Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

Standing in line for hours at Disney might not sound like it has anything to do with running an auto repair shop but Brian Walker draws a straight line between the two. In this episode, he shares how paying to fast track your experiences, whether it’s in business, life, or even theme parks, can be the smartest investment you make. With real talk from his own business journey and the hard lessons he learned over the years, Brian lays out how mentorship, coaching, and strategic outsourcing can shave years off your learning curve and put you on the express track to success.

If you’re tired of figuring everything out the hard way, this one’s for you.

Hit play and let’s talk about skipping the line in business and in life.

Show Notes with Timestamps

1. Introduction and Sponsor Thanks (00:00:09) Brian introduces the episode, thanks sponsors, and sets up the topic of "fast tracking" in life.
2. Disney Line Story & The Illusion of Shortcuts (00:01:10) Brian shares his pastor's story about long Disney lines and the reality behind seemingly short waits.
3. Brian’s Disney VIP Experience (00:03:19) Brian describes his own Disney VIP experience, using it as an analogy for fast tracking success.
4. The Value of Paying for Mentorship and Coaching (00:04:37) Brian discusses how paying for expert guidance accelerates learning and business growth.
5. Learning the Hard Way vs. Fast Tracking (00:05:46) Brian reflects on his agency’s slow progress before joining specialized coaching programs.
6. Realizing the Benefits of Coaching Programs (00:06:46) Brian realizes he could have saved years by joining a coaching program earlier.
7. Sponsor Messages (00:07:30) Sponsor ads for Shop Boss and App Fueled, highlighting their business solutions.
8. Condensing Years of Learning into a Day (00:09:05) Brian explains how coaching programs now teach in a day what took him years to learn.
9. Paying for Services to Buy Back Time (00:10:12) Brian encourages business owners to delegate tasks to professionals to save time and focus on strengths.
10. Challenging the “Do It Yourself” Mentality (00:11:17) Brian questions the belief that you should never pay for something you can do yourself.
11. The Value of Buying Back Your Time (00:12:34) Brian advocates for paying others to free up time for more valuable or enjoyable activities.
12. Encouragement to Invest in Fast Tracking (00:13:52) Brian urges listeners to invest in mentorship or services to accelerate progress and stay in their zone of genius.
13. Final Thoughts and Disney Analogy (00:14:58) Brian wraps up, encouraging listeners to pay for better experiences in life, using Disney VIP as an example.

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

California auto repair shop owners, there’s a new regulation that almost flew under the radar, and if you're doing any kind of digital advertising, you’ll want to hit play on this one.

In this episode, Brian Walker sits down with Dave Kusa, president of ASCCA, to break down recent changes from the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) that affect how you advertise your shop, especially when it comes to your phone number and license info. Spoiler: that tracking number you’ve been using to measure ad performance? It’s not necessarily a problem... but there are some key things you need to know to stay compliant and avoid issues down the line.

They also talk about how this regulation came about, what ASCCA did to advocate for shop owners, and what to expect moving forward. Plus, if you’ve ever wondered why joining an association like ASCCA really matters, this is a perfect example of how that involvement pays off.

If you're marketing a shop in California, or just want to stay ahead of the curve, this is one you can’t afford to miss. Listen now and keep your shop out of trouble.

Show Notes with Timestamps

1. Podcast Network Introduction (00:00:00) Brief announcement of the Automotive Repair Podcast Network.
2. Episode Introduction & Sponsors (00:00:10) Host Brian Walker introduces the episode, guest Dave Kusa, and thanks sponsors Shop Boss and App Fueled.
3. Guest Introduction & ASCCA Overview (00:01:01) Dave Kusa introduces himself, his shop, and his role as ASCCA president and Government Affairs Committee chair.
4. ASCCA’s Role in Regulatory Issues (00:02:18) Discussion of ASCCA’s involvement with the BAR advisory group and regulatory processes.
5. Background on New BAR Advertising Rules (00:03:41) Explanation of how the new BAR advertising rules, especially phone number requirements, came to ASCCA’s attention.
6. Origin of Mobile Auto Repair Regulations (00:04:36) Details on how mobile repair regulations led to broader advertising requirements for all shops.
7. Tracking Numbers & Industry Response (00:06:23) Concerns about tracking numbers, ASCCA’s advocacy, and BAR’s clarification on acceptable phone number practices.
8. Current Compliance Recommendations (00:08:06) Advice on displaying registered phone numbers and ARD license on websites and digital marketing.
9. Unresolved Issues & Awaiting Written Guidance (00:09:00) Pending clarity on Google My Business, Facebook, and the need for written BAR guidance.
10. Best Practices & Consumer Protection (00:09:49) Benefits of displaying ARD numbers for legitimacy and consumer verification.
11. Sponsor Messages (00:10:11) Promotional messages for Shop Boss and App Fueled.
12. BAR’s Enforcement Approach & Dynamic Number Insertion (00:12:03) Discussion of BAR’s grace...

