Beyond The Bay

Peter Cooper
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Get ready for real conversations, fresh insights, and practical strategies to help you run and grow your shop with confidence. From tackling everyday challenges to scaling with data-driven decisions, this podcast brings you stories and solutions straight from the people who’ve been there. Here’s a snippet of what’s ahead: Handling tough customers Making the shift from intuition to data Managing growth without losing quality Real-world tips from experienced shop owners This is more than a podcast—it’s your go-to resource for building a stronger, smarter business.

  1. APR 1

    Unlocking Growth: Essential Tips for Small Shop Owners | Beyond the Bay Podcast w/ Richard Birch

    In this episode, Richard walks us through his journey of scaling a one-man shop, highlighting the hidden costs and overlooked opportunities. You'll discover actionable strategies for assessing when to hire your first or next technician, including simple yet powerful ratios like billing support and workload indicators that signal it's time to grow.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:15 The Growth Mindset Shift10:45 Evaluating Cash Flow for Hiring18:30 Defining Your Vision: Shop vs. Office25:00 Breaking the Boom and Bust Cycle32:45 Pricing Strategies for Profitability40:00 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysWe break down:- How to evaluate if your current cash flow- The importance of defining your vision- The "boom and bust" cycle- Practical tips on pricing diagnostics, parts markup, and quoting jobsWhether you're just starting out or preparing for your next big step, this conversation will give you the tools and mindset to turn your small operation into a thriving enterprise. Don’t let hesitation or unseen barriers hold you back any longer—hit play and start growing smarter today!Follow the Guest and his Companies:👉 RHF Truck and Auto: www.rhftruckandautomotive.com/👉 RHF Truck and Auto LinkedIn: /rhf-truck-and-automotive/👉 RHF Truck and Auto IG: @rhftruckandauto👉 RHF Truck and Auto Facebook: @RHF22Follow Me, Peter Cooper:👉 LinkedIn: /peter-cooper-ascend-consulting-468367133/👉 Website: www.ascendconsulting.help/👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570030967745👉 Instagram: @ascendconsulting.help 👉 TikTok: @shopconsulting 👉 X: @PeterCooper9084 Listen to Beyond the Bay:👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1IH2SSX...👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...👉 YouTube: @petercooperac

    40 min

  2. MAR 18

    Truck Shop Owners Must Get Out of the Bay to Scale and Lead a Real Business with Ricky Kuntz

    In this episode of Beyond the Bay Podcast, host Peter Cooper sits down with Ricky Kuntz, Business Owner at Kuntz Truck Repair LLC, Shop Manager at Rick Kuntz Trucking Inc. to discuss what it really takes to scale a heavy-duty repair shop at an aggressive pace. Ricky shares how he went from working in his father’s dump truck fleet to building his own operation in Northeast Ohio growing from a two-man weekend side business to a thriving shop with multiple technicians in a short period of time.Together, they dive into the realities of rapid growth, stepping out of the bay and into leadership, and the hard lessons that come with hiring, communication, and building the right culture. Ricky opens up about overcoming the fear of not having enough customers, learning to trust his team, and creating systems that allow the business to function without him turning wrenches every day. This episode is a must-listen for shop owners who want to grow beyond survival mode and build a business that can scale sustainably. Key Takeaways: - Stepping Out of the Bay: Ricky shares the critical mindset shift required to move from technician to true business owner and how spending intentional time in the office directly accelerated growth and stability. - Breaking the Owner Bottleneck: Learn how owners often become the biggest obstacle in their own business, and why empowering employees to make decisions leads to smoother operations and stronger teams. - Scaling with Clear Goals: The episode explores expansion planning, including mobile service growth and adding future locations, while challenging traditional long-term timelines. - Hiring with Intention: Ricky discusses hard lessons in recruitment, implementing multi-step interviews, and allowing managers to take ownership of hiring decisions to improve retention and accountability. - Building a Customer-First Culture: From empathy in diagnostics to maintaining strong Google reviews, Ricky explains how prioritizing customer experience, not just price, creates sustainable success in a competitive industry. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00] - Teaser [01:25] - Kuntz Truck Repair Origins & Fast Growth [02:55] - General Repair vs. Developing Specialties [03:32] - Transitioning from Technician to Owner [07:04] - Recognizing the Owner as the Bottleneck [09:12] - Empowering Employees to Make Decisions [11:30] - Planning for Multi-Location Expansion [12:35] - Challenging Traditional Growth Timelines [17:34] - Overcoming Fear & Building Customer Flow [22:03] - Creating a Customer First Culture [29:02] - Hiring Strategy & Retention Lessons Follow the Guest and his Companies: 👉 Ricky’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricky-kuntz-627106233/ 👉 Kuntz Truck Repair LLC: https://kuntzrepair.com/ 👉 Rick Kuntz Trucking Inc.: https://www.rickkuntztrucking.com/ 👉 Kuntz Truck Repair Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KuntzTruckRepair Follow Host Peter Cooper: 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cooper-ascend-consulting-468367133/ 👉 Website: https://ascendconsulting.help/ 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570030967745 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascendconsulting.help/ 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopconsulting 👉 X: https://x.com/PeterCooper9084 Listen to Beyond the Bay: 👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1IH2SSXjGRDqzP3p0Ie5C3 👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bay/id1834168994 👉 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@petercooperAC

