Apex Tech Nation

Anthony Calhoun
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  • Automotive
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the ultimate automotive podcast for professional technicians, service advisors, and everyday vehicle owners who want the raw, unfiltered truth about the car industry. ​Hosted by Anthony Calhoun (ASE Master Technician, author of Why Technicians Are Leaving and How to Keep Them, and founder of Apex Tech Nation) and Craig Tomczyk (ASE L1, L2 Master Technician & Heavy Duty Specialist), we bring over 40 combined years of fixed-ops experience straight to your speakers. ​We break down: ​Hot Industry Topics: From modern car reliability crises to dealership politics and warranty chargebacks.

  1. 1d ago

    Apex Driver Edition Ep 1: 5 Tips When Buying a Car That Can Save You Thousands

    Five Essential Tips for Car Buyers Make informed decisions and save money on your next vehicle. Navigating the car buying process can feel overwhelming, but with the right knowledge, you can make choices that save you money and hassle in the long run. Here are five essential tips to consider before purchasing your next vehicle. 1. Scrutinize the Addendum Sticker When you're excited about a new car, it's easy to overlook the details in the paperwork. Take the time to go through the addendum sticker line by line. Dealerships often add optional charges that can inflate the final price. **Be mindful of what you’re signing** and ensure that every charge is necessary for you. 2. Understand Maintenance Costs Buying a car isn't just about the purchase price; maintenance is a significant ongoing cost. **Budget for additional expenses** like oil changes, tire replacements, and other services that can add up. On average, set aside an extra $100 to $200 a month to cover maintenance after your purchase. 3. Consider Repair Costs Newer vehicles come with high-tech features that can be costly to repair when they go wrong. For example, if a headlight assembly needs replacing, you could be looking at a **$2,000 bill** if the warranty has expired. Be aware of the potential repair costs before making your decision. 4. Be Cautious with Technology While the latest gadgets and technology in cars might seem appealing, they can lead to expensive repairs. For instance, if your car's infotainment system fails, repairing or replacing it could cost you a small fortune. **Focus on what you truly need** rather than being swayed by flashy features that could become costly liabilities. 5. Remember, Your Car is a Liability Finally, keep in mind that a car is not an investment—it's a liability. It depreciates in value and incurs ongoing costs. **Think critically about your purchase** and avoid overextending yourself financially for a vehicle that won’t impress anyone in the long run. Instead, consider a reliable, affordable option that meets your needs without breaking the bank. These tips aim to empower you in making smarter car-buying decisions. For more insights and strategies, tune into the full episode of the Apex Tech Nations podcast, where we dive deeper into each topic and share additional advice to help you navigate the complexities of the automotive world.

    Apex Driver Edition Ep 1: 5 Tips When Buying a Car That Can Save You Thousands

  2. 3d ago

    Episode 14: Shop Conned Customer? Techs on 1099 and I almost Got Fired and My Boss Arrested