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

Most shop owners avoid tough conversations until it’s too late. But what happens when life throws you something completely unexpected, like the sudden loss of a loved one or a health scare that takes you out of your business?

In this powerful, heartfelt conversation between Darrin and Ginger Barney (Elite), and Brian and Kim Walker (Shop Marketing Pros), these industry leaders open up about the real-life wake-up calls that forced them to prepare for the unthinkable. From losing parents to near-miss tragedies, they share the emotional and logistical side of what happens when you're not ready, personally or professionally.

They talk about wills, SOPs, key person insurance, and yes, those “if I die” videos nobody wants to think about but everyone needs. More importantly, they cover what it means to love your team, your clients, and your family enough to take action before the worst happens.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about leadership. It’s about responsibility. And it’s about love.

🎧 Don’t miss this one. Listen in and take that first step toward securing your legacy, and your shop’s future.

Show Notes with Timestamps

1. Podcast Introduction (00:00:00) Brief intro to the podcast network and episode topic: business continuity planning for auto repair shops.
2. Sponsor Acknowledgments (00:01:02) Thanking sponsors and encouraging listeners to take action on the episode’s advice.
3. Guest Introductions (00:01:49) Darrin and Ginger Barney, Brian and Kim Walker introduce themselves and their backgrounds.
4. Personal Loss Experiences (00:04:59) Ginger and Kim share recent experiences with the loss of their mothers and the importance of preparation.
5. Password and Account Management (00:09:50) Discussing the challenges of managing digital accounts and passwords after a loved one passes.
6. Business Continuity for Owners (00:13:06) Brian emphasizes the need for business continuity plans to protect employees and clients if owners are incapacitated.
7. Real-Life Case Studies (00:14:05) Stories of business owners who passed away or became incapacitated without proper plans in place.
8. The Importance of Continuation Plans (00:15:03) Discussing the impact of sudden absence and the need for operational continuity in businesses.
9. Temporary vs. Permanent Absence (00:17:23) Examples of both temporary and permanent owner absences and the need for flexible planning.
10. Bus Books and SOPs (00:18:45) Introduction to “bus books” and standard operating procedures as tools for continuity.
11. Proactive Planning and Keeping Plans Updated (00:19:53) The value of proactive planning, checklists, and regularly updating continuity documents.
12. Elite’s Continuation Plan Program (00:21:10) Elite’s new program to help shop owners build...

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

What if your best strategic thinking partner wasn’t on your payroll, but sitting right in your pocket?

In this episode of The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Brian Walker sits down with Hallie Wasinger to unpack what she learned at the MAICON (Marketing AI Conference). But don’t let the name fool you, this conversation goes way beyond marketing. Hallie breaks down how AI is reshaping not just how we create content, but how we think, from operations to service efficiency to scaling personalized experiences for clients.

This one’s packed with golden nuggets: the power of high-performance prompting, using ChatGPT as a strategic thinking partner, the CRIT method to get better AI outputs, and why voice AI is the underrated tool no one’s talking about yet (spoiler: your robot can now talk back). Oh, and yes, AI can help you be a better Bible scholar or diagnose complex repair issues. Wild, right?

You’ll also hear how Shop Marketing Pros is already implementing layered AI tools to deliver smarter, more personalized content at scale, without sacrificing the human touch that makes their work special.

This episode is a must-listen for any shop owner who wants to stay ahead of the curve, avoid getting left behind, and start using AI the right way, as a tool, not a replacement.

Listen now to hear why it’s time to start talking to your robot and how it can help you fill those bays.

Show Notes with Timestamps

1. Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgments (00:00:10) Brian introduces the episode, guest Hallie Wasinger, and thanks sponsors.
2. Overview of the Marketing AI Conference (MACON) (00:01:15) Hallie describes the MACON event, its scale, and the industries represented.
3. AI in Marketing and Business Operations (00:02:12) Discussion on AI’s broad impact, not just in marketing but across industries.
4. AI Resources and Influencers (00:02:36) Brian recommends the Artificial Intelligence Show podcast and Paul Roetzer.
5. First Impressions and High-Performance Prompting (00:03:20) Hallie shares her initial conference experience and the importance of effective AI prompting.
6. Environmental Impact of AI and Prompting Efficiency (00:04:59) Brian discusses AI’s environmental costs and how better prompting reduces resource use.
7. Operational Efficiency and Prompt Libraries (00:07:20) Hallie explains creating, saving, and sharing high-performance prompts for team efficiency.
8. Voice AI as a Strategic Thinking Partner (00:10:52) Hallie introduces using voice AI and ChatGPT as a brainstorming and problem-solving partner.
9. Beyond Search: AI for Strategic and Personal Use (00:13:49) Brian and Hallie discuss using AI for deep thinking, business, and personal growth.
10. Layering AI Tools and Choosing the Right LLM (00:19:05) Hallie explains testing and layering multiple AI tools for different business needs.

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

A bland building that blended in… turned bold brand that brought in business. That’s the real story behind this episode featuring Kelly McCart from McCart’s Auto Center. If you’ve ever wondered whether the look and feel of your shop actually matters, you’ll want to hear how a full-on rebrand, from paint to logo to online presence, transformed Kelly’s shop from invisible to impossible to miss.

We talk about why aesthetics are marketing, how design can literally drive in new clients, and what it means when someone walks in just to say, “Wow, this looks amazing.” Kelly breaks down the “why” and “how” behind his shop’s renovation, how he pulled it off with DIY design (yes, scissors and Elmer’s glue were involved), and why rethinking your image might be the smartest move you make this year.

He’ll also share how this shift doubled his staff, improved the quality of clients, and continues to make his business stand out, both to customers and future employees.

This episode isn’t just about fresh paint. It’s about positioning. It’s about pride. And it’s about the kind of shop that people recognize, remember, and respect.

Listen now and get inspired to rethink how your shop shows up.

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment (00:00:00) Brian introduces the podcast, guest Kelly McCart, and thanks sponsors.
• Background: The Nondescript Shop (00:01:09) Discussion of McCarty’s Auto Center blending in and being overlooked by passersby.
• Realization and Decision to Renovate (00:02:23) Kelly describes the moment she decided a change was needed and the process leading up to it.
• Design Process and Early Attempts (00:03:02) Kelly explains her design journey, including failed ideas and the involvement of her graphic artist nephew.
• Logo Creation and Selection (00:06:11) The story behind the new logo, its design process, and how it was chosen.
• Impact of the Makeover on Visibility (00:07:51) How the new look made the shop stand out and attracted attention from the community.
• Business Impact and Clientele Changes (00:08:16) The effect of the renovation on customer buzz, quality of clients, and local recognition.
• Interior Renovation and Staff Growth (00:09:31) Details about the interior revamp and the subsequent doubling of staff.
• Name Change and Brand Consolidation (00:12:21) Merging two business names, legal steps, and unifying the brand and online presence.
• Timing: Remodel and the Onset of COVID-19 (00:14:31) The remodel’s completion just before the pandemic and initial concerns about the timing.
• Business Resilience During COVID-19 (00:15:27) How the shop thrived during the pandemic despite initial fears.
• Comprehensive Rebrand: Lessons and Surprises (00:17:35) Kelly reflects on the thoroughness of the rebrand and whether anything unexpected arose.
• Results and Return on Investment (00:18:35) Immediate positive results from the rebrand and personal satisfaction.
• Staff Response and Branded Merchandise (00:19:10) Staff enthusiasm for the new brand, uniforms, and promotional items.
• Recruitment and Professional Image (00:19:54) How the makeover improved recruitment and elevated the shop’s professionalism.
• Advice and Reflections on the Process (00:20:29) Kelly’s advice for others considering a similar project and what she might have done differently.
• Cost Recovery Timeline (00:21:22) Estimated time to recoup renovation costs: 6 to 8 months.
• Industry Image and...

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

Kim Walker’s flying solo on this one, and she’s got a fire-in-her-belly message for every shop owner still sleeping on email marketing. This isn’t your typical “email tips” episode, it’s a storytelling breakdown of one jaw-dropping, beautifully built email from Mission Mercantile that had Kim hooked, clicking, and even podcasting about it.

She breaks down what made this email a masterclass in branding: from a killer subject line (“Not Cheap… But Worth Every Penny”) to irresistible storytelling, handcrafted visuals, call-to-actions in all the right places, and brand language that oozes trust and legacy.

If you’ve let your email marketing fall to the wayside, this episode is your wake-up call. Kim lays out why email isn’t dead, it’s just being underused. She challenges shop owners to rethink the way they write emails, stay top-of-mind with customers, and deliver real value (not just deals).

Don’t miss this breakdown. You’ll walk away inspired to write emails your customers actually want to open.

