Changing The Industry Podcast

David Roman & Lucas Underwood

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. 1D AGO · BONUS

    Bonus Episode - Every Episode Failed For Mike Allen - Here's Why And How Vision KC Will Fix It

    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 Mike Allen to preview the Vision KC conference and share industry stories. Mike recounts his challenges recording at the Elite Ignite conference and the ongoing technical mishaps that come with capturing live content. The hosts dive into shop pricing strategies, including how costs like diagnostics and amenities are often rolled into the final bill for customers. Plus, David gives a local's guide to the best food options in Kansas City, breaking down must-try barbecue, tacos, and team-dinner spots as Vision attendees prepare for their trip. 00:00 "Improper Merging Rant" 06:29 "Chicago Shop Success Story" 08:20 "Advisor's Hilarious Customer Story" 10:38 David's Intense Pre-Workout Effects 16:26 "Misheard Conversation in Restroom" 17:24 "Facebook: Scroll and Toilet Talk" 22:43 Kansas City Dining Overview 23:29 Alternative Dining Options Near Vision 28:33 Restaurant Struggles Amid Tight Margins 32:49 Rare 9+ Pizza Reviews 38:10 Jack Stack Barbecue Recommendation 40:46 "Bananas and Rice Identity" 46:18 "Manscaping Mishap and Spider Trap" 54:24 TPMS Law and Repair Ban 56:57 "See You at Vision"

    1h 2m
  2. 2D AGO

    Episode 257 - Responding to One-Star Reviews in the Automotive Industry With Tyler Wonderlic of Steer

    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 Tyler Wonderlic from Steer and AutoOps. Tyler explains the value of a CRM for shop owners, emphasizing its role in centralizing customer communication and improving retention. David shares his frustrations with customer miscommunication and online reviews, sparking a conversation about managing reputation and crafting thoughtful responses. Lucas and Tyler also discuss the importance of segmenting customer experiences to meet diverse expectations. 00:00 "Realizing Athletes Are Kids" 09:11 "Save $1,300 or Time?" 12:24 Steroid Loopholes Exploited by Chemists 20:41 "Bad Reviews, Full Parking Lots" 24:36 Learning from Criticism Strategically 26:42 "CRM Value and Subscriptions" 35:58 "Customizing CRM for Business Goals" 41:09 "Challenges with Accurate Data Analysis" 43:04 "Customer Service Expectations Rant" 51:51 "David's Family and Loss" 57:35 "Balancing Service and Spending" 59:34 "iPhone Over Safety Concerns"

    1h 6m
  3. 5D AGO · BONUS

    Bonus Episode - Breaking Down Industry Silos: Collision and Mechanical Unite at the Northeast 2026

    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 Ken Miller to preview the Northeast Trade Show and discuss the growing intersection between the collision and mechanical segments of the automotive industry. Ken highlights the expanded focus on mechanical education at this year’s show, emphasizing the importance of ADAS calibrations and the need for proper training and documentation. The discussion also covers the challenges created by industry consolidation, different approaches to compensation and workflow, and the shared responsibility for safety and professionalism in both mechanical and collision repair. 00:00 "Discovering the Northeast Show" 05:13 Real-World Expertise in Training 08:42 "Lessons from Collision Experience" 10:42 Aviation Error and Accountability 16:30 "Calibration Challenges in Repair Shops" 19:30 "Collision Shop Negligence and Exploitation" 23:22 Documentation: Key to Authentic Calibration 26:26 Dangerous Counterfeit Airbags Warning 28:58 TPMS Sensors and Dealer Liability 34:01 Collision Industry Consolidation Insights 34:58 "Understanding Business Value and Protection" 41:09 ADAS Reducing Accidents and Claims 43:52 "Value of Networking at Events" 45:19 Bridging Gaps in Automotive Teams 50:45 "Collaborating to Share Industry Knowledge" 52:18 "Empowering Industry Through Education"

    59 min
  4. FEB 18 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode - Investing, Adapting, and Leading with Purpose in Auto Repair With Nelson Tavarez

    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 Nelson Tavarez, owner of Austin's Auto Service. Nelson shares his inspiring journey from working in telecommunications to becoming a successful shop owner, emphasizing the importance of discipline, saving, and seizing opportunities. The conversation delves into the impact of technology like Shop-Ware on shop efficiency and customer experience, as well as strategies for building wealth and financial security for both owners and technicians. 00:00 "Growth, Discipline, and Adapting" 04:53 "Taking a Gamble on Change" 07:20 "Trading Success Leads to Ownership" 13:16 Seamlessly Adopting Shopware Technology 16:19 Targeted Growth for Specialty Auto Shop 18:30 "Shopware's Future is Revolutionary" 22:23 "Personalized Service, Small-Shop Feel" 26:45 Trust, Change, and Lost Security 29:35 Generational Wealth Over Instant Gains 34:12 Maximizing Savings for Children 35:37 "From Rent to Ownership" 40:32 "Delayed Gratification and Society" 41:59 "Rethinking the Grind Mentality" 44:26 Sell What People Want 49:53 "Resilience and Team Effort" 51:33 Employee Prioritizes Family Over Career