    34 min

  3. MAR 4

    This Truck Repair CEO Refuses to Work With Bad Clients or Cheap Fleets with Mike Schwarz

    In this episode of Beyond the Bay, host Peter Cooper sits down with Mike Schwarz, owner of Iron Buffalo HD Truck and Trailer, to explore the ins and outs of growing a scalable, profitable truck repair business. Mike shares his journey from a corporate tech background to leading one of the largest independent truck service centers in Colorado. Together, they look into topics such as choosing the right target customers, building relationships, and creating systems that allow for sustainable growth. Mike also reflects on the challenges of acquiring businesses, managing employee expectations, and finding the balance between quality and profitability in a competitive market. This episode is a must-listen for any business owner looking to scale efficiently while maintaining high standards. Key Takeaways: - Finding Your Niche: Mike discusses how Iron Buffalo carved out a profitable niche in the vocational truck repair market, focusing on specialty equipment like truck-mounted cranes, and how this decision led to a competitive edge. - Business Acquisitions: Learn about the strategic approach Mike uses when considering acquisitions, including the importance of seller financing and understanding the real value of businesses. - Building Systems for Scale: Mike shares the importance of documenting standard operating procedures (SOPs) and how having clear workflows can make expansion smoother and more efficient. - Managing Employee Expectations: The conversation touches on the realities of hiring, training, and managing employees, especially in the context of scaling a business. - Relationship Over Price: Mike emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with both customers and employees to ensure long-term success, and how price isn’t always the top factor in customer decisions. Episode Highlights and Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser [01:20] - Iron Buffalo Operations & Market Position [02:01] - Finding the Right Niche in Vocational Trucks [05:48] - The Power and Limits of Hyper-Specialization [10:00] - Big Ticket Repairs vs. Consistent Margin Work [11:22] - Lessons Learned from Business Mistakes & Contracts [14:42] - Managing Employees & Accepting ‘Good Enough’ [17:03] - Separating Emotion from Ownership [22:48] - Expansion Strategy & Multi-Location Growth Plan [25:52] - Understanding Customer Needs Before Scaling [31:49] - Labor Rates, Pricing Perception & Customer Trust Follow Guest and his Company: 👉 Mike’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-schwarz-4912932b1/ 👉 Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ironbuffalo/ Follow Host Peter Cooper: 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cooper-ascend-consulting-468367133/ 👉 Website: https://ascendconsulting.help/ 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570030967745 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascendconsulting.help/ 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopconsulting 👉 X: https://x.com/PeterCooper9084 Listen to Beyond the Bay: 👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1IH2SSXjGRDqzP3p0Ie5C3 👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bay/id1834168994 👉 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@petercooperAC

    40 min
  4. The Partner Pay That Solved Hiring, Retention, and Workflow Issues for Shops with Frank and Robert

    FEB 10

    The Partner Pay That Solved Hiring, Retention, and Workflow Issues for Shops with Frank and Robert

    In this episode of Beyond the Bay, host Peter Cooper sits down with brothers Frank Lecrichia and Robert Lecrichia, President and Vice President of Mobile Auto Mechanics Inc, to unpack what it really takes to build a scalable and efficient commercial truck repair business. Drawing from over 16 years of experience, the conversation explores their evolution from hands-on operators to system-driven leaders, covering topics like partner pay compensation, documented workflows, technician training, and proactive fleet maintenance programs. Frank and Rob also share how mobile service, process standardization, and a commitment to continuous improvement have allowed them to grow beyond the day-to-day and position their business for long-term success in a competitive, consolidating industry. Key Takeaways: - Systemization Drives Growth: Documented workflows, training systems, and standardized processes allow the business to scale without relying on the owners’ daily involvement. - Partner Pay Changes Behavior: Shifting from hourly pay to a partner pay model improved technician accountability, efficiency, and overall shop culture. - Trust Enables Leadership: Empowering foremen and managers to make decisions freed ownership from day-to-day operations and unlocked higher-level growth opportunities. - Proactive Fleets Win Long-Term: Fleet membership programs create predictable cash flow, improve scheduling, and strengthen long-term customer relationships. - Mobile Service as a Growth Engine: Standardized, well-designed service trucks enable scalable expansion beyond the limits of physical shop space.Episode Highlights and Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser [01:33] - Meet the Lecrichia Brothers & Their Mobile Auto Business [02:30] - Switching from Hourly Pay to Partner Pay [03:47] - Why They Switched to Partner Pay [07:19] - Hiring a Business Coach to Level Up[09:34] - How Documented Workflow Improves Efficiency [12:25] - Using Systems to Document and Scale Training  [15:21] - Scaling Smarter with Systems and Delegation [18:48] - Empowering the Team to Drive Business Growth [21:30] - Fleet Memberships for Proactive, Consistent Work [24:52] - Proactive Fleet Programs and Better Cash Flow [31:09] - Turning Relationships into a Competitive Advantage Follow Guest Frank & Robert: 👉 Frank’s Linkedln: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-lecrichia-61579838 👉 Robert’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-lecrichia-06b06351 👉 Company Website: https://mobileautomechanicsli.com/ Follow Host Peter Cooper: 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cooper-ascend-consulting-468367133/ 👉 Website: https://ascendconsulting.help/ 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570030967745 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascendconsulting.help/ 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopconsulting 👉 X: https://x.com/PeterCooper9084 Listen to Beyond the Bay: 👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1IH2SSXjGRDqzP3p0Ie5C3 👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bay/id1834168994 👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ascendconsultingia

    32 min
  5. What’s Stopping Diesel Shop Owners from Growing Their Business? with Krz Molyneaux

    JAN 28

    What’s Stopping Diesel Shop Owners from Growing Their Business? with Krz Molyneaux

    In this episode of the Beyond the Bay Podcast, host Peter Cooper sits down with Krz Molyneaux, Founder & CEO of KTS DIESEL ARIZONA based in Phoenix, Arizona, to unpack what it really takes to build and scale a multi-location service business from the ground up. Krz Molyneaux shares his journey from starting with a single service truck during the 2009 economic downturn to growing into a multi-shop, mobile-focused diesel repair operation. The conversation explores the realities of rapid growth, hiring and training technicians, building systems and SOPs, and learning to trust employees while maintaining accountability.  Peter and Krz also explore critical topics like pricing with confidence, creating overflow partnerships even with competitors, planning for succession, and preparing a business to run without the owner. Throughout the episode, both emphasize the importance of relationships, long-term thinking, and building a business that is sustainable, sellable, and resilient in an evolving blue-collar industry Key takeways: - From Wrenching to Leading: Krz Molyneaux shares the shift from hands-on technician to business owner, learning to trust his team instead of micromanaging. - Hire the Right Mindset: Attitude and culture fit matter more than pure skill technical ability can be taught, but mindset cannot. - Systems Drive Growth: Clear SOPs and training systems make it possible to scale without losing quality. - Price With Confidence: Sustainable growth requires regular, incremental rate increases instead of operating from fear. - Build Beyond the Owner: Creating systems that allow the business to run without constant owner involvement is key to long-term success. Episode Highlights and Timestamps: [00:00] -  Teaser [01:15] - Meet Krz from KTS DIESEL ARIZONA [03:15] - Scaling Up: Challenges & Systems [05:12] - Hiring Right & Building Relationships [09:37] - Trust, Training, and Team Growth [12:50] - Learning from Mistakes & Expansion [17:08] - Expansion Realities & Acquisition Options [23:07] - Why Your Business Must Run Without You [25:37] - Staying Involved Without Holding Back [29:47] -Networking Locally & Sharing Your Story Follow Guest Krz Molyneaux: 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ 👉 Guest Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kts-diesel/ 👉 Guest Company Website: https://www.ktsdiesel.com/ 👉 Guest Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KTSEnterprise/  Follow Host Peter Cooper: 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cooper-ascend-consulting-468367133/ 👉 Website: https://ascendconsulting.help/ 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570030967745 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascendconsulting.help/ 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopconsulting 👉 X: https://x.com/PeterCooper9084  Listen to Beyond the Bay: 👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1IH2SSXjGRDqzP3p0Ie5C3 👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bay/id1834168994 👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ascendconsultingia

    32 min
  6. The Business Tips for Technicians to Stop Wrenching and Start Leading with Tyler Anderson

    JAN 14

    The Business Tips for Technicians to Stop Wrenching and Start Leading with Tyler Anderson

    In this episode of Beyond the Bay Podcast, host Peter Cooper talks with Tyler Anderson, Founder and owner of Elite Truck & Auto Repair in Greenville, Ohio. Tyler shares his journey from opening his shop at just 19 years old to becoming the 2022 U.S. Auto Tech National Champion. The discussion looks into Tyler’s evolution from technician to business owner, the growing pains of leadership, and the mindset shift required to run a successful and scalable auto repair business. He opens up about the importance of hiring the right team, building a positive shop culture, and creating an environment that attracts top talent through clean facilities, air conditioning, and employee support programs like tool and clothing allowances. The conversation also touches on personal challenges, such as maintaining a healthy work-life balance and learning to delegate effectively, offering a transparent look into the realities of entrepreneurship in the automotive industry. Key Takeaways: - From Wrenching to Leading: Tyler’s biggest shift was moving from technician to business owner letting go of micromanaging and trusting his team to grow. - Hire the Person, Not Just the Skill: He emphasizes hiring for attitude and culture fit over technical ability, noting that some of his best advisors started with no industry experience. - Delegation Drives Growth: By delegating tasks like payroll, customer calls, and service operations, Tyler was able to work on the business, not in it, and avoid burnout. - Facility & Culture Matter: Clean, organized, air-conditioned shops with proper allowances aren't perks; they're essentials for attracting and retaining top talent. - Work-Life Balance Matters: Tyler highlights the personal cost of entrepreneurship and the importance of protecting faith, family, and health Episode Highlights and Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser [01:03] - Tyler Anderson, US Auto Tech Champion, on Elite Truck and Auto [01:34] - US Auto Tech National Championship Competition 2022 [02:41] - Overview of Elite Truck and Auto Operation [03:35] - Challenges of Starting a Business at 19 [04:30] - From Technician to Business Owner [08:48] - Building Trust and Confidence in Staff [14:27] - Hiring Right and Building Team Culture [26:23] - Work-Life Balance and Entrepreneurial Struggles [32:07] - Overcoming Business Challenges and Growing Leadership [38:52] - Delegation and Time Management Tips Follow Guest Tyler Anderson: 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-anderson-3a3999179/ 👉 Guest Company Website: https://www.elitetruckandauto.net/   👉 Guest Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elitetar  Follow Host Peter Cooper: 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cooper-ascend-consulting-468367133/ 👉 Website: https://ascendconsulting.help/ 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570030967745 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascendconsulting.help/ 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopconsulting 👉 X: https://x.com/PeterCooper9084 Listen to Beyond the Bay: 👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1IH2SSXjGRDqzP3p0Ie5C3 👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bay/id1834168994

