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...

July’s here, and while the calendar might look quiet, your marketing shouldn’t be! In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Brian Walker and Caroline Legrand share real strategies to keep your shop top of mind and your bays full during the summer slowdown.

From summer travel prep and college car check-ins to back-to-school drives and fun offbeat holidays like Chicken Wing Day and Tattoo Day, this episode is packed with creative, low-effort ways to stay connected with your community.

You’ll also learn how to use slower days to plan, boost team morale, and build content that connects.

Hit play, get inspired, and keep that summer momentum rolling! ☀️

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)

July Social Media Content Topics

Days of the Year

National Calendar

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Preparing for July Marketing (00:00:25) Discussion on the importance of planning marketing strategies for July, focusing on themes like freedom and summer safety.
• Engaging with the Community (00:01:10) Emphasis on keeping customers engaged during a slow month and using social media effectively.
• Back to School Promotions (00:02:04) Importance of early planning for back-to-school promotions and community involvement in school supply drives.
• Vehicle Maintenance for College Students (00:03:22) Encouraging vehicle check-ups for college students returning home for summer before heading back to school.
• Utilizing CRM for Client Communication (00:04:40) Using customer relationship management tools to remind clients about vehicle maintenance for college students.
• Busy Summer Months (00:05:26) Advice on managing busy summer months and scheduling maintenance during slower periods in August and September.
• Summer Safety and Vehicle Maintenance (00:06:37) Highlighting the importance of vehicle safety checks during the hot summer months.
• Creative Marketing Ideas for July (00:07:08) Suggestions for fun marketing content ideas, including engaging with technicians during slower days.
• National Days and Events (00:09:09) Discussion on leveraging national days and events for creative marketing strategies in July.
• Community Engagement through Sports (00:10:45) Using local sports events to engage the community and promote the shop through giveaways or themed events.
• Sponsorship Mention - RepairPal (00:11:27) Highlighting the benefits of being part of the RepairPal certified network for auto repair shops.
• Sponsorship Mention - App Fueled (00:12:26) Introduction to App Fueled and how it can enhance customer loyalty for auto repair shops.
• International Chicken Wing Day (00:13:29) Ideas for celebrating International Chicken Wing Day with team cookouts and...

So, you didn’t go to school for HR, and let’s be honest, hiring probably wasn’t what you dreamed about when you opened your shop. But here you are, needing to fill those bays and build a solid team.

In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Kim Walker is joined by Lisa Coyle of Promotive to break down what it takes to hire in today’s world, and spoiler alert: it’s all about marketing.

From writing job posts that work to building a reputation techs want to work for, they cover everything you didn’t know you needed to know. You’ll discover why speed is your best friend, how your everyday shop culture is part of your recruiting strategy, and why treating candidates like customers is the game-changer most shop owners miss.

Whether you’re hiring right now or just trying to build your bench, this episode is packed with smart advice, straight talk, and some seriously valuable insight into what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to marketing your way to a great hire.

Hit play, and get ready to turn hiring from a headache into a strength. 👊

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.

AppFueled makes marketing easy. It’s a CRM designed for auto repair shops with tools like segmentation, reminders, and even a call center. Don’t wait—get started today at appfueled.com

Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)

Promotive

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:01) The podcast is introduced as part of the aftermarket radio network.
• Guest Introduction (00:00:10) Kim welcomes Lisa Coil from Pro Motive and expresses excitement about the discussion.
• Personal Anecdote on Hiring (00:01:22) Kim shares her first impression of Lisa at an industry event and their delayed connection.
• Marketing and Hiring Discussion (00:02:22) Kim highlights the importance of marketing in attracting both customers and future team members.
• Childhood Reflections on Blue-Collar Work (00:03:31) Kim reflects on societal views of blue-collar jobs and their financial misconceptions.
• Recruitment Challenges in the Industry (00:04:33) Discussion on the shortage of skilled blue-collar workers and the need for effective marketing strategies.
• Understanding Headhunters vs. Recruiters (00:05:23) Lisa explains the difference between headhunters and recruiters in the hiring process.
• Recruitment Process Overview (00:06:45) Lisa describes the comprehensive services provided by headhunters, from job design to candidate negotiation.
• Common Hiring Problems for Shops (00:09:13) Lisa outlines key challenges shops face, emphasizing the importance of branding and speed in hiring.
• Importance of Speed in Hiring (00:09:41) Lisa stresses the need for quick responses to applicants to secure top talent.
• Marketing's Role in Job Descriptions (00:12:10) Discussion on how marketing strategies influence job titles and descriptions to attract candidates.
• Optimizing Job Listings for Mobile (00:13:04) Lisa advises shop owners to check how their listings appear on mobile devices for better visibility.
• Balancing Job Specificity and Attractiveness (00:15:28) Lisa talks...

You didn’t go to school for marketing, but here you are, running a shop and needing to fill those bays!

In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Kim Walker gets real about what it is like to jump headfirst into marketing when you are not a trained marketer. (Spoiler: it is scary at first, but it is doable.)

Kim shares her own story, from teaching school kids to promoting a growing auto repair shop, and breaks down the six key tips that helped her go from "what is marketing?" to "running the show."

You will learn why knowing your strengths and weaknesses matters, how to find your networking tribe, how to step outside your comfort zone without freaking out, and why sometimes just showing up is the real marketing win.

Packed with encouragement, real-world advice, and plenty of laughs along the way, this episode will inspire you to stop doubting yourself and start marketing with confidence.

Hit play, grab a notebook, and get ready to become the marketer your shop needs! 🚀

Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. RepairPal will help you grow your auto business and you can 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)

Clifton StrengthsFinder 2.0

Tony Robbins DISC

Kim and Brian Tell Their Story

Ed Mylett

Start with WHY by Simon Sinek

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Introduction to Marketing Journey (00:00:10) Kim Walker shares her background and transition into marketing for her husband's auto repair business.
• First Steps in Marketing (00:01:25) Kim recounts her initial reluctance and confusion about taking on marketing responsibilities.
• Support from Brian (00:02:47) Brian encourages Kim to join him in the auto repair world, emphasizing the need for marketing.
• Overcoming Initial Fears (00:05:03) Kim discusses her feelings of inadequacy and the mental challenges she faced when starting.
• First Networking Experience (00:06:15) Kim describes her first networking event and the nerves she felt as a newcomer.
• Lessons from Networking (00:08:28) Reflecting on her experience, Kim realizes the importance of networking relationships.
• Six Marketing Tips Introduction (00:09:41) Kim introduces six tips for shop owners who need to handle marketing themselves.
• Know Thyself (00:11:01) Kim emphasizes the importance of understanding personal strengths through assessments.
• Strengths Assessments (00:12:04) She recommends taking the Clifton Strengths assessment to identify personal strengths.
• Start with the End in Mind (00:15:26) Kim advises envisioning future marketing goals and building on existing strengths.
• Building a Network (00:16:34) She encourages listeners to connect with their community...

In this episode, we’re diving into the powerful concept of creating a shared vision and how a lack of clarity could be holding your shop back from real growth.

I’ll walk you through what I learned in a deep dive after my own leadership team challenged me to cast a vision that reaches every level of our company. We’ll talk about how to get out of the “small thinking” trap, how to define your goals with laser precision, and why your employees need to see, feel, and believe in the same future you do.

Plus, I’ll share real tools, like how to craft your vision statement, how to communicate it across your team, and how to create a business where everyone’s pulling in the same direction.

If you want to stop playing small and start building something truly great, this episode is for you.

Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. RepairPal will help you grow your auto business and you can 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)

EOS One

Vivid Vision: A Remarkable Tool For Aligning Your Business Around a Shared Vision of the Future - Cameron Herold

The Vision Driven Leader - Michael Hyatt

Stop Delaying Your Dreams: Time to Take Action

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Introduction and Sponsors (00:00:01) Overview of the podcast and thanks to sponsors RepairPal and App Fuel.
• Creating a Shared Vision (00:00:10) Brian discusses the importance of establishing a shared vision for the company.
• Leadership Team Meetings (00:01:13) Details about offsite leadership meetings and the exercise called "the one thing."
• Feedback and Growth (00:02:08) Brian reflects on receiving feedback from his leadership team and its impact on personal growth.
• Shifting Mindset on Growth (00:03:07) Brian shares his fears about growth and how he overcame them to embrace larger ambitions.
• Disney's Service Model (00:04:17) Comparison of Disney's customer service model to his company's approach to client service.
• Processes and Procedures (00:05:26) Discussion on the importance of processes in maintaining service quality while growing.
• Inbound Marketing Strategy (00:07:25) Brian explains the effectiveness of inbound marketing in attracting clients.
• Outbound Sales Shift (00:09:26) Introduction of outbound sales strategies and the team's initial reactions to the change.
• Creating a Shared Vision Deep Dive (00:10:34) Brian's focus on developing a shared vision after receiving feedback from his leadership team.
• Researching Shared Vision (00:11:42) Challenges in finding resources on creating a shared vision and discovering related literature.
• Book Recommendations (00:12:42) Brian reviews two books on vision creation and his thoughts on their...

Summer’s heating up and so should your marketing! In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, hosts Brian Walker and Caroline Legrand get real about what actually works for shop owners when it comes to June marketing.

From summer travel prep and cooling system services to creative promotions for Tire Safety Month and celebrating your hardworking team during Automotive Service Professionals Week, this episode is your go-to guide for planning ahead and filling those bays.

You’ll also hear how to make the most out of offbeat holidays (like National Donut Day or World Juggling Day), how to promote community involvement without sounding like you’re bragging, and why some services (like AC repair) don’t need a discount to sell like crazy.

Packed with fun ideas, real-life shop stories, and actionable tips, this episode is everything you need to kick your June marketing into high gear.

Don’t miss it, hit play and get inspired! 🚀

Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. As shop owners we were part of RepairPal’s Certified network and you can learn more at RepairPal.com/shops

Revolutionize Your Shop

Want to revolutionize your marketing? AppFueled does it all—email, text, app notifications, and even call center integration. Stop guessing and start connecting with AppFueled.

Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)

Days of the Year

National Calendar

Staying Humble While Promoting Your Community Involvement

June Social Media Content Topics

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Introduction and Sponsors (00:00:01) Introduction to the podcast and thanks to sponsors RepairPal and App Fueled.
• Summer Marketing Discussion (00:01:06) Brian and Caroline discuss summer marketing strategies as temperatures rise.
• June Marketing Themes (00:02:54) Exploring common marketing themes for June, including summer trip preparations and cooling system maintenance.
• Air Conditioning Services (00:05:46) Importance of air conditioning services during summer and how to educate customers.
• National Automotive Service Professionals Week (00:08:28) Celebrating automotive service professionals and promoting staff appreciation during the first week of June.
• Community Involvement (00:09:25) Encouraging shops to support local teams and share community involvement.
• Fun Days in June (00:11:20) Highlighting fun days in June, including International Volkswagen Bus Day and engaging customers with stories.
• Closing Remarks and Sponsors (00:12:28) Final thoughts and reminders about the benefits of RepairPal and App Fueled for auto repair shops.
• World Bicycle Day (00:14:25) Discussing community goodwill by offering bicycle repairs for kids.
• National Donut Day (00:14:52) Ideas for supporting local bakeries by providing donuts for team and customers.
• National Ice Cream Day (00:15:27) Recalling a fun event with an ice cream truck at the shop.
• National Moonshine Day (00:16:05) Linking moonshine history to NASCAR and...