Advertise on podcast: Downshift With Tonnika

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO Anybody can run a shop. Building one that lasts? That's a whole different story. If you're ready to build smarter systems and a better experience for your team and customers, check out Tekmetric HERE Shop owner and automotive content creator Chris Enright joins Tonnika Haynes for a candid conversation about business, social media, money, boundaries, and the work people never see. Chris explains how a two-reels-a-day challenge reignited his content, helped grow his Facebook audience beyond 280,000 followers, and contributed to a tool video reaching 127 million Instagram views. He and Tonnika discuss leaving toxic workplaces, opening a shop just before COVID, learning to charge profitably, communicating honestly with customers, and building a business that fits your actual life. They also tackle online critics, shop-owner excuses, the myth of being available to customers 24/7, and why “what works for me” cannot become permission to avoid necessary changes. Most importantly, they remind listeners that the success people call luck was built through sacrifice, consistency, faith, and years of unseen work. Timestamps:00:00 – “It must be nice”: the work nobody saw01:03 – Catching up with Chris Enright at ASTA 202604:29 – Burnout, content blocks, and posting two reels a day06:37 – The tool video that reached 127 million views10:58 – Does social media help or hurt the repair shop?13:53 – Staying grounded through generosity15:13 – Chris’s search for a bigger shop20:14 – Testing a faceless RC-car content strategy23:03 – How podcasts and ASTA changed Chris’s business28:22 – Rising property prices and the risk of expansion32:47 – Leaving toxic shops and choosing a better career37:33 – Opening before COVID and learning to charge properly45:45 – Why customer education and communication matter58:56 – Boundaries, loaner cars, and the four-day workweek1:03:54 – Coaching and building the shop you actually want1:13:05 – The sacrifice behind “It must be nice”1:16:00 – There is no balance: work, faith, and consistency1:20:05 – Why even perfect content attracts haters

Running a shop is hard enough—you don't need your software making it harder. 😂 If you're ready for more clarity, better organization, and a smoother experience for both your team and your customers, check out Tekmetric HERE Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO Are automotive schools preparing students for the real world, or are repair shops expecting too much from new technicians? Live from ASTA Expo 2026, Tonnika Haynes sits down with Hawkeye Community College automotive instructor Gerrot Jacobson and shop owner Chad Whitley to discuss the disconnect between education and employment in the automotive industry. They tackle starting wages, the cost of tools, unrealistic expectations, technician training, apprenticeships, and why young people are choosing other skilled trades over automotive careers. Chad explains why he's willing to lose money on an apprentice in the first year, while Gerrot shares what instructors are experiencing as they prepare students to enter the workforce. Together, they challenge shop owners, educators, and industry leaders to stop pointing fingers and start building a better future for the next generation of automotive technicians.Timestamps:00:00 – What should a new automotive technician earn?00:47 – Meet Gerrot Jacobson and Chad Whitley at ASTA Expo03:26 – The disconnect between automotive schools and repair shops05:52 – Starting wages and the cost of becoming a technician09:29 – Why other skilled trades are attracting young people13:44 – Shop owners must invest in training and development17:07 – Why young technicians get stuck in the lube bay18:48 – Are dealerships supporting automotive education?20:49 – What automotive schools are actually teaching25:18 – Teaching professionalism, communication, and life skills29:51 – Chad's approach to internships and apprenticeships33:48 – The KPIs that matter beyond profitability37:22 – Why Chad expects to lose money on new apprentices40:37 – The conflict between technician development and shop productivity42:47 – Why there's still hope for the next generation

