Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE
If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!
In this episode, Braxton is joined by Lee Locklear of Cutting Edge Solutions and Missy Stephens of the Auto Care Association. Missy recounts how a high school vocational instructor in Pontiac, Michigan, shared a need he had to better equip his growing class, especially with more female students enrolling. Lee responded with a substantial donation of tools and equipment, valued at around $20,000, helping to ensure students have what they need to succeed. Now, that's some GOOD NEWS!
00:00 Program Faces High Demand, Needs Tools
05:30 Grateful Colt Receives Surprise Aid
09:14 "Incredible Generosity Impacting Education"
13:23 "Community Impact Through Vocational Support"
16:37 Time: The Most Valuable Gift
20:25 "Join the Generosity Movement"
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE
If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!
In this episode, Braxton Critcher sits down with Alan Kohler from Odyssey Battery. Alan breaks down the differences between traditional flooded lead-acid batteries, AGM, and Odyssey’s advanced Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology. The conversation explores why today’s vehicles—with their increased electronics and start-stop systems—require more from their batteries, and how Odyssey batteries are designed to deliver longer life and improved performance. Plus, Alan introduces Odyssey Connect, an innovative app-based system that lets users monitor battery health in real time.
Learn more about ODYSSEY Battery HERE
00:00 Automotive Repair News Today Keeps You Informed
04:35 AGM2: Advanced Car Battery Tech
07:38 Enhanced Batteries for Start-Stop Cars
12:28 Repair Shops vs. DIY Enthusiasts
15:27 Optimizing Truck Battery Management
17:35 Quality Over Cost for Car Essentials
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE
If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!
In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Mike Spagnola, President and CEO of SEMA. Mike offers an insider’s update on three major issues currently shaping the automotive industry. First, he shares the details behind SEMA’s victory in overturning California’s EV sales mandate, arguing for consumer choice and innovation in vehicle technology. Second, Mike breaks down the latest progress of "Leno’s Law," aimed at easing smog checks for California’s classic car owners. Finally, the discussion turns to the Right to Repair Act, with Mike emphasizing the importance of consumer access to vehicle data and repair options, and predicting what’s next for this critical legislation.
00:00 Advocates for Consumer Vehicle Choice
04:22 Rushed Implementation Concerns
08:21 "Free Market Reshapes Automotive Industry"
12:42 Smog Testing Challenges for Vintage Cars
16:21 Right to Repair Act Update
17:27 "Right to Repair and Modify"
22:23 Advocacy for Upcoming Legislation Crescendo
26:09 "Ensuring Vehicle Modifications and Safety"
29:55 Fiat's Global Mobility and Tourism Division
31:20 Global Automotive Tech Innovations
35:25 Local Enthusiasts Influence Auto Show
37:43 Convenient Hotel Stay Despite Congestion
40:32 Pressure vs. Pleasure Conversation
In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Chad Schnitz, Vice President of TOPDON, and newly appointed board member of the Auto Care Association’s Tool and Equipment board. Chad shares his perspective on the importance of the Right to Repair and the ongoing need for equal access to information for all automotive professionals. He also discusses efforts to bring more young people and women into the industry, as well as TOPDON's mission to offer innovative, affordable diagnostic tools for technicians at every level.
00:00 "Tight-Knit Industry Connections"
03:15 Chad's Board Appointment News
07:44 Right to Repair Challenges
12:35 Supporting Women in Auto Care
16:18 Improving Technician Profession Perception
17:15 Oil Change Frequency Debate
21:37 "Join the Automotive Repair Conversation"
In this episode, Braxton Critcher welcomes Jimmy Lea from the Institute for Automotive Business Excellence. Why? Because Jimmy actually did something newsworthy! Bout time! Jimmy is now, to our knowledge, the ONLY presenter in the automotive aftermarket certified as a Certified Speaking Professional. It was quite the journey to get here, though! Hear Jimmy walk us through the process and tell us why this is important for other speakers to try and get as well.
