The Jaded Mechanic

08/28/2026

I cant believe theres still so many out there in our industry doing business like this. Crazy to me how so many still fall into this charity trap

08/27/2026

You don't have to be the shop that does everything.

Sometimes, it's better to become exceptionally good at a few things than to offer four times as many services at an average level.

The shops that specialize in certain makes, systems, or complex repairs can become the place customers know to call when they need something done right. They build expertise, develop efficient processes, and earn a reputation for solving the problems other shops may struggle with.

You don't have to compete with everyone.

Find your lane, master it, and become the shop people trust when they need that specific expertise.
Being the best choice for a specific problem can be far more valuable than trying to be everything to everyone.

Watch the full conversation 🎥 — link in comments 👇

08/26/2026

It isn't always about making more money than the person next to you.

Yes, technicians deserve to be paid well. But there is something powerful about going home at the end of the day knowing you solved a problem that had you scratching your head all morning.

That moment when the diagnosis finally clicks. The car is fixed. The customer is happy. You know you did good work.
That's the part of this trade that money can't replace.

When you build a culture where technicians feel proud of their work, supported by their team, and fairly compensated, you create something people actually want to be part of.

Pay matters. But so does purpose, pride, and that feeling of knowing you made something work again.
Build the culture, and the rest gets a whole lot easier.

Watch the full conversation 🎥 — link in comments 👇

08/26/2026

🚨 Calling on Canadian technicians and shop owners! Here’s a great training opportunity to have on your radar!

The TechX Summit brings two full days of advanced, hands on automotive training focused on the technology and diagnostic challenges you’re facing in today’s shops.

🔧 Diesel emissions & induction systems
⚡ EV heat pumps & thermal management
📡 Vehicle network & RF communication
🧰 Engine mechanical diagnostics
🔌 3 phase electrical testing
📊 Advanced scan tool technology

Whether you’re a technician, shop owner, instructor, or diagnostic specialist, TechX Summit is an opportunity to learn, sharpen your diagnostic skills, and stay ahead of where the industry is going.

If you were hoping to attend ASTA in Raleigh, NC but can’t make the trip, TechX Summit is another excellent training option worth checking out.

📅 September 25–26, 2026
🎓 Advanced training for technicians, shop owners, instructors, and diagnostic specialists

Don’t miss the opportunity to invest in your skills and your shop without having to leave Canada.

👉 Learn more and get the details from Automotive Aftermarket Repair Organization of Canada / AARO Canada

08/25/2026

You know, after you’ve been around this business long enough, you realize it ain’t all about the money. A technician ought to make a good living, no question about it. But there’s still something satisfying about chasing a problem all morning, finally finding the answer, and knowing you fixed that car the right way.

Customer’s happy. Car’s running right. You can go home knowing you did your job. That kind of pride is worth a whole lot. Pay your people fairly, treat ’em right, and give ’em a place where they can be proud of the work they do. That’s how you build a shop people want to stick around for.

08/25/2026

Some shops just get it right, from the specialization approach of what brands they book in too the parts lines they install. Today's guest Sean Pierce shares with us how the shop he works at became a Toyota and Mercedes sprinter go too in their Oregon community and how he started out as a stereo install tech and developed into a very well rounded tech that is empowered with being able to take the required time to do the job the best way possible. Take brakes as an example. Every new rotor or drum gets machined usually with an on car lathe to ensure before the vehicle leaves that it's perfect. And it all comes down to actual processes in the bay. From hub and fl**ge prep for basic wheel and tire service to diagnostic and under hood repairs Sean is glad he doesn't have to stress flatrate times and instead can focus on just turning out a quality repair. I know crazy concept. ASTA Expo is so close now that we're excited to see some of our podcast friends again. So stop procrastinating and book your spots now and meet me there. Id love to record with you if youre interested so let's make it happen

The Jaded Mechanic Podcast · Episode

08/23/2026

The comments in this video by our friends at Royalty over on tiktok made me wanna throw my phone in the lake. Its really disheartening sometimes how much the public hates us and what we do. Because they have been conditioned for decades by us to think we're incompetent and should be cheap.

08/22/2026

If any of my followers can help out our brother ScannerDanner his friend Tommy Wolfe is in need of someone to check out his 2011 suburban with some transmission issues hes on a road trip to the outer banks of the Carolinas for a vacation and needs a helping hand. Lucas Underwood anyone you know of?

08/22/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17tdhjqCJA/

My brother Aniz with some kind words.

08/22/2026

Loyalty is built long before someone thinks about leaving.

The best leaders don't wait until an employee gives notice to ask what matters to them. They build trust, communicate openly, and create an environment where people feel valued every day.

At the same time, great employees recognize when they've been treated well. Honest conversations and mutual respect can go a long way before anyone starts looking elsewhere.

Retention isn't just about offering more money. It's about building relationships where both people are willing to have the conversation before it's too late.

The strongest teams are built on trust, respect, and the willingness to work through challenges together.

Watch the full conversation 🎥 — link in comments 👇