Register for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston April 9-11 and use Code CONFESSIONS500 for $500.00 off. HERE

Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

Elite Worldwide has CHANGED my business and life through their one-on-one coaching. Use them like I do HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

Today, Ashley Butler and Rochelle Gotsdiner join Mike Allen to break down how to scale your repair shop through strong processes. Ashley shares how clear communication and consistent customer updates can set your shop apart—because most of your competitors get it wrong daily. They also chat about how embracing AI and innovative training methods can solve the industry’s notorious people problem and unlock serious growth.

Timestamps:
00:00 Why “saying yes” matters and how to stop losing business
03:56 Ashley Butler introduces her shop story and scaling to 14 stores
04:46 How Ashley Butler structures her week for maximum impact
08:42 Succession planning, family business, and running on “auto-pilot”
10:18 The secrets to working with your spouse without disaster
12:05 Turning crisis into opportunity: Creating a top-tier training center
14:51 On a mission for talent: Training novices into flat-rate techs
15:56 Why community involvement and university ties pay off
18:18 Maximizing space, remodeling battles, and why your waiting room matters
20:39 The “speed” advantage: Serving customers before they even ask
27:31 Game-changing customer communication habits—so the phone never rings at 3pm
32:22 Trust, integrity, and what it really takes to keep your reputation bulletproof
35:14 Shop processes, procedures, and how competitors make you look good
35:59 Integrating AI into shop training and HR: first steps and big potential
41:10 How anyone can build custom AI tools for their shop
43:35 Private equity, big chains, and why it’s opportunity (not threat!) for indies
46:11 Guerrilla recruiting: real-world tactics for poaching top techs and advisors
49:57 Shop owner black belt: Using networks and timing to score the best deals
51:26 Why perfect policies don’t exist (and that’s okay!)

If you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.

Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and book a free demo now!

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

In this episode, Matt Lofton and Mike Allen talk through Mike's shop's performance in March. Matt talks about the importance of pre-building estimates and leveraging tools like Detect Auto to maximize tech average quote and streamline workflow. Mat also shares his approach to combating misleading "vanity flush" services in the market, emphasizing transparent communication with customers.

Timestamps:
00:00 – The “Vanity Flush” Confession: Why $99 Services Aren’t What You Think
02:24 – eBay Hero Cards, Shop Swag, and Why Autographs Still Matter
04:14 – Record First Quarter, March Recap, and Looking Ahead
05:50 – Fly With the Eagles Recap: What High Performers are Learning
08:52 – DIY Shop AI: How to Create Your Own AI Agents and Save Big
12:03 – Struggling with Close Rates? Blame (or Bless) Your Advisor
14:09 – Prebuilding Estimates for Maximum Tech ARO
16:13 – Setting Up Customers: Deferred Work, Maintenance, and Upsells
17:33 – BG Programs, Fluid Service Sales, and Overcoming Industry Myths
20:01 – How Corporate Store Pricing Drives Shortcuts (and Dirty Tricks)
23:05 – Value-Add vs. Price-Only: The Ruth’s Chris Cheeseburger Analogy
24:49 – How to Fill Tomorrow’s Bays with Opportunity, Not Just Oil Changes
28:16 – The Pit Stop Program: Getting Customers Back 4x Fast
30:48 – The Loyalty Cliff: Retaining vs. Losing First-Time Customers
33:12 – Risky Repairs and the Real Cost of Saying “Yes”
39:45 – Ritz Carlton vs. Motel 6: Finding Your Shop’s Sweet Spot
43:04 – Social Media “Rage Bait”: Marketing Tactics and Lessons Learned
44:58 – Worry About Your Own Shop! Why Community Trumps Competition
48:21 – Peer Groups and Getting Ahead—Why You Shouldn’t Go It Alone

Tekmetrics' business model of listening to customers' needs and implementing new systems makes them super shop-friendly. Start using them at your shop today HERE

Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more HERE

Elite Worldwide coaching has changed the game for me and my shop. Need a boost? Use Elite like I do. HERE

AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register HERE

This one was fun - put three popular podcasts in a room for an hour, and you never know what will happen...THIS WAS NO EXCEPTION Today, Lucas Underwood, Mike Allen, and Tonnika Haynes open up about the real challenges of shop ownership, podcasting, and share some crazy stories along the way.They dive deep into the difficulties of managing growth and the importance of setting boundaries—especially when it comes to family businesses and succession planning.

Timestamps:
00:00 Lucas and Mike Make it Awkward
01:42 The infamous Benji story and awkward work gaffes
02:46 How Tonnika went from outsider to industry board member
04:31 Reflecting on diversity, intimidation, and leadership in the industry
06:36 Board politics, cleaning up after the "old guard," and learning the ropes
08:01 Confessions about podcasting: growth, ego boosts, and business neglect
09:37 On loving people (to a fault), hiring headaches, and why feelings can't run a business
12:10 Tough lessons learned: leadership critiques gone wrong
14:05 Reeling back commitments to avoid burnout and family drama
16:45 Discussions about business hours, staff, and shifting industry cultures
19:03 Why every shop is different and one-size-fits-all advice doesn't work
20:13 Coaching, cult-followings, and why shop owners get fiercely loyal
22:44 The weight of influence: why podcasters and coaches impact real lives
24:31 When business coaching turns into a fraternity (and how to break free)
26:20 The coaching gold rush: who's really helping, who's just cashing in
28:33 Podcast production goes legit—systems, processes, SOPs
34:25 Therapy time: handshake deals, business agreements, and life after podcasts
36:32 Family business confessions—succession nightmares, buyout basics, and trust-but-verify
50:43 Lessons learned the hard way—and why you’ll survive
51:33 Practical advice: documentation, buy-outs, and avoiding family business disasters