The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast

Automotive Repair Podcast
  • 4.8 (5)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker. Experts in their field who work with shop owners take it to the next level and create a unique approach to marketing. See the growth in your business you’ve been working so hard for by using time-proven marketing that works, fueled to go further by your shop's uniqueness.

  1. Legacy of Education, Events, and Care [E208]

    3d ago

    Legacy of Education, Events, and Care [E208]

    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled Some shops sponsor a Little League team and call it community involvement. Others build their entire business around serving people. Patrick Weidman and Jean Bradley have spent decades creating a culture where giving back is simply part of how they do business. From Ladies’ Night educational events and teen driver workshops to supporting local food pantries, cancer research, and holiday giving programs, their commitment to the community has become one of the biggest drivers of trust, loyalty, and long-term growth. What started with lessons learned from Uncle Pat and a mother who dedicated her life to helping others has grown into a thriving multi-location operation that continues to put people first. Patrick and Jean share how they choose community events, what they’ve learned from successes and failures, how they get their team involved, and why educating customers is one of the most powerful things a shop can do. If you're looking for practical ideas to strengthen your community presence while building a business people genuinely love, this conversation is full of inspiration and actionable takeaways. Hit play and discover how doing the right thing can become one of your shop’s greatest competitive advantages. Show Notes with Timestamps Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:00:10) Host Kim Walker introduces the episode and her guests, Jean Bradley and Patrick Weidman, owners of multiple auto repair shops.Sponsor Messages (00:00:53) A brief interlude for messages from the podcast sponsors, Shop Boss and App Fueled, highlighting their services for auto shops.The Family Business Story (00:01:25) Discussion about the family's history in the auto repair business, starting with their Uncle Pat and involving six siblings.Choosing Community Events (00:07:32) Jean and Patrick explain how their mother's community involvement inspired them to support causes like cancer research and local food pantries.The Origins of Ladies Night (00:11:09) Patrick and Jean discuss why they started their popular Ladies Night event over 15 years ago to educate and empower women.Lessons from Uncle Pat (00:14:28) Patrick shares the core business philosophy learned from his Uncle Pat: the Golden Rule of treating everyone with respect.The First Event and Post-Mortems (00:21:23) The guests recall their first Ladies Night and emphasize the importance of conducting a "post-mortem" after every event to improve.Getting Team Buy-In (00:25:19) Patrick explains how their strong company culture makes it easy to get team members to volunteer and participate in after-hours events.Marketing a Successful Event (00:26:37) Jean details the marketing strategy for their Ladies Night, which resulted in a full registration and a waiting list.Empowering Customers Through Education (00:31:59) The discussion focuses on how offering a "behind the scenes" look and empowering customers with knowledge builds trust and attracts clients.Collaboration Between Shop Locations (00:34:56) Patrick explains how their different shop locations collaborate and cross-promote for events, especially the two that are located close together.Favorite and Most Successful Events (00:35:59) Patrick and Jean share their favorite events, including Ladies Night, Boy Scout events, and supporting the local food pantry.Least Favorite or Challenging Events (00:41:08) The guests discuss their least successful events, particularly those involving uninterested teenagers at a local driving school.What's Next for the Shops (00:45:18) Patrick and Jean talk about their future plans, including expanding to a fourth location and continuing their educational video content.How to Find the Shops (00:48:12) Jean provides the names and locations of their shops and mentions their active presence on social media and their websites. How To Get In Touch Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook Meet The Pros Follow SMP on Facebook Follow SMP on Instagram Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc) Their Story Advanced European Repair Grove Street Shovel Town Auto Their Community Involvement Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled This episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you. AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.” The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/

    51 min
  2. Should Your Shop Have a Team Retreat? [E207]

    Jun 3

    Should Your Shop Have a Team Retreat? [E207]

    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled Let’s be real. Your team probably needs a break more than they need another meeting. Brian and Kim Walker talk about their fifth annual team retreat, why they intentionally do almost no work during it, and how getting away together has helped their remote team reconnect, rest, laugh, and build real culture. Whether you take your shop team to the beach, the mountains, a conference Airbnb, or just your backyard for a barbecue, this episode will get you thinking about what it looks like to truly retreat. Listen to the full episode and start thinking about how you can give your team space to reset, reconnect, and come back stronger. Show Notes with Timestamps Introduction to Team Retreats (00:00:09) The hosts introduce the topic of company team retreats and share that they just returned from their fifth annual one.The "First Annual" Debate (00:01:04) A humorous debate on the correct terminology for a first-time event, with "inaugural" being the preferred term over "first annual."The Origin and Location of the Retreat (00:02:20) The retreat idea came from a coach. The team has gone to a beach house in Grayton Beach, Florida for five years.What is a Retreat? (00:03:17) Kim defines their retreat as a non-working getaway focused on relaxation and in-person connection, not meetings or work tasks.Retreat Activities and Team Bonding (00:06:22) The team enjoys eating, playing games, riding bikes, and getting massages. The focus is on relaxing and having fun together.The True Meaning of "Retreat" (00:07:35) Brian shares the dictionary definitions of "retreat," emphasizing withdrawal, refuge, and getting away from the daily grind of work.The Importance of Unscheduled Downtime (00:08:57) Rainy weather forced the team to slow down and rest, which proved to be exactly what they needed to recharge.The Power of Taking a Break (00:11:02) The hosts share a personal vacation experience, highlighting how essential it is for leaders to slow down and truly rest.The ROI of a Retreat (00:17:05) While expensive, the hosts believe the return on investment from team bonding and rejuvenation is priceless and absolutely worth it.Learning About Your Team (00:17:49) Playing trivia games helps team members learn surprising and fun personal stories about each other in a relaxed, informal setting.Planning and Logistics (00:19:56) Tips on planning a retreat, including renting bikes, accommodating team needs, and figuring out what works for your specific group.How to Start Your Own Retreat (00:21:02) You don't have to go big. A retreat can start small, like a simple barbecue at your house on a Saturday.Using Tools for Planning (00:21:22) Kim shares her planning process, including using Google Forms for preferences and ChatGPT to figure out complex rooming arrangements.Managing Expectations (00:23:10) Understand that not every team member will be able to attend, and it's important to be flexible and go with the flow.A Valuable Company Culture Tool (00:24:03) A retreat can be a great culture builder and a recruiting tool, as potential hires are often attracted to the idea.How to Get Planning Resources (00:25:20) The hosts offer to share their planning document with listeners who reach out via email or their Facebook group. How To Get In Touch Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook Meet The Pros Follow SMP on Facebook Follow SMP on Instagram Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc) Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo Automotive Repair Podcast Network Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled This episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you. AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.” The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/

    27 min
  3. AI Nuggets From Our SEO Director [E206]

    May 27

    AI Nuggets From Our SEO Director [E206]

    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled AI isn’t just changing SEO. It’s changing the way people choose an auto repair shop. Brian Walker sits down with Michelle Travis to talk through what shop owners need to understand about AI-first SEO, zero-click search, brand trust, reviews, content depth, and why website traffic may go down while lead quality goes up. They also dig into why the old SEO foundations still matter, why AI cares about your brand across the web, and why chasing every shiny new AI tactic is a mistake. Listen to this episode and learn how to position your shop to be recommended by AI, not just found on Google. Show Notes with Timestamps Introduction to AI-First SEO (00:00:10) Host Brian Walker introduces guest Michelle Travis to discuss AI-first SEO from a technical standpoint, building on a previous episode.What is Zero-Click Search? (00:02:14) Michelle explains zero-click search, where users get answers from AI overviews without clicking on websites, affecting traditional traffic metrics.Impact on Website Traffic and Leads (00:04:21) Discussion on how zero-click search reduces overall website traffic but increases the quality and conversion rate of the remaining visitors.How AI Builds Trust (00:07:28) AI builds trust by acting as a reliable recommender, which then transfers that trust directly to the suggested auto repair shop.The Overlap Between Traditional SEO and AI SEO (00:09:21) Michelle explains how foundational SEO practices like NAP consistency and review management have become even more crucial for AI optimization.AI as a Human-Like Recommender (00:13:07) AI evaluates businesses more like a human, valuing trust signals like diverse review sources and certifications more than traditional algorithms.Ranking Brands, Not Just Websites (00:17:37) The focus shifts from ranking for keywords to establishing the shop's brand across the web through tracked brand mentions.The Power of Increased SEO Efforts (00:20:02) Discussing how increasing the quantity of SEO activities, like creating topic clusters, accelerates building topical authority and attracting high-ticket repairs.Biggest Misconceptions About SEO and AI (00:25:59) Michelle addresses common misconceptions, including the necessity of in-depth content and the idea that you must implement every new AI trend.AI is Not an Expert (00:29:12) A warning that AI tools are not experts, can be factually incorrect, and require knowledgeable human oversight to be used effectively. How To Get In Touch Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook Meet The Pros Follow SMP on Facebook Follow SMP on Instagram Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc) Episode 205 of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast They Ask, You Answer Endless Customers Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled This episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you. AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.” The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/

    33 min
  4. The Results of AI-First SEO [E205]

    May 20

    The Results of AI-First SEO [E205]

    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled AI is no longer something that’s “coming.” It’s already changing the way auto repair shops get discovered, build trust, and attract high-value clients. In this conversation, Brian Walker sits down with Doug DeLucca and Chris Luoma to talk about what happens when an auto repair shop embraces an AI-first SEO strategy and starts creating the kind of content AI platforms actually want to recommend. From ChatGPT and Claude to Grok and Gemini, both shop owners share real stories of customers finding their businesses through AI searches, arriving more educated, more trusting, and more ready to buy than the average lead. They also break down how content marketing, thought leadership, blogs, FAQs, and branding are helping their shops stand out in a rapidly changing digital landscape. You’ll hear how one AI-generated referral turned into a $4,500 brake repair job, another became a $17,000 truck repair ticket, and why the future of marketing auto repair shops may look very different from traditional Google search. If you want to understand where SEO, AI, and shop marketing are headed and how to position your shop ahead of the curve, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Listen now. Show Notes with Timestamps Introduction to AI-First SEO (00:00:09) Host Brian Walker introduces guests Doug DeLucca and Chris Luoma to discuss the results of their AI-first SEO strategy.Sponsors: Shop Boss & App Fueled (00:00:31) A brief thank you to the episode's sponsors, Shop Boss management software and App Fueled custom loyalty apps.Business Growth Over the Last 12-18 Months (00:01:21) Doug and Chris share their significant growth in revenue, gross profit, and car count over the past year.First Customer from an AI Recommendation (00:02:51) Both shop owners recall the first time a customer mentioned finding their business through an AI tool like ChatGPT.Which AI Platforms Are Recommending Shops? (00:04:51) The guests discuss the various AI platforms, like ChatGPT, Grok, and Claude, that customers are using to find them.How AI-Referred Clients Differ from Google Clients (00:05:37) AI-referred customers are more educated about the shop and their vehicle's issue, arriving with a higher intent to buy.Building a Relationship with AI (00:07:40) The conversation explores how users build a trusted relationship with AI, making its recommendations feel like a personal referral.The Impact of Upgrading to Level Two SEO (00:09:17) Doug and Chris explain how upgrading their SEO strategy led to higher quality clients and increased online appointment bookings.Targeting College Students with SEO (00:11:32) Both owners discuss successfully using dedicated web pages and blogs to attract college students and their out-of-state parents.Big Ticket Jobs from AI Referrals (00:13:14) Doug shares a story of a $4,500 brake job from a customer who used Grok to troubleshoot his car.Sponsors: Shop Boss & App Fueled (Mid-roll) (00:14:51) A mid-episode break highlighting the features and benefits of Shop Boss shop management software and App Fueled loyalty apps.A $17,000 Job from an AI Lead (00:17:03) Chris recounts how a new customer, who researched the shop extensively via AI, came in for a $17,000 engine replacement.Organic vs. Paid Growth Strategies (00:19:19) Doug discusses his organic, content-focused growth strategy, which has lowered marketing spend while increasing business by over 30%.A Mixed Marketing Approach (00:22:23) Chris explains his strategy of combining paid ads on Google and social media with a strong focus on content creation.The Future of Paid Ads in AI (00:23:38) The group speculates on how paid advertising within AI platforms might change the marketing landscape for auto repair shops.What Shop Owners Don't Understand About Marketing (00:26:44) The guests emphasize that content is king and that shops need to be different, using video and social media.Using Video and Social Media for Engagement (00:29:39) Doug and Chris discuss their use of video and frequent social media posting to build brand awareness and engagement.Final Thoughts: Lean into Content (00:31:11) The guests conclude that creating consistent, quality content is the best way to win in the new era of AI. How To Get In Touch Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook Meet The Pros Follow SMP on Facebook Follow SMP on Instagram Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc) Endless Customers by Marcus Sheridan They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan Business Network International (BNI) Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled This episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you. AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.” The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/

    34 min
  5. Why Your Marketing Works….Until It Doesn’t [E204]

    May 13

    Why Your Marketing Works….Until It Doesn’t [E204]

    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled Let’s be real, nothing feels better than when your marketing is firing on all cylinders. Phones ringing, bays full, your team moving fast. And then… it just stops. No warning. No clear reason. Same budget, same ads, same strategy but the results? Gone. In this episode, Kim Walker breaks down exactly why that happens and, more importantly, what to do about it. She walks through the real lifecycle of marketing, from the early wins of launch, to the momentum of growth, to the frustrating plateau, and eventually the decline that catches most shop owners off guard. But here’s the kicker… It’s not bad luck. It’s predictable. You’ll hear the common mistakes shop owners make (like pulling budgets too early or chasing shiny new tactics), what’s actually happening behind the scenes with platforms like Google and customer behavior, and how smart shops stay ahead by making data-driven decisions instead of emotional ones. If you’ve ever said, “Our marketing just stopped working,” this is one you need to hear. Hit play now and learn how to stay ahead of the curve instead of constantly playing catch-up. Show Notes with Timestamps Introduction: Why Your Marketing Stops Working (00:00:10) Kim Walker introduces the episode's topic: why marketing campaigns that initially work well eventually stop being effective over time.The Marketing Life Cycle (00:01:16) Marketing has a life cycle just like anything else. Understanding it helps you avoid panic and make timely adjustments.Phase 1: The Launch (00:02:08) The exciting first phase of a marketing campaign, characterized by early wins, low competition, and the joy of newness.Phase 2: The Growth (00:02:48) The phase where marketing efforts become consistent, momentum builds, phones ring, and results are strong and steady.Phase 3: The Plateau (00:03:32) Growth begins to slow down. Things feel steady, but the initial momentum has noticeably decreased, leaving you wondering why.Phase 4: The Decline (00:04:43) Results are dropping while costs are rising. Ad fatigue sets in, and competitors may be catching up.Common Mistakes Shop Owners Make (00:05:42) Discussing common errors like the "set it and forget it" mindset, pulling budgets too early, and blaming channels.Chasing Shiny Objects (00:08:35) Warning against pursuing new marketing trends without first fixing foundational issues in your existing strategy and ensuring they are solid.External Factors Affecting Marketing (00:11:44) Discussing external influences like new competitors entering the market, the rising cost of ads, and shifts in customer behavior.Algorithm Changes (00:15:12) Platforms like Google and Facebook constantly change their algorithms, which can suddenly impact your marketing campaign's performance and results.Is Your Brand Stale? (00:16:32) Considering the possibility that a brand may need a refresh over time, which could be a slow-building reason for decline.What Smart Shops Do Differently (00:17:42) Smart shops regularly refresh creative and messaging, layer strategies, and track trends instead of reacting based on emotions.The Importance of a Long-Term Mindset (00:22:02) Successful marketing requires a long-term mindset with annual and quarterly plans, not just jumping from campaign to campaign.Closing and Call to Action (00:22:56) Kim encourages listeners to send feedback, ideas, and questions, and asks for reviews on their favorite podcast app. How To Get In Touch Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook Meet The Pros Follow SMP on Facebook Follow SMP on Instagram Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc) Walker’s Hierarchy of Marketing Needs Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled This episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you. AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.” The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/

    25 min
  6. Should You Have a Customer Advisory Panel? [E203]

    May 6

    Should You Have a Customer Advisory Panel? [E203]

    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled Most shop owners are out here making big decisions based on gut feelings, a few loud customer opinions, or whatever seems like a good idea in the moment. And sometimes that works… but a lot of times, it doesn’t. What if you had a way to pressure test your ideas before rolling them out? What if you could hear directly from the people you actually want more of… your best clients… and even the ones who are not afraid to tell you the truth? That’s exactly what this episode dives into. Kim Walker breaks down how a customer advisory panel can become one of the most powerful tools in your shop. Not just for marketing, but for smarter decision making, better services, and avoiding costly mistakes before they happen. She’s not talking theory here. This is pulled straight from real world experience, both inside an auto repair shop and at Shop Marketing Pros, where these panels have literally stopped bad ideas in their tracks. If you’ve ever wondered what your customers are really thinking… or wished you had a sounding board before making your next big move… this is one you don’t want to skip. 👉 Hit play and learn how to build a customer advisory panel that actually moves your shop forward. Show Notes with Timestamps Introduction to Customer Advisory Panels (00:00:10) Host Kim Walker introduces the episode's topic: creating and managing a customer advisory panel for your auto repair shop.Sponsor Shout-out (00:00:42) A brief interlude to thank the episode's sponsors, Shop Boss and App Fueled, for their support of the podcast.The Problem We're Fixing Today (00:01:07) Kim explains how an advisory panel helps shop owners make better decisions by getting direct feedback and ideas from customers.Why Have a Customer Advisory Panel? (00:02:29) Discussion on the reasons to start a panel, emphasizing the need for honest feedback from a diverse group of customers.Selecting Your Panel Members (00:03:39) Advice on choosing the right people for your panel, including a mix of top-tier clients and those who offer honest criticism.Incentivizing Your Panel (00:06:12) Kim discusses the importance of showing appreciation for members' time through incentives like recognition, perks, or early access to services.Surprising Benefits and Feedback (00:07:32) The host shares how panels provide honest feedback, great ideas, and can even prevent the business from making poor decisions.How a Panel Saved a Bad Decision (00:08:47) A personal story about how the Shop Marketing Pros advisory panel advised against pursuing a "fastest-growing" award, saving the company.Sponsor Segment: Shop Boss & App Fueled (00:10:04) A detailed promotional segment for the episode's sponsors, highlighting the features and benefits of their services for auto repair shops.How to Run Your Advisory Panel Meetings (00:12:08) Practical tips on the logistics of running meetings, including frequency (quarterly), format (in-person dinner or Zoom), and keeping it simple.Creating a Meeting Agenda (00:13:35) Kim explains how to structure meetings with a prepared agenda while also leaving open space for panel members' own feedback.Using a Rolling System for Members (00:14:36) A suggestion to rotate panel members over time to keep ideas fresh and maintain continuity, similar to a board of directors.Questions to Ask Your Panel (00:15:46) Example questions to ask your advisory panel about what they value, their frustrations, and services they wish you offered.First Steps to Get Started (00:17:05) Actionable advice for shop owners: start simple by identifying and inviting 5-7 of your best customers to a dinner meeting. How To Get In Touch Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook Meet The Pros Follow SMP on Facebook Follow SMP on Instagram Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled This episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you. AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.” The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/

    19 min
  7. Bold Leadership with J.R. Portman [E202]

    Apr 29

    Bold Leadership with J.R. Portman [E202]

    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled Leadership isn’t always about learning how to manage other people. Sometimes it’s about getting uncomfortable enough to finally lead yourself. In this episode, Brian talks with J.R. Portman about his experience at Bold Advanced Leadership, a training that pushed him physically, mentally, and emotionally. They talk about enthusiasm, honesty, trust, getting over the fear of looking foolish, and how those lessons apply just as much at home as they do inside the business. If you own an auto repair shop and you’re trying to grow as a leader, this is one you’ll want to hear. Listen now and go fill those bays. Show Notes with Timestamps Introduction to Bold Advanced Leadership (00:01:04) J.R. Portman introduces the leadership training event, describing it as "Navy SEAL training for emotional leadership" focused on individual growth.Discovering the Training (00:02:09) J.R. explains how he heard about the event from a peer at a coaching group for marketing agency owners.The Value of Peer Recommendations (00:03:54) The speakers discuss the power of recommendations from trusted peers in similar professional roles over traditional advertising.The "Fight Club" Mystique (00:05:15) J.R. describes the intentionally vague and cryptic nature of the event, which adds to its mystique and shared experience.An Intense, Immersive Experience (00:06:16) The training is described as an intense, sleepaway camp-like experience that bonds participants through shared trials and breaks normal routines.Expectations vs. Reality (00:08:02) J.R. shares his initial expectations, like doing a trust fall, and how the intensity and methodology pushed him beyond comfort.Learning Personal Limits (00:09:05) The training challenged J.R.'s comfort zones, particularly in public speaking, forcing him to unlearn control and embrace emotional expression.The Breakdown and Rebuilding Process (00:10:30) The event intentionally broke participants down to rebuild them, using intimate group settings and intense, personal leadership exercises.Applying Leadership Skills to Real-Life Situations (00:14:42) J.R. discusses how the training helps manage healthy conflict and emotional situations, like those in a leadership team meeting.Main Takeaway: Living with Enthusiasm (00:16:42) J.R.'s biggest takeaway was the permission to live more enthusiastically and bring more energy to his professional and personal life.Balancing Business and Personal Growth (00:18:33) The discussion highlights how the training's lessons apply equally to business leadership and personal life, such as being a parent.Who Should Attend This Training? (00:20:14) The ideal attendee is someone actively seeking personal growth and willing to be pushed, not someone forced to be there.The Power of Positive Self-Talk (00:21:55) An exercise demonstrated the physical power of positive self-talk ("I can") versus negative self-talk ("I can't").Second Takeaway: The Importance of Honesty (00:23:29) Another key lesson was being more direct and honest with people, and the value of genuinely getting to know team members.The Value of Getting Uncomfortable (00:26:24) J.R. explains how being forced out of his comfort zone and facing the fear of failure was a powerful lesson.Final Advice for Listeners (00:28:50) J.R. advises listeners to act quickly on growth opportunities and intentionally seek out experiences that challenge and upset their norms. How To Get In Touch Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook Meet The Pros Follow SMP on Facebook Follow SMP on Instagram Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc) Bold Advanced Leadership by Driven Leadership Seven Figure Agency The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell The Great CEO Within Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled This episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you. AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.” The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/

    32 min
  8. The Loyalty Gap: Why Customers Don't Come Back [E201]

    Apr 22

    The Loyalty Gap: Why Customers Don't Come Back [E201]

    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled You got the customer. You did the work. You got paid…and then they disappear. That’s not normal, and it’s costing you way more than you think. Kim Walker digs into the loyalty gap that keeps auto repair shops stuck in a transactional cycle and shows why customer loyalty is built in the space between visits, not just at the counter. From follow-up and personal connection to surprise-and-delight moments, rewards programs, and consistent communication, this episode is a reminder that customers come back when they feel remembered, valued, and part of something bigger than the repair order. If you want more repeat business, stronger referrals, and customers who stop price shopping, this is one you need to hear. Listen to the full episode and start building loyalty on purpose. Show Notes with Timestamps Podcast Introduction (00:00:00) Kim Walker introduces the Automotive Repair Podcast Network and the show.Host Introduction & Sponsor Shoutout (00:00:09) Kim Walker introduces herself, mentions her absence, and thanks sponsors.Episode Topic Introduction: The Loyalty Gap (00:01:12) Kim introduces the main topic: customer loyalty and why customers don’t return.Personal Loyalty Example & Reflection (00:02:20) Kim shares personal examples about loyalty to local vs. big box stores.Transactional vs. Relational Business (00:03:28) Discussion on shops running transactional businesses and the importance of customer experience.Why Customers Don’t Return (00:04:49) Explains reasons customers don’t come back: lack of follow-up, no emotional connection, not memorable.Building Loyalty: What It Looks Like (00:07:14) Defines true loyalty: trust, referrals, not price shopping, and customer connection.Practical Ways to Build Loyalty: Surprise & Delight (00:09:48) Tips on creating memorable moments, gifting, and personal touches for customers.Personal Touches & CRM Use (00:11:50) Examples of using CRM to remember customer details and follow up meaningfully.Sponsor/Advertisement Break (00:12:35) Sponsor messages about shop management software and loyalty app solutions.Loyalty & Rewards Programs (00:14:38) Discusses meaningful loyalty and rewards programs and available resources.Supporting Local Causes (00:15:36) Shares story of involving customers in local/community support efforts.Consistent, Non-Promotional Communication (00:16:50) Emphasizes regular, non-promotional communication to stay top of mind.Database Mailers with Heart (00:18:02) Encourages using CRM for meaningful mailers, not just promotions or coupons.Reference to Brittany Hodak & Super Fan Mindset (00:19:10) Mentions previous episode with Brittany Hodak and introduces the “SUPER” fan framework.Breakdown of the SUPER Acronym (00:20:32) Explains each part of the SUPER acronym for building super fans.Final Thoughts & Call to Action (00:22:57) Encourages listeners to implement one loyalty-building idea and reach out via email.Episode Wrap-Up & Network Promotion (00:24:02) Thanks listeners, promotes other shows on the network, and invites to tune in next week.Podcast Outro (00:24:28) Kim closes the episode and provides info on where to find more content. How To Get In Touch Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook Meet The Pros Follow SMP on Facebook Follow SMP on Instagram Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc) Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Automotive Repair Podcast Network Episode 156: Creating Superfans with Brittany Hodak Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled This episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you. AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.” The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker. Experts in their field who work with shop owners take it to the next level and create a unique approach to marketing. See the growth in your business you’ve been working so hard for by using time-proven marketing that works, fueled to go further by your shop's uniqueness.

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