Show Notes
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!
In this episode, Braxton Critcher sits down with Bret Fadley to dive into the growth and unique culture of the TOOLS training event in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Bret shares how TOOLS has evolved from a struggling show to a regional cornerstone, emphasizing its focus on networking, training, and creating a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of other major industry events like ASTA. They also discuss the fun community traditions—like the “jacket exchange”—and the family-friendly experience attendees can expect at this year’s TOOLS, making it a must-attend for shop owners, technicians, and their teams in the Northeast. 00:00 Annoying Flashing Table Lights 04:47 Rebranding Revived Struggling Show 09:35 Event Schedule: Training & Trade Show 12:50 Networking: Key to Training Events 13:49 "Step Outside Your Comfort Zone" 19:57 Weekend Event Schedule Highlights 23:47 "Excited for New Location Expansion" 25:29 Delayed Registration for Event 27:39 "Event Planning Date Dilemma" 31:43 "Engage & Improve Industry Together"
More from Automotive Repair News Today
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!
Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!
In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Chad Schnitz, Vice President of TOPDON, and newly appointed board member of the Auto Care Association’s Tool and Equipment board. Chad shares his perspective on the importance of the Right to Repair and the ongoing need for equal access to information for all automotive professionals. He also discusses efforts to bring more young people and women into the industry, as well as TOPDON's mission to offer innovative, affordable diagnostic tools for technicians at every level. 00:00 "Tight-Knit Industry Connections" 03:15 Chad's Board Appointment News 07:44 Right to Repair Challenges 12:35 Supporting Women in Auto Care 16:18 Improving Technician Profession Perception 17:15 Oil Change Frequency Debate 21:37 "Join the Automotive Repair Conversation"
In this episode, Braxton Critcher welcomes Jimmy Lea from the Institute for Automotive Business Excellence. Why? Because Jimmy actually did something newsworthy! Bout time! Jimmy is now, to our knowledge, the ONLY presenter in the automotive aftermarket certified as a Certified Speaking Professional. It was quite the journey to get here, though! Hear Jimmy walk us through the process and tell us why this is important for other speakers to try and get as well. 00:00 Jimmy's choice in suit coats 05:46 "Reapplying for CSP Certification" 08:11 Failed Speaker Review Video 11:08 Videographer Hire: Costs & Requirements 16:06 Speaker Recognition and Status 20:11 Becoming a Professional Speaker 21:01 Joining Speaking Associations Explained 25:58 Collaborative Industry Improvement Insights 28:35 "Shopmonkey Expert Series in Chicago"