Changing The Industry Podcast

David Roman & Lucas Underwood
  • 4.7 (79)
  • 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. 1D AGO

    Episode 256 - Why Most Shops Miss Out on Profits With Eric Joern of Kaizen CPAs

    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://info.shop-ware.com/profitability 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 Eric Joern for a deep dive into the realities of small business financial management in the auto repair industry. Eric stresses the importance of starting with a plan and leveraging professional guidance, rather than relying on risky trial-and-error approaches. The discussion highlights why using proper shop management systems and separating business finances is critical for long-term success. 00:00 "Valuable Business Advice and Insights" 10:15 Sales Tax Responsibilities Explained 15:34 Simple Budgeting for Profit 17:02 "Essential Shop Management Systems" 21:40 Shop Parts Tracking Essentials 29:56 "Seeking Proactive Tax Guidance" 35:04 "Importance of a Knowledgeable Accountant" 38:10 "Proactive Tax Planning Conversations" 43:34 "Inventory's Tax Impact Explained" 49:10 "Smart Tax Strategies Explained" 55:24 Focus on Strengths, Delegate Tasks 01:02:42 Excited for Business Improvement

    1h 7m

  2. FEB 9

    Episode 255 - Tailoring Training for Automotive Technicians in a Rapidly Changing Industry with Andy Tirado

    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://info.shop-ware.com/profitability 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 Andy Tirado, co-founder of the ADAS Network. Andy discusses the challenges of delivering relevant, effective technical training across the automotive industry, highlighting the critical need for trainers to adapt content to local cultures and shop-specific needs. The conversation also explores the complexities of ADAS calibrations, from misinformation in service procedures to pressure from insurance companies. 00:00 Struggles with Local Training Participation 08:25 Improving Training Accessibility and Retention 10:24 "Training, Culture, and Communication" 20:09 "Missed Details in Calibration Procedure" 23:44 "ADAS Resource and Referral Network" 28:45 Greed, Insurance, and Right to Repair 33:43 "Taking Control of Business Processes" 40:54 Braking System Safety Concerns 46:09 Counterfeit Parts and Industry Issues 52:21 Car Alignment and Calibration Costs 53:56 "Trusting My Chosen Shop" 01:00:05 "ADAS Insights and Validation" 01:03:33 "Aligned for Selfless Collaboration"

    1h 9m

  3. FEB 2

    Episode 254 - Grit, Growth, and Genuine Leadership in the Diesel Industry with Chris Gayne

    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://info.shop-ware.com/profitability 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 Chris Gayne, owner of Dale County Diesel. Chris shares his unique journey from Army attack helicopter pilot to diesel shop owner, highlighting the importance of leadership and integrity in building his team. The conversation covers why prioritizing people and culture over technical skill is critical, the value of honest customer communication, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining passion while running a successful business. 00:00 Garage Trouble Without License 06:19 "Learning Through Experience" 09:39 Truck Repairs and Industry Journey 12:59 "Results Over Passion" 15:55 "Passion and Honesty in Selling" 17:05 "Transparent Auto Repair Process" 20:52 "Morals Over Money" 25:31 "Passing the Torch" 26:24 "Plans for Business Continuity" 29:31 "Failed Recruitment Due to Diploma" 33:14 "Lessons on Hard Work" 37:25 "Maximizing Growth Within Business" 42:09 "Shifting Passion and Letting Go" 45:17 "Work-Life Balance Struggles" 46:32 "Guidance Counselor Tension Escalates" 51:01 "Unexpected Apology on Facebook"

    57 min

  4. JAN 26

    Episode 253 - Small Town Shop Ownership, Family Dynamics, and Overcoming Resentment with John Presnell

    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://info.shop-ware.com/profitability 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 John Presnell, a shop owner from North Carolina, who shares his journey in taking over the family business. John discusses overcoming personal and professional resentments as he transitioned from working under his parents to owning the shop. Key topics include the challenges of shop growth and efficiency, strategies for training and developing a younger team, and the importance of personal growth through forgiveness and mentorship. 00:00 "Florida Drivers in Mountains" 04:44 "Slow, Stressful 27-Mile Drive" 08:23 Frustration Over Van Repairs 12:17 "Engine Coolant Leak Fail" 13:43 Flatlands Pickup Talk 19:18 "Overcoming Negativity and Growing" 21:26 "Parables as Framework for Success" 24:34 "Career Choices and Challenges" 28:52 "Family Dynamics and Influence" 33:02 "Accident Leads to Lasting Injury" 34:52 "From Porta Potty to Upgraded Space" 39:05 "Reflections on Growth and Work" 42:51 "Start at the Beginning" 44:59 "Keeping Business Decisions Private" 48:35 "Community Action and Attendance" 50:15 "Over a Barrel Moment" 55:24 "Sense Trade-off in Marriage" 56:09 "Affirmative Response"

    1h 1m

  5. JAN 19

    Episode 252 - Can You Transform Automotive Inspections with AI with Uwe Kleinschmidt

