Recorded at the 45th annual Mobile Air Climate Systems Conference (MACS 2025) in Orlando, Florida, this episode dives into the evolving world of thermal management in vehicles. Our panel discusses the shift from traditional air conditioning to a more advanced approach, driven by the growing complexity of modern vehicles, especially EVs. They explore why maintaining optimal temperatures for batteries, electric motors, and other components is just as critical as passenger comfort. The conversation also covers alternative refrigerants, particularly blends, as a way to boost efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and adapt to changing battery technologies. With these advancements, the need for technician training and industry adaptation is greater than ever. Our experts emphasize the importance of collaboration across the industry to ensure a smooth transition and deliver effective solutions for both OEMs and aftermarket service providers.

• Watch Full Video Episode
• MACS Training Event & Trade Show: https://macsmobileairclimate.org/
• National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF): https://wp.nastf.org/
• Koura: https://www.kouraglobal.com/
• Honeywell: https://www.honeywell.com/us/en
• Introduction and Sponsors (00:00:00)
• Evolution of Thermal Management (00:02:28)
• Consultative Role of Shop Owners (00:02:10)
• Rise of Thermal Management Specialists (00:03:08)
• Importance of Battery Temperature Control (00:03:46)
• Impact of Electric Compressors (00:05:45)
• Training on Thermal Management (00:12:19)
• Future of Refrigerants (00:09:52)
• Concerns with Flammable Refrigerants (00:11:04)
• Thermal Management in Electric Vehicles (00:14:04)
• Training Demand for Electric Vehicle Systems (00:15:26)
• Battery Chemistry and Future Developments (00:17:02)
• Shifting Priorities in Funding (00:18:27)
• Changing Thermal Management Needs (00:18:57)
• Service Recommendations for Blends (00:19:18)
• Collaboration in Industry (00:19:58)
• New Components in AC Systems (00:20:50)
• Complexity of Thermal Management Systems (00:22:15)
• Career Opportunities in Automotive Technology (00:23:06)
• Investing in New Refrigerant Machines (00:24:30)
• Consumer Benefits of Blend Refrigerants (00:25:05)
• Leakage Characteristics of Blends (00:26:14)
• Future of Refrigerant Machines...

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

Closing your shop on Saturdays might sound like a risky move, but could it actually improve your business? In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, explores the real financial and operational impact of shutting down on Saturdays. Is it worth it? What factors should you consider before making the switch? Whether you're thinking about a 5-day workweek, reducing hours, or making strategic changes to your shop’s schedule, this episode is packed with insights to help you make an informed decision.

Key Topics Covered:

✅ Why auto repair shops are moving away from Saturday hours

✅ The financial impact of closing on Saturdays—and how to make up for lost sales

✅ How to determine if your shop can afford fewer workdays

✅ The role of employee preferences in business hours

✅ Attracting top talent by offering a 5-day workweek

✅ Strategies to transition customers from weekend scheduling

✅ Real-life case studies of shops that successfully cut their Saturday hours

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive

Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS

Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?

It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it. After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.

Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com

Thanks to our partner, Promotive

It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.

Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair

Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com

Email Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.com

Text Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413

Download a Copy of My Books Here:

• Wrenches to Write-Offs
• Your Perfect Shop

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech

NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.

Contact Information

• Email Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com
• Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel

Introduction:

• Fuel trims are a common topic in professional forums, classes, and diagnostics, often leading to bold diagnostic decisions.
• Matt shares his experience of quickly diagnosing vehicle issues using fuel trims, even before leaving the parking lot.

Key Challenges in Discussing Fuel Trims:

• The more you learn about fuel trims, the more nuanced and complex the topic becomes.
• It’s difficult to generalize fuel trim behavior across all vehicles, as each system has unique characteristics.
• Fuel trims are just one piece of data that must be factored into a broader diagnostic process.

What Are Fuel Trims?

• Definition: Fuel trims are adjustments made to the base fuel schedule by the engine control unit (ECU).
• Matt credits Matt Ragsdale on iATN for one of the best explanations he’s seen.

Two Primary Fuel Systems:

1. Speed Density Systems:

• Relies on the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor and engine RPM as primary inputs.
• Engine control algorithms tend to be more complex.

1. Mass Airflow (MAF) Systems:

• Uses the Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) and crank sensor (RPM) as primary inputs.
• Simpler in design compared to speed density systems.
• Modern systems often blend elements of both speed density and MAF systems.

Closing Thoughts:

• Matt emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of fuel trims and how they vary across different vehicle systems.
• He plans to dive deeper into the topic in future episodes, providing more detailed insights and practical examples.

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.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/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The...

Sometimes life just doesn’t slow down, does it? Between running a business, managing a team, and balancing everything else, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in tasks. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Hi, I’m Kim Walker, and today I’m sharing my personal journey through a season of overwhelm—and how I’m finding my way back to productivity and peace. This episode isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about giving yourself the grace to start where you are and take small, meaningful steps forward.

So, take a deep breath, grab a notebook, and let’s get organized—because even in the chaos, we’ve got this

Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for this episode. RepairPal will introduce your shop to new customers through repairpal.com, the largest site for auto repair. Learn more at RepairPal.com/shops.

Are you ready to convert clients to members? App fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build client loyalty. Get started today with your own customer loyalty app. Visit Appfueled.com

Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)

Stephen Covey's Time Managment Matrix

Remarkable Tablet

Time Blocking

Show Notes with Timestamps

• 

How To Get In Touch

Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind

Website - shopmarketingpros.com

Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros

Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book

Instagram - @shopmarketingpros

Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com

Aftermarket Radio Network

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.

• Watch Full Video Episode
• MACS Training Event & Trade Show: https://macsmobileairclimate.org/
• National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF): https://wp.nastf.org/
• Koura: https://www.kouraglobal.com/
• Honeywell: https://www.honeywell.com/us/en
• NASTF (00:00:00)
• Donnie's Career Background (00:02:56)
• Memorable Experience with STEM Students (00:03:19)
• New Product Development Announcement (00:07:18)
• Challenges in Product Development (00:08:41)
• Optimism in Facing Challenges (00:09:15)
• Team Collaboration in Writing (00:12:25)
• Hiring for Strengths (00:12:34)
• Balancing Roles as a Visionary (00:13:01)
• Importance of Language in the Industry (00:14:25)
• Changing Habits in Language Usage (00:15:29)
• Pivots in Business Strategy (00:20:03)
• Impact of Technology (00:22:38)
• AI in Communication (00:23:53)
• Time Management Strategies (00:26:59)
• Finding Your Zone (00:28:13)
• Dream Cars and Personal Projects (00:29:02)
• Creating a Safe Work Environment (00:32:43)
• The Power of "I Don't Know" (00:33:39)
• The Power of Mentoring (00:35:46)
• Mentors at Different Levels (00:36:35)
• The Secret to Finding Mentors (00:37:20)
• Peer Mentoring (00:38:12)
• Personal Insights (00:38:21)

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.

Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/

Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.

They are the only marketing company I recommend, and they handle all of the marketing for my own shop as well. If you’re serious about growth, you need strategies that actually work: better websites, higher Google rankings, and ads that bring real customers through your doors.

In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," host Coach Chris Cotton delves into the critical topic of enhancing customer experience within the auto repair industry by effectively merging cutting-edge technology with personalized service touches. Drawing from his own life, Chris shares vivid personal anecdotes that illustrate the profound impact of customer service on brand perception and loyalty.

He begins by recounting his contrasting experiences with two tech giants, Apple and Lenovo. Through these stories, Chris highlights how Apple's commitment to seamless, customer-centric service left a lasting positive impression, whereas Lenovo's lackluster support fell short of expectations. These anecdotes serve as powerful examples of how excellent customer service can significantly influence customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Chris also shares his positive interactions with Starlink, the satellite internet service provider. He emphasizes how Starlink's proactive communication and dedication to resolving issues made him feel valued as a customer. This experience underscores the importance of making customers feel appreciated and respected, which can transform a one-time transaction into a long-term relationship.

