Welcome to The Gear Box Podcast—the ultimate pit stop for those looking to break into the auto repair business, grow their shop, and navigate the daily grind of the industry. Thinking about opening a shop? Struggling to increase profitability? Wondering what it really takes to thrive in a competitive market? We tackle the tough questions, break down real-world challenges, and share insider tips from industry experts, seasoned shop owners, and those turning wrenches every day. From leadership ...
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Jimmy Purdy Podcasts
NOT your Ordinary PODCAST. An insight on sports, fantasy football rankings, stats, matchups, players, injuries, news, and social hot takes. New Episodes Drop every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
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Live from AAPEX 2025: Arun Coumar on What’s Next in the Bay
1:07:49
1:07:49
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1:07:49Arun from Driven auto care is Back! And Straight from the AAPEX floor, we sit down to cut through the hype and spotlight what actually moves the needle in 2025—smarter diagnostics, cleaner workflows, and people-first processes. Fast, practical takeaways you can bring back to the shop Tomorrow.By Jimmy Purdy
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Live from AAPEX 2025: Moe & Lalo Shift the Conversation
49:30
49:30
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49:30The man, the myth, the legend, Lalo stops back in after a long Hiatus and is joined by Shift'n gears own service manager Moe, and what better place to catch up then at AAPEX, we talk Shop performance, culture, and tech adoption—how to turn this year’s show buzz into measurable wins in your bays.By Jimmy Purdy
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Wrenches, Wisdom & the Reckoning- With Kevin Brown from Repair shop reckoning
1:07:03
1:07:03
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1:07:03In this episode of The Gear Box Podcast, Jimmy sits down with Kevin Brown — shop owner, creator of Repair Shop Reckoning, and one of the loudest voices calling for real talk in the auto repair world. Together, they dig into the truth behind shop culture, leadership, AI in the bay, and why knowing your numbers beats chasing the next silver bullet. I…
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From Wrenches to Wealth: Building a Business That Outlives You
51:42
51:42
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51:42In this powerful episode of The Gearbox Podcast, Jimmy Purdy sits down with financial advisor and exit strategist Matt DiFrancesco to talk about the one thing most shop owners never plan for—what happens after the grind. Matt shares insider strategies on how blue-collar business owners can transform from being trapped in their business to leading i…
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Killing the Old You: Growth, Grit, and Getting Coached with Brent Kilmer
1:01:32
1:01:32
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1:01:32In this powerful milestone episode, Jimmy sits down with Brent Kilmer — owner of Velocity Tire & Auto and coach with Repair Shop of Tomorrow — for a raw and inspiring deep dive into what it really takes to grow as a shop owner and leader. From battling resistance to coaching, to learning when to let go of bad habits (and bad employees), Brent share…
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From Wrenches to Wealth: Rethinking Auto Repair with Charlie Zlatkos
1:06:45
1:06:45
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1:06:45In this episode, Jimmy sits down with Charlie Zlatkoz of Pleasant Car Care to talk about the journey from technician to shop owner—and why that leap requires a totally different mindset. They dive into the concept of "auto hospitality," fixing process bottlenecks, hiring the right team, and the power of saying yes to customers. Whether you're runni…
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SEASON 5 EP - #1 | TOP 30 FANTASY FOOTBALL PLAYERS RANKINGS
23:02
23:02
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23:02NEW SEASON IS HERE! SEASON 5!! - BREAK DOWN OF THE TOP 30 FANTASY FOOTBALL PLAYERS RIGHT NOW - ALPHA WIDE RECIVERS - ALPHA RUNNING BACKS - ALPHA TIGHT ENDS
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Practice, Progress, and People: Redefining Leadership in the Shop
1:04:51
1:04:51
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1:04:51In this episode, Jimmy Purdy sits down with leadership coach Josh Parnell of Limitless Leadership to unpack what it really takes to grow as a leader—both in the shop and in life. From mastering communication and the power of one-on-ones, to balancing recognition with accountability, Josh shares practical strategies that drive team engagement, impro…
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Felipe on Rilla: Turning Conversations Into CRM Gold
36:40
36:40
