Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

You joined the Chamber of Commerce - great move. But now what? This episode pulls back the curtain on why just paying your dues and slapping a sticker on your window doesn’t cut it. The chamber isn’t a vending machine where you drop in money and business pops out, it’s a networking powerhouse if you actually use it.

We dig into how to evaluate your local chamber, the right way to get involved, and how to turn those meet-and-greets into actual business growth. From business before hours and luncheons to sponsorships and ribbon cuttings, you’ll walk away with a game plan that puts you in the driver’s seat. And hey, it doesn’t have to be you showing up every time, there are smart ways to delegate this, too.

So if you’ve ever said “the chamber doesn’t work,” you might want to give this one a listen. You might just find the real problem isn’t the chamber, it’s how you’re (not) using it.

Tune in and learn how to work the chamber to work for you.

Show Notes with Timestamps

How To Get In Touch

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Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)

BNI

Auto Repair Podcast Network App

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

This episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you.

AppFueled 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.”

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.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/

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

Let’s be honest: BNI isn’t new to you. If you’ve been around this podcast, you’ve heard us talk about Business Networking International before. But this time, we’re taking a deeper dive into something super practical: how to actually choose the right BNI group for your shop. Because let’s be real, not all chapters are created equal. In this episode, Kim and I walk you through the exact steps we’ve taken to find the best-fit groups, what red flags to look for, and how to show up ready to make a killer first impression. Whether you’re a natural introvert like me or you’re already networking like crazy, there’s a group out there for you, and we’ll help you find it.

Don’t miss this one—especially if you're ready to grow your business through real relationships and legitimate referrals.

Show Notes with Timestamps

1. Introduction and Sponsors (00:00:00) Podcast introduction, hosts, and sponsor messages for Shop Boss and App Fueled.
2. What is BNI? (00:01:20) Explanation of BNI, its structure, exclusivity, and benefits for business networking.
3. Personal Experiences with BNI (00:02:31) Hosts share how BNI helped their businesses and personal growth, especially in public speaking.
4. BNI’s Structure and Meeting Format (00:03:44) Description of BNI’s structured meetings, weekly agenda, and the value of regular participation.
5. Tracking BNI’s Impact (00:06:39) How the hosts tracked BNI as a marketing source and the variety of chapters in different regions.
6. Finding and Choosing a BNI Group (00:08:29) Step-by-step advice on finding local BNI chapters and evaluating group membership.
7. Understanding Networking Spheres (00:09:56) Explanation of networking spheres and the importance of complementary businesses in BNI groups.
8. Starting a New Chapter (00:10:50) Advice on starting a new BNI chapter if your area is underserved.
9. Evaluating Group Culture and Fit (00:13:03) How to assess group meeting times, culture, and whether the group’s vibe matches your needs.
10. Visiting and Assessing Groups (00:14:27) Tips for visiting groups, gauging friendliness, and looking for active, growing chapters.
11. Referrals vs. Leads in BNI (00:15:40) Clarifying the difference between warm referrals and cold leads in BNI.
12. Attendance and Participation Expectations (00:16:17) Importance of consistent attendance, sending substitutes, and treating BNI as a sales meeting.
13. Preparing to Visit a BNI Group (00:17:40) Best practices for contacting the group, arriving early, and networking effectively.
14. Making a Good First Impression (00:19:13) Bring business cards,...

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

Standing in line for hours at Disney might not sound like it has anything to do with running an auto repair shop but Brian Walker draws a straight line between the two. In this episode, he shares how paying to fast track your experiences, whether it’s in business, life, or even theme parks, can be the smartest investment you make. With real talk from his own business journey and the hard lessons he learned over the years, Brian lays out how mentorship, coaching, and strategic outsourcing can shave years off your learning curve and put you on the express track to success.

If you’re tired of figuring everything out the hard way, this one’s for you.

Hit play and let’s talk about skipping the line in business and in life.

