ADAS Empowered

About ADAS Empowered

The ADAS Empowered Podcast aims to educate, inform, and empower industry professionals—collision repair shops, calibration technicians, insurers, and OEMs—on the latest advancements in ADAS technology, calibration best practices, and regulatory trends. The podcast serves as a platform for thought leadership, industry collaboration, and knowledge sharing to ensure safer and more efficient vehicle repairs. For more information at Revv visit us at revvhq.com

Publisher

Revv

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 May 2025

Latest episode

6 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Apr 2026

   OEM tools, carrier trust, and the real cost of cutting corners with Darren Sodoski of National Calibrations and Diagnostics

   Joel Adcock sits down with Darren Sodoski, co-founder of National Calibrations and Diagnostics and CIO of ProMobile and Scan, to talk about what it actually takes to do ADAS work correctly and build a business around it. Darren grew up in his family's collision shop, nearly went into IT and networking, and found that ADAS and diagnostics were the perfect intersection of both worlds. His perspective is shaped by years of reading OEM engineering documents, performing mobile sublet services, and building carrier relationships through transparency rather than conflict. The conversation covers why a "successful" calibration screen doesn't always mean a safe one, what shops get wrong about setup and execution, and how Darren's team handles the gray area between required and recommended procedures (they perform the work and eat the cost if reimbursement doesn't come through). Darren also walks through the 360 OEM laptop he spent 18 months engineering to consolidate every manufacturer's diagnostic software onto a single device, and explains how short-term licensing makes OEM tools financially accessible for shops that only see certain brands a few times a year. What we discuss: Why reading OEM service information is the most underused (and most valuable) resource in the industry How modern vehicles are diagnostic networks on wheels and why technicians need to understand the science behind the sensors The difference between a calibration that passes and one that's actually safe Makeshift target setups, gravel parking lots, and why some calibrations may be more dangerous than skipping the procedure entirely Toyota's retroactive service information changes and how they caught shops off guard Required vs. recommended: how Darren's service company approaches gray-area calibrations Building carrier relationships through transparency, documentation, and being a diagnostic resource How early overbilling in the ADAS space created lasting skepticism from insurers The 360 OEM laptop: consolidating every manufacturer's software onto one device Short-term OEM licensing as an affordable alternative to full annual subscriptions What shops should evaluate before bringing ADAS in-house vs. subletting Why a hybrid model (in-house for common work, sublet for edge cases) makes sense for most operations Equipment ROI: most customers pay off their investment within six months Why diagnostics and ADAS are no longer optional, and shops without a plan will get left behind Darren emphasizes that the industry needs better standards, better training, and a willingness to invest in doing things the right way. Whether a shop sublets to a trusted provider or brings calibrations in-house, the priority has to be safety and proper documentation. The shops that treat ADAS as optional are running out of time. Guest: Darren Sodoski, Co-Founder, National Calibrations and Diagnostics / CIO, ProMobile and Scan Host: Joel Adcock, Revv Resources: Learn more at revvhq.com

2. 

   12 Feb 2026

   What New ADAS Technicians Must Master: A Conversation with Wrenchway's Jay Goninen

