The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast

Automotive Repair Podcast
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  • 一周一更

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker. Experts in their field who work with shop owners take it to the next level and create a unique approach to marketing. See the growth in your business you’ve been working so hard for by using time-proven marketing that works, fueled to go further by your shop's uniqueness.

  1. The Great Google Ads Hack of 2025 [E190]

    6天前

    The Great Google Ads Hack of 2025 [E190]

    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled December 16th, Shop Marketing Pros’ Google Ads MCC was hacked — and what should’ve been a quick fix turned into an eight-day nightmare of lost access, fraudulent campaigns, and even attempted $500,000 account “preload” charges. Brian Walker and Hallie Wasinger lay out the full timeline (warts and all): what the hackers changed, why leaving them “view-only” mattered, how Google support handled it, and what it took to restore and stabilize dozens of client accounts. If you run Google Ads (or hire someone who does), listen all the way through for the hard-earned security upgrades and practical steps to protect your MCC and your shop’s payment methods. Show Notes with Timestamps Podcast Introduction (00:00:00) Brief intro to the podcast, hosts, and episode topic.The Google Ads Hack Begins (00:02:20) Timeline and discovery of the hack on December 16th, 2024, at around 2:30 AM.Immediate Response and MCC Explanation (00:03:11) How the hack was discovered, initial response, and what a Google Ads MCC is.How the Hack Happened (00:05:39) Discussion of phishing, weak Google 2FA, and how hackers gained access.Scope of the Breach (00:06:47) Number of affected accounts, types of accounts, and initial impact.Contacting Google and Early Damage (00:07:29) Brian contacts Google by 4:50 AM; minimal damage at this stage.How Hackers Maintained Access (00:10:15) Hackers downgrade admin access to view-only, allowing continued monitoring.Timeline to Regain Access (00:11:16) Hack occurred December 16th; access restored December 23rd after eight days.Tracking the Hackers’ Actions (00:12:15) Team tracks every change made by hackers during the eight days.Hackers’ Motives and Ad Spend (00:14:48) Hackers run fake medical device ads, spend about $15,000, and attempt large charges.Massive Unauthorized Charges (00:17:16) Multiple $500,000 and $50,000 charges attempted; client reactions and reversals.Client Communication and Stress (00:20:04) Notifying clients, handling overdrawn accounts, and emotional impact.Controlling What They Could (00:22:02) Accepting limited control, focusing on communication and tracking.Escalating to Authorities and Senators (00:22:48) Filing complaints with FBI, DHS, and contacting senators for help.Disconnecting LSA Accounts (00:24:35) Quickly disconnecting Local Services Ads to limit further damage.Impact on Client Businesses...

    58 分钟
  2. The Most Important KPI You're Not Tracking with Chris Cotton [E189]

    1月28日

    The Most Important KPI You're Not Tracking with Chris Cotton [E189]

    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled You might be tracking average repair order, car count, even gross profit, but are you looking at your average estimate? In this episode, Brian Walker sits down with coach and shop owner Chris Cotton to dig into what may be the most underutilized KPI in the auto repair industry. Chris lays out real numbers, explains why average estimate is a crystal ball into your sales process, and even shares the exact changes his shop made to 4x estimates and drive gross profit through the roof, all in just one year. If you’ve ever asked yourself “Why aren’t my tickets higher?” or “Do I really need another service advisor?” this is the episode for you. Plus, you’ll hear actionable advice on how to move the needle on closing ratios, the power of DVI, and why the right software may be the best investment you’ll ever make. Hit play and discover why average estimate might be the missing metric in your shop's growth strategy. Show Notes with Timestamps Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgements (00:00:09) Host introduces the podcast, guest Chris Cotton, and thanks sponsors.Setting the Topic: The Most Important KPI You're Not Tracking (00:01:14) Discussion begins on the underutilized KPI: average estimate written by service advisors.Why Average Estimate Matters (00:01:47) Chris explains why average estimate is overlooked and its importance in diagnosing low average repair orders.How to Track Average Estimate (00:03:36) Discussion on how shop management systems track average estimate and the need to analyze by advisor and shop.Chris Cotton’s Shop Background and Context (00:04:23) Chris shares his dual role as coach and shop owner, and sets context for the numbers discussed.Differences Between Shop Types and KPIs (00:06:07) Explains how KPIs differ between general, specialty, and quick lube shops, and the impact on labor hours.Shop Operations: Car Count, Bays, and Staffing (00:07:25) Chris details his shop’s car count, number of bays, technicians, and unique seven-day schedule.Process Improvements and Estimate Presentation (00:09:29) Describes improvements in hours presented on estimates and the impact of digital vehicle inspections (DVIs).Leveraging Technology for Deferred Work (00:10:26) How CRM tools and online scheduling help sell deferred work and improve customer engagement.Transparency and Full Disclosure in Estimates (00:11:20) Chris’s philosophy on presenting all findings to customers for informed decision-making.What is a Good Average Estimate? (00:13:19) Chris shares a rule of thumb for average estimate based on vehicle mileage and shop type.Impact of Raising Average Estimate on Revenue (00:14:51) Chris details how increasing average estimate improved average repair order and overall...