Introducing the concept of "relationship coins," Chris encourages auto repair shops to view customer interactions as opportunities to invest in building strong, lasting relationships. He explains that each positive interaction adds to a metaphorical bank of goodwill, which can pay dividends in terms of customer loyalty and repeat business.

Sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, the episode underscores the necessity of providing exceptional service to foster customer loyalty and drive business growth. Chris argues that in an industry where trust and reliability are paramount, auto repair shops must prioritize customer experience by integrating technology that enhances service efficiency while maintaining the personal touch that makes customers feel valued and understood.

Throughout the episode, Chris Cotton passionately advocates for a balanced approach that leverages technology to streamline operations and improve service delivery, while also emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human connection in creating memorable customer experiences. By doing so, auto repair shops can not only meet but exceed customer expectations, ultimately leading to sustained business success.

Introduction to Supercharging (00:00:09)

• Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast and its focus on enhancing auto repair...

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound

Early 2018 our host, Craig O’Neill attended multi-day training session by Dennis McCarron

In this episode - Craig invites Dennis to highlight one of his favorite takeaways from that training.

Of course - the takeaway is an acronym…

A.P.A.C.

Acknowledge

Probe

Answer

Confirm

APAC is a pragmatic model for solving problems that can be applied in nearly every walk of life.

From taking an upset client and solving their problem - to taking a routine interaction and arriving at the right conclusions, Dennis explains how APAC is what happens, eventually, no matter what… it is just the most efficient way to accomplish what needs to happen anyway!

You’ll want to carve out the time to hear Dennis and Craig go deeper into human behavior models and tackles topics such as trust, and engagement and understanding how we are always assessing the people we are serving how they are engaging their environments.

Listeners will find that APAC is a pragmatic approach to communication in the shop and all walks of life…

And you’ll find that our Word of the Day today also happens to be “Pragmatic”

prag·mat·ic-/praɡˈmadik/adjective

Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.

• Watch Full Video Episode

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound:

The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.

AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com

AutoLeap at AutoLeap.com. Are you tired of juggling multiple tools to manage your auto repair shop? Say hello to the streamlined efficiency of AutoLeap, the #1 all-in-one Auto Repair Shop Management Software!

Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.

In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.

Contact Information

• Email Craig O'Neill: speakup@craigoneill.net
• Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion.

• Watch Full Video Episode
• Introduction to Family Succession (00:00:00)
• Importance of Defined Roles (00:02:22)
• Dr. Weiman's Insights on Family Businesses (00:03:15)
• Clarity in Decision-Making (00:06:02)
• Ron Tinner's Transition Story (00:07:29)
• Jessica's Initial Involvement (00:09:00)
• Coaching Dynamics (00:10:21)
• Jessica's Greatest Challenge (00:11:07)
• Motivating Gen Z Technicians (00:12:38)
• Finding Young Technicians (00:15:59)
• Challenges of Inheriting Staff (00:16:56)
• Boundaries in Family Business (00:17:53)
• Succession Planning Insights (00:20:01)
• Role of Non-Family Advisors (00:21:08)
• Identifying Successors (00:22:06)
• Family Dynamics and Relief (00:24:06)
• Financial Considerations in Succession (00:25:11)
• Understanding Roles in Succession (00:25:26)
• The Challenge of Letting Go (00:28:49)
• Work-Life Balance for Owners (00:29:09)
• Support and Learning from Failure (00:30:23)
• Alignment of Values (00:31:24)
• Understanding Communication Styles (00:33:14)
• Transitioning Authority (00:35:30)
• Succession Planning Insights (00:35:58)
• Future Considerations (00:36:59)
• Annual Succession Review (00:37:38)