Garage Grit Podcast

Brad Hurlock
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Management
  • Monthly

Welcome to the Garage Grit Podcast, hosted by Brad Hurlock from AA Shop Marketing. Join us as we tackle common stress points in the auto repair shop space, uniting owners for insightful conversations. Our mission is to guide your shop towards success. Tune in, be part of the conversation, and propel your business forward. Explore strategies, insights, and camaraderie needed to thrive in the competitive auto repair industry. Welcome to Garage Grit, where we shift your business into high gear, one episode at a time!

  1. 1d ago

    Shop Couples Therapy (Part 2): Power Couples Running Auto Repair Shops

    Shop Couples Therapy Pt. 2: Wives on Working Together, Boundaries, and Growing the GarageIn this Garage Grit Podcast panel, the host interviews the wives/co-owners from four auto repair “power couples” about the realities of running shops together: Nikki McQueen (Bat Boys Automotive, Branson, MO), Rachel Carrasco (Zoom Automotive & Diesel Repair, Denver, CO), Jamie Mercadinho (Star Auto Service, Metairie, LA), and Christie (Mark’s Garage, Cambridge, WI). They discuss transitioning from outside careers into the shop, including tradeoffs around stable income and health insurance, rapid growth and facility moves, and learning roles like office management, bookkeeping, HR, marketing, and leadership. The conversation covers venting vs fixing, bringing work stress home, setting boundaries, employee retention and difficult firing decisions, and how disagreements can affect staff. Nikki shares using shared calendars to schedule date nights and the importance of intentional relationship time. The group suggests future topics such as HR/bookkeeping education, mindset stories, employee retention, and marketing/community outreach ideas.00:00 Stress And Support01:35 Podcast Setup And Panel03:24 Meet The Shop Couples09:42 Expectations Versus Reality11:19 Leaving The Day Job14:39 Visionary And Integrator21:54 Venting Versus Fixing24:39 When Employees Become Family30:37 Rules For Letting Go33:06 Black Friday Layoffs33:40 Power Couple Authority35:51 Delegating Tough Calls37:33 Scheduling Date Nights40:32 Busy Seasons and Kids47:07 Kids in the Shop50:21 Appreciation and Love Languages54:30 Respect and Letting Lead59:50 Delegation and Growth Roles01:02:39 Let Managers Manage01:03:07 Audits and Feedback Loops01:05:27 Role Assessments for Couples01:06:12 Strengths Evolve Over Time01:10:29 Rachel Numbers and Ops Hats01:12:13 Jamie Organizing Chaos01:15:10 Hard Truths Working Together01:18:40 When Mom and Dad Fight01:24:43 Separating Work and Marriage01:28:29 Future Topics and Wrap Up

  2. 6d ago

    "I built up a good reputation with my local customers" — Seth Goll | GGP #148

    His approach centers on building genuine relationships. During slower periods, his team reaches out to customers to check on their vehicles rather than simply sending promotional messages asking them to book an appointment. Seth also believes in standing behind his work, helping customers when they need it, and becoming a trusted resource in the community. His strategy is built around relationships that continue long after a repair is complete.For independent shop owners, the takeaway is practical: communicate like a person, not a sales campaign. Explain repairs clearly, follow up with customers, stand behind your work, and give people a reason to return beyond price. This week, identify a few past customers and reach out simply to ask how their vehicles are doing. Consistent, genuine communication can help turn individual repairs into lasting customer relationships.Guests:Seth Goll — Precision Automotive & Transmission (Hammond, Louisiana)What you’ll learn:How customer trust can differentiate an independent repair shop.Why warranties can strengthen confidence in used vehicles.How personal follow-ups create more meaningful customer conversations.Why genuine communication beats generic promotional messages.How reputation can encourage repeat business and customer referrals.Why repair specialization can differentiate a shop from competitors.How community relationships support long-term customer loyalty.How to follow up with past customers without pushing sales.Timestamps00:00 – Introducing Seth Goll and his shop01:23 – Why shop owners share their stories02:09 – From mechanical beginner to owner03:46 – The unexpected start of the business05:51 – Building a business without a safety net08:21 – How warranties helped build trust09:48 – Growing the shop and team12:53 – Managing demand and customer expectations14:44 – Expanding capacity without losing customers16:07 – Finding a niche in transmission repair19:03 – Building a reputation through specialization22:24 – Communication and technician accountability27:17 – Consistent processes support customer confidence33:54 – Sharing repair photos and information37:10 – Building a team customers can trust43:06 – Finding people through industry relationships47:08 – Training systems and consistent service49:39 – Helping customers while developing technicians54:18 – Staying connected when business slows56:32 – Personal follow-ups versus sales messages57:21 – Overcoming the industry's trust problem58:05 – Building relationships through customer care01:02:24 – Growing through community relationships01:03:22 – Differentiating the shop through specialization01:07:05 – Why relationships matter beyond price01:09:46 – Planning for future locations01:12:43 – Grit, growth, and the road aheadCall-to-ActionsGot questions? Comment or post in the FB group—guests will chime in.Subscribe for more Origin & Impact shop owner stories.Want to be a guest? Share your story in the group.LinksStart Here: https://addi.me/2026Next Step Guide: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/next-steps.aspxGrid Request: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/grid-request.aspxRequest a Call: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/request-a-call.aspxJoin the Podcast Panel: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/join-panel.aspxPartnership Info: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/partnership.aspxGarage Grit Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopownersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aashopmarketingPodcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegritEpisode MetadataEpisode: GGP #148Guest: Seth GollShop: Precision Automotive & TransmissionLocation: Hammond, Louisiana

