How This Shop Owner Beat A Road Construction Project [E128]

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How This Shop Owner Beat A Road Construction Project [E128]

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Thanks to our Partner, AppFueledRoad construction can be a nightmare for any business, especially an auto repair shop that depends on local traffic to bring customers through the door. But what if a major construction project became an opportunity to grow your business and strengthen your community relationships instead?In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Brian Walker and Kim Walker sit down with Brandon Miller of Miller Auto in Omro, Wisconsin, to hear how he turned a challenging road construction project into a marketing opportunity. With traffic on the main highway dropping from 20,000–25,000 vehicles a day to roughly 500, Brandon knew he had to do something to keep people informed and remind them that local businesses were still open.Brandon started creating daily road construction reports, explaining closures, sharing timelines, and showing people how to access businesses throughout town. That effort eventually grew into Inside Omro, a community podcast featuring local businesses, their stories, and the people behind them. Sponsored by Miller Auto and created in conjunction with the local chamber, the podcast helped build community connections, generate awareness, and bring customers through the doors, all without paid advertising campaigns.The results? While many businesses might have expected a difficult year, Miller Auto's auto repair business actually grew compared to the previous year, and customers were telling Brandon they came in because they saw the podcast.This conversation is a great reminder that marketing doesn't always have to be about selling your services. Sometimes, the best way to grow your auto repair shop is to become a more valuable part of the community you serve.Listen to the full episode to hear Brandon's story, learn how to turn unexpected challenges into marketing opportunities, and discover how a community-focused podcast could help your shop build relationships, increase visibility, and attract more customers.Show Notes with TimestampsWelcome and guest introduction (00:00:09) Brian welcomes co-host Kim and guest Brandon Miller, then introduces the episode’s road-construction story.Industry networking and shared ideas (00:01:23) Brandon discusses learning from other shop owners and the value of networking at industry events.A road-construction setback remembered (00:02:37) Brian recalls how unexpected construction disrupted his shop and contributed to its closure.Brandon’s construction project and road reports (00:04:13) Brandon explains the planned highway project, severe traffic drop, and daily reports that helped people navigate town.Miller Auto’s locations and construction timeline (00:08:13) Brandon describes the three businesses and the project’s ongoing effects on access and traffic.Road reports build community support (00:11:08) Brandon shares how other businesses joined in and how the reports helped residents find their way.Launching the Inside Omro community podcast (00:12:28) Brandon explains shifting from an automotive podcast to interviewing local businesses and organizations.Sponsor message: App Fueled (00:14:50) The hosts describe App Fueled’s customer loyalty app and its benefits for repair shops.Community podcasts as shop marketing (00:15:23) Brian and Brandon discuss the idea of sponsoring a community-focused podcast rather than one solely about auto repair.Mayor requests a public update (00:17:15) Brandon recounts sharing changed bridge-closure information after the mayor asked him to update residents.Business results during construction (00:19:40) Brandon reports steady car sales and improved repair business despite construction, crediting the reports and podcast.Creating a community podcast without construction (00:22:27) Brandon offers advice on useful local topics, community involvement, and making the shop’s support visible.Ideas for highlighting local kids (00:24:53) The hosts discuss community storytelling and how a podcast featuring children could encourage sharing and engagement.Community reputation and referrals (00:26:54) Brandon describes local recommendations that praised Miller Auto for its community involvement and its partnership with Main Tire.Podcast plans and storm damage (00:28:14) Brandon explains damage to the shop and studio, then outlines plans for a dedicated recording space and future episodes.Closing thoughts and where to listen (00:30:21) Brandon reflects on getting through construction, thanks the industry community, and shares where to find Inside Omro.How To Get In TouchJoin The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on FacebookMeet The ProsFollow SMP on FacebookFollow SMP on InstagramGet The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing BookEmail Us Podcast Questions or Topics Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)EP 57 - Should Your Shop Have a Podcast?Inside OmroThanks to our Partner, AppFueledAppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ ...

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