Join host Brad Hurlock on the Garage Grit Podcast for an insightful Origin & Impact episode (#026) featuring Paul Marquardt, owner of Clintonville Automotive Repair in Columbus, Ohio. In this episode, Paul shares his journey from technician to shop owner, offering practical insights into building trust with customers, empowering employees, and running a high-value auto repair business. Learn how Paul transformed a 50-year-old shop into a modern, customer-focused operation while maintaining a commitment to fairness and transparency.
Topics include:
🔧 The importance of trust in auto repair and how to build it with customers
👷 Strategies for empowering employees to make decisions and fostering a positive work environment
📋 The 100-100-100 inspection approach for transparent customer service
💳 Navigating credit card fees and why Paul chooses not to pass them on
💰 Balancing customer care with business profitability
Don’t miss Paul’s inspiring story and actionable tips for taking your auto repair shop to the next level! Subscribe to the Garage Grit Podcast for weekly episodes, and join our Facebook Group to continue the conversation with Brad, Paul, and other shop owners.
Join the Garage Grit community:
🌐 Website: https://aashopmarketing.com
📱 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopowners
🎙️ All Episodes: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/garagegrit
🎥 Check out our panel discussion on work-life balance from June 24, 2025: [Insert link to panel episode]
🏠 Visit Clintonville Automotive Repair: [Insert website link, if available]
Timestamps:
⏰ 00:00 – Introduction to the Garage Grit Podcast and Paul Marquardt
🏪 01:28 – Overview of Clintonville Automotive Repair
💸 05:46 – Discussing credit card fees and customer trust
🤝 19:16 – Transparency in pricing and building customer relationships
✅ 29:23 – The 100-100-100 inspection approach
🤲 36:12 – Developing trust through detailed vehicle inspections
🚗 56:22 – Paul’s journey from technician to shop owner
👥 1:17:33 – Creating a decision-making culture for employees
💡 1:30:28 – Why auto repair is a people business
Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday, including our monthly panel discussions and Vendor Insights series! #AutoRepair #ShopOwner #GarageGrit #Entrepreneurship
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