Wrench Nation

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#286 Do You Ever Feel Like Your Marketing Efforts Are Going Nowhere? Feb 21, 2023

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You're frustrated as recent marketing & brand reach efforts for your auto ops are similar to your go-round at casino penny slots. I have been there, and can totally relate.. after all the costs of bad marketing efforts start to add up and it can truly roll downhill knocking out every single positive detail you have built for your business. What can you trust that will actually perform well ? What does the message really need to say and resonate with your potential new clients ( THIS IS CRITICAL) Why FREE THIS AND FREE THAT offers could be destroying the FUTURE of your business. The talented Mike DelaCruz of Overdryve is our special guest as we dissect areas of brand reach and marketing that you need to pay attention to and what you can do immediately to turn your ship around! WrenchNation Coloring Book Launched!! Combining two great industries: Automotive & Music -get your copy today and help us support the show!

#285 Taking the MYSTERY OUT OF FLUID FLUSHES Feb 13, 2023

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We are breaking down the key areas of maintenance, specifically the fluid flushes, while helping you prioritize a plan so you are not stressed out. What services can wait..and what truly needs to be done sooner than later to avoid more expensive repairs in the future.

#284 Why You Utterly Hate Dealing with Vehicle Service -Tips on How to Turn This Around Feb 06, 2023

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You have a pretty well-operating automotive service operation, with the latest in technology, and a fantastic team of service advisors and well-trained technicians. Add the glowing reviews that you have worked hard for and VOILA -you have the recipe for success ...UNTIL... .."I don't like going to the mechanic because it always feels like I'm getting taken for a ride! Every time I go, they tell me I need something else fixed and it's never cheap. Plus, I'm always worried that they're going to try to sell me something I don't need. It's like they're trying to take my money and drive away with it!".... Poor communication arises from the vehicle owner or a TOTAL misconception of what vehicle service looks like in their eyes...OR let's just face it ...you totally missed the opportunity to LISTEN carefully and things just rapidly fell apart across the board. Assuming that you're always providing value and training to get better -what the heck is the disconnect ?...and why are consumers SO frustrated when seeking vehicle service and repairs ? .. We tackle a few tips for the consumer on how to stay in control during the service visit which includes what they should expect from your service department and the critical importance of why you must always pay attention to any shortcomings and improve every step of the way for the best service experience to the consumer.

#283 Largest Car Show on The Greens Raising Funds for PCH Jan 30, 2023

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Peter Volny is the Founder of the Concours in the Hills which will celebrate its 9th year on Saturday, February 4, 2023, in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Peter’s career included growing one of Canada’s most successful advertising agencies, Griffin Bacal Volny, whose clients include many major players in the automotive field. He’s been an editorial advisor and regular columnist for several magazines. Peter has helped raise over $1 million for Phoenix Children’s over the past nine years through Concours in the Hills. Peter is our special guest today as we discuss what it takes to grow a huge car show like the Concours in the Hills, as well as the unwavering passion to assemble car clubs from across the SW for a great cause!

#282 Connected ,Autonomous ,Shared Mobility ,Electrification & Sustainability ZF North America Jan 23, 2023

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We are honored to have ZF VP North America Aftermarket Ben Smart pitstop on the WrenchNation show! We are diving deep into all things connected & autonomous vehicles, shared mobility, electrification & sustainability. A fascinating discussion on vehicle technology & more importantly the incredible workshops & training available at ZF to assist your service operations. For more details regarding training workshops & resources for your automotive service operations visit ZF North America WrenchNation Coloring Book Launched!! Combining two great industries: Automotive & Music -get your copy today and help us support the show!

#281 Open AI ChatGPT Pros & Cons for The Automotive Industry Jan 16, 2023

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ChatGPT is huge at the moment. How will it enhance your automotive service operations & what will it absolutely not do? The buzz around Artificial Intelligence (AI) is that it can revolutionize the automotive service industry, by allowing for more personalized and efficient services for customers. AI can empower service teams to quickly diagnose problems, accurately predict future maintenance needs, and provide personalized customer service. AI can also provide predictive analytics insights to help automotive service teams better manage their operations. Kieran O'Brien is an entrepreneur, tech founder, and marketer based in Scottsdale,AZ. At the age of 16, O'Brien started an automotive digital marketing firm and has since founded numerous other brands in the tech and marketing space. Kieran pitstops on the show with a deep background and understanding of ChatGPT, but more importantly, the huge opportunities for the automotive service experience. We are also honored to have Bill Nalu of Interstate Auto Care, Greg Buckley of Buckleys Auto Care & talented underhood driveability technician Robert Stage call in to give us their thoughts on how they may, or may not use ChatGPT in their daily operations. *As discussed on the show, here is the AI resource link with a variety of options for utilizing tools for your benefit. Research it and see what may help your business operations. *Show note : As Todd discussed the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) HS build program - make sure to visit their site to help out

#280 2023 Automotive Industry Outlook & Trends Jan 08, 2023

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Happy New Year !! 2022 in general was an incredible year for the automotive aftermarket & all things service and repair....not so much for new and used vehicle sales as the later part of the year started to unfold. With the rise in interest rates and the FED tone of taming inflation, consumer sentiment is starting to warn of caution ahead, as they refine what they will be spending their hard-earned wages on. Join us as we bring in the New Year with a look at the automotive industry trends that we hope you can benefit from!

#279 Can Artificial Intelligence Make a Difference In the Service Bays? Dec 05, 2022

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Artificial Intelligence is now being embraced as a key part of the technology services offered across all sorts of industries and the automotive sector is definitely a key player. In fact, AI in the auto world is influencing the future of self-driving cars and robots helping on the manufacturing floor, and also Voice AI in the Service Bays with software products like Hey Ortho ! How does artificial intelligence make its way to your service bays? Productivity and efficiency are critical and voice recognition software ORTHO helps you save time while giving you the critical information you need -simply ask for the repair and service info you need and within seconds receive a response -VISIT HEYORTHO.COM FOR DETAILS Eric Turkington of the RAIN AGENCY stops by the show to discuss the latest in A.I. technology, and as a bonus, Master ASE Technician,and, Instructor Tom Rayk of AVI pitstops with us to discuss all things diesel technology and the upcoming January 2023 AVI Conference Training Conference in Florida

#278 Character. Courage . Class. Are We Losing These Timeless Traits in the Workplace ? Nov 28, 2022

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As technology is moving at breakneck speed & the digital realm of communication dictates most of our daily lives -are we losing the very basic timeless traits of character, courage & class? With Over 35 years of experience in human resources, sales & marketing, and organizational development in the automotive industry, as well as being the Author of The Human Side: High-Touch Leadership in a High-Tech World, Dr. Bob Passante brings some well-needed balance and "business fresh air" within the frameworks of teams operating at their peak. Connect with Dr Passante on Linkedin for more book details HERE

#276 Rock A Billy Culture & Pinstripping : Von Hot Rod Nov 23, 2022

Show notes

A legend within the automotive community, with years of hot rodding running through his veins - Von Hot Rod Valdez can be found at car shows across the country with his distinctive style of pinstriping & lettering details applying that steady hand of gorgeous spectacular art lines on everything from classic cars to bowling pins! With a wide variety of television appearances & travels across the globe, Von is also a sought-after speaker and teacher, dedicating his time to teaching thousands of students at local schools & universities. The master behind some of the most incredible pinstriping performed is a true talent within the automotive industry, but more importantly, his heart is large and his compassion for the community is awesome - catch up with his appearances at car shows and visit his site Von Hot Rod and make sure to catch his annual charity event, Benedict Castle Concours Car Show , where hundreds of thousands of dollars is raised for Teen Challenge. Join us as we explore Von's fascinating entrepreneurial history, dedication to the industry & passion for paying it forward for future generations to come!

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