Remarkable Results Radio Podcast

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode The auto repair industry is facing a "Silver Tsunami" as thousands of shop owners approach retirement age. The challenge isn't simply selling a business; it's maximizing its value and creating a successful transition that benefits employees, customers, and future owners. In this episode, host Carm Capriotto welcomes shop owner and business coach Aaron Woods and Ryan Bushman, a recent shop owner seller, for a candid discussion on exit planning, business valuation, financial preparation, and the leadership mindset required to build a shop that...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode What does it take to grow from a single auto repair shop to six locations in less than a decade? Host Carm Capriotto sits down with AJ DeBuono to discuss his journey from serving as a U.S. Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan to becoming a successful multi-shop operator. AJ shares the lessons learned through rapid growth, the acquisition strategy that has fueled his expansion, and how military discipline, financial discipline, and a commitment to people have shaped his leadership approach. Rather than buying struggling businesses...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Why do talented automotive technicians leave the automotive industry, and what can shop owners do to keep them? Host Carm Capriotto is joined by Technical Specialist Matt Fanslow and Technician Find CEO Chris Lawson to explore what it takes to attract, hire, and retain top talent in today's automotive repair industry. The conversation examines industry professionalism, workplace culture, compensation, employee engagement, and proactive recruiting strategies that help shops become destinations for exceptional technicians. What You'll Learn Why elevating the image of automotive professionals...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode How are automotive technicians learning today, and who is investing in their future? Matt Shepanek, President of the ASE Training Managers Council (ATMC), discusses the findings of the 2026 ATMC Benchmark Survey. The survey offers valuable insight into technician education, training preferences, emerging technologies, and the industry's commitment to continuous learning. The conversation highlights significant differences between dealerships and independent repair shops, reveals what technicians most want to learn, and reinforces why ongoing professional development remains essential in an era of rapidly advancing vehicle technology. What You'll...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Is there really a motor oil shortage, or is the industry caught up in another wave of panic buying? In this episode of Remarkable Results Radio, host Carm Capriotto welcomes automotive expert Lauren Fix and Deckman Oil Territory Sales Manager Lee Rhodus to separate fact from fiction surrounding today's motor oil supply concerns. Together, they examine what's driving skyrocketing oil prices, why certain synthetic oils are becoming harder to source, and how fear-driven purchasing is creating additional strain throughout the supply chain. Most...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Carm Capriotto sits down with Todd Fortier, retiring automotive professor and program coordinator from Illinois Central College, to discuss a lesson learned over three decades in education: anyone can teach, but becoming a true educator requires purpose, empathy, and continuous growth. Todd shares how his passion for education was sparked by helping students experience those breakthrough "lightbulb moments" and why the ultimate goal of teaching is not simply delivering information, but ensuring meaningful knowledge transfer. As he prepares for retirement, Todd reflects on the challenges facing...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode What happens when artificial intelligence meets world-class customer hospitality? In this episode of Remarkable Results Radio, host Carm Capriotto welcomes Mike DelaCruz, CEO of Overdryve Marketing, and Michelle Tansey, co-founder of Euro Clinic, for a forward-thinking discussion on how auto repair shops can use AI, data, and intentional customer experiences to build stronger businesses. From using AI as a strategic business assistant to creating a luxury-level customer journey that rivals brands like Ritz-Carlton and Nordstrom, Mike and Michelle share practical insights on what...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Host Carm Capriotto welcomes Chris Lawson, founder of Technician Find, to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing independent auto repair shops today: finding and keeping great technicians. Chris explains why many shop owners fall into what he calls "fire alarm syndrome," waiting until a technician leaves before starting the hiring process. That reactive approach often leads to rushed decisions, poor hires, and ongoing turnover. Instead, he advocates for an "Always Be Recruiting" mindset, where shops continuously build relationships with potential candidates long before they have...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Are you tired of telling your staff to “leave their problems at the door”? The reality is, what happens outside the shop often follows employees into the bays, the service counter, and every customer interaction throughout the day. Financial pressure, family struggles, burnout, stress, and emotional fatigue all impact confidence, communication, productivity, and sales performance, whether leaders recognize it or not. In this insightful episode, Rena Rennebohm, CEO of Empowered Advisor, and service advisor coach and shop owner Rachel Spencer, challenge the old-school mind...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at the 2026 TST Big Event, Carm Capriotto sits down with automotive trainer Ken Zanders to discuss the importance of ongoing technical education, building efficient diagnostic processes, and adapting to rapidly evolving vehicle technology. Ken explains why too many shops still rely on a chaotic “grocery list” approach to repairs and how a structured diagnostic strategy can dramatically improve technician efficiency, profitability, and customer trust. What You’ll Learn Why inefficient diagnostic habits directly reduce technician productivity, shop profitability, and overall earning potential.The importance of fol...