The Jaded Mechanic Podcast

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Recorded at Tools in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Jeff sits down with Josh Coomes of Auto Shop Therapy and technician Brian Ramsburg to discuss the realities of running a modern repair shop. Brian reflects on more than 18 years in the trade, the challenges of being a solo technician, and why he enjoys variety in his work, while Josh shares his customer-first approach, leadership lessons, and the importance of protecting a shop's reputation. Together, they explore diagnostics, pay plans, hiring, training, and building a culture that values quality over speed.

Timestamps:
00:00 Listen or Become a Liability
 00:35 Tools in Hershey Introduction
 02:37 Brian's Career Journey
 04:18 Owning a Job vs. Owning a Shop
 07:42 Customer Empathy and Service Standards
 09:21 Turning Away Older Vehicles
 14:48 Favorite Types of Repairs
 18:02 Why They Avoid European Vehicles
 19:40 Shop Scheduling and Profitability
 21:56 Technician vs. Owner Priorities
 25:38 Working Relationship Challenges
 28:28 Hiring and Leadership Lessons
 36:20 Mentoring and a Proof-Based Culture
 40:41 Pay Plans and Team Morale
 42:03 The Starter Diagnosis Debate
 45:41 The Stress of Being the Only Technician
 48:50 Quality Control vs. Book Time
 52:40 Shop Standards and Fair Productivity
 55:27 Workflow and Imperfect Data
 58:51 Flat Rate Pressure Stories
 01:05:10 Hiring Through Working Interviews
 01:10:23 Charging Properly to Grow
 01:12:44 Final Advice and Closing

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Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE
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In this episode, Jeff is with Josh Forbes of Maxim Muffler in Winnipeg talks about his unconventional path into the automotive industry. What started with constant breakdowns on his first car—a 1993 Ford Tempo—turned into a career built through hands-on learning, apprenticeship experience, and years of navigating different shop environments. Josh shares lessons from dealership life, the importance of shop culture, why employee appreciation matters, and his concerns about the future of right-to-repair legislation.

Timestamps:
00:00 Tools and Debt Lessons
 00:45 Podcast Introduction
 02:44 Shop Schedule and Weather
 03:27 First Cars and Fuel Costs
 08:22 Tempo Breakdowns That Started It All
 12:24 College Training at Fanshawe
 14:17 Choosing the Trade Path
 17:54 Ford Dealer Quick Lane Reality
 24:19 Book Time vs. Real Repairs
 36:41 Why He Left the Dealer
 39:06 Finding the Right Shop
 41:29 The Culture That Changed Everything
 45:21 Appreciation Over Pay
 52:17 How Bad Culture Breaks Technicians
 55:04 Forever Apprentice Mindset
 58:44 Trade Pay Gap Debate
 01:02:19 DIY Repair Horror Stories
 01:07:54 Training Service Writers
 01:16:24 The Right to Repair Fight
 01:21:22 Quality Control Basics
 01:23:46 Training Instead of Punishment
 01:27:35 Oil Leak Case Study
 01:31:46 Recognition and Longevity
 01:37:35 Smart Tool Buying
 01:40:05 Diagnostics, Process, and School
 01:47:00 Wrap Up and Final Thoughts

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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
Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE
Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE

Recorded at the TOOLS in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Jeff sits down with Canadian shop owners Frank and Margarita Wiebe of 3D Auto to share their first destination training event and the lessons they're bringing back to their shop. They share how the welcoming community helped them build new relationships, the value of technical and service advisor training, and why effective customer communication starts with selling value—not price. The conversation also covers diagnostics, shop processes, professionalism, preventive maintenance, and building a culture focused on continuous learning and integrity.

