Jimmy Lea is Now a Certified Speaking Professional. How Does One Become a CSP?

Good News in Auto Repair - Lee Locklear Donates $20,000.00 Worth Of Tools To School

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE [https://hubs.la/Q02JgZ_f0] If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! [https://www.autotechiq.com/empower-your-customer] In this episode, Braxton is joined by Lee Locklear of Cutting Edge Solutions and Missy Stephens of the Auto Care Association. Missy recounts how a high school vocational instructor in Pontiac, Michigan, shared a need he had to better equip his growing class, especially with more female students enrolling. Lee responded with a substantial donation of tools and equipment, valued at around $20,000, helping to ensure students have what they need to succeed. Now, that's some GOOD NEWS! 00:00 Program Faces High Demand, Needs Tools 05:30 Grateful Colt Receives Surprise Aid 09:14 "Incredible Generosity Impacting Education" 13:23 "Community Impact Through Vocational Support" 16:37 Time: The Most Valuable Gift 20:25 "Join the Generosity Movement"

How Battery Technology Is Evolving for Modern Cars with Alan Kohler

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE [https://hubs.la/Q02JgZ_f0] If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! [https://www.autotechiq.com/empower-your-customer] In this episode, Braxton Critcher sits down with Alan Kohler from Odyssey Battery. Alan breaks down the differences between traditional flooded lead-acid batteries, AGM, and Odyssey’s advanced Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology. The conversation explores why today’s vehicles—with their increased electronics and start-stop systems—require more from their batteries, and how Odyssey batteries are designed to deliver longer life and improved performance. Plus, Alan introduces Odyssey Connect, an innovative app-based system that lets users monitor battery health in real time. Learn more about ODYSSEY Battery HERE [https://www.odysseybattery.com/] 00:00 Automotive Repair News Today Keeps You Informed 04:35 AGM2: Advanced Car Battery Tech 07:38 Enhanced Batteries for Start-Stop Cars 12:28 Repair Shops vs. DIY Enthusiasts 15:27 Optimizing Truck Battery Management 17:35 Quality Over Cost for Car Essentials

SEMA President Mike Spagnola on EV Mandates, Right to Repair, and California’s Automotive Laws

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE [https://hubs.la/Q02JgZ_f0] If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! [https://www.autotechiq.com/empower-your-customer] In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Mike Spagnola, President and CEO of SEMA. Mike offers an insider’s update on three major issues currently shaping the automotive industry. First, he shares the details behind SEMA’s victory in overturning California’s EV sales mandate, arguing for consumer choice and innovation in vehicle technology. Second, Mike breaks down the latest progress of "Leno’s Law," aimed at easing smog checks for California’s classic car owners. Finally, the discussion turns to the Right to Repair Act, with Mike emphasizing the importance of consumer access to vehicle data and repair options, and predicting what’s next for this critical legislation. Register for SEMA 2025 HERE [https://www.aapexshow.com/tools-training-innovation-at-aapex-2025/?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=aapex25_attendee_awareness&utm_content=sem&utm_term=automotive%20aftermarket%20show&utm_campaign=AAPEX25+%7C+Google+%7C+Branded+%7C+AAPEX25-0016&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=6887280141&hsa_cam=22515695006&hsa_grp=178414162305&hsa_ad=750522183242&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-625773427868&hsa_kw=automotive%20aftermarket%20show&hsa_mt=p&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22515695006&gbraid=0AAAAADCogxcpWgnVH60Dw71Mjp_eOZOD4&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjdTCBhCLARIsAEu8bpIi-aZugifJKnFrrP_Z_B3EwVyNLHt4SuRFPZeTGtiT6Wu0nFP_D5MaAl1TEALw_wcB] 00:00 Advocates for Consumer Vehicle Choice 04:22 Rushed Implementation Concerns 08:21 "Free Market Reshapes Automotive Industry" 12:42 Smog Testing Challenges for Vintage Cars 16:21 Right to Repair Act Update 17:27 "Right to Repair and Modify" 22:23 Advocacy for Upcoming Legislation Crescendo 26:09 "Ensuring Vehicle Modifications and Safety" 29:55 Fiat's Global Mobility and Tourism Division 31:20 Global Automotive Tech Innovations 35:25 Local Enthusiasts Influence Auto Show 37:43 Convenient Hotel Stay Despite Congestion 40:32 Pressure vs. Pleasure Conversation

TOPDON'S Industry-Wide Growth, and Chad Schnitz's Perspective on The Future of the Industry

In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Chad Schnitz, Vice President of TOPDON, and newly appointed board member of the Auto Care Association’s Tool and Equipment board. Chad shares his perspective on the importance of the Right to Repair and the ongoing need for equal access to information for all automotive professionals. He also discusses efforts to bring more young people and women into the industry, as well as TOPDON's mission to offer innovative, affordable diagnostic tools for technicians at every level. 00:00 "Tight-Knit Industry Connections" 03:15 Chad's Board Appointment News 07:44 Right to Repair Challenges 12:35 Supporting Women in Auto Care 16:18 Improving Technician Profession Perception 17:15 Oil Change Frequency Debate 21:37 "Join the Automotive Repair Conversation"

Jimmy Lea is Now a Certified Speaking Professional. How Does One Become a CSP?

In this episode, Braxton Critcher welcomes Jimmy Lea from the Institute for Automotive Business Excellence. Why? Because Jimmy actually did something newsworthy! Bout time! Jimmy is now, to our knowledge, the ONLY presenter in the automotive aftermarket certified as a Certified Speaking Professional. It was quite the journey to get here, though! Hear Jimmy walk us through the process and tell us why this is important for other speakers to try and get as well. 00:00 Jimmy's choice in suit coats 05:46 "Reapplying for CSP Certification" 08:11 Failed Speaker Review Video 11:08 Videographer Hire: Costs & Requirements 16:06 Speaker Recognition and Status 20:11 Becoming a Professional Speaker 21:01 Joining Speaking Associations Explained 25:58 Collaborative Industry Improvement Insights 28:35 "Shopmonkey Expert Series in Chicago"