Changing The Industry Podcast

David Roman & Lucas Underwood
  • 4.7 (81)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

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. 5d ago

    Episode 278 - Can You Create A Disney World Experiences in Auto Repair With Bret Beitler

    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 Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 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://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month 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 Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, David & Lucas are joined by Brett Beitler to discuss the challenges and rewards of leadership in both family entertainment centers and the auto repair industry. Brett shares his experience in turning around struggling businesses, highlighting the importance of strong leadership, employee empowerment, and cultivating a culture of unreasonable hospitality. The conversation also explores the differences in leadership needs between industries, emphasizing the value of coaching, communication, and continuous personal growth for business success. 00:00 Setting up automatic audio switching 09:40 Inspiration to join preschool industry 10:28 Expanding business in Houston 16:37 Forming a Leadership Partnership 23:16 Improving airport bathroom satisfaction 27:04 Issues with Accountant and Bookkeeping 35:00 Dealing with customer feedback 40:18 Finding the Right Coaching Clients 43:05 Practicing effective leadership skills 53:33 Teaching Leadership to the Next Generation 58:29 Empowerment in the Workplace 01:01:37 Keeping up with rapid tech changes

  2. Jul 13

    Episode 277 - Building Better Workflows and Navigating AI With Ash Kaplan of Golden Hour Garage

    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 Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 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://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month 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 Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Ash Kaplan, owner of Golden Hour Garage. Ash shares her journey growing up in the automotive industry, how she built her niche helping struggling shops streamline workflow, and why process consistency is essential for shop success. The conversation also explores the impact of AI and automation in automotive repair, emphasizing the ongoing need for human expertise and genuine customer relationships. 00:00 Visual calendar time zone issue 10:32 Building workflows for struggling shops 12:27 Finding a solution for consistency 17:50 Explaining the company name 25:15 Documenting a car recall dispute 30:36 Employee motivation and compensation issues 32:59 Overcoming belief in others 39:15 Lessons on gullibility from father 47:26 Weekly and Quarterly Accountability Meetings 52:34 Building internal talent for growth 56:56 Discussing AI sustainability issues 59:31 AI's Impact on Job Markets 01:07:20 AI in automotive service shops

  3. Jul 6

    Episode 276 - Navigating Apprenticeships With Angela Mitchell & Shop-Ware Scholarship Winner Kaitlyn Schave

    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 Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 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://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month 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 Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, the conversation focused on the experiences of an apprentice technician who won the Shop-Ware scholarship. One concept discussed was the importance of standardized processes in the shop to ensure consistent work quality and reduce customer complaints. A key theme that emerged was the value of mentorship and hands-on learning, with support from experienced technicians helping apprentices gain skills and confidence. The discussion explored how exploring diverse training resources, including online courses and technical classes, can accelerate professional growth for new technicians. 00:00 Brake pad inconsistencies and complaints 05:44 Cleaning caliper brackets 16:24 Bringing Kaitlyn on board 17:54 Training and skill progression 27:40 Learning electrical diagnostics skills 31:43 Talking about tough car repairs 33:59 Discussing employee pay incentives 42:57 Choosing the right conference sessions 48:07 Learning diagnostics through videos 52:21 Testing car battery voltage 58:50 Dealing with difficult customers

  4. Jun 29

    Episode 275 - Trying To Elevate Automotive Training with Trevor Schlientz of Autonerdz

    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 Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 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://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month 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 Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, the conversation focused on the evolution of diagnostics in the automotive industry and the transition from technician to business owner. One concept discussed was the value and limitations of certifications such as ASE, with a candid look at how credentialing and industry standards affect technician growth. A key theme that emerged was the importance of community-based training and support, emphasizing how shop owners and technicians can elevate industry standards by hosting and attending collaborative training events. 00:00 Identifying and fixing a valve issue 08:12 Early influence of my dad 14:32 Debating test competency methods 17:00 Discussing ADOS legislation requirements 24:41 Criticizing school accreditation practices 29:29 Continuous education in auto care 36:00 Community troubleshooting and collaboration 38:59 Getting support for Pico tools 46:38 Getting help from friends 52:22 Building community through hosting 53:43 Collaborating with suppliers for training 01:01:59 Advantages of live streaming 01:08:14 Marketing strategy for 2026 01:14:30 Improving industry skills through content 01:15:01 Getting started with the scope

