The Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast

Hosted by Host Andrew Ross

Business

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Episodes

241

Latest episode

Oct 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

October 22, 202628 min

Four things you can do to win business for your shop from dealers

On this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Emily Chung, CEO of AIA Canada and former shop owner, to explore insights from AIA’s latest Consumer Behaviour Series report, Dealership vs. Independent: How Canadian Vehicle Owners Choose a Service Provider . We look at why Canadian drivers choose dealerships over independent service shops, what influences their decisions, and—most importantly—four key ways independent shops can better compete for that business and win more customers. From understanding what drivers value, to identifying opportunities to build trust and strengthen customer relationships, we discuss how aftermarket businesses can turn these insights into practical actions to grow their business. Check out the full report here , AIA's Notice to Consumers statement here , and Indie Garage's recent feature on the report here .

October 14, 202627 min

Growing People, Growing the Aftermarket: Why mentorship matters

In this episode of The Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast, we sit down with Murray Voth of RPM Training to explore why mentorship matters—and why it needs to be more than simply looking over someone’s shoulder. We talk about mentorship as a mindset and a skill that can be learned, from sharing hard-earned knowledge to leading by example and creating space for the next generation to grow. We also tackle the barriers that can prevent experienced professionals from sharing what they know. For an industry focused on attracting and developing its next generation, mentorship needs to become a daily practice, not just a buzzword. Please note audio from alternate recording circumstances.

September 17, 202624 min

Aftermarket report card: Where indie shops are winning, and challenges to meet

On this episode of the Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast, host Andrew Ross sits down with J.D. Ney, Managing Director of J.D. Power Canada, to unpack the findings of the 2026 Canada Customer Service Index—Long-Term Study and what they mean for the Canadian aftermarket. They discuss rising service costs, shifting market share between dealerships, aftermarket chains and independent shops, the growing importance of customer experience and trust, and the major challenge — and opportunity — presented by the rapid rise of EVs and ZEVs. With service visits getting more expensive and the vehicle parc continuing to evolve, Ney offers insight into what aftermarket providers can do to earn customer loyalty and stay competitive in the years ahead. Check out the highlights and the breakdown of the study here.

September 11, 202627 min

Attracting the right technicians: What they really want

Finding good technicians is tough—but what if the problem isn’t the shortage of talent, but what your shop is offering? Andrew Ross is back on the podcast with Murray Voth, RPM Training, about what actually motivates experienced technicians to leave one employer for another, from compensation and flat-rate frustrations to workplace culture and job satisfaction. They also tackle the question every shop owner should ask themselves: Would you work for you? As always, we welcome all input- visit us here to leave us a comment.

September 4, 202624 min

Store design: The importance of consistency, and how to get it

Andrew Ross welcomes Paul Reed, “The Showroom Guy,” back to The Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast to discuss the importance of store design and consistency across the aftermarket. From jobber stores and repair shops to banner and franchise programs, we explore the challenge of creating a look and customer experience that works — and can be executed consistently — across Canada, despite regional differences and the realities of individual locations. Paul returns to continue the conversation about design, branding, execution and why consistency matters when it comes to presenting a strong face to the customer. For more information and to get in touch, contact The Showroom Guy here.

August 27, 202618 min

Inside Worldpac STX 2026: Highlights, Takeaways & What’s Next

In this episode, host Andrew Ross and CHAT Media correspondent Hannah Ryder Ross recap the biggest takeaways from Worldpac STX 2026, including the latest trends, insights, and a peek into the training shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket. We also include highlights from Hannah's sit-down with John Hamilton, CEO of Worldpac, to discuss Worldpac’s growth and progress in Canada following its split from Advance Auto Parts—and what’s ahead for the business. Check out some of our supporting articles below. Worldpac sees growth in Canada as company expands post-split Worldpac presents Supplier Awards at STX 2026

August 13, 202627 min

Why chasing the cheapest parts can cost you more

When margins are tight, it’s tempting for automotive repair shops to look for savings wherever they can—especially when it comes to parts. But is buying the cheapest part really saving you money? In this episode, Andrew and Murray Voth of RPM Training explore how cutting costs can turn into cutting corners, affecting a shop’s profitability, efficiency, technicians, and customer trust. They discuss why gross profit dollars—not just percentages—matter, the hidden costs of constantly price-shopping parts, and how quality parts, strong supplier relationships, and value-based selling can create a healthier business. The math never lies: you can reach the top of the mountain by racing to the bottom. Check out Murray's story on the cost implications of right to repair here.

August 6, 202628 min

What SDRM, scan tool validation, and VSP adoption means for you

Thieves love to get access to professional tools. The Secure Data Release Model, scan tool validation, and the Vehicle Security Professional (VSP) credentialing are designed to get in their way. But adoption is far from 100%. Donny Seyfer, executive director of NASTF which administers the programs, talks about why this matters to shops, how it works, and what could happen if the aftermarket doesn't get on board. For more information on NASFT, SDRM, and VSP, visit https://support.nastf.org/support/home

July 30, 202619 min

Miles for Sight: A shop owner's cross-Canada journey for vision

Motorcycle adventures are often about the journey—but for Lorenzo Pellicciotta, this ride is about something much bigger. In this episode, we sit down with Lorenzo Pellicciotta, owner of Pellicciotta Automotive Group and operator of CARSTAR Oakville West and NAPA AUTOPRO Oakville, to talk about Miles for Sight – Four Corners of Canada Ride in support of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Over 7,000 kilometres into his journey, from Whitehorse, Yukon, Lorenzo shares the inspiration behind this incredible cross-country journey, his personal commitment to supporting CNIB, and how one ride is helping raise awareness and funds to empower Canadians living with vision loss. For more information and/or to make a contribution, visit the Miles for Sight CNIB fundraising page.

July 23, 202615 min

Tariffs, Explained: The latest on U.S. trade measures and what it means for us

As a new set of tariffs on Canadian goods is announced by the U.S. Administration, we call on the experts for advice. Ashley Kalyn, International Trade Consultant at Peacock Tariff Consulting ( peacocktariffconsulting.com ), joins host Andrew Ross to talk about the new and changing tariff landscape, what aftermarket organizations need to focus on, and what it might signal for the overall economy.