Mind Wrench Podcast

Rick Selover
  • 4.9 (19)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to The Mind-Wrench Podcast, your go-to resource for personal and professional development in the automotive repair industry. Discover effective strategies to elevate your life to the next level, applicable not just for auto professionals, but for anyone seeking personal growth. Join our knowledgeable host, industry veteran Rick Selover, as he imparts practical insights on mindset, self-improvement, and leadership, enabling you to run a thriving shop and lead a more fulfilling life. Tune in every Monday to expand your horizons. For additional information, connect with Rick on Instagram @rick_selover, become part of the vibrant CollisionMasterMind Facebook Group, or visit rickselover.com for additional information and resources.

  1. True Costs of Contamination- REBOOT 183

    2d ago

    True Costs of Contamination- REBOOT 183

    Send us Fan Mail SHOW NOTES: Keeping It Kleen Series – Part 2: The True Costs of Contamination Most shop owners know paint contamination costs money. What many don't realize is just how much. In this return episode of the Mind Wrench Podcast's Keeping It Kleen series, we're taking a hard look at the true financial impact of paint contamination, dirt nibs, fisheyes, and paint rework. While many shops view an occasional redo as "part of the business," the numbers tell a very different story. Drawing from decades of experience in the paint industry, along with research and real-world shop examples, I reveal the never-before seen, hidden costs that contamination creates every day. We explore how the industry has evolved from lacquer and enamel finishes to today's highly refined basecoat-clearcoat systems, and why customer expectations have never been higher. More importantly, we quantify where the money is really being lost. From wasted paint and materials to increased gas and electrical usage, lost production opportunities, and even reduced technician earnings, the costs add up faster than most shop owners realize. In fact, using conservative assumptions, just a couple of paint redos per month can cost a shop well over $120,000 per year. The biggest surprise? It's not the paint materials. It's the lost booth cycles and production capacity that quietly drain profitability month after month. If you're serious about reducing waste, improving efficiency, and increasing profits, this episode will change the way you look at paint contamination forever. Key Takeaways: 🔹 Paint contamination costs far more than materials—the largest losses often come from reduced production and lost booth capacity. 🔹 Even a small amount of monthly rework can quietly cost a shop tens of thousands of dollars each year. 🔹 Understanding the true cost of contamination is the first step toward improving quality, profitability, and overall shop performance.  If this episode opened your eyes to the true cost of contamination, do me a favor and share it with another shop owner, manager, estimator, or paint technician. The more we understand the hidden costs of rework, the more profitable and efficient our industry becomes. And be sure to join me next week for the final episode in the Keeping It Kleen series, where we'll discuss the Value of Preventative Maintenance and why some of the best investments you can make are the ones that prevent problems before they ever happen.  Sign up for FREE to my "Quote of the Day" below:  https://tinyurl.com/fv5xr68h Support the show Join our Mind Wrench mailing list!  👉 https://bit.ly/3DGNM9o Need one-on-one Mindset or Personal Development coaching? – drop me a note @ Personal Coaching – Rick Selover 👉 CLICK HERE FOR 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH OF COACHING!  (use PROMO code FREE50 in the message box!)   🔗Affiliate Links 👀 Read or listen to Top non-fiction book on Blinkist 20% off membership & 7-day free trial 🧑‍💼 Need freelance help with your business? Check out Fiverr ​🛒​🍒​🥦​ Want an easier way to shop? Check out Instacart   Thanks for listening and please share The Mind Wrench Podcast with others!

