Wrench Nation

Latest Episodes:

#264 Credit Card Fraud & How To Avoid In Your Automotive Operations Aug 09, 2022

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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

#263 Keeping Car Culture Alive One LIVE Stream At A Time Jul 17, 2022

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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

#262 Supply Chain Logistics Concerns as EV Demand Increases Jul 12, 2022

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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 current concerns with the OEM & Program Manager relationship?

#261 Special Edition : Tech Force Foundation White Paper Release | Women Technicians Solving the Tech Shortage Jul 04, 2022

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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 continent. In his pursuit of the American dream, he gained admission to the University of Illinois where he obtained the following degrees: Bachelor of Science, Master of Law, Master of Science, and a doctorate in Management and Leadership, with an Emphasis in Organizational Development from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona where he know is the Chief Learning Officer for the award winning Scott's Auto based out of Colorado , and now in Phoenix with a new location on 7th st totalling 5 locations Auto Recall : Ford Recalls Nearly 3 Million Vehicles for Rollaway Risk

#259 Are You Prepared For an Electric Vehicle Lifestyle ? Jun 22, 2022

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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 we discuss the challenges facing the EV industry and key tips regarding your next EV purchase . *In Depth EV News & Information Source : electrek.co

#258 One of The Worlds Oldest Ferrari’s : Ed Williman Jun 14, 2022

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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 !

#257 Low & Slow : The History of Low Rider Culture | Phoenix Custom Build Talent Luis Miranda & Richard Ochoa Jun 06, 2022

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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, and remember , if you know of an automotive hero -reach out to us here as we would love to share their story : http://bit.ly/WrenchNation Weekly Newsletter Sign Up ( Free )

#256 Automotive Scholarships Making Huge Strides For Skilled Trades May 22, 2022

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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 Shifting Careers

#255 How to Navigate the Murky Waters of a Market Correction In Your Service Bays May 16, 2022

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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

#254 The Great Resignation Bust & Skilled Trades Boom : Automotive Enrollment| Education on the RISE Apr 26, 2022

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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

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