Driven to Success

Vic Tarasik
  • 5.0 (5)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Looking for conversations that spark ideas and move you forward? Driven to Success gives you an inside look at the leaders shaping the entire aftermarket. Hosts David Wofford and Vic Tarasik dive into real stories, practical strategies, and fresh ideas from standout shop owners, top-performing technicians, distributors, tool innovators, manufacturers, and leaders from key industry associations, plus the unexpected insights that only come from honest, unfiltered conversation. If you’re focused on growing, leading, & staying ahead, this is where the industry’s brightest minds come to talk shop.

  1. 9H AGO

    No More Talking, Let's Execute

    Goals don’t grow shops. Direction does. In this episode of Driven to Success, Vic Tarasik and David Wofford sit down with Chris Cloutier, Bill Baxter, and Joe Canfield to unpack how real shop owners set goals that evolve, adjust, and actually drive progress. Chris poses the ultimate standard: “Would you put your mom in that car?” If the answer isn’t yes, the job isn’t done. From KPIs to 20-groups to digital vehicle inspections, this conversation lays the foundation for 2026. Part 2 shifts into execution. Goals don’t grow shops. Direction does. In this episode of Driven to Success, Vic Tarasik and David Wofford sit down with Chris Cloutier, Bill Baxter, and Joe Canfield to unpack how real shop owners set goals that evolve, adjust, and actually drive progress. Chris poses the ultimate standard: “Would you put your mom in that car?” If the answer isn’t yes, the job isn’t done. From KPIs to 20-groups to digital vehicle inspections, this conversation lays the foundation for 2026. Part 2 shifts into execution. Takeaways A goal is a guide, not a judgment.Profit is not a dirty word; focus on net income.Digital vehicle inspections enhance customer transparency.Simplification of processes leads to better adoption.Sales solves all problems, but focus on net profit.Effective communication is key to achieving team goals.Setting small, attainable goals creates momentum.Customer service is about building credibility and trust.Regularly review KPIs to stay on track.Reflecting on past wins helps set future goals.Chapters 00:00 The Role of KPIs in Goal Achievement 00:50 Implementing Digital Vehicle Inspections 04:08 Reflecting on Wins from the Past Year 09:46 Understanding Customer Perspectives 12:22 Building Credibility Through Inspections 13:33 Setting and Reviewing Goals 17:08 The Importance of Profitability 21:25 Wins and Future Goals for 2026

    43 min

  2. SEASON 2, EPISODE 3 TRAILER

    No More Talking. Let’s Execute-preview

    Check out the 20-second clip of the episode drop 2/13/26

    20 sec

  3. JAN 27

    2026 Goals, Direction Before Execution (Part 1)

    Too many shop owners set goals… miss them… and walk away frustrated. In this episode of Driven to Success, we reframe what goals are really meant to do. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation focused on preparing for 2026, and it’s all about clarity, direction, and mindset before execution ever begins. Vic Tarasik and David Wofford are joined by a powerhouse panel representing three different business models in the aftermarket: Bill Baxter Chris Cloutier Joe Canfield Together, they unpack why goals should act as a guiding line, not a verdict, and why adjusting, refining, or even changing a goal doesn’t mean you failed. It means you’re paying attention. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why rigid goal-setting creates burnout and frustration How successful shop owners use goals as direction, not pressure The difference between setting goals and building a vision Why evolving goals is a sign of leadership, not weakness How single-store owners, multi-store operators, and franchise leaders approach planning differently If you’ve ever said, “We set goals, but life got in the way,” this conversation will change how you think about planning entirely. Coming up in Part 2: we shift from intention to execution. KPIs, weekly habits, team adoption, and how goals actually turn into results inside the shop. Subscribe so you don’t miss it, and share this episode with a shop owner, service advisor, technical specialist, or industry leader who wants a smarter, calmer approach to 2026 planning. Achieve your dreams. We’ll see you in Part 2.

    16 min

  4. JAN 8

    The Year Ahead Starts Now: Build the Habits, Hit the BHAG

    How do leaders across the automotive aftermarket prepare for the year ahead without chasing trends or predictions? In this episode of Driven to Success, hosts Vic Tarasik and David Wofford talk about preparation, perspective, and progress. From working smarter and improving efficiency to setting written goals, building accountability, and stretching yourself with Big Hairy Audacious Goals, this conversation dives into what it really takes to move forward with confidence. You’ll hear real stories about leadership, goal setting, habit building, and why being part of a winning team matters more than being comfortable. Whether you’re a shop owner, service advisor, sales professional, or industry partner, this episode will challenge you to think differently about growth and what’s possible in the year ahead. 00:00 – Winning Teams vs MediocrityWhy success energizes and mediocrity drains. 01:30 – Preparing for the Year AheadPerspective over predictions. 03:30 – Working Smarter, Not HarderEfficiency, organization, and focus. 06:30 – Scaling Through SystemsDuplicating impact with structure and training. 08:30 – One Bite at a TimeAvoiding overwhelm while making progress. 10:30 – Written Goals and AccountabilityWhy goals must be defined and tracked. 12:30 – Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs)Stretching without breaking. 15:30 – Fear, Failure, and GrowthWhat really holds people back. 18:30 – Small Wins Create MomentumWhy progress compounds. 21:30 – Short-Term Courage, Long-Term PayoffTaking action instead of waiting. 26:30 – Personal Stories, Real LessonsLeadership, underperformance, and perspective. 30:30 – Habits That Drive ResultsAtomic Habits and goal stacking. 35:30 – Energy, Stress, and SustainabilityWhy growth should energize you.