    A young woman pays a shop $1,000 for spark plugs and ignition coils on her 2016Ford Escape. Two days later the check engine light is back on and they're tellingher she needs a whole new engine. Anthony Calhoun (25-year ASE Master Technician) and Craig Tomczyk (19 years in thetrade) break down three real stories that every car owner, technician, and fixed ops manager needs to hear. In this episode: Story 1 — A 2016 Ford Escape owner gets charged $1,000 for plugs and coils, thengets told she needs an engine. We cover what the misfire actually was, the knownEcoBoost coolant intrusion problem, why Ford has extended coverage on it, and theone thing on that spark plug that should have stopped the job cold. Plus: what acustomer should do when the repair order doesn't match what the shop is saying. ⁠https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/s/vRqbfgvbNY⁠  Story 2 — A technician gets offered a job at a used car shop paid on a 1099. Craigexplains why that arrangement is illegal in most states when you're working insomeone else's building, what happens to your liability when you're not covered bytheir insurance, and when a 1099 actually does make sense in this trade. ⁠https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/s/PtusgEEMGO⁠  Story 3 — A six-month tech at a tire store gets sent to pick up tires by his boss,then finds out the police are looking for that boss over stolen customer deposits.We get into how a bad manager puts an entry-level tech in legal jeopardy, plus a20-year-old warranty fraud story involving an alternator, a Suburban, and a repairorder written on a customer's car that was never in the building. ⁠https://www.reddit.com/r/mechanics/s/2E9FjavLKz⁠ Find Craig here https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-tomczyk-a1020a121/ Take the Nations Survey https://apextechnation.com/voices Send us a podcast guest request https://apextechnation.com/podcast 00:00 The stories in this episode00:29 She paid $1,000 and still needs an engine02:31 The paperwork doesn't match what the shop is saying02:58 "Plugs and pray" — throwing parts at a misfire03:45 Are technicians actually worth $120,000 a year?04:34 The EcoBoost coolant problem and Ford's extended coverage07:25 The basic diagnostic steps that got skipped08:40 The spark plug that gave the whole thing away09:09 What a misdiagnosis costs the shop, not just the customer09:45 30 stacked repair orders and the triage system that fixed it11:31 Story 2: offered a 1099 at a used car shop12:27 Why a 1099 in someone else's shop is illegal in most states13:24 The liability nobody warns you about13:45 "It's a huge red flag. Run."15:36 When a 1099 actually makes sense in this trade17:27 Story 3: sent to pick up tires, then the police showed up20:04 The boss was stealing customer deposits21:58 Six months in and already a bad experience23:40 Warranty fraud: an alternator, a Suburban, and a fake repair order26:11 Should technicians and advisors wear body cameras?29:21 Send us your stories30:27 APEX Tech update and wrap

    Episode 14: Shop Conned Customer? Techs on 1099 and I almost Got Fired and My Boss Arrested

  3. Aug 11

    Episode 13: Earning the Respect of Technicians, Tool Investment, and Why Dealerships Can't Find or Keep Technicians

    In this episode, we break down why the industry is bleeding young talent, how green service advisors can win over skeptical flat rate mechanics, and whether entry level express techs should start stacking up on high end tools.Earning Tech Respect as a New Service Advisor: An inexperienced advisor asks why the bays treat him like an outsider and how to sell repairs without feeling like a scammer. Anthony and Craig unpack the flat rate technician mindset and outline the four golden rules for front desk staff: respect tech time, don't be lazy, take pride in work quality, and educate yourself on what you sell. https://www.reddit.com/r/serviceadvisors/s/q2e5aPBUxu  The Express Tech Tool Strategy: A Toyota express technician living at home asks if he should spend his extra cash buying cordless tools, digital torque wrenches, and tool truck equipment before moving up. We discuss evaluating tool Return on Investment (ROI), avoiding tool truck debt traps, and why building a cash "tool fund" beats financing chrome early in your career. https://www.reddit.com/r/mechanics/s/OH6lLaY70D  Why Dealerships Can't Find or Keep Technicians: We react to a viral post exposing how dealerships hire lube techs into main line bays with temporary guarantees, only to abandon them to sink or swim on flat rate without real training. We discuss the 50% two year industry exit rate, the collapse of real apprenticeship programs, shop safety hazards, and why non-working shop foremen are critical for keeping shops profitable. https://www.reddit.com/r/Justrolledintotheshop/s/6LiARILxo9  Find Craig here https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-tomczyk-a1020a121/ Check out the Nation https://apextechnation.com/ Want to be a guest on the Podcast? Fill out the form on our Podcast page. https://apextechnation.com/podcast Also take out Voice survey to tell us your feedback on the industry. https://apextechnation.com/voices 00:00 - Welcome & Host Bios (45+ Years Combined Master Tech Experience) 01:27 - Topic 1: New Service Advisor Struggling with Tech Respect & Sales Numbers 04:36 - The Flat-Rate Mindset: How Advisors Accidentally Waste Tech Money 11:15 - Overcoming the "Scammer" Feeling & Educating Yourself on Repairs 19:22 - Topic 2: Should Express Lube Techs Buy High-End Tools Early? 21:50 - Calculating Tool ROI, Tool Truck Traps, and Building a Cash Tool Fund 34:10 - Topic 3: Why Dealerships Can't Find or Keep New Technicians 36:53 - The 50% Two-Year Industry Turnover Rate & Short-Term Guarantees 40:00 - The Death of Apprenticeships & Why Management Throws Techs to the Wolves 45:00 - Dangerous Shop Incidents & Hiring Without Proper Training 50:41 - Why Non-Working Shop Foremen & Mentorship Programs Save Dealerships

