Remarkable Results Radio Podcast

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

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"Rich is loud. Wealthy is quiet."
In this episode, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Jerry Kezhaya and Dr. Laura Shwaluk, owners of The Auto Shop and business coaches with Business Builder Mentor and Mastermind.

They share their unconventional journey from healthcare to auto repair, including how Laura stepped in to run the shop while Jerry was hospitalized. With no technical background, she succeeded by focusing on leadership, culture, and relationships—proving that auto repair is ultimately a people business.

The couple also discusses the realities of working together as spouses. By clearly defining roles—Jerry managing systems and strategy, Laura leading team and customer relations—they’ve built a respectful, healthy workplace culture.

A major focus of the episode is financial freedom. Jerry contrasts “visible wealth” with “quiet freedom,” emphasizing passive income, low debt, and disciplined spending. They warn against lifestyle inflation and investing in depreciating assets, encouraging shop owners to prioritize long-term security over short-term status. They dive into the psychology of money, explaining how emotional wounds and unmet needs often drive overspending. Laura stresses that financial healing often starts with personal healing.









Our panel reinforces that real success comes from clarity, discipline, and emotional awareness. Rather than chasing status or appearances, they encourage shop owners to focus on...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

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In this episode, Carm Capriotto reconnects with industry veteran Peter Rudloff to explore his transition from shop owner to consultant, his “stay in your lane” philosophy, and the future of EV repair.

Rudloff shares how a 25-year exit plan allowed him to retire from shop ownership at 47 and transition into his home-based “Pete Cave,” where he continues hands-on work without managing employees. He later founded Rhino Collective LLC, helping manufacturers connect engineering with real-world repair.

A central theme is specialization. By focusing on domestic and Asian vehicles and avoiding brands like BMW, Rudloff improved efficiency and profitability. He argues that staying within your strengths leads to “profit by default” and long-term stability.

Looking ahead, he predicts EVs will dominate, and repair will shift toward modular, aircraft-style maintenance. He encourages new shop owners to consider EV specialization as a growth path.

Rudloff also emphasizes ongoing education, recommending 60 hours of training per year and crediting the Delaware Training Group as a major influence on his career.

This episode delivers clear, practical insight on focus, future-proofing, and lifelong learning in today’s repair industry.

Peter Rudloff, Rhino Collective LLC, [email protected]

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

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Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

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Megan Dineff of Ervine’s Auto Repair and Grand Rapids Hybrid and EV joins marketing specialist Dan Vance of Shop Dog Marketing to explore the evolving relationship between websites and the future of search.

They explore why a website remains the digital “front door” of a business, where customers decide whether to call. From using real photos to build credibility, to protecting leads through better phone protocols, to preparing for AI-driven search, this episode delivers practical insights for modern shop owners.

Key takeaways:

Building Trust Through Authenticity: Megan explains why the shop's website avoids stock photos and instead highlights their real team. Showing familiar faces builds instant comfort and credibility. A great website should “ooze trust” and reflect the shop’s personality, so prospects feel like they’ve found their “forever home.”

The 70% Rule: Studies show that nearly 70% of callers have already decided to do business before picking up the phone. The group discusses how poor phone handling can “put water on the candles."

AI and the Return of Content: Dan explains why content matters more than ever in the age of AI. Search models now “race to your website” to gather information. Shops must create clear, helpful content, not just for people, but for the algorithms that determine future visibility.

The Power of Partnership: Megan shares a cautionary story about accidentally shutting down the shop's Google Business Profile and the importance of having a trusted expert to resolve “black box” marketing issues. The group agrees: owners should focus on culture and leadership while relying on skilled partners to navigate the digital landscape.

