Remarkable Results Radio Podcast

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

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Host Carm Capriotto is joined by shop owners Craig Noel, Brett Beachler, and Tom Palermo for an important discussion on how “The Rise of the Specialist” is moving from idea to implementation inside automotive repair shops across the industry. Written by Carm Capriotto, “The Rise of the Specialist” is a growing movement and declaration designed to elevate the language, image, professionalism, and culture of the automotive service industry.

In this episode, the panel shares how they are actively implementing “The Rise” within their own businesses, from changing terminology and redefining job titles to elevating customer communication, shop presentation, and team culture. The conversation highlights the real-world challenges and successes of shifting away from outdated labels like “mechanic,” “wrench,” and “technician” and embracing the more professional and accurate title of “specialist.”

Carm explains that this movement is more than a branding exercise; it is a professional evolution aimed at helping the industry better reflect the expertise required to service today’s highly advanced vehicles. Modern automotive professionals are diagnosticians, calibration experts, technology specialists, and problem-solvers operating in one of the most sophisticated skilled professions today.

Throughout the discussion, the shop owners explain how adopting the language and principles of “The Rise” has strengthened team pride, improved customer trust, and helped create a more professional identity within their organizations. The panel also explores how service advisors play a key role in communicating the value of diagnostics, testing, and specialist-level expertise to clients in a way that builds understanding and confidence.

The episode draws powerful comparisons to professions like medicine and culinary arts, emphasizing that automotive specialists deserve the same respect given to highly trained experts in other industries. Just as chefs and medical specialists earn recognition through mastery and continuous education, today’s automotive professionals must also be seen as specialists whose expertise protects the safety and reliability of every vehicle entrusted to them.

“The Rise of the Specialist” has already gained momentum throughout the industry. Carm’s signature keynote, The Rise of the Specialist, has been delivered to influential audiences across North America, including the ASE Board of Governors, Ford Motor Company, and hundreds of forward-thinking automotive professionals.

What You’ll Learn


Why “The Rise of the Specialist” was created and what it represents
How shop owners are implementing “The Rise” in their businesses
Why the industry must move beyond outdated titles like “technician” and “mechanic”
How language shapes customer perception, professionalism, and team culture
The role service advisors play in explaining specialist-level diagnostics and repairs
How hospitality, presentation, and communication strengthen customer trust
Why this movement can help attract the next generation of automotive professionals


This episode demonstrates that “The Rise of the Specialist” is no longer just a concept; it is becoming a real cultural shift within the automotive industry. By adopting language that reflects expertise, elevating professionalism throughout the customer experience, and embracing the identity of the specialist, shop owners are helping reshape how the industry sees itself and how the world sees it.















Download 'The Rise of the Specialist': https://remarkableresults.biz/rise







Craig Noel, 

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

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In this fast-paced episode, shop owner and founder of the Automotive Management Network, Tom Ham, breaks down 15 major industry headlines in just 30 minutes, offering insight into the rapid changes reshaping automotive service, technology, and consumer behavior. From artificial intelligence and electric vehicles to rising car ownership costs and the exploding demand for automotive repair, this conversation connects today’s news with what it means for shop owners, technicians, and the future of the industry. Along the way, Ham also shares several quirky and entertaining stories making waves across the automotive world.

What You’ll Learn


Why major tech companies are investing heavily in AI and what that could mean for jobs, pricing, and the future workforce
How rising vehicle prices and soaring monthly payments are changing consumer behavior
Why maintaining and repairing existing vehicles is becoming a smarter financial decision for drivers
How the average age of vehicles on the road is creating unprecedented growth opportunities for auto repair shops
Why automotive specialists and skilled trades are becoming some of the most valuable careers in the economy
What slowing EV sales mean for automakers and the growing demand for EV-trained technicians
How repair shops can benefit from changing economic trends, including larger tax refunds and deferred maintenance
Fun and unusual industry stories, including remote-controlled vehicle heaters, backup camera cleaning devices, and vintage vehicle restoration programs


The automotive industry is entering one of the most profitable and transformative periods in its history. While technology, AI, and shifting consumer habits continue to disrupt traditional industries, the need for skilled automotive professionals is only increasing. As vehicles stay on the road longer and repair demand rises, shops that adapt, invest in training, and embrace emerging opportunities will be positioned for long-term success.

Tom Ham, Automotive Management Network. Tom’s previous episodes HERE.

Running a shop is a never-ending cycle of preventing problems and looking for solutions. Automotive Management Network is a 15,000+ member Website full of high-value documents, resources, and tips. Being a member gives you quick access to all the information you need to run a smooth, profitable shop.

https://www.automotivemanagementnetwork.com/

https://laborratetracker.com/

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:
Visit the Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/
Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto
Follow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/
Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/
Follow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/
Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
Join Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976
Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insider
All books mentioned on our podcasts:https://remarkableresults.biz/books
Our Classroom page for personal or team learning:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom
Buy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm
Special episode collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collections


The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/
Remarkable Results Radio Podcastwith Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion.https://remarkableresults.biz/
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Zwith Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
Business by the Numberswith Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
The Auto Repair Marketing Podcastwith Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
The Weekly Blitzwith Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
Speak Up! Effective Communicationwith Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.https://craigoneill.captivate.fm


























...

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

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Recorded live at the 2026 TST Big Event, host Carm Capriato sits down with shop owners and industry trainers Keith and Liz Perkins for a candid conversation about the evolving future of automotive repair. From the growing demand for private, hands-on training to the dangerous misconceptions surrounding vehicle calibrations, Keith and Liz share hard-earned insights from the front lines of the industry. They also pull back the curtain on how they successfully balance multiple businesses, a family farm, and life as entrepreneurial partners, all while staying deeply committed to technician development and industry advancement.

What You’ll Learn:


Why more shop owners are bringing trainers directly into their facilities for personalized, hands-on education
How the flat-rate pay system can unintentionally discourage accurate diagnostics and proper repairs
The critical importance of vehicle calibrations and why skipping them creates major safety concerns
A real-world story of how Keith and Liz challenged a dealership that failed to properly calibrate a vehicle after repairs
How Keith’s mobile diagnostics team operates as the “Navy SEALs” of the automotive industry, tackling the most complex repair challenges
The productivity systems, AI tools, and organizational habits that Keith and Liz use to manage multiple businesses and family responsibilities
Their perspective on partnership, marriage, and entrepreneurship, including why success is rarely a perfect 50/50 split
Updates from the NASTF board, including a new mobile app designed to simplify D1 security processes


This episode is a powerful reminder that professionalism in the automotive industry extends far beyond fixing vehicles. It requires continuous education, accountability, clear communication, and a commitment to doing the job correctly, even when it’s difficult or inconvenient. Keith and Liz Perkins demonstrate how technical excellence, strong systems, and true partnership can create lasting impact both inside and outside the shop.

TST Big Event: https://tstseminars.org/

Liz and Keith Perkins, Previous episode HERE.

L1 Automotive: https://www.l1diagnostics.com/

L1 Automotive Training: https://l1training.com/

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS








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/

Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class

Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/

Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI

Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/

Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty

You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/

Connect with the Podcast:


...

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Watch Full Video Episode
Dan Vance, CEO of Shop Dog Marketing, challenges how auto repair shops think about marketing in today’s AI-driven world. The conversation goes beyond websites and SEO, exploring how real marketing lives in every customer interaction and how tools like ChatGPT and Google AI Overview can become powerful strategic partners.

What You’ll Learn


Marketing Is Bigger Than Digital Tactics: Most shops mistake marketing for SEO, ads, or websites. Dan reframes marketing as theentire customer experience,from the way a repair is explained to how a customer feels in your waiting room. The shops that win combine smart digital strategy with authentic human connection.
Why “Precious Moments” Builds Powerful Brands: Small, meaningful experiences, like a child choosing a toy or a team member giving back to the community, create emotional anchors. Capturing and sharing these moments builds trust and a brand that customers remember and talk about.
How E-E-A-T Drives Visibility and Growth: Search engines prioritize Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust. Shops that intentionally showcase these qualities can outperform larger competitors. Long-term credibility matters more than short-term ad spend.
Using AI as Your Strategic Thinking Partner: AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a collaborator. Dan shares practical ways shops can use it: Identify dealership weaknesses through review analysis and position your shop as the better alternative. Understand your shop’s real online reputation, both strengths and blind spots. Improve hiring by comparing candidates to your top performers and analyzing interview traits.


Stop thinking of marketing as something you do and start seeing it as something you are. When you combine authentic customer experiences with the strategic power of AI, you don’t just compete, you create momentum that builds trust, visibility, and long-term growth.

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

Dan Vance, Shop Dog Marketing.com

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:
Visit the Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/
Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto
Follow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/
Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/
Follow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/
Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
Join Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976
Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insider
All books mentioned on our podcasts:https://remarkableresults.biz/books
Our Classroom page for personal or team learning:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom
Buy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm
Special episode collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collections


The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/
Remarkable Results Radio Podcastwith Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion.https://remarkableresults.biz/
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Zwith Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
Business by the Numberswith Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
The Auto Repair Marketing Podcastwith Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
The Weekly Blitzwith Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
Speak Up! Effective Communicationwith Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

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

Watch Full Video Episode














Recorded live at the VISION 2026, host Carm Capriotto sits down with shop owner Pete McNeil and NAPA Auto Care leaders Jason Rainey and Lauren Briggs to break down the impact of the NAPA Team Tool Rebate program. Listen to a powerful real-world example of how the program can energize a team, strengthen culture, and reward performance in meaningful ways.

What You’ll Learn


How the NAPA Team Tool Rebate program helps offset the high cost of technician tools while building a stronger shop culture
How Pete McNeil turned a $13,000 rebate into a memorable, morale-boosting experience
Why the shift from “tech tool rebate” to “team tool rebate” gives owners flexibility to reward the entire team, not just technicians
Creative ways shops can use rebate funds, from individual tool purchases to shared equipment, and even community support like vocational schools
How the program aligns the front and back of the shop, encouraging team-wide support of purchasing decisions
What’s ahead for the program, including improved tracking, communication, and enhanced buying power through supplier partnerships


The NAPA Team Tool Rebate program is more than a financial incentive; it’s a strategic tool for building culture, driving alignment, and showing appreciation in a tangible way. When used intentionally, as demonstrated by Pete McNeil, it can transform routine business spending into a powerful investment in people, boosting morale, loyalty, and long-term shop success.

VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo: https://visionkc.com/

Pete McNeil, McNeil’s Auto Care, Sandy and Riverton, UT. Pete’s previous episodes HERE

Lauren Briggs, Sales & Marketing Director. NAPA Auto Care. Lauren’s previous episodes HERE

Jason Rainey, Vice President NAPA Auto Care. Jason’s previous episodes HERE

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS








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/

Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class

Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/

Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI

Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/

Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty

You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/

Connect with the...