Confessions of a Shop Owner cover art

Confessions of a Shop Owner

Confessions of a Shop Owner

By: Mike Allen
Listen for free

About this listen

Confessions of a Shop Owner is hosted by Mike Allen, a third-generation shop owner, perpetual pot-stirrer, and brutally honest opinion sharer. In this weekly podcast, Mike shares his missteps so you don’t have to repeat them. Along the way, he chats with other industry personalities who’ve messed up, too, pulling back the curtain on the realities of running an independent auto repair shop. But this podcast isn’t just about Mike’s journey. It’s about confronting the divisive and questionable tactics many shop owners and managers use. Mike is here to stir the pot and address the painful truths while offering a way forward. Together, we’ll tackle the frustrations, shake things up, and help create a better future for the auto repair industry.© 2025 Mike Allen Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Bonus Ep - Free Diag is the Cause of America's Moral Decay
    Jul 10 2025

    Soooooo - a lot has been happening in the groups, and we just had to jump in to share our thoughts.

    00:00 "No Charge Diagnostics Debate"

    04:33 Pricing Double Standard in Auto Repair

    07:24 Free Diag vs. Paid Service

    13:06 Adapting to Market Needs

    15:48 "Embracing Different Approaches"

    17:05 Daily Automotive Diagnostics Insights

    20:19 "Key to Success: Service Strategy"

    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • Ep 36 - Jon Cabak and Josh Oberlander | Face-To-Face Sales SUCKS
    Jul 8 2025

    If you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch HERE for more on Turnkey Marketing.

    Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch HERE

    There are a lot of moving parts in a repair shop, opening the door to missing things. Don't let that happen to you. Learn more about Detect Auto


    Jon Cabak and Josh Oberlander founded the auto repair AI-driven tech company Detect Auto. Today, they talk with Mike about how in the world all this got started and share stories of what they've learned along the way. Even some things they've seen in shops around the country that SHOCKED them. Oh, and there could be a sponsor event happening at ASTA now? Stay tuned for more.

    00:00 "Breaking into Automotive Sales"

    06:05 Fans Are Nice in Repair Shops

    07:19 Automotive Shop Process Automation

    12:11 AI-Powered Customer Query Tool

    13:33 Streamlined Diagnostic Questionnaires for Technicians

    18:18 New Tool Enhances DVI Reports

    23:07 Overwhelmed and Exhausted from Events

    24:38 "Time to Host Our Events"

    29:25 Failed Camera System Project

    33:03 "Improving Shop Communication Methods"

    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Ep 35 - Josh Parnell | Poor Communication is KILLING Your Shop
    Jul 1 2025

    To learn more about how Tekmetric's software can change the future of your repair shop like it did for me, touch HERE

    Turnkey Marketing takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click HERE for more.

    Elite Worldwide will keep you accountable and show you the road to shop success. They are for me. Find out how HERE


    In this episode, Bryan and Mike are joined by Josh Parnell of Limitless Leadership. Josh says that poor communication in the repair shop takes about 18% of a shop's income annually. So, how do you stop this from happening? Josh says one-on-one meetings with staff are effective, along with simply being intentional with each member of the staff.

    Check out Josh's podcast Limitless Leadership HERE

    00:00 Spelling Is Difficult for Some People (Braxton)

    03:25 Four-Day Work Week Benefits

    06:58 Shift Schedule: 4 Weeks On, 1 Off

    12:50 From Corporate to Faith-Driven Entrepreneur

    13:37 Grateful for Industry Collaboration

    18:20 "2025 Business Communication Report"

    21:32 "Shifting Focus from Negatives"

    25:39 Streamlined Estimating Process

    29:38 "Value of Technicians' One-on-Ones"

    34:05 Managing Team Communication

    37:53 Coaching Process Overview

    39:28 "Limitless Leadership Blueprint Launch"

    45:19 Hiring Decision for Business Growth

    48:36 Vision for Limitless Leadership Hub

    50:11 Cooperative Facade, Fierce Competition

    53:41 "People-First Engagement Boosts Performance"


    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 3 mins

What listeners say about Confessions of a Shop Owner

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.