Changing The Industry Podcast

David Roman & Lucas Underwood
  • 4.7 (82)
  • Management
  • 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. 10h ago

    Episode 293 - Are Industry Events Worth It? Debating Costs, Culture, and Team Growth With Limitless Leadership

    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 welcome Josh Parnell, founder and CEO of Limitless Leadership, and leadership coach Bret Beitler. The conversation focuses on leadership development in the automotive industry, with Josh highlighting the importance of empowering team members and building a culture of coachability and accountability. The group explores the value and return on investment of team engagement at industry events, discussing both the benefits and the practical challenges of shutting down a shop for staff training. 00:00 Concerns about closing the shop 06:17 Employee engagement and productivity 15:31 Previewing industry trends and vendors 21:25 Encouraging team feedback and ideas 26:20 Coaching through questions and discovery 31:59 Embracing a coachable mindset 35:02 Critiquing Social Media Consumption 38:50 Conceptualizing Hypotheticals on Instagram 46:46 Empowering leadership and team development 48:58 Discussion on Milwaukee Pipeline Event 59:06 Building a Future in the U.S. 01:02:25 Awkward store encounter 01:05:16 Wrapping up the discussion

  2. Oct 26

    Episode 292 - Unlocking Employee Potential and Navigating Turnover With Brian Zemba

    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 Underwood and David Roman join Brian Zemba, founder of CHG Leadership Consulting. Brian Zemba highlights the lack of leadership training among shop owners and the resulting impact on workplace culture and employee satisfaction. David Roman offers a counterpoint, questioning whether employees truly know what they want and emphasizing the challenges of motivating and retaining talent. Together, the trio explores the concept of "positive turnover"—helping employees find roles that fit their strengths, even if it means moving on—which can ultimately strengthen a shop's culture and success. 00:00 Auto repair pricing and convenience 09:40 Importance of Leadership Training 13:25 Mechanics as consumer advocates 17:56 Employee dependency and retention 27:51 Using emotional intelligence 32:25 Discussing effective communication and culture 34:22 Understanding Positive Turnover 42:48 Teaching kids entrepreneurship skills 45:06 Coaching and wisdom in leadership 50:34 Generational differences and workforce quality 59:51 Being curious in business relationships 01:01:18 Seeking understanding and ending conflict

  3. Oct 19

    Episode 291 - Pricing for Profit and Purpose in the Modern Auto Shop with Josh & Pixi Pickthall

    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 welcome Pixi Pickthall and Josh from Mesa, Arizona. Pixi and Josh share their unique approach to shop ownership, blending Josh’s decades of industry experience with Pixi’s social work background to create a highly personalized customer experience. The conversation dives deep into the challenges of setting proper labor rates, the importance of understanding financial metrics, and the need to balance quality service with fair profitability. 00:00 Managing warehouse logistics 09:25 Name change and market saturation 12:50 Observations from working at dealership 17:16 Challenges in hiring skilled technicians 22:29 Implementing DVX for consistency 29:16 Improving client experience 36:25 Handling customer complaints 39:22 Court warranty responsibility discussion 45:55 Talking auto shop math basics 49:50 Struggling with car ownership choices 59:17 Financial stability and customer selection 01:02:01 Seeking expert financial advice 01:09:12 Auto Repair Shop Basics series 01:10:48 Facing challenges and setbacks

  4. Oct 12

    Episode 290 - ADAS Calibrations, Shop Liability, and the Role of Industry Associations With Tom Elder & Joe Ocello

    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 sit down with Joe Ocello and Tom Elder from AASP New Jersey to discuss the state of the mechanical and collision repair industries. Tom shares his perspective on the growing need for specialized education and proper documentation as vehicles become more technologically advanced. Joe emphasizes the importance of ongoing technical training and communication to keep independent shops competitive and safe. 00:00 Teaching and building a skilled team 08:22 Ignoring safety instructions 14:35 Discussing mechanical challenges 19:55 Dealership service concerns 26:33 Replacing a deformed metal line 28:52 Carrying on the industry's legacy 34:24 Importance of business education 42:42 Dealing with repair mishaps 46:03 Discussing lawsuit strategy and repairs 49:57 Used car ADAS diagnostic work 58:46 Maryland ADAS certification debate 01:00:51 Discussing automotive repair regulations 01:08:25 Engaging shops beyond North Carolina 01:10:31 Staying focused on future goals

  5. Oct 5

    Episode 289 - Rich Fasulo aka Check Engine Chuck Talks Shop Failure to Mobile & Social Media Success

