The Jaded Mechanic Podcast

Jeff Compton
  • 4.6 (49)
  • Automotive
  • 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

    Lessons from the Frontlines of Used Car Repairs and Small Shop Revival With Josh Hawthorne

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Here’s what happened at Tektonic year one: 1,000 attendees from every role in the shop, more than 75 breakout classes, and speakers who moved the needle. Year two is nearly twice the size. Three days in Houston, April 1-3. Register now to lock in the best price. Visit tekmetric.com/tektonic. Save 15% on your next Launch Tech USA tool with code Launch15. Use that code at checkout HERE In this episode, the conversation focused on the challenges and considerations of running a small independent shop, particularly within the used car sales and service industry. One concept discussed was the potential transition to business ownership, emphasizing the importance of partnership dynamics, clear planning, and family considerations before making the leap. A key theme was the growing complexity and cost of diagnosing and repairing modern vehicles, especially when dealing with used parts and customer expectations. 00:00 Injured knee preventing fishing trips 10:21 Troubleshooting and Fixing the Infiniti 13:22 Importance of Team Chemistry 18:51 Discussing future business plans 23:16 Challenges in automotive repair shops 27:29 Managing customer trade-ins 33:11 Challenges of Customer Interactions 39:27 Fixing the vehicle issue 48:08 Advice on engine filter maintenance 49:53 Discussion on Dorman car parts 59:13 Winter storm impacts Tesla drivers 01:02:43 Cell phone battery issues 01:09:33 Selling Cars and Building Relationships 01:15:42 Diagnostic charge pricing discussion 01:16:59 Managing Customer Expectations on Hourly Rates 01:22:32 Discussing out-of-the-box thinking 01:32:01 Discussing car maintenance habits 01:38:18 Hyundai and Kia engine issues 01:40:32 Discussing a car maintenance issue 01:46:13 Cross-border trip planning 01:50:17 Offering networking 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

  2. Nov 3

    What Nobody Tells You About the Custom Work with Sunny Massera & Mileage May Vary Podcast

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.   Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Tektonic is coming back to Houston, April 1-3, and it’s open to every role in the shop. Year one drew 1,000 attendees from every part of the shop, more than 75 breakout classes, and speakers who know this industry. Year two is nearly twice the size. Three days in Houston, April 1-3. Register now to lock in the lowest price. Visit tekmetric.com/tektonic. Save 15% on your next Launch Tech USA tool with code Launch15. Use that code at checkout HERE In this episode, Jeff Compton and the Mileage May Vary Podcast welcome Sunny Massera from Portland, Oregon. Sunny shares his experience transitioning from a Bronco specialty shop to a performance and used car dealership, emphasizing the importance of shop culture and personal growth. The conversation also covers key topics like performance shop pricing strategies, the critical role of communication and customer education, and how strong service processes—especially handling warranty issues—can set a shop apart. 00:00 Talking about a big meal 04:53 Considering job opportunities 07:21 Discussing HP Tuners class 12:40 Transitioning to Modern Car Work 15:12 Bundling accessories into payments 18:06 Challenges with car repair enthusiasts 22:47 Pricing strategy for the West Coast 23:06 Balancing customer types and rates 29:18 Employee's caravan maintenance story 31:53 Discussing transparency in auto repairs 33:32 Understanding automotive service pitfalls 38:06 Handling Warranty Issues at the Shop 40:16 Handling customer complaints 43:52 Handling difficult customers 47:00 Discussing parts markup and labor costs 49:05 Comparing service rates and customer care 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

  3. Oct 27

    Why He's Losing Money on This Jasper Warranty Repair With Todd Compton & Mileage May Vary Podcast

