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The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart

By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
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It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.

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Mailbag Episode: Exhaust Gas Analyzers, Testing Catalytic Converters, and Troubleshooting ADAS [E187] - Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z
By carmcapriotto

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

In this episode, Matt Fanslow dives into listener-submitted questions, covering a wide range of automotive diagnostic and repair topics. From personal influences in the industry to technical advice on exhaust gas analyzers, catalytic converter testing, and ADAS calibrations, Matt shares his insights and expertise.
1. Who Do You Try to Emulate?
Matt reflects on the mentors and industry leaders who have shaped his approach to diagnostics and repair.
TV Doctors vs. Real Mentors: While he jokes about emulating fictional doctors like Hawkeye Pierce, Gregory House, and Perry Cox, Matt credits real-world experts like John Thornton, Randy Burkholder, Jim Kemper, Matthew Ragsdale, Harvey Chan, and John Riegel for their influence. The Value of Deep Research: Matt highlights the importance of studying SAE documents, technical manuals, and foundational books like Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals by John B. Heywood. Thought Leaders in the Industry: He also mentions Jim Wilson (ScanShare.io), Scott Manna, and others for their diagnostic methodologies and problem-solving approaches.
Takeaway: Success in automotive diagnostics comes from continuous learning, leveraging industry resources, and adopting best practices from experienced professionals.
2. Exhaust Gas Analyzers – What to Look For?
A listener asks about choosing the right exhaust gas analyzer for their shop. Matt breaks down the key features:
PC/Android Interface: Essential for graphing gas readings (lambda, air-fuel ratio) over time. Portability: Needed for on-road testing to monitor performance under real driving conditions. Fast Sample Times: Look for analyzers with low transfer delays (under 5 seconds) for accurate real-time data. Cost Consideration: Expect to invest 5,000– 5,000–7,000+ for a quality unit.
Takeaway: A good exhaust gas analyzer should provide real-time data logging, lambda calculations, and portability for effective diagnostics.
3. Testing Catalytic Converters – Temperature vs. PCM Diagnostics
A student questions the validity of using infrared thermometers to test catalytic converters after hearing conflicting advice.
PCM Algorithms Are Superior: Modern vehicles use complex oxygen storage calculations—far more accurate than manual temperature checks. Why Temperature Testing Falls Short: A "bad" cat might still pass a temp test. A "good" cat might fail due to external factors (exhaust leaks, sensor issues). Best Practice: Trust OBD-II diagnostics, fuel control verification, and factory procedures over manual methods.
Takeaway: Always verify fuel control, exhaust integrity, and PCM data before condemning a catalytic converter.
4. ADAS Calibrations – Troubleshooting Static Windshield Camera Issues
A technician struggles with static calibrations for windshield-mounted cameras. Matt offers troubleshooting tips:
Check the Windshield Glass: Aftermarket glass is a common culprit for calibration failures. Lighting Conditions: Too much LED glare? Try diffusers or dimming shop lights. Use shipping blankets to reduce reflections on the hood/dash. Target Placement: Ensure the target is positioned per OEM specs—avoid background interference. RTFM (Read the Factory Manual): Always follow OEM procedures for target setup.
Takeaway: Calibration issues often stem from glass quality, lighting, or incorrect target alignment—double-check these factors first.
Listener Q&A Submission: Have a question for Matt? Email: MattFanslowPodcast@gmail.com
Contact Information
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel Subscribe & Review: Loved this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
Back to Basics: Episode 0- Why the Best Shops Always Relearn the Fundamentals [E212] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
By carmcapriotto

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind
Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great.
If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindIn
In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton takes the stage to unveil an exciting new series titled "Back to Basics," specifically designed for auto repair shop owners and their teams. This series is crafted to revisit and reinforce the essential concepts and practices that are crucial for running a successful auto repair shop. Coach Chris passionately emphasizes the significance of having a solid grasp of the basics, particularly in the face of financial challenges and the myriad distractions that can arise in the industry.
He meticulously outlines a comprehensive ten-part series that will delve into a variety of critical topics. These include effective communication strategies, robust financial management techniques, and the cultivation of strong teamwork within the shop environment. Each segment is designed to equip shop owners and their teams with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a competitive market.
Moreover, the episode underscores the importance of continuous learning and development in the ever-evolving automotive repair industry. Coach Chris encourages listeners to embrace ongoing education as a means to stay ahead of the curve and maintain a competitive edge.
In addition to the valuable insights shared, the episode features a sponsorship mention for Shop Marketing Pros. This marketing company specializes in helping auto repair shops grow by providing tailored marketing solutions that drive business success. Their expertise and support are highlighted as a valuable resource for shop owners looking to expand their reach and enhance their market presence.
Introduction and Podcast Overview (00:00:07)
Coach Chris introduces the podcast and its purpose to supercharge auto repair businesses.

