The Jaded Mechanic Podcast

Jeff Compton
  • 4.5 (42)
  • 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. 3D AGO

    Technician Turnover Is More Than It Seems with Promotive

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Wanna go to Tekmetric's first ever industry training event Tektonic? Register HERE Today, Jeff get's to catch up with Lisa Coyle and Sam Freeman from Promotive. They discuss the challenges of recruiting and retaining automotive technicians and service advisors. The team explores why job hopping is often misunderstood, saying that it’s frequently due to industry conditions rather than technician performance. They highlight the importance of building mentorship and supportive shop cultures, revealing how both technicians and advisors benefit from ongoing training and honest communication.  Timestamps:00:00 Changing Hiring Dynamics 09:17 "Diagnostic Tech Misalignment" 14:45 Employee Growth and Retention Strategies 19:06 "Show Me the Proof" 22:23 "Workplace Dynamics and Expectations" 26:34 "Underpaid Service Advisors Debate" 32:14 "Bridging Advisor-Technician Divide" 37:29 "Incentivizing Flat Rate Pay Notifications" 42:30 "Harbor Freight Tools Debate" 50:42 "Be the Person Who Inspires" 57:07 "Flat Rate Payment Inequity" 01:00:50 "Consumer Expectations and Instant Gratification" 01:04:12 "Treat Others with Courtesy" 01:08:42 "Top Accomplishment Interview Question" 01:14:57 "Qualified Teachers Matter" 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 22m

  2. JAN 6

    Life-Changing Work in the Accessible Vehicle Industry with Bob Leonard

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Register NOW for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference coming up HERE In this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with Bob Leonard from Mobility Works to delve into the specialized world of vehicle modifications for people with physical disabilities. Bob shares insights into the unique regulatory landscape and technical requirements affecting mobility vehicle conversions, including the importance of following strict certification rules and working closely with certified evaluators. The conversation highlights the technician shortage in the mobility industry, the blend of mechanical and electrical skills required, and the impactful difference these vehicles make in the lives of customers. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to The Jaded Mechanic 00:40 Live at ASTA 2025: Meet Bob Leonard from Mobility Works 01:59 What is Mobility Works? The Mission and Services Explained 03:13 Types of Modifications: Minivans, Hand Controls, and High-Tech Installs 05:58 Certification and Audit Processes in Mobility Vehicle Service 08:46 Repairing or Correcting Others’ Work: Challenges in Mobility Vehicle Service 11:22 Prescriptions, Regulations & Working with Certified Evaluators 14:19 How Modifications Affect Standard Vehicle Repairs 16:35 Diagnosing Issues When Factory Systems and Modified Controls Meet 19:06 Adapting to EVs and Hybrids in the Mobility Industry 22:04 The Human Side: Fittings, Customer Stories & Building Trust 25:48 Technician Shortages & The Specialized Skills Required 29:08 Training, Following Procedures, and the Role of Inspections 32:38 Troubleshooting Wiring, Diagnostics, and Common Mistakes 36:58 Customer Impact: Independence, Freedom, and Lasting Relationships 41:12 Insurance, Rentals, and the Cost of Mobility Vehicle Ownership 45:42 Body Shop Challenges: Repairs, Estimating, and Crash-Tested Parts 51:02 Advice for Technicians: Approach, Caution, and Knowing When to Call Experts 54:59 The Growing Mobility Market & Emerging Trends 57:01 Life-Changing Mobility Solutions: Why This Work Matters 01:02:57 Wrap-Up: Spreading Awareness & Educating Technicians 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 12m

