A"Trust Is the First Step to Shop Growth" — Mike Kost | GGP #112

A"Trust Is the First Step to Shop Growth" — Mike Kost | GGP #112

Most shop owners don't struggle because they lack information. They struggle because they have too many priorities competing for their attention. In this Vendor Insights episode of the Garage Grit Podcast, Mike Kost shares why growth often starts with trust, accountability, and taking the next step rather than chasing perfect solutions.Mike works with independent auto repair shops through Transformers Institute, helping owners improve leadership, operational clarity, staffing, profitability, and long-term growth. Across hundreds of coaching conversations, he sees the same challenges repeatedly: owners wearing too many hats and lacking the time to work on the business itself.Many shops focus heavily on day-to-day operations while overlooking the systems, accountability, and decision-making frameworks needed to scale. Whether it's staffing, communication, technology adoption, customer retention, or multi-location growth, unclear priorities often create bottlenecks that limit progress.Mike explains why successful shops create clear roles, define expectations, embrace useful technology, and build stronger community relationships. He also discusses the role of coaching, accountability, AI, customer communication, branding, and leadership in helping shops move from reactive management toward intentional growth.If you're a shop owner, take time this week to evaluate where your attention is being spent. Are you working in the business or on it? Are your systems creating clarity or confusion? Small improvements in leadership, accountability, and customer trust can create significant long-term growth.Guests:Mike Kost — Transformers InstituteWhat You'll Learn• Why accountability drives business growth• How trust influences shop improvement• When owners should step out of daily operations• Why community involvement builds customer confidence• How technology supports operational consistency• What prevents shops from scaling effectively• Why clear roles improve team performance• How coaching creates leadership clarityTimestamps00:00 – Welcome & First Steps02:15 – Why Trust Matters05:02 – Building Shop Credibility08:46 – Overcoming Owner Resistance12:05 – Working On The Business15:42 – Defining Team Roles19:10 – Job Descriptions & KPIs23:18 – Estimating Process Changes27:05 – AI In Modern Shops31:18 – Coaching vs AI35:02 – Accountability Creates Growth39:20 – CRM & Customer Retention43:36 – Shop Software Evolution47:52 – Multi-Shop Readiness52:30 – Evaluating New Locations57:08 – Leadership & Culture01:01:15 – Branding & Customer Perception01:05:32 – Community Involvement01:09:42 – Long-Term Growth Lessons01:13:28 – Final TakeawaysGot questions? Comment or post in the FB group—vendors may respond.Subscribe for more Vendor Insights and shop owner stories.Want to be featured? Join the conversation in the group.https://addi.me/2026https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/next-steps.aspxhttps://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/grid-request.aspxhttps://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/request-a-call.aspxhttps://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/join-panel.aspxhttps://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/partnership.aspxhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopownershttps://www.youtube.com/@aashopmarketinghttps://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegritKeywordsEpisode MetadataEpisode: GGP #112Guest: Mike KostCompany: Transformers Institute

