The Jaded Mechanic Podcast

Jeff Compton
  • 4.6 (48)
  • 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. 6d ago

    Simple Changes That Make an Auto Repair Shop More Professional | Frank and Margarita Wiebe

    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 Recorded at the TOOLS in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Jeff sits down with Canadian shop owners Frank and Margarita Wiebe of 3D Auto to share their first destination training event and the lessons they're bringing back to their shop. They share how the welcoming community helped them build new relationships, the value of technical and service advisor training, and why effective customer communication starts with selling value—not price. The conversation also covers diagnostics, shop processes, professionalism, preventive maintenance, and building a culture focused on continuous learning and integrity. Timestamps: 00:00 Honesty With Customers 00:46 Meet Frank and Margarita Wiebe 01:42 Road Trip to Hershey 03:39 First Destination Training Event 04:26 Finding Community at TOOLS 06:30 Women's Dinner Experience 08:34 Their Podcast Journey 09:38 Tire Lifting Tips 11:12 Women in the Shop 13:18 Safety and Leadership Lessons 15:09 Favorite Training Sessions 21:11 Hershey Lodge Experience 23:32 Improving Customer Estimates 27:50 Building a Professional Shop Brand 29:48 Training Technicians and Using Lab Scopes 33:41 Battery Testing Best Practices 34:55 Preventive Maintenance Mindset 36:12 Doing Maintenance the Right Way 37:26 Advocating for Customers 39:04 Fleet Maintenance Success Stories 41:41 Why Phone Estimates Don't Work 43:51 Diagnose Before Replacing Parts 46:14 Handling Difficult Customers 51:39 Pricing and Setting Priorities 54:05 Free Services and Due Diligence 01:00:22 Tekmetric Experiences 01:04:13 A/C Season and Fleet Planning 01:06:31 Final Takeaways 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 10m

  2. Jun 30

    The Fine Line Between Viral Content and Rage Bait | Bryan Pollock, Tonnika Haynes and Braxton Critcher

    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 Recorded at Tools Pennsylvania 2026, this discussion brings together Jeff with Bryan Pollock, Tonnika Haynes and Braxton Critcher to talk about the realities of growing a podcast and business through social media. They explore why short-form content and reels are essential for reaching new audiences, the downside of viral clips attracting negative comments, and the challenge of balancing attention-grabbing content with long-term brand integrity. The conversation also covers dealing with online criticism, protecting your mental health, and staying focused on helping people make meaningful changes instead of chasing internet arguments. Timestamps: 00:00 Do You Focus? 01:34 Disc Golf Banter 01:52 Emotional Support Wiener 02:10 Tools PA Roundtable Introduction 02:30 Group Chat Chaos 03:32 Reels Are the Devil 05:05 Why Social Media Matters 06:51 Viral Reels and Online Hate 09:29 Deleting Ignorant Comments 11:01 Rage Bait vs. Clickbait 15:00 Shop Rates and Industry Reality 16:24 Producer Clip Strategy 20:58 Can You Change the Industry? 23:53 Choosing Positivity 29:34 Why Good Content Still Gets Hate 32:42 The "Must Be Nice" Mindset 34:40 Handling Large Audiences 35:53 Protecting Your Peace 36:16 Keyboard Warrior Stories 38:34 Why Viewers Get Angry 41:01 You Can't Save Everyone 42:30 The Highlight Reel Trap 48:24 Stop Complaining—Start Changing 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 4m