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Carm Capriotto talks with Matt Curry and Judy Curry of Craftsman's Auto Care about building one of the automotive industry’s most respected multi-shop operations twice. After growing Curry’s Auto Service to 10 locations and retiring in 2013, the Currys returned to the industry with a new vision, launching eight Craftsman’s Auto Care locations in eight years. Matt shares his role as the visionary leader driving momentum and ideas, while Judy explains how operational discipline, marketing, and customer experience keep the business grounded and sc...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this forward-looking conversation, Carm Capriotto and Chris Cloutier, CEO of AutoFlow and owner of three Golden Rule Auto Care locations, explore how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the automotive repair industry; not as a replacement for people, but as a powerful tool that helps shop owners lead smarter, communicate better, and operate more professionally. Chris shares firsthand experiences using AI inside both his software company and his repair shops, revealing how the technology can dramatically reduce time spent on leadership and administrative tasks while improving w...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Host Carm Capriotto is joined by shop owners Craig Noel, Brett Beachler, and Tom Palermo for an important discussion on how “The Rise of the Specialist” is moving from idea to implementation inside automotive repair shops across the industry. Written by Carm Capriotto, “The Rise of the Specialist” is a growing movement and declaration designed to elevate the language, image, professionalism, and culture of the automotive service industry. In this episode, the panel shares how they are actively implementing “The Rise” within their own business...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this fast-paced episode, shop owner and founder of the Automotive Management Network, Tom Ham, breaks down 15 major industry headlines in just 30 minutes, offering insight into the rapid changes reshaping automotive service, technology, and consumer behavior. From artificial intelligence and electric vehicles to rising car ownership costs and the exploding demand for automotive repair, this conversation connects today’s news with what it means for shop owners, technicians, and the future of the industry. Along the way, Ham also shares several quirky and entertaining stories making wa...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at the 2026 TST Big Event, host Carm Capriato sits down with shop owners and industry trainers Keith and Liz Perkins for a candid conversation about the evolving future of automotive repair. From the growing demand for private, hands-on training to the dangerous misconceptions surrounding vehicle calibrations, Keith and Liz share hard-earned insights from the front lines of the industry. They also pull back the curtain on how they successfully balance multiple businesses, a family farm, and life as entrepreneurial partners, all...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Dan Vance, CEO of Shop Dog Marketing, challenges how auto repair shops think about marketing in today’s AI-driven world. The conversation goes beyond websites and SEO, exploring how real marketing lives in every customer interaction and how tools like ChatGPT and Google AI Overview can become powerful strategic partners. What You’ll Learn Marketing Is Bigger Than Digital Tactics: Most shops mistake marketing for SEO, ads, or websites. Dan reframes marketing as theentire customer experience,from the way a repair is explained to how a cust...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at the VISION 2026, host Carm Capriotto sits down with shop owner Pete McNeil and NAPA Auto Care leaders Jason Rainey and Lauren Briggs to break down the impact of the NAPA Team Tool Rebate program. Listen to a powerful real-world example of how the program can energize a team, strengthen culture, and reward performance in meaningful ways. What You’ll Learn How the NAPA Team Tool Rebate program helps offset the high cost of technician tools while building a stronger shop cu...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at the TST Big Event 2026, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Andrew Fischer, shop manager at Cergizan's Auto and Truck Repair in Northwest Indiana, and an industry trainer. Andrew shares his disciplined, process-driven approach to diagnostics, his passion for technician development, and why shop culture plays a defining role in long-term success. From daily habits to big-picture philosophy, this conversation is a roadmap for building more confident, capable technicians. What You’ll Learn: Why committing to at least 40 hours of continuous education each year ca...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode In this episode, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Larry and Kara Rose of Larry’s Automotive in Newburgh, Indiana, to celebrate their recognition as the NAPA 2025 Auto Care Center of the Year. Their story is more than an award; it’s a roadmap for building a sustainable, family-driven business through discipline, culture, and long-term vision. What You’ll Learn How Larry turned a driveway side hustle into a scalable businessWhy Kara’s systems and structure were key to growthA clear, intentional plan for fami...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this episode, Carm Capriotto talks with Lola Schmidt, co-owner of Schmidt’s Auto Care, about how shops can rise above the “ordinary” perception of auto repair through intentional event planning, meaningful community engagement, and a fully integrated branding strategy. Key Topic Points Make the Shop an Experience: Auto repair isn’t naturally exciting, so shops must create memorable, in-person experiences that bring customers into the bays and build real connections.Community Events That Matter: Hosting hands-on events, like Girl Scout badge workshops and “Tiny Tech” days, create...