by Jeff Compton
My name is Jeff, and I'd like to welcome you on a journey of reflection and insight into the tolls and triumphs of a career in automotive repair. After more than 20 years of skinned knuckles and tool debt, I want to share my perspective and hear other people's thoughts about our industry. So pour yourself a strong coffee or grab a cold Canadian beer and get ready for some great conversation.
Language
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Publishing Since
5/2/2023
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July 28, 2026
<p><strong>Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors</strong></p><p>Need to update your shop systems and software? <a href="https://auto.tekmetric.com/49VQCpJ"><strong>Try Tekmetric HERE</strong></a><strong></strong></p><p>Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! <a href="https://bit.ly/4b1BNTz"><strong>HERE</strong></a></p><br><p>In this episode, Jeff sits down with technician-turned-shop-owner Caleb Mac to discuss the challenges of leaving the comfort of employment to build a business from the ground up. Caleb shares his journey from dealership lube technician to opening his own repair shop in rural Minnesota, reflecting on poor mentorship, burnout, ethical repair decisions, and the lessons that shaped his approach to business. The conversation also covers pricing strategies, mobile repair, towing, diagnostics, hiring, and balancing entrepreneurship with family life.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Timestamps</strong></p><p>00:00 Discomfort Drives Growth<br> 00:49 Podcast Introduction and Caleb Returns<br> 02:03 Opening a New Shop in Minnesota<br> 03:51 Mobile Repair During Harsh Winters<br> 05:20 Dealership Lube Bay Challenges<br> 10:43 Learning Without Mentorship<br> 13:08 Why Caleb Chose Automotive Repair<br> 16:27 Fast Learning at a Used Car Dealer<br> 18:27 Safety Standards and Rust Repairs<br> 22:20 Burnout, Pay, and Tool Costs<br> 25:32 Raises, Pay Tracking, and Moving On<br> 34:06 Bad Coworkers and Comebacks<br> 38:06 Road Tests and Accountability<br> 39:53 Coils vs. Spark Plugs Debate<br> 40:48 Looking Beyond the Misfire<br> 41:34 Hemi Lifter Failures<br> 43:47 Ethics of Frame Repairs<br> 49:34 Launching a Solo Business<br> 54:30 Pricing and Parts Matrix Strategies<br> 59:08 The Reality of Mobile Repair<br> 01:02:11 Finding a Permanent Shop<br> 01:17:47 Tour of the New Shop<br> 01:22:23 Adding Towing Services<br> 01:23:25 Insurance and Business Research<br> 01:24:19 Buying a Tow Truck<br> 01:25:19 How Towing Quickly Paid Off<br> 01:25:47 A Challenging Diagnostic Case<br> 01:27:14 Using Brandon Steckler's Resources<br> 01:28:39 Shop Owner vs. Technician Responsibilities<br> 01:31:58 Building a Family Legacy<br> 01:32:53 Farmall Restoration Project<br> 01:35:15 Carburetors vs. EFI Swaps<br> 01:37:42 Hiring During Slow Seasons<br> 01:39:26 The Physical Toll of Mobile Repair<br> 01:42:50 Final Advice and Mindset<br> 01:45:46 ASCA and Industry Networking<br> 01:48:09 Canada Stories and Fishing<br> 01:53:12 Wrap Up and Call to Action</p> <br><p>Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! <br>TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7<br>YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic<br>Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232</p>
July 21, 2026
Host Jeff Compton interviews Auto Shop Therapy's Josh Coomes and technician Brian Ramsburg about common shop owner mistakes and building a quality-focused repair culture.
July 14, 2026
Host Jeff Compton interviews Josh Forbes of Maxim Muffler about his automotive career journey and concerns regarding flat-rate pay and right-to-repair legislation.
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Josh Forbes
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Frank Wiebe
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Margarita Wiebe
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Bryan Pollock
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Tonnika Haynes
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Braxton Critcher
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Eric Schoenberger
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Daniel Whitey
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My name is Jeff, and I'd like to welcome you on a journey of reflection and insight into the tolls and triumphs of a career in automotive repair.
After more than 20 years of skinned knuckles and tool debt, I want to share my perspective and hear other people's thoughts about our industry.
So pour yourself a strong coffee or grab a cold Canadian beer and get ready for some great conversation.
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