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Confessions of a Shop Owner
Mike Allen
62 episodes
8 hours ago
Confessions of a Shop Owner is hosted by Mike Allen, a third-generation shop owner, perpetual pot-stirrer, and brutally honest opinion sharer.  In this weekly podcast, Mike shares his missteps so you don’t have to repeat them. Along the way, he chats with other industry personalities who’ve messed up, too, pulling back the curtain on the realities of running an independent auto repair shop. But this podcast isn’t just about Mike’s journey. It’s about confronting the divisive and questionable tactics many shop owners and managers use. Mike is here to stir the pot and address the painful truths while offering a way forward. Together, we’ll tackle the frustrations, shake things up, and help create a better future for the auto repair industry.
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Entrepreneurship
Business,
Management
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Confessions of a Shop Owner is hosted by Mike Allen, a third-generation shop owner, perpetual pot-stirrer, and brutally honest opinion sharer.  In this weekly podcast, Mike shares his missteps so you don’t have to repeat them. Along the way, he chats with other industry personalities who’ve messed up, too, pulling back the curtain on the realities of running an independent auto repair shop. But this podcast isn’t just about Mike’s journey. It’s about confronting the divisive and questionable tactics many shop owners and managers use. Mike is here to stir the pot and address the painful truths while offering a way forward. Together, we’ll tackle the frustrations, shake things up, and help create a better future for the auto repair industry.
Show more...
Entrepreneurship
Business,
Management
Episodes (20/62)
Confessions of a Shop Owner
Ep 57 - Mbie Dowd and Tonnika Haynes | Mike's "Sticky" Situation

My marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HERE

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

I was SHOCKED when I saw the things I was missing the first time I used Detect Auto. Simple things, but easy to miss. Detect Auto helped clean that up for me, and they can for you, too. Use them HERE

Register for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HERE


Meet the future leadership of the Automotive Service and Tire Alliance: Mbie Dowd and Tonnika Haynes. Mbie tells the story of how she got to where she is today, and why she has a passion for selling tires. Tonnika talks about her recent struggle of to letting go of micromanagement in her shop, and boy oh boy, did Mike have a confession to share. Wow. Just wow.

Timestamps:
00:00 "Mike Has a Confessions"

05:48 "Life Driven by Cars"

06:47 "Journey Into Automotive Success"

10:27 Thoughtful Words, Powerful Impact

13:34 "Confessions of the Bougie Spouse"

17:57 "Trusting the Process"

20:55 "Tire Opportunities and Insights"

24:31 Collaborative Leadership in Tire Pros

27:07 "Setting Expectations Upfront"

33:07 "Running, Spiders, and Skinny Pants"

35:08 Sticky Trap Confession for Mike

39:49 "Battery Acid Mishap"

41:58 Locked Out and Climbing Gates

Show more...
3 days ago
49 minutes

Confessions of a Shop Owner
Ep 56 - Eric Merchant Stuffed a Technician in a Trunk

To learn more about how Tekmetric's software can change the future of your repair shop like it did for me, touch HERE

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Elite Worldwide will keep you accountable and show you the road to shop success. They are for me. Find out how HERE

Register for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HERE


Eric Merchant is the owner of Merchant Automotive in Leeland, Michigan. Eric, Mike, and Bryan today talk about racing things with wheels, how Eric got into shop ownership, and why training is important. The three also bring up how things often go sideways when shop owner get together. Like stuffing technicians into trunks...

Timestamps:

00:00 Recording at ASTA 2025

03:30 "Accidental Reel Overflow"

09:06 "Lucas Overfills RSVP List"

11:26 GM Diesel Pickup Specialists

13:11 "Pro Service: Tight-Knit Comfort"

19:07 "Struggles Exiting the Car"

20:40 "Burt Two-Speed Transmission Overview"

24:54 Driving vs. Running a Shop

27:29 "Fired: Exit from Dealerships"

30:28 "Lawnmower Racing Adrenaline Rush"

35:30 Midnight Tail Light Fix

37:26 Golf Cart Speed Challenges

41:38 "F350 King Ranch Giveaway Idea"

43:51 Diesel Training Lacks Specificity

48:08 "Encouraging Relevant Class Interaction"

Show more...
6 days ago
53 minutes

Confessions of a Shop Owner
Ep 55 - Coaching Call #10 | Your Property is Your Most Valuable Asset

If you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

There are a lot of moving parts in a repair shop, opening the door to missing things. Don't let that happen to you. Learn more about Detect Auto

Register for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HERE


In this episode, Mike Allen and Matt Lofton evaluate property values and location choosing for automotive repair shops. Matt gives tips on assessing both leasing and purchasing options, saying it's important to look at environmental inspections to avoid costly site contamination issues. Together, Mike and Matt break down how to quickly run the numbers on a new shop – from demographic analysis and competitive research to calculating realistic revenue projections based on shop capacity.