    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://info.shop-ware.com/profitability 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 and Lucas are joined by Uwe Kleinschmidt of AutoTechIQ. Uwe explains how AI-powered tools are revolutionizing the Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) process, highlighting how annotated photos and captions can help customers better understand repair recommendations. The discussion also explores industry coaching advice on customer communication, with Uwe challenging traditional authority-based approaches by emphasizing transparency and customer empowerment. 00:00 AI Streamlines Automotive Service Communication 06:39 "DVI: The Ultimate CRM Tool" 10:11 "Streamlining Auto Flow Processes" 11:51 "Routine Inspections for Vehicle Health" 15:18 "Optimal Vehicle Maintenance Decisions" 18:23 "Transparency Builds Trust in Service" 24:39 "Tech8IQ Delays Dispatch Process" 27:37 "AI Fixing Cost Discrepancies" 30:18 "Autonomy Issues in Service Inspections" 32:48 "Coaching Pushback on Customer Calls" 36:24 "Key KPI: Customer View Rate" 39:25 "Improving Customer Interaction Metrics" 44:27 Shopware Weakness and DVI Feedback 47:05 "Gen Z's Communication Preferences" 51:28 Embedded Comparison Video Idea 53:08 "AI Image Stirs Debate"

    1 hr

  6. JAN 12

    Episode 251 - Implementing Unreasonable Hospitality and Customer Success at Your Shop With Ruth Wisniewski

    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://info.shop-ware.com/profitability 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 Ruth Wisniewski, Senior Director of Customer Success at Vehlo. Ruth shares how her team at Vehlo elevates client experience by helping shops leverage software to meet their goals, from boosting efficiency to increasing car count. The discussion explores the importance of building a favorite brand through “moments of truth” in the customer journey, and the role company culture plays in delivering exceptional service. 00:00 "Vehlo Customer Success Leadership" 03:48 "Streamlining Your Shop's Experience" 07:40 "Building Culture Around Experience" 10:46 "DIY Car Fixer Fails" 15:14 "Creative Problem-Solving Improves Outcomes" 18:13 "Sales vs. Customer-Centric Approach" 20:30 Shady Shopware Setup Concerns 25:25 "Customizable Customer Experience at Vehlo" 26:56 "Empowerment Through Vehlo's Support" 31:08 "Customer Experience: A Guided Reflection" 35:50 "Cost of Goods Discrepancy" 36:44 "Reading Release Notes Religiously" 42:16 "Lion's Mane and Nerve Healing" 45:49 "Recovering Without Surgery" 47:06 Lion's Mane for Focus? 52:14 "Best Banana Pudding Ever" 53:18 Raleigh's Amazing Food Scene

    1 hr

  7. JAN 5

    Episode 250 - Jonathan Seitzer Goes From Wall Street To Wrenches

    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://info.shop-ware.com/profitability 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 Jonathan Seitzer, a former Wall Street product manager who is stepping into the world of auto shop ownership. Jonathan shares his journey from discovering the podcast and automotive industry to the challenges of buying an established shop with no technical background. The conversation covers the realities of inheriting an existing staff, balancing necessary changes with preserving shop culture, and the daunting task of building a supportive work environment while facing industry-wide staffing and training hurdles. 00:00 "From Marines to Wall Street" 03:45 "Electric Vehicle Charging Stations" 07:15 "Journey Back to Mars" 12:44 Customer Reactions to Pricing Changes 14:16 "Challenges with Dutch Customers" 16:25 "Effective Marketing Strategy Essentials" 21:44 "Golden Handcuffs Dilemma" 25:29 "Building a Hiring Pipeline" 28:24 "Fostering Growth and Balance" 31:03 Scaling Revenue Through Skilled Leadership 34:49 Preparing the Next Generation 37:20 "Challenges in Automotive Careers" 40:58 "Beware Leadership Temptations" 44:05 "Finding Balance in Leadership" 45:51 "The Struggle to Take Seriously" 52:01 "Building Trust Through Consistency" 55:12 "Cluttered Midwestern Dealership Tale" 56:18 "Impactful Change Through Appearance" 59:50 "Supportive Learning Community"

    1h 6m

  8. 12/29/2025

    Episode 249 - The Future of Automotive Careers with Eric The Car Guy

    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://info.shop-ware.com/profitability 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 Eric Cook, better known as “Eric the Car Guy.” Eric shares the story of his unconventional journey from art school to becoming a master technician and influential automotive content creator. The conversation explores changes in the automotive industry, the importance of shop culture and technician respect, and the challenges both technicians and shop owners face as they adapt to evolving technology and business demands. 00:00 "From Acura to Video Editing" 08:42 "Humbled by Fans' Support" 13:18 "Rediscovering Connection Through Creation" 16:03 "Grace in Growth and Leadership" 23:30 "Valuing Skilled Labor and Adaptability" 28:21 "Value of Skilled Tire Workers" 32:21 "Tech Advances Will Raise Job Value" 40:37 "Human Error vs. Robotics" 44:26 "Modern Paths to Auto Careers" 53:27 "Elvis: From Devil to King" 57:57 "Access to Knowledge, Stupidity Grows" 01:03:42 "Restoring and Revamping Vehicles"

    1h 11m
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4.7
out of 5
79 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
    309
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Changing The Industry Podcast
  • Show Website
    Changing The Industry Podcast

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