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO Anybody can run a shop. Building one that lasts? That's a whole different story. If you're ready to build smarter systems and a better experience for your team and customers, check out Tekmetric HERE Tonnika Haynes sits down with Xavier Bowe, a Bahamian-born mobile mechanic working toward his dream of opening a brick-and-mortar repair shop in South Florida. After technical school and difficulty finding employment as an international student, Xavier created his own business in 2016 and built his clientele largely through the Bahamian community and word of mouth. He opens up about the real reason he structured his work around flexibility: after his wife died from breast cancer, he moved to the United States with his five-year-old son and made being a present father his priority. Now that his son is preparing for college, Xavier is ready to move from survival mode into business-building mode—but first he must confront marketing, pricing, delegation, and his own analysis paralysis. Their conversation expands into mentorship, learning from mistakes, personal development, and the courage required to leave a familiar situation for an uncertain but more promising future. Timestamps:00:00 — Technical skills or business skills?00:55 — Meet Xavier Bowe02:04 — Growing up around mechanics in the Bahamas04:08 — Starting a mobile business after technical school07:42 — “My dream was never to turn the wrench forever”12:39 — Building clients through community and word of mouth18:24 — Xavier’s two-hour mobile-service model21:02 — The vision for his future repair shop23:20 — Analysis paralysis and the realities of starting small32:00 — The family story that reframes his journey38:00 — Labor rates, pricing, and missing business training47:49 — Why technical training alone is not enough50:19 — Turning the dream into an immediate marketing plan1:02:48 — Personal development, Toastmasters, and mentorship1:20:34 — Treating mistakes like experiments1:46:12 — Leaving a familiar life with one bag and a toolbox

Running a shop is hard enough—you don't need your software making it harder. 😂 If you're ready for more clarity, better organization, and a smoother experience for both your team and your customers, check out Tekmetric HERE Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO Tonnika Haynes sits down with Tatsu Tsuchida to talk about growing up in family-owned auto repair shops and discovering that being raised around technicians doesn't automatically prepare you to run a business. Tatsu shares his journey from Southern California's import-car culture and automotive journalism in Japan to eventually taking over the shop his father started in 1978. Along the way, he opens up about learning customer service the hard way, discovering the value of coaching, raising labor rates, and transforming a shop that once needed 240 cars to generate the same revenue it later produced with just 70. The conversation also explores the challenges of opening a second location, dealing with an employee who became a nearby competitor, and learning to trust a team to operate without constant owner involvement.  Timestamps:00:00 – Catching up and different coaching perspectives02:17 – Growing up in a family-owned repair shop07:13 – How Tatsu's father started his business09:28 – Becoming the boss's son who thought he knew everything12:01 – How car culture changed Tatsu's life15:35 – From automotive enthusiast to magazine writer in Japan21:06 – Returning home to the family business23:13 – Modernizing the shop and learning service writing28:36 – The training that changed Tatsu's approach to business31:18 – Raising labor rates and learning to charge properly34:20 – Generating the same revenue with 170 fewer cars44:25 – Opening a second shop and facing unexpected competition47:00 – Family responsibilities and his father's retirement49:47 – Why both owners switched to four-day workweeks59:20 – Burnout, taking time off, and trusting employees1:08:12 – Why owners need training, grace, and better processes1:13:03 – Building a third location

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO Anybody can run a shop. Building one that lasts? That's a whole different story. If you're ready to build smarter systems and a better experience for your team and customers, check out Tekmetric HERE Tonnika Haynes sits down with Brandon Steckler and Browns Automotive technician Lee Days for a conversation about training, diagnostics, mentorship, and why even experienced technicians sometimes need to go back to the fundamentals. Lee has spent roughly 30 years in automotive, but after working directly with Brandon on a difficult diagnostic problem, he realized how much a different approach to training could change the way he works. Brandon shares his own humbling transition from being a highly productive dealership technician to entering the independent world and discovering that his “Superman cape” didn't mean he understood everything he thought he did. The three discuss dealership versus independent-shop training, the danger of relying on familiar “silver bullet” fixes, technician ego, mentorship, and why great instructors should make knowledge approachable instead of guarding it. It's a reminder that no matter how long you've been fixing cars, getting better sometimes means admitting what you don't know and going back to the basics. Timestamps:00:00 – Brandon’s humbling move from dealer to independent02:11 – Meet Lee: 30 years in automotive03:21 – Brandon launches SWAT Training & Diagnostics03:56 – The diagnostic call that changed Lee’s approach06:31 – “I learned more this week than I have in years”08:05 – Why technicians can’t skip the fundamentals10:00 – Getting 1% better through training11:11 – Why dealership training can create blind spots12:08 – Brandon takes off his “Superman cape”16:30 – The mentor who changed Brandon’s career18:39 – Why training pays instead of costs22:45 – Great trainers have to be approachable24:36 – “We all rise by lifting each other”26:30 – When technician ego gets in the way29:09 – Brandon’s approach to leveling up technicians32:05 – Tonnika on training people even if they might leave

Running a shop is hard enough—you don't need your software making it harder. 😂 If you're ready for more clarity, better organization, and a smoother experience for both your team and your customers, check out Tekmetric HERE Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO Tonnika Haynes sits down with Brandon Sloan for an unfiltered conversation about one of the biggest problems facing automotive: keeping talented technicians in the industry. They challenge shop owners to stop complaining about a technician shortage while failing to provide leadership, mentorship, training, fair opportunities, and a workplace people actually want to stay in. But technicians aren't off the hook either—Tonnika and Brandon challenge them to invest in themselves, build their knowledge, check their ego, and increase their value instead of waiting for someone else to build their career. Then the conversation turns to technicians who dream of opening their own shops and the taxes, insurance, payroll, mistakes, customers, boundaries, and responsibilities they may not realize come with ownership. It's a raw conversation about leadership, accountability, career growth, and what it really takes to build something that lasts. Timestamps:00:40 – Tonnika meets Brandon Sloan at ASTA04:42 – Tonnika’s journey from collision to shop ownership10:14 – Why talented technicians are leaving automotive10:22 – “Water the plants we already have”11:29 – The generational problem facing the industry13:25 – Mentoring young techs without putting them in debt15:23 – Leadership is more than handing out repair orders16:33 – How good leaders handle employees having a bad day18:55 – The responsibility shop owners have to their team20:20 – The Austin Yarbrough situation and standing up for technicians26:28 – Using social media to educate consumers29:45 – Build your value and set your own number30:45 – Your “mental toolbox” can’t be taken from you33:29 – Success didn’t come free: sacrifice, work, and building a team35:21 – Brandon’s journey beyond the dealership38:15 – Stop blaming everyone else and check your own mindset41:39 – Get out of your own way and invest in yourself43:53 – Want to open your own shop? You might not be ready44:10 – The REAL cost of running an automotive business46:36 – “Real leaders eat last”48:54 – Learning to say “no” to customers50:36 – Why shop owners need boundaries52:18 – Being available to everyone isn’t customer service53:30 – Understanding the sacrifices their fathers made54:05 – How Brandon found his way into automotive56:15 – Sometimes you have to figure it out and invest in yourself

You shouldn't have to play detective just to figure out what's happening in your own shop. 😂 If you're ready for all your shop's information in one place, check out Tekmetric HERE Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO Your techs don’t need another YouTube rabbit hole—they need real answers to the problem in front of them. SWAT Training and Diagnostics brings the tech support and hands-on, virtual, and just-in-time training to help them fix today’s car and be ready for the next one - LEARN MORE HERE Tonnika Haynes sits down with Tomi Oliva for a conversation about what really happens when a great automotive technician becomes a shop owner. From growing up in family-owned repair shops and learning hard lessons from their fathers to navigating leadership, coaching, accountability, and profitability, Tonnika and Tomi realize their stories have a lot more in common than they expected. They discuss why shop owners have to learn to stop being the hero, how an owner can unintentionally become the ceiling of their own business, and why building a great team means allowing other people to make decisions—and sometimes make mistakes. Tonnika also opens up about her own journey from technician to owner, the difficult relationship with her father, and the experiences that ultimately shaped the way she leads today. If your shop can't function without you, this episode asks an uncomfortable question: Did you build a business, or did you just build yourself a job? Timestamps:00:00 – Saturday shop talk and TechFix Live01:22 – Finally sitting down after meeting at STX02:09 – The problem with complaining without solutions03:15 – Why Tonnika is so direct04:32 – Growing up with a first-generation shop-owner dad06:45 – What Tonnika’s father got right — and what held him back09:36 – Tonnika never wanted the family shop12:54 – The marijuana story that accidentally changed her career17:23 – Choosing UTI instead of college19:04 – Leaving home, homelessness and repairing the relationship with Dad21:28 – How Tonnika accidentally became the boss23:33 – Family conflict and learning to communicate26:46 – When your dad is also your boss31:06 – The final years with Tonnika’s father32:00 – Taking the family business in a different direction33:52 – Customer service vs. taking care of your employees35:30 – Building a shop that doesn't require the owner36:20 – Learning to let employees make mistakes37:00 – “I became the ceiling of the shop”38:27 – Tonnika admits she had no idea how to lead40:00 – Closing the shop and going mobile42:00 – The phone call that changed the future of the business45:00 – Coaching, marketing and finally learning the numbers47:48 – Hard conversations and accountability49:00 – You may actually be holding an employee back50:39 – Why coaching companies become so controversial53:49 – Take what helps and leave what doesn't57:54 – Coaching is an investment, not just another expense58:47 – PROFIT isn't a dirty word58:52 – Why people hate accountability1:00:23 – Remember: you're in service to your customer1:02:21 – Helping customers make smarter repair decisions1:04:00 – Front of house vs. back of house1:06:33 – Who is the “queen bee” of your business?1:07:16 – The customer can shut the whole thing down1:08:00 – Technician mindset vs. business-owner mindset1:22:28 – Tonnika realizes she's becoming her father1:25:38 – “Indecision is a decision”1:39:16 – You can't truly help others until your business is healthy

