Way of the Technician Podcast

Way of the Technician Podcast
  • 5.0 (2)
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  • Updated Weekly

WOTPod is where real technician life gets discussed honestly. Hosted by Curtis Gardner and Jalid Guerrero, the show dives into flat rate, efficiency, shop culture, career growth, and the mindset needed to succeed in the automotive world. Each episode brings real conversations with techs, advisors, and industry leaders who share lessons that help technicians grow their value and build long term careers. 1% better every episode.

  1. May 18

    WOTPod 031 | Young Technician Growth, Mentorship, and Shop Life w/ Hailey the Mechanic

    In this episode of WOTPod | The Way of the Technician Podcast, we sit down with Hailey the Mechanic, a Ford Senior Master Technician who started in the automotive industry while still in high school and worked her way to one of Ford’s highest certification levels at a young age. This is a real conversation about what technician growth actually looks like early in your career. Not the polished version.The real version. Learning the basics.Struggling through tough jobs.Asking questions.Finding mentors.Dealing with shop politics.And slowly building confidence through experience. Getting started in automotive through trade school Growing from entry-level technician to Ford Senior MasterFlat rate vs hourly technician lifeMentorship and asking questions in the shopShop culture and navigating politicsWorking as a female technician in the automotive industrySocial media and building a presence as a technicianWarranty work, diagnostics, and dealership lifeCareer growth and future goals in the tradeThis episode is for anyone who: Is new to the automotive industryFeels overwhelmed early in their technician careerWants to grow faster and avoid common mistakesIs mentoring younger techniciansIs considering a career in automotive repairOne of the biggest takeaways from this conversation: Every hard job becomes easier the next time. That’s how experience works. If you’re a younger technician trying to find your footing… this episode will hit. And if you’re a senior technician or leader, it’s a reminder that mentorship matters more than you think. Follow Hailey the Mechanic:Instagram: @haileythemechanicTikTok: @haileythemechanicFacebook: Hailey the Mechanic WOTPod | The Way of the Technician PodcastReal conversations for real technicians. 1% better every episode. automotive technician, technician life, Ford technician, senior master technician, female technician, dealership technician, mentorship in automotive, technician career growth, mechanic life, automotive careers, shop culture

  2. May 11

    WOTPod 030 | Tool Trucks, Tool Debt, and Technician Life w/ Chris (TxToolGuy)

    In this episode of WOTPod | The Way of the Technician Podcast, we sit down with Chris, better known as TxToolGuy, for a real conversation about tools, technician life, and the financial realities that come with building a career in the automotive industry. If you’re an automotive technician, tools are part of the job. But what doesn’t get talked about enough is the financial pressure, buying mistakes, tool truck culture, and how those early decisions can impact your career long term. That’s exactly what this episode gets into. Tool truck culture in the automotive industryTool debt and common financial mistakes technicians makeSmart tool buying strategies for new techniciansBrand conversations around Snap-on, Matco, Mac, Milwaukee, and moreShop culture and peer pressure around toolsTechnician growth and long-term career decisionsSocial media and influence in the technician spaceThis episode is for anyone who: Is just getting started as an automotive technicianFeels overwhelmed by tool costsWants to make smarter career decisionsHas ever wondered if they’re buying the right tools for the jobOne of the biggest takeaways from this conversation: Tools can help build your career. But bad financial decisions can slow it down just as fast. Follow Chris / TxToolGuy:All Socials: @txtoolguy WOTPod | The Way of the Technician PodcastReal conversations for real technicians. 1% better every episode. automotive technician, technician life, tool truck debt, Snap-on tools, Matco tools, mechanic tools, flat rate technician, dealership technician, automotive careers, mechanic life, technician growth