    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, the conversation focused on Rich Fasulo's career journey, also known as Check Engine Chuck, as he shared his path from mobile diagnostics to shop ownership and back. One concept discussed was the importance of charging appropriately for diagnostic and repair work, with a strong emphasis on valuing your time and not giving away discounts out of pocket. A key theme that emerged was the struggle to balance caring for customers with running a profitable, sustainable business—highlighting how industry integrity depends on both technical skill and smart business decisions. 00:00 Choosing between shop and mobile business 06:56 Failing van inspection in New York 08:19 Fixing my car with a friend 11:42 Fixing a wheel balance issue 14:25 Learning from Scannerdanner videos 19:54 Writing detailed explanations for claims 23:37 Ensuring quality and reputation 25:38 Frustration with lack of effort 27:23 Frustration with tech industry's focus 30:26 Reflecting on past business failures 35:51 Explaining billing to customers 38:59 Realizing a Habitual Pattern 42:03 Learning from industry peers 44:34 Sharing videos for personal reasons 48:38 Diagnosing and strategizing module repairs 51:47 Troubleshooting a no-crank issue 53:37 Bringing in more mechanical vendors

  6. Sep 28

    Episode 288 - Transitioning from Finance to the Garage with Lance Lupi of Lee Myles Auto Care

    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, the conversation focused on transitions into shop ownership, the challenges of maintaining industry standards, and planning for long-term success. The discussion explored how entering the automotive industry from a corporate background can offer a unique advantage, especially in management and process implementation. A key theme was the importance of building a strong shop culture rooted in quality and integrity, even when customer awareness often hinges more on convenience than craftsmanship. Lastly, several points highlighted the need to prepare exit strategies and succession plans early, ensuring shop owners are ready for both expected and unexpected changes in their business journeys. 00:00 Airport confusion during an emergency 05:04 Visiting the 9/11 Memorial Museum 07:52 The importance of personal artifacts 13:07 Struggles with delegation in auto shops 16:44 Starting coaching with confidence 17:18 Embracing Change to Drive Growth 21:54 Father-in-law's car passion 26:27 Long-term planning for business owners 28:20 Learning about health savings accounts 33:01 Attending a life-changing class 36:53 Working in car parts sales 38:18 Realizing customers don't notice quality 43:06 Proper car wheel maintenance 45:12 Ensuring job tasks are completed 49:19 Discussing shop culture impact 53:38 Workplace culture and technician skills 57:05 Values and integrity in coaching 58:52 Building a supportive team

  7. Sep 21

    Episode 287 - Overcoming Rust Belt Challenges With Colin Thielman

    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 Underwood and David Roman are joined by Colin Thielman, owner of Thielman's Auto Repair in Pemberton, New Jersey. Colin shares his journey from running a busy home-based garage to opening a dedicated shop, emphasizing the steep learning curve and the importance of building out documentation and management systems. The conversation also covers adapting to new automotive technologies and the need for continuous training, as well as the crucial role of detailed financial tracking in scaling a business. 00:00 Facing tough feedback and growth 03:43 Managing workflow and staying busy 09:25 Checking vehicle calibration needs 12:39 Discussing insurance coverage options 13:55 Insurance issues with car lifts 19:14 Adjusting labor rates 21:11 Analyzing car sales and costs 24:42 Prius ABS module recall 27:04 Discussing client concerns and liabilities 29:23 Diagnosing car start issues 35:31 Planning for retirement 36:49 Discussing a faulty Chevy Avalanche 39:47 Documenting vehicle condition with photos 42:39 Hershey management training advice 45:24 Training a New Employee 51:10 Getting into diesel truck repair 51:43 Balancing finances for survival

  8. Sep 16 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode - Navigating Trade Shows and AI Hype with Cavan Robinson & Tony Mercury

    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 Cavan Robinson and Tony Mercury of Vehlo from STX 2026. Cavan and Tony explore the evolving trade show landscape, discussing how rising costs and market saturation have changed their approach to event participation. They also dive into the growing influence of AI in the industry, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges it brings to shop management and marketing. 00:00 Evaluating trade show expenses 10:25 Finding the right trade show staff 14:31 Attending the Northeast Show and Milwaukee Event 17:37 Improving event attendance strategies 25:47 Issues with recurring trade shows 30:12 Questioning Technical Training Value 35:21 Lunch with Margaret discussing retirement 38:42 Advice for growing your business 46:56 AI's impact on SEO strategies 53:41 Managing AI Data and Partnerships 57:36 Using GuestX for call issues 01:00:29 Catfish leads to divorce

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4.7
out of 5
82 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
    353
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Changing The Industry Podcast
  • Show Website
    Changing The Industry Podcast

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