Best Matt Di Francesco Podcasts (2025)

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108. ESOPs Unpacked: A Smart Exit Strategy for Business Owners with Kelly Finnell 33:39

11d ago33:39

33:39

Business owners planning their next chapter often face a tough decision: how to exit without compromising their legacy or selling to private equity. As baby boomers age out of ownership, many are turning to Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) for their unique blend of liquidity, tax benefits, and cultural continuity. Yet, understanding the mecha…

1
107. Life After the Shop: Answering Key Questions From The Northeast Conference 12:39

18d ago12:39

12:39

Planning for life after shop ownership is something many independent collision shop owners overlook—until they’re already in the process of selling. But without a clear vision, the transition can be overwhelming and leave former owners wondering, “What’s next?” In this episode, Matt DiFrancesco shares insights from the Northeast Conference, where h…

1
106. Addressing the Talent Gap in Collision Repair with Brandon Eckenrode 24:58

1M ago24:58

24:58

Attracting and retaining talent is a persistent challenge in the collision repair industry, and industry engagement plays a critical role in overcoming this issue. The struggle to find skilled technicians and support technical education programs leaves many shop owners feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to bridge the workforce gap. Without a ste…

1
105. The Power of Education: Helping Collision Shops Thrive with John Shoemaker 39:52

2M ago39:52

39:52

Managing costs and staying profitable is a constant challenge for independent collision shop owners, and education plays a crucial role in overcoming these hurdles. In this episode, John Shoemaker shares his passion for helping shop owners educate themselves and their customers about the value of their services—ensuring they are properly compensate…

1
104. Building the Future: Apprentice Programs and Mentorship in Collision Repair with Stan Russell 28:24

4M ago28:24

28:24

As we enter the new year, many repair shop owners are focused on setting growth and success goals; one challenge remains at the forefront: finding and retaining talent. It’s an issue facing nearly everyone in the industry, which makes today’s guest, Stan Russell, the perfect person to kick off the year. With decades of experience as a technician, e…

1
103. Structuring Business for Tax Efficiency and Succession Planning: Part 3 with Stuart Sorkin 37:24

5M ago37:24

37:24

Welcome to this third and final installment of our educational series on structuring business for tax efficiencies. In the previous sessions, we covered the complexities of C Corporations, including their benefits, drawbacks, and scenarios where they might be appropriate. In this episode, Matt and Stuart Sorkin, a seasoned attorney, CPA, and founde…

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102. Structuring Business for Tax Efficiency and Succession Planning: Part 2 with Stuart Sorkin 38:44

5M ago38:44

38:44

Welcome back to part two of our special three-part educational series, where we continue exploring how business owners can optimize their structures for long-term success. While tax rates were covered in the previous episode, this conversation takes a closer look at other crucial factors that impact business owners, such as transfer strategies, con…

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101: Structuring Business for Tax Efficiency and Succession Planning: Part 1 with Stuart Sorkin 40:12

5M ago40:12

40:12

Welcome to a special three-part educational series designed to help business owners rethink their roles and structures for long-term success. Many shop owners today, especially younger ones, aren’t ready to transition out entirely but want their businesses to thrive without being dependent on their day-to-day involvement. This series will explore k…

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100. 100 Episodes Strong: A Journey of Impact and Gratitude 13:14

5M ago13:14

13:14

Welcome to a very special episode of Your Business, Your Life!! Today, we’re celebrating an incredible milestone—our 100th episode! Four and a half years ago, Matt Di Francesco launched this podcast with one goal: to help business owners align their lives and businesses to create generational wealth. In this episode, Matt reflects on the journey, s…

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99. How ESG Principles Can Drive Value for Your Collision Repair Shop with Eddie Hightower 28:45

6M ago28:45

28:45

To exit your business on your own terms and fund your ideal post-business life, increasing its value is essential. One powerful way to achieve this is by adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Unfortunately, many collision shop owners are unaware of how ESG practices can significantly impact their business's value, leading …

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98. The Collision Industry’s Hotbed for Buyers: What’s Driving the Boom? with Laura Gay 33:03

7M ago33:03

33:03

The collision repair industry is growing quickly, with more private equity and buyers showing interest. This creates a great opportunity for shop owners to take advantage of the booming market. However, selling a shop can be complicated, and owners who focus on increasing their shop's value and getting professional help will have the best chance to…

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97. Automation in Action: Boosting Efficiency and Reducing Backlogs in the Collision Industry with Phillip Brown 30:41

7M ago30:41

30:41

Many collision shop owners struggle with managing project backlogs and inefficiencies due to outdated or disjointed software systems, leading to delays, increased manual workloads, and difficulty in tracking key tasks. These issues not only slow down operations but also prevent shops from maximizing their productivity and retaining top talent. Join…

