In this episode of Beyond the Bay, Peter Cooper speaks with Myles, Danny, and Vincent about their journey in the trucking industry, the challenges of growing a family business, and the importance of implementing effective management strategies. They discuss the significance of accountability, building a strong company culture, and the impact of coaching on their business. The conversation also covers financial management, labor optimization, and parts management to enhance profitability.
In Episode 4 of Beyond the Bay, Peter Cooper sits down with Mandy Deveau of DriveHRIS to dive deep into the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the automotive industry today.
From technician retention and hiring practices to employee engagement and company culture, Mandy shares actionable insights that every dealership and repair shop leader needs to hear.
Key takeaways include:
Why technician turnover is a growing issue — and how to fix it.
The role of Net Promoter Score in gauging employee satisfaction.
How onboarding and culture shape long-term retention.
Why HR is more than paperwork — it’s the heartbeat of your organization.
If you’re a shop owner, manager, or HR leader in the automotive space, this episode is packed with strategies to create a thriving workplace.
👉 Tune in now and take the first step toward building a stronger, more engaged team.
In this episode of Beyond the Bay Podcast, Peter Cooper and Joshua Taylor dive deep into the challenges and opportunities facing the automotive industry today. From technician mental health to the trust deficit between leaders and teams, this conversation sheds light on what truly drives employee motivation and workplace culture.
Joshua emphasizes that listening—not just talking—is the most powerful leadership tool. Together, they explore how accountability, communication, and empathy can transform management, inspire employees, and improve customer experiences. The episode also touches on the importance of mentorship, the dangers of toxic employees, and why soft skills will define the future of leadership.
Whether you’re a business owner, team leader, or technician, this episode offers valuable takeaways on building trust, balancing professional and personal life, and leading with humanity in a rapidly changing industry.
Are your shop’s systems working for you—or are you working overtime to make up for the gaps?
In this episode, Peter Cooper sits down with Filip Jovicic of TAG Repair Center to explore how mentorship, cultural adjustments, and clear systems can transform the way truck repair shops operate. From the power of canned jobs and checklists to leadership strategies, employee incentives, and proven sales techniques, Filip shares hard-earned lessons on how to create efficiency without sacrificing culture.
They discuss why systems save time, how structure empowers techs, and why consistency drives growth. Packed with practical takeaways, this episode is designed to help shop owners streamline operations, motivate employees, and build a business that thrives on clarity and control.
Are fear and gut feelings running your business—or are facts and strategy leading the way?
In this episode, Peter Cooper and Mark Hagen reveal their journeys through the automotive industry, sharing how mastering the numbers, building genuine customer relationships, and embracing failures can transform a shop from surviving to thriving.
They explore why inspections matter, how to create a culture people love to work in, and why fear should never dictate your decisions. Mark also shares powerful lessons from his own path to building successful businesses—offering actionable insights to help you grow with confidence, not hesitation.
our shop isn't just a place to fix trucks—it's a place to build people. This chapter explores the competitive advantage small shops have: the human touch. Go beyond checklists and schedules to learn how to truly connect with your employees, understand their unique strengths, and cultivate a culture of trust. Find out why leading people is the most powerful way to build a productive and engaged team, and how to know when it's time to let someone go for the greater good of your business.
Get ready for real conversations, fresh insights, and practical strategies to help you run and grow your shop with confidence. From tackling everyday challenges to scaling with data-driven decisions, this podcast brings you stories and solutions straight from the people who’ve been there. Here’s a snippet of what’s ahead: Handling tough customers, making the shift from intuition to data, managing growth without losing quality, and Real-world tips from experienced shop owners. This is more than a podcast—it’s your go-to resource for building a stronger, smarter business.