  3. 12/30/2025

    Sherwood II Says We MUST Find Better Ways to Recruit Talented Techs

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Register for Tektonic HERE! In this episode, Jeff welcomes back Sherwood Cook II of Royalty Auto. Sherwood talks about the challenges he's had with technician recruitment and stresses the importance of inspiring young techs through programs like their Junior Technician Night. Jeff and Sherwood also talk about industry-wide issues with parts quality, availability, and the increasing difficulty of repairs. Their conversation highlights how these factors impact shops and customers. Timestamps:00:00 Preserving the Legacy & Striving for Excellence00:33 Christmas Break & Personal Reflections02:21 Surviving Canadian Winters: Funny Stories03:30 Junior Tech Night: Growing the Next Generation04:48 New Stations & Engaging Kids in the Trades05:55 Making Electrical Training Fun for Kids07:19 Spotting Future Superstars at Tech Night09:03 Giveaway Stories: Toolkits, Nerf Guns & Kids Negotiations13:00 The Decline of Hands-on Skills & Why It Matters16:20 Trades Skills Shortages: Opportunities and Concerns18:41 The Role of AI: Is It Replacing Technicians?20:14 Shop Pricing, Value, and Why Craftsmen Stand Out27:04 OE vs. Aftermarket Parts: Quality and Supply Issues32:06 Parts Availability Crisis: ABS Modules & TipM Odds36:17 Aftermarket Solutions: Salvaging Unrepairable Cars42:08 TRP Parts: Challenges with Used Components46:32 The Hackers Behind Module Repairs: Sharing Knowledge51:11 True Value in the Repair Industry: Pricing Your Work54:39 Learning to Charge Appropriately for Your Service59:11 Side Work: Garage Repairs vs. Shop Experience1:01:46 Shop Insurance & Customer Protections1:03:17 Nuggets for Shop Owners: Value, Markup, & Relationships1:08:06 Building Value: Pickup, Washes, Roses & More1:11:42 Price vs. Craftsmanship: Which Arena Will You Play In?1:18:14 Goals for 2026 & Launching a Training Website1:20:11 Training Events: Vision, Asta, and Promotion Strategies1:29:22 Social Media’s Role: Reaching the Next Wave of Techs1:33:20 Never Stop Learning: Lessons for Young and Veteran Techs1:34:57 Final Messages: Legacy, Responsibility, and Growth 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. 12/23/2025

    Eric the Car Guy!! | His Story and Thoughts on Technician Burnout

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Wanna go to Tekmetric's first ever industry training event Tektonic? Register HERE In this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with the one... the only.... Eric the Car Guy! His YouTube Channel has impacted millions of technicians over the years and one of those was the host of this podcast...Jeff. Today, they talk about Eric's story from dealership technician to YouTuber, highlighting the setbacks that shaped his career and his drive to empower others. They also discuss the challenges facing today's automotive industry, including the need for mentorship and apprenticeship programs, common misconceptions about flat rate pay, and the importance of valuing technicians as professionals. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction – Eric’s Early Shop Life & Pay Structures02:05 Flat Rate, Shop Culture, and Getting Fired07:36 The Legend Coupe Story & Being Let Go Over $90013:00 Teaching Himself Video and Moving into YouTube19:37 Giving Away the “Secrets” & Empowering Customers24:13 Burnout, Losing the Shop, and Starting Over33:35 Dealing with Haters & The Power of the Audience39:18 Building a Community & Inspiring the Next Generation46:05 Apprenticeships, Mentorship, and Industry Change54:10 The Problem with Flat Rate Pay & Technician Expectations1:02:30 Self-Taught vs. Formal Mentorship in Automotive1:10:03 What’s Next for Eric The Car Guy? Future Content & Inspiration1:15:54 Final Reflections and Advice for Aspiring Techs 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 18m

  5. 12/16/2025

    The ONE Thing New Techs Need Most (and Shop Owners Overlook) | John Firm and Rick White

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Wanna go to Tekmetric's first ever industry training event Tektonic? Register HERE In this episode, Jeff is joined by John Firm and Rick White where they discuss growth and success in the automotive industry. Rick talks about the importance of having a coach and staying curious, humble, and open to new ideas. John and Rick also speak on the challenges unique to fleet shops versus traditional retail shops. To help, they share advice on pricing, marketing, and building strong business relationships. Timestamps:00:00 "Reflection on Hosting Growth" 04:42 "Ask or Stay Ignorant" 07:05 Car Troubleshooting: Fuse vs. Diagram 10:11 Effective Communication in Auto Repair 12:42 Business Coaching Insights 19:03 "Competing on Price Dangers" 19:26 "Prioritizing Strategy Over Savings" 23:08 Labor Rates and Mix Reevaluated 28:28 "How to Beat AutoZone" 31:47 Survival Over Greed 33:51 "Challenges in European Auto Repair" 38:31 "Maintain Control, Avoid Dealers" 40:08 "Coaching Accountability and Honesty" 44:13 "Helping a Client in Need" 48:02 Advice for New Technicians 51:00 "Integrity in Auto Repair" 53:43 "Talking About John and Canada" 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