Timestamps:
00:00 Honesty With Customers
00:46 Meet Frank and Margarita Wiebe
01:42 Road Trip to Hershey
03:39 First Destination Training Event
04:26 Finding Community at TOOLS
06:30 Women's Dinner Experience
08:34 Their Podcast Journey
09:38 Tire Lifting Tips
11:12 Women in the Shop
13:18 Safety and Leadership Lessons
15:09 Favorite Training Sessions
21:11 Hershey Lodge Experience
23:32 Improving Customer Estimates
27:50 Building a Professional Shop Brand
29:48 Training Technicians and Using Lab Scopes
33:41 Battery Testing Best Practices
34:55 Preventive Maintenance Mindset
36:12 Doing Maintenance the Right Way
37:26 Advocating for Customers
39:04 Fleet Maintenance Success Stories
41:41 Why Phone Estimates Don't Work
43:51 Diagnose Before Replacing Parts
46:14 Handling Difficult Customers
51:39 Pricing and Setting Priorities
54:05 Free Services and Due Diligence
01:00:22 Tekmetric Experiences
01:04:13 A/C Season and Fleet Planning
01:06:31 Final Takeaways and Wrap Up

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.
Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE
Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE

Recorded at Tools Pennsylvania 2026, this discussion brings together Jeff with Bryan Pollock, Tonnika Haynes and Braxton Critcher to talk about the realities of growing a podcast and business through social media. They explore why short-form content and reels are essential for reaching new audiences, the downside of viral clips attracting negative comments, and the challenge of balancing attention-grabbing content with long-term brand integrity. The conversation also covers dealing with online criticism, protecting your mental health, and staying focused on helping people make meaningful changes instead of chasing internet arguments.

Timestamps:
00:00 Do You Focus?
01:34 Disc Golf Banter
01:52 Emotional Support Wiener
02:10 Tools PA Roundtable Introduction
02:30 Group Chat Chaos
03:32 Reels Are the Devil
05:05 Why Social Media Matters
06:51 Viral Reels and Online Hate
09:29 Deleting Ignorant Comments
11:01 Rage Bait vs. Clickbait
15:00 Shop Rates and Industry Reality
16:24 Producer Clip Strategy
20:58 Can You Change the Industry?
23:53 Choosing Positivity
29:34 Why Good Content Still Gets Hate
32:42 The "Must Be Nice" Mindset
34:40 Handling Large Audiences
35:53 Protecting Your Peace
36:16 Keyboard Warrior Stories
38:34 Why Viewers Get Angry
41:01 You Can't Save Everyone
42:30 The Highlight Reel Trap
48:24 Stop Complaining—Start Changing

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. 
 
Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE
Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE

In this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with Kansas technician Eric Schoenberger of Holt Motor Company. Having grown up around Chrysler dealerships alongside his father, a veteran drivability and transmission specialist, Eric shares his experiences in dealer life and why he ultimately transitioned to the independent repair world. The conversation explores flat-rate frustrations, warranty and recall work, shop politics, diagnostic strategies, transmission repairs, evolving technology, and the value of ongoing training. Eric also discusses how independent shops offer less stress, and a different approach to customer service and technician growth.

Timestamps:
00:00 Podcast Welcome and Holiday
00:45 Kansas Guest and Vision Talk
01:30 Shop Intro and Dealer Roots
06:03 Family Influence and Career Path
08:12 Flat Rate and Recall Frustrations
17:25 Favorite Dealer Work and Transmissions
23:03 PT Cruiser Love-Hate Jobs
25:35 Diagnostics and Techline Support
27:49 Dealer Life and Shop Politics
32:37 Misfires, Burnt Valves, and Borescopes
36:31 Pentastar Problems and Tips
41:26 Diesel Disasters
44:04 Recall Work Realities
49:21 Hybrid Battery Discussion
52:37 Leaving the Dealer World
55:47 Advisors, DVI, and Communication
01:01:38 Training Great Advisors
01:08:35 Transmission Service Debate
01:14:38 Moving to Independent Shops
01:16:27 Learning Through Service Information
01:18:46 Oddball Repairs and Old Mopars
01:27:05 Caravan Rear A/C Repairs
01:33:05 Training Events and Mentors
01:38:49 Shop Culture and Dispatching
01:40:44 A/C Diagnostics and Leak Testing
01:47:37 Parts Support Challenges
01:54:02 Technician Pay and Flat Rate
01:56:23 Gravy Work vs. Diagnostics
02:02:27 Independent Shop Mindset
02:12:28 Training and Networking
02:20:06 Final Thanks and Wrap Up

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