 min
AutoShop Ministries Episode 2 - Make Your Best Your Standard: From Technician to CEO
Joe Adams and chaplain Devante Tidwell discuss making "your best" the daily standard—drawing on Colossians 3:23 and Proverbs—to defeat laziness and build consistent excellence in work, faith, and family. The episode mixes Scripture, practical shop and life examples (micro wins, habits, leadership) and a challenge to choose one small change today that compounds into long-term success.
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03
Master Tech to MillionaireJune 28 · 28 min
Autoshop Ministries - Devante Tidwell Sermon on Gifts, Grace & Service
In this live chapel episode, Devante Tidwell with Autoshop Ministries delivers a practical sermon titled "Saved to Serve," urging listeners to recognize their God-given gifts and use their time, talent, and treasure to serve others. He ties faith to real-world leadership, business, and relationships, and invites listeners to follow Jesus.
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04
Master Tech to MillionaireJune 27 · 33 min
Bonus Crossover Episode 2: Bill Brusard on the Howie Carr Show
In another bonus Crossover Episode, our very own Chief Growth Officer Bill Brusard guest stars on the Howie Carr show, and shares his story + how to streamline operations, increase profits, and deliver world-class customer service through practical, proven systems. AutoShopAnswers.com Auto-Shop-Media.com
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05
Master Tech to MillionaireJune 25 · 1h 5m
A.I. Native Auto Hospitality - The Future of Customer-First Auto Repair
Joe Adams interviews Michael Floyd, Chief AI Officer at Auto Hospitality Group, about using generative AI (ChatGPT, Codex, Claude) to automate repetitive shop workflows—like splicing customer videos, transcribing and scoring calls, and connecting Techmetric with accounting tools. They explain how giving context turns AI into a powerful assistant and share concrete wins such as improved booking rates and operational visibility. The episode also discusses back-office risk management, practical starting points for shop owners using out-of-the-box tools, and how the Auto Hospitality Group trains shops to become AI-native to prioritize hospitality and human service. AutoshopAnswers.com Auto-Shop-Media.com
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06
Master Tech to MillionaireJune 23 · 47 min
From $2,600 to $260,000: Key-to-Key Transformations - Bonus Zoom Episode 10
Glenn Piccolo and guests debrief an action-packed weekend in Houston covering Key-to-Key, Courtside and the Back Office Blueprint, sharing emotional success stories of shops that dramatically increased revenue and profit using Todd Hayes’ proven concept. They highlight hands-on VIP Rack Attack days, back-office systems, Todd Math, AI and leadership classes, and practical takeaways—saying “yes” on the phone, daily Take Fives, strong visuals, and consistent implementation—to help shops scale profit and build lasting value. AutoshopAnswers.com Auto-Shop-Media.com
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07
Master Tech to MillionaireJune 21 · 32 min
Serve First, Lead Better — Lessons from Autoshop Ministries
Joe Adams and Autoshop Ministries' Devante Tidwell discuss how true purpose is rooted in service, not job titles. Using 1 Peter 4:10 and real shop examples, they explore leading by serving employees and customers, stewarding gifts, and creating lasting impact. Listeners receive practical challenges to serve others, improve morale, and use small acts of care to make a big difference in their teams and communities. AutoshopAnswers.com Auto-Shop-Media.com
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08
Master Tech to MillionaireJune 15 · 46 min
Key-to-Key-to-Callbacks: How Gary Walker Turned Callbacks into $1.7M - Bonus Zoom Episode 9
Glenn Piccolo sits down with Gary Walker, the "BDC man," to reveal how a perfected callback system and invoice reviews drive consistent appointments, higher tickets, and customer retention for service shops. They discuss building a dedicated call center, using AI to improve accuracy and pre-booking, and real results—over 325,000 calls and $1.7M influenced revenue—showing how shops can control their business and scale profitably. AutoshopAnswers.com Auto-Shop-Media.com
