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Beyond the Wrench

Females in the Automotive Industry ft. Jessica Toliuszis, Women in Auto Care

Episode Description Not only do we need more technicians in the industry, but there is also a massive shortage of females working in automotive. In this week’s episode, we are joined by Jessica Toliuszis, Chair of Women in Auto Care, to discuss tips for managing female technicians, barriers to entry in the industry for females,

2024-09-05T12:36:47-06:00Beyond the Wrench|

Insurance for Independent Shops ft. Robert Steele, IGO Benefits

Episode Description Purchasing insurance is a complex need that the average shop owner doesn’t know enough about in order to make informed decisions. Tune into this week’s episode as Robert Steele, Founder & CEO of IGO Benefits, shares stories of his time in the NFL, talks about how he got a woman out of $600,000

2024-06-28T14:05:53-06:00Beyond the Wrench|

Auto Racing in High School ft. Jonathan Eckelberg, High School Racing Association

Episode Description Racing is more than going fast and turning left. Students can gain real-life experience and technical skills by racing and being a part of a racing team. Jonathan Eckelberg, Director of the High School Racing Association (HSRA), understands the benefits of auto racing and has taken his family’s passion and career of racing

2024-06-27T15:51:55-06:00Beyond the Wrench|

Transitioning from Technician to Shop Owner ft. Gabriel Christian, Import Performance

Episode Description Few technicians make the hard leap to shop owner. In this week’s episode, Gabriel Christian, Owner of Import Performance Auto Repair, walks us through his journey from technician to owner, discusses lessons he has learned while being in the industry, and stresses the impact of a good service advisor. Watch the Full Episode

2025-02-07T11:34:45-06:00Beyond the Wrench|

Modern Auto Repair Shop Management ft. David Cuene, Broadway Automotive

Episode Description The same shop management and technician recruiting strategies that were used 30 years ago don’t work like they used to. In this episode, David Cuene, Managing Partner at Broadway Automotive, joins us to discuss several topics, including taking care of your team, adapting to changes in the industry, and more. Watch the Full

2025-09-02T15:38:53-06:00Beyond the Wrench|

Achieving Your Goals ft. Darin Damron, Jasper Engines & Transmissions

Episode Description When setting a goal, the path to achieving it can be a daunting task that can often derail the outcome. In this episode, Darin Damron, SE Regional Vice President at Jasper Engines & Transmissions, breaks down goal setting, mind mapping, and explains the positive journey of achieving goals. (2:13) Goal Importance (8:38) Mind

2024-06-28T13:18:57-06:00Beyond the Wrench|

Technician Scholarships ft. Janet Smail, The Hourglass Foundation

Episode Description Scholarships lessen students’ financial burden when paying for school. Tune in as Janet Smail, Executive Director of The Hourglass Foundation, covers scholarship criteria, tips for writing scholarship essays, and the various journeys available in the automotive industry. (1:32) Janet’s Background (12:06) Scholarship Funding (19:00) How Students Qualify for Scholarships (24:25) Selecting Scholarship Criteria

2024-06-04T12:08:30-06:00Beyond the Wrench|

Tackling ASE Tests ft. Josh Arnold, Toyota of Corvallis

Episode Description Obtaining ASE certifications can be challenging. Josh Arnold, Master Technician, Toyota of Corvallis joins us to discuss the value of ASE certifications, conquering test anxiety, and how to prepare for an ASE test. (1:52) Value of ASE Certifications (8:55) ASE Test Anxiety & Pressure (27:55) Shop Support on ASE Testing (33:20) Preparing for

2025-04-01T11:01:01-06:00Beyond the Wrench|

Leveraging Gamification to Promote Technician Careers ft. Tina Zwolinski, skillsgapp

Episode Description This generation of technicians learns differently. Tina Zwolinksi, CEO & Founder, skillsgapp, shares her knowledge on how gamification can engage the younger generation and attract them to technician careers. (1:02) Guest Background (3:12) Defining and Communicating with Gen Z (17:12) Embracing the Digital World (23:01) What is Gamification? (33:29) Familiarizing Young Kids with

2024-03-04T17:24:15-06:00Beyond the Wrench|

One Team, One Goal ft. Jen Ellestad, Fixed Operations Director, Zimbrick

Episode Description To make an impact as a leader, build trust within your team. Jen Ellestad, Fixed Operations Director of Zimbrick Fish Hatchery Road in Madison, Wisconsin explains the importance of building trust, communication styles, and finding the right people for your shop. (2:17) Guest Background (16:06) Challenges When Communicating with a Big Team (21:00)

2023-02-21T12:58:22-06:00Beyond the Wrench|
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