Wrench Nation - Car Talk Radio Show

After successfully growing from scratch & selling 5 automotive service businesses over the past 25 years ..I can tell you there is an abundance of planning & strategy that not only goes into the numbers ..but into you. Or …let’s switch gears ..are you ready to expand and looking to purchase a business and make it mo’ better with your brand label? Are you truly prepared across the board? My special guest Biz Broker talent Robert Allen stops by WrenchNation to discuss the metrics and details along with tips. Grab a beverage and join us ! INDUSTRY EVENT TRAINING COMING SOON : THE 2023 GROUP TRAINING ACADEMY AVI CONFERENCE

  Responsible for over 400 of Hollywood's most famous movie cars Fireball Tim has the deep spirit of automotive art and design excitement running through his veins. His latest series of automotive-inspiring coloring books with cover guests like Jay Leno, Rob Paulsen, Magnus Walker, Syd Mead, Gene Winefield & many more can be found on Amazon at Fireball Tim Lawrence or on Etsy    While reaching over a billion viewers as an award-winning car designer, filmmaker & TV host for TLC, Discovery, Velocity, Speed Channel, and more -Fireball Tim can be found uplifting many creatives and automotive enthusiasts during his Art Talk on FB and has seen all over car shows and events keeping car culture alive.  Join us as we dive into Fireball Tim's history, Best of Show Vlog, and why it is critical to keep a positive mindset and stay clear of the negative noise across both the internet & social media.

Are 20 Groups & a Shop Coach a Complete Waste of Time? With the majority of independent shop owners across the country totally removed from any level of coaching or interest in seeking out growth from a 20 Group, we had to ask the logical question....why is this the case? This topic is close to the heart for me personally since many years ago, with my very first operation, ( before I teamed up with a coaching group ) ...I did not believe I needed any help at all and ignorantly had everything under control while I worked 15-hour days to not only lose money..but worse yet...miss the first 5 years of my daughter's life. On this SPECIAL EDITION of the WrenchNation show, we dig deep as to why a large majority of the industry is floating out to sea with very little lifeline to not only measure their business metrics and goals but to have a sounding board regarding decisions they make that could affect the future of their automotive ops service and... quality of life. Renowned industry coach Vic Tasarik of Shop O

  This year has been ablaze with EV news and advancements in both legal and consumer adaption. In this edition of the show, we will cover the latest news that looks to be fortifying the future of EV's and also discuss what the modern-day automotive technician will require for a skill set to survive in the future. Additionally, Jeff Buckley of the Automotive Service Association makes a brief call to the show to discuss the upcoming Shop to Shop session covering the topic of recruiting, training, and retention of automotive talents for your service ops facility. Upcoming Training - Accelerate : A Motor Age Training Event

With the overwhelming amount of technology across the board in the automotive & trucking industry...how are diesel technicians really doing? Do we risk burning out a whole generation of commercial & fleet diesel techs from the advancements of technology underhood & difficulties with modern-day testing pathways to diagnose symptoms properly? CEO talent Tyler Roberston of Diesel Laptops is our special guest. Grab a beverage and join us as we dissect the challenges and configure up some viable solutions for today's diesel technician.

SEMA HS Build Program  As technology underhood is evolving to what is a serious amount of data to interpret and diagnose, how will the future technician be able to comprehend & successfully repair vehicle platforms of the future? With so many educators and instructors throughout the country teaching both the basics and the very technology of communicating with modules on a BUS system, for example, The SEMA HS Vehicle Program is designed to promote this vital community of students and instructors for an opportunity to highlight their skillset with unique builds, while gaining well-deserved industry exposure. Todd Ramsey, an automotive industry veteran & consultant, stops by the show to discuss the details of the program. Show notes : Why 1 in 5 are trading in EV for Gas: https://bit.ly/3DdUQKX Quiet Quitting: https://bit.ly/3B5q2tj Wrenchway Industry Statistics : https://bit.ly/3TZrI07

We all consider brake systems to be fairly simple and common service in a professional automotive service facility or in your driveway working on a family member's vehicle. With so many different vehicle platforms and more importantly, the way a vehicle is driven based upon loads and demands, are you getting the right type of brake pad and rotor for the very type of driving that is required? We can often take this for granted, and over time create a frustrating comeback by way of a break squeak or worse yet, premature brake pad wear AND additional annoying symptoms.   Dino Crescentini " The Godfather of Brakes " President of DFC ( Dynamic Friction Company ) stops by the show to discuss all things brakes and share his incredible journey in the automotive industry. Please support our weekly sponsor of the show: The Parts Authority  Training Session Calendar Upcoming Event: ASCCA Educational Conference SEP 16-18th 2022     

  The average consumer driving behind the wheel has a limited understanding of the various camera, radar, and LiDAR that is incorporated into advanced driver awareness systems (ADAS) that enable a vehicle to have incredible safety enhancements.  What are the differences between radar, camera systems, and LiDAR? What are the benefits to each and what are their limitations?  Join us for a special edition of WrenchNation as CEO Paul Drysch of PreAct Software Technologies shares the specific details as we tackle the subject of near-field sensor technology & vehicle object tracking.  *Please support this week's special partner of the show: Celebrating 50 Years of Innovation BG Products  *Automotive Training Events Coming Soon : Accelerate: A Motor Age Training Event 