    58 min
  5. FEB 16

    Episode 256 - Why Most Shops Miss Out on Profits With Eric Joern of Kaizen CPAs

    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 Eric Joern for a deep dive into the realities of small business financial management in the auto repair industry. Eric stresses the importance of starting with a plan and leveraging professional guidance, rather than relying on risky trial-and-error approaches. The discussion highlights why using proper shop management systems and separating business finances is critical for long-term success. 00:00 "Valuable Business Advice and Insights" 10:15 Sales Tax Responsibilities Explained 15:34 Simple Budgeting for Profit 17:02 "Essential Shop Management Systems" 21:40 Shop Parts Tracking Essentials 29:56 "Seeking Proactive Tax Guidance" 35:04 "Importance of a Knowledgeable Accountant" 38:10 "Proactive Tax Planning Conversations" 43:34 "Inventory's Tax Impact Explained" 49:10 "Smart Tax Strategies Explained" 55:24 Focus on Strengths, Delegate Tasks 01:02:42 Excited for Business Improvement

    1h 7m
  6. FEB 9

    Episode 255 - Tailoring Training for Automotive Technicians in a Rapidly Changing Industry with Andy Tirado

    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 Andy Tirado, co-founder of the ADAS Network. Andy discusses the challenges of delivering relevant, effective technical training across the automotive industry, highlighting the critical need for trainers to adapt content to local cultures and shop-specific needs. The conversation also explores the complexities of ADAS calibrations, from misinformation in service procedures to pressure from insurance companies. 00:00 Struggles with Local Training Participation 08:25 Improving Training Accessibility and Retention 10:24 "Training, Culture, and Communication" 20:09 "Missed Details in Calibration Procedure" 23:44 "ADAS Resource and Referral Network" 28:45 Greed, Insurance, and Right to Repair 33:43 "Taking Control of Business Processes" 40:54 Braking System Safety Concerns 46:09 Counterfeit Parts and Industry Issues 52:21 Car Alignment and Calibration Costs 53:56 "Trusting My Chosen Shop" 01:00:05 "ADAS Insights and Validation" 01:03:33 "Aligned for Selfless Collaboration"

    1h 9m
  7. FEB 2

    Episode 254 - Grit, Growth, and Genuine Leadership in the Diesel Industry with Chris Gayne

    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 Chris Gayne, owner of Dale County Diesel. Chris shares his unique journey from Army attack helicopter pilot to diesel shop owner, highlighting the importance of leadership and integrity in building his team. The conversation covers why prioritizing people and culture over technical skill is critical, the value of honest customer communication, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining passion while running a successful business. 00:00 Garage Trouble Without License 06:19 "Learning Through Experience" 09:39 Truck Repairs and Industry Journey 12:59 "Results Over Passion" 15:55 "Passion and Honesty in Selling" 17:05 "Transparent Auto Repair Process" 20:52 "Morals Over Money" 25:31 "Passing the Torch" 26:24 "Plans for Business Continuity" 29:31 "Failed Recruitment Due to Diploma" 33:14 "Lessons on Hard Work" 37:25 "Maximizing Growth Within Business" 42:09 "Shifting Passion and Letting Go" 45:17 "Work-Life Balance Struggles" 46:32 "Guidance Counselor Tension Escalates" 51:01 "Unexpected Apology on Facebook"

    57 min
  8. JAN 26

    Episode 253 - Small Town Shop Ownership, Family Dynamics, and Overcoming Resentment with John Presnell

    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 John Presnell, a shop owner from North Carolina, who shares his journey in taking over the family business. John discusses overcoming personal and professional resentments as he transitioned from working under his parents to owning the shop. Key topics include the challenges of shop growth and efficiency, strategies for training and developing a younger team, and the importance of personal growth through forgiveness and mentorship. 00:00 "Florida Drivers in Mountains" 04:44 "Slow, Stressful 27-Mile Drive" 08:23 Frustration Over Van Repairs 12:17 "Engine Coolant Leak Fail" 13:43 Flatlands Pickup Talk 19:18 "Overcoming Negativity and Growing" 21:26 "Parables as Framework for Success" 24:34 "Career Choices and Challenges" 28:52 "Family Dynamics and Influence" 33:02 "Accident Leads to Lasting Injury" 34:52 "From Porta Potty to Upgraded Space" 39:05 "Reflections on Growth and Work" 42:51 "Start at the Beginning" 44:59 "Keeping Business Decisions Private" 48:35 "Community Action and Attendance" 50:15 "Over a Barrel Moment" 55:24 "Sense Trade-off in Marriage" 56:09 "Affirmative Response"

    1h 1m
4.7
out of 5
79 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.

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