    Episode 13: Earning the Respect of Technicians, Tool Investment, and Why Dealerships Can't Find or Keep Technicians

  4. Aug 4

    Episode 12: Blown Engine at 7K Miles, $6,700 Teardown Request From dealership, Bad Back at 31 & Useless Car Features

    Welcome back to the Apex Tech Nation Podcast. In Episode 12, Craig and I dig into a few stories and conversations making their way around.We discuss a 2025 Mustang GT with a blown engine at only 6,900 miles. The owner says the dealership wants authorization for a $6,700 engine teardown before moving forward with the warranty claim. We look at the situation from the technician and dealership side and talk about how something like this should be handled. https://www.reddit.com/r/Ford/s/Yq2EHeGBPg Then we get into new car features that sound great on paper but owners end up barely using or wishing they never had in the first place. We talk about options Craig and I think are nice, and a pass. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/s/hcLK7Xk5hH  Finally, we discuss something every technician and blue collar worker needs to think about: a bad back at only 31 years old. We talk about what years of working on concrete, bending over cars, lifting, and beating up your body can eventually do to you and why taking care of yourself early matters. https://www.reddit.com/r/mechanics/s/rpimeMBFhd  Find Craig here And check out Apex Nation with our AI Diagnostic Assistant and Trainer 00:00 Introduction & Show Welcome 01:10 2025 Mustang GT Engine Blows at 6,900 Miles 03:20 Dealer Demands $6,700 Upfront Teardown for Warranty 04:55 Moving to a Second Dealer & Warranty Approval 06:40 Technician Breakdown: The Reality of Ford's Warranty Process 19:10 Features That Sounded Amazing But Ended Up Useless 21:30 The Terror of Self-Parking Systems 24:10 Phantom Braking & ADAS Calibration Nightmares 25:10 Over-Engineered Gimmicks: Moving Consoles & Power Seats 29:50 The Calibration Crisis in Body Shops 31:50 Blue-Collar Nightmare: Bad Back at 31 & Transitioning Off the Floor

    Episode 12: Blown Engine at 7K Miles, $6,700 Teardown Request From dealership, Bad Back at 31 & Useless Car Features

  5. Jul 29

    Episode 11: Are Modern Cars Unreliable, Brake Pad Failures, and Service Advisor Burnout

    In this episode, we break down why today’s cars are breaking down in alarming ways, are they reliable? A terrifying real world brake pad failure shortly after a shop visit. Plus, we dive into the boiling point hitting service advisors and mechanics across the industry and what it's going to take to fix a broken system.  Key Topics Covered:  Is there a reliability crisis hitting modern vehicles?  A shocking failure: Investigating a recent brake pad failing out post-shop visit  Why service advisors and mechanics are hitting their absolute breaking point  https://www.reddit.com/r/AskAMechanic/s/dUvXNLJtZo  Crazy pad story   https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/s/iSkmiHERDy  Vehicle reliability over the years   https://www.reddit.com/r/serviceadvisors/s/EbT7A9xpi6  It’s not just techs that’s getting burned out.    (0:00) Introduction & The Bizarre Brake Pad Failure(14:08) What Is Really Going On with Vehicle Reliability?(28:35) Service Advisor Burnout: Where Is the Limit?

