Auto Service World Conversations
Business & Finance
About
News, views, features and commentary about the automotive repair and service industry in Canada.
Episodes
- Navigating Shifting Consumer Demand, with Lordco Auto Parts
Lordco Auto Parts discusses navigating the aftermarket, considering economic pressure, consumer behaviour, and technology adoption. They reflect on a year of trade strength and retail rebound driven by their e-commerce platform, customer r…
- Emily Chung’s First 100 Days With AIA Canada
Emily Chung, president and CEO of AIA Canada, reflects on her initial 100 days, detailing how her background influences her leadership. She addresses critical industry topics including the right to repair, advanced vehicle technology, and…
- Enhanced Media: Jason Herle, AIA Canada Incoming Chair
Jason Herle, incoming chair of AIA Canada, shares insights from his predecessor Brent Hesje, outlines his primary messages for the industry, and offers advice to professionals in the automotive aftermarket.
- Empowering Change in the Automotive Aftermarket, with Kim Cottle
Kim Cottle, CEO of Associated Equipment, shares her leadership journey in the automotive aftermarket, focusing on U.S. manufacturing, innovation, and customer service. She encourages women
- Ontario’s Tire Chaos, with OTDA’s Adam Moffat
Reduced tire recycling targets in Ontario have created a crisis, with millions of tires stranded and posing fire, safety, insurance, and environmental risks. Adam Moffat of the OTDA calls for government intervention and higher targets.
- AutoShow Insights: Rebates, Competition and Choice
This episode features highlights from the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow, including discussions with representatives from Volvo on government incentives and EV market impact, Ford on bringing aftermarket business to dealers, and Stel…
- An Emerging Leadership Perspective, with Meagan Moody
Meagan Moody, founder of The Moody Blueprint, shares her journey and explains fractional leadership, its benefits, and industry trends. She also covers challenges, opportunities, and the importance of data in the auto service sector.
- Enhancing the Parts Buying Process, with Isaac Bunick
Isaac Bunick, founder of Motormia, explains how AI is changing the car parts buying experience for enthusiasts. He discusses the use of AI and real-world data to help users find and source parts, addressing challenges in data accuracy and…
- Fresh Eyes on the Canadian Aftermarket, with Rob Blitzstein
Rob Blitzstein launches True North Consulting to serve the Canadian automotive aftermarket. Drawing on industry experience, he will focus on relationship-building and tailored strategies to connect manufacturers and distributors, aiming to…
- Canada’s Right to Repair: Navigating laws, politics and opposition, with Emily Holtby
Emily Holby discusses the evolving landscape of right to repair in Canada, including federal and provincial legislation, political advocacy, and manufacturer resistance.
- Mister Transmission’s Next Chapter, with Barbara Moran-Goodrich
Barbara Moran-Goodrich details the acquisition of Mister Transmission by Moran Family of Brands, emphasizing support for franchisees and plans for industry growth and customer service.
- Enhanced Media: CARS Shop of the Year 2025, Platinum Automotive Repair
This episode features Sal Medici, owner of Platinum Automotive Repair, discussing their experience after winning the 2025 Shop of the Year Award. The conversation supplements the December 2025 CARS magazine feature.
- Navigating Global Disruption, with Bill Hanvey
Bill Hanvey of the Auto Care Association explores aftermarket industry challenges and opportunities, covering political uncertainty, tariffs, consumer behavior, AI, global collaboration, and technical training. He also highlights the role…
- Resilience, Supply Chain, and Transition with J.F. Champagne
J.F. Champagne reflects on a decade of industry changes, including global uncertainty and supply chain shifts, discussing the aftermarket's resilience and his transition to Emily Chung as president of AIA Canada.
- Enhanced Media: 2025 Jobber of the Year winner, Pat’s Auto Supply
This episode features Kenton Swizter, Kyle van Polen, and Chris Funk from Pat's Auto Supply, winner of the 2025 Jobber of the Year Award. The discussion includes insights beyond what was published in the November issue of Jobber News.
- ASW Conversations: Strategic growth and building the aftermarket, with Bestbuy’s Nick Brunet
Nick Brunet of Bestbuy Distributor shares insights on the company's growth over the past year, including overcoming industry challenges, expanding its shareholder base, and opening a new distribution center in Montreal. He also covers data…
- ASW Conversations: From Setback to Comeback: Navigating the Job Market with Resilience, with Jacki Lutz
Jacki Lutz, director of content at the Auto Care Association, shares her experience of being laid off and navigating the job market. She discusses the importance of personal branding, resilience, and practical strategies for staying visibl…
- ASW Conversations: Preparing, Planning and Selling, with Emily Chung
Emily Chung shares her experience selling her auto repair shop, AutoNiche, highlighting the importance of early succession planning, clear financials, documented processes, and valuing both tangible and intangible assets for a successful t…
- ASW Conversations: How AI is Working Behind the Aftermarket Scenes, with Predii’s Tilak Kasturi
Tilak Kasturi, co-founder and CEO of Predii, joins Auto Service World Conversations to explain how artificial intelligence is currently supporting the auto care industry. He details AI's role in connecting systems, standardizing part names…
- ASW Conversations: A Vision for the Aftermarket’s Future, with UAP’s Alain Primeau
Alain Primeau, executive vice president of UAP, shares insights on the automotive aftermarket's future, including the impact of technology, consumer behavior, and market dynamics. He discusses the rise of digital tools, electric vehicles,…
- ASW Conversations: How Critical Lead Acid Batteries Are, with Enersys’ Bryce Gregory
Bryce Gregory from Enersys explains that lead-acid batteries, specifically AGM types, remain crucial for auxiliary power and safety systems in electric vehicles, complementing newer technologies. He notes their 99% recyclability, reliabili…
- ASW Conversations: A Roadmap For Our Aftermarket Future, with NAPA’s Donovan Ringo
Donovan Ringo from NAPA outlines the impact of emerging technologies such as ADAS, EVs, and autonomous driving on the automotive aftermarket. He highlights the necessity for independent repair shops to invest in new technologies, address c…
- ASW Conversations: Positioning Your Shop for Sale, with Tekmetric’s Sunil Patel
Sunil Patel, founder of Tekmetric, advises auto repair shop owners on making their businesses attractive for acquisition. Key factors include clean financials, operational efficiency, strong customer service, technology adoption, team dedi…
- ASW Conversations: Global Uncertainty and Resilience, with Bill Hanvey
Bill Hanvey of the Auto Care Association discusses industry challenges like trade uncertainties and tariffs, progress on right to repair, and the potential of AI. He expresses cautious optimism about the industry's resilience and the impor…
- ASW Conversations: The Future of Automotive Training, with J.F. Champagne
J.F. Champagne, president and CEO of AIA Canada, discusses the challenges of automotive technician training. He addresses the need to modernize education, bridge skill gaps in complex vehicle systems, and attract young talent to the indust…
- ASW Conversations: Uncertainty, Resilience and Innovation, with Lordco Auto Parts
Lordco executives Samatha and Ian Coates discuss the current automotive parts industry, addressing economic uncertainty and a softer retail market. They highlight their trade show strategy and commitment to products and customer service, w…
- ASW Conversations: AI and the Aftermarket, with Todd Richardson
Todd Richardson, CEO of In Motion Brands and Atrium Solutions Inc., explains the advantages of artificial intelligence in the automotive aftermarket and advises on careful business implementation.
- ASW Conversations: Branding and Connections, with Susanne Morello
Susanne Morello, with 30 years of marketing experience, shares insights on the evolving automotive aftermarket. The episode covers digital transformation, industry challenges, branding during economic uncertainties, and the aftermarket's f…
- Enhanced Media: Tony Kuczynski, AIA Canada Chair
Tony Kuczynski, the current chair for AIA Canada, shares insights into his automotive industry background, his driving passions for the sector, and his perspective on current opportunities.
- ASW Conversations: Automaker Insights From the AutoShow 2025
Adam Malik hosts discussions with leaders from Ford, Volvo, Stellantis, and Kia at the 2025 Canadian International AutoShow. They share insights on the automotive market, electric vehicles, industry trends, supply, the economy, and consume…
- ASW Conversations: Climbing Mt. Aftermarket Everest, with Pacer Dynamics
The leadership team of Pacer Dynamics, Eddie Tso, Joshua Lin, and Albert Liu, share their non-traditional path into the automotive aftermarket as a Canadian-owned brake disc manufacturer. They discuss the role of friendships, industry conn…
- Logistics Lowdown Cross-post: Empowering the Next Generation — Careers, AI, and Sustainability in Supply Chain Management with David Johnson
David Johnston, an expert in Sustainable Supply Chains, joins Auto Service World Conversations to discuss the challenges young professionals face entering the supply chain sector and the career preferences of millennials and younger worker…
- ASW Conversations: Industry Innovation and Expanding Relationships, with Johanna Smith
Johanna Smith, director of sales and marketing at Associated Equipment, shares her passion for the automotive aftermarket, focusing on the importance of relationships, innovation, and empowerment, particularly within the Canadian market.
