Real Talk with Mike Burke

Hosted by Mike Burke

Marketing Entrepreneurship EducationInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

107

Latest episode

Feb 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Join entrepreneur and visionary Mike Burke as he interviews other successful business owners, go-getters and influencers to discover their stories - who they are, where they came from, and where they're going next. Check out full episodes on YouTube @RealTalkwithMikeBurke

Listen to episodes

60 recent

February 11, 202612 min

Ep. 108 🎙️ XDC 2026: How my 21 Year Old Son Built a Business with Snapchat| Real Talk with Mike Burke

In this episode, Mike sits down with a very special guest, his son Colby Burke, for an honest conversation between two generations. Colby shares how growing up around racing, long travel days, and hard work shaped his mindset, and how a side hustle tinting cars after hours slowly turned into a serious operation of his own.They talk about learning the trade through repetition, handling 10 to 20 cars a day, and how social platforms like Snapchat became his primary sales channel. Colby also reflects on attending his first industry conference, meeting installers from around the world, and gaining a new perspective on what this business can become at just 21 years old.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yZ9Yi_9WiDU🔗 Connect with Colby:Snapchat: colbyy456 or colbyytintTikTok: @colbyy456Instagram: @sunstoppers.tinting➤ Subscribe to Real Talk With Mike Burke to watch full episodes of the podcast.➤ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-talk-with-mike-burke/id1611409375➤ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6palwGfEfUIFG8sIIJPc1T?si=67c809d6c05b44f1➤Follow me on Instagram @themikeburke➤Email me for podcast inquiries: therealmikeburke@gmail.com

February 10, 202634 min

Ep. 107 🎙️ XDC 2026: From Garage Tint Jobs to a 16,000 Square Foot Shop | Real Talk with Mike Burke

In this episode, Mike sits down with Ray Van Dexter, owner of Dynamic Tint & Paint Protection, for a wide ranging conversation. Ray reflects on more than two decades in the window tint industry, from hand cutting film in a detached garage to operating multiple locations and building a 16,000 square foot flagship shop.The discussion covers early marketing lessons like creating custom film names, the evolution of shop branding, and how assembly line style workflow made high volume days possible. Ray also shares the vision behind his newest facility, why efficiency matters more than size, and his belief that the industry grows faster when shops work together instead of competing.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jg1YaXVoGmo🔗 Connect with Ray:Website: www.dynamictint.comFacebook: DynamicTintInstagram: @dynamictintppfnjYouTube: @tintguynj81➤ Subscribe to Real Talk With Mike Burke to watch full episodes of the podcast.➤ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-talk-with-mike-burke/id1611409375➤ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6palwGfEfUIFG8sIIJPc1T?si=67c809d6c05b44f1➤Follow me on Instagram @themikeburke➤Email me for podcast inquiries: therealmikeburke@gmail.com

February 9, 202618 min

Ep. 106 🎙️ XDC 2026: Precision, Process, and PPF in Paradise | Real Talk with Mike Burke

In this episode, Mike sits down with Shane Oliberos, co owner of Xero Wraps in Hawaii, to talk about building a high performing paint protection operation in one of the most challenging markets in the country. Shane shares how his background in commercial graphics and vinyl naturally evolved into PPF, why precision matters so much to installers, and how growing up surfing on Oahu shaped his mindset and work ethic.The conversation covers the realities of running a shop in Hawaii, including limited commercial space, high rent, shipping logistics, and the importance of staying lean. Shane also explains how his team structure, shared installs, and efficiency focused approach allow Zero Wraps to produce strong revenue from a compact footprint.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FX5CeliQKPU🔗 Connect with Shane:Website: www.xerowraps.comFacebook: xerowrapsInstagram: @xerowraps➤ Subscribe to Real Talk With Mike Burke to watch full episodes of the podcast.➤ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-talk-with-mike-burke/id1611409375➤ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6palwGfEfUIFG8sIIJPc1T?si=67c809d6c05b44f1➤Follow me on Instagram @themikeburke➤Email me for podcast inquiries: therealmikeburke@gmail.com

February 8, 202633 min

Ep. 105 🎙️ XDC 2026: He Bought a Tesla — and Built a New Company| Real Talk with Mike Burke

In this episode, Mike sits down with Philip Bunting, co-founder and CEO of ALSET to talk about building a business by fixing a problem he personally experienced. After purchasing his first Tesla and running into confusing pricing, missed callbacks, and upsell-heavy shop experiences, Philip set out to create a simpler, more transparent way for vehicle owners to protect their cars.The conversation explores how that idea became ALSET, why clear pricing and streamlined systems matter, and what it takes to turn a single Portland location into a growing franchise network focused on electric vehicles, efficiency, and consistent customer experience.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7V_gU9bGBS0🔗 Connect with Philip:Website: https://www.alsetauto.comInstagram: @alsetautoYouTube: @alsetauto➤ Subscribe to Real Talk With Mike Burke to watch full episodes of the podcast.➤ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-talk-with-mike-burke/id1611409375➤ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6palwGfEfUIFG8sIIJPc1T?si=67c809d6c05b44f1➤Follow me on Instagram @themikeburke➤Email me for podcast inquiries: therealmikeburke@gmail.com

February 7, 202619 min

Ep. 104 🎙️ XDC 2026: Choosing Excellence: A Conversation with Ryan Pape | Real Talk with Mike Burke

In this episode, Mike sits down with Ryan Pape, President and CEO of XPEL, for a wide-ranging conversation recorded at SDC 2026. Ryan shares why his theme for the year is excellence, how narrowing focus can outperform chasing endless ideas, and why identifying just a few priorities can create meaningful momentum across an organization.The discussion also explores leadership energy, lessons from keynote speakers, including insights on bringing your best self home, along with Ryan’s perspective on the evolving automotive landscape, electric vehicles, and how personalization is shaping the future of vehicle protection.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/H9FkrhmU1ug🔗 Connect with XPEL:Website: https://www.xpel.comInstagram: @xpelFacebook: XPELYouTube: @XPELincLinkedIn: xpelX: XPEL➤ Subscribe to Real Talk With Mike Burke to watch full episodes of the podcast.➤ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-talk-with-mike-burke/id1611409375➤ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6palwGfEfUIFG8sIIJPc1T?si=67c809d6c05b44f1➤Follow me on Instagram @themikeburke➤Email me for podcast inquiries: therealmikeburke@gmail.com

February 6, 202614 min

Ep. 103 🎙️ XDC 2026: Building a Business Around People and Craft | Real Talk with Mike Burke

In this episode, Mike sits down with John Gray of Gulf Coast Auto Shield to talk about building a multi-location operation rooted in craftsmanship and people. John shares how a lifelong love of detailing, paired with 25 years at FedEx, eventually led him from working out of his garage to operating three Houston-area shops with more than 30 employees.The conversation covers hiring challenges, why the best technicians often find you instead of the other way around, and how strong shop culture, customer experience, and community involvement have fueled steady growth without heavy advertising.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/H9FkrhmU1ug 🔗 Connect with John:Website: https://www.gcautoshield.comFacebook: GulfCoastAutoShieldInstagram: @gulfcoastautoshieldLinkedIn: gcautoshield

February 5, 202616 min

Ep. 102 🎙️ XDC 2026: Supporting 1,100 Dealerships Across Western Canada | Real Talk with Mike Burke

In this episode, Mike sits down with Colin Reid, Senior VP of Dealership Solutions for WD Co-Auto in Western Canada, to unpack what it takes to support more than 1,100 automotive dealerships across four provinces. Colin explains how a dealer-owned cooperative model works, why partnerships matter at every level, and how his team supplies everything from paint protection film to electricity and credit-card services.The conversation also dives into regional differences in vehicle protection, including why paint protection adoption is significantly higher in parts of Canada, how road conditions influence demand, and what dealerships are starting to prioritize beyond PPF — from coatings to windshield protection.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KVPq6ELr6WM🔗 Connect with Colin:Website: https://wdcoauto.comLinkedIn: colinmreid➤ Subscribe to Real Talk With Mike Burke to watch full episodes of the podcast.➤ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-talk-with-mike-burke/id1611409375➤ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6palwGfEfUIFG8sIIJPc1T?si=67c809d6c05b44f1➤Follow me on Instagram @themikeburke➤Email me for podcast inquiries: therealmikeburke@gmail.com

February 4, 202633 min

Ep. 101 🎙️ XDC 2026: Thirty Years In — Lessons You Only Learn With Time | Real Talk with Mike Burke

In this episode, Mike sits down with Rick Puthoff of Eclipse Window Tinting to reflect on more than three decades in the industry and the lessons that only time can teach. Rick shares how simple habits — like personally calling past customers just to say thank you — reignited shop culture and even led to new business through unexpected referrals.The conversation also covers his journey from installing sunroofs in the early ’90s to running a 22,000-square-foot facility, the hard lessons learned from real estate decisions, and why efficiency, layout, and process matter just as much as skill on the install bay.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mzAq7oI8nU4🔗 Connect with Rick:Website: https://www.321tint.comFacebook: 321tintInstagram: @eclipse_ohioYouTube: @321Tint➤ Subscribe to Real Talk With Mike Burke to watch full episodes of the podcast.➤ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-talk-with-mike-burke/id1611409375➤ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6palwGfEfUIFG8sIIJPc1T?si=67c809d6c05b44f1➤Follow me on Instagram @themikeburke➤Email me for podcast inquiries: therealmikeburke@gmail.com

February 1, 2026Episode 10019 min

Ep. 100🎙️ XDC 2026 | Tony Tran: Crafting Identity Through Cars | Real Talk with Mike Burke

In this episode, Mike sits down with Tony Tran, owner of 101 Motors and Tempe Auto Spa, to trace a career that began in a high-school auto shop and grew into a multi-division operation. Tony shares the pivotal moment he walked away from a dealership job after being told he couldn’t pursue further education — a decision that pushed him to start rebuilding and selling vehicles out of his garage with a one-year warranty.The conversation also dives into building one-of-one vehicles, converting a classic Ford to electric power, bringing services in-house to protect quality, and how listening to installers and customers ultimately shaped his brand decisions.🔗 Connect with TonyFacebook: 101customInstagram: @101motorsWebsite: https://www.101motors.comYouTube: ⁨@101MotorsTempe⁩ ➤ Subscribe to Real Talk With Mike Burke to watch full episodes of the podcast.➤ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-talk-with-mike-burke/id1611409375➤ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6palwGfEfUIFG8sIIJPc1T?si=67c809d6c05b44f1➤Follow me on Instagram @themikeburke➤Email me for podcast inquiries: therealmikeburke@gmail.com

January 31, 2026Episode 9929 min

Ep. 99 🎙️ XDC 2026: Choosing Your Lane - Lessons from Chicago Auto Pros | Real Talk

Not every customer is your customer, and learning that lesson reshaped this entire company. In this on-location episode at XDC 26 in San Antonio Texas, Mike sits down with Greg Natonson of Chicago Auto Pros to talk about the journey from tech-world burnout to building one of the most recognized automotive shops in the country. Greg opens up about navigating a difficult business-partner split, how his team stepped up afterward, and why aligning vision early matters more than most owners realize.The conversation also dives into pricing philosophy, choosing a clear customer lane, and why asking your installers what they want can sometimes be the smartest move you make.Click to watch this episode on YouTube🔗 Connect with GregWebsite: https://www.chicagoautopros.comFacebook: ChicagoautoprosInstagram: @chicagoautoprosYouTube: @ChicagoAutoPros ➤ Subscribe to Real Talk With Mike Burke to watch full episodes of the podcast.➤ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-talk-with-mike-burke/id1611409375➤ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6palwGfEfUIFG8sIIJPc1T?si=67c809d6c05b44f1➤Follow me on Instagram @themikeburke➤Email me for podcast inquiries: therealmikeburke@gmail.com