Episodes

The Excitement of EV Tech -But Will it Be Profitable Service Bay Work for The Aftermarket? The technology of electrification has taken a foothold as many of us are gearing up with the latest training as “E Techs ” ( See ZF North America as an example ). We understand the challenges ahead and are willing to invest both time and money toward the vital skill set that will be required…heck ..we have seen this before right? Maybe? ..Our industry is always transforming and the one thing we do is …evo...

The future of transportation is evolving faster than we know it. In fact, a few renowned innovation and design experts say that some of the most advanced futuristic concepts in mobility will be here in as little as five years because of the lightning-speed technologies currently taking place behind the scenes. Danish design talent, entrepreneur, and author Jens Martin Skibsted has been at the forefront of transportation technologies including the Terrafugia Transition, innovating bike designs &...

After successfully growing from scratch & selling 5 automotive service businesses over the past 25 years ..I can tell you there is an abundance of planning & strategy that not only goes into the numbers ..but into you. Or …let’s switch gears ..are you ready to expand and looking to purchase a business and make it mo’ better with your brand label? Are you truly prepared across the board? My special guest Biz Broker talent Robert Allen stops by WrenchNation to discuss the metrics and details al...

Responsible for over 400 of Hollywood’s most famous movie cars Fireball Tim has the deep spirit of automotive art and design excitement running through his veins. His latest series of automotive-inspiring coloring books with cover guests like Jay Leno, Rob Paulsen, Magnus Walker, Syd Mead, Gene Winefield & many more can be found on Amazon at Fireball Tim Lawrence or on Etsy While reaching over a billion viewers as an award-winning car designer, filmmaker & TV host for TLC, Discovery, Velocity, ...

Are 20 Groups & a Shop Coach a Complete Waste of Time? With the majority of independent shop owners across the country totally removed from any level of coaching or interest in seeking out growth from a 20 Group, we had to ask the logical question….why is this the case? This topic is close to the heart for me personally since many years ago, with my very first operation, ( before I teamed up with a coaching group ) …I did not believe I needed any help at all and ignorantly had everything under ...

This year has been ablaze with EV news and advancements in both legal and consumer adaption. In this edition of the show, we will cover the latest news that looks to be fortifying the future of EV’s and also discuss what the modern-day automotive technician will require for a skill set to survive in the future. Additionally, Jeff Buckley of the Automotive Service Association makes a brief call to the show to discuss the upcoming Shop to Shop session covering the topic of recruiting, training, a...

With the overwhelming amount of technology across the board in the automotive & trucking industry…how are diesel technicians really doing? Do we risk burning out a whole generation of commercial & fleet diesel techs from the advancements of technology underhood & difficulties with modern-day testing pathways to diagnose symptoms properly? CEO talent Tyler Roberston of Diesel Laptops is our special guest. Grab a beverage and join us as we dissect the challenges and configure up some viable solu...

SEMA HS Build Program As technology underhood is evolving to what is a serious amount of data to interpret and diagnose, how will the future technician be able to comprehend & successfully repair vehicle platforms of the future? With so many educators and instructors throughout the country teaching both the basics and the very technology of communicating with modules on a BUS system, for example, The SEMA HS Vehicle Program is designed to promote this vital community of students and instructors...

We all consider brake systems to be fairly simple and common service in a professional automotive service facility or in your driveway working on a family member’s vehicle. With so many different vehicle platforms and more importantly, the way a vehicle is driven based upon loads and demands, are you getting the right type of brake pad and rotor for the very type of driving that is required? We can often take this for granted, and over time create a frustrating comeback by way of a break squeak ...

The average consumer driving behind the wheel has a limited understanding of the various camera, radar, and LiDAR that is incorporated into advanced driver awareness systems (ADAS) that enable a vehicle to have incredible safety enhancements. What are the differences between radar, camera systems, and LiDAR? What are the benefits to each and what are their limitations? Join us for a special edition of WrenchNation as CEO Paul Drysch of PreAct Software Technologies shares the specific details as ...

The serious risk of credit card fraud while conducting transactions in your automotive business can be overwhelming if it regrettably happens. We dedicate a complete show on the latest alarming statistics regarding credit card scams, and how your automotive business can properly prepare to avoid them. We also review strategies to attain the lowest legitimate merchant fees without overpaying with special guest Dan Arndt of Card Connect Paradise. Join us as we investigate : -How thieves are get...

Capturing thousands of car shows and LIVE STREAMING to the world is a passion of K. Mikael Wallin “The Crazy Swede” of Customikes. With years of working with his classic ride clients in the garage, Customikes offers both real-world restoration and repairs along with sound advice regarding how to approach a budget to get the most bang for your buck while enabling a safe & reliable cruising work of rolling art. Mikael stops by the show to discuss how he got started behind the lens and what inspire...

Supply Chain Logistics Concerns as EV Demand Increases As the green movement ramps up quickly and the Electric Vehicle demand starts to increase, how does the automotive supply chain embrace and keep up with the OEM’S? The labor shortages, current supply-demand imbalances, and ripple effects of global bottlenecks have created additional loads on one of the key talents of the supply chain -the Program Manager. Actify CEO Dave Opsahl visits the show for a SPECIAL EDITION preview into how the autom...

Woman Techs : Solving the Tech Shortage Problem As there is a huge demand for skilled automotive technicians , Tech Force Foundation is carving out huge strides with over 40 million in scholarships providing huge opportunities for younger technicians entering the automotive industry. Tech Force has just released an in depth white paper regarding women who are entering the industry, and some of the biggest challenges they face , despite being relentless about their goals. Special guests Dana Rap...

EV Sales Increase as Technology Moves Forward As the economy slowly corrects by way of increasing inflation, and specifically the price action of unchartered territory….regarding fuel prices… is the consumer ready to make a shift to seriously considering an Electric Vehicle platform or are we years away from a practical solution making our peace to finally separate from fossil fuels. We discuss the practical, and not so practical details of EV platforms and how this transportation transition nee...

Car Mechanic, Collector & History Preservationist Ed Willimann | Owner of Historic Ferrari Platforms & Vintage Collection Ed Willimann -Prescott AZ vehicle collector and enthusiast is preserving history in a very special way with an incredible collection over the years of vintage Ferrari’s & more ! Ed stops by the Wrench Nation show to discuss his history as a Navy Veteran, the great journey behind seeking out the Ferrari 125 ,and the storied history of the legendary Enzo Ferrari Scuderia early ...

As a Phoenix native, Luis Miranda, owner of Miranda’s Custom Cars, got his start working on cars by helping his father at the age of 8 & has spent the last 35 years carving a true legacy under hood within the lowrider scene with grace & style. We discuss his fascinating journey : Before his first build project –literally digging graves with Dad to earn some money for his dream ride. Working with legendary lowrider Hall of Famer Mando Estrada on the very first official Lowrider of the Year “Brand...

Automotive Scholarships Making Huge Strides For Skilled Trades One of the greatest needs in the automotive community is the fundraising & charitable donations that quietly contribute to many up and coming automotive students, giving them not only the opportunity to succeed, however, in many occasions, a major MAJOR life de stressor.. as costs can pile up. Collision Repair Education Foundation’s Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode & Philanthropist retired collision industry veteran Tim Ade...

How to navigate the murky waters of a market correction & remain on top in your service bays . We are seeing a hodge podge of viewpoints in the stock market , with the FEDS slowly ramping up interest rates -in attempts to hedge the wild side of record breaking inflation. With a noticeable downtrend as of recent ( MAY 2022) and a miserable earnings season for many corporations, how will this effect the consumer and specifically-what do we need to be prepared for with our automotive service enterp...

The Great Resignation Bust & Skilled Trades Boom : Automotive Enrollment on the RISE With the old, and quite frankly, beat up headlines of “SKILLED TRADES SHORTAGE IN DIRE STRAIGHTS”….many in the automotive industry ..from Shop owners, dealer franchisees & educators have taken the bull by the horn with huge strides in attracting younger talent towards a career path as an automotive technician. LATEST NEWS REPORT Skilled Trades Enrollment Uptick Many of you are working hard to change the game &...

SPECIAL GUEST : LEAD MECUM AUCTIONS MOTOR TREND TV COMMENTATOR JOHN KRAMAN LEAD MECUM TV COMMENTATOR JOHN KRAMAN PIT STOPS IN THE WRENCHNATION STUDIOS TO DISCUSS THE LEGENDARY HISTORY OF THE MECUM FAMILY & THEIR HUMBLE BEGINNINGS , ALONG WITH SOME AMAZING INSIGHT TO THE CURRENT COLLECTIONS OFFERED FOR SALE ! *HOW TO APPROACH AN AUCTION AND THE BIDDING PROCESS FOR THE FIRST TIME *THE FAMED HOOKED ON VETTES COLLECTION OFFERING *AUTOMOTIVE ROAD ART THAT LEAVES YOUR NEIGHBORS ENVIOUS *JOHN KRAM...

Special Edition : Inclusivity , Diversity & Equality | Automotive Aftermarket Series How can we as an automotive aftermarket, comprised of so many functions, ensure that prejudice & discrimination is eliminated from the landscape of our micro and macro cultures, where everyone is treated fairly and welcomed ? Prejudice & discrimination is a tough topic to unfold in just one short hour , however, well needed and justified , especially during a time of huge shortages of skilled talent, that we ca...

The automotive landscape over the past 100 years has seen it’s fair share of wild & wacky vehicles…and for the most part ..they all wanted to answer a unique call of style , function or , let’s just say INCLUDED.. IN A particular niche of being different ! We have all experienced that glance through the driver or passenger window & stated “what the heck was that “? On today’s show -we visit some of that zany automotive history ! BONUS : Catch our recent visit at the Las Vegas Concours as we prev...

SPECIAL GUEST : SEAN GORDON | AIMEE ANDREWS | ACE PERFORMANCE AUTOMOTIVE CELEBRATION IS IN THE AIR FOR THE TEAM AT ACE PERFORMANCE AUTOMOTIVE AS THEY GROW A SECOND LOCATION ! WE DISCUSS ALL OF THE CHALLENGES AND EXCITEMENT OF BUILDING OUT EXPANSION TO A SECOND LOCATION AS WELL AS WHAT IT TAKES FOR A TEAM TO COME TOGETHER TO PROVIDE SERVICE EXCELLENCE AND STRIVE TO BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE COMMUNITY ! WHAT ARE THE MOST STRESSFUL CHALLENGES ? HOW DID THEY ACQUIRE TECHS DURING A SHORTAGE ? DID...