Timestamps

00:00:00 – Introduction
00:04:00 – The "No Strangers" Policy Megan Dineff explains her strict rule against using stock photos on her website.
00:06:30 – Skinny Ties & The Corner Piece Dan Vance compares marketing trends to fashion fads (like skinny ties), arguing that while trends change, the website remains the "solid corner piece" and the central data source for the business.
00:10:00 – The Owner/Marketer Relationship Discussion on the division of labor.
00:19:00 – The 70% Rule The group discusses the statistic that 70% of callers have already decided to use the shop before they ring.
00:28:00 – Cautionary Tale: Deleting Google Megan shares a story about accidentally shutting down her Google Business Profile by changing the name, emphasizing the importance of having an expert partner to fix "black box" issues.
00:31:00 – AI and Writing for Robots Dan argues that content is returning as king because of AI. Even if humans don't read long website text, AI models do. Shops must now "write for robots" to ensure AI platforms recommend them.

When Customers Ask AI First: What Shop Owners Need to Know [RR 1071]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1071/ 

Megan Dineff, Ervine’s Auto Repair...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

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In this episode, Jeff Rudnick of Pit Crew Loyalty explores the powerful shift from transactional business models to relationship-driven customer loyalty in the automotive repair industry. He challenges shop owners to rethink marketing and branding through the lens of real human connection—introducing the idea that “software has to imitate life.” In other words, technology should support the natural, community-minded instincts of great owners by automating “white glove” service at scale.

The conversation dives into the behavioral science behind loyalty through Self-Determination Theory, which shows that customers, like employees, stay committed when they feel competent, autonomous, and part of something bigger than themselves. Rudnick backs this up with industry data, noting that the average “one-and-done” rate for first-time customers is 54%, but can be reduced to nearly 30% through intentional, relationship-based loyalty programs that make customers feel valued from day one.

Listeners will learn practical strategies for creating meaningful customer experiences, including:


The Confirmation Moment:Treating first-time calls as opportunities to confirm the shop can solve the customer’s problem, not simply close a sale.

Throwing a Party:Using automation to identify new customers so teams can celebrate and welcome them, increasing the likelihood of repeat visits.

Cross-Pollination:Partnering with other local businesses to build community networks that benefit everyone involved.

The Easy Button:Leveraging systems that automate complex marketing tasks like fundraisers, digital gift cards, referral programs, and social media graphics.


Rudnick also explains how loyalty rewards software can simplify community fundraising, referrals, and cross-business promotion, making high-level marketing accessible even for busy shop owners. Rather than relying on discounts, he emphasizes building strong brands through personalized rewards, authentic leadership, and genuine community involvement.

Ultimately, this episode demonstrates how combining smart automation with human-centered leadership can dramatically reduce customer churn, strengthen local relationships, and drive long-term profitability for independent repair shops.

Jeff Rudnick, Pit Crew Loyalty

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

- Follow on Facebook:...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

Watch Full Video Episode
Reaching 250,000 miles on a vehicle isn’t luck—it’s leadership.

In this episode, we explore what long-term vehicle maintenance really looks like and why today’s shops must rethink how they communicate with customers. Too often, maintenance is treated as a series of isolated repairs. This conversation reframes it as a strategic process built on education, transparency, planning, and advocacy.

In this episode, you’ll discover how to:


Shift your shop culture from reactive repairs to proactive planning

Position service advisors as educators and advocates

Use cost-per-mile analysis to demonstrate real vehicle value

Build trust through professional language and clear expectations

Align inspections with long-term ownership goals

Improve maintenance acceptance without fear-based selling

Create systems that support consistent follow-up


Key Discussion Topics


Why 250,000-mile vehicles are built through strategy, not chance

The difference between transactional service and advisory leadership

Using documentation and trends to guide decisions

Structuring pay plans to reinforce professionalism

Turning maintenance into a long-term relationship


Why This Episode Matters

When customers understand that their vehicle can realistically reach 250,000 miles with the right care, everything changes.

Trust improves. Approvals become easier. Loyalty deepens. And your shop evolves from a repair facility into a long-term partner in vehicle ownership.

This episode shows how sophisticated professionalism, consistent processes, and education-first communication can transform both customer relationships and business performance.

Brett Beachler, Beachler’s Vehicle Care & Repair, Peoria, IL. Listen to Brett’s previous episodes HERE

Rena Rennebohm, CEO and Creator of Empowered Advisor. Rena’s previous episodes