- ASW Conversations: Pricing Amid Tariffs, with Kumar Saha
This episode features industry expert Kumar Saha discussing the implications of US-Canada trade tariffs on the auto industry. He covers the effects on Canadian and international suppliers, distributors, auto repair shops, and consumers.
- ASW Conversations: Navigating the Canadian Automotive Landscape, with Todd Campau
Todd Campau from S&P Global Mobility examines the Canadian automotive market, including electric vehicle adoption, economic influences on the aftermarket, and specific Canadian market considerations.
- ASW Conversations: Technology, Change and Opportunity, with Shane O’Kelly
Shane O'Kelly, CEO of Advanced Auto Parts, discusses the complex state and future of the automotive aftermarket. Topics include the growing importance of technology, right-to-repair, and advanced driver assistance systems.
- ASW Conversations: Being a Professional Pivoter, with Autumn Lamb
Autumn Lamb, a professional marketer in the automotive aftermarket, shares her experiences pivoting between challenges and associations. The conversation covers her journey, the importance of mentorship, and embracing opportunities.
- Enhanced Media: More from the Shop of the Year Winner, Maidens Family Auto Care
Craig and Heather Maidens from Maidens Family Auto Care, recipients of the 2024 Shop of the Year Award, share insights on the Enhanced Media segment of the December 2024 CARS magazine issue.
- ASW Conversations: Your Top Right to Repair Advocate, Emily Holtby
Emily Holtby, recently appointed VP of government relations at AIA Canada, is advocating for right to repair legislation in Canada. She discussed her journey to the automotive aftermarket and her commitment to ensuring consumers and profes…
- ASW Conversations: Going Local and International with J.F. Champagne
In this episode of Auto Service World Conversations, J.F. Champagne, president and CEO of AIA Canada, shares insights from a global event, focusing on the auto care sector's local challenges such as talent acquisition, training, and right…
- Enhanced Media: More from the 2024 Jobber of the Year Winner, Shannon Black
Shannon Black, manager of Motorcade's St. Catharines branch and winner of the 2024 Jobber of the Year Award, shares insights from the Enhanced Media segment of the November Jobber News issue.
- ASW Conversations: Growing EV Service with Eccles Auto
Scott and Bruce Eccles share their experience growing EV services at Eccles Auto Service in Dundas, Ontario, covering training, customer education, and success tips for servicing electric vehicles.
- ASW Conversations: Porsches to Pastries — How Nhu Nguyen is Supporting Men’s Health
Nhu Nguyen, a classic Porsche technician, explains her Movember fundraising event, "Nhuvember," which supports men's health. The episode details her involvement and ways listeners can contribute to the cause.
- ASW Conversations: On a Journey of Growth, with Nick Brunet
Nick Brunet, president of Bestbuy Distributors, shares insights on the company's growth strategies, including navigating challenges like inventory management and leveraging new tools such as predictive analytics within the evolving automot…
- ASW Conversations: Generational Divides in Auto Care, with Jeff O’Hara
Jeff O’Hara discusses the Defining Culture Survey by the MiX Council, highlighting generational differences in priorities within the automotive aftermarket and what the industry can learn from the results.
- ASW Conversations: Hanging His Own Shingle, with Rui Silvestre
Rui Silvestre shares his experience transitioning from a long career as a technician to opening his own shop, 'Hanging His Own Shingle,' on August 1, following the closure of his previous workplace. The episode covers his journey and the c…
- ASW Conversations: A Place for the Industry’s Young Pros, with Kari Hann
Kari Hann, chair of the Young Professionals in the Auto Care Sector (YPA) and marketing manager at Specialty Sales & Marketing, joins host Adam Malik to discuss the YPA's goals and the importance of encouraging young professionals to join.
- ASW Conversations: A Lifetime of Automotive Enthusiasm with Virushin Vepulan
Virushin Vepulan shares his lifelong enthusiasm for cars, detailing early experiences modifying vehicles and the significance of basic maintenance. He also discusses how online platforms like eBay support the longevity of older cars.
- ASW Conversations: Repair Roadblocks, with Scott and Michael Waddle
Michael Waddle, a technician at Precision Auto Service, expresses frustration with Mercedes-Benz for blocking aftermarket repairs. He and his father Scott discuss the challenges the industry faces with the automaker's policies.
- ASW Conversations: Shop Owners on the Importance of Training
Two Canadian shop owners share their perspectives on the importance of training and current shop challenges, following their attendance at Worldpac STX in Nashville.