    28 分钟
  3. How to Work the Chamber of Commerce [E188]

    1月21日

    How to Work the Chamber of Commerce [E188]

    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled You joined the Chamber of Commerce - great move. But now what? This episode pulls back the curtain on why just paying your dues and slapping a sticker on your window doesn’t cut it. The chamber isn’t a vending machine where you drop in money and business pops out, it’s a networking powerhouse if you actually use it. We dig into how to evaluate your local chamber, the right way to get involved, and how to turn those meet-and-greets into actual business growth. From business before hours and luncheons to sponsorships and ribbon cuttings, you’ll walk away with a game plan that puts you in the driver’s seat. And hey, it doesn’t have to be you showing up every time, there are smart ways to delegate this, too. So if you’ve ever said “the chamber doesn’t work,” you might want to give this one a listen. You might just find the real problem isn’t the chamber, it’s how you’re (not) using it. Tune in and learn how to work the chamber to work for you. Show Notes with Timestamps Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgements(00:00:09) Hosts introduce the episode, topic, and thank sponsors Shop Boss and App Fueled.Chamber of Commerce Misconceptions(00:01:04) Discuss the misconception that joining the Chamber automatically brings business; importance of active participation.Evaluating Your Local Chamber(00:02:22) How to research and assess your local Chamber’s value via social media, website, and events.Chamber Events and Opportunities(00:04:21) Overview of typical Chamber events, luncheons, fundraisers, and sponsorship opportunities.Member Directory and Secret Shopping(00:06:25) Using the Chamber’s member directory for SEO and the value of attending events before joining.Delegating Chamber Involvement(00:07:31) Encouragement to delegate Chamber activities to staff, such as service advisors, with possible incentives.Sponsor Messages(00:08:43) Mid-episode sponsor messages for Shop Boss and App Fueled.Getting Involved in Committees(00:10:43) Benefits of joining Chamber committees and finding one that aligns with your interests.Chamber Involvement as Business Growth(00:12:05) Chamber and networking as cost-effective growth strategies, especially for new businesses.Delegation and Networking Evolution(00:13:51) How Chamber involvement evolves as your business grows and the importance of building connections.Community Initiatives and Chamber Support(00:14:10) Examples of leveraging the Chamber for community projects and the resulting benefits.Hosting Events and Ribbon Cuttings(00:15:30) Using your shop to host Chamber events and the value of ribbon cuttings for publicity.Sponsorship and Brand...

    19 分钟
  4. How to Choose the Right BNI Group [E187]

    1月14日

    How to Choose the Right BNI Group [E187]

    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled Let’s be honest: BNI isn’t new to you. If you’ve been around this podcast, you’ve heard us talk about Business Networking International before. But this time, we’re taking a deeper dive into something super practical: how to actually choose the right BNI group for your shop. Because let’s be real, not all chapters are created equal. In this episode, Kim and I walk you through the exact steps we’ve taken to find the best-fit groups, what red flags to look for, and how to show up ready to make a killer first impression. Whether you’re a natural introvert like me or you’re already networking like crazy, there’s a group out there for you, and we’ll help you find it. Don’t miss this one—especially if you're ready to grow your business through real relationships and legitimate referrals. Show Notes with Timestamps Introduction and Sponsors (00:00:00) Podcast introduction, hosts, and sponsor messages for Shop Boss and App Fueled.What is BNI? (00:01:20) Explanation of BNI, its structure, exclusivity, and benefits for business networking.Personal Experiences with BNI (00:02:31) Hosts share how BNI helped their businesses and personal growth, especially in public speaking.BNI’s Structure and Meeting Format (00:03:44) Description of BNI’s structured meetings, weekly agenda, and the value of regular participation.Tracking BNI’s Impact (00:06:39) How the hosts tracked BNI as a marketing source and the variety of chapters in different regions.Finding and Choosing a BNI Group (00:08:29) Step-by-step advice on finding local BNI chapters and evaluating group membership.Understanding Networking Spheres (00:09:56) Explanation of networking spheres and the importance of complementary businesses in BNI groups.Starting a New Chapter (00:10:50) Advice on starting a new BNI chapter if your area is underserved.Evaluating Group Culture and Fit (00:13:03) How to assess group meeting times, culture, and whether the group’s vibe matches your needs.Visiting and Assessing Groups (00:14:27) Tips for visiting groups, gauging friendliness, and looking for active, growing chapters.Referrals vs. Leads in BNI (00:15:40) Clarifying the difference between warm referrals and cold leads in BNI.Attendance and Participation Expectations (00:16:17) Importance of consistent attendance, sending substitutes, and treating BNI as a sales meeting.Preparing to Visit a BNI Group (00:17:40) Best practices for contacting the group, arriving early, and networking effectively.Making a Good First Impression (00:19:13) Bring business cards,...

