Changing The Industry Podcast

David Roman & Lucas Underwood
  • 4.7 (78)
  • 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. 1D AGO

    Episode 249 - The Future of Automotive Careers with Eric The Car Guy

    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 a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Eric Cook, better known as “Eric the Car Guy.” Eric shares the story of his unconventional journey from art school to becoming a master technician and influential automotive content creator. The conversation explores changes in the automotive industry, the importance of shop culture and technician respect, and the challenges both technicians and shop owners face as they adapt to evolving technology and business demands. 00:00 "From Acura to Video Editing" 08:42 "Humbled by Fans' Support" 13:18 "Rediscovering Connection Through Creation" 16:03 "Grace in Growth and Leadership" 23:30 "Valuing Skilled Labor and Adaptability" 28:21 "Value of Skilled Tire Workers" 32:21 "Tech Advances Will Raise Job Value" 40:37 "Human Error vs. Robotics" 44:26 "Modern Paths to Auto Careers" 53:27 "Elvis: From Devil to King" 57:57 "Access to Knowledge, Stupidity Grows" 01:03:42 "Restoring and Revamping Vehicles"

    1h 11m

  2. DEC 22

    Episode 248 - Why Everyone Must Win: Building Ethical, Sustainable Growth in the Auto Industry With Wayne Marshall, Institute CEO

    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 a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Wayne Marshall, CEO at the Institute for Automotive Business Excellence. Wayne shares his journey from industry vendor and business owner to leading the Institute, emphasizing the importance of succession planning and building a strong foundation for long-term success. The conversation highlights the value of investing in people, fostering industry-wide collaboration, and creating an exceptional customer experience through attention and hospitality. 00:00 Letting Go to Empower Growth 05:51 "Building a Strong Foundation" 14:54 "Embracing Change in Business Ownership" 18:48 "Business Growth and Advice" 24:29 Pitching to Decision-Makers Only 27:43 Switching to a Smaller Bank 36:25 Investing in People for Growth 39:19 "Supporting Growth and Opportunity" 47:11 "Collaboration, Communication, and Growth" 51:27 Sports, Passion, Pressure, and Mistakes 58:38 Stressful Car Troubles 01:00:04 "Turning Issues Into Opportunities"

    1h 9m

  3. DEC 15

    Episode 247 - Proof What Raising Your Prices Will Do For Your Shop With Mike Himes & Rick White

    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 a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by shop owner Mike Himes and guest Rick White to discuss the evolution of Mike’s shop over the past year. Rick shares coaching insights on overcoming emotional challenges around pricing and the importance of valuing your work. Mike reveals how increasing labor rates and implementing a robust parts matrix led to significant financial improvements, while the group addresses common industry pitfalls such as undercharging and ineffective workflows. 00:00 "Biggest Change: Workflow Insights" 07:24 "Facing Fear for Growth" 12:25 Growth Journey: From Beginner to Achiever 19:33 "iPhone Queue Frenzy" 23:29 "Only Expert in Town" 31:23 "Jeff Compton Protects Technicians" 32:33 "High Turnover Acceptance Debate" 40:48 "Stop When Risks Appear" 45:45 "Factory vs Full Process" 51:27 "Subscription Costs for Scan Tools" 55:27 "Pricing Adjustment Lessons with Rick" 01:03:24 "Parts Store Manager Advice" 01:04:51 Effortless Transition with Shopware

    1h 12m

  4. DEC 8

    Episode 246 - Turning Sacrifice into Success In Family, Business, and Mobile Work With Cody & Sabrina Gaddie

    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 a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Cody and Sabrina Gaddie. Cody shares the challenges and rewards of growing a mobile diagnostics business, including the importance of building processes and preparing for the business to run independently. Sabrina offers honest insights into the impact of business ownership on their relationship, stressing the need for communication and balancing personal well-being with supporting Cody’s vision. The group also discusses the broader state of the industry, highlighting the struggle to find passionate new technicians and the need for better incentives and training for diagnostic work. 00:00 "Making Business Valuable" 08:30 "Navigating Partnership and Resentment" 10:54 "Resentment Over Passion Priorities" 16:27 Life-Changing Industry Events 21:45 Streamlining Technical Support Processes 29:50 Teaching Automotive Skills Efficiently 35:38 Business Growth & Networking Challenges 36:51 Collaborative Networking Among Entrepreneurs 44:47 "Kid Hacks BIN Files Impressively" 49:38 "Diag Pricing Debate Unveiled" 53:51 Testing Explanation: Address vs. Zip Code 01:00:57 "Lucas Calls Out the BS" 01:03:04 "Mechanic Missteps and Recommendations"