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at the VISION 2026, this episode of Remarkable Results Radio features host Carm Capriotto in conversation with Lisa Coyle, Co-founder and CEO of Promotive, and Stacey Black, Account Manager at Promotive. Together, they unpack one of the most urgent challenges facing the automotive repair industry today: how to attract, hire, and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive and fast-moving market. What the Episode Covers: The “Ghosting” Problem in Hiring: Why candidates are applying to 15-20 shops at onceHow speed of response dete...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at VISION 2026, host Carm Capriotto and Matt Fanslow explore how lessons from marriage counseling can improve communication in auto repair shops. The core discussion centers on Matt’s article for NAPA Auto Care's Insight Magazine, “Your Shop Might Need Marriage Counseling,” and the industry’s gap in soft skills. His central argument is simple: most automotive professionals were never taught effective communication or soft skills. In the past, shop culture often relied on public criticism or shame to correct mistakes. Today, that approach backfires, especiall...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode In this episode of the Town Hall Academy, host Carm Capriotto is joined by Matt Wagg and Shiju Thomas to tackle a common challenge in the automotive repair industry: getting “unstuck.” The conversation focuses on breaking through growth plateaus by sharpening leadership, building a meaningful culture, and committing to continuous employee development. Leadership & Accountability Growth stalls when tenure is valued over performanceNot every team member will grow with the businessLeaders must make tough calls and avoid carrying “dead weight.”Practice radical candor: honest conversa...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this episode of Coffee with Carm and a Coach, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Greg Bunch, business coach and Founder at Transformers Institute and owner of Aspen Auto Clinic, to unpack the mindset barriers that quietly limit leadership and growth in auto repair. At the center of the conversation is the “monster” voice that is wired for survival, not success. While it once kept us safe, today it often holds leaders and advisors back from difficult but necessary actions: addressing underperformance, having honest conversations, or c...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at VISION 2026, host Carm Capriotto is joined by Jeremy Glassco of AppFueled and shop owner Joe Schindler to explore how auto repair shops can better connect technology with customer engagement. Glassco introduces the concept of the “App Gap,” explaining that while consumers frequently engage with apps from major brands, auto repair shops struggle with adoption because customers only download apps they trust or see immediate value in. To bridge this gap, he emphasizes delivering clear incentives and meaningful engagement. A key inno...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at VISION 2026, host Carm Capriotto speaks with Evis Husejnovic of NAPA TRACS about how shops can boost profitability and customer service by better using their shop management systems. Husejnovic highlights that most owners use only 10–15% of their software, often missing key tools for managing operations. NAPA TRACS addresses this with hands-on support, user groups, and daily training. The conversation also emphasizes a “treatment plan” approach to digital vehicle inspections, helping shops increase revenue through thorough, preventative maintenance rather than higher car counts. While technology has ra...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at VISION 2026, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Matt Crumpton, Director of Program Development at NAPA Auto Care, and Robin Cowie, Creative Technologist, to explore the official rollout of NAPA’s Extended Reality (XR) training program. The conversation centers around solving some of the industry’s biggest challenges: the ongoing technician shortage, the high cost of tools for new hires, and the need to get technicians productive and billable faster. By leveraging immersive technology that feels familiar to younger generations, NAPA is c...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Host Carm Capriotto speaks with Jay Goninen, co-founder and president of WrenchWay, about insights from the 2026 Voice of the Technician Survey and what it reveals about the state of the automotive workforce. Jay encourages shop owners to download the free report to uncover blind spots and start meaningful conversations with their teams. The data show that technicians strongly prefer a four-day, 10-hour workweek with no weekends, along with proper equipment, paid vacation, retirement benefits, and paid training. While dealership technicians made up a larger share of r...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Recorded live at VISION 2026, this episode highlights the General Service Technician Academy (GSTA), a two-day training program offered at VISION designed to build strong foundational skills for early-career automotive technicians. Host Carm Capriotto speaks with industry leader and shop owner Travis Troy and two young technicians who completed the program about how mentorship and structured training are shaping their careers. The discussion emphasizes that great technicians are distinguished not by advanced tools alone, but by how well they execute fundamental skills. The GSTA...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this episode, Carm Capriotto speaks with Chris Machado, founder of XGen Academy, about a bold new approach to solving the automotive technician shortage. Machado has developed an intensive 16-week training program that blends virtual reality simulations, classroom learning, and hands-on shop experience to accelerate the development of new technicians. At the core of the academy’s philosophy is the “reverse funnel,” which attracts a wide pool of young talent and progressively refines their skills toward professional mastery. The program goes beyond technical instruction. Through its “Reality H...