The Jaded Mechanic Podcast

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In this episode, Jeff is with Josh Farris, a Mini Cooper dealership technician from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to talk about diagnostics, dealership life, flat rate pay, and career growth. Josh shares his journey from working on a 1995 Lumina to gaining experience at independent shops, Volkswagen, Lexus, and Mini. They discuss electrical and CAN bus diagnostics, corrosion, warranty work, dispatching, advisor training, and the impact of low paying work on technician morale. The conversation also covers why technicians should be paid for DVIs and inspections, how tool costs can create unnecessary pressure, and why strong communication and integrity matter in automotive repair. Josh also shares his goal of moving into leadership so he can advocate for technicians while helping shops remain profitable.
Timestamps:
00:00 Why Diagnostics Matter
00:50 Podcast Intro and ASTA Trip
01:18 Josh Joins Mini Dealer Life
03:49 Mini Electrical Nightmares
04:52 Early Tinkering Origins
06:00 First Big Fix: Lumina
07:23 Apprenticeship and Licensing Path
08:57 Host First Car Story
11:51 Mods and CAN Bus Problems
13:21 Shop Shutdown to Dealership Track
16:27 Pay Gaps and Flat Rate Reality
18:51 Lexus vs. German Engineering
25:15 Warranty Time Controversy
34:01 Advisor Training and DMS Struggles
37:31 Advisor Knowledge Gap
39:31 Train Advisors First
40:50 Bad Explanations Hurt Trust
42:52 Selling Without Division
45:36 Flat Rate Pay Stress
55:21 Stop Doing Freebies
58:34 Becoming the Mini Lead
01:03:25 Advocacy Through Communication
01:05:38 DVIs and Getting Paid
01:08:33 Tools Over Toolboxes
01:15:15 Warranty and Brand Hype
01:19:14 Tool Brand Stigma
01:20:05 Removing Tool Barriers
01:21:09 Five Year Career Goals
01:22:29 Confidence in Diagnostics
01:24:09 Getting Humbled
01:26:38 Management Stress and Advocacy
01:29:31 Customer Communication Matters
01:31:54 Dealer vs. Independent Path
01:35:11 Training and AI Shift
01:38:54 AI Limits and Reality
01:44:52 Building Diagnostic Talent
01:52:36 Accountability and Integrity
01:59:26 Closing Thanks and Sponsors 

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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

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Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE
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In this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with Zach Fogle, a 26 year old technician from Idyllwild, California, to discuss shop life, training, technology, and the challenges facing modern technicians. Zach shares his experience working at a small multi generation shop with a towing fleet, including the frustrations of being pulled away from repair work, outdated equipment, limited tooling, inconsistent processes, and low labor rates. They also discuss customer supplied parts, diagnostics, programming, ADAS, Tekmetric, documentation, liability, and why investing in the right tools and training can help reduce comebacks and improve productivity.
The conversation closes with Zach’s hopes for the shop’s future, the importance of networking, and plans to keep learning through industry events and training.
Timestamps:
00:00 Control and Legacy
00:51 Podcast Welcome and Weather
01:36 California Life and Snow
02:52 Zach’s Background in Shops
07:45 Towing Duties and Frustrations
13:14 Paperwork and Processes
22:03 Rates, Pricing and Matrices
27:13 Tooling Gaps and ADAS
32:54 Right Tools and Liability
40:23 Programming and Modern Brakes
45:01 Trust and Service Information
45:30 Hourly Pay Dynamics
46:16 TechMetric Chaos
47:56 Paper to Software
50:23 Canned Jobs Missing
52:19 Older Tech and Tech Gap
53:41 Parts and Customer Parts
55:13 Know Your Numbers
57:20 Tire Plug Interruptions
01:01:51 Free Fluid Check Rants
01:03:56 Coolant Top Off Liability
01:06:51 Charge True Value
01:09:26 Wrong Parts and Returns
01:11:49 One Caliper Debate
01:19:52 Succession and Future
01:23:37 Training Investment Mindset
01:25:16 Training Cuts Comebacks
01:27:01 Self Taught Learning Paths
01:28:31 Proving Your Value
01:32:06 Shop Culture Inspiration
01:34:19 Power of Networking
01:38:29 Finding Your Diag Niche
01:43:28 Avoiding Project Car Traps
01:48:15 Events and Succession Plan
01:56:16 Modern Tech Over Old
01:58:24 Final Thanks and Sponsor

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
Save 15% on your next Launch Tech USA tool with code Launch15. Use that code at checkout HERE

In this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with JT the Car Guy, a longtime Chrysler and Stellantis technician and YouTube creator, to discuss dealership life, content creation, and the changing automotive industry. JT shares his journey through two decades in Chrysler dealerships, the value of brand specific experience, and the challenges facing technicians today. They also discuss flat rate, apprenticeships, EVs, MPI videos, service advisors, diagnostic support, OEM parts, and the realities of working in a dealership.
The conversation also explores building a YouTube channel, handling criticism, staying anonymous online, sharing knowledge without gatekeeping, and balancing life as a technician with life as a content creator.
Timestamps:
00:00 OEM vs. Aluminum Cooler
00:57 Podcast Welcome and Guest Intro
02:30 Two YouTube Channels Explained
04:57 Handling Haters and Censorship
05:52 JT’s Origin Story in Dealerships
07:28 PT Cruiser Era and Reputation
09:45 Filming Limits and Brand Focus
13:47 Training Apprentices and EV Shift
18:28 Old School Tools and Engine Talk
24:02 Flat Rate Pay and Tech Shortage
26:37 MPI Videos and Advisor Role
31:02 Comebacks and Customer Service
33:47 EGR to VVT and Vacuum Pumps
35:15 Vacuum Pump Talk
35:37 Cousin Pookie Origin
37:55 Troubleshooter Life
38:57 OEM Parts Only
39:40 Dealer Diagnostic Reality
43:16 Recalls and Dispatch
45:17 Dash Work Nightmares
48:03 DIY Comment Wars
50:00 YouTube Creator Economics
53:58 Early YouTube Influences
58:34 Instructor vs. Freedom
01:02:10 Sharing Fixes, Not Gatekeeping
01:04:22 Forums and Allpar Days
01:06:16 AI Customers and STAR Cases
01:10:30 Future of Remote Diagnostics
01:13:23 Network Fix Saves the Day
01:14:18 Toyota Yoda Pay Dispute
01:15:48 Staying Anonymous Online
01:19:00 Creator vs. Shop Tech
01:21:27 Warranty Time Reality
01:24:03 Caravan Steering Rack Saga
01:26:37 EV Future and Health
01:30:15 Training Apprentices Today
01:32:39 Tool Trucks vs. Retail
01:37:04 Advice for New Techs
01:40:30 SEMA and LLC Protection
01:42:39 Dorman Cooler Controversy
01:46:54 Wrap Up and Channels
01:51:07 Final Thanks and Outro

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
Save 15% on your next Launch Tech USA tool with code Launch15. Use that code at checkout HERE

In this episode, Jeff and Aniz talk about shop schedules, training, shop culture, and the value of finding the right people in the automotive industry. They discuss why seven day operations are not the right fit for every shop, how technicians should be part of scheduling decisions, and why events like ASTA can provide valuable training, networking, and lasting connections.
The conversation also covers customer service, improving shop processes, budgeting for training, raising rates, investing in your team, and making more time for family.
Timestamps:
00:00 Seven Days Debate
00:48 Why ASTA Is Worth It
03:08 Canada Training Gap
06:48 This Year’s ASTA Goals
08:51 Finding Your People
11:30 Culture and Hiring Right
12:46 Service Value in Details
14:25 Tire Season Efficiency
17:08 Training Pays Dividends
19:46 Shop Hours and Team Buy In
24:13 Time, Family, and Balance
26:13 Wealth Versus Regrets
27:03 Work Addiction Warning Signs
28:47 Generational Wealth Pitfalls
30:23 Teaching Kids Money
32:17 Nurture Business With Training
33:49 Events That Change Lives
37:11 Stop Going It Alone
38:44 Budgeting for Training Trips
40:16 Raise Rates and Value Labor
43:31 Give Back and Connect
46:10 Their Podcast and Community
47:54 Final Push and Thanks

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
Save 15% on your next Launch Tech USA tool with code Launch15. Use that code at checkout HERE

In this episode, Jeff Compton sits down with Aniz Lavji to talk about shop growth, better workflow, and the value of finding your people in the automotive industry.
Aniz shares how hiring a service advisor and adding a second licensed technician helped improve customer service, reduce stress, and give him more time to focus on the business. They also discuss the challenges small shops face when big jobs tie up bays, create delays, and lead to rushed work or comebacks.
Aniz also shares how he discovered Jeff’s podcast and why attending ASTA alone became such an important experience. What started as a solo trip turned into new friendships, practical learning, and a stronger connection to the industry community.
Timestamps:
00:00 Finding Family at ASTA
00:57 Podcast Welcome and Introductions
01:26 Jeep Repairs and Shop Chaos
02:32 Hiring Staff and Serving Customers
05:17 Big Jobs vs. Easy Money
09:51 How Anis Found the Podcast
11:55 Proactive Ownership and Learning
16:05 Why ASTA Changed Everything
17:15 Walking In Alone and Meeting Jeff
20:41 ASTA vs. Vision and Real Connections
22:34 Lobby Talks and Practical Nuggets
28:29 Wrap Up and Call to Action

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