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09
Master Tech to MillionaireJune 14 · 36 min
Auto Shop Ministries Episode 1: Launching Faith-Driven Leadership in the Shop
Episode one of Auto Shop Ministries introduces Devante Tidwell as chaplain and outlines a weekly, faith-based series for shop leaders. This episode focuses on how trust scales: being faithful in small tasks signals readiness for bigger responsibilities, the importance of strong processes alongside competence, and practical tools like journaling and consistent evaluation to make better hiring and promotion decisions. AutoshopAnswers.com Auto-Shop-Media.com
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10
Master Tech to MillionaireJune 11 · 38 min
Bonus Crossover Episode: Todd Hayes on the Howie Carr Show
In a special crossover episode, our very own Todd Hayes guest stars on the Howie Carr show, and explains how Auto Shop Answers teaches auto shops and service businesses "auto hospitality"—turning technicians into profitable business owners through customer service, operations, recruiting, and technology. The episode covers real results from attendees, how private equity partnerships can de-risk owners’ portfolios, and Houston Boston Partnership strategies to acquiring and scaling shops. To join, visit AutoShopAnswers.com. https://auto-shop-media.com/
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11
Master Tech to MillionaireJune 9 · 43 min
Profit Panel pt.2 : Unlocking Massive Net with P&L Secrets - Bonus Zoom Episode 8
Glenn Piccolo hosts Profit Panel part 2 with Charlie Zlatkos, J.J. Mont and Lynn Massengill to unpack how shops drive real profitability through P&L literacy, gross profit improvement, and operational discipline. The episode covers practical steps: raising gross margins, fast and accurate P&Ls, the crucial Accounting First and Fraud Prevention class, hiring and retaining A‑players, the cost of cash deals, and leading from the trenches. Actionable takeaways focus on measuring every dollar, creating auditable books, incentivizing team ownership, and building a durable, sellable business. AutoshopAnswers.com Auto-Shop-Media.com
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12
Master Tech to MillionaireJune 1 · 47 min
Profit Panel: How 3 Shops Put $750K+ to the Bottom Line in One Month - Bonus Zoom Episode 7
Glenn Piccolo hosts the Profit Panel: Charlie Zlatkos, J.J. Mont and Lynn Massengill to reveal how auto hospitality, mindset shifts, pricing strategy, parts purchasing and execution drove dramatic profit gains across varied markets—from rural Tennessee to rust-heavy Boston. The episode shares real results, practical tactics (rack attack, key-to-key, follow-ups, part-shopping) and leadership lessons you can apply to increase net profit and transform your shop. autoshopanswers.com auto-shop-media.com
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13
Master Tech to MillionaireMay 29 · 1h 3m
Why Most Shop Owners Never Become Millionaires
Todd Hayes and Glenn Piccolo debrief a powerful weekend of training—covering Courtside, Key2Key's first Vegas event—sharing how auto hospitality, take-fives, and relentless phone skills drove record weekends and consistent growth. They discuss practical strategies for opening weekends, improving close rates, recruiting top techs, using AI and video tools, and preparing for private equity to scale service businesses. https://youtu.be/3Ob32qawL5Y autoshopanswers.com auto-shop-media.com
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14
Master Tech to MillionaireMay 26 · 47 min
Burn the Boats: AJ Nealey’s Multi-Unit Breakthrough - Bonus Zoom Episode 6
Glenn Piccolo interviews AJ Nealey about his journey from a one-bay garage to a five-store multi-unit operator in Maryland. AJ shares how Key to Key training, Rack Attack tactics, strict hiring standards, and fraud-prevention controls transformed his business, helped him stop tolerating mediocrity, and drove rapid improvement. The episode covers practical takeaways for shop owners: implement core fundamentals every day, recruit and retain A-players, use accounting controls to stop theft, and lead from the front with relentless execution to scale successfully.
