Have you ever met someone who just gets it, like, really understands what it takes to create a business people rave about? That’s exactly who Brittany Hodak is. And thanks to Kim Walker, who nailed it as the host of this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, we get to hear Brittany drop insight after insight that every shop owner needs to hear.

Kim sets the stage perfectly, bringing her passion and real-world experience into the conversation. The energy between her and Brittany is electric, and the value they deliver? Next level.

Brittany breaks down what it means to turn your customers into superfans, not just repeat clients, but people who shout your name from the rooftops. And let me tell you, this isn’t fluffy theory. She gives real, actionable advice that hits home for our industry. From the power of storytelling to how to destroy customer apathy, this episode is packed with takeaways you can use.

If you’re ready to stop being just another shop and start being the shop, this one’s your playbook. It’s about way more than fixing cars, it’s about building a brand, creating a connection, and delivering a customer experience that people can’t stop talking about.

Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for this episode. RepairPal will introduce your shop to new customers through repairpal.com, the largest site for auto repair. Learn more at

RepairPal.com/shops.

Declined repairs don’t have to be lost revenue. AppFueled’s call center schedules follow-up calls and equips your team with everything they need to close the deal. Get started now at appfueled.com

Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)

• Brittany Hodak - website
• Follow Brittany on Instagram and DM her “elevator” and she will send you her resource to help you identify areas in your shop where you can improve the customer experience
• Follow Brittany on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Introduction (00:00:01) Introduction to the podcast, episode number, and guest, Brittany Hudak.
• Sponsor Acknowledgments (00:00:32) Thanking sponsors RepairPal and App Fueled, with brief sponsor messages.
• Vision High Tech Expo Experience (00:01:09) Kim shares her excitement about hearing Brittany speak at Vision and the impact of her talk.
• Brittany’s Background & Customer Experience Roots (00:02:08) Brittany discusses her background, her father’s influence, and her passion for customer experience.
• Industry Event Attendance & Community (00:03:27) Discussion about the small percentage of the industry attending events and the value of community.
• Brittany’s Book & Super Approach (00:04:30) Introduction of Brittany’s book "Creating Superfans" and the SUPER framework.
• Shark Tank & Notable Clients (00:04:30) Brittany’s Shark Tank experience and work with high-profile clients like Dr. Pepper and Dolly Parton.
• Dolly Parton Stories & Imagination Library (00:06:10) Brittany shares personal stories about working with Dolly Parton and the Imagination Library.
• Branding & Audience Engagement (00:09:18) Kim discusses Brittany’s branding, engaging presentations, and the importance of thoughtful...

Want a real marketing plan that doesn’t live in your head or on a bunch of sticky notes?

There’s something powerful about experiencing world-class customer service firsthand and then turning around and asking, “How can I bring this level of intentionality into my shop?” That’s exactly what happened when Brian and Kim Walker took a dream trip to the British Virgin Islands with close friends. What started as a much-needed vacation quickly turned into a masterclass in customer experience, delivered by locals who clearly understood the value of creating moments worth remembering.

From the high-energy, fully branded Sweet Ice Willie who made them feel like family, to a rum-slinging boat captain with a loyal dog and a serious social media game, to a beach bar owner who somehow remembered names hours later in a crowd of 100 each story is a reminder that it’s not always the fanciest place that leaves the biggest impact. It’s the people. The vibe. The way you're made to feel.

This isn’t just vacation talk, it’s packed with real-life takeaways for shop owners who want to stand out in a sea of sameness. You’ll laugh, you’ll probably want to book a trip, but more importantly, you’ll walk away inspired to examine every touchpoint of your customer journey. Because at the end of the day, the experience is the marketing.

Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you with this episode. RepairPal’s Certified Network of shops is trusted by millions of customers each month. Learn more at

RepairPal.com/shops.

Are you ready to convert clients to members? App Fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build client loyalty. Get started today with your customer loyalty app. Visit Appfueled.com

Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)

Buy Back Your Time

Sweet Ice Willie Taxi & Tours

Rum Runner BVI

Plan with the Pros

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:01) The hosts welcome listeners to the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast.
• Vacation Overview (00:01:05) Brian and Kim share their dream vacation in the British Virgin Islands with friends.
• Perception of Vacation Costs (00:01:33) Brian discusses misconceptions about the affordability of chartering a catamaran compared to other vacations.
• Customer Experience as Marketing (00:02:08) The hosts emphasize that customer experience is a crucial aspect of marketing for businesses.
• YouTube Inspiration (00:03:38) Brian shares his YouTube discovery of "The Wandering Hillbilly" and his recommendations for the trip.
• Sweet Ice Willy Introduction (00:04:25) The hosts discuss their anticipation of meeting Sweet Ice Willy based on recommendations.
• Arrival of Sweet Ice Willy (00:05:20) Kim describes the energetic and unique arrival of Sweet Ice Willy in his custom truck.
• Sweet Ice Willy's Branding (00:06:13) The hosts highlight Sweet Ice Willy's effective branding and his engaging personality.
• Customer Experience with Sweet Ice Willy (00:07:32) They recount their enjoyable ride with Sweet Ice Willy, filled with music and local insights.
• Social Media...

Want a real marketing plan that doesn’t live in your head or on a bunch of sticky notes?

In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Kim Walker is joined by Caroline Legrand and Savannah Garrett to talk all things Plan With the Pros Shop Marketing Pros’ hands-on, no-fluff marketing workshop designed to help shop owners create a full-year strategy they’ll use.

You’ll hear how last year’s event helped shops ditch the chaos and build real, actionable plans from big-picture budget planning to week-by-week content ideas. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining what you’ve already got, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what to expect, what you’ll walk away with, and why West Point is the perfect backdrop for this kind of transformative work.

Packed with insights, personal stories, and plenty of laughs, this episode is your sneak peek into a game-changing experience for your business.

Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you with this episode. RepairPal’s Certified Network of shops is trusted by millions of customers each month. Learn more at

RepairPal.com/shops.

Are you ready to convert clients to members? App Fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for professional auto repair businesses. Visit Appfueled.com to get started today. Keep your shop top of mind on the mobile device they love.

Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)

Plan With The Pros

Get In Touch With the Guest:

Savannah Garrett

Meet The Team Schmidt Auto Care

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Introduction and Welcome (00:00:10) Kim Walker introduces the podcast and guests, discussing the "Plan with the Pros" event.
• Event Overview (00:02:19) Discussion on the inception and goals of the "Plan with the Pros" event, blending retreat and workshop elements.
• Savannah's Experience (00:05:13) Savannah Garrett shares her motivation for attending the event, highlighting the importance of marketing in her role.
• Networking Importance (00:06:09) The value of networking with peers in the industry and sharing marketing strategies is emphasized.
• Marketing Plans Discussion (00:09:19) Savannah discusses her existing marketing plans and areas where she sought improvement during the event.
• Collaboration Insights (00:12:14) The benefits of collaboration among shop owners and sharing successful marketing ideas are highlighted.
• Event Hosting Benefits (00:12:57) Savannah discusses hosting events for community engagement and how it enhances shop visibility and reputation.
• Camaraderie and Learning (00:15:08) Savannah reflects on the camaraderie experienced at the event and the valuable marketing tactics learned.
• Building Relationships (00:15:32) Discussion on the importance of relationships and collaboration among women in the automotive industry.
• Mentorship and Growth (00:17:04) Reflections on mentoring young professionals and the influence of women leaders in the industry.
• Inclusivity in Events (00:19:38) Announcement of opening the "Plan with the Pros" event to...