The Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast

Hosted by Host Andrew Ross

Business

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Episodes

228

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Issues and ideas for Canada's automotive aftermarket professionals and business owners. Hosted by Andrew Ross, publisher and director of content at CHAT Integrated Media. From the people who bring you IndieGarage.ca and JobberNation.ca. Selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 10 Canadian Automotive Podcasts. The Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast is presented by Castrol EDGE Visit wakefieldcanada.ca

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 10, 202615 min

Shad's R&R Fundraiser: On the road to $10 million

As Shad's R&R Fundraiser 2026 is right around the corner, we're revisiting this episode from February 2026 with Shad's chair Charlie Grant. Shad's R&R is a cornerstone of Canada's aftermarket as a fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy Research, attracting participation from across North America (and beyond) to its annual June event. Now, with a new chair in Charlie Grant, CEO of Grant Brothers Sales, it embarks on a new challenge as it looks forward to its 51st edition and sets its sights on a new goal for the future. For more informaition on how to get involved, visit ShadsRR.ca.

June 5, 202630 min

Attention Jobbers: What shops really need from you

Murray Voth, aftermarket business pro and owner of RPM Training, joins host Andrew Ross to switch things up and discuss tips for jobbers: how to analyze their business, strengthen shop relationships, improve pricing transparency, and how to build up the business structures to maximize their results.

May 28, 202623 min

Canadians want EVs more than ever, even Chinese ones

A 2026 JD Power Canada study found that interest in EVs among Canadian new-vehicle shoppers has risen for the first time since 2022. The study also found that many consumers are becoming open to Chinese EV brands due to affordability and technology features. JD Ney, managing director, JD Power Canada, returns to the Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast to discuss both the growing interest and state of the industry outlined in the report, as well as persisting consumer barriers- including range, reliability, charging availability, and cold-weather performance.For more information on the report, visit Indie Garage's release here.

May 22, 202632 min

Ontario's scrap tire crisis continues to fester

Fueled by scrap tire quotas that fell below collection for months now, there's a genuine crisis brewing as tires stack up, haulers sit at home, and regulators tinker with a broken system while shops and consumers are caught in the middle. Adam Moffatt, executive director of the Ontario Tire Dealers Association, joins host Andrew Ross to talk about how things got this bad, and what he sees as the best path forward. Feedback or questions on the issue? Contact the OTDA at info@otda.com.

May 12, 202635 min

The truth about access to repair information, security, and crime

(Encore presentation) The threats facing modern vehicle security systems are real and evolving. This month, Indie Garage reported on the response from National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) in the wake of a major vehicle theft ring that had used a diagnostic tool to steal dozens of vehicles in Washington, D.C. This crime highlighted the continued threats to modern vehicle security systems worldwide - and NASTF issued a resulting statement that it continues to serve as the industry’s established secure access authority, and their framework to combat vehicle security crime.We're revisiting this extended episode, originally aired October 2024, with Donny Seyfer, Executive Officer, NASTF, discussing the truth on cybersecurity, and what's being done to mitigate the real threats.

May 7, 202624 min

Building customer satisfaction with clarity and consistency

Jason Hladniuk, service advisor training specialist with RPM Training jumps into the podcast this week to talk about important touchpoints for service advisors and those who might have to lend a hand when things get super busy at your shop.You can also watch the video version on the Indie Garage You Tube Channel.

April 30, 202617 min

Orphan EVs and making the leap with your customers: Notes from the EV & Charging Expo

Multimedia Content & Analytics Associate Hannah Ryder Ross catches up with host Andrew Ross after coverage of the EV & Charging Expo 2026 in Toronto earlier in April. Hannah gives a rundown on the aftermarket panel discussions about EVs as a training and business opportunity, how pros feel about where we're at with the shifting landscape, and encouraging techs to grow along with the EV service sector.For more insight from pros on setting up your shop for EV success, here are some Key Tips for EV Service Readiness in Your Shop on IndieGarage.ca.

April 21, 202617 min

Build your own ZEV: Conversion course launches in Vancouver

Host Andrew Ross sits down with Brett Griffiths, Dean, School of Trades, Technology and Design at Vancouver Community College (VCC), to discuss VCC'S new EV conversion pilot program, as well as the growing relevance in electric conversion overall- and how EV conversion went from niche projects to a full course for techs.To view the course outline and request info on VCC's EV Conversion Course, you can visit the School of Continuing Studies course page here.

April 14, 202619 min

Incoming AIA Canada Chair Jason Herle on challenges for the aftermarket, and benefits of getting involved

Jason Herle, CEO of Fountain Tire, is the incoming chair of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada. Recorded in early March 2026 during preparations for Fountain Tire's 70th Anniversary Conference in Halifax, N.S., he talks about core strengths of the aftermarket, the important role of the association, and the benefits of getting involved. In speaking on the Right to Repair issue he referenced the report "Unlocking Access: Why Right to Repair Matters for Every Vehicle Owner, authored by MNP Canada" Access the Indie Garage review of that report here, where you will also find a link to the full report.

April 2, 202624 min

Buying or selling a shop? Here's what you need to know

Whether you are an owner looking to sell your shop, or a young entrepreneur looking for an opportunity, Murray Voth, RPMTraining.net, has some great real-world advice and tips for you! With host Andrew Ross