  5. Jun 22

    Episode 274 - Can The Automotive Service Industry Be Saved? With Cecil Bullard and Wayne Marshall

    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 Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 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://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month 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 Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Cecil Bullard and Wayne Marshall discuss the challenges facing the automotive industry today. They examine the complexities and controversies surrounding technician licensing and certification, highlighting the need for industry-wide standards. The conversation also addresses the importance of financial literacy and measurable productivity in running a successful shop. 00:00 Debating dealership licensing issues 10:17 Balancing employee pay and motivation 13:05 Building Employee Loyalty 18:33 Improving employee wages and management 23:01 Business fundamentals and financial ratios 29:03 Planning an Exit Strategy 35:00 Chris Enright on industry frustration 41:01 Need for sophisticated testing 46:14 Importance of unique selling proposition 51:13 Importance of inclusivity and differentiation 54:12 Challenges with membership relevance 01:03:44 Young talent and enthusiasm 01:04:15 Recruiting a young car enthusiast

  6. Jun 15

    Episode 273 - Learning from Mistakes and Building Stronger Businesses With Tara Topel

    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 Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 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://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month 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 Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Tara Topel to dig into the challenges facing shop owners and the broader automotive industry. They examine the importance of building businesses that can run independently of their owners, emphasizing the need for processes, standards, and effective delegation. The conversation also highlights a lack of engagement with valuable industry resources, such as the Auto Care Association, underscoring the need for greater awareness and participation among shop owners. Finally, they discuss the shifting landscape of automotive technology—from EVs to ADAS calibrations—and the risks and responsibilities that come with staying current. 00:00 Handling online criticism 07:36 Balancing business and family time 11:22 Trading our souls for convenience 18:10 Preparing for business contingencies 26:12 Joining a National Auto Association 30:40 Helping People Who Want Change 32:37 Importance of labor in auto shops 40:45 ADAS calibration cost concerns 46:05 ADAS system calibration advice 48:59 Pilot and maintenance disagreement 56:20 Traffic control and roundabouts 59:47 Distracted driving habits

  7. Jun 8

    Episode 272 - Mentoring the Next Generation of Techs with Luke Murray and Charles Burke of Worldpac

    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 Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 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://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month 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 Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas Underwood and David Roman are joined by Charles Burke and Luke Murray from the Worldpac Training Institute. The conversation focuses on the importance of mentorship and structured apprenticeship programs in the automotive industry, the challenges of reaching and engaging more shop owners with effective training and business resources, and the personal impact of mentorship—both in the industry and in personal life. 00:00 Transitioning from technical to business training 05:42 Grounded from flying career 09:44 Choosing movies before streaming 12:41 Becoming a BMW instructor 14:04 Focus on mentor training 18:43 Mentorship and training apprentices 19:46 Creating a custom apprenticeship program 23:10 The importance of effective mentorship 28:29 Building ASTA through community sharing 31:50 Explaining profit margins simplistically 33:25 Helping others with industry insights 38:01 Funny story about Chris Chesney 39:21 Spreading the word about free training 42:11 Passion-driven learning benefits

  8. Jun 1

    Episode 271 - Training New Technicians and Building a Lasting Automotive Business With Charles Mitchell

    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 Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 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://geni.us/Shop-Ware-Free-Month 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 Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, listeners hear the story of a small-shop owner’s journey to purchase and grow TenPin Motors in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. The conversation focused on the challenges of transitioning from technician to owner, including finding and training quality staff. A key theme that emerged was the importance of building lasting customer relationships and delivering a superior client experience to stand out in a competitive market. The discussion also explored the realities and concerns of scaling to multiple locations, highlighting industry trends toward consolidation and the difficulty of maintaining quality and culture as shops grow. 00:00 Buying the dealership 08:21 Discussing small town expansion plans 14:49 Transitioning from technician to business management 16:35 Realizing the need to plan 22:32 Creating a welcoming atmosphere 27:13 Adjusting Services After Technician Left 35:03 Focusing on customer care in auto shops 40:14 Upgrading marketing and customer service 45:41 Increasing Profit While Managing Costs 49:17 Planning Future Business Growth 53:24 Concerns about expanding quality 01:00:47 Fostering positive industry growth

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4.7
out of 5
81 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.

Information

  • Creator
    David Roman & Lucas Underwood
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    336
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Changing The Industry Podcast
  • Show Website
    Changing The Industry Podcast

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