The Jaded Mechanic Podcast

3d ago

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 HERE Wanna go to Tekmetric's first ever industry training event Tektonic? Register HERE In this episode, Jeff is joined by John Firm and Rick White where they discuss growth and success in the automotive industry. Rick talks about the importance of having a coach and staying curious, humble, and open to new ideas. John and Rick also speak on the challenges unique to fleet shops versus traditional retail shops. To help, they share advice on pricing, marketing, and building strong business relationships. Timestamps: 00:00 "Reflection on Hosting Growth" 04:42 "Ask or Stay Ignorant" 07:05 Car Troubleshooting: Fuse vs. Diagram 10:11 Effective Communication in Auto Repair 12:42 Business Coaching Insights 19:03 "Competing on Price Dangers" 19:26 "Prioritizing Strategy Over Savings" 23:08 Labor Rates and Mix Reevaluated 28:28 "How to Beat AutoZone" 31:47 Survival Over Greed 33:51 "Challenges in European Auto Repair" 38:31 "Maintain Control, Avoid Dealers" 40:08 "Coaching Accountability and Honesty" 44:13 "Helping a Client in Need" 48:02 Advice for New Technicians 51:00 "Integrity in Auto Repair" 53:43 "Talking About John and Canada" Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

Dec 9

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 HERE Register NOW for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference coming up HERE In this episode, Jeff sits down with Sunny Massera. Sunny is a self-taught service manager that went from dabbling with cars to building high-end custom Broncos. He talks about why it's important to seek out people with greater skill to keep growing. Sunny also discusses the challenges of business ownership in the automotive world and talks about lessons learned from running his own shop. Jeff and Sunny also speak on the high expectations and pressures involved in custom car builds and mentoring young technicians. Follow Sunny on social - TikTok Instagram Facebook Timestamps: 00:00 "Early Passion for Fixing Cars" 09:33 Underappreciated Work and Mismanagement 14:34 "Passion Meets Expectation in Craft" 16:14 From Selling to Building Cars 21:23 "Job Frustration and Judgment" 27:28 Lifelong Learning in Trades 33:17 Distractions and Smoking Breaks 40:36 "From Carburetors to Convenience" 42:58 "GTOs, Broncos, and Value" 50:31 Truck Modification Causes Failure 55:53 "Faulty Steering on Work Vans" Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

Dec 2

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 HERE Register for Tektonic HERE! In this episode, Jeff Compton is joined by Check Engine Chuck and Brian Gauthier. Chuck and Jeff talk about the importance of investing in service information and ongoing education. They also speak on how sharpening diagnostic skills can change a technician's role and reputation. Brian also shares his experience transitioning from routine mechanical work to more advanced diagnostics. He also opens up about the challenges of working in a small-town shop with limited resources. Timestamps: 00:00 "Chuck's Impact on Attendance" 08:13 "Better Than the Dealer" 12:00 "Cost Differences in Workplaces" 19:05 "Learning Effective Car Repairs" 23:23 Shifting Perspectives Shape Outcomes 29:01 "Chuck's Generosity and Frustrations" 32:11 Gatekeeping for Change 38:37 "Growth Through Focused Free Time" 45:06 "No Sleep, Still Driving" 47:48 "Transforming Through Mindset Shift" 54:52 Car Conversion Issues Explained 01:02:01 Daily Learning with Eric O. 01:04:52 Struggles with Subaru Diagnostics 01:12:35 "No Communication, Programming Risk" 01:17:23 Bridging Technician and Management Gaps 01:21:43 "Unexpected Generosity and Change" 01:24:50 "Tech Confusion and Programming Chat" 01:34:17 "Refining a Diagnostic Process" 01:35:04 "Industry Impact" Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

Nov 25

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 HERE Wanna go to Tekmetric's first ever industry training event Tektonic? Register HERE In this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with Tony Martinez who was the AAPEX Technician of the Year. Tony shares his perspective on mentorship in the automotive industry and the importance of team culture over individual performance. He and Jeff talk about the value of constantly learning and ASE certifications. They also discuss the growing need for open access to service information and support for the Right to Repair Act. Timestamps: 00:00 "Teamwork and Growth Insights" 10:21 "Learning Extreme Ownership" 15:58 "Path to Becoming an A Tech" 20:45 ASE Test Prep Insights 22:32 "Pursuing Manufacturing Apprenticeship Early" 29:11 "Engine Assembly and Keystone Pipeline" 33:52 "Building Mastery Over Quick Fixes" 43:10 "Workshop Workflow and Logistics" 47:58 "Patience and Perseverance in Challenges" 50:29 "Perseverance and Problem-Solving" 59:27 "Company Culture Drives Success" 01:03:59 Sherwood Family: Teaching Automotive Skills Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