Timestamps:
00:00 Choosing a Business Location is Crucial

05:27 Building Investment Due Diligence

07:56 Renovation Challenges and Parking Plans

12:48 Commercial Property Appraisal and Inspections

15:35 Soil Testing and Abatement Costs

18:59 "Essential Due Diligence for Buyers"

23:33 Creative Lease Negotiation Strategies

24:39 Lease Agreements with Conditional Terms

28:33 Impact of Gentrification on Leases

32:17 Landlord Intentions and Investment Strategy

35:36 Local Demographic Analysis Strategy

37:39 Assessing Location Viability

43:43 Competition and Location Assessment

45:49 Maximizing Building Productivity Feasibility

50:13 "Rent Budget and Growth Constraints"

52:33 Managing Building Costs and Overheads

Show more...
1 week ago
57 minutes

Confessions of a Shop Owner
Ep 54 - Josh Coomes and Josh Rainwater | Growing a Repair Shop Is a Slow Process

Tekmetrics' business model of listening to customers' needs and implementing new systems makes them super shop-friendly. Start using them at your shop today HERE

Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HERE

Elite Worldwide is helping me make my shop elite. Monthly coaching with actionable goals and accountability, I need. I highly recommend them to you. See what they're all about HERE

Register for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HERE


In this episode, Mike Allen is joined by Josh Coomes and Josh Rainwater. New co-hosts of "The Morning Drive with Josh and Josh"? Hmmmm. Josh Rainwater shares the recent story of when Josh Coomes visited his shop and helped him identify and correct key operation and process issues. Josh Coomes emphasizes the importance of structured processes and having the financial stability to step away from your shop, all while the group reflects on the value of mentorship, coaching, and industry events like ASTA for growth and relationship-building.

Timestamps:
00:00 ASTA Expo 2025 Logistics and Staff Efficiency

05:02 Improving User Experience Suggestions

07:14 "Satire Becomes Reality"

10:59 Breaking Point Amid Work Pressure

15:21 "Building Structure for Business Freedom"

16:18 "Fired Technician for Integrity"

20:31 "ASTA Mastermind for Startup Shops"

23:38 Volunteer Mentorship with Accountability

27:42 Key Tagging Streamlines Operations

29:14 "Levels of Coaching Explained"

33:28 Gratitude for Trust and Support

36:43 Aligning Processes for Team Growth

40:00 "Streamline Systems to Retain Clients"

44:38 City Comparison by Car Dealerships

45:19 Improving Repair Sales Strategies

51:23 Training Gap and Emotional Strain

53:20 "Role-Playing with Chat GPT"

Show more...
1 week ago
1 hour

Confessions of a Shop Owner
Ep 53 - Justin Allen and Jim Cokonis | ADAS is a Scam!!

My marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HERE

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

I was SHOCKED when I saw the things I was missing the first time I used Detect Auto. Simple things, but easy to miss. Detect Auto helped clean that up for me, and they can for you, too. Use them HERE

Register for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HERE


Today, we ask the hard questions. Is investing in ADAS equipment worth it in auto repair? And if you do, should't you charge more for it? Mike, Bryan, and Justin Allen and Jim Cokonis answer these questions while at the ASTA Expo. They also dig into the difficulties of properly training staff and building processes that ensure quality work—rather than just chasing numbers and cranking out volume.

