Why Auto Shops Are DITCHING Aftermarket Parts in 2025?

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The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart

By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
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It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.

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By Joe Marconi

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Pre-VisionKC 2025 Mailbag [E176] - Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z
By carmcapriotto

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech
NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.
Contact Information
Email Matt: [email protected] Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel

Key Topics Discussed:
Blade Runner Monologue Appreciation:
Matt opens the episode with a reflection on the iconic "tears in rain" monologue from Blade Runner. He shares the behind-the-scenes story of how Rutger Hauer improvised the line, making it one of the most memorable moments in cinema history. Matt expresses his love for behind-the-scenes stories and the genuine, unfiltered insights into success and creativity.
The Role of Luck in Success:
Matt discusses the often-overlooked role of luck in achieving success. He references the "iceberg" analogy of success, where hard work, talent, and drive are below the surface, but luck plays a significant role. He emphasizes the importance of giving credit where it’s due and acknowledging the contributions of others.
Mailbag Questions:
Do You Believe in Ghosts?: Matt shares his thoughts on ghosts, explaining why he doesn’t believe in them and how he finds the idea more exciting than scary. Fuse Testing: Matt dives into his preferred methods for testing fuses, emphasizing the importance of using a test light with an incandescent bulb and checking for corrosion, especially in rust-prone areas. Loss Leaders in Business: Matt discusses the concept of loss leaders (e.g., free diagnostics, cheap oil changes) as a marketing strategy. He explores the pros and cons, including the risk of devaluing services and setting unrealistic customer expectations. Cell Phones in the Shop: Matt shares his perspective on allowing cell phones in the shop, acknowledging their utility as tools for diagnostics and service information but warning against distractions.
Upcoming Events and Classes:
Matt teases his upcoming classes, including a hands-on Pico training session with Scott Shot and a key class with Andrew Sexton. He highlights Tech Talks featuring Garrett Jacobson on HP Tuners as a diagnostic tool and Zeb Beard on diesel diagnostics.
Key Takeaways:
Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Matt’s passion for genuine, unfiltered insights into success and creativity shines through, whether discussing Blade Runner or the realities of running a business. The Importance of Evidence-Based Diagnostics: Matt emphasizes the value of using data and evidence to support recommendations, whether in diagnostics or business decisions. Balancing Loss Leaders and Profit: While loss leaders can be an effective marketing tool, they come with risks, including devaluing services and setting unrealistic customer expectations. Cell Phones as Tools, Not Distractions: In the shop, cell phones can be powerful diagnostic tools, but they must be used responsibly to avoid distractions.
Memorable Quotes:
"All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the rain." – Matt reflecting on the Blade Runner monologue. "Luck plays an uncomfortably significant role in success, and people don’t like to hear it, but the data is overwhelming." "If you give away things, you start devaluing them." – On the risks of loss leaders. "Cell phones are step one in us slowly becoming more and more cybernetic."
Call to Action:
Check out the Aftermarket Radio Network for more shows on business, marketing, and communication. Attend Matt’s upcoming classes to learn more about diagnostics and tools like Pico and HP Tuners. Share your thoughts: Do you believe in ghosts? What’s your take on loss leaders? Let Matt know on social media or via email.
Links and Resources:
NAPA Auto Tech Training Aftermarket Radio Network Blade Runner (1982) – Watch the iconic "tears in rain" scene. HP Tuners – Explore this underutilized diagnostic tool.
The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with 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 Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
The Aftermarket Radio Network
Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.
The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.
The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
Staying Humble While Promoting Your Community Involvement [E142] - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast
By carmcapriotto

Getting involved in your community is powerful, but how do you share your efforts without sounding boastful? There’s a fine line between successful and selfish self-promotion, and in this episode, Brian and Kim Walker discuss how to highlight your work with authenticity and gratitude—not ego.
We’ll discuss framing your message to focus on the cause, aligning community service with your company culture and purpose, and sharing stories that connect and inspire rather than just promote. Plus, we’ll share real-life examples—like our team’s work with Our Daily Bread Food Bank—and how to encourage others to get involved.
Tune in now to learn how to support your community while staying humble and making a real impact!
Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. RepairPal is the key that unlocks more business for your repair shop. Learn More at RepairPal.com/shops.
Want to revolutionize your marketing? AppFueled does it all—email, text, app notifications, and even call center integration. Stop guessing and start connecting with AppFueled.
Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
Start with Why - By Simon Sinek
Our Daily Bread Food Bank
Commission Mankind
Show Notes with Timestamps
Introduction to the Episode (00:00:10) Brian introduces the podcast and the topic of community involvement. Topic Suggestion Acknowledgment (00:00:34) Brian mentions Doug DeLuca's suggestion for the episode topic. Sponsor Acknowledgment (00:01:00) Brian thanks RepairPal for sponsoring the episode. Technical Issues Discussion (00:01:30) Brian and Kim discuss technical issues and Brian's experience with braces. Community Involvement Concerns (00:03:44) Kim shares a friend's hesitation about promoting community involvement due to fear of appearing boastful. Successful vs. Selfish Promotion (00:05:44) Discussion about the fine line between effective promotion and self-promotion. Promoting Community Engagement (00:07:24) Kim emphasizes the importance of spacing out promotional posts about community involvement. Starting with Gratitude (00:07:46) Kim suggests starting messages about community involvement with expressions of gratitude. Importance of "Why" (00:09:09) Discussion on the significance of explaining the reasons behind community involvement. Examples of Community Involvement (00:09:15) Brian and Kim share experiences of their community service activities. Promoting Community Work (00:11:25) Brian discusses the importance of promoting community service to demonstrate business values. Messaging about Community Involvement (00:12:21) Kim provides examples of how they communicate their community involvement on social media. Team Engagement in Community Work (00:14:20) Brian reflects on the team's connection with community members during service activities. Closing Sponsor Acknowledgment (00:15:14) Brian thanks RepairPal again for supporting the episode. Community Engagement Strategies (00:15:26) Discussion on how RepairPal helps auto shops gain customers through certification and fair pricing. Customer Loyalty Apps (00:16:25) Introduction of App Fueled, a customer loyalty app designed for auto service shops. Highlighting Community Work (00:17:11) Tips on emphasizing organizational missions instead of personal achievements in community involvement. Authentic Community Involvement (00:17:54) The importance of sharing community efforts without seeking personal recognition or return. Sharing GoFundMe Campaigns (00:18:51) Encouragement to promote charitable causes without boasting about personal donations. Industry-Specific Support (00:19:16) Discussion on giving back to the auto repair industry and local communities. Respecting Privacy in Sharing (00:19:39) The balance between sharing community involvement and respecting the privacy of those served. Educating Marketing Teams (00:22:43) The need to guide marketing teams on how to portray community involvement authentically. Collaborating with Other Organizations (00:24:17) Benefits of partnering with local businesses for community service efforts. Celebrating Local Teams (00:25:38) Highlighting local sports teams and community events to promote goodwill. Telling the Story of Donations (00:27:40) Importance of sharing the personal connection behind charitable contributions. Personal Anecdotes from Mission Trips (00:28:28) Sharing impactful stories from mission trips to illustrate the importance of community support. Personal Anecdote on Community Support (00:29:29) Kim shares a personal story about supporting organizations that assist her brother with disabilities. Encouragement to Join Facebook Group (00:30:44) Kim invites listeners to join their Facebook group for further engagement and community building. Request for Podcast Reviews (00:31:03) Brian asks listeners to leave reviews for the podcast, emphasizing the importance of feedback. Closing Remarks and Sponsorship Acknowledgment (00:31:36) Brian concludes the episode, thanking sponsors and encouraging listeners to tune in next week.
Thanks to our Partners,
RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops. Quality Car Repair. Fair Price Guarantee.
App Fueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”
Aftermarket Radio Network
Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.
The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
Two Shop Owners React: PartsTech's Industry Survey for 2025
By Changing The Industry

Two Shop Owners React: PartsTech's Industry Survey for 2025
Fuel Trims [E175] - Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z
By carmcapriotto

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech
NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.
Contact Information
Email Matt: [email protected] Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel
Introduction:
Fuel trims are a common topic in professional forums, classes, and diagnostics, often leading to bold diagnostic decisions. Matt shares his experience of quickly diagnosing vehicle issues using fuel trims, even before leaving the parking lot.
Key Challenges in Discussing Fuel Trims:
The more you learn about fuel trims, the more nuanced and complex the topic becomes. It’s difficult to generalize fuel trim behavior across all vehicles, as each system has unique characteristics. Fuel trims are just one piece of data that must be factored into a broader diagnostic process.
What Are Fuel Trims?
Definition: Fuel trims are adjustments made to the base fuel schedule by the engine control unit (ECU). Matt credits Matt Ragsdale on iATN for one of the best explanations he’s seen.
Two Primary Fuel Systems:
Speed Density Systems:
Relies on the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor and engine RPM as primary inputs. Engine control algorithms tend to be more complex.
Mass Airflow (MAF) Systems:
Uses the Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) and crank sensor (RPM) as primary inputs. Simpler in design compared to speed density systems. Modern systems often blend elements of both speed density and MAF systems.
Closing Thoughts:
Matt emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of fuel trims and how they vary across different vehicle systems. He plans to dive deeper into the topic in future episodes, providing more detailed insights and practical examples.
The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with 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 Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
The Aftermarket Radio Network
Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.
The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.
The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio