The Jaded Mechanic Podcast

Jeff Compton
  • 4.6 (46)
  • Automotive
  • Updated Weekly

My name is Jeff, and I'd like to welcome you on a journey of reflection and insight into the tolls and triumphs of a career in automotive repair. After more than 20 years of skinned knuckles and tool debt, I want to share my perspective and hear other people's thoughts about our industry. So pour yourself a strong coffee or grab a cold Canadian beer and get ready for some great conversation.

  1. 1d ago

    Why Shops Lose Technicians Overnight | Lisa Coyle and Kat Ayers from Promotive

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.   Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff Compton talks with Promotive’s Lisa Coyle and Kat Ayers about what’s changing in technician hiring, including their AI virtual recruiter and how it helps shops with consistency, speed-to-lead, and 24/7 candidate screening. They discuss common hiring bias, why resumes often don’t reflect real skill, how to interpret job hopping, and why following application instructions matters. The episode also covers shop culture and leadership as key retention drivers, how slow follow-up hurts candidate experience, and what Promotive is building next—expanded platform features, more automation, and plans to move into the Canadian market. Timestamps:0:00 Podcast Kickoff 00:28 Fishing and Seafood Talk 03:10 Bass Tournaments and Hockey 06:30 What’s New at Promotive 08:06 AI Recruiting Benefits 11:13 Bias and Hiring Fairness 20:03 Resume Gaps and Progress 22:58 Following Instructions Matters 24:43 Job Hopping Explained 29:56 Walk-In Resumes vs Process 34:35 Call Screen Limits 36:23 Tagging Resumes For Future 37:59 Techs Becoming Advisors 42:56 Trade Shows And Outreach 48:26 Cold Calls And Data 52:42 Industry Negativity And AI 01:00:20 Robots Costs And Culture 01:06:41 Leadership Questions And Nepotism 01:10:20 Multi Interview Triangulation 01:12:13 Candidate Experience Matters 01:16:11 Rehiring and Keeping Benches 01:21:27 Job Searching Is Normal 01:24:41 Legacy Over Resentment 01:29:13 Plan B and Hard Questions 01:32:02 What Have You Done Today 01:34:14 Promotive Roadmap and Events 01:37:18 Canada Expansion and Languages 01:39:44 Hockey Talk and Show Circuit 01:44:35 Final Thanks and Wrap Up Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

    1h 51m

  2. May 26

    Why Repair Shops are Toxic and Why Technicians Deserve More with Greg Hilliard

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff Compton and Greg Hilliard talk about Greg's career spent in dealerships, independent shops, and finally as a one-man owner-operator. Greg pulls no punches about toxic shop dynamics, the true value of a technician’s labor, and the personal costs of striking out on your own. He and Jeff discuss compensation, mental health struggles in the industry, how digital tools like chat GPT are already impacting repair businesses, and why demanding respect is not negotiable for survival. Timestamps: 00:00 Feeling valued in engineering role 05:56 Becoming the technical expert 11:52 Buying a used truck at Ford 19:49 Fixing stubborn cab issues 24:57 Avoiding the boss at work 27:52 Discussing fair compensation concerns 35:41 Struggles with retaining mechanics 41:08 Streamlining dental office visits 43:47 Using technology for car repairs 52:54 Struggling to hire a technician 57:37 Choosing entrepreneurship over traditional jobs 59:35 Getting advice from Larry Grogan 01:07:17 Addressing workplace culture issues 01:09:20 Electrician shortage and industry pride Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

    1h 14m

  3. May 19

    Derek Amodio Was a Chef but Now He’s a Technician?

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff chats with Derek Amodio about his unique path back into the automotive industry after spending years working as a chef. Derek opens up about making the switch from the kitchen to the shop, the challenges of moving from hourly pay to flat rate at a Chrysler dealership, and why having the right culture and mentorship around you matters so much. They also talk about keeping up with changing automotive technology, the importance of ongoing training, and how a supportive team can make all the difference for techs getting started or finding their way back into the industry. Timestamps:00:00 Weather and tire myth discussion 09:24 Getting hired at FedEx 12:32 Choosing a dealership career path 20:12 Using memory notebooks 26:33 Challenges of incentivized pay systems 28:41 Discussing job training and challenges 33:37 Tech training and helpful tips 42:17 Balancing work hours and breaks 45:59 Installing car seats on Saturdays 50:56 Thinking about future innovations 54:38 Tesla maintenance issues 59:28 Driving a yellow SRT8 Challenger 01:04:11 Mechanics sharing car repair challenges 01:12:19 Teamwork and helping each other 01:18:12 Discussing technician pay plans 01:21:48 Chrysler heater core issue workaround 01:25:34 Supportive service manager 01:33:29 Supporting each other in tough times Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

    1h 38m

  4. May 12

    Christopher Clingerman Compares Fleet Life to the Dealership

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.   Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff talks with Christopher Clingerman, a fleet mechanic out of Rochester, New York. Christopher shares how he went from working on tractor trailers to maintaining school buses, and what surprised him most about the switch from dealership life to fleet work. They get into the day-to-day challenges techs deal with, from bad parts and misdiagnosed vehicles to the importance of training and having a shop culture that actually supports its people. Timestamps:00:00 Working at Hyundai dealership 11:46 Frustrations with car dealership service 26:28 Routine vehicle inspections 37:40 Using vegetable oil in hydraulics 42:50 Modified trucks and safety issues 56:41 Concerns with turbocharged engines 01:09:59 Laid back work environment 01:19:22 Training opportunities during work hours 01:25:33 Changes in welding education 01:37:39 Brian's electrical skills explained 01:46:34 Working on vehicle repairs 01:57:40 Using real tools to teach skills 02:10:56 Comparing tire brands and costs 02:18:54 Open door for venting support Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

    2h 25m

  5. May 5

    ADAS and Electric Vehicles Are Changing Auto Repair | Marco Palumbo

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Marco Palumbo shares his journey from technician to owner of Maxim Tire and Muffler in Winnipeg. He discusses the challenges of adapting to new automotive technologies, such as ADAS and electric vehicles, and the investments required in equipment, training, and staff. Marco also emphasizes the value of transparent customer service and community reputation, demonstrating how taking care of customers builds long-term loyalty and success. Timestamps:00:00 Meeting Mark and first impressions 05:28 Importance of mentoring in shops 12:13 Success with TikTok marketing 17:38 Discussing car calibration and trust 21:54 Unexpected car repair costs 29:15 Dealerships vs. aftermarket dynamics 34:45 Engaging waiting customers in showroom 42:20 Oxygen sensor issues and specialization 45:49 Tesla service challenges in smaller cities 52:46 Celebrating Mark's impact 56:16 Challenges with tech skills and training 58:56 Managing training logistics 01:04:09 Troubleshooting car electrical issues 01:10:47 Managing customer service expectations 01:16:04 Challenges with car part repairs 01:24:28 Facing time management challenges 01:28:24 Advocating for customer transparency 01:34:09 Unresolved car maintenance issues 01:37:26 Customer requests and shop policy 01:42:08 Charging for technical auto repairs 01:47:39 Recognizing Marco's passion and impact Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

    1h 52m

  6. Apr 28

    Dealer Plate Guy Compares Dealer Pricing with the Aftermarket

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff sits down with Dealer Plate Guy (Austin Conroy), who has a HUGE following on social media. Austin shares his unconventional career path from sales to service manager, emphasizing the importance of building customer and employee relationships in the dealership environment. They also talk about the most common misconceptions about dealership pricing compared to independent shops and the crucial role of technician career development and mentorship programs in addressing the ongoing technician shortage.Timestamps:00:00 International Connections: Jeff & Dealer Plate Guy Meet02:05 Growing Up Near Purdue & Serving College Town Clients03:17 From Car Sales to Multi-Store Manager: Austin’s Journey05:00 First Day as Service Manager: No Wrenching Background Needed07:10 COVID Resets the Department – Building New Structures08:53 Why Techs Should Talk To Customers (and Break Out of the Funk)10:10 Handling Difficult Customers & Flipping the Script13:36 The Unseen Cost of Long Test Drives & Flat Rate Frustrations16:28 Why Relationships Matter: Dealer vs. Independent Shop Service18:31 Career-Oriented Advisors & Building Repeat Business20:44 Managing Pay, Hours, & Mentality in Service Departments24:01 Changing Flat Rate Times: Pushback & Tracking Results29:12 Dealer vs. Aftermarket Parts Pricing: The Real Story33:43 Should Dealers Offer Aftermarket Parts? Educating Customers35:16 The Independent Shop Advantage in “Impossible” Diagnostics38:41 The 20-Minute Battery Draw: Stories From the Bay42:58 Why Dealers Still Need Flat Rate—With Real Solutions44:38 Feeding Your Best Techs: Who Should Get The Gravy Work?46:56 The Reality of Used Car Work, PDI, and Technician Dispatch49:28 Overpromising Service Times: Collision vs. Dealer Mentality52:16 Developing the Tech Career Path: Retaining Talent57:06 Mapping Out Progression Steps & Regular 1-on-1s With Techs1:02:45 Multi-Point Inspections: Making Video Pay Off1:09:29 How Social Media Skits Are Changing Dealerships1:13:42 Bridging the Advisor & Tech Divide: Cross-Training Works1:17:04 Beyond Money: Finding the Right Role for Each Employee1:20:17 The Real Fix for the Technician Shortage1:24:05 Apprenticeship, Dealer Responsibility & Recruitment1:28:47 Final Thoughts & Where to Find Dealer Plate Guy Online Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

    1h 34m

  7. Apr 21

    You Don’t Know What You’re Worth (Until You’re Wrong) | Jeremiah Hiatt

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.   Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff talks with Jeremiah Hiatt, a mobile mechanic from Montana, about his shift from ranch work to running his own ag repair business. They get into imposter syndrome, pricing your work, balancing family life, and the real challenges of modern diagnostics, plus solid advice for techs thinking about going out on their own. Timestamps:05:48 Fixing farm equipment for neighbors 12:26 Issues with new technology durability 17:09 Importance of equipment maintenance 26:33 Discussing work-life balance 27:32 Balancing career and family goals 34:01 Dealing with software updates 41:33 Appreciating Harbor Freight Tools 44:40 Diagnosing and fixing the computer 52:56 Hydraulic equipment repair experience 55:20 Deciding on vehicle investments 01:03:24 Challenges in car maintenance 01:07:46 Discussing automotive customer communication 01:10:18 Deciding between repair options 01:17:47 Discussing truck emission problems 01:23:06 Limitations on job responsibilities 01:27:53 Discussing changes in tech industry 01:35:40 The evolution of diagnostic skills 01:39:19 Diagnosing a car engine misfire 01:47:18 Ideal work-life balance fantasy 01:48:20 Finding balance and unplugging Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

    2h 1m

  8. Apr 14

    Fleet Work vs Auto Repair and Why Mental Health Needs More Attention | Riley Spence

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE In this episode, Jeff sits down with Riley Spence to talk about his move from the dealership world to working on a fleet for a construction company out in remote Labrador. Riley shares what it’s really like dealing with tough northern conditions, from tracking down parts to handling low-quality fuel. They also speak on mental health, the importance of having a strong community in the industry, and why continuing to learn and connect with others matters so much as a technician. Timestamps:00:00 Getting a second chance 09:54 Managing equipment in dusty conditions 12:40 Issues with quick lube services 20:20 Dealing with self-doubt and burnout 23:22 Challenges of being an apprentice 27:34 Managing tough diagnostic situations 36:13 Reflecting on career burnout 37:37 Why I avoid working at dealerships 45:19 Learning from skilled coworkers 49:50 Reality of heavy equipment trades 55:32 Pursuing skills over big money 01:03:27 Outdated info in truck systems 01:05:47 Fleet maintenance and master switches 01:10:14 Frustrations with car parts stores 01:15:45 Auto repair process improvements 01:20:11 Discussing challenges in key programming 01:29:34 Meeting online friends in person 01:31:01 Managing questions during courses 01:36:20 Advice on understanding older people Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

    1h 41m
See All (164)

4.6
out of 5
46 Ratings

About

My name is Jeff, and I'd like to welcome you on a journey of reflection and insight into the tolls and triumphs of a career in automotive repair. After more than 20 years of skinned knuckles and tool debt, I want to share my perspective and hear other people's thoughts about our industry. So pour yourself a strong coffee or grab a cold Canadian beer and get ready for some great conversation.

Information

  • Creator
    Jeff Compton
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    164
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jeff Compton

You Might Also Like