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36:40In this episode, Felipe shares how his AI-powered tool seamlessly integrates with CRMs to capture, analyze, and leverage real customer conversations. From recording interactions to providing actionable insights, Felipe explains how advisors and sales teams can boost productivity, strengthen client relationships, and make data-driven decisions—all w…
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Faith, Grit & Five Bays: How JJ Scaled a Small Shop into a Powerhouse
39:11
39:11
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39:11What happens when a former Wall Street financier-turned-school teacher opens a five-bay auto shop in a small Maryland town? You get JJ — a powerhouse of faith, grit, and strategy. In this episode, JJ shares how he transformed his shop from grinding $40K months into a $450K+ monthly revenue engine — all without a massive facility or a big-city advan…
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From Wrenches to Algorithms: How AI is Redefining Auto Repair
28:24
28:24
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28:24In this episode of The Gearbox Podcast, Jimmy Purdy sits down with Josh Overlander, Director of Business Development at Detect Auto, to explore how data and AI are revolutionizing the way independent repair shops do business. From identifying lost revenue opportunities to measuring real technician productivity in real time, Josh shares how Detect A…
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Talent on Tap: Brian Rhodes’ Blueprint for Recruiting Rockstar Techs & Advisors
48:31
48:31
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48:31In this episode, Jimmy sits down with Brian Rhodes, founder of Auto Shop Recruiting and a 20-year veteran of talent acquisition, to crack the code on hiring techs and advisors in a market where “Help Wanted” banners are everywhere. Brian explains why the old “post-and-pray” ad doesn’t work anymore—and how independent shops can compete head-to-head …
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From $25,000 TO 20 Million- A business journey
1:10:45
1:10:45
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1:10:45By Jimmy Purdy
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Bootstrapped & Booming: Elijah’s Journey From Pole-Barn Startup to High-Growth Auto Shop
1:01:06
1:01:06
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1:01:06Whether you’re a one-man shop dreaming bigger, or a multi-bay owner stuck in neutral, Elijah’s hard-won lessons on pricing, scheduling, and customer trust will help you shift from survival mode to booming business. Tune in to learn how a pole-barn passion project became a high-growth auto-repair force—and why your location, lift count, or local eco…
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The cost of knowing where to hit it- with Oscar Gomez
44:45
44:45
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44:45In this episode, Jimmy Purdy from Shift’n Gears Auto Repair sits down with Oscar Gomez, founder of Master Automotive Training, for a no-filter conversation about diagnostics, technician training, and the realities of modern auto repair. From network code nightmares to crank-no-start mysteries, they dive into why proper testing matters, how to charg…
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"Burn It Down or Build It Back” – with Lola Schmidt
1:08:05
1:08:05
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1:08:05In this brutally honest episode, Jimmy Purdy and Lola pull no punches as they unpack the real chaos behind the scenes in auto repair — and spoiler alert: it's not the techs or the customers. From the constant battle with unreliable parts suppliers to the identity crisis of techs-turned-owners who'd rather rebuild a transmission than sell an oil cha…
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Back by popular demand, Another live version of our local call in radio show.By Jimmy Purdy
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Cutting Ties, Finding Peace: Nate Winston’s Journey to Independent Success
33:36
33:36
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33:36Nate Winston returns to the podcast one year after a dramatic business split — and he’s not the same guy. In this raw and reflective conversation, Nate opens up about the emotional toll of walking away from a 20-year friendship and 16-year partnership, the legal chaos that followed, and how he's found peace building his own shop from the ground up.…
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From the Bays to the Big Picture with Josh Rainwater
1:08:46
1:08:46
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1:08:46In this episode, Jimmy sits down with shop owner Josh Rainwater, who’s in the thick of a serious growth phase — and not holding back. Josh talks about what it means to go all in on your business, pushing through those brutal weeks where quitting sounds tempting, and the strategy behind hiring to free himself up from the bay and the front desk. If y…
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*Special Edition!* Join Leigh-Ann and Jimmy Purdy live on Gear head radio!