   Joel Adcock sits down with Jay Goninen, co-founder and president of Wrenchway, to discuss the automotive technician shortage. They frame this discussion in terms of a solvable challenge rather than some abstract problem. And solving it starts with supporting education programs before they close. Jay's company evolved from recruiting to job boards to something more foundational: ASE Connects, a shop membership platform designed to bring industry stakeholders together around schools that need help. The conversation covers why moving technicians from shop to shop doesn't fix the pipeline, why collision and automotive programs are shutting down (including one Jay attended as an apprentice), and what it actually costs to restart a program once it closes. What we discuss: Why Wrenchway stopped recruiting and pivoted to supporting education infrastructure ASE Connects: bringing dealers, independents, fleets, and partners together (not competing for the same resources) The shocking lack of data on how many automotive and collision programs exist in the U.S. Documenting every school state-by-state to identify which programs need support Small-town schools with 50 students per class: how to connect those kids to the industry Work experience, job shadowing, apprenticeships as early exposure strategies Why overwhelming instructors with fragmented industry outreach can backfire The Voice of Technician survey and technician pay tool (built with ASE) ADAS as a microcosm of the trust problem: selling calibrations to consumers who don't understand them How consumer education, shop professionalism, and transparency rebuild trust Why acting like a CEO (processes, people, customer education) matters now more than ever What happens when shops don't invest: long-term loss of community trust and viability ASE and I-CAR's consumer awareness efforts and why the next five years are critical Jay emphasizes that fixing the technician shortage requires collaboration, not competition. Shops can't keep poaching from each other. Instead, the industry needs to stabilize education programs, connect students to real opportunities, and show consumers why modern repair work (including ADAS) requires investment in both technology and people. Guest: Jay Goninen, Co-Founder & President, Wrenchway Host: Joel Adcock, Revv Resources: Learn more at revvhq.com

3. 

   30 Jan 2026

   Customer Education, Equipment, Calibration Challenges: A Panel Discussion

   Joel Adcock hosts a roundtable with three experienced ADAS calibration technicians—Mark Bruno (ADAS Calibrations of Florida), Brandon Miller (Miller Diagnostics, St. Louis), and Michael Frangione (Essential Auto, Ottawa)—to discuss the realities of running calibration businesses, educating shops that still operate on "no lights, no problem," and why buying equipment doesn't automatically make calibrations profitable. All three came to ADAS from different angles: Mark owned a collision shop for 20+ years before selling and opening dedicated calibration centers in 2023. Brandon started with a glass company 10 years ago, worked for Autel and Launch, then went independent three years ago (and co-owns the ADAS Network). Michael grew up in the collision industry (his family runs nine locations in Ottawa) and started Essential Auto to give shops a trusted alternative to dealership-only calibrations. What we discuss: Shops still resisting ADAS calibrations: "Insurance won't pay for it" and "No lights, no problem" Why new estimators and managers need re-education when they join existing accounts The difference between being able to do calibrations versus knowing when they're actually required OEM position statements: how shops miss critical updates and create liability gaps Space requirements for static calibrations (vehicles with trailers, alignment racks, environmental conditions) Equipment sales pitches versus reality: $100,000 investments collecting dust in corners Why teaching a porter or detailer to run calibrations usually fails Dedicated space and dedicated personnel requirements for in-house operations Real failure scenarios: spending six hours on a single calibration How shops that bought equipment often sell it within a year and return to sublet partners Consumer awareness: explaining ADAS to customers who don't understand what's on their vehicles Real-world save stories: Michael's automatic emergency braking stopping for a cyclist he didn't see The insurance question: why calibrations are required regardless of whether lights are on Building relationships with sublet providers before buying equipment (don't burn bridges) ADAS technicians as specialists parallel to collision repair technicians (both are experts in different domains) Mark emphasizes that equipment vendors sell tools and stands, but don't prepare shops for the diagnostic realities of failed calibrations or space constraints. Brandon notes that his biggest push in 2026 is reaching holdout shops that still think lights determine calibration needs. Michael stresses consumer education and liability—shops need to explain why calibrations matter, not just add line items to estimates. The panel agrees: ADAS is here, vehicles are getting more complex, and shops need trusted calibration partners whether they're subletting or building in-house capability. Education remains the biggest barrier—both for shops and consumers. Guests: Mark Bruno, ADAS Calibrations of Florida Brandon Miller, Miller Diagnostics (Co-Owner, ADAS Network) Michael Frangione, Essential Auto, Ottawa Host: Joel Adcock, Revv Resources: Learn more at revvhq.com

4. 