  3. Jun 23

    Dealership or Independent Shop: Which Is Better? | Eric Schoenberger

    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 sits down with Kansas technician Eric Schoenberger of Holt Motor Company. Having grown up around Chrysler dealerships alongside his father, a veteran drivability and transmission specialist, Eric shares his experiences in dealer life and why he ultimately transitioned to the independent repair world. The conversation explores flat-rate frustrations, warranty and recall work, shop politics, diagnostic strategies, transmission repairs, evolving technology, and the value of ongoing training. Eric also discusses how independent shops offer less stress, and a different approach to customer service and technician growth. Timestamps: 00:00 Podcast Welcome and Holiday 00:45 Kansas Guest and Vision Talk 01:30 Shop Intro and Dealer Roots 06:03 Family Influence and Career Path 08:12 Flat Rate and Recall Frustrations 17:25 Favorite Dealer Work and Transmissions 23:03 PT Cruiser Love-Hate Jobs 25:35 Diagnostics and Techline Support 27:49 Dealer Life and Shop Politics 32:37 Misfires, Burnt Valves, and Borescopes 36:31 Pentastar Problems and Tips 41:26 Diesel Disasters 44:04 Recall Work Realities 49:21 Hybrid Battery Discussion 52:37 Leaving the Dealer World 55:47 Advisors, DVI, and Communication 01:01:38 Training Great Advisors 01:08:35 Transmission Service Debate 01:14:38 Moving to Independent Shops 01:16:27 Learning Through Service Information 01:18:46 Oddball Repairs and Old Mopars 01:27:05 Caravan Rear A/C Repairs 01:33:05 Training Events and Mentors 01:38:49 Shop Culture and Dispatching 01:40:44 A/C Diagnostics and Leak Testing 01:47:37 Parts Support Challenges 01:54:02 Technician Pay and Flat Rate 01:56:23 Gravy Work vs. Diagnostics 02:02:27 Independent Shop Mindset 02:12:28 Training and Networking 02:20:06 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

    2h 23m

  4. Jun 16

    Why Some Technicians Are Leaving Flat Rate | Daniel Whitey

    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 Jaded Mechanic Podcast episode, Jeff sits down with Canadian technician Daniel Whitey to discuss his journey through the automotive trade. Daniel shares how a Chrysler co-op program at Centennial College led to an apprenticeship, dealership experience, and eventually a move into fleet maintenance. They discuss the realities of flat rate pay, mentorship, shop culture, tool investments, diagnostics, and why Daniel ultimately chose the stability of a straight-time fleet position. The conversation also explores technician mental health, career development, and advice for new technicians entering the industry. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome  00:51 Meet Daniel Whitey 03:48 Career Origins and Licensing 09:09 Centennial Chrysler Co-op 10:58 Chrysler Dealer Experience 21:30 Mentorship and Flat Rate Life 35:12 Diagnostic War Stories 42:04 Hybrids and EV Discussion 44:15 Leaving Chrysler 50:46 Transition to Hyundai 56:45 Hyundai Challenges 01:01:34 Fleet Shop Life and Benefits 01:08:38 Daily Fleet Pressures 01:18:53 Leaving Dealerships Gracefully 01:21:11 Saturday Flat Rate Grind 01:25:35 Recall Day Stories 01:35:46 Advice for New Technicians 01:46:44 Licensing and Competency 01:52:37 Mental Health and Closing Thoughts 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 56m

  5. Jun 9

    From Tech to Service Advisor: Training, & Shop Leadership with Cody Kirkessner

    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 Recorded at Tools in Hershey, PA, Jeff Compton features Cody Kirkenester of Fadely’s Auto Masters. After 15 years as a technician and shop foreman, Cody transitioned into the service advisor and shop manager role. He shares his journey into the automotive industry, the training culture that helped shape his career, and a memorable diagnostic breakthrough using a lab scope. Cody also discusses mentoring technicians, managing customer relationships, parts quality challenges, AI in the shop, and one of his fears. Timestamps 00:00 Meet Cody Kirkenester 00:56 From Tech to Advisor 02:27 Early Car Obsession 04:25 School and First Shops 07:40 Joining Faidley’s Auto 08:33 Training Culture 12:31 Diagnostic Breakthrough 15:08 Corvettes and Specialty Cars 20:16 Team Development and Mentoring 28:09 Moving Into Management 38:45 Challenges of Being a Service Advisor 47:51 Parts Quality Issues 51:43 Recruiting Young Talent 55:55 Scopes and AI Tools 58:44 Succession Planning 01:01:20 Legacy and Leadership 01:07:41 Wrap Up and Next Steps 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 8m

  6. Jun 2

    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 48m

  7. 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 12m

  8. 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 36m
See All (169)

4.6
out of 5
48 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
    169
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jeff Compton

You Might Also Like