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO Anybody can run a shop. Building one that lasts? That's a whole different story. If you're ready to build smarter systems and a better experience for your team and customers, check out Tekmetric HERE What happens when problems at home collide with everything you've built at the shop? In this episode of Downshift with Tonnika, Tonnika sits down with third-generation shop owner Sid Matlock for a conversation the automotive industry doesn't have very often: divorce, relationships, and business ownership. Sid shares his experience navigating divorce while continuing to lead a team, serve customers, and protect the business his family spent generations building. The conversation expands into communication, working with a spouse, knowing who to confide in, balancing the shop with family, and why avoiding uncomfortable conversations can create even bigger problems. This isn't legal, financial, or marriage advice—it's an honest conversation between two business owners about what can happen when life outside the shop follows you through the front door. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why we're talking about divorce and business03:36 – Sid's story as a third-generation shop owner06:44 – Getting blindsided by divorce09:49 – Protecting the business when divorce happens13:05 – When building a shop puts pressure on a marriage17:05 – Leading a business while your personal life falls apart22:27 – Working in a business with your spouse26:06 – The communication problem nobody wants to address34:30 – What Sid would tell someone facing divorce40:46 – What divorce taught Sid about himself43:16 – You're not alone: finding someone who will listen53:03 – Staying in an unhappy relationship because of appearances1:01:27 – Different communication styles in relationships1:05:03 – Marriage as a team and refusing to dim yourself1:14:32 – The uncomfortable conversation about business assets1:22:10 – Relationships require work just like businesses do1:25:35 – When the shop has to come second1:29:10 – Communication, counseling and working on the relationship1:33:00 – Sid's message to anyone suffering in silence

