Gain Traction

Mike Edge
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The Gain Traction Podcast features top tire and auto repair professionals, shop owners, industry executives, and thought leaders.

  1. AAA’s Playbook for Fixing the Technician Shortage

    1D AGO

    AAA’s Playbook for Fixing the Technician Shortage

    Jim Sennett is the manager of repair programs at AAA (American Automobile Association), where he oversees the Approved Auto Repair network of roughly 6,000 shops across the country, about 5,000 independents and 1,000 dealerships, along with the club's emerging technologies work on EVs and hybrids. He came up through Goodyear, starting as a tire changer and working through alignment tech, service advisor, service manager, and store manager across two stints with the company. Between his Goodyear years and his current role he spent nearly a decade in law enforcement before returning to the industry. Jim has been with AAA for 12 years and serves as Vice Chair of the ASE Education Foundation, which puts him at the center of how the industry is responding to the technician shortage in auto repair; both through the certification side and through the apprenticeship program AAA built with NAPA to bring new people into the trade. In this episode… The technician shortage in auto repair stopped being an abstract talking point around 2022-2023, when AAA's approved shops started telling Jim Sennett the same thing in different words: the tows keep coming, the waiting rooms keep filling up, and there's nobody behind the bay door to do the work. AAA's response was to stop waiting for the trade-school pipeline to fix itself and build a parallel one, partnering with NAPA on an apprenticeship program designed to take someone out of a grocery store, a fast-food job, or a closed-down factory and turn them into a working technician in 18 to 24 months. Jim walks through the actual mechanics: $300 a year per person, free for shops already running NAPA, but built parts-supplier agnostic so O'Reilly, Advance, and AutoZone shops are not locked out. The program is self-paced and mentor-based inside the shop, and the apprentice finishes with four ASE certifications; brakes, steering and suspension, A/C, and electrical. He also gets into why the recruiting pitch itself is part of the problem. The trade is still being sold as the "Cooter from Dukes of Hazzard" job; greasy coveralls, wrench in hand, when the actual work is a laptop in one hand and a diagnostic tool in the other. The shortage closes faster when the marketing catches up to what the job has become. The other thread worth following is Jim's story about a Buffalo shop owner who was a few months from closing. Jim sat down with him, looked at the numbers, and made him do two things first: raise labor rates and raise parts margins. The shop is now operating out of its second, bigger location. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:  [01:14] Introducing Jim Sennett and his role at AAA [02:45] Early career path from college into a general service technician role at Goodyear [04:26] Overseeing AAA's Approved Auto Repair program [08:49] The three-decade partnership between AAA and NAPA [09:40] Reframing the technician's image in the modern trade [10:36] Formative lessons from Goodyear's management training [13:28] Addressing the technician shortage through the AAA/NAPA apprenticeship [17:30] Rescuing a Buffalo shop through disciplined pricing and margin strategy [21:06] Leading with a firm, fair, and consistent standard [24:35] The under-promise, over-deliver principle and the Five Guys case study [26:48] Closing reflections and hometown conversation Resources mentioned in this episode: Jim Sennett on LinkedInAmerican Automobile AssociationASE Education FoundationTread PartnersGain Traction Podcast on YouTubeGain Traction Podcast WebsiteMike Edge on LinkedInQuotable Moments: “These men and women are professional people out there, you got a laptop in your hand now, you're doing more work on a computer than you are turning wrenches.""You find the right person, the right personality for you, and we'll give you a program, and we'll make them into a technician in 18 months to two years.""Always be firm, fair and consistent every day.""I'm always a fan of under-promising and over-delivering.""If you can't be your word, or you can't have someone that believes in you, it kind of sets a bad foundation and we know what happens with bad foundations, the building tends to crumble."Action Steps: Audit your labor rates and parts margins this week, raise both if the math says so.Enroll one career-changer in the AAA/NAPA apprenticeship at $300 a year and assign a senior tech as mentor.Rewrite your tech job postings to lead with diagnostics, scan tools, and EV work, not wrench-turning.Pick one customer promise: timeline, price, or scope, and engineer the over delivery.Join AAA's Approved Auto Repair program to access the apprenticeship pricing and the nationwide warranty.