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15
Master Tech to MillionaireMay 18 · 48 min
Bill Lewandowski: Speed of the Leader is the Speed of the Pack - Bonus Zoom Episode 5
Glenn Piccolo interviews "Bay One" Bill Lewandowski about his five-year journey from sweeping floors to becoming a top managing partner at True Automotive. They discuss lessons from Courtside and Key2Key, the power of process, and the math behind growing revenue. Bill shares practical takeaways on recruiting, running effective inspections, increasing ticket averages through maintenance sales, accountability partners, and how consistent practice and leadership drive steady growth.
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16
Master Tech to MillionaireMay 11 · 45 min
Amy Bartel on 7-Day Shops, Hospitality Hires, and the Fraud-Fighting Formula - Bonus Zoom Episode 4
In this episode Glenn Piccolo interviews Amy Bartel about returning to the family auto business, rebuilding finances, and scaling performance through recruiting, culture, and seven-day operations. Amy shares recruiting strategies (especially hiring restaurant talent), lessons from fraud and accounting training, and more. They also discuss the impact of hands-on trainings like Key2Key, Courtside, and VIP Rack Attack Day, the importance of accountability partners, and practical tips for creating a high-performing team that delivers hospitality-driven service and sustainable growth.
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17
Master Tech to MillionaireMay 4 · 46 min
From $135K to $600K: J.J. Mont’s Auto Hospitality Breakthrough - Bonus Zoom Episode 3
J.J. Mont joins Glenn Piccolo to share his journey from a struggling shop to a high-performing auto hospitality business using Todd Hayes’ model. He covers how a single mindset shift — “saying yes on the phone” — recruiting top techs, shop upgrades, and outsourced callbacks drove predictable growth. Listen as J.J. explains the practical steps, key wins, and team changes that helped his store scale to record months and build a culture of service and growth.
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18
Master Tech to MillionaireApril 28 · 1h 9m
Hire Like a Pro: The First 5 Seconds That Reveal A-Players
Joe Adams and Glenn Piccolo break down a no-nonsense interview playbook for auto shops: why first impressions and rapid rapport matter, how to use targeted pre-interview questions to spot commitment, and what distinguishes A-players from B and C-players. They cover working interviews and onboarding, technician vs. front-of-house hiring, extracting referrals, and the case for paying top talent what they’re worth. It's all about culture, accountability, and building a winning team that drives immediate results. This is just one part of the life-changing Key to Key to Callbacks concept - sign up for the next class at www.autoshopanswers.com/ or call 925-980-8012 right now.
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19
Master Tech to MillionaireApril 27 · 42 min
How One Weekend Can Rewrite Your Shop's Future - Bonus Zoom Episode 2
Glenn Piccolo with Adams Automotive hosts this bonus Master Tech to Millionaire episode presented by Autoshop Answers, recapping an electrifying weekend in Houston featuring Key to Key, Courtside, and VIP Rack Attack sessions. Industry Leaders from around the country discuss Todd Hayes’ perfected business model, the power of consistent implementation (morning Take Fives), simple high-impact steps — say yes on the phone, professional pictures/videos — and how relentless training drives predictable growth. Practical next steps, real success stories, and program details (Key to Key, Courtside, AI Academy, VIP Rack Attack) are shared to help shop owners start implementing and transform their business.
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20
Master Tech to MillionaireApril 21 · 44 min
Rob Eskew’s Rollercoaster Turnaround - Bonus Zoom Episode 1
Rob Eskew recounts his journey from a small basement shop to a multi-state operation, the near-collapse after rapid expansion, and the hard lessons learned about cash flow, accounting, and leadership. He explains how simplifying operations, tightening parts and accounting controls, and focusing on profit margins (aiming for 62.5%) turned the business around, paid off debt, and rebuilt a sustainable, growing company.
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21
Master Tech to MillionaireApril 8 · 1h 6m
Kaleb Nimz on How Auto Hospitality Transformed 98 Shops
Todd Hayes sits down with Kaleb Nimz, president of Grimaud Enterprises, to discuss how Precision Tune transformed its culture and performance across 98 locations using Key2Key and Courtside training. They cover leadership in the trenches, shop cleanliness, automotive hospitality, recruiting, and practical shop stories — including a memorable pit visit and record months for stores that embraced the process. Kaleb also explains how technology and accounting-first discipline support growth, the importance of daily Take Fives and phone skills, and how a faith-driven, people-first approach helped roll out consistent processes that boost sales, close rates, and team morale.