Show Notes with Timestamps

1. Introduction and Sponsor Thanks (00:00:09) Brian introduces the episode, thanks sponsors, and sets up the topic of "fast tracking" in life.
2. Disney Line Story & The Illusion of Shortcuts (00:01:10) Brian shares his pastor's story about long Disney lines and the reality behind seemingly short waits.
3. Brian’s Disney VIP Experience (00:03:19) Brian describes his own Disney VIP experience, using it as an analogy for fast tracking success.
4. The Value of Paying for Mentorship and Coaching (00:04:37) Brian discusses how paying for expert guidance accelerates learning and business growth.
5. Learning the Hard Way vs. Fast Tracking (00:05:46) Brian reflects on his agency’s slow progress before joining specialized coaching programs.
6. Realizing the Benefits of Coaching Programs (00:06:46) Brian realizes he could have saved years by joining a coaching program earlier.
7. Sponsor Messages (00:07:30) Sponsor ads for Shop Boss and App Fueled, highlighting their business solutions.
8. Condensing Years of Learning into a Day (00:09:05) Brian explains how coaching programs now teach in a day what took him years to learn.
9. Paying for Services to Buy Back Time (00:10:12) Brian encourages business owners to delegate tasks to professionals to save time and focus on strengths.
10. Challenging the “Do It Yourself” Mentality (00:11:17) Brian questions the belief that you should never pay for something you can do yourself.
11. The Value of Buying Back Your Time (00:12:34) Brian advocates for paying others to free up time for more valuable or enjoyable activities.
12. Encouragement to Invest in Fast Tracking (00:13:52) Brian urges listeners to invest in mentorship or services to accelerate progress and stay in their zone of genius.
13. Final Thoughts and Disney Analogy (00:14:58) Brian wraps up, encouraging listeners to pay for better experiences in life, using Disney VIP as an example.

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

California auto repair shop owners, there’s a new regulation that almost flew under the radar, and if you're doing any kind of digital advertising, you’ll want to hit play on this one.

In this episode, Brian Walker sits down with Dave Kusa, president of ASCCA, to break down recent changes from the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) that affect how you advertise your shop, especially when it comes to your phone number and license info. Spoiler: that tracking number you’ve been using to measure ad performance? It’s not necessarily a problem... but there are some key things you need to know to stay compliant and avoid issues down the line.

They also talk about how this regulation came about, what ASCCA did to advocate for shop owners, and what to expect moving forward. Plus, if you’ve ever wondered why joining an association like ASCCA really matters, this is a perfect example of how that involvement pays off.

If you're marketing a shop in California, or just want to stay ahead of the curve, this is one you can’t afford to miss. Listen now and keep your shop out of trouble.

Show Notes with Timestamps

1. Podcast Network Introduction (00:00:00) Brief announcement of the Automotive Repair Podcast Network.
2. Episode Introduction & Sponsors (00:00:10) Host Brian Walker introduces the episode, guest Dave Kusa, and thanks sponsors Shop Boss and App Fueled.
3. Guest Introduction & ASCCA Overview (00:01:01) Dave Kusa introduces himself, his shop, and his role as ASCCA president and Government Affairs Committee chair.
4. ASCCA’s Role in Regulatory Issues (00:02:18) Discussion of ASCCA’s involvement with the BAR advisory group and regulatory processes.
5. Background on New BAR Advertising Rules (00:03:41) Explanation of how the new BAR advertising rules, especially phone number requirements, came to ASCCA’s attention.
6. Origin of Mobile Auto Repair Regulations (00:04:36) Details on how mobile repair regulations led to broader advertising requirements for all shops.
7. Tracking Numbers & Industry Response (00:06:23) Concerns about tracking numbers, ASCCA’s advocacy, and BAR’s clarification on acceptable phone number practices.
8. Current Compliance Recommendations (00:08:06) Advice on displaying registered phone numbers and ARD license on websites and digital marketing.
9. Unresolved Issues & Awaiting Written Guidance (00:09:00) Pending clarity on Google My Business, Facebook, and the need for written BAR guidance.
10. Best Practices & Consumer Protection (00:09:49) Benefits of displaying ARD numbers for legitimacy and consumer verification.
11. Sponsor Messages (00:10:11) Promotional messages for Shop Boss and App Fueled.
12. BAR’s Enforcement Approach & Dynamic Number Insertion (00:12:03) Discussion of BAR’s grace...

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

Most shop owners avoid tough conversations until it’s too late. But what happens when life throws you something completely unexpected, like the sudden loss of a loved one or a health scare that takes you out of your business?

In this powerful, heartfelt conversation between Darrin and Ginger Barney (Elite), and Brian and Kim Walker (Shop Marketing Pros), these industry leaders open up about the real-life wake-up calls that forced them to prepare for the unthinkable. From losing parents to near-miss tragedies, they share the emotional and logistical side of what happens when you're not ready, personally or professionally.

They talk about wills, SOPs, key person insurance, and yes, those “if I die” videos nobody wants to think about but everyone needs. More importantly, they cover what it means to love your team, your clients, and your family enough to take action before the worst happens.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about leadership. It’s about responsibility. And it’s about love.

🎧 Don’t miss this one. Listen in and take that first step toward securing your legacy, and your shop’s future.

Show Notes with Timestamps

1. Podcast Introduction (00:00:00) Brief intro to the podcast network and episode topic: business continuity planning for auto repair shops.
2. Sponsor Acknowledgments (00:01:02) Thanking sponsors and encouraging listeners to take action on the episode’s advice.
3. Guest Introductions (00:01:49) Darrin and Ginger Barney, Brian and Kim Walker introduce themselves and their backgrounds.
4. Personal Loss Experiences (00:04:59) Ginger and Kim share recent experiences with the loss of their mothers and the importance of preparation.
5. Password and Account Management (00:09:50) Discussing the challenges of managing digital accounts and passwords after a loved one passes.
6. Business Continuity for Owners (00:13:06) Brian emphasizes the need for business continuity plans to protect employees and clients if owners are incapacitated.
7. Real-Life Case Studies (00:14:05) Stories of business owners who passed away or became incapacitated without proper plans in place.
8. The Importance of Continuation Plans (00:15:03) Discussing the impact of sudden absence and the need for operational continuity in businesses.
9. Temporary vs. Permanent Absence (00:17:23) Examples of both temporary and permanent owner absences and the need for flexible planning.
10. Bus Books and SOPs (00:18:45) Introduction to “bus books” and standard operating procedures as tools for continuity.
11. Proactive Planning and Keeping Plans Updated (00:19:53) The value of proactive planning, checklists, and regularly updating continuity documents.
12. Elite’s Continuation Plan Program (00:21:10) Elite’s new program to help shop owners build...

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

What if your best strategic thinking partner wasn’t on your payroll, but sitting right in your pocket?

In this episode of The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Brian Walker sits down with Hallie Wasinger to unpack what she learned at the MAICON (Marketing AI Conference). But don’t let the name fool you, this conversation goes way beyond marketing. Hallie breaks down how AI is reshaping not just how we create content, but how we think, from operations to service efficiency to scaling personalized experiences for clients.

This one’s packed with golden nuggets: the power of high-performance prompting, using ChatGPT as a strategic thinking partner, the CRIT method to get better AI outputs, and why voice AI is the underrated tool no one’s talking about yet (spoiler: your robot can now talk back). Oh, and yes, AI can help you be a better Bible scholar or diagnose complex repair issues. Wild, right?

You’ll also hear how Shop Marketing Pros is already implementing layered AI tools to deliver smarter, more personalized content at scale, without sacrificing the human touch that makes their work special.

This episode is a must-listen for any shop owner who wants to stay ahead of the curve, avoid getting left behind, and start using AI the right way, as a tool, not a replacement.

Listen now to hear why it’s time to start talking to your robot and how it can help you fill those bays.

Show Notes with Timestamps

1. Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgments (00:00:10) Brian introduces the episode, guest Hallie Wasinger, and thanks sponsors.
2. Overview of the Marketing AI Conference (MACON) (00:01:15) Hallie describes the MACON event, its scale, and the industries represented.
3. AI in Marketing and Business Operations (00:02:12) Discussion on AI’s broad impact, not just in marketing but across industries.
4. AI Resources and Influencers (00:02:36) Brian recommends the Artificial Intelligence Show podcast and Paul Roetzer.
5. First Impressions and High-Performance Prompting (00:03:20) Hallie shares her initial conference experience and the importance of effective AI prompting.
6. Environmental Impact of AI and Prompting Efficiency (00:04:59) Brian discusses AI’s environmental costs and how better prompting reduces resource use.
7. Operational Efficiency and Prompt Libraries (00:07:20) Hallie explains creating, saving, and sharing high-performance prompts for team efficiency.
8. Voice AI as a Strategic Thinking Partner (00:10:52) Hallie introduces using voice AI and ChatGPT as a brainstorming and problem-solving partner.
9. Beyond Search: AI for Strategic and Personal Use (00:13:49) Brian and Hallie discuss using AI for deep thinking, business, and personal growth.
10. Layering AI Tools and Choosing the Right LLM (00:19:05) Hallie explains testing and layering multiple AI tools for different business needs.

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

A bland building that blended in… turned bold brand that brought in business. That’s the real story behind this episode featuring Kelly McCart from McCart’s Auto Center. If you’ve ever wondered whether the look and feel of your shop actually matters, you’ll want to hear how a full-on rebrand, from paint to logo to online presence, transformed Kelly’s shop from invisible to impossible to miss.

We talk about why aesthetics are marketing, how design can literally drive in new clients, and what it means when someone walks in just to say, “Wow, this looks amazing.” Kelly breaks down the “why” and “how” behind his shop’s renovation, how he pulled it off with DIY design (yes, scissors and Elmer’s glue were involved), and why rethinking your image might be the smartest move you make this year.

He’ll also share how this shift doubled his staff, improved the quality of clients, and continues to make his business stand out, both to customers and future employees.

This episode isn’t just about fresh paint. It’s about positioning. It’s about pride. And it’s about the kind of shop that people recognize, remember, and respect.

Listen now and get inspired to rethink how your shop shows up.

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment (00:00:00) Brian introduces the podcast, guest Kelly McCart, and thanks sponsors.
• Background: The Nondescript Shop (00:01:09) Discussion of McCarty’s Auto Center blending in and being overlooked by passersby.
• Realization and Decision to Renovate (00:02:23) Kelly describes the moment she decided a change was needed and the process leading up to it.
• Design Process and Early Attempts (00:03:02) Kelly explains her design journey, including failed ideas and the involvement of her graphic artist nephew.
• Logo Creation and Selection (00:06:11) The story behind the new logo, its design process, and how it was chosen.
• Impact of the Makeover on Visibility (00:07:51) How the new look made the shop stand out and attracted attention from the community.
• Business Impact and Clientele Changes (00:08:16) The effect of the renovation on customer buzz, quality of clients, and local recognition.
• Interior Renovation and Staff Growth (00:09:31) Details about the interior revamp and the subsequent doubling of staff.
• Name Change and Brand Consolidation (00:12:21) Merging two business names, legal steps, and unifying the brand and online presence.
• Timing: Remodel and the Onset of COVID-19 (00:14:31) The remodel’s completion just before the pandemic and initial concerns about the timing.
• Business Resilience During COVID-19 (00:15:27) How the shop thrived during the pandemic despite initial fears.
• Comprehensive Rebrand: Lessons and Surprises (00:17:35) Kelly reflects on the thoroughness of the rebrand and whether anything unexpected arose.
• Results and Return on Investment (00:18:35) Immediate positive results from the rebrand and personal satisfaction.
• Staff Response and Branded Merchandise (00:19:10) Staff enthusiasm for the new brand, uniforms, and promotional items.
• Recruitment and Professional Image (00:19:54) How the makeover improved recruitment and elevated the shop’s professionalism.
• Advice and Reflections on the Process (00:20:29) Kelly’s advice for others considering a similar project and what she might have done differently.
• Cost Recovery Timeline (00:21:22) Estimated time to recoup renovation costs: 6 to 8 months.
• Industry Image and...