Changing The Industry Podcast

David Roman & Lucas Underwood
  • 4.7 (81)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 2D AGO ·  BONUS

    Bonus Episode - Handling Customer Complaints and Raising Industry Standards in Auto Repair

    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 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/profitabilityUtilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech 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  In this episode, David and Lucas discuss the challenges of handling difficult customer complaints, specifically a negative review following a diagnostic process and the denial of repair work. They dive into the importance of clear communication, setting expectations with consumers, and defending the value of professional diagnostic procedures. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the need for industry-wide improvement, highlighting how prioritizing quality repairs and properly educating both staff and customers can help move the automotive industry in a better direction. 00:00 Client disputes repair charges 04:23 Diagnostic process and repair decision 06:32 Challenges of Dealing with Customers 12:13 Discussing steak pricing strategies 14:11 Handling customer expectations 16:25 Discussing repair pricing strategy 22:10 Ensuring quality car repairs 24:46 Surrounding yourself with success 26:35 Frustrations in the auto repair business 32:03 Challenges of business growth 35:45 Focusing on quality and process 37:05 Why we started the show 40:35 Technician frustrations over pricing

    46 min

  2. 5D AGO

    Episode 268 - Mastering Shop Management and Technician Relations in Today’s Auto Industry

    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 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/profitabilityUtilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech 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  In this episode, Austin joins the Changing The Industry Podcast to discuss his journey from dealership technician to shop owner in South Carolina. Austin shares the challenges of buying a shop as a young technician, including navigating the SBA loan acquisition process and building a reliable team after early hiring struggles. The conversation covers practical strategies for technician management and compensation, as well as the importance of professional bookkeeping and mentorship as a shop grows. 00:00 Navigating industry-exclusive groups 08:31 Hiring the first technician 13:09 Starting the podcast idea 20:25 Cost transparency with manufacturers 23:02 ETI's role in tool manufacturing 27:38 Managing car programming and updates 34:15 Car's auto-braking false alarms 39:15 Quick and safe control arm repair 44:53 Building a strong technician team 52:07 Technician attendance and bonus policy 55:11 Dealing with difficult coworkers 58:51 Growing with business mentors 01:05:03 Evaluating business coach effectiveness 01:12:50 Importance of clean financial records 01:14:53 Wanting a strict accountant

    1h 20m

  3. MAY 4

    Episode 267 - Building and Scaling Auto Shops: Culture, Challenges, and the Drive to Grow With Arun Coumar

    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 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/profitabilityUtilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech 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  In this episode, Arun Coumar joins Lucas Underwood and David Roman to discuss the challenges and rewards of multi-shop ownership. Arun highlights the critical role of shop culture and management in shop performance, emphasizing how the right team can make or break operations. The conversation also dives into the evolving automotive industry landscape, touching on consolidation trends and the necessity for adaptability in both business structure and mindset. 00:00 Implementing an alternative work week schedule 10:26 Considering leaving a job 13:46 Realizing success isn't easy 19:57 Logging mileage for efficiency 26:01 Focus on local expansion first 29:37 Considering sole ownership vs. growth 33:54 Finding purpose after life challenges 42:44 Creating and defining meaning 45:40 Talking about single life challenges 53:06 Choosing your life's challenges 58:51 Challenges in the parts distribution industry 01:00:58 Discussing future market changes

    1h 6m

  4. APR 27

    Episode 266 - Building Shop Efficiency and Team Culture with Greg Miller of Figs Auto Repair

    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 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/profitabilityUtilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech 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  In this episode, David and Greg dive into the realities of shop ownership, growth, and staffing challenges in the auto repair industry. Greg shares his journey from IT business owner to owner of Figs Auto Repair in Charlotte, highlighting the importance of adapting processes for efficiency and using tools like Shop-Ware. The conversation also covers practical hiring lessons, including the need to hire and fire quickly and the value of connecting technicians with the broader industry through training events to improve retention. 00:00 Blood draw complications 05:28 Comparing safety of substances 13:13 Navigating traffic delays 18:35 Challenges with new hires 24:24 Handling tough diagnostic jobs 29:03 Adjusting pay for evaluation tasks 36:10 Discussing car repair estimates 40:51 Learning from industry veterans 41:52 Community engagement in North Carolina 49:25 Improving employee efficiency 52:56 Customer communication and follow-ups 01:02:58 Cooking steak tableside 01:04:43 Discussing conference networking opportunities 01:10:37 Networking and local support connections

    1h 14m

  5. APR 20

    Episode 265 - Modern Pay Plans and Efficiency Tips To Fix The Tech Shortage With Eric Svedberg