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22
Master Tech to MillionaireApril 1 · 57 min
Stop Playing Small: Adam Coffey on How to Multiply Your Business Value Like A Private Equity Pro
On this episode of Master Tech to Millionaire, Adam Coffey breaks down how private equity isn’t some mysterious Wall Street game—it’s a repeatable system for multiplying value at scale. From rolling equity into second and third paydays to using acquisitions like rocket fuel, he lays out the exact levers that separate average operators from empire builders. This isn’t theory—this is battle-tested strategy forged through dozens of acquisitions and billion-dollar exits. But what hits hardest is the mindset shift: most founders are playing too small, too slow, and way too safe. Coffey exposes the blind spots—ego, lack of financial literacy, fear of private equity—and replaces them with a brutally clear playbook: grow earnings aggressively, stack acquisitions strategically, and engineer your exit like a weapon. The message is loud and clear—if you understand the game, you don’t just build a business… you build an asset that prints wealth on command.
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23
Master Tech to MillionaireDecember 21 · 58 min
Integrity Under the Hood: Doing the Right Thing is Always the Right Thing
Guest host Glenn Piccolo and Charlie Zlatkos discuss a real shop story about integrity — discovering a major job wasn’t completed and immediately terminating the employee. They explain the shop’s inspection process, why advisors must personally verify repairs, and how rigorous PMI's prevent customer harm and fraud. They also cover building a high-integrity, high-profit culture through recruiting, systems, and training so owners can always do the right thing, plus examples of fixing customers’ cars for free and upcoming Key to Key training events.
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24
Master Tech to MillionaireDecember 11 · 59 min
A-Players Only: How Q-Pine Drives a $7M Operation with Just 10 Bays
Joe Adams sits down with Mike "Q-Pine" Quinn to explore how someone with no auto-repair background fast-tracked into running a top-performing shop, becoming a partner and scaling revenue through people, process, and hospitality-focused sales. They discuss hiring A-players, using data and technology, daily habits, managing gray-area talent, and the long-term mindset needed to turn technicians into business owners.
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25
Master Tech to MillionaireDecember 3 · 1h 5m
David Guillen's Playbook for Selling $250k+ a Month in Auto Repair - And Handling Every Objection
Joe Adams sits down with David "Hollywood" Guillen to discuss his journey from master technician to top-performing service advisor, coach, and assistant GM. They cover how relationship-building, shop tours, and technical credibility create high-ticket sales and lifelong customers. The episode walks through common customer objections—"I’ll sell the car," "price is too high," and "I don’t have the money"—and offers practical scripts, financing strategies, and real hospitality examples (like the beekeeper and Dr. Pepper stories) that turn objections into approvals. Hollywood also explains his coaching approach with Autoshop Coaching, emphasizing consistency, active listening, and using data from calls to train teams to convert more cars and grow revenue.
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26
Master Tech to MillionaireNovember 21 · 1h 1m
The AI Audit: What Really Happens on Your Phones
Host Joe Adams and Todd Hayes recap a packed Key2Key weekend and The Woodlands' "Courtside" in-shop training; celebrating rapid shop growth, transparent metrics, and the auto hospitality model that differentiates the Houston Boston Partnership. Joe & Todd discuss integrating AI, MotoVisuals, Rilla coaching and a pilot inbound call center to boost bookings and customer trust, plus gamified Moneyball tracking and training strategies that scale teams and improve profits.
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27
Master Tech to MillionaireSeptember 26 · 1h 2m
PMI or Die w/ The Rack Attack King Charlie Zlatkos
Joe Adams interviews Charlie Zalakos about moving from technician to business owner and running a high-efficiency shop. They dive into the PMI/rack attack inspection process, speed of service, and how quick video-based evidence and canned jobs increase sales and shop throughput. The episode covers practical tactics: get permission to inspect, two-person inspections, short test drives, record only failing items, sell quickly using history and estimates, break down consent into isolated, safety, and maintenance sells, and how this process produces consistent high-revenue days and happier technicians.
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28
Master Tech to MillionaireSeptember 23 · 57 min
From Two Bays to Multi‑Unit Empire: The JB Auto + Houston Boston Partnership Story
Joe Adams interviews Bill Brusard about his transition from master Toyota technician to CEO and partner in JB Auto Care and the Houston Boston Partnership. Bill recounts meeting Todd Hayes, attending Key-to-Key training, and using those systems to scale operations. They cover early struggles, the Now Auto Care brand, staffing turnarounds, rapid revenue growth, and plans to partner with private equity to build long-term value while staying involved as operators.
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29
Master Tech to MillionaireSeptember 19 · 59 min
Auto Hospitality with Todd Hayes - How Can This be Wrong?
In this episode of Master Tech to Millionaire, Joe Adams and Todd Hayes discuss how automotive shops can transform from traditional repair shops into hospitality-driven, highly profitable businesses. They cover practical systems like daily Take Fives, key-to-key callbacks, personalized shop tours, and using AI to scale communications and sales. Listeners will learn strategies for improving phone skills, increasing close rates through photos and videos, training teams, attracting talent, and creating lifetime customers — all aimed at turning master technicians into successful business owners.
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30
Master Tech to MillionaireSeptember 18 · 59 min
From Pig Roasts to $1.5M/Month: The Bartel's Auto Clinic Journey
The Bartel family shares their multi-generational auto repair story — from humble gas-station roots to a multi-location operation driven by hands-on leadership and Todd Hayes’ training. This episode covers recruiting A‑players, combating internal theft, using call-recording coaching tools, and the culture shifts that scaled their business in Chicago.
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31
Master Tech to MillionaireAugust 6 · 1h 0m
How to do $100m out of 15 Auto Repair Shops with 0 Car Knowledge
Guest host Glenn Piccolo hosts Joe Adams talking all about the evolution of Adams Automotive and Joe's personal journey from being part of a family business to shaping its future. Joe shares childhood memories from the shop founded in 1980, where he grew up watching his parents build a successful enterprise. He reflects on feeling disconnected from the industry before eventually taking on his current leadership role. Throughout the conversation, Joe reveals the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from a non-technical background to managing a thriving automotive business. His candid anecdotes highlight the importance of work ethic, family dynamics, and embracing responsibilities. Listen in to gain insight into the complexities of balancing personal aspirations with professional commitments while driving growth and innovation within a family-run business.
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32
Master Tech to MillionaireAugust 1 · 55 min
The Secret Formula Behind the Fastest-Growing Auto Repair Empire
Todd Hayes introduces us to Peter Saranditis, the General Managing Partner of Auto Tech Answers. In this episode, we delve into the importance of technical training and business innovation across the auto repair industry. Discover how top-notch technical training can revolutionize auto shops, transforming them into powerhouse operations with soaring revenues. Learn about the significance of creating an outstanding company culture, attracting top talent with robust recruiting processes, and embracing artificial intelligence to streamline operations and enhance customer service. Master the art of scaling your business, building from a few million to over $100 million in revenue, with aspirations to reach the billion-dollar mark. If you're ready to change your life and the trajectory of your auto business, this is a must-listen episode, packed with insights, strategies, and real-life examples designed to help you succeed in the competitive automotive industry.
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33
Master Tech to MillionaireJuly 15 · 1h 5m
How to 2x Your Car Count & 2x Your Revenue with $0 in Marketing
Join host Joe Adams and Todd Hayes as they delve into the revolutionary business strategies reshaping the auto industry. Discover how transitioning from a technician to a business owner entails no risk. Explore the unexpected paths to millionaire status, showcasing how great customer service and saying "yes" keeps the wheels of success turning. Joe and Todd discuss the importance of phone skills, team training, and auto hospitality, emphasizing that a thriving auto business is about more than just repairing cars—it's about nurturing relationships and providing unparalleled service. Join us for expert insights that could transform your business approach and empower your customer service strategies to drive significant growth.
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34
Master Tech to MillionaireJune 20 · 1h 18m
Charlie Zlatkos went from $20k a Month to $1m a Month in 15 Years - Here's How
Welcome to episode four of Master Tech to Millionaire, presented by Autoshop Answers. In this episode, Joe Adams dives into the incredible journey of Charlie Zlatkos, the remarkable transformation from a young boy immigrating from Greece to America, knowing only four English words, to becoming a top automotive operator. Charlie shares his inspiring story, overcoming numerous challenges, including language barriers and unethical industry practices, to ultimately achieve his American dream. From late-night motorcycle repairs in Greece to dominating the automotive industry in the U.S., Charlie reveals his journey of dedication, hard work, and relentless pursuit of improvement. Join Joe and Charlie as they explore the secrets behind running a successful automotive business and maintaining a work-life balance, including personal stories of family, faith, and triumph.
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35
Master Tech to MillionaireJune 19 · 1h 2m
Brian Rhodes Has Recruited 1,000 Techs During a ‘Shortage’ — Here’s How
In this episode of Master Tech to Millionaire, Joe Adams of Adams Automotive sits down with Brian Rhodes, Director of AutoShop Recruiting, to reveal exactly how we’ve recruited over 1,000 technicians during what others call a “shortage.” Whether it’s front of house or back of house, the truth is: There’s not a people shortage there’s a recruitment problem. This episode is a must listen for every shop owner serious about growth. Joe and Brian break down: • The exact pre chat and pre check questions that qualify top talent • How to spot a hammer vs. a heartbreaker before they ever walk in • Why your closer could be sitting in the wrong seat • The track record that matters most when building your team If you’re struggling to find techs or service advisors or just want to scale faster this episode gives you the blueprint we use across all AutoShop Answers businesses. Listen now and make your next hire your best one.
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36
Master Tech to MillionaireJune 12 · 59 min
How to Run a 12 Million Dollar Shop With Glenn Piccolo
In this episode of "Master Tech to Millionaire," Joe Adams, host and leader at Adams Automotive, sits down with Glenn Piccolo, a top automotive general manager in the country, to discuss the journey of growth and success in the automotive industry. With years of experience and a record-breaking year of $12.25 million in revenue, Glenn reveals insights into the world of automotive management. Discover Glenn's path to becoming a top leader, from his beginnings as a general service technician at age 16 to leading a flagship store to extraordinary financial success. Dive into the challenges and triumphs he faced, the importance of great leadership, and the role of effective team building in achieving monumental success. Whether you're in the automotive industry or just fascinated by stories of leadership and business growth, this episode offers valuable lessons and a glimpse into the blueprint that has set Glenn and Adams Automotive apart in the competitive landscape of auto repair.
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37
Master Tech to MillionaireJune 11 · 1h 5m
How Todd Hayes Turned $25k into $20 Million in Auto Repair
Out of Adams Automotive in Houston, TX Joe Adams kickstarts the inaugural episode of “Master Tech to Millionaire.” Serving as an inspirational journey, this pilot episode unveils the transition stories of Joe’s leadership team from master technicians to successful CEOs. In our pilot episode, Todd Hayes shares his transformative journey from investing a $25,000 loan into an impressive $20 million empire in merely 11 years. From innovative business strategies, such as using Polaroids for transparency with customers to recruiting talent outside the traditional industry, Todd’s insights showcase the power of integrity, hospitality, and strategic training. Through engaging narratives, the episode focuses on the importance of well-executed business plans, consistent training, and ethical business practices, crafting a roadmap for listeners aspiring to succeed as entrepreneurs in the automotive repair industry.
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