Sponsorship Mention (00:01:17)
Discussion of Shop Marketing Pros and their services for auto repair shops.

Episode Series Introduction (00:01:17)
Introduction to the "Back to Basics" series focusing on fundamental concepts in auto repair.

Importance of Fundamentals (00:02:16)
Highlighting the need to revisit basics due to challenges faced by shop owners.

Gaps in Shop Foundations (00:03:27)
Discussing the distractions that lead to gaps in business fundamentals post-COVID.

Overview of the Series Topics (00:04:25)
Preview of the ten episodes covering essential topics for shop owners and technicians.

Target Audience for the Series (00:06:31)
Identifying the audience: shop owners, service advisors, and technicians.

Encouragement for Team Participation (00:06:31)
Encouraging teams to listen together and discuss improvements based on the series.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts (00:07:27)
Reiterating the importance of foundational knowledge and promoting the series for shop success.
Connect with Chris:
AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching
www.autoshopcoaching.com
www.aftermarketradionetwork.com
940-400-1008
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
Email Chris: chris@autofixsos.com
The Aftermarket Radio Network
Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.
The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.
The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
#autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
A Tale of Two Cities: From Affluent to Rural, Navigating Different Markets [RR 1040]
By carmcapriotto

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Recorded at Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo, Kim Auernheimer shares insights from managing two shop locations in Brentwood and Monteagle, Tennessee, each with vastly different demographics and market dynamics. She dives into the unique challenges and strategies required to adapt to both environments, highlighting the importance of tailored marketing, community involvement, and a steadfast commitment to customer service and employee well-being. Kim’s story illustrates how strong leadership and adaptability can build a solid reputation across diverse markets.
Kim Auernheimer, CS Automotive, 2 locations, TN. Listen to Kim’s Episodes HERE. Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo: https://visionkc.com/ Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00) Personal Interaction with Marcus Lemonis (00:03:14) Challenges in the Automotive Industry (00:05:10) Analogy of Automotive and Medical Fields (00:06:27) Three P's of Business (00:08:31) Market Differences: Tale of Two Cities (00:09:40) Demographics and Market Understanding (00:11:02) Adapting Strategies for Different Markets (00:15:35) Customer Service Approach in Monteagle (00:16:34) Community Engagement Strategies (00:20:06) Challenges of Remote Management (00:21:00) Marketing and Community Presence (00:22:00) Geofencing Marketing Tactics (00:22:39) Billboard Advertising Insights (00:24:04) Reputation Management Challenges (00:28:06) Building Customer Trust (00:29:56) Employee and Customer Care Philosophy (00:32:47) Business Name Evolution (00:33:28) Customer Experience and Joy (00:36:07) Upgrading Facilities for Service (00:36:29) Importance of Cleanliness (00:38:03)
Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care, NAPA TRACS and Automotive Management Network Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/ Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
Episode 217 - Going From Management to Ownership At A Tire Shop with Michael & Anna Bellevue
By Changing The Industry

Episode 217 - Going From Management to Ownership At A Tire Shop with Michael & Anna Bellevue
The Largest Tax Cut in US History? [E170] - Business By The Numbers
By carmcapriotto

Thanks to our partner Promotive
In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA of Paar Melis and Associates, explores the details behind what former President Trump is calling the "largest tax cut in U.S. history." What’s actually in the proposed bill? Will any of it pass Congress? And most importantly, what could it mean for auto repair shop owners and other small business operators?
Hunt unpacks what we know so far, what’s still uncertain, and how business owners can start thinking strategically. From potential expansions of the Child Tax Credit and QBI deduction to the controversial proposals of eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security, this episode covers the key elements that matter most.
Whether you’re looking to stay informed or proactively plan for future changes, this episode offers a grounded look at what’s on the table—and what’s likely to be left off.
Key Takeaways:
What’s included in the proposed 2025 tax cut and what’s still up for debate The current status of the Child Tax Credit, QBI deduction, bonus depreciation, and SALT deduction cap Potential elimination of taxes on Social Security income—and whether that’s realistic A breakdown of the proposed “Millionaire Tax” and its implications for high earners Why the talk of tax-free tips and overtime could create major planning opportunities for business owners
What shop owners need to watch for and how to prepare as legislative discussions continue
Thanks to our partner, Promotive
It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
Email Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.com
Text Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413
Download a Copy of My Books Here:
Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop
The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto https://remarkableresults.biz/
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio