The Jaded Mechanic Podcast

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In this episode, Jeff Compton and Greg Hilliard talk about Greg's career spent in dealerships, independent shops, and finally as a one-man owner-operator. Greg pulls no punches about toxic shop dynamics, the true value of a technician’s labor, and the personal costs of striking out on your own. He and Jeff discuss compensation, mental health struggles in the industry, how digital tools like chat GPT are already impacting repair businesses, and why demanding respect is not negotiable for survival.

Timestamps: 
00:00 Feeling valued in engineering role
05:56 Becoming the technical expert
11:52 Buying a used truck at Ford
19:49 Fixing stubborn cab issues
24:57 Avoiding the boss at work
27:52 Discussing fair compensation concerns
35:41 Struggles with retaining mechanics
41:08 Streamlining dental office visits
43:47 Using technology for car repairs
52:54 Struggling to hire a technician
57:37 Choosing entrepreneurship over traditional jobs
59:35 Getting advice from Larry Grogan
01:07:17 Addressing workplace culture issues
01:09:20 Electrician shortage and industry pride

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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
Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE

In this episode, Jeff chats with Derek Amodio about his unique path back into the automotive industry after spending years working as a chef. Derek opens up about making the switch from the kitchen to the shop, the challenges of moving from hourly pay to flat rate at a Chrysler dealership, and why having the right culture and mentorship around you matters so much. They also talk about keeping up with changing automotive technology, the importance of ongoing training, and how a supportive team can make all the difference for techs getting started or finding their way back into the industry.
Timestamps:
00:00 Weather and tire myth discussion
09:24 Getting hired at FedEx
12:32 Choosing a dealership career path
20:12 Using memory notebooks
26:33 Challenges of incentivized pay systems
28:41 Discussing job training and challenges
33:37 Tech training and helpful tips
42:17 Balancing work hours and breaks
45:59 Installing car seats on Saturdays
50:56 Thinking about future innovations
54:38 Tesla maintenance issues
59:28 Driving a yellow SRT8 Challenger
01:04:11 Mechanics sharing car repair challenges
01:12:19 Teamwork and helping each other
01:18:12 Discussing technician pay plans
01:21:48 Chrysler heater core issue workaround
01:25:34 Supportive service manager
01:33:29 Supporting each other in tough times

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
Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE

In this episode, Jeff talks with Christopher Clingerman, a fleet mechanic out of Rochester, New York. Christopher shares how he went from working on tractor trailers to maintaining school buses, and what surprised him most about the switch from dealership life to fleet work. They get into the day-to-day challenges techs deal with, from bad parts and misdiagnosed vehicles to the importance of training and having a shop culture that actually supports its people.
Timestamps:
00:00 Working at Hyundai dealership
11:46 Frustrations with car dealership service
26:28 Routine vehicle inspections
37:40 Using vegetable oil in hydraulics
42:50 Modified trucks and safety issues
56:41 Concerns with turbocharged engines
01:09:59 Laid back work environment
01:19:22 Training opportunities during work hours
01:25:33 Changes in welding education
01:37:39 Brian's electrical skills explained
01:46:34 Working on vehicle repairs
01:57:40 Using real tools to teach skills
02:10:56 Comparing tire brands and costs
02:18:54 Open door for venting support

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
Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE

In this episode, Marco Palumbo shares his journey from technician to owner of Maxim Tire and Muffler in Winnipeg. He discusses the challenges of adapting to new automotive technologies, such as ADAS and electric vehicles, and the investments required in equipment, training, and staff. Marco also emphasizes the value of transparent customer service and community reputation, demonstrating how taking care of customers builds long-term loyalty and success.
Timestamps:
00:00 Meeting Mark and first impressions
05:28 Importance of mentoring in shops
12:13 Success with TikTok marketing
17:38 Discussing car calibration and trust
21:54 Unexpected car repair costs
29:15 Dealerships vs. aftermarket dynamics
34:45 Engaging waiting customers in showroom
42:20 Oxygen sensor issues and specialization
45:49 Tesla service challenges in smaller cities
52:46 Celebrating Mark's impact
56:16 Challenges with tech skills and training
58:56 Managing training logistics
01:04:09 Troubleshooting car electrical issues
01:10:47 Managing customer service expectations
01:16:04 Challenges with car part repairs
01:24:28 Facing time management challenges
01:28:24 Advocating for customer transparency
01:34:09 Unresolved car maintenance issues
01:37:26 Customer requests and shop policy
01:42:08 Charging for technical auto repairs
01:47:39 Recognizing Marco's passion and impact

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
Launch your tool game to the next level with Launch Tech USA! HERE

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Dealer Plate Guy (Austin Conroy), who has a HUGE following on social media. Austin shares his unconventional career path from sales to service manager, emphasizing the importance of building customer and employee relationships in the dealership environment. They also talk about the most common misconceptions about dealership pricing compared to independent shops and the crucial role of technician career development and mentorship programs in addressing the ongoing technician shortage.

Timestamps:
00:00 International Connections: Jeff & Dealer Plate Guy Meet
02:05 Growing Up Near Purdue & Serving College Town Clients
03:17 From Car Sales to Multi-Store Manager: Austin’s Journey
05:00 First Day as Service Manager: No Wrenching Background Needed
07:10 COVID Resets the Department – Building New Structures
08:53 Why Techs Should Talk To Customers (and Break Out of the Funk)
10:10 Handling Difficult Customers & Flipping the Script
13:36 The Unseen Cost of Long Test Drives & Flat Rate Frustrations
16:28 Why Relationships Matter: Dealer vs. Independent Shop Service
18:31 Career-Oriented Advisors & Building Repeat Business
20:44 Managing Pay, Hours, & Mentality in Service Departments
24:01 Changing Flat Rate Times: Pushback & Tracking Results
29:12 Dealer vs. Aftermarket Parts Pricing: The Real Story
33:43 Should Dealers Offer Aftermarket Parts? Educating Customers
35:16 The Independent Shop Advantage in “Impossible” Diagnostics
38:41 The 20-Minute Battery Draw: Stories From the Bay
42:58 Why Dealers Still Need Flat Rate—With Real Solutions
44:38 Feeding Your Best Techs: Who Should Get The Gravy Work?
46:56 The Reality of Used Car Work, PDI, and Technician Dispatch
49:28 Overpromising Service Times: Collision vs. Dealer Mentality
52:16 Developing the Tech Career Path: Retaining Talent
57:06 Mapping Out Progression Steps & Regular 1-on-1s With Techs
1:02:45 Multi-Point Inspections: Making Video Pay Off
1:09:29 How Social Media Skits Are Changing Dealerships
1:13:42 Bridging the Advisor & Tech Divide: Cross-Training Works
1:17:04 Beyond Money: Finding the Right Role for Each Employee
1:20:17 The Real Fix for the Technician Shortage
1:24:05 Apprenticeship, Dealer Responsibility & Recruitment
1:28:47 Final Thoughts & Where to Find Dealer Plate Guy Online

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