The Jaded Mechanic Podcast

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In this episode, Jeff welcomes Eric Sprague from L&N Performance Auto Repair. Eric stresses the need for improved shop culture and mentorship to support new technicians entering the field. Jeff and Eric also talk about the importance of thorough communication between support staff and technicians to ensure safe, accurate repairs and customer education.
Timestamps:
00:00 "TPMS and Car Safety Standards"
10:39 TPMS Regulations and Nanny State
16:53 Empty Promises and Abandoned Projects
18:46 "Hybrid Trucks and Northern Infrastructure"
25:11 "Youth, Effort, and Clear Guides"
32:40 "Electronic Parking Brake Discussion"
34:33 "Teaching Safe Methods First"
43:32 "Trust and Prioritization at Work"
48:54 "Challenges of Losing Key Talent"
54:35 "Shifting from Dealership Culture"
55:46 "Accountability and Proper Checks"
01:04:10 "Challenges of Independent Auto Shops"
01:09:28 "Challenges in Automotive Repair Access"
01:12:15 "Industry's Tipping Point on Regulation"
01:17:24 "Importance of Vehicle Safety Systems"
01:25:59 "Tool Standards and Calibration Issues"
01:27:30 "Understanding the Entire System"
01:34:24 "European Cars and Sunroof Issues"
01:42:24 Regulations, Qualifications, and Future Standards
01:45:58 "Teamwork Overcomes Chaos"
01:48:47 "Monthly Collaborative Conversations"

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TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic
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Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.
Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE
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Today, Jeff get's to catch up with Lisa Coyle and Sam Freeman from Promotive. They discuss the challenges of recruiting and retaining automotive technicians and service advisors. The team explores why job hopping is often misunderstood, saying that it’s frequently due to industry conditions rather than technician performance. They highlight the importance of building mentorship and supportive shop cultures, revealing how both technicians and advisors benefit from ongoing training and honest communication. 
Timestamps:
00:00 Changing Hiring Dynamics
09:17 "Diagnostic Tech Misalignment"
14:45 Employee Growth and Retention Strategies
19:06 "Show Me the Proof"
22:23 "Workplace Dynamics and Expectations"
26:34 "Underpaid Service Advisors Debate"
32:14 "Bridging Advisor-Technician Divide"
37:29 "Incentivizing Flat Rate Pay Notifications"
42:30 "Harbor Freight Tools Debate"
50:42 "Be the Person Who Inspires"
57:07 "Flat Rate Payment Inequity"
01:00:50 "Consumer Expectations and Instant Gratification"
01:04:12 "Treat Others with Courtesy"
01:08:42 "Top Accomplishment Interview Question"
01:14:57 "Qualified Teachers Matter"

Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic
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Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.

Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE
Register NOW for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference coming up HERE

In this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with Bob Leonard from Mobility Works to delve into the specialized world of vehicle modifications for people with physical disabilities. Bob shares insights into the unique regulatory landscape and technical requirements affecting mobility vehicle conversions, including the importance of following strict certification rules and working closely with certified evaluators. The conversation highlights the technician shortage in the mobility industry, the blend of mechanical and electrical skills required, and the impactful difference these vehicles make in the lives of customers.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to The Jaded Mechanic 
00:40 Live at ASTA 2025: Meet Bob Leonard from Mobility Works
01:59 What is Mobility Works? The Mission and Services Explained
03:13 Types of Modifications: Minivans, Hand Controls, and High-Tech Installs
05:58 Certification and Audit Processes in Mobility Vehicle Service
08:46 Repairing or Correcting Others’ Work: Challenges in Mobility Vehicle Service
11:22 Prescriptions, Regulations & Working with Certified Evaluators
14:19 How Modifications Affect Standard Vehicle Repairs
16:35 Diagnosing Issues When Factory Systems and Modified Controls Meet
19:06 Adapting to EVs and Hybrids in the Mobility Industry
22:04 The Human Side: Fittings, Customer Stories & Building Trust
25:48 Technician Shortages & The Specialized Skills Required
29:08 Training, Following Procedures, and the Role of Inspections
32:38 Troubleshooting Wiring, Diagnostics, and Common Mistakes
36:58 Customer Impact: Independence, Freedom, and Lasting Relationships
41:12 Insurance, Rentals, and the Cost of Mobility Vehicle Ownership
45:42 Body Shop Challenges: Repairs, Estimating, and Crash-Tested Parts
51:02 Advice for Technicians: Approach, Caution, and Knowing When to Call Experts
54:59 The Growing Mobility Market & Emerging Trends
57:01 Life-Changing Mobility Solutions: Why This Work Matters
01:02:57 Wrap-Up: Spreading Awareness & Educating Technicians

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TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.
Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE
Register for Tektonic HERE!

In this episode, Jeff welcomes back Sherwood Cook II of Royalty Auto. Sherwood talks about the challenges he's had with technician recruitment and stresses the importance of inspiring young techs through programs like their Junior Technician Night. Jeff and Sherwood also talk about industry-wide issues with parts quality, availability, and the increasing difficulty of repairs. Their conversation highlights how these factors impact shops and customers.
Timestamps:
00:00 Preserving the Legacy & Striving for Excellence
00:33 Christmas Break & Personal Reflections
02:21 Surviving Canadian Winters: Funny Stories
03:30 Junior Tech Night: Growing the Next Generation
04:48 New Stations & Engaging Kids in the Trades
05:55 Making Electrical Training Fun for Kids
07:19 Spotting Future Superstars at Tech Night
09:03 Giveaway Stories: Toolkits, Nerf Guns & Kids Negotiations
13:00 The Decline of Hands-on Skills & Why It Matters
16:20 Trades Skills Shortages: Opportunities and Concerns
18:41 The Role of AI: Is It Replacing Technicians?
20:14 Shop Pricing, Value, and Why Craftsmen Stand Out
27:04 OE vs. Aftermarket Parts: Quality and Supply Issues
32:06 Parts Availability Crisis: ABS Modules & TipM Odds
36:17 Aftermarket Solutions: Salvaging Unrepairable Cars
42:08 TRP Parts: Challenges with Used Components
46:32 The Hackers Behind Module Repairs: Sharing Knowledge
51:11 True Value in the Repair Industry: Pricing Your Work
54:39 Learning to Charge Appropriately for Your Service
59:11 Side Work: Garage Repairs vs. Shop Experience
1:01:46 Shop Insurance & Customer Protections
1:03:17 Nuggets for Shop Owners: Value, Markup, & Relationships
1:08:06 Building Value: Pickup, Washes, Roses & More
1:11:42 Price vs. Craftsmanship: Which Arena Will You Play In?
1:18:14 Goals for 2026 & Launching a Training Website
1:20:11 Training Events: Vision, Asta, and Promotion Strategies
1:29:22 Social Media’s Role: Reaching the Next Wave of Techs
1:33:20 Never Stop Learning: Lessons for Young and Veteran Techs
1:34:57 Final Messages: Legacy, Responsibility, and Growth

Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232

Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.
Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE
Wanna go to Tekmetric's first ever industry training event Tektonic? Register HERE

In this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with the one... the only.... Eric the Car Guy! His YouTube Channel has impacted millions of technicians over the years and one of those was the host of this podcast...Jeff. Today, they talk about Eric's story from dealership technician to YouTuber, highlighting the setbacks that shaped his career and his drive to empower others. They also discuss the challenges facing today's automotive industry, including the need for mentorship and apprenticeship programs, common misconceptions about flat rate pay, and the importance of valuing technicians as professionals.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction – Eric’s Early Shop Life & Pay Structures
02:05 Flat Rate, Shop Culture, and Getting Fired
07:36 The Legend Coupe Story & Being Let Go Over $900
13:00 Teaching Himself Video and Moving into YouTube
19:37 Giving Away the “Secrets” & Empowering Customers
24:13 Burnout, Losing the Shop, and Starting Over
33:35 Dealing with Haters & The Power of the Audience
39:18 Building a Community & Inspiring the Next Generation
46:05 Apprenticeships, Mentorship, and Industry Change
54:10 The Problem with Flat Rate Pay & Technician Expectations
1:02:30 Self-Taught vs. Formal Mentorship in Automotive
1:10:03 What’s Next for Eric The Car Guy? Future Content & Inspiration
1:15:54 Final Reflections and Advice for Aspiring Techs

Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232