    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 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/profitabilityUtilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech 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  In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Eric Svedberg of European Autowerks. Eric shares his journey from starting in the gas station business at 16 to owning and growing a successful automotive shop. The conversation dives deep into the persistent technician shortage, with Eric outlining the challenges in attracting and retaining skilled talent and the evolving pay structures needed to stay competitive. The hosts and Eric also explore strategies for fair compensation, diagnostic testing systems, and the importance of shop culture and communication in bridging the divide between owners and technicians. 00:00 Starting at a gas station job 04:49 Rebranding to Automotive Specialists 09:29 Mac and cheese cart setup 11:26 Bellman warns about minibar sensor 15:40 Salary expectations for auto techs 18:05 Explaining the three-level system 21:04 Handling customer pushback 25:35 Technician pay discussions 26:54 Negotiating a technician's pay raise 30:33 Paying employees more than expected 34:26 Explaining the production bonus system 37:27 Growing demand for skilled technicians 41:53 Ensuring seamless parts distribution 44:01 Discussing social media dynamics 48:42 Dealing with unreliable workers 52:06 Understanding different industry perspectives 55:27 Dealing with technician issues 56:07 Discussing employee accountability

    1h 2m

  6. APR 15 ·  BONUS

    Bonus Episode - Vehlo CEO Reveals What's Actually Changing the Automotive Industry in 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 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/profitabilityUtilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech 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  In this episode, the Changing The Industry Podcast team sits down with Josh Weiss, CEO of Vehlo, to discuss company culture, leadership, and the rapidly evolving automotive industry. Josh shares his philosophy on servant leadership and the importance of fostering a high-performance, low-ego environment at Vehlo. The conversation highlights how open communication and feedback fuel trust and engagement within the organization. Finally, the group explores the challenges of constant innovation in automotive service, emphasizing the critical role technology and adaptability play in shop success. 00:00 Building a winning team culture 04:44 Team communication and weekly updates 09:41 Joining the company journey 12:34 Rapid innovation in auto industry 14:05 Shopware's unique customer experience 19:35 Choosing shopware for its ease 22:35 Listening to customer feedback 23:22 Thanking the guest or speaker

    25 min

  7. APR 13

    Episode 264 - The Value of Diagnostics, Hands-On Classes, & Finding Happiness With Tim Iezzi & Ira Waldman

    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 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/profitabilityUtilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech 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  In this episode, Lucas Underwood and David Roman are joined by Ira Waldman and Tim Iezzi, who share their experiences with technical training and diagnostics in the automotive industry. Ira Waldman explains the value of comprehensive accident investigations and how data pulled from vehicles is increasingly crucial for liability and repairs. Tim Iezzi and Ira Waldman detail their hands-on training classes, emphasizing the importance of practicing with equipment to build real skills. Throughout the conversation, the group discusses challenges facing trainers—including undervaluation and barriers to fair compensation—while reflecting on what true success looks like in the industry. 00:00 Consulting work and accident investigations 04:58 Calibration data and liability concerns 08:48 Lab scope training launch 11:32 Practicing lab scope basics 15:25 Common mistakes using scopes 19:03 Importance of planning and tools 20:10 Teaching procedural oil change steps 24:46 Improving technician education 27:00 Training value and budget changes 32:48 Challenges faced by fitness trainers 36:16 Launching the training company 39:46 Impact of low-cost car markets 41:29 Covid’s impact on auto repairs 47:30 Troubleshooting equipment issues 50:25 Defining personal success 52:21 Interviewing successful people 54:28 Thanking the audience

    59 min

  8. APR 6

    Episode 263 - Overcoming Addiction and Trying To Find Purpose in the Automotive Industry With Cole Tanner

    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 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/profitabilityUtilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech 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  In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Cole Tanner, a veteran technician, who shares his journey through family business transitions, personal struggles, and the realities of working in the automotive industry. Cole opens up about overcoming addiction and trauma, emphasizing the importance of honest conversations about mental health in the trades. The group discusses technician frustrations regarding compensation, shop inefficiencies, and the vital need for support structures within the industry. 00:00 Frustrating restaurant wait experience 06:25 Growing up with my parents 08:11 Discussing childhood challenges 12:51 Breaking cycles of family trauma 16:25 Losing friends to addiction 19:34 Discussing compensation challenges 22:25 Consistent vs erratic performance 26:35 Running an efficient repair shop 27:42 Technicians disconnected from inspection value 33:12 End-of-month sales pressure 36:27 Improving communication and accountability 37:58 Discussing future plans and concerns 41:13 Finding balance and past experiences 46:02 Struggles with drinking habits 47:53 Hitting rock bottom moments 50:40 The dangers of addiction 53:47 Pushing for constant improvement 56:52 Taking responsibility after prison

    1h 4m
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4.7
out of 5
81 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.

Information

  • Creator
    David Roman & Lucas Underwood
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    326
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Changing The Industry Podcast
  • Show Website
    Changing The Industry Podcast

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