The Jaded Mechanic Podcast

Jeff Compton
  • 5.0 (12)
  • AUTOMOTIVE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

My name is Jeff, and I'd like to welcome you on a journey of reflection and insight into the tolls and triumphs of a career in automotive repair. After more than 20 years of skinned knuckles and tool debt, I want to share my perspective and hear other people's thoughts about our industry. So pour yourself a strong coffee or grab a cold Canadian beer and get ready for some great conversation.

  1. 5D AGO

    ADAS and Electric Vehicles Are Changing Auto Repair | Marco Palumbo

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Marco Palumbo shares his journey from technician to owner of Maxim Tire and Muffler in Winnipeg. He discusses the challenges of adapting to new automotive technologies, such as ADAS and electric vehicles, and the investments required in equipment, training, and staff. Marco also emphasizes the value of transparent customer service and community reputation, demonstrating how taking care of customers builds long-term loyalty and success. Timestamps:00:00 Meeting Mark and first impressions 05:28 Importance of mentoring in shops 12:13 Success with TikTok marketing 17:38 Discussing car calibration and trust 21:54 Unexpected car repair costs 29:15 Dealerships vs. aftermarket dynamics 34:45 Engaging waiting customers in showroom 42:20 Oxygen sensor issues and specialization 45:49 Tesla service challenges in smaller cities 52:46 Celebrating Mark's impact 56:16 Challenges with tech skills and training 58:56 Managing training logistics 01:04:09 Troubleshooting car electrical issues 01:10:47 Managing customer service expectations 01:16:04 Challenges with car part repairs 01:24:28 Facing time management challenges 01:28:24 Advocating for customer transparency 01:34:09 Unresolved car maintenance issues 01:37:26 Customer requests and shop policy 01:42:08 Charging for technical auto repairs 01:47:39 Recognizing Marco's passion and impact Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

    1h 53m

  2. APR 28

    Dealer Plate Guy Compares Dealer Pricing with the Aftermarket

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff sits down with Dealer Plate Guy (Austin Conroy), who has a HUGE following on social media. Austin shares his unconventional career path from sales to service manager, emphasizing the importance of building customer and employee relationships in the dealership environment. They also talk about the most common misconceptions about dealership pricing compared to independent shops and the crucial role of technician career development and mentorship programs in addressing the ongoing technician shortage.Timestamps:00:00 International Connections: Jeff & Dealer Plate Guy Meet02:05 Growing Up Near Purdue & Serving College Town Clients03:17 From Car Sales to Multi-Store Manager: Austin’s Journey05:00 First Day as Service Manager: No Wrenching Background Needed07:10 COVID Resets the Department – Building New Structures08:53 Why Techs Should Talk To Customers (and Break Out of the Funk)10:10 Handling Difficult Customers & Flipping the Script13:36 The Unseen Cost of Long Test Drives & Flat Rate Frustrations16:28 Why Relationships Matter: Dealer vs. Independent Shop Service18:31 Career-Oriented Advisors & Building Repeat Business20:44 Managing Pay, Hours, & Mentality in Service Departments24:01 Changing Flat Rate Times: Pushback & Tracking Results29:12 Dealer vs. Aftermarket Parts Pricing: The Real Story33:43 Should Dealers Offer Aftermarket Parts? Educating Customers35:16 The Independent Shop Advantage in “Impossible” Diagnostics38:41 The 20-Minute Battery Draw: Stories From the Bay42:58 Why Dealers Still Need Flat Rate—With Real Solutions44:38 Feeding Your Best Techs: Who Should Get The Gravy Work?46:56 The Reality of Used Car Work, PDI, and Technician Dispatch49:28 Overpromising Service Times: Collision vs. Dealer Mentality52:16 Developing the Tech Career Path: Retaining Talent57:06 Mapping Out Progression Steps & Regular 1-on-1s With Techs1:02:45 Multi-Point Inspections: Making Video Pay Off1:09:29 How Social Media Skits Are Changing Dealerships1:13:42 Bridging the Advisor & Tech Divide: Cross-Training Works1:17:04 Beyond Money: Finding the Right Role for Each Employee1:20:17 The Real Fix for the Technician Shortage1:24:05 Apprenticeship, Dealer Responsibility & Recruitment1:28:47 Final Thoughts & Where to Find Dealer Plate Guy Online Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

