Episode 287 - Overcoming Rust Belt Challenges With Colin Thielman
Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.
Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE
Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026
Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability
Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE
Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026
Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.
Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability
Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!
Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros
Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.
Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.
Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!
In this episode, Lucas Underwood and David Roman are joined by Colin Thielman, owner of Thielman's Auto Repair in Pemberton, New Jersey. Colin shares his journey from running a busy home-based garage to opening a dedicated shop, emphasizing the steep learning curve and the importance of building out documentation and management systems. The conversation also covers adapting to new automotive technologies and the need for continuous training, as well as the crucial role of detailed financial tracking in scaling a business.
00:00 Facing tough feedback and growth
00:00 Facing tough feedback and growth
03:43 Managing workflow and staying busy
09:25 Checking vehicle calibration needs
12:39 Discussing insurance coverage options
13:55 Insurance issues with car lifts
19:14 Adjusting labor rates
21:11 Analyzing car sales and costs
24:42 Prius ABS module recall
27:04 Discussing client concerns and liabilities
29:23 Diagnosing car start issues
35:31 Planning for retirement
36:49 Discussing a faulty Chevy Avalanche
39:47 Documenting vehicle condition with photos
42:39 Hershey management training advice
45:24 Training a New Employee
51:10 Getting into diesel truck repair
51:43 Balancing finances for survival
