Master Tech to Millionaire

Joe Adams and Glenn Piccolo break down a no-nonsense interview playbook for auto shops: why first impressions and rapid rapport matter, how to use targeted pre-interview questions to spot commitment, and what distinguishes A-players from B and C-players.

They cover working interviews and onboarding, technician vs. front-of-house hiring, extracting referrals, and the case for paying top talent what they’re worth. It's all about culture, accountability, and building a winning team that drives immediate results.

This is just one part of the life-changing Key to Key to Callbacks concept - sign up for the next cl...

Glenn Piccolo with Adams Automotive hosts this bonus Master Tech to Millionaire episode presented by Autoshop Answers, recapping an electrifying weekend in Houston featuring Key to Key, Courtside, and VIP Rack Attack sessions.

Industry Leaders from around the country discuss Todd Hayes’ perfected business model, the power of consistent implementation (morning Take Fives), simple high-impact steps — say yes on the phone, professional pictures/videos — and how relentless training drives predictable growth.

Practical next steps, real success stories, and program details (Key to Key, Courtside, AI Academy, VIP Rack Attack) are shared to help shop owners start...

Rob Eskew recounts his journey from a small basement shop to a multi-state operation, the near-collapse after rapid expansion, and the hard lessons learned about cash flow, accounting, and leadership.

He explains how simplifying operations, tightening parts and accounting controls, and focusing on profit margins (aiming for 62.5%) turned the business around, paid off debt, and rebuilt a sustainable, growing company.

Todd Hayes sits down with Kaleb Nimz, president of Grimaud Enterprises, to discuss how Precision Tune transformed its culture and performance across 98 locations using Key2Key and Courtside training. They cover leadership in the trenches, shop cleanliness, automotive hospitality, recruiting, and practical shop stories — including a memorable pit visit and record months for stores that embraced the process.

Kaleb also explains how technology and accounting-first discipline support growth, the importance of daily Take Fives and phone skills, and how a faith-driven, people-first approach helped roll out consistent processes that boost sales, close rates, and team morale.

On this episode of Master Tech to Millionaire, Adam Coffey breaks down how private equity isn’t some mysterious Wall Street game—it’s a repeatable system for multiplying value at scale. From rolling equity into second and third paydays to using acquisitions like rocket fuel, he lays out the exact levers that separate average operators from empire builders. This isn’t theory—this is battle-tested strategy forged through dozens of acquisitions and billion-dollar exits.

But what hits hardest is the mindset shift: most founders are playing too small, too slow, and way too safe. Coffey exposes the blind...

Guest host Glenn Piccolo and Charlie Zlatkos discuss a real shop story about integrity — discovering a major job wasn’t completed and immediately terminating the employee. They explain the shop’s inspection process, why advisors must personally verify repairs, and how rigorous PMI's prevent customer harm and fraud.

They also cover building a high-integrity, high-profit culture through recruiting, systems, and training so owners can always do the right thing, plus examples of fixing customers’ cars for free and upcoming Key to Key training events.

Joe Adams sits down with Mike "Q-Pine" Quinn to explore how someone with no auto-repair background fast-tracked into running a top-performing shop, becoming a partner and scaling revenue through people, process, and hospitality-focused sales.

They discuss hiring A-players, using data and technology, daily habits, managing gray-area talent, and the long-term mindset needed to turn technicians into business owners.

Joe Adams sits down with David "Hollywood" Guillen to discuss his journey from master technician to top-performing service advisor, coach, and assistant GM. They cover how relationship-building, shop tours, and technical credibility create high-ticket sales and lifelong customers.

The episode walks through common customer objections—"I’ll sell the car," "price is too high," and "I don’t have the money"—and offers practical scripts, financing strategies, and real hospitality examples (like the beekeeper and Dr. Pepper stories) that turn objections into approvals.

Hollywood also explains his coaching approach with Autoshop Coaching, emphasizing consistency, active listenin...

Host Joe Adams and Todd Hayes recap a packed Key2Key weekend and The Woodlands' "Courtside" in-shop training; celebrating rapid shop growth, transparent metrics, and the auto hospitality model that differentiates the Houston Boston Partnership.

Joe & Todd discuss integrating AI, MotoVisuals, Rilla coaching and a pilot inbound call center to boost bookings and customer trust, plus gamified Moneyball tracking and training strategies that scale teams and improve profits.

Joe Adams interviews Charlie Zalakos about moving from technician to business owner and running a high-efficiency shop. They dive into the PMI/rack attack inspection process, speed of service, and how quick video-based evidence and canned jobs increase sales and shop throughput.

The episode covers practical tactics: get permission to inspect, two-person inspections, short test drives, record only failing items, sell quickly using history and estimates, break down consent into isolated, safety, and maintenance sells, and how this process produces consistent high-revenue days and happier technicians.

Joe Adams interviews Bill Brusard about his transition from master Toyota technician to CEO and partner in JB Auto Care and the Houston Boston Partnership. Bill recounts meeting Todd Hayes, attending Key-to-Key training, and using those systems to scale operations.

They cover early struggles, the Now Auto Care brand, staffing turnarounds, rapid revenue growth, and plans to partner with private equity to build long-term value while staying involved as operators.

In this episode of Master Tech to Millionaire, Joe Adams and Todd Hayes discuss how automotive shops can transform from traditional repair shops into hospitality-driven, highly profitable businesses. They cover practical systems like daily Take Fives, key-to-key callbacks, personalized shop tours, and using AI to scale communications and sales.

Listeners will learn strategies for improving phone skills, increasing close rates through photos and videos, training teams, attracting talent, and creating lifetime customers — all aimed at turning master technicians into successful business owners.

The Bartel family shares their multi-generational auto repair story — from humble gas-station roots to a multi-location operation driven by hands-on leadership and Todd Hayes’ training.

This episode covers recruiting A‑players, combating internal theft, using call-recording coaching tools, and the culture shifts that scaled their business in Chicago.

Guest host Glenn Piccolo hosts Joe Adams talking all about the evolution of Adams Automotive and Joe's personal journey from being part of a family business to shaping its future. Joe shares childhood memories from the shop founded in 1980, where he grew up watching his parents build a successful enterprise. He reflects on feeling disconnected from the industry before eventually taking on his current leadership role.

Throughout the conversation, Joe reveals the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from a non-technical background to managing a thriving automotive business. His candid anecdotes highlight the importance of work ethic, family...

Todd Hayes introduces us to Peter Saranditis, the General Managing Partner of Auto Tech Answers. In this episode, we delve into the importance of technical training and business innovation across the auto repair industry. Discover how top-notch technical training can revolutionize auto shops, transforming them into powerhouse operations with soaring revenues.

Learn about the significance of creating an outstanding company culture, attracting top talent with robust recruiting processes, and embracing artificial intelligence to streamline operations and enhance customer service. Master the art of scaling your business, building from a few million to over $100 million in revenue, with...

Join host Joe Adams and Todd Hayes as they delve into the revolutionary business strategies reshaping the auto industry. Discover how transitioning from a technician to a business owner entails no risk.

Explore the unexpected paths to millionaire status, showcasing how great customer service and saying "yes" keeps the wheels of success turning. Joe and Todd discuss the importance of phone skills, team training, and auto hospitality, emphasizing that a thriving auto business is about more than just repairing cars—it's about nurturing relationships and providing unparalleled service. Join us for expert insights that could transform your bu...

Welcome to episode four of Master Tech to Millionaire, presented by Autoshop Answers. In this episode, Joe Adams dives into the incredible journey of Charlie Zlatkos, the remarkable transformation from a young boy immigrating from Greece to America, knowing only four English words, to becoming a top automotive operator.

Charlie shares his inspiring story, overcoming numerous challenges, including language barriers and unethical industry practices, to ultimately achieve his American dream. From late-night motorcycle repairs in Greece to dominating the automotive industry in the U.S., Charlie reveals his journey of dedication, hard work, and relentless pursuit of...

In this episode of Master Tech to Millionaire, Joe Adams of Adams Automotive sits down with Brian Rhodes, Director of AutoShop Recruiting, to reveal exactly how we’ve recruited over 1,000 technicians during what others call a “shortage.”   Whether it’s front of house or back of house, the truth is:   There’s not a people shortage there’s a recruitment problem.   This episode is a must listen for every shop owner serious about growth. Joe and Brian break down:  • The exact pre chat and pre check questions that qualify top talent  • How to spot a hammer vs. a heartbreaker before they ever walk in  •...

In this episode of "Master Tech to Millionaire," Joe Adams, host and leader at Adams Automotive, sits down with Glenn Piccolo, a top automotive general manager in the country, to discuss the journey of growth and success in the automotive industry. With years of experience and a record-breaking year of $12.25 million in revenue, Glenn reveals insights into the world of automotive management.

Discover Glenn's path to becoming a top leader, from his beginnings as a general service technician at age 16 to leading a flagship store to extraordinary financial success. Dive into the challenges and triumphs he faced...

Out of Adams Automotive in Houston, TX Joe Adams kickstarts the inaugural episode of “Master Tech to Millionaire.” Serving as an inspirational journey, this pilot episode unveils the transition stories of Joe’s leadership team from master technicians to successful CEOs.

In our pilot episode, Todd Hayes shares his transformative journey from investing a $25,000 loan into an impressive $20 million empire in merely 11 years. From innovative business strategies, such as using Polaroids for transparency with customers to recruiting talent outside the traditional industry, Todd’s insights showcase the power of integrity, hospitality, and strategic training.

Through engaging...