The Jaded Mechanic Podcast

Jeff Compton
  • 4.6 (49)
  • 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 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 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

  2. 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 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

  3. 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 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

  4. 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 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

  5. 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 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

  6. Sep 15

    He Went Alone, But Came Home With a Family with Aniz Lavji - Ep.177 Pt. 1

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.   Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE 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 Aniz Lavji to talk about shop growth, better workflow, and the value of finding your people in the automotive industry. Aniz shares how hiring a service advisor and adding a second licensed technician helped improve customer service, reduce stress, and give him more time to focus on the business. They also discuss the challenges small shops face when big jobs tie up bays, create delays, and lead to rushed work or comebacks. Aniz also shares how he discovered Jeff’s podcast and why attending ASTA alone became such an important experience. What started as a solo trip turned into new friendships, practical learning, and a stronger connection to the industry community. Timestamps: 00:00 Finding Family at ASTA00:57 Podcast Welcome and Introductions01:26 Jeep Repairs and Shop Chaos02:32 Hiring Staff and Serving Customers05:17 Big Jobs vs. Easy Money09:51 How Anis Found the Podcast11:55 Proactive Ownership and Learning16:05 Why ASTA Changed Everything17:15 Walking In Alone and Meeting Jeff20:41 ASTA vs. Vision and Real Connections22:34 Lobby Talks and Practical Nuggets28:29 Wrap Up and Call to Action 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 8

    They’re Married AND Mobile Mechanics?! with Ben and Jenna Dellaria

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Save 15% on your next Launch Tech USA tool with code Launch15. Use that code at checkout HERE In this episode, Jeff sits down with Ben and Jenna of 3Ts Automotive to talk about mobile automotive repair, business growth, marriage, and building a business online. Ben and Jenna share the realities of running a high volume mobile business, from working in extreme heat to managing customer expectations and diagnosing vehicles on camera. They discuss their plans for a future brick and mortar shop, the challenges of growing a YouTube channel, and why staying authentic matters more than chasing views. The conversation also covers pricing, profitability, parts sourcing, scheduling, maintenance, industry misinformation, online trolls, and the importance of supporting technicians who want to do quality work. They also share lessons on working together as a couple, avoiding burnout, staying focused on your own journey, and keeping the business fundamentals ahead of social media. Timestamps: 00:00 Ignore Online Hype00:36 Meet 3Ts Automotive01:02 Heat and Going Brick and Mortar04:23 Working With Your Spouse09:57 Filming Real Diagnostics11:32 Authenticity Over Views14:35 Trolls and Teaching Values19:12 Pricing Labor and Profit23:34 Wild Customer Calls32:16 No Means No Requests33:34 Turbo Noise Request34:14 Why Enthusiast Cars Hurt35:46 The Never Ending Project39:40 Parts Sourcing Reality40:23 Friends and Family Pricing Trap43:56 Home Shop Time Management46:53 Hemi Truck No Start Mystery50:16 Flexible Repair Philosophy54:24 Maintenance First Hard Truths59:42 Social Media Pricing Damage01:08:03 Battery Light Surprise01:08:52 Alternator Fix Then Stalls01:10:42 Cat Converter Root Cause01:11:23 Parts Quality Domino Effect01:14:10 Parking Lot Mechanics Debate01:17:34 Regulation and Certification01:22:24 Building the Skool Community01:28:21 Rage Bait and Misinformation01:34:43 Staying Positive Online01:40:00 Profitability and Public Perception01:42:49 Who to Argue With01:45:14 Quiet Supporters Matter01:46:51 Handling Trolls Online01:48:12 Who Deserves a Platform01:49:57 Internet Outsiders Weigh In01:53:36 Stay the Course01:54:51 Working With Your Spouse01:59:35 Mobile Life and Burnout02:02:14 ADHD, Anxiety and Focus02:06:08 Stop Comparing Journeys02:08:03 Closing Advice and Growth02:10:22 Content Second, Business First02:13:18 Revenue Goals and Training02:16:04 Thanks, Sponsors and Community02:18:23 Final Sign Off and CTA 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 1

    Is Flat Rate Driving Young Technicians Out of the Trade? with Tanner Watters

    Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Save 15% on your next Launch Tech USA tool with code Launch15. Use that code at checkout HERE In this episode, Jeff Compton talks with Tanner Waters, a field and shop technician in rural Montana, about his path into the trade and what life is like working on tractors, combines, and hay equipment. Tanner shares his apprenticeship experience, field diagnostics, long drives, and major repairs while comparing hourly efficiency pay with flat rate. The conversation also explores why younger technicians leave the industry, the importance of shop culture and leadership, technician communication, diagnostic time, training apprentices, and the future of agricultural equipment with autonomy, EVs, emissions, and right to repair. Timestamps: 00:00 Shop Culture Wins 00:34 Podcast Intro and Guest Setup 01:45 Montana Life and Fishing Talk 02:43 How Tanner Got Wrenching 03:24 Corvette and Hemi Memories 05:43 Wrangler Ownership and Oil Cooler 08:41 Life as a Field Tech 11:55 Winter Regens and Emissions 13:36 From Kenworth to John Deere 14:32 Old-School Trucks and Cabovers 18:17 Apprenticeship Tools and Toolboxes 22:50 Princess Auto and Canada Road Trip 26:14 MMA Stories 31:02 The Missing Age Group in the Trade 32:00 The Flat Rate Gap 34:48 Recalls and PIPs 36:08 Why Technicians Leave 40:54 Hourly Efficiency Pay 51:18 Workflow Support Roles 55:03 Technicians Selling the Job 59:54 Pre-Authorizing Repairs 01:04:18 Why Diagnostics Take Time 01:09:50 Transmission Service Expectations 01:11:05 Free Diagnostics vs. Evaluation 01:13:08 Asking Better Questions 01:14:07 Intermittent Turbo Faults 01:15:19 Parts Quality Reality Check 01:18:39 Build Quality and Technician Pay 01:20:54 Training Apprentices the Right Way 01:23:27 Motivation and Career Paths 01:27:13 Turnover and Leadership 01:32:56 Ag Tech Levels and Certifications 01:34:08 Autonomy and Electric Agriculture 01:38:29 EVs in Rural Life 01:41:32 Muscle Cars and Collectors 01:44:49 Jeep Ducks Culture 01:45:53 The Top-Off Jeep Debate 01:47:13 Wrangler Tops and Leaks 01:48:26 Refrigerant Changes and 1234yf 01:49:58 AC Repair Customer Headaches 01:52:57 DIY Refrigerant Cans and Regulations 01:57:29 Right to Repair Deere 02:01:26 Technician Shortage and OTA Updates 02:04:36 Self-Driving and Subscriptions 02:08:54 Shop Culture and Career 02:13:35 Events, Sponsors, and Farewell 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
    184
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jeff Compton

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