Marketing a Euro Shop vs General Repair: What’s Different?
TL;DR: Most auto repair shop marketing companies treat every shop the same. That’s a massive mistake. Euro shops and specialty repair shops need completely different marketing strategies than general repair shops because they serve different audiences with different values, search behaviors, and expectations. If you’re marketing a European auto repair shop like it’s a general […]
The Power of Story
EPISODE: 173 – The Power of Story
Brian and Kim Walker sit down with Wayne Marshall, CEO of The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence, to explore the real power behind storytelling in the auto repair industry. With deep roots in manufacturing[…]
SWOT Analysis for Auto Repair Shops: The Growth Tool You’re Not Using
TL;DR: Quick SWOT Breakdown for Busy Shop Owners Strengths: Double down on what sets your shop apart: skills, relationships, location, and reputation. If you don’t promote your strengths, they’re just wasted potential. Weaknesses: Not every weakness needs fixing, but some (like not knowing your numbers) will wreck your shop. Be honest and either improve it, […]
Backpacks, Car Shows, and Big Hearts: Marketing That Matters
EPISODE: 171 – Backpacks, Car Shows, and Big Hearts: Marketing That Matters
Wondering how one community-focused idea can transform your shop’s reputation, rally an entire town, and even get the mayor’s attention[…]
Is My Shop a Good Fit For Shop Marketing Pros?
TLDR: Not every shop is ready for high-level marketing, and that’s okay. The best-fit clients for Shop Marketing Pros are experienced, data-driven shop owners who want to grow their brand, not just fill bays. They’re clear on their goals, operationally ready, open to collaboration, and looking for a long-term marketing partner who understands the auto repair […]
The Best Aftermarket Automotive Conferences For You And Your Team To Attend in 2026
TL;DR: Not all conferences are worth your time and money. Here are the list actually deliver: Vision (#1) for personal development and world-class training, ASTA Expo (#2) for tight-knit community networking, STX (#3) for massive education with potential cost subsidies, AAPEX + SEMA (#4) where you go to SEMA for fun but AAPEX to make […]
What Do I Do If My Marketing Doesn’t Work?
TL;DR: Marketing failures happen for different reasons – sometimes it’s the platform (like Google), sometimes it’s your business processes (phone skills, capacity, pricing), and sometimes it’s just bad marketing. If the marketing is the issue, your company may issue a refund for services. If the reason is an internal issue, a good marketing company should […]
Why Auto Repair Shops Leave Marketing Agencies
TL;DR – Why Shops Leave Marketing Agencies Auto repair shops leave marketing agencies for one of three reasons: poor ROI, misaligned expectations, or internal shop breakdowns. Sometimes the agency didn’t deliver. Sometimes the shop never gave the strategy enough time to work. The smart owners are the ones who dig in, fix what needs fixing, […]
Scaling Your Marketing As You Scale Your Shop
EPISODE: 169 – Scaling Your Marketing As You Scale Your Shop
Ryan Grace and David Gibson, former techs turned shop owners, join host Brian Walker to share how they built Pleasant Automotive in Wake Forest, NC. They started with a website before they even had a location. With no deep pockets[…]
Marketing Agency vs. Fractional CMO vs. Business Coach: Who Does What and Who Do You Need?
If you’re running a shop and trying to take things to the next level, you’ve probably felt the pressure. Maybe you’ve hit a plateau. Maybe your car count is unpredictable. Maybe you’re doing okay, but you know there’s more out there, and you’re just not sure what step to take next. That’s when the advice […]