    57 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    Life as a Tech is Not Always "Sunny" with Sunny Massera

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Register NOW for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference coming up HERE In this episode, Jeff sits down with Sunny Massera. Sunny is a self-taught service manager that went from dabbling with cars to building high-end custom Broncos. He talks about why it's important to seek out people with greater skill to keep growing. Sunny also discusses the challenges of business ownership in the automotive world and talks about lessons learned from running his own shop. Jeff and Sunny also speak on the high expectations and pressures involved in custom car builds and mentoring young technicians. Follow Sunny on social - TikTok Instagram Facebook Timestamps:00:00 "Early Passion for Fixing Cars" 09:33 Underappreciated Work and Mismanagement 14:34 "Passion Meets Expectation in Craft" 16:14 From Selling to Building Cars 21:23 "Job Frustration and Judgment" 27:28 Lifelong Learning in Trades 33:17 Distractions and Smoking Breaks 40:36 "From Carburetors to Convenience" 42:58 "GTOs, Broncos, and Value" 50:31 Truck Modification Causes Failure 55:53 "Faulty Steering on Work Vans" 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 2m

  7. 12/02/2025

    Check Engine Chuck Says We Need a New Mindset

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Register for Tektonic HERE! In this episode, Jeff Compton is joined by Check Engine Chuck and Brian Gauthier. Chuck and Jeff talk about the importance of investing in service information and ongoing education. They also speak on how sharpening diagnostic skills can change a technician's role and reputation. Brian also shares his experience transitioning from routine mechanical work to more advanced diagnostics. He also opens up about the challenges of working in a small-town shop with limited resources. Timestamps:00:00 "Chuck's Impact on Attendance" 08:13 "Better Than the Dealer" 12:00 "Cost Differences in Workplaces" 19:05 "Learning Effective Car Repairs" 23:23 Shifting Perspectives Shape Outcomes 29:01 "Chuck's Generosity and Frustrations" 32:11 Gatekeeping for Change 38:37 "Growth Through Focused Free Time" 45:06 "No Sleep, Still Driving" 47:48 "Transforming Through Mindset Shift" 54:52 Car Conversion Issues Explained 01:02:01 Daily Learning with Eric O. 01:04:52 Struggles with Subaru Diagnostics 01:12:35 "No Communication, Programming Risk" 01:17:23 Bridging Technician and Management Gaps 01:21:43 "Unexpected Generosity and Change" 01:24:50 "Tech Confusion and Programming Chat" 01:34:17 "Refining a Diagnostic Process" 01:35:04 "Industry 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 38m

  8. 11/25/2025

    Culture at Work Has NEVER Been More Important | Tony Martinez - AAPEX Technician of the Year

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Wanna go to Tekmetric's first ever industry training event Tektonic? Register HERE In this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with Tony Martinez who was the AAPEX Technician of the Year. Tony shares his perspective on mentorship in the automotive industry and the importance of team culture over individual performance. He and Jeff talk about the value of constantly learning and ASE certifications. They also discuss the growing need for open access to service information and support for the Right to Repair Act. Timestamps:00:00 "Teamwork and Growth Insights" 10:21 "Learning Extreme Ownership" 15:58 "Path to Becoming an A Tech" 20:45 ASE Test Prep Insights 22:32 "Pursuing Manufacturing Apprenticeship Early" 29:11 "Engine Assembly and Keystone Pipeline" 33:52 "Building Mastery Over Quick Fixes" 43:10 "Workshop Workflow and Logistics" 47:58 "Patience and Perseverance in Challenges" 50:29 "Perseverance and Problem-Solving" 59:27 "Company Culture Drives Success" 01:03:59 Sherwood Family: Teaching Automotive Skills 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 10m
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4.5
out of 5
42 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
    144
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jeff Compton

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