    31 min
  2. The Franchise Advantage Nobody Talks About Enough

    MAY 6

    The Franchise Advantage Nobody Talks About Enough

    Joe Happel, Desiree Elliott, Steve Towers, Charlie Alexander, Tim & Terri Hollander, and Gary Skidmore represent a cross-section of some of the most experienced operators and leaders within Big O Tires. From Hall of Fame-level leadership and second-generation ownership to multi-state expansion and corporate strategy, each brings decades of real-world experience in building, scaling, and sustaining automotive service businesses. Their combined perspective reflects what actually works inside high-performing tire shop networks; not theory, but execution. Across their roles as franchisees, operators, and executives, they reveal how tire shop owners grow through standards, accountability, and long-term relationship building. Their insights are grounded in running multiple locations, navigating growth cycles, developing teams, and aligning franchise systems to support both independence and scale. EPISODE SPONSOR This episode of the Gain Traction Podcast is sponsored by Cosmo Tires. Cosmo Tires offers a wide range of tire solutions designed for durability, reliability, and performance across multiple vehicle segments. Learn more at https://www.cosmotires.com In this episode… The industry doesn’t have a growth problem, it has a standards problem. Shops chase tactics, marketing angles, and quick wins, but the operators scaling from one location to ten and beyond are playing a different game entirely. Growth is being driven by discipline, culture, and consistency, not creativity. Inside Big O Tires, the pattern becomes clear. The operators winning long-term don’t reinvent systems, they refine them. They build pressure into their culture, hold teams accountable, and treat customer relationships as assets that compound over time. The gap between average and top-performing shops isn’t access to better tools. It’s the refusal to let standards slip. This is where most operators fall behind. Weak retention, inconsistent service, and constant hiring challenges aren’t random, they’re the result of operating without a defined standard. Meanwhile, the shops that understand how tire shop owners grow are building businesses that scale predictably, retain customers for years, and create internal leadership pipelines that sustain expansion. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:  [01:11] Joe Happel on maintaining high standards and prioritizing work over recognition [09:09] Desiree Elliott on generational leadership and scaling a multi-store operation [14:05] Steve Towers on expanding across multiple states and building brand consistency [22:23] Charlie Alexander on acquisition-driven growth and co-op structure advantages [27:04] Terri & Tim Hollander on customer retention through long-term relationships [35:01] Gary Skidmore on franchise growth strategy and system-wide collaboration Resources mentioned in this episode: Big O TiresBig O Tires Franchise OpportunitiesJoe Happel on LinkedInDesiree Elliott on LinkedInSteve Towers on LinkedInCharlie Alexander on LinkedInGary Skidmore on LinkedInTread PartnersGain Traction Podcast on YouTubeGain Traction Podcast WebsiteMike Edge on LinkedInQuotable Moments: “You just have to listen… and you learn a lot.”“Pressure creates diamonds.”“You can’t teach somebody to care.”“Delight the customer, not just satisfy them.”“It is cheaper to keep an employee than to find and train a new one.”Action Steps: Establish one non-negotiable service standard across every location and enforce it daily without exception.Build structured mentorship inside your shop by pairing experienced operators with newer team members to accelerate learning.Audit your customer experience and shift from satisfaction to retention-driven service that builds long-term trust.Identify where inconsistency exists in your operations and eliminate it through repeatable systems and accountability.Study how tire shop owners grow by focusing on culture, employee retention, and execution rather than chasing new strategies.

    40 min
  3. The New Playbook for Independent Tire Dealers

    APR 29

    The New Playbook for Independent Tire Dealers

    Peter Greenberg — owner of City Tire Co., a business operating since 1927 with a long-standing presence in retail, commercial, and retread segments. With decades of industry experience, he brings a strong perspective on vendor relationships, buying group strategy, and the operational decisions shaping how independent tire dealers compete today. David Zeller — owner of Zeller Tire & Auto Center, a multi-location operation established in 1952. His experience centers on integrating tire sales with automotive service, refining internal systems, and driving profitability for independent tire dealers in an increasingly competitive market. Bob Amenta — President of Modern Tire, where he oversees a service-focused operation that complements tire sales with long-term maintenance and repair. His approach emphasizes operational structure, customer retention, and sustainable growth within the independent tire dealers segment. EPISODE SPONSOR This episode of the Gain Traction Podcast is sponsored by Cosmo Tires. Cosmo Tires offers a wide range of tire solutions designed for durability, reliability, and performance across multiple vehicle segments. Learn more at https://www.cosmotires.com In this episode… Independent tire dealers are losing margin in plain sight, and the root cause sits inside their own operations. Pricing no longer defines competitiveness. Buying power, service integration, and internal alignment now determine who grows and who gets left behind. Peter Greenberg, David Zeller, and Bob Amenta expose a shift that many operators still overlook. Running a shop in isolation limits leverage with vendors, restricts access to best practices, and slows down operational evolution. Their collaboration through Tire Team Partners reveals a model where shared intelligence and complementary strengths unlock both cost advantages and revenue growth. The pressure from consolidation and rising customer expectations continues to intensify. Shops that fail to modernize purchasing strategies and service mix face shrinking margins and weaker retention. Growth now depends on executing both sides of the business; tires and service, with precision, while building systems that scale beyond a single location mindset. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:  [01:10] Overview of panel guests and their operations [01:54] Formation of Tire Team Partners and collaboration model [05:39] Strategic importance of balancing tire sales and service revenue [07:23] Role of advisor recommendations in tire purchasing decisions [08:08] Impact of internet-informed customers on the sales process [10:13] Guest backgrounds and industry experience [11:01] Leadership perspectives and operational philosophies [15:09] Business outlook and collaboration strategy for 2026 [17:16] Leveraging buying power to improve pricing and margins [19:44] Future direction and potential expansion of Tire Team Partners Resources mentioned in this episode: Peter Greenberg on LinkedInCity Tire Co. WebsiteDavid Zeller on LinkedInZeller Tire & Auto CenterModern TireTread PartnersGain Traction Podcast on YouTubeGain Traction Podcast WebsiteMike Edge on LinkedInQuotable Moments: “70% are going on the recommendation of the advisor.”“The real diamond in the rough is doing both—tires and service—and doing both well.”“The price largely is determined by the market, not by my cost.”“We have to control our own destiny.”“Small tweaks can turn out to be incredibly profitable over the course of 12 or 24 months.”Action Steps: Audit purchasing strategy and consolidate vendor relationships to increase leverage and reduce cost per unit.Rebalance operations to ensure tire sales consistently drive service opportunities and long-term customer retention.Build peer-level partnerships or join collaborative groups to access shared best practices and scale advantages.Standardize internal processes across locations to eliminate inefficiencies and improve profitability at scale.Implement a dual-focus growth plan that strengthens both service operations and tire volume to position independent tire dealers for sustained expansion.