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96. Building the Future: Talent, Technology, and Training in the Automotive Industry with Diane Benting 18:54

8M ago18:54

18:54

Finding skilled talent in the collision repair industry has become increasingly difficult due to a shortage of experienced technicians and a lack of new entrants into the field. As the industry evolves with advancements in technology and repair techniques, shops struggle to attract candidates who possess both the technical skills and adaptability n…

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95. WreckWeek Session Part 3: Key Strategies to Help Build Your Business Value 31:51

8M ago31:51

31:51

Collision shop owners, are you truly maximizing the value of your business? Matt Di Francesco dives deep into this question. He shares eye-opening anecdotes on how simple actions, like answering the phone with empathy or regularly updating customers, can make a significant impact. Whether it’s improving communication, enhancing digital marketing ef…

1
94. WreckWeek Session Part 2: The 3-Step Process to Build Value in Your Business 26:01

9M ago26:01

26:01

Have you ever wondered how to truly build and enhance the value of your collision shop? Building your business's value can be a complex process due to various factors. It involves understanding and adapting to market dynamics, managing finances effectively, streamlining operations, maintaining customer satisfaction and so much more. Fortunately, wi…

1
93. Strengthening Family Businesses Through Leadership with Pete Walsh 39:09

9M ago39:09

39:09

Are you a business owner struggling to balance the demands of family dynamics with achieving business success? The majority of businesses are family-owned or operated. Often, multiple family members are involved in running these businesses, leading to unique and interesting dynamics. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for business owners to st…

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92. WreckWeek Session Part 1: Building Value In Your Shop 22:42

10M ago22:42

22:42

Last June, WreckWeek 2024 brought together professionals from road clearance, collision repair, and auto repair for a comprehensive expo where attendees could network, participate in workshops, and explore the latest advancements and technologies in accident management and vehicle repair. Matt DiFrancesco was invited to host an educational session …

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91. Connecting Business Success with Personal Well-Being with Luci Gabel 29:20

10M ago29:20

29:20

Have you ever considered how your physical, emotional, and mental health impact your leadership abilities and business success? When we talk about leadership, we often think of styles and techniques, rarely considering how our overall well-being ties into our effectiveness. But what most people don't realize is that the health of the leader, the te…

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90. Empowering Independent Shops in a Consolidated Market with John Hollingsworth and Kristle Bollans 34:09

11M ago34:09

34:09

Are you feeling the pressure of consolidation in the collision repair industry? In these challenging times, independent shop owners face mounting fears as larger franchises and MSOs dominate the market. For those who want to maintain their independence and identity while gaining the perks of a larger franchise model, joining a supportive network ca…

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89. Planning Ahead: Identifying and Cultivating Successors in Collision Shops 10:43

12M ago10:43

10:43

Collision shop owners need to plan their exit strategy early. One crucial part is choosing who to entrust the business to once they leave it. Often, shop owners need to learn or underestimate the potential of key employees to fill this role and would instead lean towards a third-party sale. However, if they only take a closer look, whether it’s a f…

1
88. Aligning Spouses in Business Transition Planning 9:10

1y ago9:10

9:10

Have you ever considered how the dynamics between spouses can influence the success of a family business? Whether directly involved or not, understanding each spouse’s impact on the business is crucial for harmony and prosperity. In this episode, Matt DiFrancesco discusses the critical role of spousal involvement in business planning and transition…

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87. Marketing Your Collision Repair Shops: Is It an Expense or an Investment? with Micki Woods 34:44

1y ago34:44

34:44

One of the main marketing goals for businesses is to generate revenue by attracting customers and establishing a competitive advantage. Both of these are vital elements for collision repair businesses to succeed. Yet, for many collision repair shop owners, marketing often takes a backseat, seen more as an expense than a strategic investment. Accord…

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86. Maximizing Collision Shop Value: Strategies for Employee Retention, Financial Planning, and Long-Term Success 11:02

1y ago11:02

11:02

Building value for your collision repair business requires more than acquiring state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology. A dedicated and skilled team of employees is one of the key elements that can set your collision shop apart. And to thrive in the future, shop owners must focus on retaining these valuable team members. Also, there …

1
85. Elevate Your Collision Repair Business: Strategies for Growth and Peak Performance with Holly Jean Jackson 29:59

1y ago29:59

29:59

Ever experienced the frustration of putting in your best efforts only to feel like your collision repair business is falling short of its full potential? Oftentimes, collision shop owners are unaware of various aspects that hinder their growth, resulting in missed opportunities for both themselves and their stakeholders – employees and customers al…

1
84. Crafting Your Personal Vision For Life Beyond Business 13:39

1y ago13:39

13:39

To have a seamless business transition, business owners must understand the intricacies of building value and strategic preparation in the business. However, one critical area that most business owners often overlook is developing a personal vision for life outside the business. A statistic from the Exit Planning Institute revealed that 76% of busi…

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83. What Collision Shops Should Be Doing to Start The 2024 Financial Year Off Right 11:52

1+ y ago11:52

11:52

As we enter the new year, businesses need to reflect on past achievements and plan strategically for the future. And as shop owners embark on their journey, one crucial element they must consider is having a sound transition plan. A significant challenge most shop owners face is balancing the demands of running their business. They get so busy with…

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81. Ethics in the Age of AI: Unraveling Misconceptions on Artificial Intelligence with Laura Miller 37:54

1+ y ago37:54

37:54

Artificial Intelligence has opened up incredible possibilities in our daily lives. It has significantly impacted how we learn, conduct business, and navigate our routines, profoundly altering our world in ways we once thought impossible. But as they say, "too much of a good thing is bad," and this sentiment holds even in the realm of AI. While AI h…

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80. Transform Your Life and Business Through Self-Awareness and Mental Fitness Part 2 with Charis Santillie 29:11

1+ y ago29:11

29:11

Have you ever wondered why some of the most successful people, those who seem to have it all, still feel so lost despite their achievements? Many high achievers are trapped in a continuous cycle of striving for more without feeling content. So, how does one transform success into genuine fulfillment? In a world where the pursuit of success often ta…

1
79. Transform Your Life and Business Through Self-Awareness and Mental Fitness with Charis Santillie 32:06

1+ y ago32:06

32:06

As business owners, we often find ourselves so engrossed in the daily grind that we forget to stop and ask the most crucial question: Are we truly living the life we want? While achieving professional success is undoubtedly essential, it's equally important to pause, reflect, and ensure that personal growth and mental fitness are not left behind. T…

1
78. Guiding Businesses From Transition to Transaction with Laurie Barkman 28:38

1+ y ago28:38

28:38

For anyone who owns a business, the process of passing down a company from one owner to the next can be quite challenging. Without proper guidance and careful planning, it can be difficult to know where to start when considering how best to transition ownership and ensure profitable continuity for yourself and future owners. Furthermore, understand…

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77. Safeguarding the Future: What Collision Shops Need to Know About Business Continuity 24:01

2y ago24:01

24:01

In today’s fast-paced and unpredictable world, businesses of all sizes face numerous challenges that can disrupt their operations. As a collision shop owner, unforeseen events such as natural disasters, economic downturns, and supply chain disruptions can severely impact your ability to provide services to your customers. Having a sound business co…

1
76. Breaking Barriers: Women Making Waves in the Collision Repair Industry with Petra Schroeder 31:21

2y ago31:21

31:21

The collision repair industry has long been a male-dominated space. And the stigma that women are not as strong or capable as men poses challenges for women who aspire to make their mark in it. Fortunately, the number of females in the workforce is slowly increasing. And some female mentors have successfully navigated their way through the industry…

1
75. The Perfect Time to Start Planning Your Business Exit 24:17

2y ago24:17

24:17

As a business owner, you have put countless hours, blood, sweat, and tears into growing your business. It has become a massive part of your life, with a significant financial and emotional investment. However, as much as you love your business, you can’t stay in it forever. Because the reality is, at some point, you will need to exit, whether due t…

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74. Transform Your Business: Become Extraordinary 37:06

2y ago37:06

37:06

Being a body shop owner in the collision industry today is no easy feat. The market is vast, and the competition is fierce. That is why settling just to be good or average is not enough. To truly stand out and be extraordinary, businesses must focus on how they are treating their customers, what kind of culture they are creating in their workplace,…

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73. How a Financial Assessment Process Works - Part 8: Income Needs, Funding, Incentive Planning, and Asset Protection 16:38

2y ago16:38

16:38

Last year, I was a guest on the Virtual U.S. Financial Advisors podcast where I talked about my financial assessment process. We’ve divided the episode into 8 parts and today I’ll be sharing with you the last of the series. In this episode, I completed the financial assessment process that we go through without clients and covered everything else f…

1
72. Finding Life After Business with Larry Dragan 26:28

2y ago26:28

26:28

A smart and effective transition plan for a family business is critical for its future and should be taken seriously. That is why getting the necessary help from professionals is important for anyone who is thinking about transitioning their family business to the next generation. Because a well-thought-out transition plan is not just about preserv…

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71. How a Financial Assessment Process Works - Part 7: Questions to Ask When You’re Looking For a Financial Advisor 15:16

2y ago15:16

15:16

We’re now down to the last 2 parts of this series, where I talked about my financial assessment process as a guest on the Virtual U.S. Financial Advisors podcast. In this episode, I shared my insights on what financial advisors do and how to determine the right advisor for your specific needs. In this episode, I discussed: (02:23) Why the financial…

1
70. Developing Strong Leaders with Bruce Schronce 34:39

2y ago34:39

34:39

People are the power engines of business success and growth. That's why managing "people problems" should be seen as a necessary part of developing a successful business. What makes a strong leader is someone who understands the dynamics among people, can motivate and enable team members, define roles, look at external factors that may affect moral…

1
69. How a Financial Assessment Process Works - Part 6: How to Continue Your Business Without a Family to Take Over 17:18

2+ y ago17:18

17:18

Several months ago, I was a guest on the Virtual U.S. Financial Advisors podcast, where I shared details of my financial assessment process. We have divided this episode into 8 parts which we shared with you over the past few weeks. In the 6th installment of this eight-part series, I shared my insights on what could happen in the event that the nex…

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68. How to Level-Up Your Exit Planning Game with John Brown of BEI (Business Enterprise Institute, Inc.) 11:41

2+ y ago11:41

11:41

I’ve been working with family businesses for the last 17 years. And since then, I’ve developed relationships with business owners who became my personal clients. As I learned about the intricacies of the business and how important business continuity is for these owners, I’ve put together my own system in order for me to help them. Today, I’m shari…

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67. How a Financial Assessment Process Works - Part 5: Family Considerations and Family Succession 13:04

2+ y ago13:04

13:04

We’re now halfway through this eight-part series where I was a guest on the Virtual U.S. Financial Advisors podcast. For Part 5, I discussed the value of having the family involved in planning for the future of the business and why family meetings are vital. In this episode, I talked about: (03:42) The first step in planning for the family business…

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66. How to Prepare Your Family Business for the Fourth Quarter with Nicholas Niemann 32:07

2+ y ago32:07

32:07

When it comes to family businesses, continuity is the key. And no one knows this better than the business owner who is looking to transition out of their business. Whether it's due to retirement, health concerns, or simply a desire to move on to something new, exiting a business can be complex and emotionally draining. Fortunately, there are a few …

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65. How a Financial Assessment Process Works - Part 4: Why Developing Culture Within Your Business Matters 25:22

2+ y ago25:22

25:22

As we continue on the fourth of this eight-part series where I was a guest on the Virtual U.S. Financial Advisors podcast, I shared why culture is vital and how it contributes to increasing the value of any business. Also, I discussed succession development and employee retention, which are essential parts of exit planning for any business owner. I…

1
64. Which Business Structure is Right For You - S Corp or C Corp? with Stuart Sorkin 31:20

2+ y ago31:20

31:20

Choosing the right business structure can be overwhelming for most business owners. That’s mainly because not everyone has a background in accounting or tax law. And it’s no surprise that there is often some confusion about what S Corp and C Corp mean, their benefits and disadvantages, and what factors should be considered in choosing which one wou…

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63. How a Financial Assessment Process Works - Part 3: The Importance of a Value Drivers Report 23:39

2+ y ago23:39

23:39

We are now in the third installment of this eight-part series where I was a guest on the Virtual U.S. Financial Advisors podcast. In this episode, I discussed the importance of identifying value divers and exit objectives for the family business. One of the important aspects of my financial assessment process is to consider the things within your b…

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62. What Leadership in the Automotive Industry Looks Like With Dan Ryan 34:19

2+ y ago34:19

34:19

Many people who own automotive repair businesses started out as technicians. They may be excellent at repairing cars but they have no experience leading a team of people. As a result, they may not be aware of the various strategies that good leaders use to motivate and inspire their employees. And without proper guidance, business owners may quickl…

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61. How a Financial Assessment Process Works - Part 2: Know What Your Business is Worth 17:51

2+ y ago17:51

17:51

A couple of weeks ago, I shared with you the first of an eight-part series where I was invited as a guest for the Virtual U.S. Financial Advisors podcast. Basically, I gave the audience an idea of how I identify my client’s major wants, needs, and concerns through my financial assessment process. In this second episode, I discussed why some busines…

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60. What Collision Shop Owners Should Know About Employee Retention Credits (ERC) with Ray Roth 31:01

2+ y ago31:01

31:01

A lot of businesses all over the world have been hit hard by the pandemic and the collision industry is no exception. With a lot of us working from home, people were driving less and there has been a significant decrease in the number of car accidents. As a result, many shops were forced to lay off their workers and even close their doors. Fortunat…

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59. How a Financial Assessment Process Works - Part 1: Starting Off With a Written Continuity Plan 27:42

2+ y ago27:42

27:42

Recently, I was invited as a guest for the Virtual U.S. Financial Advisors podcast. The goal of this podcast is to help consumers have a better grasp of what financial advisors are for and understand the importance of having a trusted person to help them plan their finances. In this episode, I walked the audience through the assessment process I us…

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Matt Di Francesco Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen