The Institute’s Leading Edge Podcast
The Leading Edge is a show dedicated to providing Automotive Service and Repair Shop Owners a one-on-one with The Institute’s experienced consultants. Ask us questions regarding any aspect of your business and we’ll answer it during the show!
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Episodes
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
90 - Embracing Change for the Better, Thomas Sciortino - Total Automotive
February 6th, 2024 - 00:45:25
Show Summary:Jimmy Lea sits down with Thomas Sciortino of Total Automotive, discussing how Thomas's 38 years of industry experience have shaped his unique business strategies. They delve into Total Automotive's growth, their speciality in complex auto repairs, and how they've become a diagnostic and programming leader. Listeners will also get an insider's view of the shop's operational structure and the adaptability that's crucial in today's automotive industry. Tune in for this masterclass in sustaining and innovating a business in an ever-evolving field.
Host(s):
Jimmy Lea, VP of Business Development
Guest(s):
Thomas Sciortino , Owner of Total Automotive
Episode Highlights:(00:00:00) - Introduction of Thomas Sciortino and the legacy of Total Automotive.(00:02:45) - Discussion on the origins and evolution of Total Automotive's business model.(00:06:30) - Insights into the specialization in complex repairs and how it sets Total Automotive apart.(00:10:15) - The importance of staying ahead in diagnostics and programming within the automotive industry.(00:16:00) - Strategies for business growth and the significance of adaptability.(00:20:20) - The role of customer service and relationship management in business success.(00:25:00) - A deep dive into the operational strategies that ensure efficiency and productivity at Total Automotive.(00:31:30) - How Total Automotive handles training and education for their technicians.(00:37:50) - Thomas Sciortino's perspective on the future of automotive service and technology.(00:42:10) - Closing thoughts on maintaining a competitive edge in the automotive industry.
We want to hear from our listeners! After diving into Thomas Sciortino's journey and strategies for doubling business growth, what's one pivotal moment or strategy in your career that significantly impacted your success?
Share your insights and stories with us at info@wearetheinstitute.com, and your experience could be highlighted in a future episode.
Links & Resources:
Want to learn more? Click Here
Want a complimentary business health report? Click Here
See The Institute's events list: Click Here
Want access to our online classes? Click Here
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Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
89 - Eagle Scout Ownership, Jason Brennan - Fine Tune Auto Service
December 19th, 2023 - 01:00:25
Show Summary:
Host(s):
Jimmy Lea, VP of Business Development
Guest(s):
Jason Brennan, Owner of Fine Tune Auto Service
Episode Highlights:(00:00:00) - Opening: The pursuit of industry excellence.(00:01:00) - Evolving from technician to owner.(00:05:00) - Scaling up: From a modest start to multiple locations.(00:14:00) - Leveraging coaching for business transformation.(00:18:00) - The cost of delaying business education.(00:21:00) - Strategies for struggling shop owners.(00:30:00) - Team dynamics boosting revenue.(00:40:00) - Planning for business expansion and growth.(00:53:00) - Leadership lessons from scouting.(00:57:00) - The impact of mentorship and advice.
We want to hear from our listeners! After tuning in to Jason Brennan's story of growth and learning in the automotive business, what's one lesson you've learned from your own experiences that you wish you knew when you started?
Email us your stories at info@wearetheinstitute.com, and we might just feature them in an upcoming episode.
Links & Resources:
Want to learn more? Click Here
Want a complimentary business health report? Click Here
See The Institute's events list: Click Here
Want access to our online classes? Click Here
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Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
88 - The Diagnostic Journey: Tools, Technology, and Teamwork with Justin Kidd & Eric Edberg, iSCAN by Autoland
May, 2023 - 00:52:27
Show Summary:This episode of "Leading Edge" brings into focus the ever-evolving landscape of automotive diagnostics, with insights from industry experts Justin Kidd and Eric Edberg of iScan by Autoland. Kent Bullard orchestrates a deep dive into the complexities of modern automotive technology, from the intricacies of high-pressure systems to the burgeoning domain of electric vehicles (EVs). The discussion pivots around the critical importance of ongoing education and the implementation of support on demand, painting a picture of an industry at a technological and methodological crossroads. As the conversation steers towards the horizons of automotive service, listeners gain an understanding of not only where the industry is headed but also how to equip themselves for the journey ahead. A narrative of change, challenge, and opportunity unfolds, emphasizing the role of strategic adaptation and the power of a well-informed team. For anyone passionate about cars or curious about the gears that drive the automotive service industry forward, this episode stands as an essential tuning point.
Host(s):
Kent Bullard, COO & Partner - The Institute
Guest(s):
Eric Edberg, Director of Business Development - iSCAN by Autoland
Justin Kidd, iSCAN by Autoland
Episode Highlights:(00:00:00) - Opening remarks on the importance of education in automotive success.(00:01:00) - The critical nature of safety in working with new automotive technologies.(00:05:00) - The urgency of adapting to electric vehicle (EV) technology in the industry.(00:14:00) - The value of technical training and resource accessibility for technicians.(00:18:00) - How the evolution of the industry affects technician competency and shop operations.(00:21:00) - Insights into the partnership between the Institute and iScan and its benefits for technical training.(00:30:00) - The financial impact of service and the importance of understanding business operations.(00:40:00) - A personal anecdote emphasizing the importance of charging adequately for services.(00:53:00) - A discussion on the future-focused strategy for automotive businesses.
After engaging with the forward-thinking dialogue between Kent Bullard and the iScan experts, we invite you to reflect on the advancements in automotive technology. What are the lessons from your professional experience that resonate with the transformative trends discussed in this episode?
Share your insights with us at info@wearetheinstitute.com for a chance to be featured in future discussions.
Links & Resources:
See about attending the next ITTC! Click Here
Want to learn more? Click Here
Want a complimentary business health report? Click Here
See The Institute's Events List: Click Here
Want access to our online classes? Click Here
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Wednesday Jan 26, 2022
Wednesday Jan 26, 2022
On Episode 87, Cecil and Kent are joined by two other father and child duos: Mike Pasman from Alberta Asian Motorworks and Jerry Pasman from Alberta European Motorworks, alongside Jim Paiva and Carly Paiva from Elite Auto Repair, Inc.
They discuss what it's like to work with family in the auto repair industry; the pros, the cons, and tips for making sure working together continues to strengthen their relationships.
Check out more content from The Institute at wearetheinstitute.com
Or head to facebook.com/iforabe to watch the live recordings of each podcast episode.
Have something to say or want to see your automotive business featured on The Leading Edge? Email us at info@wearetheinstitute.com with your topic ideas and why you'd be a good fit for a panelist!
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
Episode 86 is The Institute's annual Holiday Update. Join Cecil and Kent as they talk about what happened in 2021 (the good, the bad, all of it) and what plans we have for 2022.
Check out more content from The Institute at wearetheinstitute.com
Or head to facebook.com/iforabe to watch the live recordings of each podcast episode.
Have something to say or want to see your automotive business featured on The Leading Edge? Email us at info@wearetheinstitute.com with your topic ideas and why you'd be a good fit for a panelist!
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
On Episode 85 of our Leading Edge Podcast, Cecil and Kent are joined by Bri Cole from Elite Auto Repair, Inc and Julia Matt of Victory Auto Service & Glass to discuss culture. They cover what makes a good culture vs a bad culture, how to foster a better culture for your shop, and - most importantly - how to maintain that culture of gratitude after the holidays.
Check out more content from The Institute at wearetheinstitute.com
Or head to facebook.com/iforabe to watch the live recordings of each podcast episode.
Have something to say or want to see your automotive business featured on The Leading Edge? Email us at info@wearetheinstitute.com with your topic ideas and why you'd be a good fit for a panelist!
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
Tuesday Dec 28, 2021
For episode 84, Kent and Cecil are joined by Hunt Demarest of Paar, Melis & Associates and Keith Brown of Tire World Utah. They discuss how inflation is affecting the automotive repair industry, how shops are handling the changes, and what your business can expect.
Check out more content from The Institute at wearetheinstitute.com
Or head to facebook.com/iforabe to watch the live recordings of each podcast episode.
Have something to say or want to see your automotive business featured on The Leading Edge? Email us at info@wearetheinstitute.com with your topic ideas and why you'd be a good fit for a panelist!
Wednesday Oct 27, 2021
Wednesday Oct 27, 2021
For episode 83, Kent and Cecil are joined by Tom Lambert of Shadetree Automotive and A B Hadley, Inc., Seth Thorson of multiple Eurotech Auto Service locations, and Brian Bates of multiple Eagle Automotive Service locations. They discuss everything you need to know about MSOs, including how to recognize when you're ready to grow, what makes it easier to run multiple operations, and more.
Check out more content from The Institute at wearetheinstitute.com
Or head to facebook.com/iforabe to watch the live recordings of each podcast episode.
Have something to say or want to see your automotive business featured on The Leading Edge? Email us at info@wearetheinstitute.com with your topic ideas and why you'd be a good fit for a panelist!
Wednesday Oct 27, 2021
Wednesday Oct 27, 2021
For episode 82, Cecil interviews Richard Toral with Business Group Resources about R&D credits. Find out what your small business could be missing out on and let us know if you have questions.
Check out more content from The Institute at wearetheinstitute.com
Or head to facebook.com/iforabe to watch the live recordings of each podcast episode.
Have something to say or want to see your automotive business featured on The Leading Edge? Email us at info@wearetheinstitute.com with your topic ideas and why you'd be a good fit for a panelist!
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
For episode 81, Cecil talks about how payment methods are changing in ways that benefit both the customer and the shop. He's joined by Todd Westerlund of Facepay, Bill Adams of Adams Autoworx, and BJ Lee of Mission Auto Care. Tune in and get your questions about alternate payment methods answered now!
Check out more content from The Institute at wearetheinstitute.com
Or head to facebook.com/iforabe to watch the live recordings of each podcast episode.
Have something to say or want to see your automotive business featured on The Leading Edge? Email us at info@wearetheinstitute.com with your topic ideas and why you'd be a good fit for a panelist!