Timestamps:
00:00 God Has FINALLY Allowed This Recording

03:44 "Podcast Heist Confession"

09:51 "Training vs. Pressure in Workplaces"

11:36 "Expertise Takes Time"

14:54 Road Forcing Tire Balance

17:41 "Rebooting Problem-Solving Processes"

23:33 ADAS Misuse and Optimization

25:39 Data Ignored, Decisions Misguided

28:22 ADAS Calibration Investment Challenges

33:28 GM Suspension Idler Arm Issues

34:15 Truck Steering Issue Escalation

Show more...
2 weeks ago
41 minutes

Confessions of a Shop Owner
Ep 52 - Bret Fadely | Bryan Almost Lost His Leg

To learn more about how Tekmetric's software can change the future of your repair shop like it did for me, touch HERE

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Elite Worldwide will keep you accountable and show you the road to shop success. They are for me. Find out how HERE

Register for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HERE


In this episode, Mike, Bryan and Bret Fadley get way off topic. But, that's normal around here! Bret opens up about the impact of staff turnover on his business and how attending this year's ASTA Expo helped rebuild trust and team morale. The guys also dive into the realities of shop ownership and customer service, including when to go above and beyond for clients—even if it means renting a work vehicle after multiple repair failures.

Timestamps:
00:00 "Who is Wearing the Better Jacket?"

04:30 "Claiming Credit, Dodging Blame"

09:19 "Reinvigorated by ASTA Event"

10:29 "Reflecting on Expo Attendance"

14:27 Transmission Failures and Delays

17:28 "Customer Satisfaction Over Costs"

21:01 Technician Mix-Up Over Transmission

26:15 "COVID Hospital Scare"

27:31 Bryan's Health Scare

31:42 "Super Saturday Training Event"

36:24 "Building Stronger Membership Together"

40:01 "Best Hurricane ASTA Moment"

42:04 "Bar Preparedness for Events"

46:25 "Charity Plans with SD Charities"

Show more...
2 weeks ago
54 minutes

Confessions of a Shop Owner
Ep 51 - Tommy Markham Uses His Wallet as a Wheel Chock

If you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

There are a lot of moving parts in a repair shop, opening the door to missing things. Don't let that happen to you. Learn more about Detect Auto

Register for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HERE


Tommy Markham owns Markham's Automotive in Constableville, New York, and is a HUGE supporter of charging for diagnostic....this should be fun. Mike, Bryan and Mark talk about why you should charge for diagnostic and why you shouldn't. They also discuss the challenges and marketing benefits of investing in ADAS calibration equipment, even when the return on investment is hard to measure.

Timestamps:
00:00 What Will Mike Say/Do When He's Not President?

06:47 Diagnostic Charging Debate

08:01 Billing for Expertise Costs

13:26 "Job Value Reflects Readiness"

16:24 BMW Repairs and Water Damage

19:05 "Humble Confidence and Skill"

23:28 Exclusive ADAS Calibration Facility

24:32 ADAS Profit Challenges for Shops

28:02 "Public Education Challenges"

33:55 "Customized Signs for Visibility"

34:04 "Branded Car Complaint Story"

38:48 "Confidence and Abrasiveness"

42:28 "Career Dilemma and Choices"

46:17 Rental Car Damage Documentation

50:02 Mitsubishi MUT3 Critique

52:16 Mitsubishi's Missing Key Data

53:48 Mitsubishi Ownership Verification Issue

58:22 "Car Repairs and Priorities"

Show more...
3 weeks ago
1 hour 1 minute

Confessions of a Shop Owner
Ep 50 - Ashley Kaplan | Bryan Wants to SHUT DOWN Mitsubishi

Tekmetrics' business model of listening to customers' needs and implementing new systems makes them super shop-friendly. Start using them at your shop today HERE

Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HERE

Elite Worldwide is helping me make my shop elite. Monthly coaching with actionable goals and accountability, I need. I highly recommend them to you. See what they're all about HERE

Register for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HERE


In this episode, Bryan and Mike are joined by Ashley Kaplan of Hub Shop Solutions. They start by talking about an odd tattoo she has on her arm and whether or not she would give away from Hub Shop for life if a customer got a Hub Shop tattoo. Mike points out how much Hub Shop has helped his shop shop save time by handling estimate writing and warranty calls. Time that service advisors can spend with customers to improve sales. Oh, and if given the opportunity, Bryan would SHUT DOWN Mitsubishi??

Timestamps:
00:00 Do you Prank Spam Callers?

10:08 Ashely Loves Sales

12:25 Focus on Bigger Priorities

16:08 Connecting Beyond Transactions

24:52 $43 O-Ring Dilemma

28:37 Efficient Cost-Effective Hiring Alternative

33:09 Efficient Diagnostic Documentation Advice

41:41 Timing Troubles and Steering Lock

47:02 Tracking Estimates and Performance Feedback

51:43 Experimenting for Success

54:34 Hub Shop: Growth-Focused Shop Solution

Show more...
3 weeks ago
1 hour 5 minutes

Confessions of a Shop Owner
Ep 49 - Lucas Underwood and Jeff Compton | Is Jeff Compton Unemployable?

My marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HERE

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

I was SHOCKED when I saw the things I was missing the first time I used Detect Auto. Simple things, but easy to miss. Detect Auto helped clean that up for me, and they can for you, too. Use them HERE

Register for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HERE


Lucas Underwood and Jeff Compton join Mike today to stir the pot, reflect on Jeff cheating in the sumo wrestling match at the ASTA Expo, and how it's okay for shop owners to run their shop differently. The conversation also covers the constant push/pull of personal fulfillment vs the desire to make money for shop owners, and that for this industry to change, it starts with owners investing in themselves and their people.

Timestamps:

00:00 ASTA Sumo Wrestling Bout Recap

08:59 Short-Sighted Industry Tactics are Harmful

14:06 Challenging Traditional Auto Industry Tactics

16:52 "Embracing Unreasonable Hospitality for Change"

26:39 Communication in Workplace Performance

28:49 "Understanding Industry Challenges and Growth"

36:35 Front-End Inefficiency Costs Profits

41:01 Realizing Leadership and Business Skills

46:50 Failed Shop Sales Insights

52:10 Rediscovering Purpose After Feeling Lost

57:41 "Bobby, Send Mike Home!"

Show more...
1 month ago
1 hour 7 minutes

Confessions of a Shop Owner
Ep 48 - Sunil Patel | Tekmetric is Taking Over The World!

To learn more about how Tekmetric's software can change the future of your repair shop like it did for me, touch HERE

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Elite Worldwide will keep you accountable and show you the road to shop success. They are for me. Find out how HERE

Register for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston coming up in 2026 HERE


Sunil Patel is the Founder and CEO of Tekmetric. Today, he and Mike unveil Tekmetric's new set it and forget it marketing solution, that allows shop owners to effortlessly bring in new customers with just the flip of a switch. Sunil even brings up that they are ready to dip their toes into the AI space with call scoring. If Sunil and his team aren't busy enough, in 2026 they are hosting their own industry event "Tektonic". Hear he and Mike talk about that and more today!

Register for Tektonic HERE!

Timestamps:
00:00 Simplified Marketing for Repair Shops

03:44 "Tekmetric: Efficient and User-Friendly CRM"

09:27 FCC Tightens Rules on Mass Texting

13:03 VoIP Call Scoring Development

14:22 Excitement for Analytics-Driven Technology

18:07 Inclusive Industry Conference Initiative

21:37 AI-Enhanced Vehicle Repair Orders

25:28 Digital Shift in Vehicle Services

28:12 "Digital Auto Repair Authorization"

33:45 Test Drive Disaster: Car Engulfed

35:31 Sunil with a confession

Show more...
1 month ago
42 minutes

Confessions of a Shop Owner
Ep 47 - Coaching Call #9 | To Sell More - Talk to More Customers

If you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

There are a lot of moving parts in a repair shop, opening the door to missing things. Don't let that happen to you. Learn more about Detect Auto


Mike Allen and Matt Lofton jump into coaching call number nine and talk mainly about how to increase sales at Mike's shop. Matt shares research from Brian Tracy, saying that service advisors MUST spend more time engaging with customers to boost closing rates. They also talk about the strategy of splitting repair estimates into more manageable repair plans and the value of setting customer expectations during intake.

Timestamps:
00:00 Increase Customer Interaction to Boost Sales

03:55 Finding Time to Exercise is HARD

09:50 August Repair Order Analysis

12:26 Sales Process Challenge or Estimation Issue?

17:24 Optimizing Sales and Inspection Strategy

19:17 Costly Repairs Lead to Car Disposal

22:17 Two-Stage Vehicle Repair Approval Process

26:55 "Impact of Tech Quote Changes"

28:31 Choosing Repair Strategies Effectively

33:06 Improving Preventative Maintenance Estimation

36:54 Importance of Effective Intake Process

40:33 Enhancing Customer Interaction Experience

42:35 Maximize Sales by Reducing Admin Tasks

45:22 Customer Engagement Improves Experiences

48:40 Addressing Customer Fear with Transparency

Show more...
1 month ago
56 minutes

Confessions of a Shop Owner
Ep 46 - Ryan Ragan and Jessee Potter | SUMO Wrestling, Disco Shoes, and Cigars at ASTA - What Could Go Wrong?

Tekmetrics' business model of listening to customers' needs and implementing new systems makes them super shop-friendly. Start using them at your shop today HERE

Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HERE

Elite Worldwide is helping me make my shop elite. Monthly coaching with actionable goals and accountability, I need. I highly recommend them to you. See what they're all about HERE


In this episode, Mike Allen is joined by Jessee Potter and Ryan Ragan to preview NEXT WEEK'S ASTA Expo. Ryan highlights the exciting new location and expanded logistics, making the event more accessible and enjoyable for all attendees. Jessee shares details about the social events, including a unique on-site pre-party with sumo matches and interactive games, as well as the return of Casino Night with a new money booth and great prizes.

Timestamps:
00:00 "Pre-Expo Stress and Travel"

04:22 Seamless Event Facility Upgrade

06:50 Event with Food, Games, and Drinks

13:12 Cigar Rolling Event Announcement

14:03 Innovative Event Feedback Approach

19:02 Comprehensive Auto Shop Training Event

21:29 Trade Show: Fun & Transformative Training

26:05 Expanded Trade Show Timing

28:27 Event Meet-and-Greet Vision

32:43 Show Planning: Big Picture to Details

Show more...
1 month ago
40 minutes

Confessions of a Shop Owner
Ep 45 - Greg Buckley is a Songwriter Now

My marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HERE

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

I was SHOCKED when I saw the things I was missing the first time I used Detect Auto. Simple things, but easy to miss. Detect Auto helped clean that up for me, and they can for you, too. Use them HERE


Greg Buckley is the owner of Buckley's Auto Care in Wilmington, Delaware. Today, he tells Mike and Bryan about his latest venture - opening an online radio station for repair shops...AND...writing podcast theme music for Confessions of a Shop Owner?? Yep. This could get out of control quickly. 

00:00 Unique Hospitality Suite Design

07:04 Tire Question: 22 GMC Denali Sierra

13:33 Owner's Secret: "I Sell Used Tires"

18:38 Adapting Shows for Podcasts

21:58 "Greg Shows Off His Music Writing Skills

32:30 Vocal Processing in Live Music

37:19 "Reluctant Sumo Suit Challenge"

41:31 Panther Chase School Tradition

47:13 Doctor Approves Drinking Alcohol

53:08 Buick Misfire Issue

57:21 "Switching to OE Tooling"

Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 7 minutes

Confessions of a Shop Owner
Ep 44 - Buckaroobob (John Firm) | Mike is Scared of Spiders

To learn more about how Tekmetric's software can change the future of your repair shop like it did for me, touch HERE

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Elite Worldwide will keep you accountable and show you the road to shop success. They are for me. Find out how HERE


In this episode, Mike and Bryan are joined by John Firm of Firm Automotive in Fort Worth, Texas. John talks about how he focuses his shop around fleet work, saying fleet accounts provide a lot of stability. The guys also bring up the cons of being a "hero" shop, pointing out that knowing your niche and charging your value is a smarter business model. Also, just wait till you hear the latest shop confession story.

00:00 "The Hero Shop Trap"

08:23 "Questioning Job Performance Value"

15:50 Preventing Employee Disengagement

17:40 Fuel Strategy Documentary

23:20 Cowboy Style Origins

28:59 Journey to Amazon Fishing Expedition

34:27 Cultural Perspectives on Size

39:54 "Exotic Wildlife at Low Fence Ranch"

48:30 Confident in Technician's Expertise

53:23 Letting Go: Business Challenges

Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 4 minutes

Confessions of a Shop Owner
Ep 43 - Coaching Call #8 | Holding Your Accountability Accountable

If you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

There are a lot of moving parts in a repair shop, opening the door to missing things. Don't let that happen to you. Learn more about Detect Auto


In this episode, Mike Allen and Matt Lofton talk about an up-and-down summer at Mike's small shop. Matt brings up the importance of setting clear goals and trigger points for accountability within the management team, and how Mike needs to act quickly on underperformance. Mike talks through recent staffing challenges, hiring decisions, and fine-tuning systems for both the front and back of house.

