Beyond the Wrench
How can automotive and diesel shops run a better business and be more profitable? How can we make the aftermarket and dealerships more attractive to younger generations? Each week, Jay Goninen, Co-Founder & President of WrenchWay, will sit down with shop owners, technicians, instructors, and professionals in the automotive and diesel industries to have them share their stories and insights. We’ll dive deep into what’s going on in shops and dealerships and what we can do to help drive the industry forward. The Beyond the Wrench Podcast is powered by WrenchWay.
Episodes
John Melendez, Owner of JDM Collision, discusses the immense value of carrying technical skills into management and other industry roles. He covers his evolution from technician to industry leader, the lasting impact of effective mentorship on the next generation, and how leveraging certifications directly drives higher pay.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, ...
Marc Poulsen, National Accounts Manager, shares how AutoNet TV helps shops build trust with customers and why it’s essential. Learn why showcasing ASE-certified technicians matters, the public’s misconceptions about the technician role, and the challenges of explaining maintenance and complex repairs to customers.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
Bill Demaree and Aaron Blount join us to share how Tom Wood University brings high school students into the dealership for hands-on automotive learning. They discuss the “why” behind the program, the importance of ownership support in building a marketplace of future technicians, and how they structure the curriculum to prepare students for real-world success in the industry.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTub...
In this special episode, the tables turn as Beyond the Wrench host Jay Goninen takes the hot seat! Guest host and longtime friend Josh Arnold, a technician himself, interviews Jay about his roots in the family auto shop, the journey to co-founding WrenchWay, and his favorite memories from the last five years of hosting Beyond the Wrench.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
Chris Craig from RockED joins WrenchWay to discuss their partnership offering free soft skills training to schools and students. They talk about why soft skills matter for today’s technicians, what training is available on the RockED app, and how schools and students can get free access to the training.
View the full webinar video and slides
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Chris C...
Sunil Patel shares how his path from medical school to shop owner to Founder and CEO of Tekmetric shaped his approach to leadership. He discusses how a personal shop struggle inspired Tekmetric, why staying focused on your vertical drives success, and the leadership lessons he’s learned building a platform for automotive repair shops nationwide.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
John Perez, Sr. Director of Talent Acquisition at Sonic Automotive, shares how they built a junior apprenticeship program for students under 18. From earning executive buy-in to keeping kids safe in the shop, John breaks down how they’re developing the next generation of technicians by starting earlier than most.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
Tom Gattuso, Vice President of Events at SEMA, shares a behind-the-scenes look at planning the SEMA Show 2025. He talks about how the show continues to evolve, what goes into making it run smoothly, and his best advice for first-time attendees.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Tom Gattuso, SEMA, tomg@sema.org
- Sponsor: Jasper En...
Eric Rusch, Director of Product Marketing at Milwaukee Tool, breaks down two exciting new products technicians will love—the M12 FUEL™ Subcompact Impact Wrench and the M12 FUEL™ Gen 2 Ratchet—live at the Milwaukee Pipeline 2025 event. He shares key product features, how Milwaukee Tool has evolved to meet industry needs, and why it’s so rewarding to see these tools come to life for mechanics.
Jason Isaacs, Director of Product Marketing at Milwaukee Tool, dives into shop lighting—how Milwaukee Tool develops durable products, key lighting solutions for technicians, and advice on the best lights for those just starting their careers.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Jason Isaacs, Milwaukee Tool
Links &...
Recorded live at Milwaukee Pipeline 2025, Chris Enright—Founder & Owner of Enright Automotive and content creator—shares his journey from technician to shop owner and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, we dive into making the transition from tech to owner, the ROI of technician training, the power of clear communication, and more.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Epi...
Recorded live at the Milwaukee Pipeline 2025 event, Leah Balto, Group Manager of Product Marketing at Milwaukee Tool, joins host Jay Goninen to walk us through Milwaukee’s latest hand tool kits, explain how the team studies technicians in real-world settings to inspire smarter innovations, and share how Milwaukee Tool is investing in solutions that support technicians’ long-term health.
In this recorded webinar, Tom Wozniak, Diesel Instructor at Madison College, and John Gustafson, Shop Owner at Gustafson Brothers, share both the school and shop perspectives on building stronger partnerships. They discuss where shops should start, how to get the most out of advisory committees, the importance of consistency, and the power of serving on school boards to be a voice for the industry.
Watch the full recording...
Rena Rennebohm, CEO of Empowered Advisor, shares why shops thrive when service advisors put technicians first. With years of experience coaching advisors, Rena explains how stronger collaboration between advisors and technicians leads to better shop culture and performance. She also dives into challenges such as high service advisor turnover, the lack of respect advisors often face, and why she believes nearly 50% of shops are shor...
In this episode, Dave Anderson, President of Learn to Lead, gives leaders actionable strategies for handling tough situations while earning trust and respect. He shares practical advice on holding even high-performing team members accountable, making confrontation conversational, and avoiding the loss of credibility.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWa...
Lenny Fumarolo shares his journey from working in NASCAR to becoming a Protective Armored Specialist for the United States Secret Service (USSS). He breaks down how others can follow in his footsteps, what daily repairs and maintenance look like in such a high-security role, and how tools, uniforms, and the overall environment differ from typical shops.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the E...
Darrin Barney shares his journey from running a family-owned shop with his brother to becoming CEO of Elite Worldwide. He talks about the early struggles of building a profitable business and the importance of having the right team in the right roles. Darrin also opens up about buying the company that changed his life and how he now helps shop owners build more successful businesses—and better lives.
Lauren Reinhold, Director of Training & Education at Kirk NationaLease, shares her journey from technician to teacher to leading a technician training and apprenticeship program. She discusses how connecting with students on a personal level helps them succeed, and she breaks down key parts of the program she's building. Lauren also highlights the disconnect between industry and education that’s impacting the technician sh...
Curtis Gardner, Audi Master Guild Technician at Sewell Audi of North Houston and Founder of Gnarred LLC, shares what young technicians need to know to build a respectful and lasting career. With 15+ years of experience, he covers common mistakes, how to survive your first months in the shop, and why discipline and strong workflows matter.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
John Roberts, Shop Foreman at Metro Toyota, didn’t plan to be on the podcast—but his insights were too good not to share. In this episode, John breaks down the powerful difference between training and mentoring, shares how he builds confidence in his team, and explains why becoming a top-tier technician takes more than just skill—it takes the right mindset.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About t...
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