    1h 35m

  3. APR 21

    You Don’t Know What You’re Worth (Until You’re Wrong) | Jeremiah Hiatt

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff talks with Jeremiah Hiatt, a mobile mechanic from Montana, about his shift from ranch work to running his own ag repair business. They get into imposter syndrome, pricing your work, balancing family life, and the real challenges of modern diagnostics, plus solid advice for techs thinking about going out on their own. Timestamps:05:48 Fixing farm equipment for neighbors 12:26 Issues with new technology durability 17:09 Importance of equipment maintenance 26:33 Discussing work-life balance 27:32 Balancing career and family goals 34:01 Dealing with software updates 41:33 Appreciating Harbor Freight Tools 44:40 Diagnosing and fixing the computer 52:56 Hydraulic equipment repair experience 55:20 Deciding on vehicle investments 01:03:24 Challenges in car maintenance 01:07:46 Discussing automotive customer communication 01:10:18 Deciding between repair options 01:17:47 Discussing truck emission problems 01:23:06 Limitations on job responsibilities 01:27:53 Discussing changes in tech industry 01:35:40 The evolution of diagnostic skills 01:39:19 Diagnosing a car engine misfire 01:47:18 Ideal work-life balance fantasy 01:48:20 Finding balance and unplugging Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

    2h 1m

  4. APR 14

    Fleet Work vs Auto Repair and Why Mental Health Needs More Attention | Riley Spence

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff sits down with Riley Spence to talk about his move from the dealership world to working on a fleet for a construction company out in remote Labrador. Riley shares what it’s really like dealing with tough northern conditions, from tracking down parts to handling low-quality fuel. They also speak on mental health, the importance of having a strong community in the industry, and why continuing to learn and connect with others matters so much as a technician. Timestamps:00:00 Getting a second chance 09:54 Managing equipment in dusty conditions 12:40 Issues with quick lube services 20:20 Dealing with self-doubt and burnout 23:22 Challenges of being an apprentice 27:34 Managing tough diagnostic situations 36:13 Reflecting on career burnout 37:37 Why I avoid working at dealerships 45:19 Learning from skilled coworkers 49:50 Reality of heavy equipment trades 55:32 Pursuing skills over big money 01:03:27 Outdated info in truck systems 01:05:47 Fleet maintenance and master switches 01:10:14 Frustrations with car parts stores 01:15:45 Auto repair process improvements 01:20:11 Discussing challenges in key programming 01:29:34 Meeting online friends in person 01:31:01 Managing questions during courses 01:36:20 Advice on understanding older people Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

    1h 42m

  5. APR 7

    Why Technicians Are Leaving the Industry | Adam Matz

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff is join by Adam Matz to discuss challenges facing dealership mechanics today. They talk about stagnant wages, rising labor rates, and management practices that impact technician morale and retention. The conversation also brings up the growing technician shortage and the need for better support and fair compensation to sustain the industry. Timestamps:09:42 Starting in the car industry 11:42 Challenges with car repairs 20:53 Training and mentoring younger workers 27:00 Challenges with customer feedback 31:44 Talking about car audio setups 36:44 Warranty pay limits for repairs 42:57 How mechanics are paid 44:26 Mentoring young mechanics and mistakes 52:25 Feeling undervalued at work 55:47 Generational views on mental health 59:39 Keeping technicians happy 01:07:38 Challenges of modern living 01:13:47 Struggles of young adulthood 01:20:13 Building trust with employees 01:23:10 Frustrations with dealership management 01:27:47 Challenges in fair technician pay 01:36:00 The value of trade education 01:38:05 Challenges in industry and workforce 01:44:04 Dealing with toxic employees Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