00:00 Striving for Consistent Excellence

05:24 Improving Customer Agreement Strategies

09:47 Performance Assessment and Action Plan

13:35 Performance Audit and Response Strategy

14:53 "Quick Solutions for Team Efficiency"

18:26 Rapid Impact on Underperformance

23:34 "Goal Setting for Revenue Efficiency"

25:53 "Optimizing Employee Impact on Revenue"

28:08 Optimal Employee Productivity Range

32:03 Service Revenue and Support Staff

36:52 Evaluate Sales Momentum

39:57 Optimizing Pre-Booking Appointments Strategy

42:52 "Easter Giveaways and Money Strategy"

45:29 Predicting Sales Opportunities

48:51 Sumo Suit Fun and Tips

Show more...
2 months ago
55 minutes

Confessions of a Shop Owner
Ep 42 - Erich Schmidt | He Left Automotive Toxicity Behind

Tekmetrics' business model of listening to customers' needs and implementing new systems makes them super shop-friendly. Start using them at your shop today HERE

Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HERE

Elite Worldwide is helping me make my shop elite. Monthly coaching with actionable goals and accountability, I need. I highly recommend them to you. See what they're all about HERE


In this episode, Mike and Bryan are joined by Erich Schmidt of Schmidt Auto Care. Erich talks about the time he nearly fell victim to an elaborate online truck sales scam and details the red flags that helped him catch it just in time. The guys also talk about their shared obsession with motorcycles, and Erich describes his diverse collection and the role riding plays in his life. Erich also talks about how his recent professional growth and industry networking have contributed to his business’s record success.

00:00 Meet Erich - He Likes Bikes

05:01 Motorcycle Collection Overview

07:10 Off-Road and Supermoto Passion

11:37 "Sunday Rides on Kentucky Roads"

14:39 Motorcycle Journey: New Orleans to Jacksonville

18:21 Efficient Workshop Equipment Organization

20:12 Technician Burnout and Tesla Hiring

26:14 Facebook Marketplace Truck Search

28:40 "Reluctant Road Trip Avoided"

31:59 Dealership Doubts and Financial Precautions

35:37 "Deciding Against Potential Scam"

38:08 Photo Theft at Florida Dealership

41:31 Mystery of Tipton Motorsports Location

45:52 Hiring Boosts Efficiency and Revenue

48:33 "Learning from Friends' Insights"

52:01 Passion for Automotive Industry Growth

54:16 Reflecting on Missed Business Opportunities

Show more...
2 months ago
1 hour 1 minute

Confessions of a Shop Owner
Ep 41 - Nathan Ward and James Hornak | Two Evil Shop Owners in the Making

My marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HERE

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

I was SHOCKED when I saw the things I was missing the first time I used Detect Auto. Simple things, but easy to miss. Detect Auto helped clean that up for me, and they can for you, too. Use them HERE


Nathan Ward and James Hornak recently opened Inconceivable Automotive in Raleigh, NC. Today, they tell the CRAZY story of how they became friends, fell into business ownership (starting by stealing a van off a man with Alzheimer's), and listen to advice from Mike. They all discuss openly the lessons they’ve already learned, such as the importance of clear communication, networking with other shop owners, and maintaining well-organized business processes from the outset. 

00:00 "Morning Bloody Mary Bar"

03:48 Injury Recovery Leads to Adventure

07:12 General Repair: Passion Meets Profit

12:29 Balancing Workload and Priorities

13:49 Repo Equipment Bargain Success

18:10 Subcontracting Head Gasket Repair

22:28 Stick to Normal Procedures

24:21 "Building Connections with Elite Coaching"

26:55 Sumo Wrestling Match at ASTA

30:30 Business Partnership and Profit Sharing

35:20 "Starting a Small Business Guide"

36:59 Prioritizing Business over Income

40:00 "Convenient Truck Service Location"

44:43 Proactive Learner Praised

47:15 "Toys Indicate Business Struggles"

50:07 Electrical Misunderstanding Magic

53:59 "Shop Owner Confessions"

Show more...
3 months ago
57 minutes

Confessions of a Shop Owner
Ep 40 - Kirby Sawyer | Nissan is the Chrysler of Japanese Car Companies

If you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

There are a lot of moving parts in a repair shop, opening the door to missing things. Don't let that happen to you. Learn more about Detect Auto


In this episode, Bryan and Mike are joined by Kirby Sawyer, owner of Super Rupair in Boulder, Colorado, a shop specializing exclusively in Subaru repair. Kirby shares the story of building a thriving, high-volume specialty shop, including his unique journey from employee to future owner. Of course, they get into charging for diag and why training is critical. 

