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. 4D AGO

    Episode 242 - From Hot Yoga to Hot Leads With Hallie & Caroline of Shop Marketing Pros

    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 one sleek, digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Hallie Wasinger and Caroline Legrand from Shop Marketing Pros at the Sunrise event in Arizona. Hallie and Caroline share their expertise on the importance of identifying your shop’s ideal customer and crafting targeted marketing strategies, especially using Facebook, Google, and even programmatic ads. The discussion also covers the effectiveness of traditional marketing like mailers and coupons, the challenge of tracking ROI in advertising, and the nuts and bolts of creating engaging social media content. 00:00 Hot Weather Reactions Differ 09:10 Unexpected Heatwave Experience 11:21 Geographic Targeting for Business Pages 17:26 "Marketing Value-Added Services" 25:18 Streamlined Pricing Eliminates No-Shows 28:41 "Ethical Success vs. Unethical Gains" 36:18 "Luxury Laura Avatar Humor" 38:13 Marketing Strategy for Ideal Clients 45:31 Overpriced Analytics with Customer Tracking 48:46 Intrusive Client Data Proposal 56:18 "Auto Knockoff with Personality" 01:02:14 "Balcony Rescue Highlights Tension" 01:05:24 Dad's Shop: No Heat Experience 01:09:16 "Mama Kim's Guidance After Loss"

    1h 15m
  2. NOV 3

    Episode 241 - Building Better Auto Shops Through EOS & Mastermind Groups with Adam Rath

    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 one sleek, digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Adam Rath to reflect on the journey and evolution of their industry mastermind group. Adam shares how the group has grown from its early days, emphasizing the importance of building a community where shop owners can collaborate and hold each other accountable. The hosts discuss the impact of implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in their businesses, highlighting its role in shaping leadership and clarifying organizational vision. 00:00 Leadership Restructuring and Future Plans 05:58 Growth and Accountability Through Masterminds 13:41 Addressing Customer Education Gaps 20:16 "Self-Implementing EOS Journey" 24:36 Assessing Employee Alignment & Capability 27:01 End-Year Hiring Pitfalls 32:55 Survival Over Vision 39:59 Protective Leadership Commitment 43:56 Personal Reflection on Growth Ambitions 50:32 "Reviving Vision in Medical Device Sales" 57:02 Reflect and Appreciate Progress 01:02:56 Intentional Clarity Breaks 01:04:48 Streamlined Meeting Schedule Changes 01:08:32 "Successful Business and Industry Giveback"

    1h 14m
  3. OCT 27

    Episode 240 - Transforming Auto Shop Training and Staff Accountability with Samantha Higdon from Shift Point Academy

    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 one sleek, digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Samantha Higdon, founder of Shift Point Academy. Samantha explains the philosophy behind Shift Point’s training, emphasizing relationship-based selling and the importance of communication within shop teams. The conversation also explores how training programs can adapt in a changing industry, including countering the impact of AI and fostering ongoing accountability for both trainees and shop owners. 00:00 Top Tier Service Advisor Insights 08:01 Importance of Parts Deposit 14:25 "Communication Challenges with Autism" 20:58 Service Advisor Training Incident 25:58 Messy Hotel Stay After Bar Visit 32:35 "New CSR Training in NJ" 38:33 "Shopware Inspection with 5 Cs" 39:57 "Manual Workflow Explanation" 45:15 Cost Breakdown of Diagnostic Tests 50:37 Grocery Shopping Routine 55:48 Spring Car Care Clinic Recap 01:01:58 Faulty Inspection Uncovered

    1h 8m
  4. OCT 20

    Episode 239 - The Real Risks Behind Cheap Collision Repair with Ken Miller

    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 one sleek, digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Ken Miller, owner of 821 Collision and president of AASP New Jersey. Ken outlines the ongoing challenges faced in the collision repair industry, stressing the relentless pressure from insurance companies and their impact on repair quality. He shares a chilling story about uncovering dangerously incomplete repairs on a nearly new vehicle, emphasizing the importance of thorough inspections and documentation. The conversation also explores the increasing overlap between collision and mechanical shops, driven by the complexities of ADAS systems and the need for greater collaboration and education in both fields. 00:00 Insurance Challenges Undermine Auto Repair 05:09 Tampered Seat Belt System Detected 08:00 Post-Collision Inspection Basics 12:45 Car Repair Struggles and Inspections 13:26 Car Imperfections and Concerns 16:43 Professional Responsibility Irrefutable 20:29 Insurers’ Auto Settlement Practices 24:50 Researching Title 17 Regulations 28:22 CEO-Employee Pay Gap Concerns 32:29 Dispute Over $40K Repairs 36:36 Calibration and Liability in Auto Repairs 40:22 Reluctance in Auto Repair Challenges 42:08 Insurance Companies' Calibration Dispute 46:44 Licensure Tied to I-CAR Accreditation 50:01 "Advanced Auto Tools Misjudged" 51:44 Challenges in Training and Labor Rates 55:46 Expanding Mechanical Team in NJ 58:14 Enhancing Mechanical Show Value

    1h 5m
  5. OCT 13

    Episode 238 - Building on a Legacy Optimizing Shop Culture and Empowering Teams With Tonnika Haynes

    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 one sleek, digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Tonnika Haynes, second-generation shop owner of Brown's Automotive in Chapel Hill. Tonnika shares the inspiring story of her family’s legacy in the automotive industry, detailing her journey from growing up in her father’s body shop to taking over the business and navigating the challenges of shop ownership. The conversation covers the importance of maintaining strong core values and community involvement, the lessons learned from previous generations, and Tonnika’s commitment to supporting the next wave of automotive professionals. 00:00 Untold Story of Inspiration 06:28 Reflecting on Parental Work-Life Balance 15:27 Realization: "I'm Owed Nothing" 17:13 Gift of Parenthood Reflections 25:29 "Shop Evolution and Inspiring Leadership" 29:29 Buying a Corvette Dilemma 37:09 "Concerns Over Industry Representation" 42:26 "Dedicated and Punctual Workforce" 47:58 Choosing Family Over Long Hours 48:44 No "Kill Switch" for Illness 58:30 Shop Closure Decision Explained 59:37 "Car Service Delay Options" 01:05:55 "Memories of Downtown Snack Shop"

    1h 12m
  6. OCT 6

    Episode 237 - How Mindset and Foundational Principles Can Change Your Shop’s Trajectory With Cecil Bullard

    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 one sleek, digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Cecil Bullard, who shares his recent experience recovering from major brain surgery and how it’s influenced his perspective on business and leadership. Cecil emphasizes the importance of foundational principles and clear communication in running a successful auto repair shop. The conversation also explores the challenges of pricing, profitability, and the need for a unified, professional standard in the automotive industry. 00:00 Delayed Pituitary Surgery Journey 08:32 Trash Disposal Frustration 13:44 Organized Shops Boost Customer Comfort 20:13 Small Shop Owners' Time Dilemma 23:27 Turning Struggles Into Opportunities 28:23 "Maximizing Profit on Tie Wraps" 35:41 Veteran Diagnostic Tech Dilemma 41:50 Discount Strategy Debate in Auto Shop 44:07 "Technicians Undervalued; Raise Rates" 48:43 Self-Regulate Industry Standards 56:17 Orthodontist Organizes Continuing Education Show 59:59 Airplane Oil Cap Mishap 01:06:00 "Motivation Beyond Money" 01:10:06 Investing in Legacy Over Luxury 01:16:57 "Overwhelming Support Before Surgery" 01:20:18 "Industry's Bright Future Ahead"

    1h 26m
  7. SEP 29

    Episode 236 - Industry Burnout, Stress, Shop Culture, and Work-Life Balance With Nicholas Lerubino

    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 one sleek, digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Nicholas Lerubino, second-generation technician and lead tech at Mark’s Auto Service in Gillette, New Jersey. Nicholas shares how caring deeply about customers and the industry brought both fulfillment and stress, detailing the emotional toll of serving skeptical clients and navigating challenging shop cultures. The conversation examines the importance of achieving a work-life balance in the automotive industry, the realities of technician burnout, and the significance of having a supportive network within the field. 00:00 "Incriminated and Betrayed Heist" 06:03 "Eric's Vital Support" 07:25 Discovering Mario Rojas's Impact 10:40 "Brief Courtesy Call Notification" 15:26 Warranty Work Isn't Profitable 17:15 "Leaving Due to Shop Culture" 21:20 "Handling Employee Write-Up Concerns" 24:08 "Gravy Work vs. Practical Skills" 27:04 Failure to Follow Procedure 28:59 Throttle Body Diagnosed in Minutes 32:10 Fuel Leak and Code Issues 37:06 "Balancing Business and Personal Life" 40:06 "Expectations for Young Men's Work" 42:58 "Prioritize Work Over Leisure" 45:28 "Finalizing Paperwork Concerns" 50:57 "Process Obsession's Daily Impact" 54:04 Nearly Fatal Garage Door Incident 55:08 Avoiding Dangerous Road Stretch 58:20 Identical Specs Uncovered

    1h 4m
  8. SEP 22

    Episode 235 - Gatekeeping vs. Mentoring in the Shop With Bob Leonard

    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 one sleek, digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Bob Leonard from Mobility Works. Bob shares his unique path from studying music to a long career in modifying mobility vehicles, detailing what drew him to working with adaptive equipment for individuals with physical disabilities. The conversation also explores the challenges and rewards in automotive education and training, from Bob’s passion for sharing knowledge to his observations on why the industry sometimes "eats its young." 00:00 Avoid Overcommitting Tasks 07:57 Hiring Red Flag: Unused Parts 12:27 "Understanding Disabilities Naturally" 22:00 "Rejecting Traditional Education Path" 25:39 "Bad Boss Experience at Gas Station" 28:46 Passion for Teaching vs. Gatekeeping 38:24 "Maximizing Young Workers' Potential" 41:39 Automotive Technology Evolution 49:05 Car Repair: Unclogging Sunroof Drains 51:43 Dealer Visit After Service Warning 59:08 "Use 'Q' Hardware to Prevent Squeaks" 01:04:32 Intricate 3D Wood Flooring Designs 01:07:30 "Spending Choices: Cars vs. Dining"

    1h 13m
4.7
out of 5
78 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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