    22 min
  4. The Real Issues Independent Tire Dealers Are Facing in 2026

    APR 22

    The Real Issues Independent Tire Dealers Are Facing in 2026

    Jeff Webster is the owner of Take Ten Tire Service, with nearly three decades in the tire industry. He has expanded his operations beyond Oklahoma through recent acquisitions and is an active member of the Independent Tire Dealers Group, where he values long-term relationships and peer collaboration. Josh Porter is the owner of Lex Brodie’s Tire Company on the Big Island of Hawaii, where he operates multiple retail locations alongside commercial tire centers, car washes, and service businesses. With over 20 years in the industry, he focuses on staying relevant in a geographically isolated market through diversification and industry connections. Ryan Anderson is the president and owner of Montana Tire Distributors Inc., a business that combines wholesale distribution with retail operations. Having grown up in the industry, he emphasizes the financial and competitive advantages of group buying power and has helped lead the company through continued expansion. Katie Youngblood is a third-generation owner of Youngblood Auto & Tire based in Texas, overseeing both retail locations and a large-scale mobile commercial service operation. Her business primarily serves commercial clients, with a strong focus on roadside service and fleet support across a wide regional footprint. Jay Baxter is the president of Delaware Tire Centers, where he operates a smaller independent dealership. With decades of experience, he highlights the challenges faced by independent operators and the importance of joining networks like ITDG to remain competitive. Peter Greenberg is the owner of City Tire Company and serves as chairman of the Independent Tire Dealers Group. Coming from a multi-generational business, he focuses on helping independent dealers compete against large chains through private brands, collective buying power, and shared strategies. Rick Benton II is the president of Black’s Tire Service, a long-standing family-owned company known for its strong community involvement and internal culture. He advocates for collaboration among independent dealers and emphasizes adapting to industry changes while maintaining core values. EPISODE SPONSOR This episode of the Gain Traction Podcast is sponsored by Cosmo Tires. Cosmo Tires offers a wide range of tire solutions designed for durability, reliability, and performance across multiple vehicle segments. Learn more at https://www.cosmotires.com In this episode… Independent tire shop owners are losing margin in places they don’t even see, buried in pricing, sourcing, and deals that were never built for them to win. The big chains aren’t just bigger; they’re buying better, negotiating harder, and moving faster. That advantage shows up every single time a customer says yes to a quote. The operators in this conversation aren’t guessing what’s wrong. They’re seeing it firsthand: the cost of staying independent without leverage is rising, and it’s showing up in tighter profits, tougher competition, and slower growth. Meanwhile, shops that have aligned themselves with groups like ITDG are playing a different game: better pricing, stronger supplier relationships, and a seat at the table they didn’t have before. This is the shift most shop owners feel but haven’t fully defined yet. The shops that recognize it are already adjusting how they buy, how they price, and how they scale. The rest are still trying to outwork a system that was never built in their favor. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:  [01:11] Jeff Webster on ITDG value and industry relationships [06:23] Josh Porter on ITDG benefits and business expansion [12:43] Ryan Anderson on buying power and profit impact [17:36] Katie Youngblood on commercial operations and scale [25:10] Jay Baxter on challenges facing independent dealers [28:59] Peter Greenberg on competition and private label strategy [37:21] Rick Benton II on culture and industry evolution Resources mentioned in this episode: ITDG (Independent Tire Dealers Group LLC)Jeff Webster LinkedInTake Ten Tire & ServiceLex Brodie’s Tire CompanyMontana Tire Distributors Inc.Youngblood Auto & TireJay Baxter LinkedInDelaware Tire CentersCity Tire CompanyRick Benton II LinkedInBlack’s Tire ServiceTread PartnersGain Traction Podcast on YouTubeGain Traction Podcast WebsiteMike Edge on LinkedInQuotable Moments: “You just never know where you’re gonna run across the same people, it’s a great family of people.”“It’s the difference between competing and succeeding and thriving.”“When we come together, we’re a really big fish; it’s hard to beat us.”“As an independent, you’re faced with private equity getting bigger, how do you compete?”“It’s not just about making a living, it’s about making a difference.”Action Steps: Join or evaluate a dealer network to immediately increase buying power and reduce cost per tire, independent tire shop owners who stay isolated are overpaying.Audit your current supplier pricing and compare it against group purchasing benchmarks to identify margin leakage.Diversify revenue streams by adding commercial services, mobile support, or complementary automotive offerings to stabilize cash flow.Build relationships with other operators in your market or network to share strategies, vendors, and operational efficiencies.Develop a private label or alternative tire strategy to regain pricing control and protect margins from manufacturer restrictions.

    48 min
  5. Why Most Auto Shops Fail When They Try to Scale

    APR 15

    Why Most Auto Shops Fail When They Try to Scale

    Phil Carpenter is the Director of Operations at Urban Autocare and Avalon Motorsports, overseeing seven locations in the Denver, Colorado area. He began his career as a technician and became the first employee in what was once a two-person shop, eventually helping grow the business into a 55-person operation. His experience spans every stage of scaling an auto repair shop; from turning wrenches to leading teams, building systems, and managing multi-location complexity. That progression gives him a grounded perspective on what actually breaks, evolves, and demands attention as shops grow beyond a single location. EPISODE SPONSOR This episode of the Gain Traction Podcast is sponsored by Cosmo Tires. Cosmo Tires offers a wide range of tire solutions designed for durability, reliability, and performance across multiple vehicle segments. Learn more at https://www.cosmotires.com In this episode… Growth doesn’t fail loudly at first. It slips in through divided attention, stretched leadership, and roles that multiply faster than the team can support. Scaling an auto repair shop introduces a different kind of pressure, one that doesn’t show up in car count or revenue reports. It shows up in managers juggling three roles, in culture that starts to drift, and in decisions that carry more weight than they did at one location. The systems that once worked stop holding, and the habits that built the business begin to limit it. This conversation centers on what actually changes as a shop grows. The shift from technician to leader, the cost of trying to do everything at once, and the reality that profitability is what allows a business to stand behind its work when things go wrong. Scaling an auto repair shop demands sharper focus, stronger systems, and a clear understanding of where leadership attention belongs. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:  [01:15] Background and introduction of Phil Carpenter [02:39] Early career path and entry into the automotive industry [04:15] Building culture through care and accountability [07:16] Early challenges and stagnant growth in the first location [10:57] Transition from technician to advisor and manager [14:40] Operational strain from wearing multiple roles [20:33] Profitability as a foundation for stability and customer care [22:50] Leadership framework: execution, preparation, and review [26:48] Personal background and life outside the shop Resources mentioned in this episode: Phil Carpenter on LinkedInUrban Autocare WebsiteAvalon Motorsports WebsiteTread PartnersGain Traction Podcast on YouTubeGain Traction Podcast WebsiteMike Edge on LinkedInQuotable Moments: “I can be a very good technician and I can be a very good service advisor, but I cannot do them at the exact same time.”“We know how to take care of people, and we’re going to do that really, really well.”“We can love and care about you, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t expect you to do a really good job.”“If we’re not running our businesses soundly and with profit, we start squeezing pennies and stop standing behind what we do.”“Feedback is a gift.”Action Steps: Audit current roles across your team and eliminate overlap where one person is carrying multiple critical functions. Divided attention is one of the fastest ways scaling an auto repair shop breaks down operationally.Define clear accountability standards for each role and enforce them consistently. Culture weakens when expectations stay informal.Review profitability at a granular level. Margin is what allows the business to take care of customers without hesitation when mistakes happen.Identify one process that worked at a single location and stress-test it across multiple locations. Systems must evolve as complexity increases.Build a leadership habit of preparation and review. Go into key conversations with intent, then evaluate performance immediately after to improve the next decision.

    31 min
  6. The Process That Took an Auto Shop from $40K to $100K a Month

    APR 8

    The Process That Took an Auto Shop from $40K to $100K a Month

    Adam Dixon is the Director of Operations at Urbs Garage, a multi-location auto repair business serving the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky markets. He built his career from the ground up as a technician before moving into leadership, where he developed and implemented scalable systems that drive consistent performance across locations. His hands-on experience across dealerships, independent shops, and multi-store operations gives him a practical, execution-first perspective on what actually works in the bay. Today, Adam is known for turning underperforming locations into high-revenue operations by focusing on process, speed, and accountability. His approach to strategies to grow an auto repair shop centers on operational discipline rather than marketing spend, proving that growth is built through execution, not theory. EPISODE SPONSOR This episode of the Gain Traction Podcast is sponsored by Cosmo Tires. Cosmo Tires offers a wide range of tire solutions designed for durability, reliability, and performance across multiple vehicle segments. Learn more at https://www.cosmotires.com In this episode… Most shops don’t stall because they lack ideas. They stall because execution breaks under pressure. Revenue leaks out in the space between inspection, communication, and approval. Cars sit too long before being checked. Customers wait too long to hear back. Decisions get pushed later into the day, and with that delay comes hesitation, lost trust, and missed sales. The industry continues to push marketing and expansion as the solution, yet the real constraint lives inside the shop’s daily workflow. This episode shifts the focus back to what actually drives growth; speed creates confidence, clarity increases approvals, and consistency compounds results. The operators who scale are not chasing tactics, they are controlling the flow of work, removing friction, and building systems that perform every single day. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:  [01:15 ] Introduction of Adam Dixon and Urbs Garage [01:31] Early interest in fixing things and technical curiosity [07:15] Transition from dealership environment to independent shop [09:52] Learning operational processes and identifying inefficiencies [13:05] Attempted business acquisition and corporate transition [14:28] Joining Urbs Garage and stepping into leadership [17:54] Importance of mindset and saying yes to customers [19:08] Marketing strategy differences across locations [20:17] Rebuilding trust in underperforming shop locations [21:27] Managing and optimizing digital marketing spend [24:09] Customer attrition and need for consistent acquisition [25:12] Speed to sale and importance of fast vehicle inspection [27:15] Personal philosophy on accountability and follow-through [28:37] Personal interests and hobbies outside the business Resources mentioned in this episode: Urbs Garage & Tire LinkedInUrbs Garage WebsiteTread PartnersGain Traction Podcast on YouTubeGain Traction Podcast WebsiteMike Edge on LinkedInQuotable Moments: “Just changing processes, just how they did things.”“You have to say yes.”“Plant the seed of confidence in the customer that they’re always going to call Urbs Garage when they have a problem.” “You’ve got to get the car checked out really fast.”“You don’t want to have the customer have the doubt that they’re going to get the car back today."Action Steps: Audit your check-in-to-diagnosis time. Set a standard that every vehicle gets inspected within the first hour to eliminate hesitation and increase approval rates.Train your team to present findings early in the day. Speed to communication directly impacts close rate and customer confidence.Standardize your workflow across all locations. Consistent processes create predictable outcomes and are foundational to effective strategies to grow an auto repair shop.Shift your focus from lead generation to conversion efficiency. Increasing approval rates on existing car count drives faster revenue growth than adding new traffic.Build a “say yes” culture at the front counter. Confidence at first contact sets the tone for the entire customer experience and drives repeat business.

    33 min
  7. Why Independent Shops May Lose the Right to Repair

    APR 1

    Why Independent Shops May Lose the Right to Repair

    David Manley is the Managing Editor of Tire Business, where he covers the trends, policy shifts, and operational challenges shaping the tire and automotive repair industry. With more than two decades in journalism across photography, writing, and editing, he brings a well-rounded perspective on how industry changes impact shop owners on the ground. His work consistently highlights the growing tension around right to repair in auto repair, giving operators a clearer understanding of how legislation, technology, and manufacturer control are reshaping what independent shops can and can’t do. In this episode… Control over the repair process is quietly shifting away from independent shops. What used to be a straightforward job now stops at the final step because access is blocked, not because capability is missing. Shops can complete the work, but can’t finish it. The core issue sits inside right to repair in auto repair. Vehicle data, software access, and manufacturer restrictions are redefining ownership. Customers believe they own their vehicles, but access limitations tell a different story. That gap is where frustration builds and where shops start losing ground. The pressure doesn’t stay inside the industry, it moves directly to the customer. Higher costs, longer wait times, and forced dealership visits become the new normal. Right to repair in auto repair shifts from a policy conversation to a daily operational problem that affects revenue, workflow, and customer trust. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:  [01:15] David Manley’s role and industry perspective [03:17] Career background and transition into Tire Business [06:22] Key challenges currently impacting the tire industry [08:44] Lack of awareness surrounding right to repair [10:00] How restricted access is redefining vehicle ownership [13:46] Cost and service delays driven by repair limitations [14:56] Tesla’s approach to open repair information access [16:11] The role of vehicle data, safety, and manufacturer control [18:33] ADAS limitations and implications for third-party service [20:23] Importance of reporting real-world repair access issues [24:02] Urgency for industry-wide awareness and action [24:47] Personal conversations and closing statements Resources mentioned in this episode: David Manley LinkedInTire Business WebsiteGain Traction Podcast Episode #176: Right to Repair: The End of DIY Car Maintenance?Tire Industry Association (TIA)Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)TIA Right to Repair: Report your IssueTread PartnersGain Traction Podcast on YouTubeGain Traction Podcast WebsiteMike Edge on LinkedInQuotable Moments: “Shops can complete the repair, but just can’t turn off the check engine light.”“The consumer should be able to get their product fixed where they want.”“Access is going to be restricted, and it’s happening in small ways right now.”“It becomes a price issue and a time issue for the customer.”“You’re connected to the manufacturer long after you buy the vehicle.”Action Steps: Audit recent repair jobs where your team couldn’t complete the work due to access restrictions and document the exact limitation.Train your advisors to clearly explain right to repair in auto repair to customers so they understand why delays or referrals happen.Start reporting specific access issues through industry channels like TIA to contribute real-world examples that influence legislation.Evaluate how often dealership referrals are increasing and track the revenue impact tied to incomplete jobs.Position your shop as an advocate for customer choice by educating your audience on right to repair in auto repair through content, conversations, and in-store messaging.