00:00 "Meet Kirby Sawyer"

03:34 "Mobile Diagnostics and Accountability"

06:55 "Nissan's Legal Name Battle"

11:40 Obsolete Subaru Glass Stockpile

14:48 Economical but Prone to Corrosion

16:27 Bar Trick with Number Cards

19:47 Endless Subaru Cycle

24:27 "Awkward Car Exchange Moment"

28:58 Battery Tester Insights

32:34 Turnover and Pay Plan Success

33:23 Techs Improve Efficiency Rapidly

37:38 Offer to Buy High-Mileage Accord

39:43 Car Sales and Friend Recommendations

44:44 Expo Hospitality Suite Sponsored

48:47 "Refusal and Recommendation Story"

51:18 "Shop Dog Comfort Gone Awry"

54:16 "Farmer's Essential Values Test"

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3 months ago
1 hour

Confessions of a Shop Owner
Ep 39 - Coaching Call #7 | Mike is NOT on Matt's "Best Shops List"

To learn more about how Tekmetric's software can change the future of your repair shop like it did for me, touch HERE

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Elite Worldwide will keep you accountable and show you the road to shop success. They are for me. Find out how HERE


Today, Mike and Matt switch things up and talk about Elite's new coaching program. Matt covers the five keys for shop success, including financial literacy, maximizing car opportunities, streamlined customer experience, retention strategies, and effective leadership and employee management. 

00:00 Elite's New Program

06:05 Networking Insights for Business Growth

07:16 Streamlining Business Success Program

10:52 Profit-Driven Automotive Management Strategy

14:12 "Door Rate vs. Effective Labor Rate"

19:17 "Maximizing Automotive Repair Revenue"

21:27 Streamlining Automotive Service Processes

26:22 Customer Retention Strategies

30:02 Streamlined Recruitment and Quick Offers

32:06 Effective Employee Management Strategies

38:18 Improving Business by Slowing Down

41:58 Balancing Urgency and Business Foundations

43:50 Affordable Shop Management Pricing

46:38 Staffing and Performance Challenges

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3 months ago
55 minutes

Confessions of a Shop Owner
Ep 38 - Jack Shields | Mike vs Jack - Who's Right in the Free Diag Debate?

My marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today HERE

Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself HERE

I was SHOCKED when I saw the things I was missing the first time I used Detect Auto. Simple things, but easy to miss. Detect Auto helped clean that up for me, and they can for you, too. Use them HERE


Jack Shields is the owner of Jack's Auto and Tire in Chrystal Lake, Illinois. Today, he joins Bryan and Mike to reignite the conversation about free diag, pricing, and the ups and downs of shop ownership. Jack started in the industry working in his father's shop and now runs a brake-focused shop, and stresses being transparent and building trust with customers. 

00:00 "Embracing My Way in Auto Sales"

06:06 Struggling to Delegate Business Tasks

15:03 Strategic Giveaway Advice for Shops

19:51 Improving Mechanic Training Quality

22:26 Specialty Shops' Worth Defended

27:37 Contemplating Business Expansion Decisions

34:34 Cost Breakdown for Labor and Parts

41:34 Car Repair Assistance Overview

48:38 Corporate Takeover of Local Shops

49:47 Retiring Shop Owners Face Transitions

58:34 Mug Club Proposal for Revenue

01:00:15 Exclusive Specialty Auto Shops

01:08:32 "Friday Night Automotive Hangout"

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3 months ago
1 hour 17 minutes

Confessions of a Shop Owner
Confessions of a Shop Owner is hosted by Mike Allen, a third-generation shop owner, perpetual pot-stirrer, and brutally honest opinion sharer.  In this weekly podcast, Mike shares his missteps so you don’t have to repeat them. Along the way, he chats with other industry personalities who’ve messed up, too, pulling back the curtain on the realities of running an independent auto repair shop. But this podcast isn’t just about Mike’s journey. It’s about confronting the divisive and questionable tactics many shop owners and managers use. Mike is here to stir the pot and address the painful truths while offering a way forward. Together, we’ll tackle the frustrations, shake things up, and help create a better future for the auto repair industry.