Tariffs have dominated industry headlines this year. But inside many independent repair shops, the bigger problem isn’t what a part costs, it’s whether the right one...
The Hidden Cost of Parts Delays
Posts by Leona Scott MOTOR Contributing Writer:
The Technician Shortage Is a Myth. The Skills Gap Is Real.
The industry continues to frame today’s workforce challenge as a technician shortage. But in many shops, the real issue isn’t headcount—it’s capability.
“We’re not...
2026 Tech Turning Point: What Independent Shops Must Prepare for Next
As OEMs accelerate their move toward software-defined vehicles, high-voltage architectures and advanced battery systems, 2026 is shaping up to be a turning point for...
Driven to Give: How One Shop Owner Turned Auto Repair into a Lifeline for Families in Need
When Matt Lachowitzer opened a two-bay shop in 2009, his goal was simple: fix cars the right way and treat people fairly. But over time, his business became something...
Turning Technicians into Brand Ambassadors
When customers scroll through a repair shop’s social media feed, they’re not always looking for coupons or advertisements. Increasingly, they’re drawn to the people...
More Time to Listen: How Shops Are Using AI to Serve Customers Better
When Patrick Rivera hired Carlos, a former Starbucks manager, and Marc, a regional manager from a food delivery service, he knew they had the right people skills but...
Bigger Bays, Same Heart: How to Scale Up Without Losing Culture
When Jack Getz, owner of Getz Automotive in Fuquay-Varina, NC, looks out the window of his 19-bay facility, he doesn’t just see buildings or traffic—he sees...
From One-Man Shop to Steady Expansion: The Power of Old-Fashioned Service and Local Trust
In a world of supply chain delays and rising repair costs, Nathan Bryant has steadily grown his automotive repair business by 15 percent year-over-year. His...
Charging Ahead: How Shops Are Future-Proofing for Hybrids and EVs Without Breaking the Bank
Independent repair shops may feel as if the EV wave is cresting right over their heads, but they don’t need to invest six figures tomorrow to stay afloat. Across the...
From Motorcycle Mechanic to EV Visionary
Technically, the Automotive Career Development Center (ACDC) in Worcester, Massachusetts, has a classroom. However, the students enrolled in classes are not there...