00:00 Jimmy's choice in suit coats
05:46 "Reapplying for CSP Certification"
08:11 Failed Speaker Review Video
11:08 Videographer Hire: Costs & Requirements
16:06 Speaker Recognition and Status
20:11 Becoming a Professional Speaker
21:01 Joining Speaking Associations Explained
25:58 Collaborative Industry Improvement Insights
28:35 "Shopmonkey Expert Series in Chicago"
In this episode, Braxton welcomes Ed and Brandi Caswell to talk about why and how they run their repair shop differently. Faith and generosity is some pretty crazy ways have become the foundation of their business culture, including their response to local disasters and support for employees’ personal growth. They even host a weekly men’s group at their shop and are launching scholarship programs, showing how small acts of service can transform both an auto repair business AND its surrounding community.
00:00 Positive Industry Podcast Initiative
05:09 Prayer and Opportunity in Adversity
08:40 "Journey from Teaching to Faith"
12:38 Faith and Support Acknowledged
13:55 Faith-Driven Business Transformation
18:24 "Brandy's Empathy in Crisis"
20:22 Empowering Growth Beyond Business
25:09 God's Impact in Business
27:21 "Industry Transformation: Faith-Driven Approach"
31:42 Divine Opportunities and Platforms
In this episode, Braxton Critcher shares the latest news from the automotive repair industry. He discusses a new tax bill passed by the House Ways and Means Committee that offers significant benefits to repair shops and small businesses, including a permanent 23% income deduction and relief on equipment investments. Braxton also highlights the unusual situation of one Brooklyn repair shop, which received hundreds of 311 complaints from a single individual over minor sidewalk infractions, prompting community support for the business. Finally, he spotlights Christian Brothers Automotive for being ranked number one in customer satisfaction by the J.D. Power Aftermarket Success Index for the sixth consecutive year.
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE
If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!
In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Tom Schearer to discuss the value and impact of attending automotive training events, with a special focus on the upcoming TOOLS Conference in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Tom addresses common concerns about the cost of training and emphasizes the strong return on investment for shop owners and technicians who attend. The conversation also highlights how ongoing education not only keeps teams up to date with rapidly changing technology but also strengthens shop culture and networking within the industry.
00:00 Role Play: Addressing Training Hesitations
05:45 Comprehensive Training Conference Overview
07:42 Training Benefits Outweigh Costs
13:27 Team Training and Staff Changes
16:37 Collision Classes & Networking Highlights
20:08 "Importance of Networking Events"
21:24 "Automotive Repair Podcast Promo"
In this episode, Braxton Critcher covers several major developments in the automotive industry. He updates listeners on the movement to overturn California’s Clean Air Act, highlighting bipartisan support and implications for gas-powered vehicles. Braxton also discusses the recent recall of nearly 300,000 Ford vehicles due to faulty backup cameras, emphasizing which models are affected and how customers can get repairs. Finally, he shares a positive story from Connecticut, where funds raised through a local car show are helping cover auto repairs for residents in need.
00:00 SEMA Push Against 2035 Gas Ban
04:19 Auto Industry's Tariff Concerns
08:53 "Car Enthusiast Hosts Charity Show"
10:18 Connecticut Repair Initiative Story Preview
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE
If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!
In this episode, Braxton is joined by Ryan McKinnon from the Charge Ahead Partnership to break down the recent end of the NEVI program under the Trump administration. Ryan highlights why the program, despite being well designed to leverage existing businesses for EV charging infrastructure, ultimately stumbled due to poor implementation by many states. The conversation also explores Florida’s unique approach to EV charging and the push for free market solutions over utility-run charging stations, emphasizing the importance of policies that encourage private investment in the evolving EV marketplace.
00:00 "Criticism of Ineffective EV Initiative"
05:06 Transportation Grants Continue Amid Program Halt
10:14 EV Charging Competition in Florida
12:42 State Attitudes on Federal EV Funding
15:47 Utility Control Over EV Charging
20:49 Ineffective Public Charger Deployment
23:43 EV Charging Policy Advocacy Platform
27:00 "Engage with Automotive Repair News"
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE
If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!
In this episode, Braxton Critcher sits down with Bret Fadley to dive into the growth and unique culture of the TOOLS training event in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Bret shares how TOOLS has evolved from a struggling show to a regional cornerstone, emphasizing its focus on networking, training, and creating a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of other major industry events like ASTA. They also discuss the fun community traditions—like the “jacket exchange”—and the family-friendly experience attendees can expect at this year’s TOOLS, making it a must-attend for shop owners, technicians, and their teams in the Northeast.
00:00 Annoying Flashing Table Lights
04:47 Rebranding Revived Struggling Show
09:35 Event Schedule: Training & Trade Show
12:50 Networking: Key to Training Events
13:49 "Step Outside Your Comfort Zone"
19:57 Weekend Event Schedule Highlights
23:47 "Excited for New Location Expansion"
25:29 Delayed Registration for Event
27:39 "Event Planning Date Dilemma"
31:43 "Engage & Improve Industry Together"
In this episode, Braxton starts with a confession. Evidently, keeping good care of tires is not his strong suit. He then talks about legislative updates on the REPAIR Act (HR 1566) and the latest advocacy efforts in California, along with details on SEMA and AAPEX registration for this year’s Las Vegas events. Plus, Braxton highlights California's new Cool Air Rebate Program for vehicle A/C repair and introduces an AI-driven sales coaching platform for repair shops.
00:00 Automotive Repair News Podcast
03:23 Tire Maintenance and Podcast Evolution
08:48 Cool Air Rebate Launching May
10:27 "AIX for Auto Repair Shops"
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE
If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!
In this episode, you'll get to meet Tekmetric's new COO! Lauren Langston shares her journey from a software-focused background to joining the automotive industry, emphasizing her desire to deliver better technology tailored to the auto repair industry. Braxton and Lauren also get into the trust gap between consumers and auto repair shops, highlighting how transparency and the right technology can help bridge that divide.
00:00 Vertical SaaS in Professional Services
04:02 Consumer Distrust in Auto Repair
09:13 Enhancing Customer Trust Through Tech
12:06 Tekmetric's Brand and Founder Impact
14:59 Managing Tech Change in Business
20:19 "Founders Drive Continuous Innovation"
21:10 Tekmetric's Next-Level Customer Focus
24:25 "Aligning Customer Needs with Offerings"
27:47 Auto Industry's Vast Opportunities
31:46 Building Tech with Industry Experts
In this episode, Braxton Critcher covers some of the most pressing developments in the automotive repair industry. He highlights SEMA’s recent appeal to President Trump for a transition period before new tariffs impact US automotive parts manufacturers. Braxton also discusses controversial bills in Missouri that could exempt many newer vehicles from safety inspections. Finally, he covers Hyundai’s adjustments to their Assurance Program in response to looming auto tariffs. All that an more on today's episode!
00:00 Manufacturers Seek Tariff Transition Period
03:51 Missouri Vehicle Inspection Debate
08:15 SEMA Registration Opens Next Week
In this episode, we cover all the things YOU NEED TO KNOW about the automotive repair industry. From the rise in tire scams affecting New Hampshire auto shops, to the progress of the Repair Act in Congress. Braxton Critcher also talks about the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation and all the good things and changes they are working on!
What do you think about today's format? Love, hate, ehhh it was okay? Let me know! Email me at braxton@automotiverepairnews.com
In this episode of Auto Repair News Today, Braxton talks about the announcement of Wayne Gretzky as the keynote speaker for Apex 2025! He brings up current challenges in the automotive repair industry, such as evolving technologies and a technician shortage, and that Gretzky will have powerful insight into this because of the things he overcame in his career. Additionally, the episode provides details about the growing prominence of the AAPEX conference, set to take place in Las Vegas, and the opening of its registration soon.
In today's episode, you'll learn about the following stories...
In this week's episode of Automotive Repair News Today, Braxton Critcher covers the top news shaping the automotive repair industry.
In today's episode, we give you what you need to know happening right now in the repair industry! Here are some of the stories you'll hear about:
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE
If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!
Uwe Kleinschmidt is the CEO of Autotech IQ and DVIDoneRight.com. Among other things. Today, he and Braxton address the viral Facebook Post in early February. It was posted by David Roman in the Changing the Industry Podcast group, and things went sour fast. But, through conflict like that, if handled properly, positives can result. Today, they talk about them. And the overall skepticism around the high average estimates achieved using the DVI process that Uwe encourages.
00:00 "DVIDoneright.com Impact Discussed Online"
05:50 "Revolutionizing Car Inspection Process"
09:46 Service Improvement Through Accountability
12:09 Quick Wins for Training Motivation
15:00 Unique Decline Rate Insights Analysis
20:32 "Skepticism and New Shop Tools"
21:29 "Support and Connect with Us"