    1h 52m

  6. MAR 31

    Can the Technician Shortage Be Fixed?? | Josh Fowler

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff is joined by Josh Fowler, a shop foreman at a Chrysler dealership in Adams, New York. Josh talks about how tough it’s been to find good technicians, especially with changing job trends and not much local talent to pull from. He and Jeff swap ideas on how to bring people in and keep them around, like offering signing bonuses and bumping pay as techs level up their training. Timestamps:00:00 Fuccillo's influence and radio presence 08:58 Discussing repair workflow challenges 12:30 Using signing bonuses to attract talent 19:20 Exploring high school co-op opportunities 23:42 Employee training and probation process 30:55 Addressing incentive structures for young workers 32:53 Developing mentorship and skill-building plans 41:36 Building confidence through experience 45:55 Developing practical mechanical expertise 52:37 Addressing car maintenance and trade-in options 54:57 Challenges driving service advisors to leave 01:00:16 Technician networking and collaboration 01:05:01 Encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing 01:10:26 Evaluating roles in auto repair 01:20:02 Selecting appropriate diagnostic tools 01:21:23 Addressing wages in the auto industry 01:26:20 Addressing technician problem-solving skills Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

    1h 43m

  7. MAR 24

    We Need to Call Training "Continuing Education" | Bret T. Fadley

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff is joined by Bret T. Fadley to discuss the upcoming TOOLS training event in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Bret talks about why it’s so important to keep learning and stay connected in the automotive world, and how events like this help you build strong relationships that benefit both you and your shop. Jeff also shares some of his past experiences, highlighting the super welcoming vibe at TOOLS and how these events leave you with fresh ideas and a boost of confidence heading back into your business. Timestamps:00:00 "Reflecting on TOOLS Event Vibes" 08:32 Albert's Process and Event Bonds 13:57 "Diagnosing Cylinder 2 Misfire" 20:12 "Connecting Friends and Mentors" 26:54 "TOOLS: Intimate, High-Quality Training" 29:52 Networking Drives Automotive Inspiration 34:11 "Canadian Caravan to Tools Event" 38:56 "Casual Meet and Greet" 48:46 "Enhancing Team Communication Skills" 59:03 "Dealer Techs and Industry Perspectives" Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

    1h 13m

  8. MAR 17

    The Impact of ADAS on Auto Repair | Eric Pagliughi from Launch Tech USA

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff is joined by Eric Pagliughi, Senior Vice President of Launch Tech USA. Eric talks about his journey from shop owner and distributor to leading product development at Launch Tech USA, emphasizing the importance of direct technician feedback in tool innovation. They speak on the company's commitment to quick software updates based on user input, navigating the challenges of manufacturer security requirements, and building strong industry relationships to increase access to OE information. Timestamps:00:00 "Journey from Mechanic to Dealer" 10:03 "Global Silos and Business Growth" 13:38 "Right Tools, Right Market" 19:14 Tech Efficiency and OE Challenges 22:48 "Responsibility in Automotive Ethics" 30:39 Evolving Automotive Data Accessibility 35:41 "Cloud-Dependent Vehicle Repairs Emerge" 41:17 Dealership Security Concerns and Limitations 43:55 "Industry Costs and Responsibility" 53:29 "Building Relationships Through Innovation" 57:29 "Streamlined Updates with Tech Tips" 01:04:05 ADAS Impact on Auto Repairs 01:05:34 ADAS Calibration and Liability Risks 01:11:22 "Commitment to Craft and Community" 01:18:50 "Space-Saving Touchless Alignment Solution" 01:25:04 Empowering Technicians Through Innovation Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

    1h 29m
See All (160)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

My name is Jeff, and I'd like to welcome you on a journey of reflection and insight into the tolls and triumphs of a career in automotive repair. After more than 20 years of skinned knuckles and tool debt, I want to share my perspective and hear other people's thoughts about our industry. So pour yourself a strong coffee or grab a cold Canadian beer and get ready for some great conversation.

Information

  • Creator
    Jeff Compton
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    160
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jeff Compton

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