Are shop owners blindly giving out benchmarks/blindly following them? Matt Fanslow, Jeff Barnes, and Bryan Pollack discuss the challenges in the automotive industry, including the overload of information, the lack of standard practices, and the need to understand specific business models. They also discuss the complications of hiring a diagnostic technician, the importance of career development opportunities, the importance of marketing, the challenges of investing in equipment, financial...

Matt Fanslow pays tribute to the late Jim Linder. Matt reflects on his experiences attending Linder's training classes and conferences, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning for technicians. Matt encourages listeners to remember influential figures in the automotive industry and to invest time in learning about their contributions. Show Notes with Timestamps Jim Linder's Legacy (00:01:18) Jim Linder's contributions to the automotive industry, particularly in fuel injector...

Carm Capriotto and Matt Fanslow dive into the increasing role of technology in the automotive industry and how it's revolutionizing the way we approach vehicle repairs and maintenance. They propose the term "Technology Specialist" for automotive technicians, emphasizing the importance of their expertise. This designation not only acknowledges their expertise in handling advanced vehicle technology but also elevates their professional standing. Changing the language and perception of...

Recently, Matt and his wife, Danielle, embarked on a kitchen renovation journey. Danielle, like many customers, feared being taken advantage of during the process. These concerns may seem illogical to some, but the fear of not getting our money's worth is real and relatable. While listening to Danielle's worries, Matt was reminded of the movie "My Fair Lady." The character is willing to pay a shilling to learn how to speak eloquently. While a shilling may be insignificant to some, it...

Matt Fanslow discusses the importance of giving credit where it's due, using actor Bill Hader as an example. He links this to the automotive industry, emphasizing the need for managers and owners to acknowledge their employees' good work. Matt also highlights the significance of positive customer interactions and the role of humility, honesty, and modesty in enhancing a shop's reputation. Show Notes The trend of giving credit (00:02:36) Bill Hader's interviews and his habit of giving credit...

Join Matt Fanslow as he answers some questions from his listeners in his 'mailbag.' Matt discusses the hiring bonus dilemma, compensation and profit sharing, the power of training, the flat rate pay system, book recommendations and how to create a network of industry peers. Have a question for Matt to answer? Email him at: [email protected] Show Notes Hiring Bonuses for New Techs (00:02:27) Discussion on the fairness and impact of hiring bonuses for new technicians and how it...

Recorded Live at AAPEX 2023, Bob Heipp discusses personal health issues, the importance of open communication and vulnerability, and the subsequent lifestyle changes he made. The conversation further delves into the significance of honesty in relationships, mindfulness, and overcoming addictive behaviors.  Show Notes Watch Full VideoThe Heart Attack Scare (00:02:05) Bob shares his experience of having a heart attack scare and undergoing a double bypass surgery.The Importance of Early...

Recorded Live at AAPEX 2023, Carm is joined in studio with Aftermarket Radio Network hosts Brian Walker and Matt Fanslow for milestone episode 900. Carm discusses the process of creating the podcast, the journey to expand to the Aftermarket Radio Network and how his daughter Tracy became a crucial part of the team, starting as an editor and eventually working full-time with him. Carm also reflects on the challenges he faced when starting the podcast, the importance of consistency, quality,...

"I know that if your pay structure is set up around production, you've already lost if you're hiring a diag tech." Recorded Live at AAPEX 2023, Matt Fanslow is joined by Isaac Rodell and Rich Falco. Together, they discuss battery reconditioning, hybrid vehicle repairs, the role of diagnostic technicians and their pay structure, the importance of reaching out for support and education, and a discussion on music and the process of building classes for automotive technicians. Show Notes High...

"We're going to talk about loss aversion, which risk aversion is essentially you don't want to risk anything, right? You don't like uncertainty, and you're willing to lose out big due to uncertainty and miscalculation. Loss aversion is when human beings really are essentially wired to dislike the loss of anything more than they like the gain of anything. It's more painful to lose something than gain it in the first place." "The tech's been working there for like a decade, so they have ten...

Drawing an unexpected parallel between the automotive and food industry, it comes down to maintaining quality and ensuring customer satisfaction. Tune in or watch as a video podcast on YouTube, as Matt Fanslow and Carm Capriotto compare the struggles of a restaurant owner and a shop owner as they watch 'Kitchen Nightmares 2023 Season 1 Episode 2.' Show Notes Watch Full Video EpisodeWatching "Kitchen Nightmares" (00:02:06) Discussion about watching the show "Kitchen Nightmares 2023 Season 1...

Matt Fanslow discusses the ASE Renewal App, its purpose, and the misconceptions surrounding it. The app is not just a testing tool but a platform for continuous learning. Show Notes: The purpose of the ASE Renewal App (00:01:16) Role of ASE as a test developer and administrator (00:02:30) The app's focus on continued education (00:03:45) EBenefits of continued education in the automotive industry (00:09:55) Understanding the purpose of the app and the role of ASE in question development...

Matt Fanslow shares his frustrating experience with Facebook and its lack of customer support. On October 2nd he encountered issues with his account being hacked, password resets, and changing email accounts. Matt expresses disappointment in Facebook's lack of support and contrasts it with other platforms like Google and Amazon. He also emphasizes the importance of two-factor authentication and shares his surprise at discovering vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Show Notes with...

Shame vs. Guilt: Margaret Light explains the difference between these two often confused emotions. Guilt is about feeling bad for doing something wrong, while shame is about feeling like a bad person. Guilt can motivate change, but shame can lead to negative self-critical thoughts and harm relationships. Show Notes The difference between shame and guilt (00:01:30) Personal experience with shame (00:03:28)Challenging negative beliefs (00:06:22) Shame and Guilt (00:08:18) Discussion on the...

Matt Fanslow discusses the challenges and considerations of offering small engine repair services in an auto repair shop. He shares his personal experience with his grandparents' implement dealer and explains the low profitability of consumer-level products like chainsaws and lawn mowers. The concept of opportunity cost is emphasized, highlighting the potential loss of focusing on these additional services. He also discusses the challenges of finding parts for classic cars and the need to...

Matt Fanslow is with Chad Austin, the owner of Austin Automotive in Canon City, Colorado. They discuss Chad's background as a mechanic and the challenges and successes of running a shop. They also discuss the importance of having the right tools for the job, the challenges of working on electronic modules, and the benefits of using digital tools in automotive repair. They touch on air conditioning systems, diagnostic techniques, and the future of AC system repairs in electric vehicles....

Matt Fanslow, Pedro de la Torre, and Justin Morgan discuss the challenges and frustrations of working in the automotive industry. They talk about the difficulties of diagnosing and fixing cars, the pressure to perform, and the industry's changing landscape with new technologies and complex vehicles. They also touch on the importance of staying positive, time management, training, and skill development, dealing with module failures, and the impact of mental health on their work. The...

Matt Fanslow explores the significance of leaving a legacy and acknowledging the contributions of others in our industry. He highlights the expertise of his friend Tommy Oliva in module cloning and programming and emphasizes the importance of giving credit to mentors and references. Matt draws inspiration from the entertainment industry, particularly actor Bill Hader, who credits his colleagues for their contributions. He believes adopting this practice can foster collaboration and...

Matt Fanslow and Andrew Gonyou discuss ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and the process of calibrating them in vehicles. They cover different types of ADAS systems, calibration methods, the equipment needed and the importance of having accurate information and documentation for ADAS calibrations. They also touch on the risks and considerations of using aftermarket tools. Remember, the key to success in ADAS calibrations lies in education, documentation, and adherence to procedures....

Collin Draker discusses his YouTube channel and the issues he has faced in the automotive industry. He also discusses the flat rate pay system, the lack of quality control in certifications, and the need for better training and compensation for technicians.  The rise of Collin Draker's YouTube channel (00:00:12) Collin Draker discusses his YouTube channel and the various automotive-related content he creates.Collin's frustration with the automotive industry (00:01:45) Collin explains why he...

Matt Fanslow discusses his concerns about relying too heavily on databases and artificial intelligence in automotive diagnostics. He emphasizes the potential long-term repercussions of this reliance on critical thinking skills and reasoning. He also brings up the issue of flat rate pay and how it can affect diagnostic work. He also mentions the challenges when a database lacks information on newer cars or technologies. This episode is a reminder of the importance of maintaining a balance...

Matt Fanslow, Bryan Pollack, Sean Tipping, and Matt Skundrich discuss their experiences as shop foremen. They also discuss the challenges of diagnosing and repairing vehicles remotely, the importance of technician training and staying updated with technology, the expectations, and responsibilities of a shop foreman, balancing efficiency and thoroughness in diagnosing and repairing vehicles, and pay structures and incentives for technicians. Show Notes The challenges of remote diagnostics...

In this week's episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt sits down with the knowledgeable Matt Fanslow (“Diagnosing The Aftermarket A-Z” Podcast) to candidly discuss the journey of buying his boss' shop such as: • Roadblocks in the Buying Process: • Influence of External Parties on Behaviors and Relationships • Personal and Financial Ramifications of Buying Your Boss' Shop: Explore the risks involved as Matt recounts his own experiences and lessons learned. Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS...

Take a deep dive into the world of scan tools with Matt Fanslow, Keith Perkins, Tanner Brandt, and Richard Falco. Together they discuss choosing the right scan tool, maximizing scan tool usage, aftermarket vs. factory scan tools, the power of scan data, subscription fees, the future of diagnostics, AND MORE! Show Notes: Watch Full VideoThe best scan tool? (00:02:22) Discussion on the different types of scan tools and their suitability for specific tasks, such as graphing or coding.Factors to...

Matt Fanslow is joined by Remarkable Results Radio Host, Carm Capriotto to discuss the TV show "The Bear" and its relevance to their experiences in the automotive industry. They highlight character development, the challenges of running a business, and the importance of purpose in driving actions. They also discuss the significance of uniforms, creating a positive service experience, and the need for respect and professionalism in the industry. They reflect on the transformation of characters...