My name is Jeff, and I'd like to welcome you on a journey of reflection and insight into the tolls and triumphs of a career in automotive repair. After more than 20 years of skinned knuckles and tool debt, I want to share my perspective and hear other people's thoughts about our industry. So pour yourself a strong coffee or grab a cold Canadian beer and get ready for some great conversation.
…
continue reading
Welcome to The Gear Box Podcast—the ultimate pit stop for those looking to break into the auto repair business, grow their shop, and navigate the daily grind of the industry. Thinking about opening a shop? Struggling to increase profitability? Wondering what it really takes to thrive in a competitive market? We tackle the tough questions, break down real-world challenges, and share insider tips from industry experts, seasoned shop owners, and those turning wrenches every day. From leadership ...
…
continue reading
Welcome to AutoFix AdvisorCast, the podcast where automotive service advisors finally have a place to call home. Hosted by industry veteran Michael Doherty, with over 28 years of experience in the trenches, this show dives deep into the challenges, frustrations, and demands of being a service advisor in the independent auto repair world. AutoFix: AdvisorCast isn’t just about problems; it’s about solutions. Michael Doherty shares best practices, actionable tips, war stories, and fresh ideas f ...
…
continue reading
Back by popular demand, Another live version of our local call in radio show.By Jimmy Purdy
…
continue reading

1
Liz Tait Gets Real About Dealership Drama
1:38:21
1:38:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:38:21Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE In this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with Liz Tate, partner at Level 5 Drive, an ADAS calibration company in southern Ontario. Liz discusses her unconve…
…
continue reading

1
Service Advisor Secrets to Better Customer Retention
15:46
15:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:46Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. In this episode, Michael Doherty talks through strategies for turning first-time customers into loyal, returning clients. He says you MUST c…
…
continue reading

1
Why Shop Culture Should Matter More Than Money for Technicians | Lisa and Joelle from Promotive
1:24:37
1:24:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:24:37Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE In this episode, Jeff is joined by Lisa Coyle and Joelle Pollak from Promotive! Lisa emphasizes the importance of choosing a workplace based on people and …
…
continue reading

1
Service Advisors - Do You Smile Through The Phone?
14:47
14:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:47Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. In this episode, Michael Doherty tackles a recurring topic among auto shops: the importance of phone skills for service advisors. Michael em…
…
continue reading

1
Tom Schearer - TOOLS, Training, and Team Development
1:23:07
1:23:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:23:07Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE In this episode, Jeff is joined by Tom Schearer of Schearer Sales and Service. Tom talks about the complexities of used car sales, emphasizing the importan…
…
continue reading

1
Turning DIYers Into Loyal Customers | Service Advisors Listen Up!
19:35
19:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:35Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. In this episode, Michael Doherty talks about that issue we all struggle with... Converting do-it-yourselfers into loyal shop customers. Mich…
…
continue reading

1
Cutting Ties, Finding Peace: Nate Winston’s Journey to Independent Success
33:36
33:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:36Nate Winston returns to the podcast one year after a dramatic business split — and he’s not the same guy. In this raw and reflective conversation, Nate opens up about the emotional toll of walking away from a 20-year friendship and 16-year partnership, the legal chaos that followed, and how he's found peace building his own shop from the ground up.…
…
continue reading

1
Lucas Underwood Gets Real About Leadership, Life, and Money
2:01:10
2:01:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:01:10Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE In this episode, Jeff Compton and Lucas Underwood get real about the realities of shop ownership and the repair industry. Lucas harps on why you need to bu…
…
continue reading

1
How Service Advisors Can Decode Customer Body Language
22:46
22:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:46Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. In today's episode, Michael Doherty dives into the art of reading customers’ nonverbal cues and matching their communication styles at the f…
…
continue reading

1
From the Bays to the Big Picture with Josh Rainwater
1:08:46
1:08:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:46In this episode, Jimmy sits down with shop owner Josh Rainwater, who’s in the thick of a serious growth phase — and not holding back. Josh talks about what it means to go all in on your business, pushing through those brutal weeks where quitting sounds tempting, and the strategy behind hiring to free himself up from the bay and the front desk. If y…
…
continue reading

1
Why Training and Networking Matter in Auto Repair | Bret Fadely
1:16:28
1:16:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:28Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE In this episode, Jeff Compton is joined by Brett T. Fadley to discuss the upcoming TOOLS training event in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Brett shares how TOOLS …
…
continue reading

1
Service Advisors! Are You A Visionary or Integrator?
16:08
16:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:08Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. In this episode, Michael Doherty talks about two types of repair shop service advisors. Visionaries and integrators. Do you know which one y…
…
continue reading

1
Ben Dellaria From 3T's Automotive on YouTube | What's It Like Being a Mobile Mechanic?
1:49:24
1:49:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:49:24Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE In this episode, Jeff chats with Ben Dellaria from the Three T's Automotive YouTube Channel. Ben reflects on his journey from working at dealerships and in…
…
continue reading

1
Don't Sell To Clients, Educate Them! Tips For Service Advisors
18:45
18:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:45Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. In this episode, Michael Doherty talks about how to shift from a sales-oriented mindset to one focused on education and trust as a service a…
…
continue reading

1
*Special Edition!* Join Leigh-Ann and Jimmy Purdy live on Gear head radio!
47:21
47:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:21A local, live call in radio show, featuring Leigh-Ann Purdy of Shift'n gears auto repair.By Jimmy Purdy
…
continue reading

1
Joshua Taylor Says The Repair Industry Has a Leadership and Accountability Problem
1:27:48
1:27:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:27:48Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE In this episode, Jeff is joined by Joshua Taylor. Joshua says accountability is important for both technicians and management to have a successful business…
…
continue reading

1
Service Advisors! It's Time To Prep for Busy Season At Your Shop!
18:47
18:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:47Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. In this episode, Michael Doherty helps you prepare for the busy spring season! Michael says to ensure all shop equipment, such as lifts and …
…
continue reading

1
Why Private Equity is Betting Big on Auto Repair – with Jim Parker
55:47
55:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:47Private equity firms are flocking to the auto repair industry like never before—but why? In this episode, Jimmy Purdy sits down with industry expert Jim Parker to break down the boom in shop acquisitions, what makes auto repair recession-resistant, and how COVID put the spotlight on blue-collar businesses. Plus, they dive into a shocking stat: 40% …
…
continue reading

1
Keith Perkins Gets Mad Daily At How Shops Are Ran
1:50:19
1:50:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:50:19Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Today, Jeff is joined by Keith Perkins from L1 Training and Diagnostics. Keith gets fired up about investing in your own skills and tools to succeed in the…
…
continue reading

1
Becoming a Skittle-Pooping Unicorn. AKA - A Great Advisor
16:04
16:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:04Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. In this episode, Michael Doherty shares how to become a standout service advisor. Or, like one technician on Reddit said, a "skittle pooping…
…
continue reading

1
Breaking Point: When Too Many Cars Becomes a Problem! with Josh Coomes
1:06:32
1:06:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:32We sit down with Josh Coomes, who is in his second year of running his auto repair shop. We dive deep into the challenges of managing car count, marketing strategies, and the struggle of balancing growth with efficiency. Josh and Jimmy discuss the tipping point where too much work can actually hurt a shop, the importance of processes, and whether d…
…
continue reading

1
Challenges vs Rewards in Mobile Diagnostics | Sean Tipping
1:13:40
1:13:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:40Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE In this episode, Jeff Compton is joined by fellow podcaster Sean Tipping. Sean talks about his journey in the automotive industry and how he got to where h…
…
continue reading

1
Phone Conversation Tips For Service Advisors. Do You Actively Listen?
15:40
15:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:40Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. In today's episode, Michael Doherty talks about active listening for service advisors. He points out the common issue of disengagement durin…
…
continue reading

1
*Special Edition* Live & Unfiltered with Gear Head Radio!
47:11
47:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:11Gear up for a special edition of The Gear Box Podcast! 🎙️🔧 This time, I’m bringing you along for a Saturday morning like no other—live from the airwaves of Gear Head Radio! It’s a call-in radio show where we talk cars, repairs, industry insights, and everything in between—unfiltered and in real-time. Get ready for live questions, expert advice, and…
…
continue reading

1
Remember Monster Garage? Tom of Big Dog Custom Diesel Says That Show Changed His Life
1:15:06
1:15:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:15:06Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE In this episode of The Jaded Mechanic, Jeff Compton chats with Tom from Big Dog Custom Diesel. Tom remembers his appearance on Monster Garage and how that …
…
continue reading

1
My Thoughts From Vision 2025 in Kansas City
17:21
17:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:21Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. In this episode, Michael Doherty shares his takeaways from Vision Hi-Tech Training and Expo. He tells the story of his travel to the event, …
…
continue reading

1
Revolutionizing Repair Estimates with Brandon Jones of Hub Shop Solutions
42:42
42:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:42In this episode of The Gearbox Podcast, we sit down with Brandon Jones, a former shop owner, coach, and leadership mentor, who is on a mission to change the way repair shops estimate jobs. Brandon has just launched Hub Shop Solutions, a groundbreaking company that provides a team of remote estimators, allowing service advisors to focus on what trul…
…
continue reading

1
Zach Cypert | Why Does Everyone Get So Upset Online?
1:23:44
1:23:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:23:44Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE In this episode of The Jaded Mechanic podcast, Jeff Compton is joined by Zach Cypert from L1 Diagnostics. Today, he and Jeff talk about the outrageous thin…
…
continue reading

1
Advisors Listen Up! Helpful Tips For Building Estimates At Your Repair Shop
17:38
17:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:38Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. In today's episode, Michael Doherty covers what you need to know about providing estimates to new customers over the phone. Michael shares p…
…
continue reading

1
"Finding Your Own Path: Cutting Through the Noise in the Auto Repair Industry with David Marks"
1:06:59
1:06:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:59By Jimmy Purdy
…
continue reading

1
Drac From TikTok (Eric Pierce) | Stories and Struggles
2:10:45
2:10:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:10:45Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE In this episode, Jeff welcomes Eric Pierce AKA Drac from TikTok. Eric shares his journey through the dealership, highlighting his challenges with managemen…
…
continue reading

1
How To Manage Extended Warranty Expectations
19:14
19:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:14Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. Today, Michael Doherty talks about the ever-so-dreaded topic of third-party warranty companies. If you're an advisor, you've had many headac…
…
continue reading

1
Shifting Profit: Jaron Kleber on Stopping Free Work & Raising Labor Rates
36:46
36:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:46Are you giving away free work without even realizing it? Struggling to raise your labor rate without losing customers? In this episode of The Gear Box Podcast, we sit down with Jaron Kleber from Repair Shops of Tomorrow to tackle one of the biggest challenges in the automotive industry—knowing your worth and charging for it. We’ll break down why so…
…
continue reading

1
Is the Future Scary Or Exciting? | Mickey Leech with Schumacher Electric
1:13:04
1:13:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:04Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Mickey Leech is the CEO of Schumacher Electric. Today, he and Jeff talk about the EV battery charging market, other industry technological advancements, an…
…
continue reading

1
How To Improve the Vehicle Check-In Process at Repair Shops
17:33
17:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:33Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. Today, Michael Doherty talks about managing vehicle check-ins through the lens of offense vs defense. He says you should take an offensive a…
…
continue reading

1
David Toole Shares Tips for Managing Multiple Auto Repair Shops
1:18:17
1:18:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:18:17Today, Jimmy Purdy and David Toole talk about the pros and cons of owning multiple repair shops. David emphasizes creating a strong shop culture, particularly when expanding locations. He shares advice on preforming reviews and evaluations of technicians to ensure they are aligned with shop standards and discusses the challenges involved in managin…
…
continue reading

1
If You Feel Handcuffed To Your Job, Murray Voth Is Here To Help
1:26:23
1:26:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:26:23Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE In this episode, Murray Voth from RPM Training chats with Jeff. Murray starts with what he called "emotional discounting" at repair shops, and how the indu…
…
continue reading

1
How To Improve Your First Impressions With Customers As A Service Advisor
18:51
18:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:51Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. In this episode, Michael Doherty gives you tips on how to provide exceptional customer experience as a service advisor. Michael stresses the…
…
continue reading

1
Organic Growth vs Paid Ads in Repair Shop Marketing | Christian Mosley
1:02:57
1:02:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:57Christian Mosley joins Jimmy Purdy to talk about automotive repair shop marketing. Christian talks about the pros and cons of social media how many shops have found wide success online. Jimmy shares his experience offering no-cost inspections to improve customer retention, saying that their retention rate increased significantly. The bottom line, t…
…
continue reading

1
Lester Kovacs from Dorman Products | The Repair Industry Needs Better Communication
1:21:37
1:21:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:21:37Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Lester Kovacs is from Dorman Products. Today, he and Jeff discuss the challenges faced by Dorman in obtaining feedback from technicians about defective par…
…
continue reading

1
Top Tips for Managing Parts As An Advisor
18:58
18:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:58Today, Michael Doherty tells you why it's important to have efficient parts processes in place, such as setting up a Bluetooth doorbell to improve awareness when parts arrive. What do you do with the parts once they arrive, though? That's another key step, and he shares that in today's episode. 00:00 "Office Efficiency in Parts Management" 04:41 En…
…
continue reading

1
Mike Allen Gives Free Diag and Won't Apologize
46:16
46:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:16In this episode of The Gearbox Podcast, Jimmy Purdy and Mike Allen talk about adaptability in today's industry. Mike shares why he offers free diag and gets into the constant balance between maintaining quality service and achieving growth. Listen to Mike Allen's new podcast "Confessions of a Shop Owner" HERE 00:00 Rural Store to Automotive Career …
…
continue reading

1
Big Iron Doctor from TikTok Talks About Issues in the Heavy Equipment Industry
1:24:03
1:24:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:24:03Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Today's guest is Josiah Meiring, the Big Iron Doctor on TikTok. Josiah talks about the issues in the heavy equipment servicing industry, particularly how t…
…
continue reading
Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. Today, Chris is joined by Kacie Presnell. Kacie shares her thoughts from her experience in improving service advisor's skills. A key focus s…
…
continue reading

1
Coralee Zueff's Top Tips to Help Technicians Trust Service Advisors
51:56
51:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:56Today, Jimmy Purdy and Coralee Zueff talk about shop management and how to find the ideal ratio of technicians to service advisors. Jimmy asks Coralee to share her experience and advice to shop owners on how to gain trust between advisors and technicians. Coralee gives tips on setting expectations and improving diagnostic processes for shop owners.…
…
continue reading

1
Mike Allen Says Ethics Need to Improve in Auto Repair
58:44
58:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:44Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Mike Allen owns Carfix Auto Repair and Tires in Raleigh, NC. He's also the President of the Automotive Service and Tire Alliance of North Carolina. He just…
…
continue reading

1
Why Technicians Make Great Service Advisors - Chris Cotton Explains
15:32
15:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:32Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. In this episode, Chris Cotton gives you tips on why technicians can make fantastic service advisors. He addresses common concerns with trans…
…
continue reading

1
You Got a Negative Review At Your Shop. Now What? Todd Westerlund Weighs In
1:20:52
1:20:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:20:52Todd Westerlund is an industry vet. Over 15 years of technical experience and more than 18 years in the repair shop coaching. Todd is a believer in opening your shop seven days a week for ultimate customer service. He also shares advice on how to make your processes more efficient. 00:00 Industry Insights & Training 07:25 Technician's Journey: 15 Y…
…
continue reading

1
Mark Elliot from TikTok on Good Diagnostic Techniques
1:09:47
1:09:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:47Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE Mark Elliot, a TikTok creator, joins Jeff Compton today. Mark discusses the importance of smaller, focused training sessions for effective learning, sharin…
…
continue reading