2026 Training Benchmarks Survey: Are you getting the training you need?

Inside a brand-new EV-specific shop: How EV Lab is an example for the future

Electric vehicles are becoming a bigger part of the automotive landscape, and with that growth comes a rising demand for specialized service and repair. In this episode, our own Hannah Ryder Ross visits EV Lab in Langley, BC—a dedicated electric and hybrid vehicle repair shop created by the team behind Precision Auto Service. We stopped by the shop with owner Scott Waddle for a tour of the new facility- and a conversation about the journey from adding EV capabilities to an established repair shop, to launching a standalone EV-focused business. Scott shares what drove the decision, the investments in training and equipment, the challenges of staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry, and practical advice for shop owners and technicians looking to enter the EV service space. With guest host Hannah Ryder Ross. Check out the materials mentioned in this episode:  Indie Garage Oct/Nov 2023, featuring Precision Auto [https://www.indiegarage.ca/indie-garage-issue-features-canadian-ev-strategy-leader/] Key Tips for EV Service Readiness in Your Shop [https://www.indiegarage.ca/from-threat-to-opportunity-key-tips-for-ev-service-readiness-in-your-shop/]

Using technology to enhance your personal service

In today's world, the use of technology has become a familiar part of our everyday to make our lives easier. However, in our historically face-to-face aftermarket industry, when it comes to adopting these new operations, even for convenience and business potential, there might be hesitancies around losing that closeness with your customers that our business is built on.  In this episode of The Great Canadian Aftermarket podcast, owner of RPM Training and regular contributor Murray Voth outlines the four key areas that technology can actually bring you closer to your customers and build your business.

2026 Training Benchmarks Survey: Are you getting the training you need?

Training is a top priority for automotive shops, but knowing what to teach, how to deliver it, and where to find the right resources remains a challenge. In this episode, host Andrew Ross speaks with Matt Shepanek, President of the Automotive Training Managers Council (ATMC), about the findings from the newly released 2026 Training Benchmarks Survey. Drawing on nearly 3,000 responses from across the automotive industry, Matt discusses barriers to training, emerging disconnects and opportunities to deliver more, and what the data reveals about the future of technician development.  A video edition of this podcast with the survey presentation is available on our Youtube Channel here [https://www.youtube.com/@indiegarage8498].

My Father's Wallet: Special Father's Day Episode

For this special Father's Day episode of the Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast, host Andrew Ross examines an artifact from one of his main inspirations for his life's path in the automotive industry- his late father. For many in this industry, the road to an automotive career are paved within a paternal line (although the maternal lineage is certainly strong for some as well!). Today, our host will be going down memory lane through his father's own wallet and the preserved possessions that give us a glimpse into his father's life and impact. From all of us at CHAT Integrated Media, Happy Father's Day weekend. Also on our YouTube channel [https://youtu.be/FchzeVmTMR0?si=oOXfYYkeh_mabUhB]

Shad's R&R Fundraiser: On the road to $10 million

As Shad's R&R Fundraiser 2026 is right around the corner, we're revisiting this episode from February 2026 with Shad's chair Charlie Grant.  Shad's R&R is a cornerstone of Canada's aftermarket as a fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy Research, attracting participation from across North America (and beyond) to its annual June event. Now, with a new chair in Charlie Grant, CEO of Grant Brothers Sales, it embarks on a new challenge as it looks forward to its 51st edition and sets its sights on a new goal for the future. For more informaition on how to get involved, visit ShadsRR.ca [https://shadsrr.ca/].