47:21
47:21
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47:21A local, live call in radio show, featuring Leigh-Ann Purdy of Shift'n gears auto repair.By Jimmy Purdy
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Why Private Equity is Betting Big on Auto Repair – with Jim Parker
55:47
55:47
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55:47Private equity firms are flocking to the auto repair industry like never before—but why? In this episode, Jimmy Purdy sits down with industry expert Jim Parker to break down the boom in shop acquisitions, what makes auto repair recession-resistant, and how COVID put the spotlight on blue-collar businesses. Plus, they dive into a shocking stat: 40% …
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Breaking Point: When Too Many Cars Becomes a Problem! with Josh Coomes
1:06:32
1:06:32
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1:06:32We sit down with Josh Coomes, who is in his second year of running his auto repair shop. We dive deep into the challenges of managing car count, marketing strategies, and the struggle of balancing growth with efficiency. Josh and Jimmy discuss the tipping point where too much work can actually hurt a shop, the importance of processes, and whether d…
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*Special Edition* Live & Unfiltered with Gear Head Radio!
47:11
47:11
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47:11Gear up for a special edition of The Gear Box Podcast! 🎙️🔧 This time, I’m bringing you along for a Saturday morning like no other—live from the airwaves of Gear Head Radio! It’s a call-in radio show where we talk cars, repairs, industry insights, and everything in between—unfiltered and in real-time. Get ready for live questions, expert advice, and…
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Revolutionizing Repair Estimates with Brandon Jones of Hub Shop Solutions
42:42
42:42
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42:42In this episode of The Gearbox Podcast, we sit down with Brandon Jones, a former shop owner, coach, and leadership mentor, who is on a mission to change the way repair shops estimate jobs. Brandon has just launched Hub Shop Solutions, a groundbreaking company that provides a team of remote estimators, allowing service advisors to focus on what trul…
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"Finding Your Own Path: Cutting Through the Noise in the Auto Repair Industry with David Marks"
1:06:59
1:06:59
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1:06:59By Jimmy Purdy
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Shifting Profit: Jaron Kleber on Stopping Free Work & Raising Labor Rates
36:46
36:46
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36:46Are you giving away free work without even realizing it? Struggling to raise your labor rate without losing customers? In this episode of The Gear Box Podcast, we sit down with Jaron Kleber from Repair Shops of Tomorrow to tackle one of the biggest challenges in the automotive industry—knowing your worth and charging for it. We’ll break down why so…
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David Toole Shares Tips for Managing Multiple Auto Repair Shops
1:18:17
1:18:17
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1:18:17Today, Jimmy Purdy and David Toole talk about the pros and cons of owning multiple repair shops. David emphasizes creating a strong shop culture, particularly when expanding locations. He shares advice on preforming reviews and evaluations of technicians to ensure they are aligned with shop standards and discusses the challenges involved in managin…
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Organic Growth vs Paid Ads in Repair Shop Marketing | Christian Mosley
1:02:57
1:02:57
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1:02:57Christian Mosley joins Jimmy Purdy to talk about automotive repair shop marketing. Christian talks about the pros and cons of social media how many shops have found wide success online. Jimmy shares his experience offering no-cost inspections to improve customer retention, saying that their retention rate increased significantly. The bottom line, t…
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Mike Allen Gives Free Diag and Won't Apologize
46:16
46:16
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46:16In this episode of The Gearbox Podcast, Jimmy Purdy and Mike Allen talk about adaptability in today's industry. Mike shares why he offers free diag and gets into the constant balance between maintaining quality service and achieving growth. Listen to Mike Allen's new podcast "Confessions of a Shop Owner" HERE 00:00 Rural Store to Automotive Career …
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Coralee Zueff's Top Tips to Help Technicians Trust Service Advisors
51:56
51:56
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51:56Today, Jimmy Purdy and Coralee Zueff talk about shop management and how to find the ideal ratio of technicians to service advisors. Jimmy asks Coralee to share her experience and advice to shop owners on how to gain trust between advisors and technicians. Coralee gives tips on setting expectations and improving diagnostic processes for shop owners.…
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You Got a Negative Review At Your Shop. Now What? Todd Westerlund Weighs In
1:20:52
1:20:52
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1:20:52Todd Westerlund is an industry vet. Over 15 years of technical experience and more than 18 years in the repair shop coaching. Todd is a believer in opening your shop seven days a week for ultimate customer service. He also shares advice on how to make your processes more efficient. 00:00 Industry Insights & Training 07:25 Technician's Journey: 15 Y…
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These Kids Blew My Mind! Teen Siblings Ava and Kingston Talk Transmissions
22:24
22:24
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22:24Jimmy talks with Kingston and Ava about their family-run transmission business at AAPEX 2024. Ava shares her journey in office management and how she's learned hands-on and gotten pretty good at multitasking. Kingston is excited about the technical side of the business, and even though he's in the 8th grade, he loves rebuilding transmissions. 00:00…
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Pricing, Shop Expansion, and Customer Engagement in Auto Repair
1:16:11
1:16:11
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1:16:11Listen to Arun's podcast "We Are Driven" In this episode, Jimmy Purdy is joined by Arun Coumar, owner of Driven Auto Care and host of the "We Are Driven" podcast. Arun discusses the significance of efficient operations and avoiding high-pressure sales tactics to enhance the customer experience. Jimmy shares the challenges he faced in expanding his …
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How to Develop a Positive Business Culture and Mindset at Your Repair Shop
1:05:29
1:05:29
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1:05:29In this episode, Jimmy Purdy is joined by Jim Cokonis to discuss the significance of mindset and culture in business, especially within the realm of technician coaching. Jim Cokonis shares an anecdote about Simon Sinek to highlight the benefits of positive management on employee satisfaction. Jimmy emphasizes the difference between treating technic…
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Car Inspections and Customer Relations with Phil Leone
1:19:56
1:19:56
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1:19:56Phil Leone, a seasoned automotive business coach, joins Jimmy Purdy. Phil emphasizes the necessity of thorough car inspections to ensure efficiency and job satisfaction among technicians. He shares the importance of quick quoting for waiting customers to enhance customer experience and minimize delays. Additionally, Phil discusses the value of ongo…
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Handling Driven Individuals and Business Impatience with Cecil Bullard
1:12:23
1:12:23
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1:12:23Cecil Bullard is the CEO of The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence. Cecil discusses the challenges of dealing with driven individuals in group settings and the risks impatience can pose in business decisions. He also shares his experiences with vetting marketing companies, emphasizing the importance of thorough evaluation to avoid issues.…
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Buckaroo Bob on Transformative Automotive Training and Sponsorships
49:10
49:10
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49:10Jimmy Purdy chats with Buckaroo Bob about organizing major training events in the automotive industry. Buckaroo Bob explains the strategies behind attracting participants from outside the local area, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and education in automotive diagnostics and repairs. Jimmy reflects on the enthusiasm of younger…
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Can You Achieve a People-First Mindset in Your Automotive Shop? With Joe Hyde
39:08
39:08
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39:08Jimmy Purdy is joined by Joe Hyde to discuss the importance of technicians recognizing their influence within the shop to improve workplace culture. Joe emphasizes the significance of teaching professionals to conduct one-on-ones and lead effectively without being in charge. He also introduces Limitless Leadership, a coaching initiative aimed at fi…
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How Customer Feedback and Coaching Shape Automotive Business Success with Larry Anderson
43:29
43:29
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43:29Today, Jimmy chats with Larry Anderson. Larry shares his journey from hands-on technician to business manager, hammering the importance of surrounding yourself with the right team. Jimmy reflects on the emotional roller coaster of managing customer feedback and the challenges of transitioning to a more managerial role. Larry offers practical advice…
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The Power of Mentorship and Coaching in Business with David Boyd and Parker Branch
53:51
53:51
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53:51In this episode, Jimmy chats with David Boyd and Parker Branch. Parker emphasizes the importance of aligning values when seeking advice or mentorship, ensuring that guidance resonates personally and professionally. David shares his own experience, showcasing how advice from a mentor helped him navigate a challenging conflict, highlighting the value…
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Things Are Changing in Automotive Marketing! Brian Walker Gives Advice