    41 min
  7. The Diesel Technicians Become CEOs to Build Scalable Shops and Lead Teams with Adam Smith

    12/31/2025

    The Diesel Technicians Become CEOs to Build Scalable Shops and Lead Teams with Adam Smith

    In this episode of Beyond the Bay Podcast, Peter Cooper sits down with Adam Smith, Co Owner of Premier Service Center, Inc., to discuss his remarkable journey of growing a truck repair business from the ground up. Adam started his shop in 2010 as a one-man operation, and through hard work and dedication, it has grown into a thriving business with 30 employees and a purpose-built facility. In this candid conversation, Adam shares the lessons he's learned along the way, from overcoming the challenges of managing people and procedures to navigating the complexities of scaling a business. They explore the importance of creating a strong shop culture, attracting and retaining top talent, and understanding the financial side of growth. If you’re a shop owner or looking to scale your business, Adam’s insights will inspire you to take your operation to the next level. Key Takeaways: - Rising Costs: Adam's biggest challenge is managing increasing HR and benefit costs, which makes it tough to compete with larger operations. - Transitioning Roles: Moving from technician to business owner required Adam to focus on creating processes and managing people effectively. - Culture Over Skill: A great attitude often outweighs technical skill, and building a positive, employee-focused culture is key to success. - Small Efficiencies Matter: Tracking hidden costs, like cleaning time or truck intake, has significantly improved productivity and profitability. - Financial Clarity: Solid financial practices and a good accounting team have been crucial for Adam’s business growth and stability. Episode Highlights and Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser [01:08] - Intro to Adam Smith on Growing a Truck Service Business [03:31] - From Technician to Business Owner [07:34] - Billing for Efficiencies and Hidden Costs [12:28] - Overcoming HR Challenges in Growth [14:30] - Delegating Payroll for Business Growth [19:33] - Leveraging Vendor Terms for Financial Growth [23:54] - Managing Payment Terms and Reducing Risk [29:15] - Raising Rates and Charging for Diagnostics [33:37] - Charging for Shop Supplies to Boost Profits [38:09] - Ensuring Profitability Through Fair Rates [42:42] - Networking and Joining the Chamber of Commerce Follow Guest Adam Smith: 👉 Linkedln: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-smith-786bb877  Follow Host Peter Cooper: 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cooper-ascend-consulting-468367133/ 👉 Website: https://ascendconsulting.help/ 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570030967745 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascendconsulting.help/ 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopconsulting 👉 X: https://x.com/PeterCooper9084 Listen to Beyond the Bay: 👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1IH2SSXjGRDqzP3p0Ie5C3 👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bay/id1834168994

    44 min

  8. 12/29/2025

    Extending Lifecycles, Reducing Risk v1

    Join us for an insightful webinar, "Extending Lifecycles, Reducing Risk," where industry experts delve into the challenges and strategies of managing fleet operations amidst a prolonged freight recession. Discover how extending truck and trailer replacement cycles impacts repair costs and risk profiles, and learn from seasoned professionals like Brian Antonellis, Peter Cooper, and Adam Wolk as they share their experiences and data-driven insights. Sponsored by FullBay, this session is a must-watch for fleet managers looking to optimize their operations and make informed decisions.

    56 min
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About

Get ready for real conversations, fresh insights, and practical strategies to help you run and grow your shop with confidence. From tackling everyday challenges to scaling with data-driven decisions, this podcast brings you stories and solutions straight from the people who’ve been there. Here’s a snippet of what’s ahead: Handling tough customers Making the shift from intuition to data Managing growth without losing quality Real-world tips from experienced shop owners This is more than a podcast—it’s your go-to resource for building a stronger, smarter business.

Information

  • Creator
    Peter Cooper
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Peter Cooper
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Bay

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