    39 min

  5. SEASON 2, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Get Driven to Success

    Tune in to hear our unique industry perspective. Driven to Success explores every segment that makes up the Aftermarket industry.

    1 min

  6. SEASON 2, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    2026 SMART and BHAG - Planning and Goal Setting

    Are you ready to hit the ground running in 2026?In this short teaser episode of Driven to Success, Vic Tarasik and David Wofford preview an upcoming conversation focused on smart goal setting, accountability, and the power of a BHAG, a Big Hairy Audacious Goal. They touch on why written, measurable goals matter, how accountability accelerates progress, and why stretching beyond what feels comfortable is often the key to real growth. Whether you’re a shop owner, sales professional, or part of the broader automotive aftermarket, this quick preview sets the stage for a deeper discussion on preparing for the year ahead. The full episode drops next week.

    4 min

  7. 12/12/2025

    Built by Curiosity: How Doug Zugnoni Became ASE Tech of the Year

    In this episode, Doug Zignoni, the ASE Master Tech of the Year, shares his journey in the automotive industry, highlighting the importance of passion, continuous learning, and mentorship. He discusses his early influences, the significance of ASE certifications, and the supportive environment at Frank's Auto Service. Doug emphasizes the need for research skills in diagnostics and the balance between tool needs and wants. He concludes with insights on career growth and the evolving landscape of the automotive industry. Takeaways Doug Zignoni is the ASE Master Tech of the Year.His journey began with a passion for cars inspired by his father.ASE certifications significantly enhance a technician's career opportunities.Frank's Auto Service provides a supportive work environment.Continuous learning is crucial in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.Research skills are essential for effective diagnostics.Mentorship plays a vital role in developing new technicians.Tools can be a significant investment, but quality matters.Passion for the craft leads to greater job satisfaction and success.The automotive industry is changing, requiring adaptability and ongoing education. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Master Technician 02:16 The Importance of ASE Certifications 04:54 Early Influences and Passion for Cars 06:47 Career Development and Learning Experiences 08:44 The Role of Environment in Success 10:34 Frank's Auto Service: A Model Workplace 13:31 Team Cohesion and Problem Solving 15:31 The Evolving Role of Automotive Technicians 17:42 Curiosity and Critical Thinking in Diagnostics 19:25 The Importance of Lifelong Learning 20:51 Research as a Diagnostic Tool 26:16 Mentorship and Simplifying Complex Tasks 31:17 The Reward of Teaching and Mentorship 32:29 The Importance of Passion in the Automotive Industry 33:24 Employer Responsibility and Employee Ambition 35:00 Industry Changes and Opportunities for Growth 38:14 Investing in Tools: Needs vs. Wants 41:25 The Role of Passion in Success 44:08 Striving for Excellence in Every Role

    47 min
  8. Thanksgiving Thoughts: Gratitude From Across the Aftermarket

    11/21/2025

    Thanksgiving Thoughts: Gratitude From Across the Aftermarket

    As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Vic Tarasik and co-host David Wofford gather friends from across the automotive aftermarket for a heartfelt, unscripted round-table on gratitude, growth, and the power of people. In this special episode, you'll hear honest reflections from leaders representing The Pronto Network, The Parts House, Fast Undercar, AutoFlow, and more, each sharing what shaped their year, the challenges they overcame, and the moments that mattered most. From family milestones, new babies, and cross-country moves… to shop expansions, service to local communities, faith, journaling, and the everyday “small moments” that remind us why this industry feels like home, this conversation captures the spirit of Thanksgiving in a way only the aftermarket can. Along the way, Vic and David add their own reflections on relationships, work-life balance, the heart of independent repair shops, and the gift of serving a community built on great people. Whether you’re in the bays, behind the counter, supporting shops, or leading a team, this episode is a warm reminder that no matter where you stand today, there is always something to be thankful for. Featuring:Pepper Wilson • Steven Ng • Julie Fowler • Matt Porter • Chris Cloutier • David Wofford • and host Vic Tarasik From our family to yours — Happy Thanksgiving.

    45 min
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Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Looking for conversations that spark ideas and move you forward? Driven to Success gives you an inside look at the leaders shaping the entire aftermarket. Hosts David Wofford and Vic Tarasik dive into real stories, practical strategies, and fresh ideas from standout shop owners, top-performing technicians, distributors, tool innovators, manufacturers, and leaders from key industry associations, plus the unexpected insights that only come from honest, unfiltered conversation. If you’re focused on growing, leading, & staying ahead, this is where the industry’s brightest minds come to talk shop.

Information

  • Creator
    Vic Tarasik
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Vic Tarasik
  • Show Website
    Driven to Success