   13 Jan 2026

   From ADAS Awareness Gaps to Safety-First Culture: A Chat with On the Road Garage's Katie Mueller and Adam Newberry

   Joel Adcock sits down with Katie Mueller (safety advocate and consultant) and Adam Newberry (ADAS specialist and instructor) from On the Road Garage to discuss what separates shops that get ADAS right from those still guessing. Moreover, you'll hear why investment in people matters more than equipment alone. Katie comes from the National Safety Council and is a fatality crash survivor. She focuses on driver behavior, vehicle safety technology, and helping consumers understand the features protecting them. Adam spent 20 years in automotive repair, including extensive work with Mobile Service Group diagnosing and repairing safety systems before joining On the Road Garage to build ADAS capability from the ground up. The conversation covers practical realities: how shops stay current with weekly OEM position statement changes, why Honda and Subaru now require OEM-specific scan tools (not just OEM-compatible), what happens when calibrations fail, and how proper shop culture creates 99% first-time calibration success rates. 🔧 What we discuss: Why ADAS is on 90% of vehicles today (not a future problem) How On the Road Garage maintains culture where every vehicle gets proper ADAS attention Weekly review process for OEM service information and position statements Prerequisites for technicians doing ADAS work (electrical systems, alignment, diagnostics) Real failure scenarios: sensors installed backwards, paint thickness problems, missed prerequisites Why dedicated calibration space reduces cycle time and improves success rates Apprenticeship programs training next-generation ADAS technicians Consumer questions to ask shops: "Is everything included in this estimate?" How service advisors present ADAS calibrations to retail customers (minimal pushback) Why sublet liability always traces back to the originating shop The shift from OEM-compatible tools to OEM-required tools (Honda, Subaru leading) Katie and Adam both emphasize the same advice for shop owners: invest in your people. Training, continuous learning, proper environment, and team buy-in matter more than any single piece of equipment. The conversation also covers why FMVSS 127 (automatic emergency braking mandate by 2029) will accelerate OEM requirements and why shops need dedicated calibration space before that deadline. Whether you're a collision shop owner, technician, estimator, or insurance professional, this episode demonstrates what proper ADAS process looks like in practice—and why culture drives results. Guests: Katie Mueller, On the Road Garage (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiemueller-ok) Adam Newberry, On the Road Garage (https://ontheroadgarage.com/) Host: Joel Adcock, Revv Resources: Learn more at revvhq.com (https://www.revvhq.com)

5. 

   6 Jan 2026

   From ADAS Equipment Guesswork to ROI-Driven Investment: A Conversation with Triad Diagnostic Solutions

   In this episode of the ADAS Empowered Podcast, host Joel Adcock, Director of Partnerships at Revv ADAS, sits down with Greg Reimuth, President of Triad Diagnostic Solutions, and Will Govan, Inside Sales Manager and ADAS Specialist, for a deep dive into ADAS calibration equipment, shop setup requirements, and the real-world return on investment of bringing calibrations in-house. As ADAS-equipped vehicles continue to dominate the road, repair facilities are facing new challenges around equipment selection, space constraints, training, and OEM compliance. This conversation goes beyond surface-level discussions to break down how shops can confidently choose the right ADAS calibration tools—and avoid costly mistakes. 🔧 Key Topics Covered in This Episode: How shops evaluate ADAS calibration equipment based on vehicle mix, space, and volume Differences between static and dynamic calibrations and what equipment is required for each How much physical space is actually needed to perform most ADAS calibrations Why “a scan is not a calibration” and how misunderstanding this creates risk and liability The evolution of ADAS hardware, including automation, self-leveling frames, digital targeting, and tablet upgrades Real-world examples showing how ADAS equipment can deliver ROI in under a year The importance of on-site training, ongoing support, and proper setup environments Common misconceptions about mobile calibrations and outdoor setups Greg and Will also share insight from years of working directly with collision centers, glass shops, and MSOs, explaining how successful shops approach ADAS as a capability—not just a piece of equipment. The discussion highlights why education, workflow planning, and software-driven decision-making are just as critical as the hardware itself. Whether you’re a collision repair professional, glass shop owner, calibration technician, MSO leader, or insurer, this episode delivers practical guidance on how to invest in ADAS calibration equipment with confidence—while improving safety, profitability, and repair accuracy. 👉 Listen now to learn how the right combination of ADAS equipment, training, automation, and process can transform calibration from a bottleneck into a strategic advantage.

6. 

   30 Oct 2025

   From Calibration Bottlenecks to Cycle-Time Breakthroughs: A Conversation with CCC’s Dan Risley

   Crashes are getting smarter—and so must repairs. In this episode of ADAS Empowered, host Joel Adcock (Director of Strategic Partnerships at Revv) sits down with Dan Risley, VP of Quality Repair & Market Development at CCC Intelligent Solutions, to unpack the realities of ADAS in collision repair: where calibrations go off the rails, how to document them the right way, and why CCC × Revv’s new integration helps shops identify, justify, and get paid for required calibrations—earlier in the process. We cover what to expect at MSO Symposium, CIC, and SEMA, fresh insights from CCC Crash Course, the case for doing some calibrations in-house (and when to sublet), technician and training gaps, OEM terminology headaches, and why standardizing around sensors/components (radar/camera) is the practical path forward. If you’re aiming to reduce supplements, cut length-of-rental, and ship safer cars, this one’s your playbook. 🎧 Powered by Revv — Ensure every vehicle leaves safe, compliant, and fully documented. Learn more or book a demo: https://www.revvhq.com/ ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Welcome & who this show is for 00:26 Why SEMA/CIC/MSO Symposium matter this year 01:32 CCC × Revv integration: the “why” and what shops get 06:56 Catching calibrations earlier (E1 vs. S1+) 08:44 Cycle-time impact per calibration & how to mitigate 12:28 What’s next: potential ADAS regulations & inspections 16:07 Educating consumers and shops (beyond PSAs) 18:22 Calibration penetration today vs. where it should be 19:49 OEM terminology & a practical standard (by sensor) 23:03 Diagnostics Workflow + Revv recs inside CCC ONE 30:39 In-house vs. sublet: space, tooling, liability 32:00 Specialization & OEM certifications as strategy 39:33 Dan’s 5-minute advice to every shop owner 41:49 Continuous learning & why events still matter 43:16 Final thoughts & see you at SEMA 👤 Guest Dan Risley — VP, Quality Repair & Market Development, CCC Intelligent Solutions https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-risley-83410868/ 🎙️ Host Joel Adcock — Director of Strategic Partnerships, Revv https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-adcock37/ Key Takeaways Identify calibrations early: tools now surface prescriptive operations at estimate time to reduce supplements and rental days. Document with standardized ops: CCC ONE + Revv maps to MOTOR entries for clear, compliant line items—no cryptic “CALIB” notes. Cycle-time compounds: more calibrations = more days; in-house capacity and reliable sublet partners are both strategic levers. Specialize smartly: focus brands where you can justify equipment, targets, space, and training. Continuous learning wins: procedures evolve—so should your people and processes. 🔗 Resources Learn more / Book a Revv demo → https://www.revvhq.com/

7. 

   11 Sept 2025

   From Sublet Risks to Cybersecurity Realities: A Conversation with RRM Insurance’s Nick Melon

   In this eye-opening episode of the ADAS Empowered Podcast, host Joel Adcock welcomes Nick Melon of RRM Insurance for a deep dive into one of the most overlooked but critical aspects of collision repair and ADAS calibration: insurance and risk management. Nick shares his journey into the automotive insurance space and how RRM Insurance has become a trusted partner for collision shops, dealerships, and service providers nationwide. He unpacks the unique risks tied to subletting calibrations, vetting subcontractors, and ensuring proper liability coverage, revealing why many shops may be more exposed than they realize. The conversation goes beyond the basics of garage keepers and general liability to explore emerging risks like cybersecurity, professional liability, and employment practices coverage—areas where gaps can quickly lead to multimillion-dollar claims. Nick also shares practical strategies for shop owners, from collecting certificates of insurance to developing employee handbooks and protocols that mitigate risk both in the bay and in the back office. You’ll also hear about: Why liability from subcontracted calibrations always rolls back to the shop Best practices for vetting and contracting with ADAS providers and other vendors How exclusions in policies can leave shops non-compliant with DRP contracts The rising importance of cyber liability in an era of connected vehicles Why working with an industry-specialized insurance agency makes all the difference Whether you’re a shop owner, technician, or vendor partner, this episode is packed with actionable insights to safeguard your business and ensure vehicles are returned to customers safely and correctly. 🎧 Listen now to learn how Nick Melon and RRM Insurance are helping collision repair shops navigate today’s complex risk landscape with confidence. 🔗 Resources mentioned in the episode: RRM Insurance: rrmins.com (https://rrmins.com) Contact Nick directly: nick@rrmins.com | (623) 777-4471

8. 

   4 Aug 2025

   From SkillsUSA to Back Bay Breakthroughs: A Conversation with Collision Pro Assist’s Jason Bartanen

   In this powerhouse episode of the ADAS Empowered Podcast, host Joel Adcock welcomes industry veteran and technician advocate Jason Bartanen, the founder of Collision Pro Assist, for an in-depth discussion on the future of technician support, education, and empowerment in the collision repair space. Jason shares his multi-decade journey in the industry—from winning state championships with SkillsUSA as a student, to leading national competitions and shaping the next generation of skilled technicians. He dives deep into the evolution of the SkillsUSA collision repair competitions, how they're keeping pace with ADAS and advanced vehicle technologies, and why technician development begins with early exposure and hands-on education. The episode also explores Jason's latest initiative: Back Bay, a revolutionary Discord-based support and micro-learning platform designed specifically for collision repair technicians. Learn how Back Bay connects technicians with OEM experts, tool and equipment manufacturers, and each other for real-time technical support and bite-sized learning—without the negativity often found on traditional social media. You’ll also hear about: Why microlearning and peer-to-peer support are game changers in technical education The role of ADAS in shaping technician responsibilities today and tomorrow What shop owners must do to better support technicians and drive quality repairs How to get involved with SkillsUSA and support young talent The vision behind Collision Pro Assist and its mission to elevate the technician’s voice Whether you’re a technician, shop owner, educator, or ADAS professional, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and practical advice to help elevate your role in the industry. 🎧 Listen now to hear how Jason Bartanen is leading a grassroots movement to bring real change to technician training, support, and recognition. 🔗 Resources mentioned in the episode: CollisionProAssist.com Free 7-day trial of Back Bay: whop.com/backbaytrial SkillsUSA State Director Directory: https://www.skillsusa.org/advisors/ Connect with Jason Bartanen in the Revv Forum: https://community.revvhq.com/feed

9. 

   7 Jul 2025

   From Garage Conversations to Industry Transformation: A Conversation with Revv's Founder Adi Bathla

   Revv CEO Adi Bathla shares his entrepreneurial journey with host Joel Adcock, detailing Revv's origins and its impact on ADAS calibration within the automotive repair industry in this interview.

10. 

    27 May 2025

    Driving Innovation in a Changing Automotive Landscape: A Conversation with Brunno Moretti

    Brunno Moretti, President of Essential Technologies, discusses the evolving landscape of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and end-of-line calibration with host Joel Adcock in an interview, highlighting the importance of standardization for vehicle safety.

11. 

    27 May 2025

    Precision, Passion & the Road Ahead: A Conversation with Ron Racine

    Ron Racine shares his extensive experience in ADAS calibration and collision repair, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and proper repair standards in the evolving automotive industry in an interview.

Who has been a guest on ADAS Empowered

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Adi Bathla
• Brunno Moretti
• Ron Racine

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 28 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

43

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32