The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast cover art

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast

By: Kim and Brian Walker
Listen for free

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker. Experts in their field who work with shop owners take it to the next level and create a unique approach to marketing. See the growth in your business you’ve been working so hard for by using time-proven marketing that works, fueled to go further by your shop's uniqueness.Copyright 2026 Kim and Brian Walker Economics Management Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • What It Really Takes to Become the Best Place to Work [E213]

    What It Really Takes to Become the Best Place to Work [E213]
    Jul 15 2026
    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledWinning the Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo Best Place to Work Award isn't something that happens by accident. It’s the result of years of intentionally building a culture where people want to come to work, grow, and succeed.In this conversation, Brian and Kim sit down with Matt Mevert of Mevert Automotive & Tire Center to unpack what it really takes to create an award-winning workplace. Matt shares the emotional story behind receiving the recognition, explains why culture has to be designed, not left to chance, and discusses the role core values play in hiring, leadership, accountability, and making difficult personnel decisions. The conversation also explores how great teams are built, why character matters more than technical ability, and how protecting your culture ultimately leads to a stronger business.If you're looking to build an auto repair shop where great employees want to stay and thrive, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Listen now and discover practical leadership lessons you can start applying in your shop today.Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction and Guest Welcome(00:00:10) Host Brian Walker introduces co-host Kim and guest Matt Mevert, owner of Mevert Automotive and Tire Center.Vision's "Best Place to Work" Award(00:01:20) Kim congratulates Matt on his shop winning the "Best Place to Work" award at Vision, nominated by his team.Matt's Reaction to Winning(00:03:42) Matt shares his emotional reaction to the award, realizing his team nominated him and the significance of the recognition.The Importance of Team Nomination(00:05:48) The hosts and Matt discuss how an award nominated by one's own team is the most meaningful form of recognition.Intentionally Designing Workplace Culture(00:08:38) Matt explains that a positive workplace culture doesn't happen by accident; it must be intentionally designed and cultivated.Developing and Implementing Core Values(00:10:13) Matt details the process of creating, refining, and integrating core values into the shop's daily operations and decision-making.The Hiring Process and Cultural Fit(00:16:45) The discussion shifts to the hiring process, focusing on finding candidates who are a good cultural fit beyond technical skills.Dealing with Toxic High-Performers(00:23:58) Matt shares his experience with a high-producing but toxic technician and the positive impact of their departure on team morale.Team Building Activities(00:29:54) Matt describes their twice-a-year team building events, like a lake day and a Christmas party, to foster bonding.Employee Appreciation and Recognition(00:32:16) Discussion on how the shop shows appreciation through birthday desserts, morning shout-outs, and a core values sticker reward system.Measuring Workplace Culture(00:35:21) Matt discusses the challenges of measuring culture and the importance of building trust so employees feel safe raising concerns.Leadership Advice: Rapid Fire Questions(00:43:26) Kim asks Matt a series of rapid-fire questions on leadership books, best advice, habits, and employee benefits.How To Get In TouchJoin The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on FacebookMeet The ProsFollow SMP on FacebookFollow SMP on InstagramLagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John MaxwellVision Hi-Tech Training & ExpoThanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledThis episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you.AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Why Customers Ghost You: 7 Reasons Great Customers Don’t Come Back [E212]

    Why Customers Ghost You: 7 Reasons Great Customers Don’t Come Back [E212]
    Jul 8 2026
    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledHave you ever looked at a customer who spent thousands with you, loved your shop, left great reviews... and then just disappeared? You know- that head-scratching moment. We’re going to unpack it for you today!Kim Walker explores the real reasons loyal customers disappear after what seemed like a great visit and shares seven practical insights to help auto repair shop owners create memorable experiences that keep clients coming back. From strengthening follow-up systems and building genuine relationships to creating emotional connections that extend beyond the repair, this episode challenges you to look at every customer touchpoint with fresh eyes. If you're ready to improve retention, increase customer loyalty, and become the first shop your clients think of when they need service again, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Listen now and discover how to stop customers from ghosting your shop and start building relationships that last.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 Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledThis episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you.AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • What Shop Owners Need to Know About Meta One [E211]

    What Shop Owners Need to Know About Meta One [E211]
    Jul 1 2026
    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledThis week, Caroline Legrand and Hallie Wasinger take over the mic to break down one of Meta's biggest changes for businesses in years: Meta One. They explain what this new subscription service is, how it differs from Meta Verified, and what it could mean for auto repair shop owners who rely on Facebook and Instagram for marketing. From enhanced account protection and advanced analytics to increased visibility and AI-powered features, they discuss which shops may benefit, which features are worth watching, and why being an early adopter could provide a competitive advantage. If you want to stay ahead of the constant changes in digital marketing and understand how these updates could impact your shop, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Listen now to learn whether Meta One deserves a place in your marketing strategy and how you can prepare before it rolls out in the United States.Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction to the Episode (00:00:09) Special host Caroline Legrand and co-host Hallie Wasinger introduce the topic: Meta One, the new paid subscription from Meta.Sponsor Messages (00:01:17) Advertisements for Shop Boss management software and App Fueled custom loyalty apps for auto repair shops are presented.Meta's New Paid Subscriptions (00:01:41) Discussion on Meta's new paid subscriptions, distinguishing them from Meta Verified and introducing the Meta One Essential and Advanced plans.Rollout and Pricing Tiers (00:02:52) Details on the six subscription tiers, pricing ranging from $2.99 to $49.99, and its current international rollout status.Why Pay for Meta Services? (00:04:25) The hosts discuss the value proposition of paying for Meta's services, framing it as a form of business insurance.Meta's Response to AI Search (00:06:34) Hallie explains that Meta One is a strategic response to the consumer shift from traditional search to AI-powered search.Meta Verified vs. Meta One (00:08:36) A clear distinction is made between Meta Verified (the blue checkmark) and the more comprehensive features offered by Meta One.Meta One Advanced Plan Features (00:10:43) A breakdown of the Meta One Advanced plan, including prominent placement in search, advanced analytics, and enhanced scheduling tools.Second Sponsor Segment (00:12:21) Additional sponsor messages from Shop Boss, highlighting its ROI dashboard and Boss Pay features, and from App Fueled.Clarifying Meta One's Benefits (00:14:24) The hosts clarify that Meta One offers increased visibility and deeper insights, rather than a direct increase in post reach.Impact on Content Scheduling (00:16:40) Discussion on how Meta One expands content scheduling capabilities, allowing users to schedule posts up to a year in advance.Meta One and Advertising Strategy (00:18:19) How advanced analytics from Meta One can inform organic content and ad strategies, though it doesn't directly impact ad costs.Advanced Protection and Content Credit (00:20:52) Details on the premium protection features, including direct human support and notifications when others use your original content on Facebook.Who Should Consider Meta One? (00:23:09) The hosts identify which types of shops would benefit most, emphasizing it as a trust signal for local businesses.The Future of Social Media Marketing (00:25:11) The hosts reflect on the evolving landscape of social media, encouraging early adoption of new tools to stay competitive.Final Recommendations and Outro (00:30:31) Final thoughts on the importance of being a top-tier shop and a thank you to the listeners and network.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)Meta One SubscriptionsChatGPTClaude AIThanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledThis episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you.AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to ...
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet