High Gear Podcast

Building Teams That Last: Inside the Leads Near Me Culture

In this episode, Ryan Burton opens up about how Leads Near Me has built a thriving team and culture that directly drives results for auto repair shops across North America. Ryan shares the company’s mission — “connecting great shops with great customers with the greatest of ease” — and then dives into how they make it happen: recruiting strategies, assessment tools, interviews with multiple team members, and an open-door culture that makes employees feel like owners. You’ll also hear: * Why hiring isn’t just about skills but about staying power and fit * How assessments like TestGorilla and Kolbe help filter candidates * The importance of employee ownership in language (“we” instead of “they”) * Why culture, care, and values lead to better service for customers This episode is perfect for business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs who want to learn how to attract, retain, and inspire a winning team.

From Dirt Floors to a Thriving Auto Empire: The Inspiring Journey of A1 Automotive’s Kendall Warnock

Join host Ryan Burton on the High Gear Podcast as he sits down with Kendall Warnock, owner of A1 Automotive in Lincoln, Nebraska. Kendall’s story begins on the dirt floors of a reservation shop and follows his journey to building a multimillion-dollar automotive business—all driven by an unwavering commitment to faith, family, and community. In this episode, Kendall shares the personal discipline strategies that keep him at peak performance, insights into creating an outstanding customer experience, and why giving back to the community is at the core of A1 Automotive’s success. From discussing the challenges of opening a second 12-bay location to highlighting the power of team vision boards, Kendall offers actionable tips and genuine inspiration for shop owners and entrepreneurs alike. Don’t miss this honest and heartfelt conversation on transforming obstacles into opportunities and building a business that truly serves people.

The Real Story on AI in Google Ads

In this episode of the High Gear Podcast Ryan Burton takes a deep dive into the intersection of artificial intelligence and Google Ads. As one of the leading voices in Google Ads for auto repair shops, Ryan shares invaluable insights on: • How Google’s long-standing AI capabilities have evolved over time • The current limitations of AI in managing campaigns, especially in industries like auto repair • Why human expertise remains crucial to ensure campaign success • How to avoid falling for AI-driven sales pitches that overpromise and underdeliver If you’re navigating the world of AI and digital marketing, this episode will help you separate the hype from reality and make better decisions for your business.

High Gear Conference 2024: Millionaire Maker - Marketing Cheat Sheet with Carrie Lynn Rodenberg

In this special episode of the High Gear Podcast, we bring you the audio from Carrie Lynn Rodenberg’s keynote session at the High Gear Conference 2024, held on November 15th. Carrie, the CEO and Founder of Turnkey Marketing, shares her expert insights in “Millionaire Maker: Marketing Cheat Sheet”, a session packed with strategies to help auto repair shop owners elevate their marketing efforts and drive growth. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How to apply marketing psychology to connect with customers and increase results • The importance of building a “marketing web” for consistent visibility • Practical steps to increase car count and revenue With over a decade of experience and $250 million in managed client revenue, Carrie’s advice is a game-changer for shop owners looking to thrive in today’s competitive market. Listen now and take your business to the next level.

High Gear Conference 2024 - Justin Rae: Using customer Data to Your Benefit

In this episode of the High Gear Podcast, we’re thrilled to feature Justin Rae, Founder and CEO of Cinch, as he takes the stage at the High Gear Conference 2024 in Atlanta. Tune in to hear Justin’s compelling insights on “Using Customer Data to Your Benefit.” Discover how to harness the power of data to elevate your customer relationships, streamline operations, and drive business growth. Justin dives deep into the future of AI and automation in the auto repair industry, explores predictive analytics, and shares practical strategies to turn data into a competitive advantage. Whether you’re looking to improve retention marketing, enrich customer interactions, or future-proof your shop, this episode is packed with value you won’t want to miss!