1:07:18
1:07:18
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1:07:18Brian Walker is the Owner and CEO of Shop Marketing Pros. In this episode, he and Jimmy Purdy discuss the challenges and strategies of customer interactions and marketing within the automotive industry. Brian discusses the importance of action in marketing efforts, emphasizing that doing nothing is not an option. Jimmy and Brian also explore the co…
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When "The Customer is Always Right" Doesn’t Apply with Steph "That Tool Girl"
1:10:10
1:10:10
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1:10:10In this episode, Jimmy Purdy and Steph, known as "that Tool Girl," delve into the polarization within the automotive industry, challenging the notion that "the customer is always right." Steph shares her insights on the critical need for clear, effective communication with customers to avoid misunderstandings and disputes. They also tackle the impa…
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Innovations, Networking, and Industry Insights with Jeff Compton
1:31:11
1:31:11
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1:31:11In this episode, Jimmy Purdy is joined by Jeff Compton, a frequent attendee of the SEMA convention. Jeff shares his enthusiasm for walking extensively at the event, even considering it a potential weight loss opportunity. Jimmy highlights the ease of navigating SEMA using the Tesla Loop, which offers free rides around the convention center. The duo…
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Preventing Small Issues from Escalating through Effective Communication in Auto Repair
1:21:40
1:21:40
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1:21:40In this episode, Jimmy Purdy is joined by Andrew Clement from "Rogue Wrenching" and the "Changing the Industry" podcast group. Andrew emphasizes the importance of clear communication and setting expectations, sharing how a lack of these can lead to frustration and inefficiency. He also discusses the critical need for continuous learning and develop…
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Chris Jones on Culture, Communication, and Continuous Improvement
56:53
56:53
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56:53Jimmy Purdy is joined by Chris Jones, Group Editorial Director at Endeavor Business Media. Chris delves into the significance of team coordination and mutual accountability, highlighting how successful team cultures develop when individuals enforce shared standards. Jimmy shares his personal journey from technician to shop owner, discussing the une…
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The Highs and Lows of Running a One-Man Auto Repair Shop with Dailey Kelley
1:05:16
1:05:16
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1:05:16Jimmy Purdy is joined by Dailey Kelley, an experienced technician and shop owner from Bardstown, Kentucky. Dailey shares his insights on transitioning from dealership work to running his own business, highlighting the challenges of managing workflow and avoiding the pitfalls of field calls. Their conversation also covers the intricate world of tran…
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The Key to Happy Customers and Good Reviews with David Marks, Part 2
45:09
45:09
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45:09In this part 2 episode, Jimmy Purdy and David Marks discuss the critical role of effective communication in auto repair services. David highlights how understanding customer needs and tailoring communication can significantly improve service delivery and enhance customer satisfaction. The duo also explores the importance of creating a respectful an…
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Best Mechanics, Misdiagnoses, and Employee Management with David Marks, Part 1
47:37
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47:37Jimmy Purdy is joined by David Marks, owner of a full-service auto repair and used car dealership. David emphasizes the importance of having the diagnosing mechanic perform the repair to avoid blame-shifting and unresolved issues. Jimmy and David dive into the challenges of managing multiple employees, stressing the need for integrity and effective…
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Human Connection and Honest Marketing Strategies with Ashley Kaul
1:28:55
1:28:55
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1:28:55In this episode, Jimmy Purdy welcomes Ashley Kaul to discuss several crucial aspects of business and customer service. Ashley emphasizes the vital role of honesty and transparency in marketing strategies, highlighting the need for genuine communication over automated systems. Jimmy shares his experiences with the importance of maintaining personal …
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Why Quality Tools and DVIs Matter in Auto Repair with Ryan Stratemann
57:37
57:37
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57:37In this episode, Jimmy Purdy is joined by Ryan Stratemann to delve into the intricacies of automotive repair and business management. Ryan shares his journey from a one-bay shop to expanding his business, highlighting the importance of proper bookkeeping, proactive vehicle inspections, and pricing strategies. They also discuss the success and chall…
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