Beyond the Wrench

There is a lot of technology that impacts service departments. The hard part is evaluating what software or digital tool could be useful for your shop. Corey Smith, National Fixed Operations Training Manager for APCO Holdings, LLC, discusses how to get team buy-in for new products, the importance of training on new technology, and how to evaluate post-implementation. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Corey Smith National Fixed Operations Training Manager, APCO Holdings, LLC csmith@apcoholdings.com Sponsor: RepairPal About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Technician Compensation Tool - See automotive, diesel, and collision technician compensation in your area at wrenchway.com/pay. Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops. Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships. Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

WrenchWay partners with Hireology to help dealerships better hire technician talent. Tiffany Czerwinski, Director of Automotive Partnerships at Hireology, discusses the impact this new partnership will have on dealership recruiting. She also addresses several challenges the automotive industry is currently facing, including talent shortages and the absence of clear career paths. Lastly, she offers dealers valuable recruiting tips you won’t want to miss! View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Tiffany Czerwinski Director of Automotive Partnerships, Hireology tczerwinski@hireology.com Sponsor: Wind River Payments About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Technician Compensation Tool - See automotive, diesel, and collision technician compensation in your area at wrenchway.com/pay. Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops. Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships. Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

Chris Craig, the Fixed Operations Content Owner from RockED, is back to talk about service department communication. In this episode, he dives into the current state of the automotive industry, gives various management and communication advice on how to support shop staff, and shares great tips for service advisors. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Chris Craig Fixed Operations Content Owner, RockED Follow Craig on Social Media Chris’ last episode: Making Your Service Advisors a Priority ft. Chris Craig Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops. Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships. Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

Sue Dickson, Founder of Give Me Ten, and Jack Wilson, Auto Service Instructor at Lake County Tech Campus, discuss the progress of collaborating with the industry to develop more meaningful work-based learning opportunities for students. Each individual's path in the automotive field varies, and not everyone is suited to become a technician. The Give Me Ten program simplifies the process for students to find a suitable career path and eliminates barriers for shops to invest in the future of the industry. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guests: Sue Dickson Owner & Operator, Closs Tire & Auto Founder, Give Me Ten closstireauto@gmail.com Jack Wilson Auto Service Instructor, Lake County Tech Campus jwilson@techcampus.org Sue and Jack's last Beyond the Wrench episode. Sponsor: Machinists Union District Lodge 77 About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops. Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships. Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

Josh Arnold, Master Technician of Toyota & Subaru Corvallis, is back again to give young technicians seven tips from his seven years as a technician. From focusing on developing skills to never wasting an opportunity, Josh passes along valuable lessons he has learned along the way. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Josh Arnold Master Technician, Toyota & Subaru Corvallis Josh's Last Beyond the Wrench Episode Sponsor: Thermo King About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops. Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships. Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

WrenchWay’s Co-Founder & CEO, Mark Wilson, covers an exclusive conversation with John Frazier, Service Director of Woody Anderson Ford, to discuss their new technician pay plan. This is a different type of episode for us, but provides great insight and real-world conversation about how one dealership started and implemented a forward-thinking technician compensation plan. We hope you enjoy! View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: John Frazier Service Director, Woody Anderson Ford jfrazier@woodyandersonford.com About Our Guest Host: Mark Wilson, Co-Founder & CEO, WrenchWay mark@wrenchway.com WrenchWay Resources: Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops. Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships. Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

Let’s talk about improving the automotive industry and properly training future technicians. Philip walks us through why dedicated training during the day instead of after work can be valuable. He also breaks down the impact of hands-on training, and discusses the importance of teaching the basics. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Philip Austin Manager of Technical Training & Development, Niterra North America phaustin@ngksparkplugs.com NGK Shop Squad Sponsor: RepairPal About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops. Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships. Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

Helping technicians quickly write accurate repair event documentation, Pencilwrench allows shops to provide customers with an invoice that is clear, concise, and readable. In this episode, we explore how new shop software can help improve the overall perception of technician careers by bringing professionalism and transparency to the forefront. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Joe McCue Founder & Partner, Pencilwrench joem@pencilwrench.com Sponsor: Universal Technical Institute About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops. Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships. Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

Technician efficiency and productivity are crucial factors in maximizing your shop's profitability. In this episode, we discuss the impact new technology can have on shops, exploring how it can simplify technicians' tasks, improve customer retention, and ultimately boost revenue. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Jon Belmonte, CEO of AutoVitals jon.belmonte@autovitalsinc.com Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships. Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

Is the automotive industry still the only industry that uses faxes? Let’s talk about shop management, scheduling, and improving your shop’s efficiency! In this episode, we'll explore the unique SocketTime software and how it helps shops maximize every technician’s day and every hour, while still allowing flexible scheduling for technicians. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guests: Matthew Donovan Fixed Ops Director, Jay Wolfe Automotive Group Co-Founder, SocketTime Systems, LLC mdonovan@sockettime.com Craig Misak President and Founder, SocketTime Systems, LLC cmisak@sockettime.com Sponsor: Sonic Tools About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships. Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

Learn the importance of valuing your technicians, discover effective strategies on how to transition out of flat rate, and explore ways the auto industry can improve technicians’ career paths. Immerse yourself in Aleck's passion for the automotive industry in this week's episode! View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guests: Dr. Thomas Litzinger Executive Director, University of the Aftermarket Aftermarket Education Industry Chair, Northwood University litzinge@northwood.edu James O’Dell, AAP Assistant Director of Aftermarket Education, Northwood University odellj@northwood.edu Sponsor: Machinists Union District Lodge 77 About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships. Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

Learn the importance of valuing your technicians, discover effective strategies on how to transition out of flat rate, and explore ways the auto industry can improve technicians’ career paths. Immerse yourself in Aleck's passion for the automotive industry in this week's episode! View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Aleck Brownstein Regional Vice President, Volvo Car USA aleck.brownstein@volvocars.com Sponsor: Wind River Payments About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships. Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

Born and raised in a dealership, Jim’s evolving passion for the automotive industry has blossomed into key advice on what it takes to create a great shop. From the importance of evaluating financial statements to the process of rebuilding dealerships in crisis, Jim breaks down his expertise in this week’s episode of Beyond the Wrench. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Jim Phillips Principal, Training Team USA jphillips@trainingteamusa.com Sponsor: Sonic Tools About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships. Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

As a master technician with over 20 years of experience and a public figure within the industry, Bogi has a unique message to share. Discover the challenges she and other women face in the shop, the significant impact respect for technicians can have, and the changes the automotive industry has undergone over the years. View the video podcast on YouTube About Our Guest: Bogi Lateiner Host of All Girls Garage, MotorTrend Bogi's Garage Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships. Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

Dealers come together, share best practices, evaluate each other's businesses, and grow together. Learn how valuable peer performance groups can be to dealers, explore how to support the career development of aging technicians, and dive into the evolution of the equipment industry. View the video podcast on YouTube (1:38) George’s Background (14:46) Performance Dealer Groups (24:30) Evolution of Equipment Industry (35:41) Career Development for Older Technicians (44:57) Motivating Next Generation About Our Guest: George Russell Founding Member, Machinery Advisors Consortium george.russell@machineryadvisors.org Sponsor: Thermo King About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships. Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

We explore Josh’s career in automotive, discuss his decision to become an instructor, and he shares key advice for young technicians on how to find good managers and mentors. Our team is taking a couple of weeks off the podcast for the holidays. We would like to thank you for all of your support, wish you Happy Holidays, and we will see you in 2024! (3:00) Josh’s Career in Auto (12:51) Diverse Background for Teaching (18:13) Mentors for New Technicians (35:27) Understand Flat Rate (42:06) Good Manager Qualities (47:13) Becoming an Instructor About Our Guest: Josh Simons ASE Master Technician & Instructor/Academic Program Director, Greenville Technical College Connect on LinkedIn Sponsor: Sonic Tools About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships. Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program. Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

Enjoy this previously recorded webinar where WrenchWay Co-Founders, Jay Goninen and Mark Wilson, discussed the findings from WrenchWay’s 2023 Voice of Technician Survey. With over 650 responses from technicians, students, and other industry professionals, the survey uncovered feedback on job satisfaction levels, what individuals look for in an employer, and ways the industry can improve. Links to the full report and webinar are in the show notes. (8:19) What Technicians Want (18:58) Preferred Pay Structures (30:19) Technician Work Schedules (37:54) Satisfaction Levels with Employer (57:39) Key Takeaways & Questions Resources: 2023 Voice of Technician Survey Summary Webinar & Presentation On-Demand Download the free WrenchWay mobile app: App Store Google Play About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 About Our Guest: Mark Wilson Co-Founder & CEO, WrenchWay mark@wrenchway.com Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

Don’t miss Lisa McClease-Kelly’s unique advice for small businesses in this week’s episode of Beyond the Wrench. As Co-Owner of Network In Action Oregon and Kelly's Automotive, and with a background in nonprofits, Lisa offers a different perspective on ways shops can serve their community and staff. She also offers some other business advice on how shops can relay their values to their employees, tips on handling bad hires, and so much more! (5:45) Supporting Nonprofits (16:35) Small Business Coaching (22:23) Identifying & Communicating Values as Owners (25:48) Angel Fund (51:16) Handling Bad Hires (01:00:03) Communication Advice Resources: Download the free WrenchWay mobile app: App Store Google Play About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 About Our Guest: Lisa McClease-Kelly Co-Owner of Network In Action Oregon and Kelly's Automotive Connect on LinkedIn Sponsor: OK. Your customer’s engine or transmission has failed. But now is not the time for them to trade their vehicle – not without a working engine or transmission. Besides, would they have kept their vehicle another 3-5 years if their engine or transmission had not let them down? If you answered “yes” then Jasper Engines and Transmissions is your choice to give your customer’s vehicle new life and many thousands of miles of enjoyable driving performance. When considering the high cost of a new or newer used vehicle, there’s a pretty good case to be made for replacing a drive train component that has failed or is delivering poor performance – rather than trading their car, truck, van or SUV. Install a quality re-manufactured JASPER product for less than your customer would have to invest in a new vehicle or a newer used vehicle. Check out their website at jasperengines.com to learn more about the money-saving value of JASPER. Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

We are proud to welcome Daniel Diaz, Service Technician at Braman BMW Miami (and rising TikTok star)! In this episode, Daniel offers advice to young technicians on purchasing tools, encourages all technicians to keep learning, and emphasizes the importance of finding the right shop management and support as a new technician. (1:27) Tool Organization for Efficiency (12:51) Keeping Up with Technology & EV (30:45) Having the Right Shop Support (34:32) Shopping Smart for Tools (43:50) Always Keep Learning Resources: Sign up for Free for WrenchWay - Online Community for Automotive & Diesel Professionals Download the free WrenchWay mobile app: App Store Google Play About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 About Our Guest: Daniel Diaz Service Technician, Braman BMW Miami Follow on TikTok Sponsor: Universal Technical Institute: a place that provides opportunity for passion to become purpose. For training to lead toward a career. For over 55 years, UTI’s family of schools has helped students pursue their passion in exciting fields like transportation, skilled trades and energy. There’s a reason why students choose us and top brands hire our graduates. Reputation and commitment. Our relationships with some of the world’s most recognizable brands allow students to gain specific knowledge. As a student, you’ll train how the industry does. Learning from instructors with real world-experience and training hands-on with industry tools and equipment in the lab. We’re committed to your success – that’s why we’re making $15 million in scholarships and grants available this year alone to those who qualify. It’s time to invest in you. Get started today at uti.edu! Disclaimer: UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. Financial aid, scholarships and grants are available to those who qualify. Awards vary due to specific conditions, criteria and state. Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

Bob Gaito, Chief Executive Officer at Auction Central and Principal at Exit5 Auto Group, shares his unique auction and dealership experience in this week’s episode. Bob dives into how online auctions operate and the role of auctions in the automotive industry. He also discusses the different career options available for technicians in the auction world, and provides advice for shops looking to buy and sell inventory. (9:51) Layout of an Online Auction (26:02) Auction Technician Career Opportunities (31:05) Keeping Buyers & Sellers Honest (38:32) Challenges of Running an Auction (50:28) Advice for Buyers & Sellers (55:14) Future of Auction Business Resources: WrenchWay Shop Memberships - A Better Way to Hire Automotive & Diesel Technicians Download the free WrenchWay mobile app: App Store Google Play About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 About Our Guest: Bob Gaito Chief Executive Officer, Auction Central & Principal, Exit5 Auto Group bob@auctioncentral.com Sponsor: OK. Your customer’s engine or transmission has failed. But now is not the time for them to trade their vehicle – not without a working engine or transmission. Besides, would they have kept their vehicle another 3-5 years if their engine or transmission had not let them down? If you answered “yes” then Jasper Engines and Transmissions is your choice to give your customer’s vehicle new life and many thousands of miles of enjoyable driving performance. When considering the high cost of a new or newer used vehicle, there’s a pretty good case to be made for replacing a drive train component that has failed or is delivering poor performance – rather than trading their car, truck, van or SUV. Install a quality re-manufactured JASPER product for less than your customer would have to invest in a new vehicle or a newer used vehicle. Check out their website at jasperengines.com to learn more about the money-saving value of JASPER. Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInYouTubeTikTok