Flat Rate Doesn't Match the Real Repair with Josh Forbes

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In this episode, Jeff is with Josh Forbes of Maxim Muffler in Winnipeg talks about his unconventional path into the automotive industry. What started with constant breakdowns on his first car—a 1993 Ford Tempo—turned into a career built through hands-on learning, apprenticeship experience, and years of navigating different shop environments. Josh shares lessons from dealership life, the importance of shop culture, why employee appreciation matters, and his concerns about the future of right-to-repair legislation.

Timestamps:

00:00 Tools and Debt Lessons
00:45 Podcast Introduction
02:44 Shop Schedule and Weather
03:27 First Cars and Fuel Costs
08:22 Tempo Breakdowns That Started It All
12:24 College Training at Fanshawe
14:17 Choosing the Trade Path
17:54 Ford Dealer Quick Lane Reality
24:19 Book Time vs. Real Repairs
36:41 Why He Left the Dealer
39:06 Finding the Right Shop
41:29 The Culture That Changed Everything
45:21 Appreciation Over Pay
52:17 How Bad Culture Breaks Technicians
55:04 Forever Apprentice Mindset
58:44 Trade Pay Gap Debate
01:02:19 DIY Repair Horror Stories
01:07:54 Training Service Writers
01:16:24 The Right to Repair Fight
01:21:22 Quality Control Basics
01:23:46 Training Instead of Punishment
01:27:35 Oil Leak Case Study
01:31:46 Recognition and Longevity
01:37:35 Smart Tool Buying
01:40:05 Diagnostics, Process, and School
01:47:00 Wrap Up and Final Thoughts

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