    Episode 11: Are Modern Cars Unreliable, Brake Pad Failures, and Service Advisor Burnout

  6. Jul 25

    Episode 10: Greasy Techs, Broken Panels, and a $4,500 Paycheck Nightmare

    In this episode we welcome Craig as Apex Tech Nation Co-Host and dive into 2 stories we all have probably seen and one that will make you think WTH! Interior Panels & Broken Clips: We break down the brutal learning curve of an emergency vehicle upfitter who keeps accidentally snapping clips and among other things while running wires, and how to survive the first months on the job without sinking your career. Classic thrown to the wolves. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMechanics/s/02PCBS5vcb The Front Desk Civil War: A service advisor's CSI scores are tanking because an angry tech is leaving grease everywhere and skipping oil resets out of pure spite or just forgetting? We talk about why you can't protect bad behavior and when it's time to get management involved. https://www.reddit.com/r/serviceadvisors/s/P2k4AJoHId The $4,500 Paycheck Heist: A technician gets handed a payroll deduction form because a manufacturer kicked back a warranty transfer case claim. We expose why unethical chargebacks are destroying trust in the dealership model and why this is a massive red flag that would have 99% of techs walking out. https://www.reddit.com/r/mechanics/s/DewuoyzScK You can find Craig here. https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-tomczyk-a1020a121/ And make sure you check out the Apex Tech Nation.

    Episode 10: Greasy Techs, Broken Panels, and a $4,500 Paycheck Nightmare

  7. Jul 18

    Episode 9: ASE Test Tips from Master Techs, Is There Hope for the Automotive Industry & 13K Mile Maintenance?

    In this episode, I'm joined by special guest Craig Tomczyk as we discuss three topics that every technician can relate to. First, we share ASE test tips that have helped us throughout our careers and offer practical advice for technicians preparing for their next certification. Next, we talk about the state of the automotive industry. With so much doom and gloom surrounding the technician shortage, we discuss where we still see opportunity and why we're optimistic about the future of this profession. Finally, we dive into 13,000-mile maintenance. We discuss what should actually be inspected, common misconceptions, and how technicians can provide value during routine maintenance visits. https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-tomczyk-a1020a121/ https://www.reddit.com/r/mechanics/s/5RUjZpal9Q  https://www.reddit.com/r/nissanfrontier/s/p6EKFfaoO5A.I. Diagnostic Assistant At Apex Tech Nation.

    Episode 9: ASE Test Tips from Master Techs, Is There Hope for the Automotive Industry & 13K Mile Maintenance?

  8. Jul 10

    Episode 8: 20-Mile Joyrides & Fallen Drain Plugs: Ownership, Accountability, and Leadership in the Bay

    Two tech-related nightmares: a customer discovers technicians taking their car on a 20-mile joyride on dashcam, and another deals with a loose drain plug backing out right after a dealership oil change. In this episode, we break down these massive failures from three critical perspectives: the customer, the technician, and the shop’s leadership. How does a shop tolerate a joyride? What really happens behind the scenes when a tech drops the ball on a drain plug, and how does proper training prevent it? Have you seen a shop handle a nightmare like this perfectly—or completely blow it? Drop your perspective in the comments. Find Craig at https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-tomczyk-a1020a121/ Apex Tech Nation https://apextechnation.com/ The Joy Ride https://www.reddit.com/r/subaru/comments/1tud8vh/dealership_took_my_solterra_on_an_extended_drive/?share_id=EHGpNHxkdrOt_JIEeh_v4&utm_content=2&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_source=share&utm_term=1 The Drain Plug https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMechanics/comments/1rtk3rc/car_ruined_by_dealer/?share_id=LnyOGPjbEBHms3mfyo_L0&utm_content=2&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_source=share&utm_term=1

    Episode 8: 20-Mile Joyrides & Fallen Drain Plugs: Ownership, Accountability, and Leadership in the Bay
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About

Welcome to the ultimate automotive podcast for professional technicians, service advisors, and everyday vehicle owners who want the raw, unfiltered truth about the car industry. ​Hosted by Anthony Calhoun (ASE Master Technician, author of Why Technicians Are Leaving and How to Keep Them, and founder of Apex Tech Nation) and Craig Tomczyk (ASE L1, L2 Master Technician & Heavy Duty Specialist), we bring over 40 combined years of fixed-ops experience straight to your speakers. ​We break down: ​Hot Industry Topics: From modern car reliability crises to dealership politics and warranty chargebacks.

Information

  • Creator
    Anthony Calhoun
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Anthony Calhoun
  • Show Website
    Apex Tech Nation