Gain Traction

Auteur(s): Neal Maier and Mike Edge
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  • Résumé

  • The Gain Traction Podcast features top tire and auto repair professionals, shop owners, industry executives, and thought leaders.
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Développement commercial et entrepreneuriat Gestion et leadership Économie
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Épisodes
  • Tire Shop Lessons With Dustin Dobbs, Hunt Demarest, Walter Lybeck, Steven Fafel, and Ron Dolan

    Tire Shop Lessons With Dustin Dobbs, Hunt Demarest, Walter Lybeck, Steven Fafel, and Ron Dolan
    Feb 5 2025
    Dustin Dobbs is the President of Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers, a family-owned business headquartered in St. Louis. Under his leadership, Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers has expanded to over 50 locations across Missouri, Illinois, and Texas. Dustin was immersed in the family business from a young age, instilling in him a strong work ethic and commitment to the company’s culture and values. He believes in empowering employees rather than micromanaging them. Hunt Demarest is a Senior Accountant at Paar, Melis & Associates, an accounting and tax firm specializing in automotive repair shops. He believes that accounting should always be made easy to understand for business owners. Hunt also hosts the Business by the Numbers podcast, where he shares financial advice and accounting insights. Walter Lybeck is the CEO of Point S Tire and Auto Service, a member-owned cooperative with hundreds of independent tire dealers across the country. He believes in building relationships and camaraderie among employees. Walter stresses the importance of saying "yes" to opportunities, even when hesitant, and turning those opportunities into successes. Steven Fafel is co-founder of AutoOps, an online scheduling tool that integrates with most shop management systems. Steven believes that all marketing efforts in a shop should include the option for online scheduling. He also believes that good customer service is key to customer retention, even more than online scheduling. Ron Dolan is the President of Sailun Tire North America. He believes the key to success in sales is connecting with people, telling the truth, and treating them the way you want to be treated. Ron worked his way up in the industry by proving himself as a salesman, earning the trust of his customers with honesty — even turning down sales if he didn't believe in a product. In this episode… The tire and auto repair industry is a competitive market where businesses are constantly looking for ways to stand out and attract customers. How can shops build a loyal customer base and achieve long-term success in such a demanding industry? According to Dustin Dobbs of Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers, Hunt Demarest of Paar, Melis & Associates, Walter Lybeck of Point S Tire, Steven Fafel of AutoOps, and Ron Dolan of Sailun Tire North America, the keys to success in the tire and auto repair industry include exceptional customer service, employee empowerment, transparent and honest sales practices, and a focus on building long-term relationships rather than just chasing quick profits. On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge looks back at conversations from past episodes that featured Dustin, Hunt, Walter, Steven, and Ron. Listeners will learn how these industry leaders have achieved remarkable success in the tire and auto repair industry by focusing on company culture, customer retention strategies, the importance of online scheduling, analyzing gross profit per hour, and the power of building strong relationships with both customers and employees. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [02:05] How employee appreciation impacts long-term business success[04:28] Effective pricing strategies based on convenience over competition[06:02] The benefits of relationship-oriented business purchases over price-focused ones[07:33] How deep customer relationships can be created from going above and beyond[09:46] The role of after-hours touchpoints in converting and retaining customers[10:36] How offering scheduling flexibility enhances customer experience and loyalty[11:58] The power of transparency and honesty in B2B sales for lasting partnerships[14:28] Why nurturing B2B relationships provides enduring sales success Resources mentioned in this episode: Dustin DobbsDobbs Tire & Auto CentersHunt Demarest on LinkedInPaar, Melis & AssociatesWalter Lybeck on LinkedInPoint S TireSteven Fafel on LinkedInAutoOpsRon Dolan on LinkedInSailun Tire North AmericaMike Edge on LinkedInTread Partners Quotable Moments: “You have to empower your people. You have to let them know that you were supporting them.” - Dustin Dobbs“Margins are back up because they'll be upfront with the customer. Hey, you know what? It's here. It needs tires. We can put it on there. No, I'm not going to kill you on the price, but you also aren't looking for cut-rate prices.” - Hunt Demarest“When everyone's in it for the group, and they're not in it for the self, then it creates a much deeper fabric.” - Walter Lybeck“Every single piece of marketing that you do should at least provide the option for a customer to schedule online.” - Steven Fafel“When you're in B2B sales — I've always been in long-term relationships. I've had relationships with people for 20 years. So it's a long game, where other types of sales, it's about closing very quickly.” - Ron Dolan Action Steps: Empower your employees: Encouraging employee autonomy fosters a culture of innovation and professional growth.Maintain core company ...
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    15 min
  • Revolutionizing Auto Repair Using AI With Linda Gray of Mastertech.ai

    Revolutionizing Auto Repair Using AI With Linda Gray of Mastertech.ai
    Jan 29 2025
    Linda Gray is Co-founder of Mastertech.ai, an innovative company that is leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to transform the auto repair industry. Linda brings a wealth of experience from her time at Microsoft, where she was a principal engineer and led teams on major products like Outlook, Teams, and Xbox Live. Now, Linda is applying her expertise to create cutting-edge solutions that empower auto repair shops and technicians. In this episode… The auto repair industry is facing a growing challenge with the ever-increasing complexity of modern vehicles. How can shops keep up with the latest technology and ensure their technicians have the knowledge and tools to effectively diagnose and repair these sophisticated machines? According to Linda Gray of Mastertech.ai, artificial intelligence could play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. Mastertech.ai's innovative software analyzes a shop's historical repair orders, leveraging AI to identify patterns and trends. This data-driven approach empowers technicians to quickly pinpoint the most likely causes of vehicle issues, streamlining the diagnostic process and reducing repair times. On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge welcomes Linda to discuss the revolutionary impact of AI on the auto repair industry. Linda highlights how MasterTech.ai empowers shops to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and profitability by harnessing the power of shop-specific data and AI-driven insights. The conversation delves into the software's capability to enhance shop productivity, reduce repair times, and improve accuracy — ultimately increasing profit margins. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [08:05] Why the increasing complexity of vehicles demands new solutions for technicians[08:55] The impact of AI on the future of auto repair[11:25] How Mastertech.ai helps technicians work faster and more accurately, potentially increasing their earnings[11:52] How Mastertech.ai can help shops improve their margins[13:00] The benefits of using shop-specific data to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency[13:55] Why Mastertech.ai is a valuable tool for both experienced and newer technicians[14:44] How Mastertech.ai creates a centralized knowledge base for shops, capturing the expertise of their best technicians[17:07] The potential for AI to empower auto repair shops to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry Resources mentioned in this episode: Linda Gray on LinkedInMastertech.aiGeoCitiesMike Edge on LinkedInTread Partners Quotable Moments: "The more you chase success, the more you might miss it. Focus on creating value and success comes as a side effect.""AI doesn't just expand a technician's memory; it equips them with a collective experience that levels the playing field.""You're essentially immortalizing your best master technician's knowledge within your shop through AI.""When vehicles are becoming increasingly more complex, AI steps in to make repairs simpler and more efficient." "Success comes as a side effect when you do something you truly love and believe in." Action Steps: Leverage AI tools for efficiency: AI-driven solutions help technicians access a vast database of vehicle information and previous repair records, overcoming the challenge of increasing vehicle complexity.Utilize historical data for improved decision-making: Regularly analyze your shop's historical repair data to identify recurring issues and effective solutions. Invest in continuous learning: Encourage technicians to stay updated with the latest automotive technologies and repair techniques through workshops and training sessions.Foster a collaborative environment: Promote a culture of knowledge sharing among technicians to pool collective expertise and solve complex repair issues.Focus on customer value and satisfaction: Prioritize creating value for customers by delivering high-quality, efficient service that meets or exceeds their expectations. Sponsor for this episode... This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners. At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops. By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays. We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches. So, what are you waiting for? Visit www.treadpartners.com or email info@treadpartners.com to learn more.
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    26 min
  • From Tires to Touchdowns With Jack Limbaugh, President of Jack’s OK Tire Service

    From Tires to Touchdowns With Jack Limbaugh, President of Jack’s OK Tire Service
    Jan 22 2025
    Jack Limbaugh is President of Jack's OK Tire Service, a family-owned tire service business based in Algona, Iowa. Under his leadership, the company has expanded significantly, now operating multiple locations and providing exceptional customer service to agricultural and commercial customers. Jack is passionate about college football, with a rich family history of involvement in the sport, including his sons and grandsons playing at the university level. In this episode… What does it take to transform a small-town tire service into a flourishing multi-location business? How can a commitment to community and a strong family legacy guide success over decades? According to Jack Limbaugh of Jack's OK Tire Service, his family's business, founded in 1952, expanded through strategic growth and strong community ties. Jack describes how his father's entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach set the foundation for their success. His father empowered employees to take ownership of new locations, fostering a culture of opportunity and loyalty. Jack highlights how the business has adapted over the years, embracing technology and expanding service offerings to meet the evolving needs of their agricultural and commercial clients. On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge chats with Jack about the evolution and legacy of a family-owned tire service. He offers insights into navigating growth in a small-town business. Jack shares personal anecdotes, such as his father’s participation in key historical events and strategies for expanding the business while maintaining a family-oriented approach. He discusses the challenges and rewards of running a multi-generational enterprise and the role of faith and community in driving success. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [01:44] How a chance meeting sparked this podcast episode[02:34] The college football legacy within Jack Limbaugh’s family[06:02] Jack discusses his father's entrepreneurial spirit post-World War II[11:59] The risk Jack's father took to start his business[20:25] How Jack's family-oriented approach impacts the business[22:25] The mantra guiding Jack's company ethos every day[26:44] Why Jack was a perfect fit for the podcast Resources mentioned in this episode: Jack Limbaugh on LinkedInJack’s OK Tire Service Eric CrouchTom OsborneMike Edge on LinkedInTread Partners Quotable Moments: "My dad's first sales job was selling the guy into selling him the business.""After you've been through World War 2, that's nothing, right?""Jack's Tire and Service: Our family cares for your family's tires.""We've been here. God's blessed us, and we just try to be good stewards of His blessing.""Whatever we do in word or deed, do all to the glory of God." Action Steps: Foster a family-oriented work environment: Emphasizing a family culture within your business can enhance employee loyalty and satisfaction. Adapt and evolve with industry changes: Ensure that your business remains competitive and relevant, addressing challenges like changing technology and market demands.Invest in employee growth and opportunities: Providing opportunities for employees to take ownership or grow within the company can foster a motivated and driven team.Engage actively in community and networks: Being involved in community organizations and maintaining a strong local presence can enhance your leadership presence and business credibility.Maintain resilience and optimism in leadership: This attitude helps leaders navigate difficult times and seize opportunities, fostering a forward-thinking and resilient mindset in their teams. Sponsor for this episode... This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners. At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops. By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays. We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches. So, what are you waiting for? Visit www.treadpartners.com or email info@treadpartners.com to learn more.
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    27 min

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