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[…]

Holiday Marketing Boost: End 2025 with a Bang

Build your 2026 auto repair marketing plan now. Review 2025, map real strategies, and grow with clarity. Start with a free DMI.

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 […]

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 […]

How Do I Know What Marketing Services My Auto Repair Shop Needs?

TL;DR Not sure where to start with marketing? You’re not alone. Most shop owners feel overwhelmed or unsure. The key is to begin with your goal. If you need a car count fast, run ads. If you’re playing the long game, invest in SEO. Want to build community and brand trust? Focus on social media. […]

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 […]

2026 Auto Repair Marketing Playbook: Build Your Shop’s Growth Strategy