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Here’s what happened at Tektonic year one: 1,000 attendees from every role in the shop, more than 75 breakout classes, and speakers who moved the needle. Year two is nearly twice the size. Three days in Houston, April 1-3. Register now to lock in the best price. Visit tekmetric.com/tektonic. Save 15% on your next Launch Tech USA tool with code Launch15. Use that code at checkout HERE Handling a Jasper transmission failure is frustrating, but knowing how to navigate the warranty dispute process is essential. When a part fails immediately after installation, the tension between the shop and the provider often centers on compensation. We break down the realities of a warranty claim when the payout doesn't match the effort required to fix the vehicle. It is not just about the failed part; it is about protecting the shop's bottom line. 00:00 Learning to communicate effectively 05:44 Staff accountability practices 08:28 Handling employee mistakes 12:11 Handling a unique warranty case 13:04 Effective communication for technicians 18:04 Resolving a process issue 21:47 Communicating with parts department staff 23:37 Software feature wish list 27:47 Discussing staff accountability 29:56 Discussing engine parts returned for analysis 35:30 Buying brake pads in 1999 38:07 Dealing with VIN number issues 41:51 Technicians' career aspirations 44:14 Challenges of becoming a shop owner 46:19 Improving counter efficiency 51:22 Discussing warranty opportunities 52:10 Wrapping up with gratitude 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

  4. Oct 20

    Why Staying Comfortable Is Holding Your Shop Back | Kent Bullard, John Firm and Dawn Sloas

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE If you run a shop, work the front counter, or turn wrenches, Tektonic has a seat for you. Year one brought together more than 1,000 owners, advisors, and technicians for more than 75 breakout classes. Year two brings nearly twice the crowd and even more programming. Three days in Houston, April 1-3. Bring your whole team, and the price drops per seat. Register now for the best price. Visit tekmetric.com/tektonic. Save 15% on your next Launch Tech USA tool with code Launch15. Use that code at checkout HERE In this episode, Jeff Compton is together with Kent Bullard, John Firm, and Dawn Sloas at ASTA to discuss personal growth, leadership, and building stronger teams. Kent explains why getting uncomfortable is necessary for growth and how hardship can become an opportunity to learn and improve. The conversation explores why money should be a result of good execution rather than the main goal, and why leadership and culture are often the biggest challenges for shop owners. They discuss building trust, encouraging teamwork, asking better questions, and creating an environment where employees can learn from mistakes. They also cover accountability, the risks of micromanagement, letting people experience the consequences of their choices, and building processes with input from the people doing the work. The key takeaway is that real growth comes from ownership, continuous improvement, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Timestamps: 00:00 Turning Trauma Into Growth00:50 Morning Meetup Banter01:22 Coffee and Cold Brew02:25 Caffeine Toothpick Hack02:51 Kent at ASTA03:46 First Hunting Trip05:20 Nature and Gratitude08:58 Institute Updates09:55 Goals Beyond Money13:54 Execute and Grow16:47 Leading With Encouragement18:52 Culture Starts at the Top21:05 Stop Blame, Start Teamwork22:13 Leaving Doesn’t Fix It22:46 Own Your Choices24:11 Ask Why It Happened25:58 Accountability, Not Micromanaging29:15 How You Ask Matters31:08 Let Consequences Teach34:37 Stress Builds Strength40:19 Comfort Kills Growth41:37 Systems Over Blame45:21 Voice Versus Vote46:50 Wrap Up and Next Guest47:42 Final Thanks and Subscribe 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

  5. Oct 13

    Can a Technician Become the Boss and Still Fight for Techs? with Josh Farris

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Here’s what happened at Tektonic year one: 1,000 attendees from every role in the shop, more than 75 breakout classes, and speakers who moved the needle. Year two is nearly twice the size. Three days in Houston, April 1-3. Register now to lock in the best price. Visit tekmetric.com/tektonic. Save 15% on your next Launch Tech USA tool with code Launch15. Use that code at checkout HERE In this episode, Jeff is with Josh Farris, a Mini Cooper dealership technician from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to talk about diagnostics, dealership life, flat rate pay, and career growth. Josh shares his journey from working on a 1995 Lumina to gaining experience at independent shops, Volkswagen, Lexus, and Mini. They discuss electrical and CAN bus diagnostics, corrosion, warranty work, dispatching, advisor training, and the impact of low paying work on technician morale. The conversation also covers why technicians should be paid for DVIs and inspections, how tool costs can create unnecessary pressure, and why strong communication and integrity matter in automotive repair. Josh also shares his goal of moving into leadership so he can advocate for technicians while helping shops remain profitable. Timestamps: 00:00 Why Diagnostics Matter00:50 Podcast Intro and ASTA Trip01:18 Josh Joins Mini Dealer Life03:49 Mini Electrical Nightmares04:52 Early Tinkering Origins06:00 First Big Fix: Lumina07:23 Apprenticeship and Licensing Path08:57 Host First Car Story11:51 Mods and CAN Bus Problems13:21 Shop Shutdown to Dealership Track16:27 Pay Gaps and Flat Rate Reality18:51 Lexus vs. German Engineering25:15 Warranty Time Controversy34:01 Advisor Training and DMS Struggles37:31 Advisor Knowledge Gap39:31 Train Advisors First40:50 Bad Explanations Hurt Trust42:52 Selling Without Division45:36 Flat Rate Pay Stress55:21 Stop Doing Freebies58:34 Becoming the Mini Lead01:03:25 Advocacy Through Communication01:05:38 DVIs and Getting Paid01:08:33 Tools Over Toolboxes01:15:15 Warranty and Brand Hype01:19:14 Tool Brand Stigma01:20:05 Removing Tool Barriers01:21:09 Five Year Career Goals01:22:29 Confidence in Diagnostics01:24:09 Getting Humbled01:26:38 Management Stress and Advocacy01:29:31 Customer Communication Matters01:31:54 Dealer vs. Independent Path01:35:11 Training and AI Shift01:38:54 AI Limits and Reality01:44:52 Building Diagnostic Talent01:52:36 Accountability and Integrity01:59:26 Closing Thanks and Sponsors  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

  6. Oct 6

    A 26 Year Old Tech Trapped in an Old School Shop with Zach Fogle

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.   Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Tektonic is coming back to Houston, April 1-3, and it’s open to every role in the shop. Year one drew 1,000 attendees from every part of the shop, more than 75 breakout classes, and speakers who know this industry. Year two is nearly twice the size. Three days in Houston, April 1-3. Register now to lock in the lowest price. Visit tekmetric.com/tektonic. Save 15% on your next Launch Tech USA tool with code Launch15. Use that code at checkout HERE In this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with Zach Fogle, a 26 year old technician from Idyllwild, California, to discuss shop life, training, technology, and the challenges facing modern technicians. Zach shares his experience working at a small multi generation shop with a towing fleet, including the frustrations of being pulled away from repair work, outdated equipment, limited tooling, inconsistent processes, and low labor rates. They also discuss customer supplied parts, diagnostics, programming, ADAS, Tekmetric, documentation, liability, and why investing in the right tools and training can help reduce comebacks and improve productivity. The conversation closes with Zach’s hopes for the shop’s future, the importance of networking, and plans to keep learning through industry events and training. Timestamps: 00:00 Control and Legacy00:51 Podcast Welcome and Weather01:36 California Life and Snow02:52 Zach’s Background in Shops07:45 Towing Duties and Frustrations13:14 Paperwork and Processes22:03 Rates, Pricing and Matrices27:13 Tooling Gaps and ADAS32:54 Right Tools and Liability40:23 Programming and Modern Brakes45:01 Trust and Service Information45:30 Hourly Pay Dynamics46:16 TechMetric Chaos47:56 Paper to Software50:23 Canned Jobs Missing52:19 Older Tech and Tech Gap53:41 Parts and Customer Parts55:13 Know Your Numbers57:20 Tire Plug Interruptions01:01:51 Free Fluid Check Rants01:03:56 Coolant Top Off Liability01:06:51 Charge True Value01:09:26 Wrong Parts and Returns01:11:49 One Caliper Debate01:19:52 Succession and Future01:23:37 Training Investment Mindset01:25:16 Training Cuts Comebacks01:27:01 Self Taught Learning Paths01:28:31 Proving Your Value01:32:06 Shop Culture Inspiration01:34:19 Power of Networking01:38:29 Finding Your Diag Niche01:43:28 Avoiding Project Car Traps01:48:15 Events and Succession Plan01:56:16 Modern Tech Over Old01:58:24 Final Thanks and Sponsor 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

  7. Sep 29

    Being a YouTuber While Working as a Dealership Tech with JT the Car Guy

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Here’s what happened at Tektonic year one: 1,000 attendees from every role in the shop, more than 75 breakout classes, and speakers who moved the needle. Year two is nearly twice the size. Three days in Houston, April 1-3. Register now to lock in the best price. Visit tekmetric.com/tektonic. Save 15% on your next Launch Tech USA tool with code Launch15. Use that code at checkout HERE In this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with JT the Car Guy, a longtime Chrysler and Stellantis technician and YouTube creator, to discuss dealership life, content creation, and the changing automotive industry. JT shares his journey through two decades in Chrysler dealerships, the value of brand specific experience, and the challenges facing technicians today. They also discuss flat rate, apprenticeships, EVs, MPI videos, service advisors, diagnostic support, OEM parts, and the realities of working in a dealership. The conversation also explores building a YouTube channel, handling criticism, staying anonymous online, sharing knowledge without gatekeeping, and balancing life as a technician with life as a content creator. Timestamps: 00:00 OEM vs. Aluminum Cooler00:57 Podcast Welcome and Guest Intro02:30 Two YouTube Channels Explained04:57 Handling Haters and Censorship05:52 JT’s Origin Story in Dealerships07:28 PT Cruiser Era and Reputation09:45 Filming Limits and Brand Focus13:47 Training Apprentices and EV Shift18:28 Old School Tools and Engine Talk24:02 Flat Rate Pay and Tech Shortage26:37 MPI Videos and Advisor Role31:02 Comebacks and Customer Service33:47 EGR to VVT and Vacuum Pumps35:15 Vacuum Pump Talk35:37 Cousin Pookie Origin37:55 Troubleshooter Life38:57 OEM Parts Only39:40 Dealer Diagnostic Reality43:16 Recalls and Dispatch45:17 Dash Work Nightmares48:03 DIY Comment Wars50:00 YouTube Creator Economics53:58 Early YouTube Influences58:34 Instructor vs. Freedom01:02:10 Sharing Fixes, Not Gatekeeping01:04:22 Forums and Allpar Days01:06:16 AI Customers and STAR Cases01:10:30 Future of Remote Diagnostics01:13:23 Network Fix Saves the Day01:14:18 Toyota Yoda Pay Dispute01:15:48 Staying Anonymous Online01:19:00 Creator vs. Shop Tech01:21:27 Warranty Time Reality01:24:03 Caravan Steering Rack Saga01:26:37 EV Future and Health01:30:15 Training Apprentices Today01:32:39 Tool Trucks vs. Retail01:37:04 Advice for New Techs01:40:30 SEMA and LLC Protection01:42:39 Dorman Cooler Controversy01:46:54 Wrap Up and Channels01:51:07 Final Thanks and Outro 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

  8. Sep 22

    Does Being Open 7 Days a Week Actually Make Your Shop Better? with Aniz Lavji - Ep. 177 Pt. 2

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE If you run a shop, work the front counter, or turn wrenches, Tektonic has a seat for you. Year one brought together more than 1,000 owners, advisors, and technicians for more than 75 breakout classes. Year two brings nearly twice the crowd and even more programming. Three days in Houston, April 1-3. Bring your whole team, and the price drops per seat. Register now for the best price. Visit tekmetric.com/tektonic. Save 15% on your next Launch Tech USA tool with code Launch15. Use that code at checkout HERE In this episode, Jeff and Aniz talk about shop schedules, training, shop culture, and the value of finding the right people in the automotive industry. They discuss why seven day operations are not the right fit for every shop, how technicians should be part of scheduling decisions, and why events like ASTA can provide valuable training, networking, and lasting connections. The conversation also covers customer service, improving shop processes, budgeting for training, raising rates, investing in your team, and making more time for family. Timestamps: 00:00 Seven Days Debate00:48 Why ASTA Is Worth It03:08 Canada Training Gap06:48 This Year’s ASTA Goals08:51 Finding Your People11:30 Culture and Hiring Right12:46 Service Value in Details14:25 Tire Season Efficiency17:08 Training Pays Dividends19:46 Shop Hours and Team Buy In24:13 Time, Family, and Balance26:13 Wealth Versus Regrets27:03 Work Addiction Warning Signs28:47 Generational Wealth Pitfalls30:23 Teaching Kids Money32:17 Nurture Business With Training33:49 Events That Change Lives37:11 Stop Going It Alone38:44 Budgeting for Training Trips40:16 Raise Rates and Value Labor43:31 Give Back and Connect46:10 Their Podcast and Community47:54 Final Push and Thanks 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

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4.6
out of 5
49 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
    187
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jeff Compton

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