Confessions of a Shop Owner is hosted by Mike Allen, a third-generation shop owner, perpetual pot-stirrer, and brutally honest opinion sharer. In this weekly podcast, Mike shares his missteps so you don’t have to repeat them. Along the way, he chats with other industry personalities who’ve messed up, too, pulling back the curtain on the realities of running an independent auto repair shop. But this podcast isn’t just about Mike’s journey. It’s about confronting the divisive and questionable tactics many shop owners and managers use. Mike is here to stir the pot and address the painful truths while offering a way forward. Together, we’ll tackle the frustrations, shake things up, and help create a better future for the auto repair industry.
Confessions of a Shop Owner
Claim This Podcastby Mike Allen
4.6(27 reviews)
104 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸
75
Podcast Authority
BetaGoodBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality97
Social0
YouTube82
Engagement51
Podcast Overview
Confessions of a Shop Owner is hosted by Mike Allen, a third-generation shop owner, perpetual pot-stirrer, and brutally honest opinion sharer. In this weekly podcast, Mike shares his missteps so you don’t have to repeat them. Along the way, he chats with other industry personalities who’ve messed up, too, pulling back the curtain on the realities of running an independent auto repair shop. But this podcast isn’t just about Mike’s journey. It’s about confronting the divisive and questionable tactics many shop owners and managers use. Mike is here to stir the pot and address the painful truths while offering a way forward. Together, we’ll tackle the frustrations, shake things up, and help create a better future for the auto repair industry.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
1/14/2025
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75
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Engagement51
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Recent Episodes
June 12, 2026
Ep 99 - Adam Rath | What Works in One Shop Could Kill Another
<p>Tekmetrics' business model of listening to customers' needs and implementing new systems makes them super shop-friendly. Start using them at your shop today <a href="https://auto.tekmetric.com/4iOySkk">HERE</a></p><p>Turnkey Marketing has made my life SOOO much simpler, AND they've helped keep the phone ringing. Do you need these two things too? Learn more <a href="https://www.turnkeyautomarketing.com/">HERE</a></p><p>Elite Worldwide coaching has changed the game for me and my shop. Need a boost? Use Elite like I do. <a href="https://eliteworldwide.com/">HERE</a></p><p>For years I thought I could handle the hiring process on my own. But, after far too many bad hires, it was clear I needed help. Promotive came through for me with a rock star hire in just a few days and I couldn't be happier. Swallow your pride and bring in Promotive for that open position you have at your shop today. You can thank me later. Learn more <a href="https://info.gopromotive.com/confessions">HERE</a></p><p>AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register <a href="https://www.simpletix.com/e/ai-for-shop-owners-open-the-hood-of-the-fu-tickets-271295">HERE</a></p><br><p>In this episode, Mike Allen sits down with Adam Rath, owner of a repair shop in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Adam tackles the challenge of adapting business models to different communities, emphasizing that what works in one area may not work in another. They also explore the importance of process efficiency, particularly in estimate building and digital vehicle inspections. Adam also talks about his role with the ASOG mastermind group, highlighting how peer support and structured programs can help struggling shop owners build a solid foundation.<br><strong><br>Timestamps:</strong><br>00:00 Efficient Estimates vs. Wasting Time<br>01:31 Podcast Tech Upgrades and Recording on the Road<br>03:03 Behind-the-Scenes: Touring Craftsman Auto Care<br>04:01 Coaching Models: Origins and Overlaps<br>06:00 Meet Adam Rath & the Reality of Shop Locations<br>08:08 Coaching Myths: "That Won’t Work in My Town"<br>09:00 Different Markets, Different Rules<br>11:16 The 300% Rule: Double-Edged Sword<br>12:33 Are You Sticker-Shocking Your Clients?<br>13:33 Presenting Estimates the Smart Way<br>14:09 DVI Tools and Estimating Efficiency<br>15:24 What Do You Show the Customer?<br>17:10 Single-Issue Selling: Helpful or "Slimy"?<br>20:01 Show & Sell: The Theater of Auto Sales<br>22:52 Roleplaying, Sales Practice, and the J Curve<br>24:55 Tech Tools: Detect Auto, DVI Speed, and Pain Points<br>28:40 Remote Estimators: Overseas Teams & Lessons Learned<br>30:41 The Rise and Fall of Remote Estimate Companies<br>33:05 EOS Explained: Visionaries vs. Integrators<br>36:36 Taking the Crystallizer Assessment<br>38:19 Monthly State of the Company at Adam's Shop<br>41:20 When the Team Wins—Even Without the Manager<br>43:13 Building Leadership Skills with the Right Tools<br>44:57 Adam’s Role in the ASOG Mastermind<br>46:33 The Mastermind Format & Growth<br>48:36 Curriculum Overhaul: Tightening the Learning Path<br>50:36 Live Invoice & Call Audits: Growing through Discomfort<br>53:43 Why We Break Process (and How to Fix It)<br>55:15 The Future of the Mastermind: Structure & Guest Coaches<br>57:10 Shop Fix vs. ASOG: The Coaching Disconnect<br>59:48 Buffet Approach to Coaching: Take What Works<br>1:01:47 Guest Coaches, Good Info, and Avoiding Sound Bites<br>1:04:00 Confession Time: When Employees Just Aren’t a Fit<br>1:06:23 Shop Culture: The Right People Stay, Others Go<br>1:07:13 EOS Implementers & Next Steps</p>
June 9, 2026
Ep 98 - Jeff Compton & Tonnika Haynes | Are Viral Reels Ruining the Auto Repair Industry?