  The serious risk of credit card fraud while conducting transactions in your automotive business can be overwhelming if it regrettably happens. We dedicate a complete show on the latest alarming statistics regarding credit card scams, and how your automotive business can properly prepare to avoid them. We also review strategies to attain the lowest legitimate merchant fees without overpaying with special guest Dan Arndt of Card Connect Paradise. Join us as we investigate : -How thieves are getting technologically more clever with skimming devices -The risks to avoid with staff accepting payments & the importance of training -The variety of hardware and software to keep you financially secure as a merchant

  Capturing thousands of car shows and LIVE STREAMING to the world is a passion of K. Mikael Wallin "The Crazy Swede" of Customikes. With years of working with his classic ride clients in the garage, Customikes offers both real-world restoration and repairs along with sound advice regarding how to approach a budget to get the most bang for your buck while enabling a safe & reliable cruising work of rolling art. Mikael stops by the show to discuss how he got started behind the lens and what inspired him to keep sharing a multitude of car shows to folks across the globe that may not be able to attend a show and his life spirit of spreading that contagious positive car culture vibe. Frank also goes in-depth about the importance of supporting the SEMA RPM ACT to protect your rights to install aftermarket performance parts as the EPA is making it a top priority to enforce AGAINST these performance part installations.  CLICK HERE TO TELL YOUR ELECTED OFFICIAL TO SUPPORT THE RPM ACT 

  Supply Chain Logistics Concerns as EV Demand Increases As the green movement ramps up quickly and the Electric Vehicle demand starts to increase, how does the automotive supply chain embrace and keep up with the OEM'S? The labor shortages, current supply-demand imbalances, and ripple effects of global bottlenecks have created additional loads on one of the key talents of the supply chain -the Program Manager.  Actify CEO Dave Opsahl visits the show for a SPECIAL EDITION preview into how the automotive supply chain operates, the current challenges that will need to be addressed, and some of the solutions that exist to aid for a smoother transition into the future. How are suppliers currently handling the challenges within the EV arena ? As the "Great Retirement " of the baby boomer demographic takes a foothold in our economy, how will we overcome the labor shortages that we are seeing?  How can the Federal Govt act to enhance and help with some of the issues regarding the supply side?  What are the c

  Woman Techs : Solving the Tech Shortage Problem  As there is a huge demand for skilled automotive technicians , Tech Force Foundation is carving out huge strides with over 40 million in scholarships providing huge opportunities for younger technicians entering the automotive industry. Tech Force has just released an in depth white paper regarding women who are entering the industry, and some of the biggest challenges they face , despite being relentless about their goals. Special guests Dana Rapoport of Tech Force Foundation & Dr Dana Nkana of Scott's Auto stop by the show to open up a sincere discussion about how the automotive industry is embracing change for a more inclusive environment , while still greatly needing areas of improvement.  Dana Rapoport, Chief of Diversity and Inclusion for TechForce Foundation, is a passionate member of the organization who finds purpose in helping students and instructors reach their career objectives. Dr. Dana Nkana  was born and raised in the amazing African contine

EV Sales Increase as Technology Moves Forward  As the economy slowly corrects by way of increasing inflation, and specifically the price action of unchartered territory....regarding fuel prices... is the consumer ready to make a shift to seriously considering an Electric Vehicle platform or are we years away from a practical solution making our peace to finally separate from fossil fuels. We discuss the practical, and not so practical details of EV platforms and how this transportation transition needs a careful ear and eye before making a decision.  Is EV Tech truly "green" and climate friendly ? Commodity resources abound outside of the U.S. -how can we capitalize on the EV transition and are we too late ? Sensor fusion &  technology for ADAS -EV systems to be aware of -what they are & the importance of human oversight behind the wheel.  Automotive industry talents Scott Brown of Connie & Dick's Service Center and Rocky Khamenian of Bimmer & Benz Specialists  join this special edition of WrenchNation as w

Car Mechanic, Collector & History Preservationist Ed Willimann | Owner of Historic Ferrari Platforms & Vintage Collection Ed Willimann -Prescott AZ vehicle collector and enthusiast is preserving history in a very special way with an incredible collection over the years of vintage Ferrari's & more !  Ed stops by the Wrench Nation show to discuss his history as a Navy Veteran, the great journey behind seeking out the Ferrari 125 ,and the storied history of the legendary Enzo Ferrari Scuderia early years !   

  As a Phoenix native, Luis Miranda, owner of Miranda's Custom Cars, got his start working on cars by helping his father at the age of 8 & has spent the last 35 years carving a true legacy under hood within the lowrider scene with grace & style.  We discuss his fascinating journey :  Before his first build project --literally digging graves with Dad to earn some money for his dream ride. Working with legendary lowrider Hall of Famer Mando Estrada on the  very first official Lowrider of the Year "Brandy Madness" Why lowrider culture may disappear as the new generations my disconnect. The importance of humility under hood and in the community.   * SHOW NOTE : We do apologize , as the last segment was lost ( studio hard drive was not emptied ) and we did stitch together another Lowrider legend Richard Ochoa from Ep 237  for this interview. We will have Luis back on in the future.  *Please take a moment and visit our sponsors to support our podcast. Grateful for your loyalty & appreciate you joining us, a

Automotive Scholarships Making Huge Strides For Skilled Trades One of the greatest needs in the automotive community is the fundraising & charitable donations that quietly contribute to many up and coming automotive students, giving them not only the opportunity to succeed, however, in many occasions, a major MAJOR life de stressor.. as costs can pile up. Collision Repair Education Foundation's Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode & Philanthropist retired collision industry veteran Tim Adelmann are our special guests this week, as we dive in to this critical area of the industry ! Join us as we discuss : Are we making a difference, or are we still trudging uphill to seek collision industry talent ? Do parents still have the same negative viewpoints of the industry? Tim Adelmann donation set to make a difference for many students/shares why so important Corporate Automotive America & the Scholarships Available and CREF Scholarship Winner Pays it Forward Big Time-Her Incredible Story Shiftin

How to navigate the murky waters of a market correction & remain on top in your service bays . We are seeing a hodge podge of viewpoints in the stock market , with the FEDS slowly ramping up interest rates -in attempts to hedge the wild side of record breaking inflation. With a noticeable downtrend as of recent ( MAY 2022) and a miserable earnings season for many corporations, how will this effect the consumer and specifically-what do we need to be prepared for with our automotive service enterprises ? Automotive talent Kim Hickey of Automotive Training Institute & the Maximum Octane Podcast pitstops on the show to discuss some of the key basics of your financial house that need to be in shape . The importance of cleaning your financial house to keep a low debt factor. What language do I use in my marketing presentations during this economic climate?  Back to the Basics : Service Advisor Skill Set Improvements  Why cutting back on Marketing Budget will be the Death of Your Ops   

The Great Resignation Bust & Skilled Trades Boom : Automotive Enrollment on the RISE With the old, and quite frankly,  beat up headlines of "SKILLED TRADES SHORTAGE IN DIRE STRAIGHTS"....many in the automotive industry ..from Shop owners, dealer franchisees & educators have taken the bull by the horn with huge strides in attracting younger talent towards a career path as an automotive technician. LATEST NEWS REPORT Skilled Trades Enrollment Uptick Many of you are working hard to change the game & take control of your future operations and have dedicated resources to help make a BIG DIFFERENCE to get the word out .....AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS are NOT ONLY NEEDED ....but one of the most respectable & stable career choices that can be had. Join us for this special edition of Wrench Nation with special guest Automotive industry talent & shop operator Greg Buckley of Buckley's Auto Care   Apply for Automotive Scholarships : Tech Force Foundation         

  SPECIAL GUEST : LEAD MECUM AUCTIONS MOTOR TREND TV COMMENTATOR JOHN KRAMAN  LEAD MECUM TV COMMENTATOR JOHN KRAMAN PIT STOPS IN THE WRENCHNATION STUDIOS TO DISCUSS THE LEGENDARY HISTORY OF THE MECUM FAMILY & THEIR HUMBLE BEGINNINGS , ALONG WITH SOME AMAZING INSIGHT TO THE CURRENT COLLECTIONS OFFERED FOR SALE ! *HOW TO APPROACH AN AUCTION AND THE BIDDING PROCESS FOR THE FIRST TIME *THE FAMED HOOKED ON VETTES COLLECTION OFFERING *AUTOMOTIVE ROAD ART THAT LEAVES YOUR NEIGHBORS ENVIOUS *JOHN KRAMAN TALENTED MUSICIAN BEHIND THE SCENES COMMUNITY SEGMENT BONUS : BIG HEART AUTHOR & RESTAURATEUR RANDY WALTERS TELLS HIS INCREDIBLE STORY OF INSPIRATION AND PASSION BEHIND HIS LATEST BOOK RELEASE "HAMBURGERS HOT DOGS & HUGS "  Frank Hops in....Dodge Garage Thrill Ride AT MECUM GLENDALE 

Special Edition : Inclusivity , Diversity & Equality | Automotive Aftermarket Series  How can we as an automotive aftermarket, comprised of so many functions, ensure that prejudice & discrimination is eliminated from the landscape of our micro and macro cultures, where everyone is treated fairly and welcomed ? Prejudice & discrimination is a tough topic to unfold in just one short hour , however, well needed and justified , especially during a time of huge shortages of skilled talent, that we can all agree ...can effect the bottom line , no matter how large or small our enterprises. Maintaining a playing field that ensures each and every individual has the opportunity to flourish, automotive talents & leaders Tammy Tecklenburg & Jill Trotta join us in studios to discuss how to champion Inclusivity, Diversity & Equality throughout the automotive aftermarket . Interested in learning more & attending workshops? Please visit the Center for Automotive Diversity, Equity & Inclusion  Women in Auto Care Leadership