  3. Oct 27

    Shop Couples Therapy (Part 1): Power Couples Running Auto Repair Shops

    Shop Couples Therapy (Part 1): Power Couples Running Auto Repair ShopsHost Brad Hurlock (AA Shop Marketing) introduces a Garage Grit Podcast panel on “Shop Couples Therapy Part One,” featuring four shop owners who work full-time with their wives: Jeremy (Branson, Missouri, second-generation, 10,000 sq ft, 13 lifts/20 bays, wife Nikki in the business since 2006), Manny (Aurora/Denver, Colorado, Zoom Automotive & Diesel Repair, expanded from a small shop to an eight-bay facility, wife Rachel joined full-time after sustained numbers and coaching support), Mark (31 years in business, built an eight-bay ~8,000 sq ft shop in 2003, wife Christie moved from insurance to books/HR), and Joey (Metairie near New Orleans, seven bays, wife Jamie joined after staffing disruptions). They discuss strengths of spouse partnerships—accountability, HR/people discernment, hiring, customer service, and decision-making—while emphasizing boundaries, scheduling date nights, avoiding burnout, and building systems and managers for freedom and eventual retirement.00:00 Long Distance Love Story00:33 Why Couples Need Boundaries01:30 Podcast Intro and Panels03:13 Shop Couples Therapy Setup04:44 Jeremy and Nikki Shop Journey07:00 Manny and Rachel New Shop08:56 Mark and Christie Built From Scratch11:44 Joey and Jamie Join the Shop13:22 How Couples Met and Roles17:21 Money Rules and Going Full Time19:46 Coaching Community and Peer Groups24:06 Spouse as Voice of Reason33:03 Work Talk at Home and Date Nights37:10 Scheduling Date Night37:50 Family First Boundaries39:10 Regrets And Lessons39:51 Yearlong Calendar Planning41:34 Big Dots On Calendar44:03 When Shop Talk Stops47:54 Spouses As HR Leaders50:15 How Roles Evolved56:06 Keeping Work At Work59:00 Five Year Vision01:00:59 Building Freedom Systems01:07:26 Playing To Strengths01:18:12 Power Couple Wrap Up

  4. Oct 25

    "You Want to See Your Customer Through This Situation" — Travis Norton | GGP #146