    20 min
  2. Root Sources of Contamination- REBOOT 182

    Jun 8

    Root Sources of Contamination- REBOOT 182

    Send us Fan Mail Show Notes: Keeping It Kleen Series – Part 1: Root Sources of Contamination How much money is paint contamination really costing your shop? Most shop owners and leaders know dirt nibs and fisheyes are frustrating, but very few realize just how much these seemingly small defects are costing them in lost productivity, wasted materials, missed delivery dates, rental extensions, and unnecessary rework. Across the collision industry, paint contamination is creating millions of dollars in avoidable expenses every year. In this first episode of the Mind Wrench Podcast's "Keeping It Kleen" series, we take a deep dive into the root causes of contamination and reveal a simple framework that can help any shop identify where their problems are really coming from. The reality is that virtually every contamination issue can be traced back to one of three sources: the booth, the vehicle, or the painter. We'll discuss why your paint booth should be viewed as the cash register of your business, how poor maintenance and airflow issues create defects, and why common shortcuts in vehicle preparation can come back to haunt you in the spray booth. We also cover painter-related causes, including PPE, spray gun maintenance, tack rag techniques, and contamination prevention habits that can dramatically improve first-time quality. If you're tired of redos, frustrated with inconsistent paint results, or simply looking for ways to improve profitability, this episode delivers practical, real-world solutions you can start implementing immediately. Key Takeaways: 🔹 Every contamination issue can be traced back to one of three sources: the booth, the vehicle, or the painter. 🔹 Small paint defects create much bigger costs through lost production time, wasted materials, delayed deliveries, and reduced profitability. 🔹 Preventative maintenance and disciplined shop processes are some of the highest-return investments a collision repair facility can make. 🔗 Help me spread this message. Share this episode with someone who lives in the paint department, runs a shop, or is responsible for quality and production. The more we learn from each other, the stronger our industry becomes.  Sign up for FREE to my "Quote of the Day" below:  https://tinyurl.com/fv5xr68h Support the show Join our Mind Wrench mailing list!  👉 https://bit.ly/3DGNM9o Need one-on-one Mindset or Personal Development coaching? – drop me a note @ Personal Coaching – Rick Selover 👉 CLICK HERE FOR 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH OF COACHING!  (use PROMO code FREE50 in the message box!)   🔗Affiliate Links 👀 Read or listen to Top non-fiction book on Blinkist 20% off membership & 7-day free trial 🧑‍💼 Need freelance help with your business? Check out Fiverr ​🛒​🍒​🥦​ Want an easier way to shop? Check out Instacart   Thanks for listening and please share The Mind Wrench Podcast with others!

    20 min
  3. The Legal Power Behind Safe & Proper Repair- w/ Sean Preston

    May 26

    The Legal Power Behind Safe & Proper Repair- w/ Sean Preston

    Send us Fan Mail **🎙️ Podcast Show Notes If you think legal protection is just something “big shops” worry about, this episode may completely change your perspective. In this powerful conversation, Rick sits down with attorney Sean Preston from Cover All Law to break down one of the biggest blind spots in the collision industry: operating without a real legal strategy. Most shop owners focus on tools, tech, and cycle time, but Sean explains why the real risk often starts with paperwork, documentation, and getting paid correctly. Together, Rick and Sean unpack the everyday pressure shops face between OEM repair procedures, DRP expectations, and insurer pushback—and why “safe and proper repair” isn’t just good business… it’s legal protection. They dive into the costly mistakes many shops make by staying reactive instead of proactive, and how strong intake procedures, clean documentation, and state-specific customer agreements can dramatically reduce liability. The conversation also tackles cash flow and short-pay battles head-on with Sean’s “super bill” strategy, helping shops understand how to protect payment while still supporting customers through reimbursement. From Forever Forms to SOPs and stakeholder communication, this episode delivers practical, real-world advice every collision shop owner and leader can use immediately. If you want more control, fewer surprises, and better protection for your business, your team, and your customers—this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 4 Key Takeaways: Protecting your shop legally starts before repairs begin—with the right paperwork and intake process.OEM procedures and proper documentation are your strongest defense against liability and short-pays.Insurers are bill payers—not repair decision makers. Your shop must own the repair process.Customer-pay and “super bill” strategies can improve cash flow and reduce payment stress when used correctly.  Guest Link: Sean Preston – COVERALL LAW LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-preston-ab81697a/ Email: spreston@coveralllaw.com   Sign up for FREE to my "Quote of the Day" below:  https://tinyurl.com/fv5xr68h Support the show Join our Mind Wrench mailing list!  👉 https://bit.ly/3DGNM9o Need one-on-one Mindset or Personal Development coaching? – drop me a note @ Personal Coaching – Rick Selover 👉 CLICK HERE FOR 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH OF COACHING!  (use PROMO code FREE50 in the message box!)   🔗Affiliate Links 👀 Read or listen to Top non-fiction book on Blinkist 20% off membership & 7-day free trial 🧑‍💼 Need freelance help with your business? Check out Fiverr ​🛒​🍒​🥦​ Want an easier way to shop? Check out Instacart   Thanks for listening and please share The Mind Wrench Podcast with others!

    50 min
  4. What Could You Accomplish... if There Were No Limits?

    May 11

    What Could You Accomplish... if There Were No Limits?

    Send us Fan Mail **🎙️ Podcast Show Notes This week’s episode of the Mind Wrench Podcast is a wake-up call for anyone in the collision industry who’s been stuck in “survival mode” for so long that they’ve stopped believing bigger things are possible.  Between cycle time pressure, staffing headaches, insurer demands, cash flow stress, and trying to keep customers happy, it’s easy for shop owners, managers, and technicians to slowly lower expectations for their business — and for themselves personally. In this powerful episode, we break down why most people don’t fail because they lack talent… they fail because they start believing a smaller story about who they are and what they’re capable of becoming. Using a motivating message from Les Brown, we dig into the danger of “playing small,” the importance of mindset, and why so many people unknowingly defend the very limitations holding them back. We also connect these ideas directly to collision repair leadership, culture, personal growth, relationships, and long-term fulfillment. Because success isn’t just about building a profitable shop — it’s about building a meaningful life you’re proud of. If you’ve ever felt like there’s more inside you, more potential in your team, or more purpose waiting for you beyond the daily grind, this episode is for you. 4 Key Takeaways: Your mindset shapes your business, leadership, and future more than your circumstances do “Difficult” does NOT mean impossible — most growth starts outside your comfort zone Playing small may feel safe, but it quietly kills opportunity, purpose, and fulfillment Sometimes you have to borrow belief from mentors and leaders until you fully believe in yourself If this episode hits home for you, share it with somebody in the industry who needs this reminder right now. As always, keep learning, keep growing, and keep challenging yourself to become the best version of who you were created to be. Guest Link: Les Brown   Sign up for FREE to my "Quote of the Day" below:  https://tinyurl.com/fv5xr68h Support the show Join our Mind Wrench mailing list!  👉 https://bit.ly/3DGNM9o Need one-on-one Mindset or Personal Development coaching? – drop me a note @ Personal Coaching – Rick Selover 👉 CLICK HERE FOR 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH OF COACHING!  (use PROMO code FREE50 in the message box!)   🔗Affiliate Links 👀 Read or listen to Top non-fiction book on Blinkist 20% off membership & 7-day free trial 🧑‍💼 Need freelance help with your business? Check out Fiverr ​🛒​🍒​🥦​ Want an easier way to shop? Check out Instacart   Thanks for listening and please share The Mind Wrench Podcast with others!

    22 min
  5. 5 Key Strategies For Managing Change- REBOOT 166

    Apr 28

    5 Key Strategies For Managing Change- REBOOT 166

    Send us Fan Mail **🎙️ Podcast Show Notes: Change doesn’t knock politely… it kicks the door in like a fire alarm at 2AM! One minute everything in your shop feels dialed in, the next you’re dealing with disruption, stress, and a hundred “what now?” questions. In this episode of the Mind Wrench Podcast, we dig into the truth most shop owners wrestle with… it’s not just the change that’s the problem, it’s the story you tell yourself about it. Using recent real-life moments and lessons from the chaos of COVID pandemic, this episode breaks down a powerful mindset shift: change isn’t good or bad, it just is. What matters is how you respond. For collision industry leaders, that response can mean the difference between falling behind or finding new opportunities. You’ll walk away with practical, no-fluff strategies you can actually use in your business and personal life. From handling sudden DRP changes to staffing challenges or market shifts, this conversation is about staying steady when everything else feels shaky. Key Takeaways: Your first reaction isn’t the problem… it’s the meaning you attach to it that drives your outcome Change is constant and nonselective, but your response is always within your control Growth mindset and adaptability aren’t buzzwords, they’re survival skills in today’s collision industry Some of your biggest setbacks today can become your biggest advantages tomorrow if you stay open to the lesson If you’ve ever felt blindsided by change in your shop or life, this episode will help you reset your thinking, take control of your response, and turn uncertainty into forward momentum.     Sign up for FREE to my "Quote of the Day" below:  https://tinyurl.com/fv5xr68h Support the show Join our Mind Wrench mailing list!  👉 https://bit.ly/3DGNM9o Need one-on-one Mindset or Personal Development coaching? – drop me a note @ Personal Coaching – Rick Selover 👉 CLICK HERE FOR 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH OF COACHING!  (use PROMO code FREE50 in the message box!)   🔗Affiliate Links 👀 Read or listen to Top non-fiction book on Blinkist 20% off membership & 7-day free trial 🧑‍💼 Need freelance help with your business? Check out Fiverr ​🛒​🍒​🥦​ Want an easier way to shop? Check out Instacart   Thanks for listening and please share The Mind Wrench Podcast with others!

