Ratchet+Wrench Radio

Hosted by Ratchet+Wrench

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Episodes

486

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Ratchet+Wrench Radio offers four tracks each month that explore the industry's biggest trends, most pressing topics, and the leadership and business management tips and strategies you need to thrive.

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60 recent

September 2, 2026Episode 19623 min

From Giving Back to Getting Ahead: How Smart Shops Turn Community Impact Into Growth

Giving back can do more than support a good cause—it can also strengthen your shop's reputation and deepen customer loyalty. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Christine Schaffran talks with Adam Sutton, CEO of DX3 Brands and RNR Tire Express, about how shop owners can turn community involvement into a strategic advantage by creating meaningful, authentic connections in their local markets.

August 26, 2026Episode 19025 min

Run It Like You Own It? Why That Mindset Fails Managers

"Run it like you own it" has become a common phrase in independent repair shops, but what does it actually mean? In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Bill Snow of Rad Air in Strongsville, Ohio, unpacks why giving managers responsibility without authority, expectations without training, and accountability without clear boundaries often sets them up to fail. From promoting top technicians into leadership roles to teaching financial literacy and building effective SOPs, Snow shares practical strategies for developing confident managers who can truly lead. If you've ever handed someone the keys to the shop and hoped for the best, this conversation offers a better roadmap.

August 19, 2026Episode 19716 min

The Future of Parts Sourcing: How Auto Part Search Is Changing the Way Shops Buy Recycled OEM Parts

Finding the right part has long been one of the biggest friction points in the repair process. Multiple searches, outdated systems, phone calls and inconsistent data can slow down repairs and create uncertainty. United Recyclers Group CEO Kristi Werner joins Ratchet+Wrench Radio to discuss the launch of Auto Part Search — a new platform designed to make finding and purchasing recycled OEM parts faster, easier and more reliable for independent repair shops.

August 12, 2026Episode 19321 min

Letting Go: The Emotional Side of Selling Your Auto Repair Shop

Selling a shop isn't just a transaction—it's a transition. For many owners, their business represents decades of sacrifice, identity, relationships, and purpose. In this episode, Scott Anderson, president and COO of GreatWater 360 Auto Care, shares what shop owners should expect emotionally when considering an exit, how they can prepare themselves and their teams, and what life can look like on the other side.

August 5, 2026Episode 19225 min

When Repair Costs Total More Than Cars

A fender bender that turns into a financial crisis? It's happening more often than many drivers realize. On this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Dr. Blaire O'Neal, author of Totaled: The Real Cost of Vehicle Loss, explores why moderate collisions increasingly result in total losses. From advanced vehicle technology and parts pricing to insurance thresholds and consumer awareness, O'Neal explains the economic forces changing the future of repair—and why independent shops have an opportunity to become trusted advocates for their customers.

July 29, 2026Episode 19136 min

The Next Generation of Technicians Is Here. Are Shops Ready?

The technician shortage isn't just a pipeline problem—it's a workplace challenge. While more students are pursuing skilled trades than in recent years, many independent shops are still struggling to hire and keep young technicians. Drawing on findings from the latest technician supply and demand report from TechForce Foundation , Jennifer Maher explains why Gen Z is rethinking traditional career paths, what today's technicians expect from employers, and how mentorship, career development, communication, and culture can become a shop's greatest competitive advantage. For shop owners looking to build a stronger workforce for the future, this conversation offers both a reality check and a roadmap forward.

July 22, 2026Episode 18916 min

Keeping Fleets Moving: What Battery Technology Means for Shop Success

Fleet vehicles can't make money when they're sitting in a shop. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Dan Autey, head of automotive aftermarket at Stryten Energy, breaks down the growing complexity of today's vehicle electrical systems, why battery health is becoming critical to fleet uptime, and how shops can position themselves as trusted fleet partners. From start-stop technology and advanced battery systems to technician training and preventive maintenance, Autey shares practical insights to help shop owners stay ahead of the industry's rapid evolution.

July 15, 2026Episode 18725 min

125 Years of People-First Leadership: What Shops Can Learn from Grote Industries

Why do employees stay at a company for 25, 40, even 50 years? In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Josh Wilber discusses the hiring and retention lessons behind Grote Industries’ 125-year legacy. From identifying future leaders and navigating generational shifts to avoiding costly hiring compromises, Wilber shares practical strategies shop owners can use right now to build stronger teams, improve retention, and create a workplace people genuinely want to be part of.

July 10, 2026Episode 19523 min

From Giving Back to Getting Ahead: How Smart Shops Turn Community Impact Into Growth

July 8, 2026Episode 19420 min

Right to Repair's Next Chapter

Congress recently advanced legislation addressing Right to Repair, but the final language looks much different than what independent repair advocates originally sought. Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association, joins Ratchet+Wrench Radio to explain what made it into the bill, what was left out, what happens next, and how shop owners can help shape the future of vehicle data access and consumer choice.