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Introduction and Sponsor Shoutouts (00:00:10) Kim introduces herself, mentions Brian's absence, and gives sponsor shoutouts.
• Email Marketing Comeback & Shop Plans (00:01:19) Kim discusses the resurgence of email marketing in auto repair shops' plans for 2026.
• Discovery of Mission Mercantile (00:02:21) Kim shares how she found Mission Mercantile while searching for a high-quality leather backpack.
• Purchase Experience & Customer Service (00:05:34) Kim describes her purchase, a product issue, and Mission Mercantile’s excellent customer service.
• The Impactful Email Arrives (00:06:44) Kim details receiving the November 6th email, its subject line, and her immediate reaction.
• Email Storytelling & Visuals (00:07:56) Kim analyzes the email’s storytelling, visuals, and how it addresses customer needs.
• Call to Action & Product Details (00:10:05) Kim explains the email’s calls to action, product quality descriptions, and lifetime guarantee.
• Brand Voice & Mythical Customer Care (00:11:29) Kim highlights the brand’s unique voice, “mythical customer care,” and how it resonates with her.
• Sponsor Messages (00:12:35) Sponsor messages for Shop Boss and App Fueled are presented.
• Testimonials & Social Proof (00:14:36) Kim discusses the use of customer testimonials and how they reinforce the email’s message.
• Black Friday Teaser & List Segmentation (00:16:08) Kim describes the email’s Black Friday promotion and how it segments the audience.
• Differentiators & American Made Focus (00:17:19) Kim notes the email’s emphasis on differentiators, including being American made and customer care.
• Personal Impact & Email Retention (00:18:33) Kim shares how the email influenced her to stay subscribed and even consider future purchases.
• Advice for Shop Owners on Email Marketing (00:19:41) Kim gives actionable advice to shop owners about effective email marketing strategies.
• Closing Thoughts & Contact Info (00:21:58) Kim wraps up, offers to share the email, invites topic suggestions, and promotes the Facebook group.
• Outro and Network Promotion (00:23:09) Kim and the network promote other shows and the podcast app, closing the episode.

How To Get In Touch

Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

There’s a lot you can ignore in marketing, but legal compliance isn’t one of them. Especially when a quiet policy change in California nearly stripped shops of their ability to track marketing ROI overnight. This episode dives into the legalities of call recording, AI evaluations, tracking numbers, and the kind of red tape that can blindside your business if you’re not paying attention. Brian Walker sat down with David Boyd from Inbound at AAPEX to talk through what’s happening, what’s coming, and how to protect your shop without sacrificing performance. If you’ve ever used call tracking, AI analysis, or just assumed “someone else is handling that,” you need to hear this.

Listen in and make sure you’re not one policy update away from a lawsuit.

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Introduction and Conference Setting (00:00:10) Brian introduces the guest, David Lloyd, and discusses the conference atmosphere at AAPEX.
• California BAR Regulation on Phone Numbers (00:02:01) Discussion of California’s Bureau of Auto Repair rule on using only registered phone numbers in advertising.
• Implications and Confusion Around Enforcement (00:04:30) Exploring the impact of the regulation, confusion among advertisers, and lack of clear communication from BAR.
• Staying Informed and Advocacy (00:06:16) Importance of involvement in advocacy groups and staying updated on regulatory changes, especially state-by-state.
• AI and Legal Uncertainty in Call Evaluation (00:08:18) Rapid AI development, legal gray areas, and the use of AI to evaluate recorded calls.
• Call Recording Laws and Best Practices (00:09:19) Explanation of two-party consent laws, best practices for call recording, and new privacy concerns with AI evaluation.
• One-Party Consent States and Third-Party Evaluation (00:11:37) Uncertainty about notification requirements in one-party consent states when AI or third parties evaluate calls.
• Employee Notification and Documentation (00:15:46) Advising shop owners to inform employees about call recording and document consent in employee handbooks.
• AI, Data Privacy, and Business Risks (00:16:54) Concerns about AI handling personal data, privacy risks, and the need for responsible AI use in business.
• Personalization and AI Data Collection (00:19:47) How AI personalizes responses, collects user data, and the potential for identity exposure.
• Establishing an AI Use Policy (00:21:07) Recommendation for businesses to create and enforce an AI use policy signed by all employees.
• Vendor Relationships and Regulatory Awareness (00:22:43) Encouragement to maintain open communication with vendors and stay aware of legal and regulatory changes.
• Podcast Network App Promotion and Closing (00:23:44) Promotion of the Automotive Repair Podcast Network app and closing remarks.

How To Get In Touch

Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook

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