EPISODE: 165 – Mental Fitness for Shop Owners with Rachel Spencer & Lisa Ann – Coping with Chaos
Let’s be real, owning a shop isn’t just about fixing cars. It’s about managing chaos, wearing 15 different hats, and staying strong through it all. And sometimes? That strength takes a serious hit.
In this episode, Kim goes deep with Rachel Spencer, co-owner of Spencer’s Auto Repair, and Leisa Ann from KeepMePostedToday.com, to talk about something we don’t talk about enough: mental fitness. From road construction disasters to walking across the country (literally), these two women share what it takes to keep your head in the game when life throws punch after punch.
Rachel opens up about the emotional toll of a car accident, staffing struggles, leadership pressure, and how practicing “the pause” helped her reset. Leisa shares powerful lessons from her 3,000-mile walk to raise mental health awareness, like how to reset your energy, build an emotional bank, and stop carrying other people’s baggage.
This episode is raw, practical, and filled with the kind of real-life advice you won’t get in a book. Whether you’re burned out, overwhelmed, or just need a reminder that you’re not alone, this conversation is the reset button you didn’t know you needed.
This episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you.
AppFueled makes marketing easy. It’s a CRM designed for auto repair shops with tools like segmentation, reminders, and even a call center. Don’t wait—get started today at appfueled.com
How To Get In Touch With the Guest
Leisa Ann
KeepMePostedToday
Rachel Spencer
Spencer’s Auto Care
Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
Plan With The Pros
Timestamps
Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgments (00:00:01) Kim introduces the podcast, guests, and topic of mental fitness; sponsor messages are shared.
Guest Introductions and Background Stories (00:01:30) Kim introduces Rachel Spencer and Lisa Ann, sharing how she met each and their backgrounds.
The Road Construction Crisis: Kim’s Story (00:06:55) Kim recounts her and Brian’s experience with a devastating road construction project and its impact on their business and mental health.
Rachel’s Road Construction Experience (00:09:46) Rachel describes her shop’s recent road construction challenges, a car accident, and the resulting stress on her and her team.
The Power of Practicing the Pause (00:11:05) Rachel discusses learning to slow down, practice gratitude, and the importance of pausing during stressful times.
Sponsor Messages (00:15:07) Additional sponsor messages about shop management software and customer loyalty apps.
Lisa Ann’s Cross-Country Walk and Mental Fitness (00:17:08) Lisa shares her journey walking across the country to raise awareness for mental fitness and practical self-care strategies.
Making Emotional Deposits and Building Support Networks (00:22:08) Discussion on the importance of emotional support, surrounding yourself with positive people, and seeking help when in doubt.
The Value of Community and Coaching Groups (00:23:42) Kim and Rachel emphasize not facing struggles alone, the value of industry groups, coaching, and personal connections.
Physical Movement and Mental Fitness (00:28:41) The hosts and guests discuss the role of physical activity, personal routines, and self-care in maintaining mental fitness.
Personal Routines for Mental Health (00:33:35) Kim, Rachel, and Lisa share their daily routines and strategies for finding peace, including massages, early mornings, and music.
Men’s Mental Health and Building Friendships (00:37:33) The conversation shifts to men’s mental health, the importance of intentional friendships, and differences in coping styles.
Social Media and Comparison Traps (00:41:49) Rachel and Lisa discuss the negative impact of social media on mental health and the importance of focusing on your own journey.
Maintaining Mental Fitness Through Crisis (00:44:14) The group summarizes key takeaways for maintaining mental fitness during business crises and the importance of sharing struggles.
Closing Remarks and Event Promotion (00:46:33) Kim and guests share contact info, encourage reviews, and promote the upcoming “Plan with the Pros” workshop.
Podcast Outro (00:49:04) Standard outro with information on where to find the podcast and connect with the hosts.
How To Get In Touch
Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook
Meet The Pros
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Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book
Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics
