Auto Service World Conversations
News, views, features and commentary about the automotive repair and service industry in Canada.
Episodes
Tune into the Enhanced Media portion of the November 2025 issue of Jobber News to hear more from Kenton Swizter, Kyle van Polen and Chris Funk from Pat’s Auto Supply, the 2025 winner of the Jobber of the Year Award. This is bonus content we couldn’t fit into the magazine, so listen now to hear more of their insights.
It’s been a year of growth and innovation for Bestbuy Distributor and president Nick Brunet joins this episode to talk about the journey. He discusses overcoming industry challenges like tariffs, expanding its shareholder base across the country and the opening of a new DC in Montreal. Bruney also explains how the company is leveraging data-driven strategies to enhance operations, its commitment to supporting shareholders, fosterin...
What’s it like to get laid off and go through the job-hunting process? Many have been down that road and many will again. But how you position yourself in the world, online and offline, will go along way to making that journey easier. Jacki Lutz, director of content at the Auto Care Association, discusses the realities of career transitions and job hunting. Jacki shares her personal journey of being laid off, the emotional challeng...
In this episode, Emily Chung shares her firsthand experience selling her auto repair shop, AutoNiche in Markham, Ont. She discusses the importance of thinking early about succession planning, preparing clear financial statements and documenting business processes to ensure a smooth transition. Chung emphasizes honest communication with staff, the emotional ups and downs of the sale process and vetting potential buyers. She explains...
Artificial intelligence has been making noise for years now. And as it rapidly grows, the automotive aftermarket has been figuring out where it fits in. Tilak Kasturi, co-founder and CEO of Predii, which supports shop software and jobber business management systems, joins this episode to discuss how AI is currently helping the auto care industry and what it may be capable of in the future. He explains how AI can bridge communicatio...
Alain Primeau, executive vice president of UAP, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of the automotive aftermarket. He explores how technology, consumer behaviour and market dynamics are reshaping the sector. Primeau highlights the shift towards digital tools, the growing importance of quality parts and the emergence of electric vehicles. He emphasizes UAP's strategic approach to adapting to these changes, including d...
Bryce Gregory, director of strategic product technology at Enersys, which goes to market as Odyssey, explores the critical role of AGM lead-acid batteries in the evolving electric vehicle landscape. Despite the rise of lithium-ion technologies, lead-acid batteries remain essential for auxiliary power, safety systems and key functions in modern vehicles. With 99% recyclability and proven reliability across diverse climates, these ba...
Donovan Ringo, senior manager of emerging technologies at NAPA, explores the transformative technologies reshaping the automotive industry, particularly for repair shops. With ADAS, EVs and autonomous driving at various stages of sophistication, Ringo emphasizes the critical need for independent shops to invest in emerging technologies. He discusses the challenges shops face in adopting new tech, from training to equipment costs, a...
With many auto repair shop owners looking to soon exit their business, Sunil Patel, founder of Tekmetric, explains what’s important to potential buyers, from an internal one, to the shop down the street to a private equity firm. Patel outlines key steps for shop owners to make their businesses more attractive for acquisition, emphasizing clean financials, operational efficiency, and strong customer service. Tune in to hear about th...
President and CEO of the Auto Care Association Bill Hanvey provides insights into the industry's current landscape. Discussing challenges like global trade uncertainties and tariffs, Hanvey emphasizes the association's role in supporting members through complex economic times. He highlights progress on right to repair legislation, the potential of AI in inventory management and the industry's global collaboration. Fi...
J.F. Champagne, president and CEO of AIA Canada, outlines the pressing challenges facing automotive service technician training. He emphasizes the need to modernize education to keep pace with rapidly evolving vehicle technologies. With increasing reliance on diagnostic technology and complex vehicle systems, he stresses the necessity of upskilling, addresses the industry's image problem and calls for stronger advocacy to attr...
Lordco executives Samatha and Ian Coates discuss the current automotive parts industry landscape, highlighted by economic uncertainty and a softer retail market during their company's 35 Annual Tradeshow. Despite challenges, they remain optimistic, highlighting their trade show strategy, commitment to premium products and customer service. Tune in to hear their thoughts on topics like consolidation, vehicle aging, technologica...
The benefits of artificial intelligence in the automotive aftermarket are seemingly boundless. But as Todd Richardson, CEO and president of In Motion Brands and Atrium Solutions Inc., explains, there is only so far you will want to take it in your shop. Tune in to hear about where this technology can help, what it can do for you and how you should carefully think about its implementation in your business.
Suzanne Morello, senior VP of marketing at Mevotech in Toronto, draws on 30 years of marketing experience to gauge how the aftermarket is evolving in the area. Tune in to also hear Morello share her journey into the aftermarket, discussing digital transformation, industry challenges, and the importance of customer-centric strategies. She explores topics like economic uncertainties, tariffs and the role of branding during tough time...
Hear more from this year's chair for AIA Canada. Learn more about his background in the auto care sector, what drives his passion for the industry, why he views this as a great opportunity and more.
Listen in to four discussions with leaders from top automakers at the 2025 Canadian International AutoShow. Host Adam Malik chatted with Said Deep from Ford Motor Company of Canada, Matt Girgis from Volvo Canada, Mike Szymkiewicz and Lou Ann Gosselin from Stellantis and Elias El-Achab from Kia live from the floor of the show during Media Day. Tune in to hear their thoughts about the state of the industry, new vehicle trends, supply...
The leadership team of Pacer Dynamics — Eddie Tso, Joshua Lin, and Albert Liu — discuss their journey into the automotive aftermarket, one that may not be typical. The trio shares how their diverse backgrounds and friendships led them to form this Canadian-owned brake disc manufacturer, highlighting the importance of industry connections, adaptability and a passion for the aftermarket. They also detail their experiences at their fi...
This is a cross-post from the Logistics Lowdown podcast, presented by Turnkey Media LLC.
David Johnston, George Weston Ltd. research chair and centre director in Sustainable Supply Chains at the Schulich School of Business at York University, and founding and current program director of the Master of Supply Chain Management (MSCM) at Schulich.
In this episode of The Logistics Lowdown, we talk with David about the challenges faci...
The passion for the automotive aftermarket runs deep for many professionals in this industry and Johanna Smith is no exception. She’s the new director of sales and marketing at Associated Equipment and will be working closely with the Canadian market. Johanna shares her passion for the automotive aftermarket, highlighting the importance of relationships, innovation and empowerment within the industry.
Leading industry expert and Jobber News columnist Kumar Saha joined Auto Service World Conversations to discuss the latest implications of the trade standoff between Canada and the United States. A 25% tariff has been announced for Canadian goods going into America, while Canada retaliated with a tariff package of its own. As the auto industry is uniquely positioned in this battle — auto parts cross borders multiple times during pr...
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