Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE

If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!

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"

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE

If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!

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

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

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE

If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!

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

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

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"

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"

In this episode, Braxton welcomes Ed and Brandi Caswell to talk about why and how they run their repair shop differently. Faith and generosity is some pretty crazy ways have become the foundation of their business culture, including their response to local disasters and support for employees’ personal growth. They even host a weekly men’s group at their shop and are launching scholarship programs, showing how small acts of service can transform both an auto repair business AND its surrounding community.

00:00 Positive Industry Podcast Initiative

05:09 Prayer and Opportunity in Adversity

08:40 "Journey from Teaching to Faith"

12:38 Faith and Support Acknowledged

13:55 Faith-Driven Business Transformation

18:24 "Brandy's Empathy in Crisis"

20:22 Empowering Growth Beyond Business

25:09 God's Impact in Business

27:21 "Industry Transformation: Faith-Driven Approach"

31:42 Divine Opportunities and Platforms

In this episode, Braxton Critcher shares the latest news from the automotive repair industry. He discusses a new tax bill passed by the House Ways and Means Committee that offers significant benefits to repair shops and small businesses, including a permanent 23% income deduction and relief on equipment investments. Braxton also highlights the unusual situation of one Brooklyn repair shop, which received hundreds of 311 complaints from a single individual over minor sidewalk infractions, prompting community support for the business. Finally, he spotlights Christian Brothers Automotive for being ranked number one in customer satisfaction by the J.D. Power Aftermarket Success Index for the sixth consecutive year.

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE

If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!

In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Tom Schearer to discuss the value and impact of attending automotive training events, with a special focus on the upcoming TOOLS Conference in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Tom addresses common concerns about the cost of training and emphasizes the strong return on investment for shop owners and technicians who attend. The conversation also highlights how ongoing education not only keeps teams up to date with rapidly changing technology but also strengthens shop culture and networking within the industry.

Sign up for TOOLS HERE

00:00 Role Play: Addressing Training Hesitations

05:45 Comprehensive Training Conference Overview

07:42 Training Benefits Outweigh Costs

13:27 Team Training and Staff Changes

16:37 Collision Classes & Networking Highlights

20:08 "Importance of Networking Events"

21:24 "Automotive Repair Podcast Promo"