In this episode, Braxton Critcher shares a good news story with Chris Enright, owner of Enright Automotive. Chris talks about how he helped a fellow mechanic, Matthew Parker, attend a critical training event by covering most of his expenses. Braxton and Chris then discuss the importance of offering support and encouragement within the industry, emp…

Braxton discusses the ASA's stance on the EPA’s new emission standards, warning about the potential hardships these regulations could impose on independent repair shops. He also highlights the skyrocketing car insurance rates, which have seen an unprecedented increase of up to 22% in just one year, largely driven by factors like inflation and highe…

***TIME SENSITIVE*** ASTE is now the ASTA Expo! Get registered today for the best training event of 2024: https://geni.us/ASTAExpo2024 ASTA Expo Vendors should click here: https://geni.us/ASTAExpo2024-Vendor _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ …

In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Ryan Kooiman and Chris Gardner from MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. Chris underscores the importance of Automated Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and the problematic lack of standardized calibration practices. Ryan shares his hands-on experience in the field, highlighting the disparities in technician kno…

In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Cavan Robinson and Mike Allen. Braxton covers California's zero-emission mandate and the Specialty Equipment Market Association's response. Cavan discusses his plans for the future of Shop-Ware as the new General Manager. Mike shares valuable advice for first-time attendees of industry training events,…

***TIME SENSITIVE*** ASTE is now the ASTA Expo! Get registered today for the best training event of 2024: https://geni.us/ASTAExpo2024 ASTA Expo Vendors should click here: https://geni.us/ASTAExpo2024-Vendor _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ …

In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Mike Allen, who shares insights on the intricacies of raising rates in the automotive repair industry. Mike discusses the importance of aligning service quality and facilities with increased rates to maintain customer trust. Additionally, the value of networking and continuous learning at industry even…

In this episode, Braxton Critcher covers several important updates in automotive repair news. He looks into the Auto Care Association's significant upgrades to its demand index tool, enhancing data precision for automotive professionals. Braxton also highlights Mercedes Benz's intensified efforts against counterfeit parts that jeopardize road safet…

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-…

This podcast is all about good news in the auto repair industry! Today, Frank Leutz shares about his shop's commitment to community service, detailing their collaboration with the Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center to provide free auto repairs to families in need once a quarter. He also emphasizes the culture of giving back among his technicia…

Braxton talks about Midas’ new ad campaign promoting no "BS" in their shops. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers are working towards releasing a white paper to cover what the industry needs to help support shops and ADAS. Additionally, you'll hear about Colorado's new lemon laws, aiming to provide stronger protections for consumers buying defective vehicles…

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-…

The Auto Care Association (ACA) CEO Bill Hanvey urges the industry to push Congress to advance the stalled Repair Act, and Braxton emphasizes the importance of using the provided link to contact representatives. Additionally, CarShield reaches a $10 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over misleading advertising allegations, prompt…

In this episode, Braxton Critcher welcomes Chris Jones, the new Editorial Director at Endeavor Business Media, to discuss the latest in automotive repair news. Chris shares his journey within the industry, highlighting his recent promotion and the vision for Endeavor's various automotive brands. He touches on the rapid technological advancements in…

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-…

In this episode, Braxton Critcher gives the need-to-know info about CarShield, a company known for offering vehicle service contracts. Braxton highlights a critical quote from Samuel Levine, director of the Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection, emphasizing the deceptive practices that left many consumers with financial headaches. …

Braxton Critcher covers several crucial updates in the automotive repair industry in this episode. He discusses new legislation in Michigan targeting car theft, highlighting stricter penalties for owning burglary tools. Braxton also mentions the impressive fundraising efforts of the Collision Repair Education Foundation, which raised over $110,000 …

***TIME SENSITIVE*** ASTE is now the ASTA Expo! Get registered today for the best training event of 2024: https://geni.us/ASTAExpo2024 ASTA Expo Vendors should click here: https://geni.us/ASTAExpo2024-Vendor _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ …

In this episode, Braxton Critcher and Chris Messer from Endeavor Business Media share an overview of the upcoming Ratchet Wrench Management Conference. Chris emphasizes the event's unique peer-to-peer format and new attractions like the VEHLO Victory Lap with RC cars. Additionally, he discusses the importance of staying updated on industry developm…

In this episode, Braxton highlights a recent shift in GM's electric vehicle production strategy, an innovative diagnostic tool launched by Repairfy and NAPA, and Auto Ops' new feature aimed at enhancing customer service for repair shops. Additionally, Chris Jones shares his optimistic outlook for the industry's future based on his interactions with…

