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Changing The Industry Podcast

Changing The Industry Podcast

By: David Roman & Lucas Underwood
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This podcast is dedicated to changing the automotive industry for the better, one conversation at a time. Whether you're a technician, vendor, business owner, or car enthusiast, we hope to inspire you to improve for your customers, your careers, your businesses, and your families.© 2023 Changing The Industry Podcast Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Episode 270 - Overcoming Shop Owner Struggles: Hiring, Training, and Shop Management With Shaun Tipton
    May 25 2026

    Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
    Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

    Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
    Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

    Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
    Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

    Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
    Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros


    In this episode, Lucas Underwood is joined by Shaun Tipton, who shares his 28-year journey from technician to shop owner. Shaun Tipton discusses the common pitfalls technicians face when transitioning to ownership, emphasizing the importance of understanding financials and setting fair labor rates. The conversation also highlights the critical role of workplace culture and effective leadership in building a successful, ethical shop.

    00:00 Advice for aspiring shop owners

    09:04 Understanding fair pricing for clients

    13:46 Recognizing the need for help

    15:51 Red flags in job histories

    24:19 Fair employee compensation discussion

    30:04 Balancing personal values and money

    32:43 Flaws in metro coaching models

    40:49 Switching to a single software system

    43:49 Benefits of using Shop-Ware

    48:09 Focusing on personal interests

    53:42 Importance of leadership in ownership

    59:46 Long-term life planning advice

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Episode 269 - Lessons Learned From Custom Car Builds and Business Ownership With Sunny Massera
    May 18 2026

    Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
    Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

    Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
    Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

    Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
    Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

    Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
    Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros


    In this episode, Lucas Underwood and David Roman are joined by Sunny Massera, a custom car and truck builder from Oregon. Sunny Massera shares the hard lessons he learned from business ownership, including the importance of choosing the right business partner and the unexpected realities of running a shop versus working for someone else. The conversation also covers the challenges of building custom and performance vehicles—from managing customer expectations to dealing with unreliable aftermarket parts.

    00:00 Moving between New Mexico and California

    04:19 From flat rate to custom cars

    07:30 Realizing business complexities

    09:46 Deciding not to work alone

    13:05 Getting hired at second Bronco shop

    16:22 Discussing how to fund a startup

    20:36 Partner's role in business growth

    23:18 Revamping old Broncos

    28:11 Understanding the engine issue

    31:14 Working at custom car shops

    33:21 Learning through hands-on projects

    36:45 Test driving vehicles before ordering

    40:00 Restoring a 59 Ranchero

    41:33 Future of classic car market

    46:46 Challenges finding car parts

    50:09 Troubleshooting transmission issues

    53:35 Fixing ongoing installation issues

    56:10 Tuning engine installations

    59:15 Advice for young professionals

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Bonus Episode - Handling Customer Complaints and Raising Industry Standards in Auto Repair
    May 14 2026

    Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
    Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE

    Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
    Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability

    Utilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.
    Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTech

    Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
    Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros


    In this episode, David and Lucas discuss the challenges of handling difficult customer complaints, specifically a negative review following a diagnostic process and the denial of repair work. They dive into the importance of clear communication, setting expectations with consumers, and defending the value of professional diagnostic procedures. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the need for industry-wide improvement, highlighting how prioritizing quality repairs and properly educating both staff and customers can help move the automotive industry in a better direction.

    00:00 Client disputes repair charges

    04:23 Diagnostic process and repair decision

    06:32 Challenges of Dealing with Customers

    12:13 Discussing steak pricing strategies

    14:11 Handling customer expectations

    16:25 Discussing repair pricing strategy

    22:10 Ensuring quality car repairs

    24:46 Surrounding yourself with success

    26:35 Frustrations in the auto repair business

    32:03 Challenges of business growth

    35:45 Focusing on quality and process

    37:05 Why we started the show

    40:35 Technician frustrations over pricing

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
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