    27 分钟
  5. Our Favorite Episodes of 2025 [E186]

    1月7日

    Our Favorite Episodes of 2025 [E186]

    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled Want a shortcut to the best episodes from 2025 that’ll breathe new life into your mindset, your marketing, and your mission as a shop owner? This one’s a must-listen. Kim and Brian sat down, actually face-to-face for once, to unpack the ten episodes from last year that left a lasting impact. Whether it’s building superfans, preparing your shop for anything life throws your way, or rekindling that fire that got you into this industry in the first place, we’ve got you covered. Grab a notebook and dive into this recap, it’s more than a look back; it’s your launchpad into 2026. 👉 Go listen and pick the episodes that speak to where you are right now. Show Notes with Timestamps How To Get In Touch Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook Meet The Pros Follow SMP on Facebook Follow SMP on Instagram Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc) Profit First Buy Back Your Time How To Get In Touch Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook Meet The Pros Follow SMP on Facebook Follow SMP on Instagram Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc) Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled This episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you. AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.” The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ a...

    33 分钟
  6. The Fast Track: How Paying for Speed Changes Everything [E185]

    2025/12/31

    The Fast Track: How Paying for Speed Changes Everything [E185]

    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled Standing in line for hours at Disney might not sound like it has anything to do with running an auto repair shop but Brian Walker draws a straight line between the two. In this episode, he shares how paying to fast track your experiences, whether it’s in business, life, or even theme parks, can be the smartest investment you make. With real talk from his own business journey and the hard lessons he learned over the years, Brian lays out how mentorship, coaching, and strategic outsourcing can shave years off your learning curve and put you on the express track to success. If you’re tired of figuring everything out the hard way, this one’s for you. Hit play and let’s talk about skipping the line in business and in life. Show Notes with Timestamps Introduction and Sponsor Thanks (00:00:09) Brian introduces the episode, thanks sponsors, and sets up the topic of "fast tracking" in life.Disney Line Story & The Illusion of Shortcuts (00:01:10) Brian shares his pastor's story about long Disney lines and the reality behind seemingly short waits.Brian’s Disney VIP Experience (00:03:19) Brian describes his own Disney VIP experience, using it as an analogy for fast tracking success.The Value of Paying for Mentorship and Coaching (00:04:37) Brian discusses how paying for expert guidance accelerates learning and business growth.Learning the Hard Way vs. Fast Tracking (00:05:46) Brian reflects on his agency’s slow progress before joining specialized coaching programs.Realizing the Benefits of Coaching Programs (00:06:46) Brian realizes he could have saved years by joining a coaching program earlier.Sponsor Messages (00:07:30) Sponsor ads for Shop Boss and App Fueled, highlighting their business solutions.Condensing Years of Learning into a Day (00:09:05) Brian explains how coaching programs now teach in a day what took him years to learn.Paying for Services to Buy Back Time (00:10:12) Brian encourages business owners to delegate tasks to professionals to save time and focus on strengths.Challenging the “Do It Yourself” Mentality (00:11:17) Brian questions the belief that you should never pay for something you can do yourself.The Value of Buying Back Your Time (00:12:34) Brian advocates for paying others to free up time for more valuable or enjoyable activities.Encouragement to Invest in Fast Tracking (00:13:52) Brian urges listeners to invest in mentorship or services to accelerate progress and stay in their zone of genius.Final Thoughts and Disney Analogy (00:14:58) Brian wraps up, encouraging listeners to pay for better experiences in life, using Disney VIP as an example.li...

    16 分钟
  7. How ASCCA Protected Shops’ Ability to Track Google Ads—An Insider Update with Dave Kusa [E184]

    2025/12/24

    How ASCCA Protected Shops’ Ability to Track Google Ads—An Insider Update with Dave Kusa [E184]