Running a shop is hard enough—you don't need your software making it harder. 😂 If you're ready for more clarity, better organization, and a smoother experience for both your team and your customers, check out Tekmetric HERE Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO Tonnika Haynes sits down with Katie Gates for a raw conversation about what it actually takes to build the next generation of automotive technicians. Katie shares her journey from being told automotive wasn't a place for women to becoming a technician, service advisor, trainer, writer, mentor, and field diagnostic technician. But the conversation gets bigger: if the industry is worried about a technician shortage, why are entry-level technicians still being thrown into shops without proper mentorship, training, or support? Tonnika and Katie talk shop culture, technician burnout, investing in training, women in automotive, personal responsibility, and why both owners and technicians have a role in changing the industry. Timestamps:00:00 – Why Young Technicians Are Leaving00:42 – Lipstick, Beards & Getting the Morning Started03:13 – Meet Katie: Technician, Advisor, Manager & Trainer07:19 – Why Katie Chose Automotive Anyway09:32 – The Professor Who Made Her Feel Bulletproof11:50 – Mentorship, Wrenching Women Wednesday & Paying It Forward16:40 – Women in Auto Care & the Scholarship That Changed Everything19:15 – Starting Tech School With a Three-Week-Old Baby21:13 – Are Entry-Level Technicians Being Set Up to Fail?25:32 – Shop Leaders Need to Get Out and Talk to Their People29:07 – Why Training Your Existing Team Is Cheaper Than Replacing Them33:25 – Why Tonnika Takes Her Whole Team to Training38:00 – We Told Kids NOT to Learn a Trade39:56 – “You Told Them Not to Come Here”41:11 – Why Automotive Professionals Still Get Disrespected47:49 – “You Pushed Them Away” — The Entry-Level Tech Problem54:43 – Technicians Have to Invest in Themselves Too57:22 – Shop Owners: Get Up and Walk the Shop1:00:55 – Building a Culture Where People Actually Communicate1:10:07 – Front Counter vs. Back Shop Communication1:16:56 – Why Auto Repair Costs What It Costs1:23:22 – Building Trust With Your Repair Shop1:33:20 – Are We Failing Service Advisors Too?1:36:36 – What’s Next for Katie?1:38:32 – Don’t Ignore Your Own Check Engine Light1:39:45 – Katie’s Message to the Next Generation1:41:18 – Tonnika’s Changing “Why” & Closing Thoughts

You shouldn't have to play detective just to figure out what's happening in your own shop. 😂 If you're ready for all your shop's information in one place, check out Tekmetric HERE Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO Your techs don’t need another YouTube rabbit hole—they need real answers to the problem in front of them. SWAT Training and Diagnostics brings the tech support and hands-on, virtual, and just-in-time training to help them fix today’s car and be ready for the next one - LEARN MORE HERE What happens when your employer won't pay for the training you know you need? Tonnika sits down with technician Bruce Bolin to talk about taking ownership of your career, investing in your own education, and refusing to let a lack of opportunity become an excuse for staying stagnant. Bruce shares what pushed him to attend industry training on his own dime, his plans to eventually open a shop, and how he's already passing his knowledge along to younger technicians. They also get into technician pay, certifications versus real-world ability, mentorship, and why getting just 1% better can completely change your value in this industry. If you're waiting on somebody else to make you a better technician, this conversation might sting a little. Timestamps:00:00 – What Are You Actually Worth as a Technician?00:42 – Bruce’s First Automotive Training Event07:06 – 16 Years as an Automotive Technician12:09 – The Five-Year Plan to Open His Own Shop15:00 – Why Automotive Community & Training Matter18:21 – Stop Waiting on Your Employer to Train You25:29 – Want Better Pay? Increase Your Value34:11 – Preparing for Shop Ownership Before Opening the Doors38:01 – Mentoring the Next Generation of Technicians43:21 – Is There Really a Problem With Young Technicians?48:31 – Why the Automotive Community Matters

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO Anybody can run a shop. Building one that lasts? That's a whole different story. If you're ready to build smarter systems and a better experience for your team and customers, check out Tekmetric HERE Everyone complains about the technician shortage—but what if the automotive industry doesn't have a young-people problem as much as it has a mentorship problem? On this episode of Downshift with Tonnika, Tonnika sits down with veteran technician Phil Ubinger and his former mentee Hunter Jackson to talk about what real mentorship looks like inside an automotive repair shop. They dig into teaching technicians to think instead of simply handing them answers, why experienced techs need time and incentive to mentor, and why young technicians have a responsibility to invest in themselves. From shop culture and training to work ethic, confidence, standards, and career growth, this conversation challenges both generations to stop pointing fingers and start building the future of the automotive industry. Timestamps:00:00 Why mentorship matters in automotive02:35 Hunter’s journey into the automotive industry05:30 Phil’s 40+ years as a technician09:35 Why young technicians struggled to advance13:15 Training vs. true mentorship17:10 Building work ethic beyond technical skills21:20 How to give constructive criticism without killing confidence24:55 Stop giving technicians all the answers27:50 “You can’t use my brain to do your work”31:30 Finding the right mentor for the right technician34:55 Building professionals, not just parts changers38:25 “That’s not how we did it at Firestone”41:50 Finding the right shop culture44:20 A mentorship that became bigger than automotive48:30 Passing mentorship on to the next generation51:45 Hunter’s advice for young technicians52:55 Nobody will invest in you more than YOU54:50 Why shop culture can make or break mentorship58:30 Are your technicians actually taking advantage of training?1:01:25 If you’re not participating in your own rescue, that’s a YOU problem1:03:45 Stop complaining about the industry and help change it1:06:20 Leadership, legacy, and passing the torch

Running a shop is hard enough—you don't need your software making it harder. 😂 If you're ready for more clarity, better organization, and a smoother experience for both your team and your customers, check out Tekmetric HERE Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO At 29 years old, Tristin Sweeney is running an auto repair shop, building automotive technology, and questioning some of the industry's favorite excuses. In this episode, Tonnika Haynes talks with Tristin about his unconventional path from the startup world into automotive, acquiring Honest Automotive, building Shift, and why owning a shop became the ultimate testing ground for solving real industry problems. But things get spicy when they tackle the supposed technician shortage, outdated hiring practices, shop owners blaming younger generations, and why good employees may be leaving shops that refuse to change. They also dig into AI, technician training, communication, leadership, burnout, and why new technology should solve problems instead of creating more work. If you're a shop owner who keeps saying, “Nobody wants to work anymore,” this conversation might make you look in the mirror. Timestamps:00:00 Why automotive has become unattractive to work in00:23 Downshift intro00:42 Meet Tristin Sweeney: 29, busy, and obsessed with automotive01:23 Audi, Volkswagens, and where the car obsession started03:15 Can you be a great service advisor without knowing cars?04:40 There are more automotive careers than turning wrenches06:26 From tech startups to the automotive industry07:17 Getting laid off, joining ShopGenie, and finding his industry09:17 Running TWO automotive businesses at 2910:11 How Tristin bought Honest Automotive after finding it on Facebook14:01 Has shop ownership given him gray hair yet?14:32 Building a shop around passion and customer experience16:21 Honest Automotive is also Tristin’s “laboratory”16:48 How Shift Automotive was born18:19 Building software from the problems that drive shop owners crazy19:10 Technology problem or people problem?20:17 How does someone working 60–70 hours a week avoid burnout?22:55 Success isn’t worth burning yourself out by 3023:19 Tonnika gets VERY personal about Tristin having kids 😂25:32 Why Tristin is committed to automotive for the long haul28:53 Shift grows to more than 150 shops30:02 Why simply SHOWING UP can change your career31:21 The “Gen Z stare” and learning how to communicate33:34 Get in rooms where you’re uncomfortable37:04 What will automotive look like 10 years from now?41:11 Shop owners who ignore AI WILL get left behind42:43 How should shops prepare technicians for new technology?43:27 Does every tech need to understand the newest cars right now?45:48 Why the next generation matters more than ever47:58 What does a technician actually need to “look like”?48:48 Is the technician shortage actually a hiring problem?49:48 How many great technicians are shops overlooking?50:48 “I hire people. I don’t hire jobs.”52:00 Why automotive can be an unattractive place to work54:18 Great shops generally aren’t struggling to find applicants54:51 The talent is out there—and some of them want to leave their current shop55:55 If recruiters can steal your technicians, that’s a YOU problem56:04 Most shop problems start with the owner57:30 Accepting criticism from your employees—even your own son58:03 Old-school leadership vs. the way Tonnika leads today59:33 The macaroni-and-cheese recipe for evolving a family business1:01:47 Is treating every employee differently “coddling”?1:03:50 Why one universal pay plan doesn’t work for everyone1:04:39 Flexible schedules, flat rate, salary, and what actually motivates people1:07:08 Shop owners who refuse to compromise may lose great technicians1:07:56 Bad bosses create the next generation of bad bosses1:08:21 Why leadership and communication have to be learned1:13:00 Stop micromanaging every detail of your shop1:14:22 “Granddad did it that way” isn’t a good enough reason anymore1:15:28 The Carfax data debate gets spicy 😂1:16:24 What Carfax actually gets from your shop1:17:47 Tonnika’s grandfather discovers OnStar and thinks “they’re coming for him”1:19:03 Technology fear usually comes from misunderstanding1:19:45 Tristin’s legacy: Leave automotive better than he found it1:20:00 Where to find Honest Automotive and Shift Automotive1:21:22 Closing, AI hot takes, and what’s next

