Shop Soup Podcast

Greg Buckley

Being around the automotive aftermarket as a well tenured shop owner, I decided it was time to let go of the wrench and pic up a mic. I like learning, listening and conversing with others who have so much to share. That's why I call the show ShopSoup, all part of the SoupRadio Platform. You might say, "radio?" and I get it. But ShopSoup is more than a podcast. It's a broadcasting venture designed with the automotive aftermarket in mind. Each of these shows (and others) will play 24/7/365 on SoupRadio.fm along with some very good music curated by myself and other industry leaders. You see, every story is different. Just like recipes, it may have all the exact ingredients, but it doesn't mean it's going to taste the same as the last batch. I hope that you become a listener, a subscriber and maybe even a guest! C'mon.. Soup's On!

  1. Jun 18

    EP28: Tenets For A Successful Small Business: With Brent Garrett CEO Of Sirius Plumbing And Heating

    Welcome to ShopSoup Podcast  ⁨@SoupRadio247⁩  In this episode, Brent Garrett shares insights from his book '30 Days of a Better Business,' discussing leadership, business growth, and creating a positive company culture. Greg and Brent explore strategies for small business success, team building, and personal development. Keywords small business, leadership, business growth, company culture, entrepreneurship, coaching, team building, business strategy Key topics Business growth strategies Leadership and team development Creating a positive company culture The importance of vision and mission statements Managing the messy middle of business growth Building trust and employee engagement Using Maslow's hierarchy for understanding customer and employee needs The role of coaching and mentorship in business Sound bites "Slow and steady wins the race." "Trust is the foundation of client relationships." "Make lives better for your team, customers, and vendors." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Brent Garrett and His Journey 02:31 The Essence of Small Business Ownership 05:10 The Narrative of 'Thirty Days of a Better Business' 08:00 Mentorship and Learning from Mistakes 10:59 The Importance of Client Experience 13:45 Building Relationships in Business 16:21 The Value of Younger Generations in Business 19:15 Navigating the 'Messy Middle' of Business 22:24 Vision and Mission Statements in Business 24:46 Strategies for Achieving Business Goals 29:00 Navigating the Journey: Vision and Mission 30:56 Understanding Needs: Maslow's Hierarchy in Leadership 35:17 Burnout vs. Fatigue: Supporting Team Members 41:01 Building a Positive Culture: The Power of Gratitude 48:23 Coaching for Growth: Empowering Small Business Owners 51:19 The Road Ahead: Applying Lessons from the Book Get Your Free Copy of Brent's Book 30 Days of a Better Business by Brent Garrett - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=30+Days+of+a+Better+Business+Brent+Garrett The Skilled Trades Coach - https://www.skilledtradescoach.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentgarrett Website - https://www.skilledtradescoach.com

    55 min
  2. May 12

    EP27: His Life Wouldn't Change Until His Name Was On The Building. With Andrew Dominguez Of Asher Auto Group

    Welcome To ShopSoup Podcast. On Episode 27, I sit down with Andrew Dominguez of Asher Auto Group that includes Asher Automotive and DTX Automotive. Two dynamic shops that are a result of Andrews determination to provide growth and opportunities for his team members. SUMMARY In this inspiring interview, Andrew Dominguez shares his journey from a young dealership employee to successful auto shop owner. He discusses overcoming challenges, building trust with customers, leadership, and strategic growth in the auto industry. KEYWORDS auto industry, entrepreneurship, leadership, business growth, customer trust, auto repair, dealership, small business, success story KEY TOPICS Andrew's early start in auto industry Building customer trust and loyalty Leadership and team development Scaling multiple auto repair locations SOUND BITES "People buy from those they trust" "Uniform service is a leadership issue" "Success is about giving value to others" CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Andrew Dominguez's Journey 02:47 Early Career and Lessons Learned 05:25 Transitioning to a Bigger Dealership 08:34 Climbing the Ranks and Facing Challenges 11:30 Desire for Independence and Entrepreneurship 14:05 Building Relationships and Customer Trust 17:00 The Decision to Start His Own Business 19:48 Navigating Challenges and Building a Brand 22:41 Personal Life and Support System 28:04 The Impact of Tough Love 30:45 Lessons from Loss and Leadership 32:47 Taking Risks for Growth 35:50 Navigating Partnerships and Challenges 38:40 Building a Team and Expanding Opportunities 40:33 The Role of Coaching in Business Success 44:31 Learning from Mistakes and Adjusting Strategies 48:13 Understanding Business Dynamics and Financing 49:58 The Old vs. New Business Mindset 52:18 Empowering the Next Generation of Technicians 53:16 The Importance of Transparency in Leadership 55:46 Balancing Family and Business Life 58:39 Finding Hobbies and Personal Time 59:57 Navigating Work-Life Integration 01:04:38 The Evolving Nature of Success 01:07:18 Future Aspirations and Growth Strategies RESOURCES Auto Service Leaders Conference 2026 - https://theaslconference.com Auto Service Leaders - https://autoserviceleaders.com Andrew Dominguez's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewdominguez Asher Automotive - https://asherautorepair.com/ DTX Automotive - https://dtxautomotive.com/ Guest Links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewdominguez

    1h 19m
  3. May 5

    EP26: ShopSoup Goes Into Overdryve With Mike DelaCruz

    Welcome to ShopSoup! In Episode 26, I get to talk with Mike DelaCruz, CEO of Overdryve, a marekting agency that helps shops understand their marketing reach and performance with insight and precision. Mike and I go back a ways and we talk about how we've both grown from the DemandForce days when we first met. We share some laughs, great stories and more on this episode of ShopSoup. In this engaging conversation, Greg Buckley and Mike DelaCruz explore the evolution of the automotive industry, the impact of AI, community involvement, and personal growth. Discover practical insights on marketing, leadership, and balancing life and work from two industry veterans. KEYWORDS auto industry, AI in marketing, community engagement, leadership, personal growth, marketing strategies, automotive repair, industry innovation KEY TOPICS AI integration in marketing and operations Community involvement and brand building Leadership and personal growth in the auto industry KEY FRAMEWORKS Customer Connection Model AI-Driven Marketing Operating System ACTION ITEMS Implement community engagement strategies based on local demographics Use AI tools to forecast and monitor marketing performance Train staff with scripts and coaching for customer interactions SOUND BITES "Learn three things about every new customer." "Love what I do and it gives me peace." "Industry has given us so many good things." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 03:38 The Birth of Overdrive and Its Mission 09:10 AI in Marketing: Transforming Strategies 14:52 Overcoming Fear of AI in the Industry 18:33 The Importance of Customer Relationships 27:52 Balancing Acquisition and Retention Strategies 34:20 Personal Life and Finding Balance 37:10 The Balance of Martial Arts and Life 37:36 Building Confidence Through Self-Defense 39:13 The Therapeutic Benefits of Physical Activity 39:53 Inspiration from Community and Personal Growth 42:19 Navigating Business Relationships and Ethics 43:12 Strategic Marketing in Competitive Areas 46:09 Understanding Community Needs for Effective Marketing 47:53 The Importance of Community Engagement 50:21 Giving Back: The Emotional Rewards of Community Involvement 54:07 Personal Reflections and Family Achievements 57:43 The Value of Human Connection in Business 59:53 Mentorship and Industry Contributions RESEOURCES Steve Jobs Stanford Speech - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc Auto Care Association - https://www.autocare.org Grog (AI platform) - https://grog.ai ChatGPT (OpenAI) - https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt Plug and Play Silicon Valley - https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com GUEST LINKS LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/mikedelacruz Twitter - https://twitter.com/mikedelacruz Website - https://overdryve.com

    1h 4m
  4. Apr 24

    EP25: Will AI Eliminate Jobs Or Enhance Them? A Review Of A Michael Stelzner Interview

    Welcome to ShopSoup Podcast! Download and listen to our show on Apple, Google, Spotify and all other favorite streams. n this episode, I have a recap of not just the Tektonic event in Houston, but I listened and watched Michael Stelzner talk about the impact that AI will have on the future work force. Will copywriters become extinct? Will Service Advisors go the way of the dial phone? You might find it surprising to hear. Summary Greg Buckley discusses the recent Tech Tonic event, the impact of AI on the automotive industry, and the future of technology in business. Insights include AI's role in efficiency, job evolution, and industry innovation. Key Topics AI's impact on automotive industry Efficiency and automation in shops Industry evolution and future trends Takeaways AI will significantly improve shop efficiency and profitability. Automation can free up staff to focus on customer relationships. Industry leaders are embracing AI as a tool for growth, not a threat. Change is constant; adapting to new technology is essential. Transparency about AI use can enhance customer trust. Sound bites "Welcome to Shop Soup, a unique episode." "I'm excited about AI's role in our future." "Change is constant; we must adapt." Chapters 00:00 Tech Tonic: A Premier Event Recap 04:50 Embracing AI in the Automotive Industry 10:08 AI's Impact on Job Efficiency and Relationships 20:17 Navigating the Future of AI in Business Resources Tech Tonic 2023 Event - https://www.tekmetric.com Michael Stelzner - Social Media Examiner - https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/michael-stelzner/

    34 min
  5. Apr 4

    EP23: Greg Shares Some Thoughts On Private Equity And Its Effect On The Automotive Aftermarket

    Welcome to ShopSoup. I'm your host Greg Buckley and today it's just me on the mic and offering up some personal reflections since I had a week filled with listening and learning about the topic. Thanks for stopping in the Soup Kitchen and please subscribe! Greg Talks Private Equity in Automotive & Hospitality The Impact of Private Equity on Small Businesses and the Automotive IndustryIn this episode, Greg shares his insights on how private equity influences industries like restaurants and automotive care, emphasizing the importance of understanding this financial strategy’s long-term effects. He reflects on local case studies, historical management practices, and broader economic implications. Main topics:The $29 billion acquisition of Restaurant Depot by Cisco services and its underlying data-driven motivesHow private equity’s focus on scalability and debt impacts small and independent businessesThe rise and fall of Iron Hill Brewery’s expansion through private equity, bankruptcy, and rebrandingManagement philosophies of Jack Welch and their influence on today’s corporate and manufacturing practicesGlobal manufacturing shifts, offshoring trends, and China’s strategic economic manipulationsThe cultural and operational challenges of maintaining independence in a fragmented automotive landscapeThe importance of industry pride, relationship management, and advocating for our craft amidst economic changesThe cyclical nature of business development, debt cycles, and industry consolidationReflection on societal attitudes towards capitalism, fairness, and legal versus ethical strategiesKey insights:Private equity often aims to leverage data and scale for maximum profit, sometimes at the expense of small business stability.High debt levels have caused even successful restaurant chains like Iron Hill to close operations unexpectedly.Management tactics like Jack Welsh’s aggressive workforce reductions have long-term impacts on industry culture and quality.Manufacturing has historically offshored to low-wage countries but is now somewhat returning to the U.S., with China's economic stratagems shaping global supply chains.The automotive service industry is increasingly divided but still retains core values of community and relationships.Industry stakeholders should stay informed, communicate openly, and advocate for a positive industry reputation.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and episode overview on private equity in business 02:18 - Private equity’s focus on data and scalability in restaurant businesses 04:39 - Insights from Adam Coffey on private equity deals and exits 06:33 - Case study: Iron Hill Brewery’s expansion and bankruptcy 09:03 - The dangers of debt and bankruptcy as strategic tools 11:24 - Historical management practices and cultural shifts in business 13:45 - Offshoring manufacturing: trends, reasons, and China’s manipulation tactics 16:34 - The influence of management styles on today’s industry practices 18:03 - The decline of teamwork and industry fragmentation 19:29 - Building relationships with consumers and industry pride 20:29 - The cyclical nature of debt, build, sell, and rebuild in business 22:27 - Corporate history insights from Delaware and industry consolidations 24:51 - Lessons from oil companies and industry turbulence 26:14 - Reflection on industry resilience and future challenges 30:07 - The importance of understanding and managing industry relationships 32:27 - The impact of efficiency, debt, and pricing in automotive aftermarket 34:53 - Personal reflections on industry passion and legacy 36:26 - Final thoughts: industry strength, community engagement, and prideResources & Links: Adam Coffey - Private Equity ExpertRestaurant DepotIron Hill Brewery - Company WebsiteRepair Pal - Founder David's storyCarlyle GroupYelpConnect with Greg Buckley: LinkedInTwitter

    38 min
  6. Mar 25

    EP22: How His Broken Down Cavalier Lead To His Success. With Guest Shop Owner Nate Winston

    Welcome to the ShopSoup Podcast! This week we welcome Nate Winston, solo shop owner of Winston's Complete Auto Care in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Nate's began on the side of the road when his Cavalier broke down due to a failed alternator. Since then, he has survived multiple headwinds over the course of twenty years to finally have a complete place of his own. In this episode, Nate Winston shares his journey from a self-taught mechanic to a successful shop owner, navigating partnership challenges, specializing in Japanese cars, and balancing family life with business growth. Gain insights into industry trends, effective hiring practices, and maintaining shop excellence. auto repair, shop ownership, industry trends, hiring, Japanese cars, business growth, work-life balance Key Topics Shop ownership journey Partnership challenges and resolutions Industry trends and future outlook Specialization in Japanese cars Work-life balance and family priorities Industry specialization Work-life balance Effective hiring process Sound bites "He was my retirement plan" "They sent me six dollars" "Working and moving on with my life" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:45 Navigating Business Partnerships 05:37 The Journey into Automotive Repair 08:08 Training and Specialization in the Industry 10:55 Family Life and Work-Life Balance 14:50 Personal Experiences with Car Theft 20:18 Future Plans and Aspirations 20:22 Building the Business: Hiring and Growth 24:01 Creating a Clean and Efficient Shop 26:38 Balancing Work and Family Life 29:33 Navigating the Future of the Automotive Industry Resources Shop Soup Podcast - https://www.shopsoup.fm Conig Wall Art - https://www.conig.com Elite Training Events - https://www.eliteworldwide.com Promotive Industry Service - https://www.promotive.com

    42 min
  7. Mar 20

    EP21: To Rise To A Level 10 You Must Dig Deep. With Guest Industry Coach Dave Schedin

    Welcome To ShopSoup Podcast. I'm your host Greg Buckley, a multi-shop owner in Delaware that has seen, heard and experienced in being part of a 3 generation automotive repair shop. This weeks guest is Dave Schedin (pronouced, Shi-deen) of Computrek Systems, a coaching and consulting firm out of Spokane, Washington. Dave and I discuss the importance of personal development for the shop owner and it impacts the success of their business. In this engaging conversation, Dave Schedin shares his journey from automotive technician to coach, emphasizing the importance of personal development, purpose, and mindset in transforming auto repair shops. Discover practical strategies for leadership, team building, and creating a legacy that lasts beyond the business.  keywords auto repair, personal development, leadership, coaching, business growth, mindset, industry transformation  key topics Personal development and self-awareness in business The importance of purpose and legacy in leadership Strategies for team building and technician training Overcoming scarcity mindset and embracing abundance The role of mindset and emotional intelligence in industry success "Addressing the root pain points in shops" "Profit is a map, not the destination" "Growth happens outside the comfort zone" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Personal Journey 02:46 The Role of Psychology in Coaching 05:34 Transformational Coaching vs. Behavior Modification 08:23 Self-Awareness and Personal Development 11:07 Addressing Pain Points in the Automotive Industry 13:38 Defining Purpose and Legacy in Business 16:36 The Importance of Continuous Growth 19:39 Challenges Faced by Service Advisors 22:25 Creating a Supportive Environment for Advisors 25:20 The Infinite Game of Business 27:58 Aging and Its Impact on Business Perspective 30:34 Legacy and Long-Term Vision 37:44 Taking Responsibility for Personal Growth 38:10 Facing Life's Challenges 39:47 Transformative Leadership and Self-Awareness 42:19 The Journey of Personal Development 47:13 Instilling Personal Development in Employees 50:34 The Power of Self-Awareness 56:19 Finding Joy in Business 57:58 Transforming the Automotive Industry  resources Leadership and Self-Deception by Arbinger Institute - https://www.arbinger.com/resources/books/leadership-and-self-deception/ Anatomy of Peace by Arbinger Institute - https://www.arbinger.com/resources/books/anatomy-of-peace/  guest links Website - https://computreksystems.com/

    1h 14m

About

Being around the automotive aftermarket as a well tenured shop owner, I decided it was time to let go of the wrench and pic up a mic. I like learning, listening and conversing with others who have so much to share. That's why I call the show ShopSoup, all part of the SoupRadio Platform. You might say, "radio?" and I get it. But ShopSoup is more than a podcast. It's a broadcasting venture designed with the automotive aftermarket in mind. Each of these shows (and others) will play 24/7/365 on SoupRadio.fm along with some very good music curated by myself and other industry leaders. You see, every story is different. Just like recipes, it may have all the exact ingredients, but it doesn't mean it's going to taste the same as the last batch. I hope that you become a listener, a subscriber and maybe even a guest! C'mon.. Soup's On!