    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled California auto repair shop owners, there’s a new regulation that almost flew under the radar, and if you're doing any kind of digital advertising, you’ll want to hit play on this one. In this episode, Brian Walker sits down with Dave Kusa, president of ASCCA, to break down recent changes from the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) that affect how you advertise your shop, especially when it comes to your phone number and license info. Spoiler: that tracking number you’ve been using to measure ad performance? It’s not necessarily a problem... but there are some key things you need to know to stay compliant and avoid issues down the line. They also talk about how this regulation came about, what ASCCA did to advocate for shop owners, and what to expect moving forward. Plus, if you’ve ever wondered why joining an association like ASCCA really matters, this is a perfect example of how that involvement pays off. If you're marketing a shop in California, or just want to stay ahead of the curve, this is one you can’t afford to miss. Listen now and keep your shop out of trouble. Show Notes with Timestamps Podcast Network Introduction (00:00:00) Brief announcement of the Automotive Repair Podcast Network.Episode Introduction & Sponsors (00:00:10) Host Brian Walker introduces the episode, guest Dave Kusa, and thanks sponsors Shop Boss and App Fueled.Guest Introduction & ASCCA Overview (00:01:01) Dave Kusa introduces himself, his shop, and his role as ASCCA president and Government Affairs Committee chair.ASCCA’s Role in Regulatory Issues (00:02:18) Discussion of ASCCA’s involvement with the BAR advisory group and regulatory processes.Background on New BAR Advertising Rules (00:03:41) Explanation of how the new BAR advertising rules, especially phone number requirements, came to ASCCA’s attention.Origin of Mobile Auto Repair Regulations (00:04:36) Details on how mobile repair regulations led to broader advertising requirements for all shops.Tracking Numbers & Industry Response (00:06:23) Concerns about tracking numbers, ASCCA’s advocacy, and BAR’s clarification on acceptable phone number practices.Current Compliance Recommendations (00:08:06) Advice on displaying registered phone numbers and ARD license on websites and digital marketing.Unresolved Issues & Awaiting Written Guidance (00:09:00) Pending clarity on Google My Business, Facebook, and the need for written BAR guidance.Best Practices & Consumer Protection (00:09:49) Benefits of displaying ARD numbers for legitimacy and consumer verification.Sponsor Messages (00:10:11) Promotional messages for Shop Boss and App Fueled.BAR’s Enforcement Approach & Dynamic Number Insertion (00:12:03) Discussion of BAR’s grace...

    24 分钟
  8. Preparing for the Unexpected with Darrin and Ginger Barney [E183]

    2025/12/17

    Preparing for the Unexpected with Darrin and Ginger Barney [E183]

    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled Most shop owners avoid tough conversations until it’s too late. But what happens when life throws you something completely unexpected, like the sudden loss of a loved one or a health scare that takes you out of your business? In this powerful, heartfelt conversation between Darrin and Ginger Barney (Elite), and Brian and Kim Walker (Shop Marketing Pros), these industry leaders open up about the real-life wake-up calls that forced them to prepare for the unthinkable. From losing parents to near-miss tragedies, they share the emotional and logistical side of what happens when you're not ready, personally or professionally. They talk about wills, SOPs, key person insurance, and yes, those “if I die” videos nobody wants to think about but everyone needs. More importantly, they cover what it means to love your team, your clients, and your family enough to take action before the worst happens. This isn’t about fear. It’s about leadership. It’s about responsibility. And it’s about love. 🎧 Don’t miss this one. Listen in and take that first step toward securing your legacy, and your shop’s future. Show Notes with Timestamps Podcast Introduction (00:00:00) Brief intro to the podcast network and episode topic: business continuity planning for auto repair shops.Sponsor Acknowledgments (00:01:02) Thanking sponsors and encouraging listeners to take action on the episode’s advice.Guest Introductions (00:01:49) Darrin and Ginger Barney, Brian and Kim Walker introduce themselves and their backgrounds.Personal Loss Experiences (00:04:59) Ginger and Kim share recent experiences with the loss of their mothers and the importance of preparation.Password and Account Management (00:09:50) Discussing the challenges of managing digital accounts and passwords after a loved one passes.Business Continuity for Owners (00:13:06) Brian emphasizes the need for business continuity plans to protect employees and clients if owners are incapacitated.Real-Life Case Studies (00:14:05) Stories of business owners who passed away or became incapacitated without proper plans in place.The Importance of Continuation Plans (00:15:03) Discussing the impact of sudden absence and the need for operational continuity in businesses.Temporary vs. Permanent Absence (00:17:23) Examples of both temporary and permanent owner absences and the need for flexible planning.Bus Books and SOPs (00:18:45) Introduction to “bus books” and standard operating procedures as tools for continuity.Proactive Planning and Keeping Plans Updated (00:19:53) The value of proactive planning, checklists, and regularly updating continuity documents.Elite’s Continuation Plan Program (00:21:10) Elite’s new program to help shop owners build...

    52 分钟
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The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker. Experts in their field who work with shop owners take it to the next level and create a unique approach to marketing. See the growth in your business you’ve been working so hard for by using time-proven marketing that works, fueled to go further by your shop's uniqueness.

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