loader from loading.io

Automotive Excellence With 2024 AAPEX Technician of the Year Johnathon Bemis

Gain Traction

Release Date: 03/12/2025

Marketing Strategies To Boost Bay Traffic With Joe Schafranek of Tread Partners show art Marketing Strategies To Boost Bay Traffic With Joe Schafranek of Tread Partners

Gain Traction

Joe Schafranek is an Account Manager at Tread Partners, a marketing agency focused on the tire and auto repair industry. With roots in Detroit and hands-on shop experience at Firestone and Big O, Joe brings a unique perspective to digital marketing through his understanding of both operations and data. Prior to Tread Partners, he helped grow BAIC and explored data-centric roles in the auto aftermarket. Today, Joe leverages that diverse background to help multi-location shops increase car count through performance-driven strategies. In this episode… Marketing in the auto repair industry often...

info_outline An Open and Honest Approach to Marketing With Dan Kahn of Kahn Media show art An Open and Honest Approach to Marketing With Dan Kahn of Kahn Media

Gain Traction

Dan Kahn is the Founder and CEO of Kahn Media, a public relations and marketing agency based in Los Angeles specializing in the automotive aftermarket. A lifelong car enthusiast, Dan began his career at age 16 by pitching and landing magazine features on a Mustang he restored with his father. Before founding Kahn Media in 2008, he worked as an automotive journalist and launched digital content platforms. His latest book, The New Rules of the Road, outlines his philosophy on transparency, digital strategy, and authority marketing in a fast-evolving business world. In this episode… Trust and...

info_outline Legacy and Innovation With Dennis Feldman, Keleyah Miller and Justin Pursell of ITDG Next Gen show art Legacy and Innovation With Dennis Feldman, Keleyah Miller and Justin Pursell of ITDG Next Gen

Gain Traction

Dennis Feldman is the Chair of the ITDG Next Gen Committee and a third-generation operator at Performance Plus Tire, a family-owned business in Long Beach, California which specializes in classic car tires and aftermarket wheels. Keleyah Miller is the Vice Chair of the ITDG Next Gen Committee and part of the third generation at Main Street Tire in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she and her siblings are leading a company that is now 80% wholesale. Justin Pursell serves as Secretary of the ITDG Next Gen Committee and oversees commercial, wholesale, and retread operations at Bergey’s...

info_outline Secrets to Scaling Your Auto Service Business With Joe Tomarchio Jr. of FOCUS Investment Banking show art Secrets to Scaling Your Auto Service Business With Joe Tomarchio Jr. of FOCUS Investment Banking

Gain Traction

Joe Tomarchio Jr. is a Managing Director at FOCUS Investment Banking, where he specializes in helping auto service businesses scale and prepare for acquisition. Before joining FOCUS, Joe co-founded and scaled a 26-location tire and auto service chain, generating over $50M in revenue before selling it to Monro. With over 65 major acquisitions under his belt, he is one of the most seasoned professionals in the industry. Joe now consults for private equity firms and dealers seeking exponential growth or strategic exits. In this episode… Auto service businesses often undervalue their labor,...

info_outline Driving Success as a Family Business With Steven and Susan Moss of Wilson Tire Pros and Automotive show art Driving Success as a Family Business With Steven and Susan Moss of Wilson Tire Pros and Automotive

Gain Traction

Steven and Susan Moss are the owners of Wilson Tire Pros and Automotive, a three-location tire and automotive repair business in Burlington, North Carolina. Steven, who took over the business from his father in 2009, brings a hands-on background in automotive repair and business operations. Susan, after managing military contracts in her family's hosiery business, joined Steven full-time, catalyzing the company's growth and operational evolution. Together, they’ve become prominent leaders in the Tire Pros network, with Susan now serving as the first female Chair of the National Dealer...

info_outline Why Racing and Auto Shops Go Hand in Hand With Rob Howden of USF Pro Racing show art Why Racing and Auto Shops Go Hand in Hand With Rob Howden of USF Pro Racing

Gain Traction

Rob Howden is the Director of Business Development and Series Announcer for USF Pro Championship Racing. Known as “The Voice of the Series,” he has been a fixture in motorsports media for over 30 years. He’s also the founder of Howden Media Group and eKarting News, where he continues to cover karting events across North America. Rob’s passion for racing started in go-karts and has evolved into mentoring and following drivers from childhood through to professional careers in IndyCar and beyond. In this episode… Motorsports is not just about speed — it's about precision, development,...

info_outline How To Build a Culture While Scaling Fast With Logan Leslie of Main Street Auto show art How To Build a Culture While Scaling Fast With Logan Leslie of Main Street Auto

Gain Traction

Logan Leslie is the Founder and CEO of Main Street Auto, a fast-growing network of tire and auto repair shops across the United States. After serving over eight years in the military, Logan pursued a joint law and business degree, which laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial ventures. He launched Main Street Auto in 2021, starting with a single location and scaling to nearly 100 shops in under four years. Logan is also a passionate advocate for hiring veterans, building culture, and redefining leadership in the blue-collar business world. In this episode… The tire and auto repair...

info_outline How SEMA Supports Tire Shops and Small Businesses With Mike Spagnola of SEMA show art How SEMA Supports Tire Shops and Small Businesses With Mike Spagnola of SEMA

Gain Traction

Mike Spagnola is President and CEO of SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), a leading trade organization in the automotive aftermarket industry. With over 50 years of hands-on experience in the automotive world, Mike has been deeply involved in everything from car builds to legislative advocacy. Before leading SEMA, he built a career rooted in entrepreneurship and industry innovation, helping small businesses navigate evolving regulations. Today, he champions the interests of automotive enthusiasts and businesses, ensuring that the industry continues to thrive. In this episode… Joy...

info_outline From Food Service to Repair Shop Ownership With Nathan Rhodes of Total Automotive show art From Food Service to Repair Shop Ownership With Nathan Rhodes of Total Automotive

Gain Traction

Nathan Rhodes is the Owner of Total Automotive, an independent auto repair shop based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. With a background in machining and welding, Nathan’s passion for cars began as a teenager maintaining his own vehicle. After working his way up from an installer at Pep Boys to a skilled technician, he eventually opened his own shop in 2019. Today, he leads a tight-knit team focused on quality service, honesty, and building long-term customer relationships. In this episode… The auto repair industry has evolved dramatically with the complexities of late-model engines and rapid...

info_outline Right To Repair With Roy Littlefield IV, VP of Government Affairs for the Tire Industry Association show art Right To Repair With Roy Littlefield IV, VP of Government Affairs for the Tire Industry Association

Gain Traction

Roy Littlefield IV is the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Tire Industry Association. In his role, Roy leads advocacy efforts across state and federal levels to support independent tire and auto repair shops. With deep roots in the industry — his father also served in TIA leadership — Roy has been involved in policy from a young age. He now champions initiatives like the Right to Repair Act, helping protect consumer choice and shop independence nationwide. In this episode… The modern vehicle repair landscape is becoming more exclusive, locking out independent repair shops and...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

Johnathon Bemis is the Lead Master Technician at VIP Tires & Service, known for its comprehensive tire and auto repair services in the New England area. Notably, Johnathon is the recipient of the prestigious 2024 AAPEX Technician of the Year Award, recognizing his exceptional skills and dedication in the industry. Johnathon's automotive journey highlights the importance of perseverance and continuous learning in adapting to the fast-evolving automotive industry.

In this episode…

The automotive industry is experiencing rapid technological advancements, requiring technicians to continually learn and adapt. What does it take to become a world-class technician in this field?

According to Johnathon Bemis of VIP Tires & Service, becoming a world-class technician requires a supportive employer who provides a platform for success, continuing education, and a positive work culture. VIP encourages its technicians to pursue certifications, pays for training, and fosters a collaborative environment where technicians can network and share ideas. Johnathon also emphasizes the importance of using all resources available for diagnostics, including online searches, and the need to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and techniques. 

On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge chats with Johnathon about his career path, the importance of certifications, and rapid changes in automotive technology. They also discuss the importance of a positive work culture and what it takes to be a successful technician in the modern automotive industry.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

  • [03:07] Why Johnathon Bemis made an unexpected career switch at the age of 32
  • [04:27] How Johnathon achieved 29 ASE certifications in record time
  • [05:54] The rapid changes in the automotive industry since 2010
  • [08:59] Tips on leveraging Google for faster vehicle diagnostics
  • [13:09] How an economic downturn led Johnathon to automotive success
  • [18:46] The supportive culture fueling VIP's employee success

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments: 

  • "I'm not really one to seek out the limelight and be the center of attention."
  • "This industry changes so fast. If you're not learning, you're staying behind."
  • "Cars don't talk back."
  • "I enjoyed working on cars in my yard, so I figured, what the hell?"
  • "Use everything at your disposal — you're that much further ahead."

Action Steps: 

  1. Keep pursuing certifications and continuing education: Continuous learning is vital in the fast-evolving automotive industry, helping you stay relevant and efficient in your role. 
  2. Leverage technology and online resources: Utilizing tools like Google and technician forums can save time and improve diagnostic accuracy, allowing you to address customer issues more effectively. 
  3. Build a supportive network: A strong network provides knowledge sharing and emotional and professional support crucial for long-term success.
  4. Embrace change in the industry: The automotive sector is rapidly advancing with technologies like EVs and cloud integration, requiring technicians to adapt quickly to stay competitive.
  5. Nurture a positive work culture: A healthy culture leads to enhanced job satisfaction, increased productivity, lower turnover, and a more cohesive team.

Sponsor for this episode...

This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners. 

At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops. 

By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays.

We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches. 

So, what are you waiting for?

Visit www.treadpartners.com or email [email protected] to learn more.