You shouldn't have to play detective just to figure out what's happening in your own shop. 😂 If you're ready for all your shop's information in one place, check out Tekmetric HERE Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO Your techs don’t need another YouTube rabbit hole—they need real answers to the problem in front of them. SWAT Training and Diagnostics brings the tech support and hands-on, virtual, and just-in-time training to help them fix today’s car and be ready for the next one - LEARN MORE HERE Running an auto repair shop is one thing—but what happens when the shop starts running you? In this episode, Tonnika Haynes sits down with Darin Johnson, a one-man shop owner from Great Bend, Kansas, who admits he's working seven days a week, struggles to tell customers no, and hasn't taken a real vacation since 2018. They get into the difficult transition from technician to business owner, why coaching and industry connections have changed Darin's approach, and how raising his labor rate didn't create the customer revolt he feared. Tonnika also gets fired up about boundaries, last-minute customers, “free” tire pressure checks, and why serving your community doesn't mean allowing customers to control your schedule. Darin is heading to ASTA with a mission: build his network, learn how to step away from the shop, find help, and finally create a business that gives him a life outside the bays.Timestamps:00:00 Cold open: “It’s gonna be on one more day”00:19 Downshift intro00:38 Darin still has a FLIP PHONE?!02:10 Meet Darin: Running a one-man repair shop in Kansas02:44 How he accidentally became a shop owner04:27 From hot rods to 25 years in automotive05:39 Does Darin really want to stay a one-man operation?07:06 Heading to ASTA for the first time07:40 Why Darin LEFT his first training event early08:39 Coaching struggles: Knowing what to do vs. actually doing it09:55 The real reason Darin is coming to ASTA10:16 Shop ownership can feel like you’re on an island13:08 Working seven days a week & being married to the shop14:20 The people-pleasing problem15:03 Customers asking about cars at dinner and the grocery store16:27 What happens when the shop becomes your only hobby?20:26 Feeling guilty for taking time away20:57 “Schedule your hats”—including downtime22:59 Darin’s five-year plan: Train someone to replace him23:38 His last REAL vacation was in 201824:34 Open-heart surgery changed how Darin viewed the business25:21 Becoming an owner instead of just a technician28:06 Why 15–20 cars are constantly sitting at the shop28:34 The work Darin has finally started saying NO to30:49 Bringing an accountability partner to training32:42 Why a few unhappy customers can ruin your mindset33:58 Should you just FIRE the worst 5% of your customers?38:02 Tonnika gives Darin his official ASTA assignment40:40 Finding your automotive family42:39 Why Tonnika recommends coaching43:57 Coaching’s impact on Darin’s mindset and mental health45:01 “I wish I would’ve done this 10 years ago”46:04 Why shops that don’t train get left behind46:58 Darin now has the highest labor rate in town47:34 Tonnika’s $12 lawnmower tire era 😂49:00 Learning how to say NO without losing customers49:12 Scheduling your different “hats” as an owner51:10 Customers don’t control your schedule51:44 “It’s been on for two weeks? It can wait another day.”53:05 Your six-month-old check engine light isn’t suddenly my emergency53:50 How “real quick” jobs steal HOURS from your day54:52 Why Tonnika refuses to just throw air in a tire55:32 “My air isn’t free!”56:23 The right way to say no: Give customers another option57:45 Darin’s ASTA challenge & what’s coming in Part 2

Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO Anybody can run a shop. Building one that lasts? That's a whole different story. If you're ready to build smarter systems and a better experience for your team and customers, check out Tekmetric HERE 00:00 Meet Riley Spence and the dangers of reading internet comments03:12 Starting in the automotive industry at 14 years old04:54 Learning from mistakes, trouble, and a different career path06:06 Moving from turning wrenches into service and parts management07:36 Being promoted without training, procedures, or support08:21 Are service advisors really doing the easier job?09:52 How technician roles differ between dealerships, independents, and fleets12:31 Front and back must work together—not against each other14:35 Ego, arguments, and the shop cultures nobody wants17:23 Why Riley loves his current shop and the people around him18:34 Not every mentor is right for every apprentice19:02 Riley admits how ego hurt him as a young technician20:11 What Tonnika tells young employees who ask for help but won’t listen22:20 Making mistakes, slowing down, and learning without giving up24:20 What happens when a technician oversells their abilities25:51 Tonnika’s “green banana” scale for inexperienced technicians26:54 Do experienced technicians actually want to teach the next generation?28:30 The most important lesson for apprentices: shut up and listen30:00 Could an experienced technician learn from a 20-year-old apprentice?33:00 How younger employees can make an entire shop better35:18 Accountability, respect, and preparing young people for the workforce37:42 Mental health is real—but it cannot erase accountability41:04 Work-life balance and creating a safe place for technicians to talk44:10 Riley shares a costly mistake involving a car with no brake pedal47:52 The high-school dropout who became a talented technician50:35 Finding potential in unexpected employees51:24 How shops can make automotive careers more attractive53:01 Tool allowances and helping young technicians build a toolbox54:45 Why shops need to invest in training55:20 Technicians don’t have to wait for their employer to educate them58:40 Don’t let a bad shop stop your career growth01:03:00 Why support at home matters in a demanding automotive career01:05:11 Parenting your own children is not “babysitting”01:07:33 From “Brown’s daughter” to “Tonnika’s dad”01:08:09 Making a difference in employees’ lives01:10:36 What legacy really means inside and outside the shop01:12:52 Why shop owners need honest feedback from their employees01:21:11 Jordan’s roadside repair and a helpful stranger01:22:11 Banana pudding, Southern culture, and automotive friendships01:23:47 The automotive leaders Riley admires01:26:32 Why conversations and community are changing the industry01:27:00 Why Tonnika finally started a podcast01:27:29 Showing young people that automotive can be a great career01:29:24 Riley’s responsibility to the next generation01:29:42 Dirty hands, clean money

Running a shop is hard enough—you don't need your software making it harder. 😂 If you're ready for more clarity, better organization, and a smoother experience for both your team and your customers, check out Tekmetric HERE Consistency is key - heard that! But, consistency is HARD. That's why I gave up on trying and let the experts handle it. Detect Auto. Let them clean up your estimating process and raise your ARO - like they did for me! CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DEMO What happens when automotive professionals stop trying to figure everything out alone? In this episode of Downshift with Tonnika, Tonnika Haynes sits down with Aniz Lavji and Brian Gauthier to talk about the training, relationships and hard business lessons that transformed the way they approach the automotive industry. They share how ASTA Expo helped them find mentors, strengthen their technical skills, understand their numbers and build connections that continued helping them long after the classes ended. Aniz also explains how changing his shop software and processes helped him generate 50–60% more business, while Brian shares how the people he met helped him move from feeling stuck as a technician to opening his own shop. ASTA Expo 2026 takes place September 24–26 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Use registration code DOWNSHIFT25 to save $25. Register HERE Timestamps:00:00 – Meet Aniz and Brian: two very different automotive journeys02:21 – Why neither guest had attended industry training before05:12 – Finding a way to attend despite family and financial pressures07:01 – Why the best learning often happens outside the classroom10:46 – The biggest lesson from walking into a “bigger room”13:10 – How ASTA Expo changed Tonnika’s own career and business14:32 – The software change that helped Aniz grow business by 50–60%15:58 – Working on the business instead of always working in it20:20 – Internet opinions, difficult customers and running your own shop23:11 – Pricing, boundaries and learning to say no25:25 – Why “profit is not a dirty word”31:00 – Aniz’s vulnerable first-night experience and the people who showed up36:00 – Why the relationships can matter as much as the training42:07 – How Brian went from feeling stuck to opening his own shop44:07 – Why technicians and service advisors must invest in themselves49:34 – What first-time ASTA Expo attendees can expect54:02 – Stop gatekeeping knowledge in the automotive industry59:08 – ASTA Expo dates, registration details and discount code