Ratchet+Wrench Radio

Hosted by Ratchet+Wrench

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Episodes

491

Latest episode

Sep 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

October 7, 2026Episode 20220 min

What Recruiters Hear That Shop Owners Never Do

Every shop owner has wondered why a technician really left. Was it the pay? The culture? The workload? Or something they never heard about? After nearly three decades recruiting technicians, Joe Henry has heard the stories candidates don't tell their employers. He joins Ratchet+Wrench Radio to reveal the red flags that drive technicians away, what today's candidates actually want and how shops can become employers technicians recommend instead of leave.

September 30, 2026Episode 20123 min

From Shop Owner to Entrepreneur: Building a Business That Thrives Without You

Many shop owners set out to build a business but end up building themselves a job. Chris Knuth knows that trap firsthand. In The Owner's Manual, he shares the lessons he learned moving from technician to shop owner to entrepreneur and investor — and explains why the biggest obstacle to a shop running without its owner may be the owner himself. In this episode, Knuth breaks down the mindset shifts, systems and leadership practices that can help shop owners stop being the bottleneck and start building a business that can thrive without them.

September 23, 2026Episode 20024 min

Building a Training Program That Actually Works

Training shouldn't end when the class does. Ellie Pentland of Throttle Muscle shares how repair shop owners can build more effective training programs by setting clear goals, keeping employees focused and following up consistently.

September 16, 2026Episode 19919 min

Why Good Shops Stop Growing

Your parking lot is full. Your sales look good. So why does it feel like your shop isn’t moving forward? Jim Saeli explains how owners can spot the difference between activity and real growth, identify the bottlenecks holding their shops back and build the systems, teams and habits needed to reach the next level.

September 9, 2026Episode 19820 min

Why EV Towing Is Changing Everything for Repair Shops

As more electric vehicles hit the road, they're reshaping more than repair procedures—they're changing how disabled vehicles reach your shop in the first place. Jeff Wiener, COO of Nation Safe Drivers, joins the podcast to explain why most EV roadside calls aren't caused by mechanical failures, why flatbed towing is becoming increasingly important, and how repair shops can prepare for a future where energy management, rather than broken parts, is driving roadside assistance.

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.