    1h 10m

  5. DEC 1

    Episode 245 - Why Shop Owners Need a Plan Beyond Fixing Cars 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 a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Cecil Bullard, industry veteran and business coach. Cecil shares the importance of properly valuing diagnostic labor in automotive shops, explaining why most shops fail to charge adequately for the complex testing modern vehicles require. The conversation highlights the necessity for shop owners to plan for their financial future, emphasizing retirement strategies and the risks of working solo. Finally, they discuss the value of building a strong team and why technicians with no interest in leading or managing should reconsider opening their own shop. 00:00 DHT's Impact on Male Development 08:25 Auto Shop Diagnostic Process 14:58 Hormones, Cars, and Adjustments 20:55 Optimizing Average Repair Order 26:23 Professional Standards in Coaching 32:23 "Raise Your Labor Rate" 33:52 "Revenue Variance Insights" 41:03 "Family Shop Management Plan" 46:51 "Contentment, Family, and Responsibility" 50:35 "Solo Work: Control vs. Risk" 57:30 Risk Balancing for Lifestyle Goals 01:02:58 Debt vs. Investing Motivation Struggles 01:06:09 Sun's Shift in Auto Shop Strategy 01:14:51 "Perspective and Self-Improvement Insights" 01:17:37 "Beyond Fixing Cars"

    1h 24m

  6. NOV 29

    Bonus Episode - Smart Consumer Financing and the Modern Shop Owner’s Journey With Liz Perkins

    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 a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Liz Perkins, shop owner, technician, and multi-business entrepreneur, along with Jesse Meddaugh from 360 Payments. Liz shares her journey of growing a business from shop operations to training and managing multiple ventures, emphasizing the importance of understanding and mastering the financial side of the company—even getting hands-on with bookkeeping for deeper insights. The conversation explores the impact of integrated consumer financing on shop sales and customer experience, with both Lucas and Liz highlighting how offering payment options can reduce stigma, increase approval rates, and empower customers. 00:00 "Seamless Consumer Financing Growth" 03:51 Streamlined Vehicle Financing Process 08:30 Rising Costs of Car Repairs 12:36 Guaranteed Results Over Cheap Fixes 15:21 "Negative Impact of Free Diagnostics" 17:00 "Choosing Free Diagnostics Wisely" 20:40 "Working Mom's Struggles" 23:26 North Carolina DMV Renewal Woes 27:24 "Keep Growing, Keep Building" 32:09 Quick Harness Installation Guide 32:45 "Frustrated Mechanic Wrecks Harness" 38:32 Bookkeeping vs. Accounting Confusion 40:48 Understanding Business Fees 43:53 DIY Accounting Confidence 45:51 "Monthly P&L and Accounting" 50:52 Efficient Scheduling for Long Commutes 54:28 Tire Service Pricing Inquiry 56:27 Balancing Growth vs. Staying Solo 59:10 Grammar Concerns with Dashes

    1h 5m

  7. NOV 24

    Episode 244 - The Power of Accountability and Setting Standards in Business With Jeremy Hoyle

    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 a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas Underwood and David Roman are joined by Jeremy Hoyle, leadership coach and veteran of the family entertainment industry. Jeremy shares his personal journey from frontline worker to senior executive, emphasizing the importance of investing in your own professional development. The conversation delves into EOS and business fundamentals, with practical advice on leveraging KPIs and accountability to drive growth. 00:00 "Work Ethic and Ownership" 05:23 Leadership & Business Coaching Journey 10:44 "Dependability and Leadership Value" 19:37 "Building Layers for Growth" 23:39 "Improving Call Conversion Rates" 31:02 "Leaders Need Accountability Systems" 35:09 "Missed Conversations and Discipline" 38:26 Teaching Accountability Through Standards 45:05 "Mopping Mishaps and Frustrations" 50:12 "Policing Standards and Staffing" 56:50 Linchpins vs. Industrial-Era Education 01:03:09 "Struggles of Running a Shop" 01:03:49 "Sell the Shop"

    1h 10m

  8. NOV 17

    Episode 243 - Facing Burnout and Building a Side Hustle With Kyle Buenger

    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 a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, David Roman and Lucas are joined by Kyle Buenger, owner of KB Mobile Programming. Kyle shares his journey from burnout in a traditional shop environment to launching his own mobile programming business in Phoenix, Arizona. The discussion centers on the importance of proper financial planning, including pricing and insurance, for independent technicians. It also addresses the challenges and opportunities of working in a market with limited diagnostic talent, as well as the need to develop systems that support growth and long-term sustainability. 00:00 "Inconsequential Things Won't Change" 09:04 "Initiative to Solve Programming Issue" 13:05 "Starting Work and Progressing" 18:45 Honda Accord vs Ferrari Debate 21:50 Maximizing Mobile Repair Profitability 27:55 Managing Expenses with Steady Income 32:48 "Progress Over Fear of Loss" 39:37 Raise Prices and Build Value 44:04 Avoiding Tool Salesmen 48:27 "Work Dispatch and Programming Process" 53:22 "Investing and Reinvesting in Business" 01:00:04 Diagnostic Testing and Routine Basics 01:08:20 Tampered Seat Belt Leads Trauma 01:09:47 Unwanted, Costly, Certified Repairs

    1h 16m
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    David Roman & Lucas Underwood
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    302
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Changing The Industry Podcast
  • Show Website
    Changing The Industry Podcast

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