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-…

In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Ryan McKinnon from Charge Ahead Partnership. Ryan discusses the current state of EV infrastructure in Florida, emphasizing the barriers to EV adoption due to the lack of charging stations despite the availability of federal funds. He highlights the problematic role of power companies raising consumer r…

In this episode, Braxton Critcher dives into recent findings by the IIHS and HLDI, revealing that partial automation systems in vehicles do not significantly prevent collisions. Chris Messer joins Braxton to preview the Ratchet and Wrench Management Conference's new format, emphasizing its focus on peer-to-peer learning from shop owners and operato…

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life. Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable. Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-…

In this episode, Braxton Critcher discusses various important updates in the automotive repair industry. Ryan McKinnon from the Charge Ahead Partnership explains why Florida and other states haven't committed their EV charging station funds, highlighting the challenges businesses face with upfront costs. Braxton shares the inspirational story of Jo…

***TIME SENSITIVE*** ASTE is now the ASTA Expo! Get registered today for the best training event of 2024: https://geni.us/ASTAExpo2024 ASTA Expo Vendors should click here: https://geni.us/ASTAExpo2024-Vendor _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ …

Wanna go to the ASTA Expo? Learn how here In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Lucas Underwood, who sheds light on the significance of upgrading business management skills for automotive repair shop owners. Lucas emphasizes how refining customer service and client experience are crucial, noting that actual car repairs make up less than 10…

In this episode, hear the latest news around the automotive repair industry on things like Right to Repair, a dispute between automakers and the NHTSA, Florida's unwillingness to install more EV charging stations, and more! Send Braxton an email and let him know your thoughts about the show: braxton@automotiverepairnews.com Thanks to our sponsor Au…

***TIME SENSITIVE*** ASTE is now the ASTA Expo! Get registered today for the best training event of 2024: https://geni.us/ASTAExpo2024 ASTA Expo Vendors should click here: https://geni.us/ASTAExpo2024-Vendor _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ …

In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Chris Cotton from Autofix Auto Shop Coaching. Chris tackles the hotly debated issue of technician shortages in the automotive industry. He argues that there isn't a shortage of technicians but rather a shortage of "good shops" where technicians want to work. Chris draws insights from a survey he conduc…

In this episode, Braxton reports that AAA projects a record number of travelers this Independence Day, leading to a potential influx of customers in repair shops in mid-July. Lucas Underwood provides an update on the ASTA Expo’s growth and relocation plans for 2025, highlighting the event's rapid expansion. Additionally, Braxton discusses the signi…

***TIME SENSITIVE*** ASTE is now the ASTA Expo! Get registered today for the best training event of 2024: https://geni.us/ASTAExpo2024 ASTA Expo Vendors should click here: https://geni.us/ASTAExpo2024-Vendor _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ …

In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Justin Allen from Hunter Engineering Company. Justin emphasizes the urgent need for ongoing training in the automotive repair industry due to rapidly evolving vehicle technology. He introduces Hunter University, an innovative online learning platform designed to provide accessible training for technici…

In this episode, Braxton Critcher covers the launch of Hunter University, an online learning management system, emphasizing its potential to provide certified training to technicians individually. Braxton reports on the automotive aftermarket sector's resilience, noting an 8.6% growth in sales despite persistent inflation in 2023. Additionally, the…

In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Mark Pons from Chapel Hill Tire and industry veteran Randy O'Connor. Mark discusses the implications of Michelin's Minimum Advertised Price program and how Costco's free install promotion is affecting independent tire shops. Randy highlights the long-term effects on consumer safety and the professional…

***TIME SENSITIVE*** ASTE is now the ASTA Expo! Get registered today for the best training event of 2024: https://geni.us/ASTAExpo2024 ASTA Expo Vendors should click here: https://geni.us/ASTAExpo2024-Vendor _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ …

In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Jonathan Tangye, the Mechanical Director of MACA. Jonathan highlights the potential impact of Pennsylvania's proposed increase in registration fees for electric vehicles to offset declining gas tax revenues. He emphasizes the need for balanced taxation across all vehicle types to maintain infrastructur…

***TIME SENSITIVE*** ASTE is now the ASTA Expo! Get registered today for the best training event of 2024: https://geni.us/ASTAExpo2024 ASTA Expo Vendors should click here: https://geni.us/ASTAExpo2024-Vendor _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ …