Remember Monster Garage? Tom of Big Dog Custom Diesel Says That Show Changed His Life
Like 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 HEREIn 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 kickstarted his career transition from working at a Ford dealership to starting his shop. He and Jeff also cover the struggles of running a business, especially on finding quality staff and managing business finances.09:13 "Reconnecting Over Hot Dog Cart"12:09 Trailer Upgrades and Requirements19:49 "Overcoming Financial Struggles"24:16 Experience vs. Theory: Importance28:29 "Prioritizing Expensive Repairs"33:57 North Carolina Store Transformation41:36 Challenging, Self-Inflicted Positivity45:47 Efficient Work Strategy Debate47:44 Old School Toolbox Enthusiast57:10 Weird Industry Perception of Discounts01:00:02 Vehicle Brake and Rotor Issues01:05:34 Striving for Excellence01:09:25 "Tekmetric's Impressive Features" Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232
18 Mars 1h 15min
Zach Cypert | Why Does Everyone Get So Upset Online?
Like 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 HEREIn 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 things people say in popular Facebook groups, and share stories about misdiagnosed or improperly repaired jobs. 00:00 Journey to Automotive Shop Career08:03 Pro Tech Program Experience13:53 Shop Communication and Inspection Practices16:47 Diagnostic Charges Misunderstood24:06 Efficient Roadside Auto Service Solutions32:12 Workplace Frustration and Unpaid Labor37:39 Complaints and Profitability Concerns38:28 Documenting Job Duties and Expectations48:20 Avoiding Online Drama52:09 Cost Assessment in Business Decision-Making57:30 Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection Process01:02:36 Dealership Encounter: PCM Update Challenge01:07:39 Auto Repair and Diagnostics Offer01:10:20 Truck Fuel Efficiency Insight01:17:41 Cautious Communication and Humility Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232
11 Mars 1h 23min
Drac From TikTok (Eric Pierce) | Stories and Struggles
Like 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 HEREIn this episode, Jeff welcomes Eric Pierce AKA Drac from TikTok. Eric shares his journey through the dealership, highlighting his challenges with management and the lack of adequate compensation, despite the high door rate. He also talks about the physical toll of the job after his motorcycle accident, which led to pursuing a different role with Lime Scooters. 00:00 TikTok Algorithm and Life Updates11:10 Tech Apprenticeship Shift31:46 Refusing Service: A Mechanic's Stand35:01 Commission for Service Advisors, Not Techs52:09 Unmotivated Employee Struggles to Learn56:39 Teeth Misalignment and Workshop Support01:05:12 Neglected Car Battery Causes Issues01:23:09 Easier Work Than Auto Mechanic01:27:11 Career Reflections: The Grind Culture01:44:01 Misunderstandings, Not Ripoffs, in Auto Repairs01:53:07 Government Mandates on Vehicle Efficiency01:58:31 "Online Dogpiling Concerns"02:06:18 Technicians, Not Malicious, Often Exploited Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232
4 Mars 2h 10min
Is the Future Scary Or Exciting? | Mickey Leech with Schumacher Electric
Like 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 HEREMickey Leech is the CEO of Schumacher Electric. Today, he and Jeff talk about the EV battery charging market, other industry technological advancements, and how to grow within today's industry. They also discuss how to support and equip young technicians with tools, training, and care, to help the industry over the next few decades.05:50 Tech Evolution: Overcoming Information Barriers13:23 Innovative Wireless Charging Solution18:26 Shift in Appreciation for Loud Cars25:39 Vintage Schumacher Battery Charger Nostalgia30:51 Tech Life: Untold Stories32:45 Embrace New Technology in Business37:04 "Dealership vs. Independent Shop Dynamics"46:11 Flexible Work Schedules for Technicians47:46 Collaborative Workplace Success Strategies57:05 Seniority Doesn't Equal Leadership01:01:53 Seniority vs. Skill in Trades01:04:11 Investing in Employee Tool Development01:09:29 Excited to Connect at Future SEMA Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232
25 Feb 1h 13min
If You Feel Handcuffed To Your Job, Murray Voth Is Here To Help
Like 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 HEREIn this episode, Murray Voth from RPM Training chats with Jeff. Murray starts with what he called "emotional discounting" at repair shops, and how the industry needs to shift from this. He also discusses shop owners' challenges when they feel "handcuffed" to their businesses and explores ways to strike a balance between working in the industry and strategizing for its growth. 00:00 Business Coaching & Consulting Expansion08:01 "Benefits of Online Coaching"12:13 "Business Evaluation and Consultancy Insights"18:30 Bypassing Front Desk for Control25:30 Behind-the-scenes Business Strategy30:25 Delegation and Succession Planning33:16 Business Closure Due to Owner Retirements41:28 Car Ownership Financial Struggles45:36 Understanding Personal and Professional Values48:55 Overlooked Auto Maintenance Education55:44 Choosing Quality Over Cost58:49 Learning Technical Skills Hands-On01:04:08 Streamlined Service Through Effective Communication Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232
18 Feb 1h 26min
Lester Kovacs from Dorman Products | The Repair Industry Needs Better Communication
Like 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 HERELester Kovacs is from Dorman Products. Today, he and Jeff discuss the challenges faced by Dorman in obtaining feedback from technicians about defective parts and why they need better communication from the industry. Jeff reflects on the reputation of aftermarket parts and that he's seen Dorman make improvements in that area. Lester also shares what's next for Dorman as they think about the future and the EV market.00:00 Success in Diesel and Auto Parts10:14 First Job in Automotive Industry11:33 Innovative Product Development Role19:05 Optimizing Automotive Part Reliability23:06 Technician Ingenuity and Collaboration31:01 Remanufacturing Enhancements via Failure Analysis36:01 Communication Gaps in Auto Services40:09 Tech Training: Progress and Challenges44:22 Window Regulator Redesign Challenges48:32 Expanding Beyond Light Duty Fleet53:10 Tech Issues Render Cars Obsolete01:01:42 Improving Dealer-Customer Collaboration01:03:49 Tech Struggles with RF Hub Shortage01:11:29 Aftermarket Solutions for EV Failures01:16:41 Constructive Feedback Over Negativity Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232
11 Feb 1h 21min
Big Iron Doctor from TikTok Talks About Issues in the Heavy Equipment Industry
Like 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 HEREToday's guest is Josiah Meiring, the Big Iron Doctor on TikTok. Josiah talks about the issues in the heavy equipment servicing industry, particularly how technicians are severely underpaid. He talks about when he worked at a John Deere dealership and why he left to be a mechanic, saying his diagnostic skills needed to improve. Josiah also shares advice on starting a business, saying it's really important to have proper training and certification.00:00 Pipeline Equipment Experience08:33 Working in Extreme Heat: Strategies11:28 Pipeline Mechanic Opportunity: Higher Pay18:44 Freelance Mechanic's Journey22:04 Curiosity and Learning Mindset30:53 Helping in Hurricane Aftermath36:39 "Navigating Bootleg Software Challenges"40:37 Understanding System Technology Reluctance44:22 Applied Failure Analysis Explained50:12 Exorbitant Repair Quotes Dispute54:24 Equipment Maintenance: Big vs. Small Contractors01:02:51 Minimum Tech Education Demand01:07:51 Lack of Industry Standard Certification01:12:56 Not a Truck Mechanic01:14:19 Complex Truck Systems Challenges01:19:43 Celebrating Everyday Fixers Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232
4 Feb 1h 24min
Mike Allen Says Ethics Need to Improve in Auto Repair
Like 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 HEREMike 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 started a podcast of his own, too! Confessions of a Shop Owner with Mike Allen. Check it out here! Today, Jeff and Mike discuss how to treat employees well and learn from past leadership mistakes to start a thriving work environment. Mike also says that ongoing training and self-improvement are crucial for owners, technicians, and service advisors.00:00 Training: One Size Doesn't Fit All05:53 Streamlined Vehicle Inspection Process09:04 Car Repair Estimate Process11:34 Auto Repair Support for Complex Cases15:01 Technicians Resist Changing Write-Up Process18:09 Service Communication Issues19:47 Diagnostic Decision: Cost vs. Certainty25:09 Transparent Interview Process Benefits27:16 Natural Leader's Journey30:42 Generational Impact of IGO Expo33:35 Expanding Perspectives through Dialogue36:06 Commitment to Business Process41:42 Disagreement on Shop Owner's Reputation44:56 Changing Communication in Skilled Trades46:45 Career Advice for Young Tradesperson50:00 Balancing Growth and Workforce Priorities53:08 "Top Technician in Industry" Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232
28 Jan 58min
