Changing The Industry Podcast

David Roman & Lucas Underwood

This podcast is dedicated to changing the automotive industry for the better, one conversation at a time. Whether you're a technician, vendor, business owner, or car enthusiast, we hope to inspire you to improve for your customers, your careers, your businesses, and your families.

  1. 3D AGO ·  BONUS

    Bonus Episode - Vehlo CEO Reveals What's Actually Changing the Automotive Industry in 2026

    Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityUtilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros  In this episode, the Changing The Industry Podcast team sits down with Josh Weiss, CEO of Vehlo, to discuss company culture, leadership, and the rapidly evolving automotive industry. Josh shares his philosophy on servant leadership and the importance of fostering a high-performance, low-ego environment at Vehlo. The conversation highlights how open communication and feedback fuel trust and engagement within the organization. Finally, the group explores the challenges of constant innovation in automotive service, emphasizing the critical role technology and adaptability play in shop success. 00:00 Building a winning team culture 04:44 Team communication and weekly updates 09:41 Joining the company journey 12:34 Rapid innovation in auto industry 14:05 Shopware's unique customer experience 19:35 Choosing shopware for its ease 22:35 Listening to customer feedback 23:22 Thanking the guest or speaker

    25 min
  2. 5D AGO

    Episode 264 - The Value of Diagnostics, Hands-On Classes, & Finding Happiness With Tim Iezzi & Ira Waldman

    Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityUtilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros  In this episode, Lucas Underwood and David Roman are joined by Ira Waldman and Tim Iezzi, who share their experiences with technical training and diagnostics in the automotive industry. Ira Waldman explains the value of comprehensive accident investigations and how data pulled from vehicles is increasingly crucial for liability and repairs. Tim Iezzi and Ira Waldman detail their hands-on training classes, emphasizing the importance of practicing with equipment to build real skills. Throughout the conversation, the group discusses challenges facing trainers—including undervaluation and barriers to fair compensation—while reflecting on what true success looks like in the industry. 00:00 Consulting work and accident investigations 04:58 Calibration data and liability concerns 08:48 Lab scope training launch 11:32 Practicing lab scope basics 15:25 Common mistakes using scopes 19:03 Importance of planning and tools 20:10 Teaching procedural oil change steps 24:46 Improving technician education 27:00 Training value and budget changes 32:48 Challenges faced by fitness trainers 36:16 Launching the training company 39:46 Impact of low-cost car markets 41:29 Covid’s impact on auto repairs 47:30 Troubleshooting equipment issues 50:25 Defining personal success 52:21 Interviewing successful people 54:28 Thanking the audience

    59 min
  3. APR 6

    Episode 263 - Overcoming Addiction and Trying To Find Purpose in the Automotive Industry With Cole Tanner

    Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityUtilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros  In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Cole Tanner, a veteran technician, who shares his journey through family business transitions, personal struggles, and the realities of working in the automotive industry. Cole opens up about overcoming addiction and trauma, emphasizing the importance of honest conversations about mental health in the trades. The group discusses technician frustrations regarding compensation, shop inefficiencies, and the vital need for support structures within the industry. 00:00 Frustrating restaurant wait experience 06:25 Growing up with my parents 08:11 Discussing childhood challenges 12:51 Breaking cycles of family trauma 16:25 Losing friends to addiction 19:34 Discussing compensation challenges 22:25 Consistent vs erratic performance 26:35 Running an efficient repair shop 27:42 Technicians disconnected from inspection value 33:12 End-of-month sales pressure 36:27 Improving communication and accountability 37:58 Discussing future plans and concerns 41:13 Finding balance and past experiences 46:02 Struggles with drinking habits 47:53 Hitting rock bottom moments 50:40 The dangers of addiction 53:47 Pushing for constant improvement 56:52 Taking responsibility after prison

    1h 4m
  4. MAR 30

    Episode 262 - When Generations Collide - Growing an Auto Shop with Family Values With Matt Clarke

    Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityUtilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros  In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Matt Clarke of Clark Automotive. Matt shares his journey back to his family's auto repair business, emphasizing the importance of refining operations and focusing on delivering high-quality service rather than chasing high car counts. The group discusses the evolving role of business coaching and training, including the value of accountability partners and the need to adapt to new technology in the industry. 00:00 Trade Show Costs Are Ridiculous 03:47 Union Inefficiency and Consequences 09:13 "Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity" 11:58 "Evolving Business Learning Challenges" 14:35 "Epiphany in Management Training" 18:14 "Refining Craft, Scaling Doubts" 22:03 Choosing the Right Coach 24:48 "Struggling with Accountability" 28:06 "Unexpected Family Connections" 33:15 "AI-Generated Estimate Dispute" 37:26 "Balancing AI and Personal Touch" 39:32 "Fitness, Gear, AI, and Darkness" 44:37 "Unfiltered Critique of a Guru" 45:20 "Mastery vs. Fake Expertise" 48:44 "Adapting Teaching to Audience" 54:39 "EV Market Resistance Analyzed" 56:42 "Building Growth and Connections" 58:38 "Vespa Culture: New York Only"

    1h 2m
  5. MAR 23

    Episode 261 - Navigating Grief, Taxes, and Machine Shop Dreams in the Auto Repair Industry With David Veldman

    Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityUtilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros  In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by David Veldman, who shares his personal journey coping with the recent loss of his father and its impact on his direction and motivation in the automotive repair business. The conversation explores how major life events, such as grief or health struggles, can affect business owners, especially those without strong support systems or sustainable operations. David Roman provides a contrasting perspective, emphasizing the importance of shifting focus toward the next generation and building a business that can survive without constant owner involvement. 00:00 "Grieving Without a Rudder" 10:05 "Finding Aim Through Adversity" 12:08 "Finding Direction and Motivation" 17:14 "Dad's Varied Career Path" 24:37 Machine Shop Succession Challenges 30:13 "The Box That Changed Me" 34:50 Efficient Flywheel Machining Strategy 39:58 "Importance of Knowledge and Processes" 47:09 "Pay Taxes Like an Employee" 51:14 "Tax Payment Delays Explained" 57:40 "Sad Start, Weird Ending" 01:03:03 Lakeside Anniversary Offer 01:04:49 "Possible Marijuana Overdose"

    1h 10m
  6. MAR 16

    Episode 260 - Navigating Family Legacy and Change in the Automotive Business With Jackie & Darryl Beech

    Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityUtilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros  In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Darryl and Jackie Beech to explore the dynamics of running and transitioning a family-owned automotive business. Darryl reflects on the importance of having strong business processes and work-life balance, sharing his motivation to set Jackie up for long-term success as she steps into a larger leadership role. Jackie opens up about the challenges—and privileges—of carrying forward her father's legacy, focusing on the value of maintaining strong customer relationships while preparing for inevitable changes. 00:00 "Doubting His Radio Future" 04:40 "Family, Loss, and Betrayal" 08:19 "Mismanagement and Lack of Structure" 10:42 "Shopware's Lifesaving Support" 14:53 Forensic Analysis in Auto Failures 18:21 "Tailored Vehicle Maintenance Advice" 21:31 Transitioning Business Leadership and Operations 23:38 "Balancing Business and Social Hurdles" 28:52 "Senior Tech Rejects Management Training" 31:54 "Saving a Family Legacy" 35:02 Navigating Tough Clients Effectively 38:49 "Embracing Leadership Humility" 40:32 "Early Career Diversification Needed" 44:45 "Growth Through Decisions and Challenges" 48:08 Managing Stress and Support Systems 49:55 "Overcoming Recession and Struggle" 53:34 "Navigating Family Life and Struggles" 56:48 "Childhood Memories: The Good Side"

    1h 3m
  7. MAR 9

    Episode 259 - Building Company Culture and Beating Chargebacks in Automotive Shops With Kevaughn Williams

    Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityUtilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros  In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Kevaughn Williams, Operations Manager at 360 Payments. Kevaughn underscores the importance of company culture in building a motivated, accountable team, highlighting how 360’s values of transparency and peer-to-peer accountability support both employees and customers. The discussion covers practical strategies for automotive shops to protect themselves from payment chargebacks, with Kevaughn outlining red flags to watch for and offering tips to improve payment security.  00:00 "360 Culture and Leadership" 04:28 "Honesty and Accountability Matter" 08:13 "Impactful Workplace Culture Insights" 11:16 "Towing Office Experience Reflection" 14:50 Car Rental Customer Support Journey 15:54 Rental Car Upgrade Mishap 21:08 Mandatory Work Schedule Change 24:40 Building Youthful Team for Success 27:58 "Disney Trip as Life Milestone" 28:40 Prioritizing People Over Business 34:51 Preventing Text-to-Pay Fraud 38:11 Fraud Awareness and Payment Precautions 39:06 DocuSign ID and Card Verification 44:24 Chargeback Fraud at Local Shop 48:02 "High-Risk Account Threshold Explained" 50:23 Transparency and Informed Decisions 53:22 "David's CSP Concerns" 56:19 "Buttoning Debate Unresolved"

    1h 2m
  8. MAR 2

    Episode 258 - Global Supply Chains, Tariffs, and the State of Parts Quality

    Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityUtilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros  In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Australian shop owners Kosta Ka and Peter Leondis. The group explores the differences between the Australian and American auto repair industries, focusing on challenges with access to technical information, parts quality, and emerging certification hurdles for EVs. Kosta and Peter share insights on the importance of clear communication with clients and building strong shop cultures, while Lucas and David reflect on succession planning and the risks of lacking a solid business exit strategy. 00:00 Generational Gaps in Apprenticeships 05:39 "OnlyFans: Limited Choices Commentary" 15:31 Repair Shops Face Ebb and Flow 20:31 Aftermarket vs. Dealer Parts Pricing 23:47 "Licensing Drives Underground Competition" 31:33 Cultural Differences in Communication Styles 36:57 "Planning Beyond Fixing Cars" 40:20 Business Succession and Exit Challenges 47:01 Overcoming Founder Syndrome 50:49 "Core Values Drive Business Success" 55:13 Australian Auto Training Revolution

    1h 5m
4.8
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

This podcast is dedicated to changing the automotive industry for the better, one conversation at a time. Whether you're a technician, vendor, business owner, or car enthusiast, we hope to inspire you to improve for your customers, your careers, your businesses, and your families.

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