    16 min
  6. Collision Industry Conferences... Why You Need to Attend

    Apr 13

    Collision Industry Conferences... Why You Need to Attend

    Send us Fan Mail **🎙️ Podcast Show Notes: Conference season has a way of creeping up on you… and if you’ve never been, you might not realize just how much opportunity is sitting there waiting. In this episode, we break down why attending a collision industry conference or tradeshow isn’t just “something to think about” … it can be a turning point for your shop. We keep it real and practical. Walking the trade show floor gives you hands-on access to the latest equipment, live demos, and real conversations with the people building the tools you rely on. That’s a big deal as vehicles keep getting more complex with ADAS, EVs, and changing OEM repair procedures. You’re not guessing anymore… you’re learning straight from the source. But it’s not just about tools, it’s about growth. From classes on repair planning and profitability to building a stronger team culture in the middle of a tech shortage, these events are packed with ideas you can actually bring back and use right away. Then there’s the part most people overlook… the people. One conversation with the right shop owner or one keynote message can completely shift how you think and lead. Events like SEMA, Collision Industry Conference, Southeast Collision Conference and local association meetings aren’t just events… they’re shortcuts to better decisions, better processes, and a better shop. Key Takeaways: See It, Don’t Guess: Live demos and equipment access help you make smarter repair and investment decisions. Stay Ahead of Change: Learn what it really takes to repair today’s vehicles safely and correctly. Sharpen Your Business: Classes give you real strategies for profit, production, and team culture. Your Network Is Your Shortcut: The right conversations can save you time, money, and frustration. Bottom line… go with a plan, ask questions, take notes, and connect. When you combine better knowledge with the right mindset, you stop reacting to the industry and start leading in it. Sign up for FREE to my "Quote of the Day" below:  https://tinyurl.com/fv5xr68h Support the show Join our Mind Wrench mailing list!  👉 https://bit.ly/3DGNM9o Need one-on-one Mindset or Personal Development coaching? – drop me a note @ Personal Coaching – Rick Selover 👉 CLICK HERE FOR 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH OF COACHING!  (use PROMO code FREE50 in the message box!)   🔗Affiliate Links 👀 Read or listen to Top non-fiction book on Blinkist 20% off membership & 7-day free trial 🧑‍💼 Need freelance help with your business? Check out Fiverr ​🛒​🍒​🥦​ Want an easier way to shop? Check out Instacart   Thanks for listening and please share The Mind Wrench Podcast with others!

    17 min
  7. The Power of Communication

    Mar 30

    The Power of Communication

    Send us Fan Mail **🎙️ Podcast Show Notes: If you’ve ever had a job go sideways, a customer get frustrated, or a tech shut down… chances are it wasn’t the repair. It was the communication… or lack of! In this week’s episode, we break down one of the biggest hidden profit killers in a collision shop… and honestly, in your personal life too: communication gaps. When you don’t clearly explain what’s happening, people don’t just sit back and wait… they start filling in the blanks. And whether it’s a customer, a technician, or your spouse, those blanks usually turn into worst-case stories. Inside your shop, that shows up as missed handoffs, confusion between departments, and a team that slowly checks out. At home, it can look like tension, misunderstandings, or feeling like you’re not being heard. Same root problem, different setting. On the customer side, silence feels like neglect. If you don’t explain delays or next steps, they assume the worst. The same thing happens in relationships… when communication drops, trust starts to fade, even if nothing is actually wrong. The fix isn’t complicated, but it does take intention. Strong leaders and strong partners use clear, consistent communication across three channels: verbal (what you say), visual (what people see), and nonverbal (how you show up). When you match the message to the person, everything runs smoother… at work and at home. We also introduce a simple framework you can use immediately: LUV… Listen, Understand, Validate. It’s a powerful way to reduce tension, build trust, and keep conversations productive in every part of your life. Powerful Key Takeaways: Communication gaps create problems at work and at home faster than you thinkClear, consistent messaging builds trust with your team, customers, and familyThe LUV method (Listen, Understand, Validate) helps turn tough conversations into better outcomesAt the end of the day, great communication isn’t about being nice. It’s about building trust, reducing stress, and creating better results… in your shop and in your relationships. If this helped, follow or subscribe, share it with a friend in the industry, and leave a quick rating and review so more shop owners and teams can find it.  Sign up for FREE to my "Quote of the Day" below:  https://tinyurl.com/fv5xr68h Support the show Join our Mind Wrench mailing list!  👉 https://bit.ly/3DGNM9o Need one-on-one Mindset or Personal Development coaching? – drop me a note @ Personal Coaching – Rick Selover 👉 CLICK HERE FOR 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH OF COACHING!  (use PROMO code FREE50 in the message box!)   🔗Affiliate Links 👀 Read or listen to Top non-fiction book on Blinkist 20% off membership & 7-day free trial 🧑‍💼 Need freelance help with your business? Check out Fiverr ​🛒​🍒​🥦​ Want an easier way to shop? Check out Instacart   Thanks for listening and please share The Mind Wrench Podcast with others!

    21 min
  8. Why Auto Body Associations Matter

    Mar 16

    Why Auto Body Associations Matter

    Send us Fan Mail **🎙️ Podcast Show Notes: Independent collision repair shops today are navigating a storm that seems to come from every direction. 🌪 Insurance pressure, tight labor rates, technician shortages, and constantly evolving repair procedures make it feel like you’re fighting every battle alone. Add in ADAS calibrations, EV repair, scanning requirements, and safety standards, and it’s easy to look at membership to an organization like the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists or your local Auto Body association and wonder if it’s just another expense on the books without any real tangible benefit? In this week’s episode of the Mind Wrench Podcast, we break down why local, state, and regional collision repair associations exist in the first place and how they can become one of the most powerful tools an independent shop owner has. These organizations help shops come together to create a stronger collective voice when dealing with lawmakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders. When shops unite through associations, they gain the ability to advocate for fair repair practices, push back on harmful policies, and protect the future of safe and proper repairs. We also dig into the practical benefits. Associations create opportunities for training, shared knowledge, and real-world networking that often turns into mentorship and collaboration. Being part of a professional organization also signals credibility to customers and partners who value ethical repair standards and transparency. From legislative victories in Rhode Island to powerful collaboration at the AASP Illinois Collision Repair Trade Show, this conversation highlights how associations are making real change across the industry. Key Takeaways 🔧 Strength in Numbers – When independent shops stand together through an association, they gain a louder voice with lawmakers, insurers, and regulators. 📚 Access to Education and Insight – Associations provide training, industry updates, and peer learning that help shops stay ahead of rapidly changing repair technology. 🤝 Community Beats Isolation – Networking with other shop owners creates mentorship, shared solutions, and a support system that helps you navigate industry challenges. If you’re an independent shop owner tired of feeling like you’re fighting every battle solo, this episode may change how you think about industry involvement. Subscribe to the podcast, share this episode with another shop owner, and leave a rating and review so more independents can discover the power of working together. 💥🔧 Support the show Join our Mind Wrench mailing list!  👉 https://bit.ly/3DGNM9o Need one-on-one Mindset or Personal Development coaching? – drop me a note @ Personal Coaching – Rick Selover 👉 CLICK HERE FOR 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH OF COACHING!  (use PROMO code FREE50 in the message box!)   🔗Affiliate Links 👀 Read or listen to Top non-fiction book on Blinkist 20% off membership & 7-day free trial 🧑‍💼 Need freelance help with your business? Check out Fiverr ​🛒​🍒​🥦​ Want an easier way to shop? Check out Instacart   Thanks for listening and please share The Mind Wrench Podcast with others!

    15 min
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4.9
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Mind-Wrench Podcast, your go-to resource for personal and professional development in the automotive repair industry. Discover effective strategies to elevate your life to the next level, applicable not just for auto professionals, but for anyone seeking personal growth. Join our knowledgeable host, industry veteran Rick Selover, as he imparts practical insights on mindset, self-improvement, and leadership, enabling you to run a thriving shop and lead a more fulfilling life. Tune in every Monday to expand your horizons. For additional information, connect with Rick on Instagram @rick_selover, become part of the vibrant CollisionMasterMind Facebook Group, or visit rickselover.com for additional information and resources.

Information

  • Creator
    Rick Selover
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    230
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mind Wrench Podcast
  • Show Website
    Mind Wrench Podcast

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