    One challenge facing independent repair shops is that customers may not realize which services a shop can provide—or how much help it can offer when a repair involves an extended warranty. Travis explains how warranty claims can become time-consuming, why some shops avoid them, and how developing relationships with warranty representatives can make the process easier. The conversation also explores how customers discover a shop, why personal connections matter, and how failing to communicate a service offering can leave a marketing opportunity untapped.For independent shop owners, the takeaway is straightforward: make your value visible. This week, review your website and customer communications to ensure they clearly explain what your shop offers. Ask customers whether Guests:Travis Norton — Auto Medic (Omaha, Nebraska)What you’ll learn:How personal relationships differentiate independent repair shopsWhy warranty support can strengthen customer confidenceHow to communicate warranty-handling capabilities to customersWhy local outreach can generate fleet businessHow referrals build long-term customer relationshipsHow to market specialized services to nearby businessesWhy customer education creates new service opportunitiesHow clear messaging helps customers understand your valueTimestamps00:00 – Welcome and personal connections01:14 – Building trust through quality work03:06 – Travis's path into auto repair05:39 – Independent shops versus corporate culture08:04 – Why workplace experience shapes trust09:01 – Communication and employee confidence11:40 – Respect as a foundation for communication16:03 – Addressing problems through honest conversations21:35 – Introducing young people to the trades27:04 – Developing the next generation of technicians31:07 – Customer relationships and warranty services32:13 – Making warranty claims worthwhile33:42 – Marketing warranty support as a differentiator37:01 – Building trust with warranty representatives43:01 – Growing through local business outreach45:37 – Keeping fleet relationships active49:10 – Customer reminders and seasonal messaging51:54 – Communicating tire service value53:09 – Positioning ADAS calibration services54:41 – Reaching local body shops57:37 – Communicating the importance of calibration01:31:20 – Final thoughts and customer-first serviceCall-to-ActionsGot questions? Comment or post in the FB group—guests will chime in.Subscribe for more Origin & Impact shop owner stories.Want to be a guest? Share your story in the group.LinksStart Here: https://addi.me/2026Next Step Guide: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/next-steps.aspxGrid Request: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/grid-request.aspxRequest a Call: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/request-a-call.aspxJoin the Podcast Panel: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/join-panel.aspxPartnership Info: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/partnership.aspxGarage Grit Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopownersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aashopmarketingPodcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegritKeywordsauto repair marketing, customer trust, customer communication, auto repair reputation management, independent repair shop marketing, warranty service marketing, customer experience strategy, local business outreach, fleet customer acquisition, auto repair referrals, automotive brand positioning, customer retention, repair shop visibility, ADAS calibration marketing, auto repair website messaging, local fleet marketing, customer education, automotive service differentiation, shop reputation, Garage Grit PodcastEpisode MetadataEpisode: GGP #146Guest: Travis NortonShop: Auto MedicLocation: Omaha, Nebraska

  5. Oct 25

    "I'm transparent to my customers" — Preston Callahan | GGP #145

    Preston also discusses how he is using AI to help technicians and service advisors organize diagnostic information, build clearer estimates, reference supporting sources, and communicate more consistently. Rather than replacing people, these tools help his team spend less time assembling information and more time explaining recommendations to customers. The goal is a more consistent, understandable customer experience.Guests:Preston Callahan — Callahan Auto & Diesel (Mesa, AZ). Callahan Auto & DieselGuestsPreston Callahan — Callahan Auto & Diesel (Mesa, AZ). Callahan Auto & Diesel What you’ll learn:- How honest communication strengthens customer trust.- Why transparency matters when diagnostics become complicated.- How clear estimates help customers understand repair recommendations.- How to explain unfamiliar problems without undermining customer confidence.- Why consistent messaging improves the customer experience.- How AI can help service advisors communicate more clearly.- How to make technical information easier for customers to understand.- Why customer perception depends on more than technical expertise.7. TimestampsTimestamps00:00 – Why trust starts with transparency02:22 – Building a shop from scratch05:30 – Learning the language of business08:34 – From driveway to first shop11:23 – Outgrowing the first location13:28 – Learning to understand the numbers16:15 – When business advice misses your market18:02 – Explaining the value of diesel work20:10 – Knowing when to say yes24:52 – Honest diagnostics build confidence27:03 – Setting diagnostic expectations29:00 – Explaining technical complexity32:19 – Building dependable fleet relationships34:46 – Moving beyond emergency roadside work36:38 – Earning government contracts38:39 – Reducing customer concentration risk42:36 – Balancing fleet and retail customers46:45 – Trust, training, and employee relationships49:14 – Developing technicians from scratch1:16:13 – Sharing a new idea with other shops1:17:48 – Using AI to improve communication1:23:33 – Clearer estimates, better conversationsCall-to-ActionsCall-to-Actions- Got questions? Comment or post in the FB group—guests will chime in.- Subscribe for more Origin & Impact shop owner stories.- Want to be a guest? Share your story in the group.Links- Start Here: https://addi.me/2026- Next Step Guide: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/next-steps.aspx- Grid Request: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/grid-request.aspx- Request a Call: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/request-a-call.aspx- Join the Podcast Panel: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/join-panel.aspx- Partnership Info: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/partnership.aspx- Garage Grit Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopowners- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aashopmarketing- Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegritauto repair marketing, customer trust, auto repair customer communication, automotive reputation management, repair shop transparency, auto repair customer experience, automotive service advisor communication, customer confidence, auto repair branding, customer retention, repair estimate communication, automotive business reputation, digital tools for auto repair shops, AI for auto repair shops, diagnostic transparency, customer relationship management, independent auto repair shops, automotive customer experienceEpisode Metadata- Episode: GGP #145- Guest: Preston Callahan- Shop: Callahan Auto & Diesel- Location: Mesa, Arizona Callahan Auto & Diesel

  6. Oct 25

    "I do believe that the digital market is my next step" — Brien Cantrelle | GGP #144

    Brien Cantrelle, owner of HOUMA TIRE & AUTO LLC in Houma, Louisiana, spent years working in automotive repair, sales, and management before opening his own shop. After discovering an opportunity to purchase a neglected former repair facility, he and his partners rebuilt the space and opened their doors in October 2024. The business grew primarily through organic word of mouth, personal relationships, and the customer experience Brien wanted to create.Brien's approach starts with honesty, openness, and treating customers like family. He wants people to feel comfortable discussing their concerns, trust the recommendations they receive, and become part of a community around the shop. He also recognizes that digital marketing is his next step. The opportunity is to extend the relationships he has built in person into a stronger online presence through local visibility, consistent customer reviews, and clear communication.For U.S. independent shop owners, the takeaway is practical: make your customer experience worth talking about, give satisfied customers a comfortable way to share honest feedback, respond thoughtfully to reviews, and ensure local drivers can find your business online. This week, review your Google Business Profile, check whether your shop's online information is accurate, and identify one simple way to make your reputation more visible to potential customers.Brien Cantrelle — HOUMA TIRE & AUTO LLC (Houma, LA)What you’ll learnWhat you’ll learn:- Why customer relationships create word-of-mouth referrals.- How honest communication builds confidence in repair recommendations.- Why organic reviews alone may limit online visibility.- How Google reviews influence potential customers' first impressions.- Why negative-review responses shape public perception.- How a welcoming experience differentiates an independent repair shop.- Why digital marketing extends a shop's local reputation.- How to turn customer trust into lasting community relationships.00:00 – Introducing Brien and his shop03:34 – Building a recognizable shop brand04:22 – Making the business memorable04:54 – Learning from a local legacy07:10 – From mechanic to shop owner10:29 – Turning ownership into reality12:27 – Why workplace trust matters14:36 – Creating a better employee experience18:38 – Seeing potential in a neglected shop21:00 – Building a family-centered business24:43 – Attracting and developing technicians29:15 – Growing from within30:39 – Standing out in a crowded market31:07 – Finding customers in a competitive area32:13 – Growing car count and revenue01:15:40 – Building a community around the shop01:22:36 – Organic Google reviews and trust01:24:04 – Making customer feedback voluntary01:30:21 – Handling positive and negative reviews01:32:18 – Why digital marketing comes next**Call-to-Actions**- Got questions? Comment or post in the FB group—guests will chime in.- Subscribe for more Origin & Impact shop owner stories.- Want to be a guest? Share your story in the group.**Links****Episode Metadata**- Episode: GGP #144- Guest: Brien Cantrelle- Shop: HOUMA TIRE & AUTO LLC- Location: Houma, Louisiana- Start Here: https://addi.me/2026- Next Step Guide: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/next-steps.aspx- Grid Request: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/grid-request.aspx- Request a Call: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/request-a-call.aspx- Join the Podcast Panel: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/join-panel.aspx- Partnership Info: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/partnership.aspx- Garage Grit Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopowners- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aashopmarketing- Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegrit

  7. Oct 25

    "He needs to sell APA Total Car Care." — Sean Gordon | GGP #143

    Sean found that simply waiting for fleet customers to discover the shop wasn't enough. Email could get buried, phone calls could be filtered, and location alone couldn't create the relationships needed to win new business. The challenge became understanding what prospective customers actually needed and what would make them trust APA over their current provider.ResolutionGuests:Sean Gordon — APA Total Car Care (Queen Creek, AZ)5. GuestsGuests:Sean Gordon — APA Total Car Care (Queen Creek, AZ)6. What you'll learnWhat you’ll learn:How direct relationships can strengthen customer trustWhy customer needs should shape your marketing messageHow outside sales can increase local shop visibilityWhy customer service matters in winning fleet accountsHow transparency can strengthen customer confidenceHow digital inspections make repair information easier to understandWhy preferred communication methods improve customer engagementHow consistent follow-up keeps conversations moving7. TimestampsTimestamps00:00 – Sean Gordon and APA Total Car Care01:25 – Growing in Queen Creek03:00 – Family-owned positioning04:10 – Reworking fleet outreach06:30 – Finding the right customers08:29 – Matching customer needs09:47 – Building service confidence11:08 – Fleet partner incentives12:18 – Tailored fleet pricing13:30 – Expanding fleet reach15:04 – Marketing through relationships16:17 – Why handshakes still matter17:36 – Outside sales and visibility19:06 – Building lasting customer value20:56 – Trust and customer retention22:19 – Choosing the right sales person23:04 – Customer service and persistence25:49 – Selling the shop28:11 – Understanding customer needs30:11 – Qualifying the right prospects34:56 – Improving the customer experience39:57 – Communication and shop changes44:59 – Building better front-counter communication49:54 – Identifying customer-service gaps54:00 – Winning customer confidence59:45 – Customer experience strategy01:05:05 – Digital communication and visibility01:09:59 – Reputation and customer experience01:14:12 – DVI transparency01:15:04 – Making inspections customer-friendly01:16:14 – AI and communication01:18:28 – Visual proof for customers01:19:33 – Timely customer follow-up01:22:09 – Preferred communication methods8. Call-to-ActionsCall-to-ActionsGot questions? Comment or post in the FB group—guests will chime in.Subscribe for more Origin & Impact shop owner stories.Want to be a guest? Share your story in the group.9. LinksLinksStart Here: https://addi.me/2026Next Step Guide: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/next-steps.aspxGrid Request: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/grid-request.aspxRequest a Call: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/request-a-call.aspxJoin the Podcast Panel: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/join-panel.aspxPartnership Info: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/partnership.aspxGarage Grit Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopownersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aashopmarketingPodcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegrit10. KeywordsKeywordsauto repair marketing, fleet customer marketing, shop trust signals, customer communication, auto repair branding, local shop visibility, customer experience strategy, digital presence for repair shops, fleet marketing, customer trust, repair shop reputation, automotive sales strategy, customer retention, digital vehicle inspections, repair shop communication, local marketing, customer transparency, auto repair customer experience11. Episode MetadataEpisode MetadataEpisode: GGP #143Guest: Sean GordonShop: APA Total Car CareLocation: Queen Creek, Arizona

  8. Oct 8

    #142 Creating Value: Preparing Your Auto Repair Shop for the Future

    Prepping an Auto Repair Shop for Sale: Systems, Data, and Succession PlanningHost Brad Hurlock (AA Shop Marketing) leads a Garage Grit Podcast panel on preparing auto repair shops for sale and how exit planning overlaps with running a stronger business. Guests include Tad Benda (rural Deming, NM tire/mechanical shop, ~21 employees, ~$3M sales), Ryan Hoover (owner of four Washington shops), and Shawnee Ponda (two-bay gas station repair shop outside DC planning to sell in 4–5 years). They discuss productivity vs headcount, focusing on profitable maintenance work, keeping tight inventory controls (especially in tire-heavy shops), and the value of complete customer records, online reputation, and facility appearance in valuations. A major theme is building transferable systems—written operations manuals, “what-if” guides, backups for key roles, and succession planning (“if I get hit by a bus”)—tested by taking vacations. They also suggest using video and AI for documentation and propose a future episode on costly lessons like employee theft and the controls added afterward.00:00 Lean Team Productivity00:52 Hard Lessons and Systems01:32 Podcast Intro and Topic03:33 Meet the Panelists08:01 Efficiency Per Bay12:54 Maintenance Versus Rebuilds15:32 Exit Strategy Mindset18:34 Inventory Controls Matter22:02 Multi Shop Branding Choices24:16 What Buyers Look For28:45 Cruise Control Versus Fixer Upper34:14 Customer Drift Across Locations35:12 Utility Player Owner37:12 Stepping Away Plans39:52 Control Enthusiast Talk42:14 Gas Station Model Debate45:33 Target Buyer Strategy48:11 Growth Delayed by Life51:03 Systems and Backups55:22 Write It Down58:54 Ops Manual Breakdown01:00:58 What If Scenarios01:01:25 AI and Offline SOPs01:08:54 Process Videos Idea01:09:23 Video SOPs for Hiring01:09:47 Selling Process Value01:12:26 Buyer Perspective on Systems01:16:09 Vacation Stress Test01:18:24 Empowering Staff Decisions01:24:25 Scaling to Multiple Shops01:28:06 Networking for Exit Options01:33:50 Life After Selling01:36:16 Future Panel Topics01:40:09 Hard Lessons and Guardrails01:44:53 Wrap Up and Resources

See All (147)

About

Welcome to the Garage Grit Podcast, hosted by Brad Hurlock from AA Shop Marketing. Join us as we tackle common stress points in the auto repair shop space, uniting owners for insightful conversations. Our mission is to guide your shop towards success. Tune in, be part of the conversation, and propel your business forward. Explore strategies, insights, and camaraderie needed to thrive in the competitive auto repair industry. Welcome to Garage Grit, where we shift your business into high gear, one episode at a time!

Information

  • Creator
    Brad Hurlock
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    147
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Brad Hurlock
  • Show Website
    Garage Grit Podcast