Bootstrapped & Booming: Elijah’s Journey From Pole-Barn Startup to High-Growth Auto Shop
Whether you’re a one-man shop dreaming bigger, or a multi-bay owner stuck in neutral, Elijah’s hard-won lessons on pricing, scheduling, and customer trust will help you shift from survival mode to booming business.Tune in to learn how a pole-barn passion project became a high-growth auto-repair force—and why your location, lift count, or local economy no longer have to cap your potential.
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The cost of knowing where to hit it- with Oscar Gomez
In this episode, Jimmy Purdy from Shift’n Gears Auto Repair sits down with Oscar Gomez, founder of Master Automotive Training, for a no-filter conversation about diagnostics, technician training, and the realities of modern auto repair. From network code nightmares to crank-no-start mysteries, they dive into why proper testing matters, how to charge for your shop’s value, and the tricky balance between learning on the job and protecting the customer’s car. Whether you’re a tech, a shop owner, or just someone who wants to understand what’s really going on under the hood, this episode brings honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom from the front lines of the industry.
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"Burn It Down or Build It Back” – with Lola Schmidt
In this brutally honest episode, Jimmy Purdy and Lola pull no punches as they unpack the real chaos behind the scenes in auto repair — and spoiler alert: it's not the techs or the customers. From the constant battle with unreliable parts suppliers to the identity crisis of techs-turned-owners who'd rather rebuild a transmission than sell an oil change, this conversation is raw, relatable, and ruthlessly insightful. If you've ever wanted to scream at a parts counter or felt like you're running a zoo instead of a business, this one’s for you. Lola also shares the emotional toll of nearly losing everything — her business, her confidence, and her sense of belonging. She opens up about the dark days when she had mentally checked out, pursued other jobs, and even contemplated walking away from the auto industry for good.
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Live & unedited- Gear head Radio!
Back by popular demand, Another live version of our local call in radio show.
Welcome to The Gear Box Podcast—the ultimate pit stop for those looking to break into the auto repair business, grow their shop, and navigate the daily grind of the industry.
Thinking about opening a shop? Struggling to increase profitability? Wondering what it really takes to thrive in a competitive market? We tackle the tough questions, break down real-world challenges, and share insider tips from industry experts, seasoned shop owners, and those turning wrenches every day.
From leadership strategies to game-changing innovations, we’re here to help you shift gears and stay ahead of the curve. Buckle up—it’s going to be a ride! 🚗🔧 #AutoRepair #ShopSuccess #TheGearboxPodcast
South Africa