Changing The Industry Podcast

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In this episode, Austin joins the Changing The Industry Podcast to discuss his journey from dealership technician to shop owner in South Carolina. Austin shares the challenges of buying a shop as a young technician, including navigating the SBA loan acquisition process and building a reliable team after early hiring struggles. The conversation covers practical strategies for technician management and compensation, as well as the importance of professional bookkeeping and mentorship as a shop grows.

00:00 Navigating industry-exclusive groups
08:31 Hiring the first technician
13:09 Starting the podcast idea
20:25 Cost transparency with manufacturers
23:02 ETI's role in tool manufacturing
27:38 Managing car programming and updates
34:15 Car's auto-braking false alarms
39:15 Quick and safe control arm repair
44:53 Building a strong technician team
52:07 Technician attendance and bonus policy
55:11 Dealing with difficult coworkers
58:51 Growing with business mentors
01:05:03 Evaluating business coach effectiveness
01:12:50 Importance of clean financial records
01:14:53 Wanting a strict accountant

What is Changing The Industry Podcast?

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.