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"

In this episode, Braxton Critcher covers several major developments in the automotive industry. He updates listeners on the movement to overturn California’s Clean Air Act, highlighting bipartisan support and implications for gas-powered vehicles. Braxton also discusses the recent recall of nearly 300,000 Ford vehicles due to faulty backup cameras, emphasizing which models are affected and how customers can get repairs. Finally, he shares a positive story from Connecticut, where funds raised through a local car show are helping cover auto repairs for residents in need.

00:00 SEMA Push Against 2035 Gas Ban

04:19 Auto Industry's Tariff Concerns

08:53 "Car Enthusiast Hosts Charity Show"

10:18 Connecticut Repair Initiative Story Preview

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 Ryan McKinnon from the Charge Ahead Partnership to break down the recent end of the NEVI program under the Trump administration. Ryan highlights why the program, despite being well designed to leverage existing businesses for EV charging infrastructure, ultimately stumbled due to poor implementation by many states. The conversation also explores Florida’s unique approach to EV charging and the push for free market solutions over utility-run charging stations, emphasizing the importance of policies that encourage private investment in the evolving EV marketplace.

00:00 "Criticism of Ineffective EV Initiative"

05:06 Transportation Grants Continue Amid Program Halt

10:14 EV Charging Competition in Florida

12:42 State Attitudes on Federal EV Funding

15:47 Utility Control Over EV Charging

20:49 Ineffective Public Charger Deployment

23:43 EV Charging Policy Advocacy Platform

27:00 "Engage with Automotive Repair News"

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 Bret Fadley to dive into the growth and unique culture of the TOOLS training event in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Bret shares how TOOLS has evolved from a struggling show to a regional cornerstone, emphasizing its focus on networking, training, and creating a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of other major industry events like ASTA. They also discuss the fun community traditions—like the “jacket exchange”—and the family-friendly experience attendees can expect at this year’s TOOLS, making it a must-attend for shop owners, technicians, and their teams in the Northeast.

00:00 Annoying Flashing Table Lights

04:47 Rebranding Revived Struggling Show

09:35 Event Schedule: Training & Trade Show

12:50 Networking: Key to Training Events

13:49 "Step Outside Your Comfort Zone"

19:57 Weekend Event Schedule Highlights

23:47 "Excited for New Location Expansion"

25:29 Delayed Registration for Event

27:39 "Event Planning Date Dilemma"

31:43 "Engage & Improve Industry Together"

In this episode, Braxton starts with a confession. Evidently, keeping good care of tires is not his strong suit. He then talks about legislative updates on the REPAIR Act (HR 1566) and the latest advocacy efforts in California, along with details on SEMA and AAPEX registration for this year’s Las Vegas events. Plus, Braxton highlights California's new Cool Air Rebate Program for vehicle A/C repair and introduces an AI-driven sales coaching platform for repair shops.

00:00 Automotive Repair News Podcast

03:23 Tire Maintenance and Podcast Evolution

08:48 Cool Air Rebate Launching May

10:27 "AIX for Auto Repair Shops"

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, you'll get to meet Tekmetric's new COO! Lauren Langston shares her journey from a software-focused background to joining the automotive industry, emphasizing her desire to deliver better technology tailored to the auto repair industry. Braxton and Lauren also get into the trust gap between consumers and auto repair shops, highlighting how transparency and the right technology can help bridge that divide.

00:00 Vertical SaaS in Professional Services

04:02 Consumer Distrust in Auto Repair

09:13 Enhancing Customer Trust Through Tech

12:06 Tekmetric's Brand and Founder Impact

14:59 Managing Tech Change in Business

20:19 "Founders Drive Continuous Innovation"

21:10 Tekmetric's Next-Level Customer Focus

24:25 "Aligning Customer Needs with Offerings"

27:47 Auto Industry's Vast Opportunities

31:46 Building Tech with Industry Experts

In this episode, Braxton Critcher covers some of the most pressing developments in the automotive repair industry. He highlights SEMA’s recent appeal to President Trump for a transition period before new tariffs impact US automotive parts manufacturers. Braxton also discusses controversial bills in Missouri that could exempt many newer vehicles from safety inspections. Finally, he covers Hyundai’s adjustments to their Assurance Program in response to looming auto tariffs. All that an more on today's episode!

00:00 Manufacturers Seek Tariff Transition Period

03:51 Missouri Vehicle Inspection Debate

08:15 SEMA Registration Opens Next Week