<p>Register for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference in Huston April 9-11 and use Code CONFESSIONS500 for $500.00 off. <a href="https://auto.tekmetric.com/46jNwvx">HERE</a></p><p><a href="https://www.turnkeyautomarketing.com/">Turnkey Marketing</a> takes the stress of doing something I'm not good at off my plate. And gives it to someone who is. Click <a href="https://www.turnkeyautomarketing.com/">HERE</a> for more.</p><p>Elite Worldwide has CHANGED my business and life through their one-on-one coaching. Use them like I do <a href="https://eliteworldwide.com/">HERE</a></p><p>For years I thought I could handle the hiring process on my own. But, after far too many bad hires, it was clear I needed help. Promotive came through for me with a rock star hire in just a few days and I couldn't be happier. Swallow your pride and bring in Promotive for that open position you have at your shop today. You can thank me later. Learn more <a href="https://info.gopromotive.com/confessions">HERE</a></p><p>AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register <a href="https://www.simpletix.com/e/ai-for-shop-owners-open-the-hood-of-the-fu-tickets-271295">HERE</a></p><br><p>In this episode, the podcasts collide for a behind the scenes conversation about what goes on on social media. Are the viral reels a good thing or a bad thing? Tonnika Haynes from <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2UJkjPlvHTGXmQHSajZvse">Downshift with Tonnika</a>, Jeff Compton from the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/68107VSdqdXzQ49ddSxkVM">Jaded Mechanic</a> and Bryan Pollock from Confessions of a Shop Owner circle up to have this conversation with Braxton Critcher, the producer of each show. They also get real about the importance of doing the actual work behind the scenes, emphasizing that growth in your business (and in life) comes from putting in consistent effort, not just watching highlight reels.</p><p>Timestamps: <br>00:00 - The uncomfortable truth about podcast discovery and audience habits<br>01:16 - What happens when podcasts collide—introductions and chaos<br>02:23 - Behind the scenes: Group chat antics, tools, and industry jokes<br>03:57 - Social media, reels, and who’s to blame for viral content<br>05:01 - The power (and pain) of online comments and negative feedback<br>06:46 - Why social media works for some shops but isn’t for everyone<br>07:14 - Going viral: 2.4 million views, angry commenters, and riding the algorithm<br>09:03 - Building a brand: Negativity, growth strategies, and five-year plans<br>12:33 - Are most people really “spoon fed”? Podcast challenges explained<br>14:26 - Shop rates, community service, and fixing Chevy trucks for peanuts<br>17:04 - The “must be nice” attitude and its effect on success and envy<br>19:01 - Growing beyond your bubble: Why spicy reels are necessary<br>22:27 - Can podcasts actually change the industry? Or just a few minds?<br>35:01 - Choosing your hard: Highlight reels, business reality, and keeping perspective<br>44:21 - Real talk: Same struggles, different zip codes, focus on YOUR growth<br>49:34 - Excuses vs. results—moving, changing, and finding a way to win<br>54:37 - Visualization, success stories, and putting in the extra work<br>59:38 - “Choosing average”: 9-to-5 mentality and salary realities<br>1:01:09 - Relationships, distractions, and shop staff drama<br>1:03:21 - The only goal: One shop at a time, one listener at a time.</p>
June 5, 2026
Ep 97 - Tektonic 2026 Coaches Panel | Flat Rate, Technician Shortage, Performance Based Pay
<p>This episode was recorded at Tektonic 2026. Thank you to Tekmetric for allowing us to use this recording for an episode. Want to go to Tektonic 2027? Register <a href="https://www.tekmetric.com/tektonic">HERE</a></p><p>Today, Mike Allen leads a lively panel of coaches as they tackle some of the auto repair industry's most daunting topics. Things like flat rate and how compensation models impact recruitment, motivation, and shop culture. They also confront the persistent undervaluing of the industry, pointing out the urgent need for better marketing and self-regulation if auto repair is to attract the next generation. Plus, the coaches don’t hold back as they discuss private equity’s growing influence—offering straight talk on exit strategies, business legacy, and the real impact on teams left behind.<br> <br>Tekmetric opened my eyes to just how much a good SMS will do for a shop. Their software is top of the line, and with them, so is my shop. Try them for yourself <a href="https://auto.tekmetric.com/4iOySkk">HERE</a></p><p>My marketing before and after signing up with Turnkey Marketing is pretty scary. In a good way. Get your marketing right today <a href="https://www.turnkeyautomarketing.com/">HERE</a></p><p>Make your techs happier with Detect Auto. They'll stop getting "check noise" or "check vibration" from advisors with the customer concern tool. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Book a demo <a href="https://www.detectauto.com/">HERE</a></p><p>For years I thought I could handle the hiring process on my own. But, after far too many bad hires, it was clear I needed help. Promotive came through for me with a rock star hire in just a few days and I couldn't be happier. Swallow your pride and bring in Promotive for that open position you have at your shop today. You can thank me later. Learn more <a href="https://info.gopromotive.com/confessions">HERE</a></p><p>AI for Shop Owners: Open the Hood of the Future is happening June 12-13 at Carfix in Raleigh, NC. Use AI to your advantage! Register <a href="https://www.simpletix.com/e/ai-for-shop-owners-open-the-hood-of-the-fu-tickets-271295">HERE</a><br><strong><br>Timestamps:</strong><br>00:00 Why is the auto industry undervalued? The real story behind pay and standards<br>01:06 Flat rate pay: Is it tradition, incentive, or what’s driving the “tech shortage”?<br>02:44 Hourly vs. flat rate vs. blended: Can we finally pay techs what they’re worth?<br>04:06 What performance-based pay REALLY looks like in the real world<br>07:03 Is there even a tech shortage, or just a leadership and culture failure?<br>09:09 Recruiting top techs: Why should someone work for YOUR shop?<br>11:05 Employees want more than money—how culture and environment win<br>12:33 Why we can’t afford to be “broke” shop owners (& why most of us are)<br>13:28 Are we destroying our own value? Party clowns vs. techs and the marketing gap<br>15:56 Leadership confession: We got into cars, NOT for people, and it’s catching up<br>16:26 How to reach the next generation of automotive stars<br>17:17 One shop’s youth welding program that sparks real careers<br>18:06 Why trades like welding are beating automotive for young talent<br>20:03 How do we market the industry and reach parents, not just students?<br>23:39 Got Milk? Why we need a national campaign to sell the value of this business<br>24:53 Raising your labor rate: Genius or a recipe for backlash if you don’t raise value<br>28:28 What customers are REALLY paying for—and how service changes the game<br>30:13 Making your shop irresistible: Clean, beautiful, equipped, and worth the price<br>31:42 You don’t need to wait to raise value—start by fixing your shop now<br>34:36 Relationships and trust: The foundation for customer and team loyalty<br>36:24 The biggest profit leak no one talks about: productivity loss<br>39:35 Private equity: Golden parachute or community killer for auto shops?<br>41:54 What’s your exit plan? How to think years ahead (and why it matters)<br>45:45 Should coaches own shops? The truth about what makes a great coach<br>51:39 Leadership, engagement, and communication: The four pillars of high-performing teams<br>55:54 AI, DVI, and service advisors: The NEXT revolution in customer experience<br>58:04 Why hospitality always wins—technology tools are only part of the story</p>
104 total episodes available
Recent guests on Confessions of a Shop Owner
Guests from recent episodes — sign up to see every guest that has ever appeared on this show.
Jimmy Purdy
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Aniz Lavji
Guest
Uwe Kleinschmidt
Guest
John Firm
Guest
Michael Guenther
Guest
Matt Lofton
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Chris Enright
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Darrin Barney
Guest
Mbie Dowd
Guest
Tonnika Haynes
Guest
Eric Merchant
Guest
Josh Coomes
Guest
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