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(28 reviews)
113 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
Podcast Authority
BetaGoodBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
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YouTube82
Engagement51
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Recent Episodes
July 28, 2026
Ep 108 - Coaching Call #19 | The Technician Hiring Mistake Costing You Thousands
<p>Tekmetric transformed my shop. Plain and simple. Want that for yours? Touch <a href="https://auto.tekmetric.com/4iOySkk">HERE</a></p><p>If you're like me and aren't good at marketing, don't do it on your own. Let the experts handle it. Touch <a href="https://www.turnkeyautomarketing.com/">HERE</a> for more on Turnkey Marketing.</p><p>Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more <a href="https://eliteworldwide.com/event/masters-service-advisor-training-program-3/">HERE</a></p><p> When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and <a href="https://www.detectauto.com/">book a free demo now!</a></p><br><p>In this episode, Mike Allen and Matt Lofton tackle the tough realities of technician recruitment and retention in the automotive industry. They break down what makes for a world-class tech resume, including the importance of certifications and a repeatable diagnostic process. They also dive into creative benefits and pay structures that help shop owners attract and keep high-performing team members.</p><p><strong>Timestamps:</strong><br>00:00 Why effort matters: average effort equals average results<br>01:01 On location: Real shop talk—live from the upstairs lounge<br>02:12 Listener story: The perils of moving for a big technician bonus<br>03:31 Counter work: How service advisor experience changes your perspective<br>04:12 Building a world-class technician resume<br>06:10 Green flags when hiring technicians: culture, urgency, and communication<br>08:07 Assessing tech skill levels: How shop owners rank new hires<br>10:02 The realities of shop life: climate (un)controlled & passion required<br>11:15 Interview testing: Math, typing, and diagnostics<br>12:25 What a detailed diagnostic process REALLY sounds like<br>15:00 Repair process deep dive: Front pads and rotors, step by step<br>16:00 Certifications: Do ASE and OEM certs really matter?<br>18:19 Certification pay bumps and how smart shops use them<br>22:24 Additional benefits: Tool truck stipend, unique perks, and paid vacation<br>23:21 Spotting red flags in technician interviews<br>25:25 Dangerous hobbies, life outside work, and “yellow flags”<br>27:08 Get your questions HR-checked—don’t risk dangerous interview territory<br>28:19 Video games: Neutral factor or warning sign?<br>29:01 A-level techs vs. average: The importance of self-improvement<br>32:10 Tools for growth: ScannerDanner Premium and other training hacks<br>33:04 Is tech a job or a career? Why treating it like a profession pays<br>34:10 Unique retention benefits elite shops are offering now<br>36:18 The surprising power of honest feedback and shop culture<br>39:22 Flat rate, salary, and pay progression: Building real career pathways<br>41:45 What techs should ask in every interview (and why shops should let you talk to the team)<br>44:39 The best techs interview the shop right back<br>45:53 Why service advisor performance matters for technician pay<br>47:00 When mistakes happen: Who eats the loss—tech or shop?<br>48:41 “How do you want to get paid?” Structuring compensation around performance<br>50:00 Signing bonuses: rewards, risks, and negotiation tips<br>53:40 Why every tech should understand shop numbers (not just fixes!)</p>
July 21, 2026
Ep 107 - Rich Falco | The ADAS Mistake That Could Cost You Everything
<p>Keep shop management, payments, marketing (all the things) all in one place with Tekmetric. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Click <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>When I used the maintenance tool for the fist time with Detect Auto, my mind was blown. My advisors had the same reaction - and then SO MUCH MORE TIME. Learn more about Detect Auto and <a href="https://www.detectauto.com/">book a free demo now!</a></p><p>Elite Worldwide's Ignite 2027 is coming up in February and NOW is the time to sign up. It's happening in Vegas February 4-6 and it will be the best 3 days of your shops year when you attend. Learn now <a href="https://eliteworldwide.regfox.com/ignite-by-elite-2027">HERE</a></p><br><p>In this episode, Mike Allen welcomes Rich Falco to talk about the challenges and stories behind running a shop in today’s changing automotive landscape. They focus heavily on why shop owners need to invest in technician training and the difficulties many shops face bridging the gap between what techs want to learn and what the industry demands. A key theme that emerged was the growing impact of ADAS calibrations, the risk of improper repairs, and the increasing need for specialized equipment and procedures.</p><p><strong>Timestamps:</strong><br>00:00 Scope Drama: Impressive Diagnostics or Just for the ‘Gram?<br>01:05 Poker Nights & Shop Camaraderie<br>02:58 CTI Training Center – Tech Paradise<br>04:44 Bikers, Miatas & Life After Kids<br>05:11 Running a Mobile Calibration Business<br>06:29 Body Shop Calibrations: Bent Brackets & Bad Installs<br>07:05 Small Shops vs. Chains: Who Cuts Corners?<br>08:00 Essential Tools for Mobile Programming & Diagnostics<br>09:11 How Much Does a Well-Equipped Van REALLY Cost?<br>10:49 Why Shops Should Avoid “Hero” Jobs on Exotic Cars<br>13:15 Overconfident Techs (And When Ego Bites Back)<br>14:18 CTI’s Latest: Technician Evaluation & Skills Platform<br>16:17 Closing the Gap: Tech Training You Want Vs. Need<br>19:22 Best Training Tools: Online vs. In-Person<br>21:02 Shop Owners Bringing In-Depth Training to Their Doorstep<br>23:53 Should You Build Up Domestic Programming Skills?<br>24:34 Playground for Technicians: Touring the Research Center<br>25:07 Autel vs. PicoScope Throwdown<br>26:44 Shops Chasing “Hero Work” vs. Profitable Bread & Butter<br>28:18 Building Technician Career Paths—Real Tools for Real Growth<br>30:21 The Real Deal: What Techs Actually Want in Shops<br>32:42 Shop Owner Secrets: Training, Recruiting & Retention<br>34:44 Why the Best Techs Invest In Their Own Training<br>35:37 Networking & Recruiting at Industry Events<br>37:17 Rookie Shop Owners Who Get It Right (And Bring Cocktails)<br>41:47 Short-Form Training – The Secret Techs Actually Use<br>42:39 Why Boring Training Videos Kill Your Shop Culture<br>44:42 Not Reading the Service Info? Big Mistake<br>45:09 ADAS Calibrations, Liability, and Lawsuit Risks<br>47:24 Will Self-Driving Tech Change Everything?<br>52:45 Should We Fear (or Welcome) Our Robot Car Overlords?<br>54:05 Endgame: Cards, Cocktails & Hospitality at the Next Expo</p>
July 14, 2026
Ep 106 - Mike Allen, Bryan Pollock, & Braxton Critcher | The Repair Industry is Like a Bucket of Crabs
<p>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>Send your service advisor to hands down the BEST service advisor training in the industry (even other coaching companies agree). It's Elite Worldwide's Masters Program. The next one is happening in Dallas Texas, September 10-12. Learn more <a href="https://eliteworldwide.com/event/masters-service-advisor-training-program-3/">HERE</a></p><br><p>This one was a long time coming. Today, Mike, Bryan and Braxton dig into some of the wildest and most misguided comments from the Confessions of a Shop Owner Facebook page recently. They tackle the notorious “$358k technician” story, breaking down why so many techs can’t do the math—or just don’t want to believe the numbers. You'll have a lot of fun hearing what some people in the industry have to say about some of the hot button issues...or really their lack of understanding. </p><p><strong>Timstamps:</strong><br>00:00 Techs in the comment section: “Nobody makes that much!” The $350K technician saga<br>02:31 Are you watching the podcast, or just the reels? Context, context, context!<br>05:07 Reggie’s story: Would you leave for a $1/hr raise? Why context gets lost online<br>07:12 Diagnostic skills, cognitive leaps, and why some techs will never make big money<br>10:09 Fairfax, VA: High rent, high output, high pay – breaking down the math<br>11:19 “Crabs in a bucket” and raging over others’ success<br>13:11 Who are the real 1%ers in the shop world? Defining success in auto repair<br>15:03 The service advisor breakdown: Where does all the time go?<br>16:09 Rage-baiting with advisor accountability, tracking every minute in the shop<br>18:29 Punch cards, bathroom codes, and memories of dealership micromanagement<br>20:01 How hard is it, really, to do a 10-minute write-up?<br>21:23 Mediocre service advisor confessions (& Braxton’s epic shade)<br>22:25 Do your employees secretly listen to your podcast?<br>23:45 The all-star “A Tech” myth: Can anyone really “do everything”?<br>25:11 Ego, memory, and those wild open forum stories<br>26:26 Are you really a unicorn tech, or did you just burn a car down?<br>28:00 Training vs. tech evolution: Has the industry outpaced technician effort?<br>29:21 After hours learning: What the top techs are really doing<br>30:26 Commenters vs. reality: Reading comprehension fails (and laughs)<br>33:02 “Never lost to a car” – the world’s biggest shop lie<br>35:01 Toolbox wars and the rolling rig debate: Weight, wheels & wild finance<br>42:02 Remote diagnostics, shop culture, and the power of process<br>49:00 Why context is everything: Dealerships, warranty companies & internet assumptions<br>52:28 If you’re mad at a reel, maybe just listen to the episode (and visit our sponsors)</p>
113 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
Guest
Aniz Lavji
Guest
Uwe Kleinschmidt
Guest
John Firm
Guest
Michael Guenther
Guest
Matt Lofton
Guest
Chris Enright
Guest
Darrin Barney
Guest
Mbie Dowd
Guest
Tonnika Haynes
Guest
Eric Merchant
Guest
Josh Coomes
Guest
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