    32 min
  8. How Do Peer Groups Help Auto Shop Owners Grow?

    MAR 25

    How Do Peer Groups Help Auto Shop Owners Grow?

    Nick Fox is a Pro Service Coach and Facilitator with Elite Worldwide and a former multi-location auto repair shop owner. After helping grow and operate his family’s automotive service business for more than a decade, Fox sold the operation and transitioned into coaching independent shop owners across North America. His work centers around helping operators improve leadership, operations, and profitability through structured collaboration and shared learning. Today, Fox works directly with independent operators through auto shop owner peer groups, helping them compare strategies, challenge assumptions, and solve real business problems alongside other experienced shop owners. His perspective combines firsthand shop ownership with years of facilitating leadership discussions among some of the most growth-focused operators in the automotive industry. EPISODE SPONSOR This episode of the Gain Traction Podcast is sponsored by Cosmo Tires. Cosmo Tires offers a wide range of tire solutions designed for durability, reliability, and performance across multiple vehicle segments. Learn more at https://www.cosmotires.com In this episode… Running an auto repair shop places enormous pressure on leadership. Owners make financial decisions, manage employees, solve operational problems, and plan long-term growth, often without trusted advisors who understand the realities of the automotive aftermarket. That isolation explains the rise of auto shop owner peer groups across the industry. These groups give operators a place to share real numbers, discuss operational challenges, and learn from people running similar businesses. The conversation with Nick Fox reveals how these environments accelerate leadership development and decision-making in ways that traditional business advice rarely achieves. Fox explains how structured collaboration between shop owners creates a powerful feedback loop. Operators bring real problems to the table, receive direct input from peers who have already navigated those challenges, and leave with solutions that impact staffing, workflow, and customer experience. For many leaders, auto shop owner peer groups function like a board of directors built specifically for independent repair businesses. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:  [01:15] Background on Nick Fox and his role at Elite Worldwide [01:51] Nick Fox shares his transition from shop ownership to coaching [03:44] How peer groups shaped Nick Fox’s leadership development [05:53] Key differences between one-on-one coaching and peer group collaboration [09:33] Overview of Elite Worldwide’s master meeting structure [11:56] How host shop visits create operational feedback and accountability [18:09] Membership criteria and entry points for Elite Worldwide peer groups [20:16] How members are grouped based on business size and goals [21:04] Ways members connect and collaborate beyond their core group [24:39] Closing reflections and personal recommendations Resources mentioned in this episode: Nick Fox on LinkedInElite Worldwide WebsiteTread PartnersGain Traction Podcast on YouTubeGain Traction Podcast WebsiteMike Edge on LinkedInQuotable Moments: “Life changing.”“I personally prefer a peer group setting because I don’t get only one opinion, I get numerous opinions.”“It’s almost like having your own board of directors to bounce anything you want off of them.”“Being an entrepreneur or a business owner can be very lonely.”“Eighty minds is a lot better than one mind.”Action Steps: Build a leadership sounding board. Strong operators surround themselves with people who challenge their thinking. Auto shop owner peer groups create structured environments where owners review decisions, financial strategies, and operational challenges with experienced peers.Compare operational systems with other shops. Workflow bottlenecks, service advisor processes, and customer experience systems improve quickly when shop owners see how other successful operators run their businesses.Bring real problems to the table. High-performing peer environments focus on real numbers, real staffing challenges, and real operational constraints. Honest conversations lead directly to practical solutions.Treat leadership development like a business investment. Shop owners invest heavily in equipment, tools, and technology. Leadership development delivers the same level of return when operators actively learn from other experienced shop owners.Expand your professional network inside the industry. The strongest operators maintain relationships with other shop leaders who openly share best practices, industry insights, and operational lessons learned.

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Gain Traction Podcast features top tire and auto repair professionals, shop owners, industry executives, and thought leaders.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Edge
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    227
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025, All Rights Reserved. Gain Traction Podcast.
  • Show Website
    Gain Traction

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