Nov 18

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 HERE Register NOW for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference coming up HERE In this episode, Jeff Compton is joined by Dutch Silverstein and his daughter Ana. Dutch brings up the differences of a transaction-based vs relationship-based business model, urging shop owners to pursue what aligns with their personal values and long-term goals. The conversation highlights the need for self-reflection and sacrifice when considering shop ownership, as well as the dangers of lowering standards in the industry. Timestamps: 00:00 Celebrating Your Return 03:50 Family-Owned Automotive Safe Haven 07:57 Car Repair Frustrations Persist 11:43 Mechanic Reputation and Trust 14:40 Mechanic's Business Growth Journey 16:52 Personal Betrayal in Safe Space 20:25 "Coaching Costs and Industry Influence" 25:51 "Pursuing Integrity Every Day" 28:49 "Sacrifice for Future Success" 31:10 "Boost Productivity, Build Wealth" 35:13 Work Ethic and Presence 37:00 "Training Wheels Off Moment" 42:23 "Self-Reflection for Business Growth" 43:38 Understanding Business Metrics & Decisions 46:31 Avoiding Pitfalls in Business Growth 50:25 "Unpaid Work Clarification" 53:21 Empowering Technicians for Success Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

Nov 11

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 HERE Register for Tektonic HERE! In this episode, Jeff Compton welcomes Chuck Mitchell, this year's APPEX Giveaway Winner from the Changing the Industry Podcast with Lucas Underwood and David Roman. Chuck shares his story of how he got into the industry from fleet management and parts retail to shop ownership. He's passionate about the current technician shortage and helping younger generations. He and Jeff talk about the importance of cross-industry collaboration among local shops, the need for better training and information access, and the value of mentoring new technicians to create a more sustainable future for the automotive industry. Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Chuck Mitchell 06:39 "Friend's Growth in Dealerships" 15:05 Balancing Business and Compassion 17:06 Shop Ownership Challenges 22:58 "Building Confidence Through Understanding" 30:19 Improving Industry and Supporting Workers 34:07 Tech Career Paths in Shops 36:44 "EV Direction and Innovation" 43:25 "Reviving Craftsmanship in Auto Industry" 48:24 "Vehicle Repair Challenges Persist" 52:18 Customer Service and Accountability 01:00:09 "AI, VR, and Cost Challenges" 01:03:39 "Nurturing Young Techs" 01:11:31 "Industry Growth Through Connection" Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

Nov 4

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 HERE Wanna go to Tekmetric's first ever industry training event Tektonic? Register HERE In this episode, Jeff Compton is joined by Check Engine Chuck and Ryan Mullen for a conversation about the realities of working in automotive diagnostics. Ryan tells the story of being homeless and in addiction to becoming a sought-after diagnostician, emphasizing the importance of networking and community for professional growth. Check Engine Chuck highlights the power of persistence in tackling complex vehicle problems and the need to continually invest in skills and tools. They also talk about shop politics, technician shortages, and the rewards—and challenges—of building a career in the modern auto repair industry. Timestamps: 00:00 The Power of Networking 07:13 "Homelessness to Triumph Story" 14:42 Valuing Talent in Industry 18:04 Balancing Work and Family Time 25:23 DRB3 vs. Y Tech Challenges 30:59 "Frustration, Help, and Connection" 36:37 "Patent Dispute and YouTube Fallout" 37:18 "My Tool is the Best" 43:58 "Discovering His Channel Journey" 49:55 Building Connections Through Snapchat 58:33 Addiction, Trauma, and Crime Connection 59:17 Changing Perspectives on Redemption 01:09:09 "Duralast Crank Sensor Solution" 01:12:05 Sequoia Airbag Sensor Fix 01:19:43 "Elite Techs Gather at Vision" 01:21:40 "Adapting Business for Success" 01:28:44 Diagnostic Tech Shortage Crisis 01:32:16 "No Ceiling for You" Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

Oct 28

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 HERE Register NOW for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference coming up HERE In this episode, Jeff is joined by David Peacock, a mobile mechanic based in Calgary, Alberta. David talks about his life as a subcontractor, pointing out it's pros and it's cons. He's had plenty of run-ins with harsh Canadian winters and long commutes. They also bring up the current tech shortage and what needs to happen to see it improve. Timestamps: 00:00 Fort McMurray: Canada's Boom Town 08:28 Leaving Toxic Work Environments 13:57 "Embracing Mobile Work Independence" 17:29 "Automotive Collaboration Challenges" 25:32 Fleet Operating Costs Insights 30:14 Truck Inspections and Frame Issues 35:05 Dealer Warranty Issues Persist 38:22 "Commission-Based Confusion in Charges" 46:06 "Vacation Saved, Gratitude Earned" 52:41 Oil Change Frustrations 57:27 Autel Remote Shop Experience 01:01:35 TPMS Tool Usage Tips 01:07:15 "Low-Maintenance Generational Drivers" 01:10:31 Miscommunication Leads to Customer Frustration 01:20:38 "Advisor Weakness in Auto Industry" 01:23:41 Understanding Oil Leak Perceptions 01:27:49 "Choosing Stability Over Ambition" 01:36:03 Experience Doesn't Guarantee Mastery 01:39:20 Start Small, Build Understanding 01:43:13 "Technician Time and Process" Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232