  3. May 4

    Why Most Technicians Fail as Shop Owners | WOTPod 029 w/ Sam Craven

    Automotive Technician Podcast | Technician Life | Flat Rate Technician AdviceIn this episode of WOTPod | The Way of the Technician Podcast, we sit down with Sam Craven, owner of The Garagisti, to talk about the reality of shop ownership, leadership, and what it actually takes to succeed in automotive technician life. This is not the highlight reel of owning a shop. This is the real version. From working on race teams… to building and selling a real estate company… to starting a shop from scratch, Sam breaks down the mistakes, failures, and lessons that shaped his path. 🔧 What we cover: Why most automotive technicians struggle when starting a shop The difference between being a great technician and a great leader Shop culture, accountability, and hiring the right people Flat rate technician pay structures and motivation Building efficiency systems inside a shop Why leadership matters more than skill at higher levels Customer experience and how it drives higher repair orders The truth about running a profitable automotive business 🔧 Who this is for: Automotive technicians at any level Technicians thinking about shop ownership Dealership technicians and flat rate techs Shop foremen and service managers Fixed Ops leadership This episode hits a truth most technicians don’t realize: Being great with tools doesn’t prepare you to lead people. And if you don’t learn that skill… It will cost you. One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation: Failure is not the opposite of success. It’s part of the process. If you’re trying to grow beyond just turning wrenches… Or you want to build something bigger in this industry… This episode will change how you think. Follow Sam Craven: Instagram: @therealsamcraven Shop: @the_garagisti WOTPod | The Way of the Technician Podcast Real conversations for real automotive technicians. 1% better every episode.

  4. Apr 27

    WOTPod 028 | Technician Life, Shop Culture, and Women in the Industry w/ Shelby Wrenches & JJ the Tech

    In this episode of WOTPod | The Way of the Technician Podcast, we sit down with Shelby Wrenches and JJ the Tech for a real conversation about technician life, shop culture, and what it’s like being a woman in the automotive industry. This episode is unscripted and honest. It’s a look inside the shop from two technicians who are actively working, growing, and navigating the realities of the industry every day. From hitting 100-hour weeks to dealing with criticism, social media, and workplace dynamics, this conversation covers the side of technician life that doesn’t always get talked about. 🔧 In this episode, we cover: The reality of being a female automotive technicianShop culture and workplace challengesFlat rate technician life and performance pressureHitting big hours and dealing with backlashAsking for help vs ego in the shopBuilding a presence on social media as a technicianSide work, income gaps, and making ends meetDifferences between dealership and specialty shop environmentsThis episode is for anyone who: Works in the automotive industryIs trying to grow in technician lifeWants to understand shop culture from different perspectivesIs considering entering the industryOne of the biggest takeaways from this conversation: The environment you work in matters more than most people think. It can either accelerate your growth… or hold you back. Follow Shelby:Instagram: @shelbywrenches Follow JJ the Tech:Instagram: @thegreasiestmonkey WOTPod | The Way of the Technician PodcastReal conversations for real technicians. 1% better every episode. automotive technician, technician life, female technician, women in automotive, flat rate technician, dealership technician, shop culture, automotive careers, service department, fixed ops, mechanic life

  5. Apr 13

    WOTPod 027 | From Lube Tech to Team Leader | Technician Life w/ Nick Robles

    In this episode of WOTPod | The Way of the Technician Podcast, we sit down with Nick Robles, a Toyota technician and team leader, to talk about what it really takes to grow in technician life. Nick shares his journey into the automotive industry, from early inspiration working around cars as a kid… to going through training, working at multiple dealerships, stepping into the exotic world, losing motivation, and ultimately finding his way back into a dealership where he could rebuild and grow. This conversation is real and relatable for anyone in the shop. Not just about success… but about the setbacks, the frustration, and figuring things out along the way. In this episode, we cover: Getting started as an automotive technicianThe reality of technician training and UTIDealership life vs exotic shop experienceLosing passion and finding your way backMoving from lube tech to mainline technicianFlat rate technician mindset and payShop culture and team dynamicsLeadership, accountability, and developmentThis episode is for anyone who: Is trying to grow in technician lifeFeels stuck or behind in their careerWants to move from lube tech to mainlineIs learning how to balance production and teamworkOne thing this episode makes clear: You don’t become a great technician overnight. It takes time, the right environment, and the willingness to keep going when things aren’t clicking. Follow Nick Robles:Instagram: @nickrobles_ WOTPod | The Way of the Technician PodcastReal conversations for real technicians. 1% better every episode. automotive technician, technician life, flat rate technician, dealership technician, lube tech to mainline, shop culture, automotive careers, service department, fixed ops, mechanic life

  6. Apr 6

    WOTPod 026 | What It Takes to Be a McLaren Technician w/ Brett (The Mac Doctor)

    In this episode of WOTPod | The Way of the Technician Podcast, we sit down with Brett (@themacdoctor101), a McLaren technician who shares what it really takes to reach the highest level in the automotive industry. This conversation goes beyond the highlight reel of working on exotic cars and gets into the reality behind it. Long drives every week just to get to work. Living out of a car while chasing certifications. Time away from family to stay on the path. This is what technician life can actually look like when you’re serious about leveling up. 🔧 In this episode, we cover: The path from dealership technician to McLaren technicianWhat makes exotic car work different from traditional dealership workWhy precision matters more than speed at the highest levelThe sacrifices required to grow in the automotive industryThe reality of income and expectations for techniciansWhy new technicians need more transparency entering the fieldThis episode is for anyone who: Wants to work on exotic carsIs trying to level up as an automotive technicianIs struggling early in their careerWants a real look at what it takes to succeedOne of the biggest takeaways from this conversation: Be comfortable being uncomfortable. If you’re willing to do what most won’t, you can get where most don’t. Follow Brett (The Mac Doctor): Instagram: @themacdoctor101 WOTPod | The Way of the Technician Podcast Real conversations for real technicians. 1% better every episode.

  7. Mar 29

    WOTPod 025 | Technician Life, Failure, and Flat Rate Reality w/ JJ the Tech

    In this episode of WOTPod | The Way of the Technician Podcast, we sit down with JJ the Tech (@thegreasiestmonkey) to talk about the real side of technician life that most people don’t see. JJ shares her unconventional path into the automotive industry, starting with zero experience and working her way into shops like Tesla, Volvo, and now Galpin Autosports. This conversation dives deep into what it actually feels like to grow as an automotive technician, especially when you’re struggling, learning, and trying to find your place in the industry. 🔧 In this episode, we cover: What technician life really looks like behind the scenesFlat rate vs hourly and how it impacts techniciansStruggling early in your career and pushing throughFailure, imposter syndrome, and learning on the jobShop culture and the importance of leadershipWhy mindset matters more than most technicians thinkUsing social media to grow in the automotive spaceThis episode is for any automotive technician who has ever: Felt behindStruggled to hit hoursQuestioned if they belong in the industryWanted to improve but didn’t know howOne of the biggest takeaways from this conversation: Failure is not the end. Failure is part of becoming a better technician. Follow JJ the Tech:Instagram: @thegreasiestmonkey Listen to her podcast: Flag Time | Podcast on RSS.com WOTPod | The Way of the Technician PodcastReal conversations for real technicians. 1% better every episode.

  8. Mar 21

    WOTPod 024 w/ ⁨Manny_Mechanics⁩ | Flat Rate vs Hourly? The Truth About Technician Pay

    Flat Rate vs Hourly Pay | Technician Life | Automotive Technician Advice Is flat rate pay actually better for automotive technicians? In WOTPod Episode 024, we sit down with Manny (@MannyMechanics), a Volvo master technician who shares why he prefers flat rate pay and how he has built a successful career in the automotive industry by maximizing efficiency, mindset, and work ethic. This episode dives deep into technician life inside a dealership, including the realities of flat rate vs hourly pay, technician productivity, shop culture, and what it actually takes to consistently flag high hours. Manny breaks down why many technicians struggle in flat rate systems, how mindset and organization directly impact performance, and why taking ownership of your career is critical in today’s automotive industry. We also talk about: • Flat rate vs hourly pay for automotive technicians • How to flag more hours consistently in a dealership • Technician mindset and daily work habits • Why organization and efficiency matter in the shop • Shop culture, technician complaints, and accountability • Mentorship and learning from top-performing technicians • Building multiple income streams outside of wrenching • Long-term career growth in the automotive industry • Why passion alone isn’t enough to succeed as a technician Manny also shares insights from over 20 years in the trade, including his experience with Volvo training programs, dealership dynamics, and how technicians can position themselves to earn more and grow faster. If you're an automotive technician, mechanic, apprentice, dealership tech, or someone considering a career in automotive repair, this episode gives real-world insight into how to succeed in today’s industry. WOTPod is where technicians talk honestly about the trade, the mindset, and the systems that shape their careers. 1% better every episode. Follow Manny- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannymechanics/ YouTube: @Manny_Mechanics Support WOTPod on Patreon for early access, live recordings, and bonus content https://www.patreon.com/wotpod

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

WOTPod is where real technician life gets discussed honestly. Hosted by Curtis Gardner and Jalid Guerrero, the show dives into flat rate, efficiency, shop culture, career growth, and the mindset needed to succeed in the automotive world. Each episode brings real conversations with techs, advisors, and industry leaders who share lessons that help technicians grow their value and build long term careers. 1% better every episode.

Information

  • Creator
    Way of the Technician Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Way of the Technician Podcast
  • Show Website
    Way of the Technician Podcast