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode "I think the push back is more in our head than it is in the pocketbook." In this episode, host Carm Capriotto talks with Andy Fiffick and Chris Letendre about the perceived affordability crisis in auto repair. Both guests challenge the idea that customers can’t afford repairs, suggesting that price resistance often stems from the service advisor's mindset rather than customer reality. The discussion highlights practical strategies for improving repair approvals, including repackaging repairs with different parts or warranty options, presenting financing as...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this episode, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Lola Schmidt, COO of Schmidt Auto Care, to discuss how independent auto repair shops can professionalize their human resources and management systems. Lola outlines a deliberate, multi-step hiring process built to eliminate desperate decisions and reduce candidate ghosting. It begins with a focused 5-10 minute phone screen designed to evaluate attitude, communication skills, and professionalism before investing time in in-person interviews. Once hired, new team members go through a structured two-week onboarding experience that intentionally integrates them...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode This episode explores the critical “delivery” phase of a 250,000 mile maintenance program, reframing the moment you hand the keys back as the continuation of a long-term professional relationship, not the end of a transaction. Host Carm Capriotto, joined by Brett Beachler and Rena Rennebohm, shares practical strategies to strengthen customer communication, elevate the shop experience, and proactively guide clients toward vehicle longevity. By focusing on the vehicle’s full lifecycle and scheduling the next visit before the customer leaves, shops can move beyond transa...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this episode of Coffee with Carm and a Coach, Carm Capriotto and leadership coach Murray Voth explain why traditional employee reviews often fail to build trust, engagement, or real growth. Instead, they advocate replacing formal evaluations with ongoing “Career Alignment Meetings,” and one-on-one conversations focused on coaching, open dialogue, and removing obstacles. They discuss the shop owner’s role as a coach, the importance of onboarding and positional clarity, and why wage discussions should be separated from development conversations. Murray also shares practical tools, including the th...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode In this episode, Melissa Parker, Amy Bartel, and Sara Abrecht join Carm Capriotto to discuss why women are the automotive industry’s “secret weapon.” The panel explores the concept of automotive hospitality, focusing on relationships, empathy, and customer experience as key drivers of trust, loyalty, and profitability. They share how hospitality driven environments, strong listening skills, and hiring from service focused industries elevate the customer experience and strengthen shop performance. Sara also reveals data showing female-led shops achieve higher average repair orders, highlighting the bus...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this episode, Carm Capriotto speaks with Tom Ham about the rising labor rates shaping the automotive repair industry. Drawing from the Labor Rate Tracker tool on the Automotive Management Network, Tom explains how shops across the country are steadily increasing rates, with many approaching the $200 per hour threshold. Geographic trends reveal higher rates in regions like the San Francisco Bay Area and Connecticut, and Tom recommends gradual monthly increases of $1 to $2 to maintain profitability without alarming customers. They also discuss shifting business realities, including rising...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode Host Carm Capriotto dives into the untapped power of Shop Management Systems (SMS) with business coach Dave Schedin and Ben Dexter, National Training Manager at NAPA TRACS. Together, they reveal how two often-overlooked tools, categories and canned jobs, can dramatically improve shop efficiency, consistency, and profitability. The conversation highlights how a smarter system setup leads to faster workflows, clearer data, and stronger decision-making. Key Topics Discussed Unlocking the Power of Categories: Dave Schedin explains the importance of tracking three core labor types: Diagnostic...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode "The reality of a client advocates daily work is translating fear into clarity." Shop owner and coach Clint White explores a powerful shift at the auto repair front counter, from “Service Advisor” to “Repairathist.” He explains that because vehicles represent freedom and control, many customers arrive feeling anxious and financially defensive. As a result, the Repairathist’s role becomes part technician, part therapist, focused on translating fear into clarity and helping people feel understood. Customers aren’t buying parts, he says; they’re buying relief. The conversation d...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode"Rich is loud. Wealthy is quiet." In this episode, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Jerry Kezhaya and Dr. Laura Shwaluk, owners of The Auto Shop and business coaches with Business Builder Mentor and Mastermind. They share their unconventional journey from healthcare to auto repair, including how Laura stepped in to run the shop while Jerry was hospitalized. With no technical background, she succeeded by focusing on leadership, culture, and relationships—proving that auto repair is ultimately a people business. The cou...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this episode, Carm Capriotto reconnects with industry veteran Peter Rudloff to explore his transition from shop owner to consultant, his “stay in your lane” philosophy, and the future of EV repair. Rudloff shares how a 25-year exit plan allowed him to retire from shop ownership at 47 and transition into his home-based “Pete Cave,” where he continues hands-on work without managing employees. He later founded Rhino Collective LLC, helping manufacturers connect engineering with real-world repair. A central theme is specialization. By focusing on domestic and Asian vehicles...