"I Can Teach Cars—I Can't Teach Showing Up" — Jarred Mason | GGP #111

Most independent repair shops focus on repairs, equipment, and staffing. Jarred Mason believes customer trust starts much earlier. In this Origin & Impact episode of the Garage Grit Podcast, Jarred shares how reputation, consistency, and customer confidence became the foundation of Mason Automotive's growth in Indiana.Jarred's story started long before opening his own shop. From working at Firestone and a GM dealership to learning firsthand how customers perceived rushed repairs and transactional service, he developed a different vision. He wanted customers to trust the name on the sign and know their vehicle would be cared for correctly.That vision was tested repeatedly. Flat-rate environments created pressure that impacted quality, customer experience, and even his health. After leaving the industry for industrial maintenance, Jarred found himself pulled back toward automotive repair. As demand grew from customers who trusted his work, he faced the challenge every shop owner knows: how do you grow without sacrificing what made customers trust you in the first place?The answer became intentional hiring, technician development, transparent communication, and a culture centered on quality over speed. Rather than chasing volume, Jarred focused on creating consistent customer experiences while building a team that shared the same values.If you're an independent shop owner trying to grow while protecting your reputation, this conversation offers practical insight into trust-building, hiring, customer perception, and creating a shop customers actively recommend.Guests:Jarred Mason — Mason Automotive (Bloomington, Indiana)What you’ll learn:• Why customer trust starts before repairs begin• Building reputation through consistency• Hiring for attitude over experience• Training technicians customers can trust• Why quality impacts customer retention• Turning shop culture into a growth advantage• Communicating value beyond price• Growing without sacrificing reputationTimestamps00:00 – Welcome to Garage Grit01:05 – Current shop operation04:10 – Building technicians internally08:00 – Apprenticeship and training strategy13:00 – ASE certifications and perception16:30 – Why flat rate creates problems22:00 – Learning the trade early27:00 – Choosing Firestone over UTI33:00 – Reaching limits at Firestone38:00 – Growth inside the dealership43:00 – Health challenges and stress47:00 – Looking beyond automotive52:00 – Industrial maintenance lessons58:00 – Returning to automotive01:03:00 – Launching Mason Automotive01:10:00 – Building customer trust01:16:00 – Training young technicians01:21:00 – Expanding the business01:29:00 – Growing without losing culture01:36:00 – Creating documented processes01:42:00 – Using AI and systems01:45:00 – Final lessons and visionCall-to-ActionsGot questions? Comment or post in the FB group—guests will chime in.Subscribe for more Origin & Impact shop owner stories.Want to be a guest? Share your story in the group.LinksStart Here: https://addi.me/2026Next Step Guide: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/next-steps.aspxGrid Request: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/grid-request.aspxRequest a Call: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/request-a-call.aspxJoin the Podcast Panel: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/join-panel.aspxPartnership Info: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/partnership.aspxGarage Grit Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopownersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aashopmarketingPodcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegritKeywordsauto repair marketing, shop trust signals, customer communication, reputation management, auto repair branding, local shop visibility, customer experience strategyEpisode MetadataEpisode: GGP #111Guest: Jarred MasonShop: Mason AutomotiveLocation: Bloomington, Indiana

"Yes, I Can Help You With That" — Salesmax Plus | GGP #110

Many shop owners invest heavily in training, technology, and marketing but still struggle to convert phone calls into long-term customer relationships. In this Vendor Insights episode, Brad Hurlock sits down with Dan Molloy to explore how communication shapes trust, influences customer decisions, and impacts shop growth long before a repair order is written.Dan works with automotive businesses to improve communication systems that help teams create stronger customer experiences. Throughout the conversation, he shares common patterns he sees in shops that limit growth opportunities and prevent teams from consistently delivering the experience owners want customers to remember.One of the biggest challenges facing the industry is the tendency to focus on transactions instead of relationships. When conversations revolve only around pricing, technical details, or immediate needs, shops often miss opportunities to build trust, create clarity, and strengthen long-term customer retention.Dan explains how communication frameworks can help shops become more intentional about customer interactions. By improving the way teams listen, respond, and set expectations, shops can create a more consistent experience that supports stronger relationships and more predictable growth.For shop owners, the takeaway is simple: evaluate how your team communicates with customers every day. Small improvements in consistency, clarity, and commitment can create meaningful changes in customer perception, team performance, and overall business results.Guests:Dan Molloy — Salesmax PlusWhat You'll Learn• Why communication drives customer trust• How shops lose opportunities on phone calls• The role of consistency in customer experience• Why relationships outperform transactions• How commitments influence customer decisions• Better ways to handle price shoppers• Creating clarity during customer interactions• Measuring communication effectivenessTimestamps00:00 – Welcome & Introduction02:05 – Why Communication Matters05:13 – Lessons From Performance07:06 – Chaos In Customer Service09:10 – Training For Consistency11:54 – The Language Of Commitment14:20 – Communication Standards16:48 – Building A Shared Vision19:00 – Understanding Declarations22:05 – Creating Future Commitments24:48 – Price Conversations27:12 – Listening With Intention30:00 – Managing Customer Interactions33:05 – Fear Of Commitment37:10 – Measuring Communication40:02 – Assertions & Trust44:15 – Creating Customer Openings49:08 – Shop Growth Through Trust55:20 – A Practical Communication Framework59:05 – Why Shops Need A Car Guy01:01:00 – Final TakeawaysGot questions? Comment or post in the FB group—vendors may respond.Subscribe for more Vendor Insights and shop owner stories.Want to be featured? Join the conversation in the group.https://addi.me/2026https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/next-steps.aspxhttps://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/grid-request.aspxhttps://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/request-a-call.aspxhttps://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/join-panel.aspxhttps://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/partnership.aspxhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopownershttps://www.youtube.com/@aashopmarketinghttps://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegritKeywordsauto repair marketing strategy, vendor insights auto repair, customer communication systems, shop growth strategy, auto repair customer experience, service advisor training, automotive customer trust, repair shop communication, auto repair leadership, shop management strategy, customer retention automotive, phone call conversion, service advisor performance, automotive business growth, customer relationship strategy, auto repair operations, shop owner education, automotive sales communication, repair shop leadershipEpisode MetadataEpisode: GGP #110Guest: Dan MolloyCompany: Salesmax Plus

"The Work Will Always Come—Finding Good Help Is the Problem" — Peter Khory | GGP #109

In a market dominated by technology companies, self-driving vehicles, and changing customer expectations, trust remains the most valuable asset an independent repair shop can build. In this Origin & Impact episode of the Garage Grit Podcast, Peter Khory shares how customer relationships, reputation, and consistency continue to drive growth in one of the most competitive regions in the country.Peter Khory took ownership of Deans Automotive in Mountain View, California, after purchasing the business in 2013. Located near Google's headquarters and surrounded by rapid technological change, Peter has spent more than a decade balancing old-school customer service with the realities of a modern automotive landscape.The biggest challenge hasn't been attracting work. The challenge has been finding and retaining qualified technicians while maintaining the level of service customers expect. Peter discusses how staffing shortages, changing workforce expectations, and evolving vehicle technology create growth ceilings for many independent shops.Rather than chasing volume, Peter focuses on building long-term customer trust through honest communication, quality repairs, and dependable service. From diagnostic challenges and California regulations to customer expectations and technician recruitment, he explains why relationships still matter more than ever.If you're an independent shop owner, this conversation offers practical insights on maintaining customer confidence, protecting your reputation, and navigating industry changes without losing sight of what built your business in the first place.Guests:Peter Khory — Deans Automotive (Mountain View, CA)What you'll learn:Why trust still drives customer decisionsBuilding loyalty through consistent communicationManaging reputation in a competitive marketCustomer expectations in a technology-driven regionHow staffing impacts customer experienceUsing diagnostics to improve customer confidenceBalancing growth with service qualityWhy relationships outperform price competitionTimestamps00:00 – Technology changing transportation02:15 – AI and customer interactions05:03 – The subscription economy discussion08:12 – Parenting and digital dependence11:20 – Customer communication preferences15:42 – Life without a service advisor18:30 – Technician shortages today21:05 – California smog regulations24:18 – Customer trust and compliance27:10 – Helping customers the right way30:22 – Repair authorization standards33:08 – Charging properly for diagnostics36:15 – OEM versus aftermarket parts39:24 – AI in vehicle diagnostics42:18 – Using Identifix effectively45:30 – Productivity and technician efficiency47:55 – Hiring challenges in California50:18 – Buying Deans Automotive53:40 – Business ownership realities57:05 – Building referral relationships01:00:12 – Growing without sacrificing quality01:03:40 – Why people still matter mostCall-to-ActionsGot questions? Comment or post in the FB group—guests will chime in.Subscribe for more Origin & Impact shop owner stories.Want to be a guest? Share your story in the group.LinksStart Here: https://addi.me/2026Next Step Guide: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/next-steps.aspxGrid Request: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/grid-request.aspxRequest a Call: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/request-a-call.aspxJoin the Podcast Panel: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/join-panel.aspxPartnership Info: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/partnership.aspxGarage Grit Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopownersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aashopmarketingPodcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegritEpisode MetadataEpisode: GGP #110Guest: Peter KhoryShop: Deans AutomotiveLocation: Mountain View, California

“Everything We Do Attracts a Customer” — Ryan Hoover | GGP #108

What makes customers trust one auto repair shop over another?In this episode of the Garage Grit Podcast, Ryan Hoover of North Shore Automotive shares how customer perception, branding, and consistency shape long-term growth. From painted buildings to communication systems and rental car experiences, Ryan explains why every customer touchpoint influences trust.Ryan breaks down how his shops evolved from simply fixing cars into building recognizable brands customers actively choose. He shares how clean facilities, polished communication, and intentional customer experiences helped separate his businesses from transactional competitors in the market.The conversation also explores the growing pains that come with expansion. Ryan discusses navigating city regulations, scaling multiple locations, improving customer retention, and learning that operational growth means very little if the customer experience doesn’t evolve alongside it.One of the biggest turning points came through peer groups and mentorship. Ryan explains how accountability from other successful shop owners changed the way he viewed customer communication, inspections, follow-up systems, and long-term brand positioning.If you own an independent repair shop, this episode offers practical insight into how trust is built long before a customer approves a repair order—and why perception may be one of the most overlooked growth tools in the industry.Guests:Ryan Hoover — North Shore Automotive (Washington)What you’ll learn:• Why customer perception starts before the repair• How clean shops improve trust signals• The hidden marketing power of facility upgrades• Why rental cars improved customer experience• How peer groups changed business direction• Why automation can weaken customer relationships• How follow-up systems impact retention• Why branding attracts better-fit customersTimestamps00:00 – Welcome to Garage Grit01:07 – North Shore Automotive growth02:20 – Expanding the facility05:58 – Long-term expansion vision07:27 – Leasing versus ownership10:13 – Lessons from early growth12:26 – Future acquisition strategy13:06 – Competitors vs collaborators14:28 – Attracting ideal customers15:25 – Customer convenience systems17:28 – Rental cars and trust20:49 – Protecting the customer experience23:25 – Branding across locations25:03 – Paint as marketing27:01 – Quality control process32:11 – Building inspection trust35:39 – Retention and follow-up43:39 – Customer appreciation systems47:12 – Automation vs relationships49:05 – AI and customer communication56:42 – Improving customer experience59:49 – Peer groups and accountabilityCall-to-ActionsGot questions? Comment or post in the FB group—guests will chime in.Subscribe for more Origin & Impact shop owner stories.Want to be a guest? Share your story in the group.LinksStart Here: https://addi.me/2026Next Step Guide: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/next-steps.aspxGrid Request: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/grid-request.aspxRequest a Call: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/request-a-call.aspxJoin the Podcast Panel: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/join-panel.aspxPartnership Info: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/partnership.aspxGarage Grit Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopownersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aashopmarketingPodcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegritKeywordsauto repair marketing, shop trust signals, customer communication, auto repair branding, local shop visibility, customer experience strategy, reputation management for repair shops, independent repair shop growth, shop owner podcast, repair shop retention, automotive customer trust, digital presence for repair shops, auto repair customer experience, Episode MetadataEpisode: GGP #108Guest: Ryan HooverShop: North Shore AutomotiveLocation: Washington