In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Chris Cotton from Autofix Auto Shop Coaching. Chris tackles the hotly debated issue of technician shortages in the automotive industry. He argues that there isn't a shortage of technicians but rather a shortage of "good shops" where technicians want to work. Chris draws insights from a survey he conduc…

In this episode, Braxton reports that AAA projects a record number of travelers this Independence Day, leading to a potential influx of customers in repair shops in mid-July. Lucas Underwood provides an update on the ASTA Expo’s growth and relocation plans for 2025, highlighting the event's rapid expansion. Additionally, Braxton discusses the signi…

In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Justin Allen from Hunter Engineering Company. Justin emphasizes the urgent need for ongoing training in the automotive repair industry due to rapidly evolving vehicle technology. He introduces Hunter University, an innovative online learning platform designed to provide accessible training for technici…

In this episode, Braxton Critcher covers the launch of Hunter University, an online learning management system, emphasizing its potential to provide certified training to technicians individually. Braxton reports on the automotive aftermarket sector's resilience, noting an 8.6% growth in sales despite persistent inflation in 2023. Additionally, the…

In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Mark Pons from Chapel Hill Tire and industry veteran Randy O'Connor. Mark discusses the implications of Michelin's Minimum Advertised Price program and how Costco's free install promotion is affecting independent tire shops. Randy highlights the long-term effects on consumer safety and the professional…

In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Jonathan Tangye, the Mechanical Director of MACA. Jonathan highlights the potential impact of Pennsylvania's proposed increase in registration fees for electric vehicles to offset declining gas tax revenues. He emphasizes the need for balanced taxation across all vehicle types to maintain infrastructur…

Will Pennsylvania join the list of states that charge an electric vehicle fee to offset lost gas tax revenue? Braxton Critcher highlights that and the legal risks Minnesota dealerships face when showing copyrighted content without proper licensing. Virginia's decision to reverse its stance on California's emission standards, opting for federal guid…

In this episode, Braxton Critcher and Lisa Foshee, from the Auto Care Association, discuss the importance of Right to Repair. Lisa provides a detailed update on HR 906, the Repair Act, highlighting its bipartisan support and its importance for both consumers and independent repair shops. Lisa also covers the potential limitations on consumers' repa…

In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Randy O'Connor, Marc Pons, and Lisa Foshee to discuss the latest developments in the automotive repair industry. Randy shares concerns about how tire manufacturers favoring big box stores over independent repair shops could impact the market. Marc highlights the potential devaluation of tire installati…

In this episode of Automotive Repair News Today, Braxton Critcher and Justin Allen from Hunter Engineering Company. Justin highlights the importance of staying updated with WinAlign reports, emphasizing the need for recalibrating advanced driver assist systems. He discusses how the technology in vehicles is evolving rapidly, impacting driving habit…

In this episode of Automotive Repair News Today, Braxton Critcher interviews Margaret Light, a licensed marriage and family therapist with experience in mental health in the automotive repair industry. Margaret highlights the growing awareness of mental health issues in the field and emphasizes the importance of self-care. She discusses the interse…

In this episode, Braxton Critcher discusses key developments in the automotive repair industry. First, he highlights the record average age of cars in the US, signaling a growing market for repair services. Also, hear about a legal case involving two men charged with violating the Clean Air Act through tampering with pollution control software in d…

In this episode, Braxton Critcher talks with Ann Wilson and Paul McCarthy from MEMA about the US government granting $100 million to aftermarket suppliers. Three key points discussed include the importance of consistent funding over time for small suppliers to keep up with the transition to EVs, the necessity for aftermarket repair shops to engage …

In this episode, Ann Wilson and Paul McCarthy from the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association talk about the impact of a recent $100 million government investment on the EV parts sector and the importance of industry readiness. Justin Allen from Hunter Engineering delves into the significance of the latest WinAlign software update for alignm…

Today, Braxton highlights the introduction of electric vehicle (EV) technology courses at Brookdale Community College in New Jersey, supported by a generous grant from the National Science Foundation. You'll also hear an overview of a new survey on diesel technicians that reveals pressing concerns and demographics within the industry. How did your …

In this episode, Braxton Critcher welcomes Lucas Underwood to discuss the implications of mandatory automatic emergency braking systems by 2029. Lucas shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities this new regulation may bring for repair shops, emphasizing the need for technological adaptation and advanced training for technicians. Additi…

In this episode, hear the latest news from the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration and a mandate for automatic emergency braking in all passenger and light vehicles. Additionally, you'll hear insights from a Lang Marketing survey on consumer preferences between dealers and independent repair shops, noting a competitive narrowing in perce…

In this episode, Braxton talks with Brian Plott from the Equipment and Tools Institute (ETI). Brian shares exciting news about ETI's expansion into the global market, specifically their plans to establish a presence in Europe. He discusses the long-range planning that preceded this decision and the strategic moves ETI made to align with its board's…

In this episode, hear the latest developments in the automotive repair industry, focusing on several innovative technologies and industry trends. Brian Plott from ETI shares insights into the expansion of ETI into Europe, replicating their successful American model to engage with new members and OEMs overseas. Auto makers are pushing for advancemen…

In the latest episode of Automotive Repair News Today, Braxton Critcher delves into the current state of soaring vehicle repair and maintenance costs, highlighting a significant 12% surge over the past year. Mark Bogdansky shares exciting advancements for this year's APPEX trade show, including a wide array of new trainers and a fully functional 10…

In this episode, Braxton Critcher covers the decline of traditional repair shops in the face of a DIY surge, a point underscored by guest Chris Messer. Furthermore, the episode explores the NHTSA's initiative to potentially save lives through new technology that prevents drunk driving, a measure that could see widespread implementation by 2027. Las…

On this episode, Braxton Critcher explores pressing issues within the automotive industry. Guest Tara Topel addresses the glaring disparity in gender representation, noting the mere 2% of women employed as technicians despite making up over half of the U.S. population. Topel emphasizes the need for hiring based on skill and qualifications rather th…

On today's show: More and more automotive technicians want to leave the industry! Hear why. EV shows a nearly 30% decline in value during the first quarter of 2024. Hear from Lisa Coyle and Carolyn Coquillette about Vehlo's acquisition of Shop-Ware. Missouri bill that would require shops to verify vehicle registration before conducting repairs. And…

In this episode, Braxton Critcher covers updates from the automotive industry. The show starts with the US Senate Committee's hearing on youth apprenticeship programs and the potential impact on addressing the need for automotive technicians, especially in the era of electric vehicles. The podcast also highlights restructuring in the AAPEX event to…

In this episode, host Braxton Critcher is joined by guests Donny Seyfer and Jake Benson to discuss significant developments in the automotive repair industry. The podcast highlights the efforts of NASTF, ETI, and law enforcement to tackle the issue of aftermarket scan tool theft, emphasizing the need for increased security measures. Additionally, y…

In this episode, Braxton Critcher gives you the news you need to know this week in the Automotive Repair Industry. Mike Allen and Reece Hester from the Automotive Service and Tire Alliance (ASTA) share about the energetic and dynamic new board and emphasize the potential dangers of switching from yearly to biennial vehicle inspections, highlighting…

Paintless repair always gets good reviews. Touch up does not. Is there something we are doing to cause problems for our customers? What can you do to protect your business? SHOWNOTES

Cold feet

By the time the storm was over and they fixed all the cars, Jim and his partner lost $25,000. Each. The worst part? It didn't have to happen. Jim even saw it coming. At one point, he suggested the body shop should sign the invoices on all the cars. “Oh no, Dusty always pays.” Only this time, Dusty didn’t pay. Why did Jim Sullivan tell us this story…

Customers are the lifeblood of your paintless business. Would you trust your interactions with them to artificial intelligence? Only if you were certain it would result in a better experience for them. Have we reached the point in tech advancements to allow for this? Yes, we think so. Listen to see how we are implementing a better start to the pdr …

Your dad liked them. You liked them. Now your kids like them and they are telling all their friends. Something which appeals to three generations or more, this is what we call timeless. Baseball? Yeah, but its really a pastime. We’re talking about things which seem temporary, like popular music. Music is popular for a small window of time, then it …

Robo calls. Always an interruption when you’re in the middle of a dent repair. Every call starts with a lie, too. “You’re listing is not correct…” or some such nonsense. But there really is a way for a well meaning person, or worse an evil competitor to alter your listing. If you’re not careful, you may not even know about it for a time. Also, year…

You sell dent repair services. This customer has a dent. Naturally, you start selling your dent repair service. Oops you missed it. Fixing the dent is only one of the things they want (and its the last they want to talk about). Listen to uncover the six things your customer really wants. Then check out the shownotes for the list which will help you…

If you’re like every PDR tech who ever pushed a dent, you love new tools. We love seeing the new stuff too, even when its just for using around the office. Over the years, we’ve found some apps or software which makes life easier. Listen to the tools we use in the dent repair office. SHOWNOTES You're going to want to click above, lots of links to t…

They say every idea worth spreading starts on the West Coast of the USA. Not this time. PDR started two different places at the same time. Neither of them have a zip code starting with 9. Listen to how paintless began according to all the mostly true stories we’ve heard through the years. Also, why the changes coming in PDR will totally catch you o…

Ninety days from starting. All the time needed for you to realize running a PDR business is not as great as you thought it might be. You get more deductions, but also find you pay higher personal taxes. The competition are fools and are ruining the business with unsustainable pricing. The state government is threatening to pass a law which will tak…

Imagine coughing up money for a new car only to find it has hail damage on it. The underhanded way the dealer treated this customer would make Bernie Madoff blush. Herein lies the reason for becoming more than just a metal pusher. Consumer education builds trust.Trust builds sales. The stories you hear and experience can become public service annou…

Want to make more money in your PDR business? Raise your prices. Easy for you to say, friend. We are first to admit, charging more is scary. At first. When you hear what happened to us in this episode, you’ll see why it gets easier. Listen for a real example of a low price scaring a customer right into our shop. How to get to the most important thi…

The best thing you can do for your PDR business website is make it google, or search engine friendly. Once your site is fixed up, the next best thing is to build links coming in to it. Google counts these as votes for your content and give you authority in the form of better placement in the listing. Local businesses can be easy to build links to i…

Your customers are smart, that’s how they wound up in your shop or on the phone with you. From you they need guidance, but what’s the best way to give it? Come right out and tell them what to do? Might work sometimes. Better if you help them in a way which makes them feel as if it was their own discovery. What follows will be their own decision. Fo…

Have an idea for a PDR Light? Great! Please share it with the world. Better yet, build it, sell it and make lots of money. No really you should. But tread carefully, for it appears paintless dent repair tool innovation has sunk to the level of litigation. Could you be sued for your innovative idea? Maybe. At the least, you can expect a cease and de…

“You charge too much!” Those words ring in your mind for a long time. Even days later, you realize what bothers you most is your reaction. What you replied in the heat of the moment. If you ever wished you could go back and change something, then you know the power of negative prep. The time to work these things out is before they happen. Once the …

What ya gonna do on this dent? Push it, pull it, knock it down. Look again. How about now? Explore with us a simple approach for paintless dent repair. See why and how the best use it daily and some don’t even know they’re using it. This is how all the methods of dent removal come together for you to make faster, easier repairs. Once you see it, yo…

Fixing a dent without painting is solving lots of tiny problems. Running a paintless shop means solving bigger problems. An unauthorized, unskilled broker comes to town. A competitor stealing “your” account. Someone makes a false statement about PDR on the internet. Must you tackle these head on? Someone needs to do something. The temptation is the…

Your side gig. Your hobbies. Bet you have one or both. When you study these and compare to the paintless dent business, do you notice the similarities in their behaviors? The things which make a group turn on itself are not really unique to PDR. Other niches make this painfully clear: the same attitudes and strange views exist everywhere you look. …

Ever price a hail damage car too low or take on one too severe to fix properly? Travis Daniels faced this very thing in his paintless business. “I’ll give you all my dent work if you fix this one car”. Listen to his story and what he learned from it. Also, we talk about some ways to change his website to optimize for his local market. make your cus…

On August 6 a tornado damaged many buildings near our paintless dent shop. The shop we left a few weeks before is a quarter mile away. It still stands, but is not safe to be in, much less to do business out of. Some have said, “You must be living right,” or “just good clean living!” Is this how it really works? Did our old neighbors lose their loca…

Used car work is the low hanging fruit of any reconditioning business. PDR, detailing, touchup, just a snippet of what gets done to a used car. Get some dealers, build your confidence in dent repair, yes. What are the perils of doing so? Can where you start also be the end of your paintless business growth? Uncover these dangers: the tainted referr…

Everything is going up in price, you know this. You also know prices need to go up for your PDR services. You might also know its the easiest way to increase profits, just charge more. But will you start to lose dent customers? What about the wholesale customers who see your prices be one level every week, then suddenly go up? What is the best stra…

Lots of work, lots of techs to do it. Some enterprising fellow sees a chance to put himself between it all and make some easy money. Broker is a 4 letter word in most PDR circles and sometimes with good reason. But is there a way to stop it, or at least minimize their impact on your market? Tools we use: We picked up a Woyo induction hotbox dent pu…