Service Drive Revolution with Chris Collins
Got a question for the show? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR! Chris Collins, the leading Automotive Service Manager Coach and Service Advisor Trainer in the world, discusses little known service drive secret weapons to help pull your service department ahead of the pack. Everything from hiring technicians, increasing dealership CSI, building relationships for long term customer retention, to increasing customer pay sales and more, is all discussed here on Service Drive Revolution. All from the automotive industries #1 go-to guy for Fixed Operations; Chris Collins. Listen, and enjoy!
info_outline
SDR #353: Why Your Technicians Are Quitting!
04/06/2026
SDR #353: Why Your Technicians Are Quitting!
Service Managers, Fixed Ops Directors, and Dealership Leaders — your technicians are the engine of your business, but most managers are driving them into the ground without realizing it. Most dealerships misunderstand what actually motivates a technician. They think it’s only about the paycheck, but the highest-producing shops know that motivation is built on a foundation of respect, growth, and support. In this episode of SDR #353, we break down: ✅ Why treating technicians like "numbers" is the fastest way to kill production ✅ The power of the 1-on-1 lunch: How to build actual relationships with your team ✅ How to build a "Career Path" that keeps technicians from looking for the exit ✅ Why you should be educating your techs on more than just technical skills ✅ The "Parts Dept" factor: How empathy and speed in parts drives tech motivation ✅ Chris’s take on "Land Ownership" and why he’s leaning Libertarian ✅ Adam’s Turkey Hunting obsession (and the "Bearded Hen" mystery) If your service department struggles with: - High technician turnover - Low morale and "clock-punching" mentalities - An "Us vs. Them" relationship between Service and Parts - Technicians who feel stagnant in their roles - Or a culture where techs feel undervalued This episode will change the way you interact with your shop and give you a practical "recipe" for long-term retention. The strength of your shop culture determines the ceiling of your Fixed Ops profit. #FixedOps #ServiceManager #TechnicianRetention #ChrisBulldogCollins #ShopCulture #ServiceDriveRevolution #AutoRepair #DealershipLife #ServiceAdvisor 🛑 On-Demand Training For Huge Results: 🛑 Book a free 30-min discovery call for coaching that grows your profits: 🛑 Best-selling books on making Fixed Ops a money printer: 🛑 Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR 🛑 Want to work with the best? 🛑 Grab Chris' New Leadership Book I AM LEADER:
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/40743640
info_outline
SDR #352: The AI Revolution in Fixed Ops: Unfair Advantage or Impending Doom?
03/30/2026
SDR #352: The AI Revolution in Fixed Ops: Unfair Advantage or Impending Doom?
Service Managers, Fixed Ops Directors, and Dealership Owners — the gap between the leaders and the laggards in our industry is about to become an abyss. Most dealerships are looking at AI as a "maybe later" project, but the early adopters are already creating an unfair advantage that saves thousands in marketing and streamlines production. In this episode of SDR #352, we break down: ✅ The "Virtual Assistant" Fail: Why bad AI implementation is driving your customers away ✅ Critical takeaways from the TMC Conference: What the future of trucking and service looks like ✅ The "Igloo Cooler" Psychology: Why humanizing your tech matters more than you think ✅ Optimization of things that shouldn't exist: Are you perfecting a broken process? ✅ How AI is moving from "Chatbot" to "Predictive Maintenance" in the shop ✅ The Unfair Advantage: Why being early to AI will slash your marketing costs ✅ Preview: A sneak peek into non-traditional ways to motivate your technicians If your service department struggles with: - Inconsistent customer communication - Bloated marketing budgets with diminishing returns - Resistance to new technology from your team - Or simply feeling overwhelmed by the "AI hype" This episode will cut through the noise and show you exactly where the industry is heading and how to stay ahead of the curve. The strength of your future production depends on the technology you embrace today. #FixedOps #ServiceManager #AIinAutomotive #ChrisBulldogCollins #TMC2026 #DealershipTechnology #ServiceDriveRevolution #futureofwork 🛑 On-Demand Training For Huge Results: 🛑 Book a free 30-min discovery call for coaching that grows your profits: 🛑 Best Selling books on making Fixed Ops a money printer: 🛑 Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR 🛑 Want to work with the best? 🛑 Grab Chris' New Leadership Book I AM LEADER:
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/40654520
info_outline
SDR #351: The $50,000 Menu - Tips To Explode Your Service Drive Profits
03/23/2026
SDR #351: The $50,000 Menu - Tips To Explode Your Service Drive Profits
Service Managers, Fixed Ops Directors, and dealership leaders — your service menu is either a silent profit killer or your biggest untapped gold mine. Most dealerships treat their maintenance menu as an afterthought or a "loss leader" because they’re afraid of being shopped. The truth? A properly structured menu can add $50,000 or more in monthly gross profit. In this episode of SDR #351, we break down: ✅ The 6 essential tips for building a high-profit service menu ✅ Why "Loss Leaders" belong in your advertising, not on your maintenance menu ✅ How to work from "Cost Up" to protect your effective labor rate (ELR) ✅ Why most dealerships are wildly overpaying (or underpaying) for labor times ✅ The "Nails on the Freeway" analogy for understanding supply and demand ✅ How to stop treating symptoms and start fixing the "cause" in your shop If your service department struggles with: - Low hours per repair order (HPRO) - Inconsistent maintenance sales - Technicians are complaining about menu pricing - Managers who don’t know the true cost of parts and labor - Or a menu that hasn't been updated in years This episode will provide you with the exact "recipe" to turn your menu into a high-performance profit center. The strength of your menu determines the consistency of your Fixed Ops growth. #FixedOps #ServiceManager #AutomotiveLeadership #ChrisBulldogCollins #ServiceMenu #DealershipProfit #ServiceDriveRevolution 🛑 On-Demand Training For Huge Results: 🛑 Book a free 30-min discovery call for coaching that grows your profits: 🛑 Best-selling books on making Fixed Ops a money printer: 🛑 Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR 🛑 Want to work with the best? 🛑 Grab Chris' New Leadership Book I AM LEADER:
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/40561115
info_outline
SDR #350: 5 Dumb Things Service Advisors Say After a "No" (Stop Doing This!)
03/16/2026
SDR #350: 5 Dumb Things Service Advisors Say After a "No" (Stop Doing This!)
Service Managers, Fixed Ops Directors, and Advisors — the "No" is where the real sale begins. But most advisors are killing their gross profit with five specific, "dumb" responses that shut down the conversation forever. In this episode of SDR #350, Chris, Hogi, and Adam break down the psychology of rejection and how to pivot like a pro. We also discuss off-season NFL training and why Hogi’s pre-workout includes a cheeseburger. In this episode, we break down: ✅ The 5 most common (and costly) mistakes advisors make after a customer says "no." ✅ Why "I understand" is often the worst thing you can say ✅ How to stay "genuinely curious" to keep the door open for future sales ✅ The difference between a "Hard No" and a "Not Right Now." ✅ Training like an NFL pro vs. working out at the local gym ✅ Why Dale Carnegie’s "How to Win Friends and Influence People" is still the best service manual ever written ✅ The importance of connecting with people over simple product knowledge If your service department struggles with: - Low closing ratios on recommended repairs - Advisors who give up the moment a customer hesitates - "Learned helplessness" in the service drive - Inconsistent customer retention - Or advisors who focus on the DMS instead of the human being in front of them This episode will give your team the tools to handle rejection with confidence and turn more "no's" into "yes's." The success of your service drive is determined by what happens after the customer says no. #FixedOps #ServiceAdvisor #AutomotiveLeadership #ChrisBulldogCollins #SalesTraining #ServiceDriveRevolution #ServiceManager #dalecarnegie 🛑 On-Demand Training For Huge Results: 🛑 Book a free 30-min discovery call for coaching that grows your profits: 🛑 Best-selling books on making Fixed Ops a money printer: 🛑 Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/40497145
info_outline
SDR #349: 7 Traits of Top-Performing Service Advisors
03/09/2026
SDR #349: 7 Traits of Top-Performing Service Advisors
What separates average service advisors from the ones who consistently write the most gross and deliver the best CSI? It's these 7 things that stand between you and absolutely crushing it as a Service Advisor! In this episode of SDR #349, Chris Collins and the team break down the 7 core traits of the highest-performing service advisors — the characteristics that drive more hours per RO, stronger customer trust, and long-term success in the dealership service drive. If you're a: • Service Advisor • Service Manager • Fixed Ops Director • Dealer Principal T his episode will show you what truly drives performance (and it’s not product knowledge or objection handling). We cover: ✔ Why intentional advisors outperform indifferent ones ✔ How top advisors control the customer experience ✔ The psychology behind building trust in the service drive ✔ Why emotional resilience matters more than sales tactics ✔ The difference between investigators and order-takers ✔ How high performers think about CSI, hours per RO, and gross Most advisor training focuses on selling techniques. Top advisors focus on trust, ownership, and controlling the experience. Want better results in your service department? Start here. #ServiceAdvisor #ServiceDriveRevolution #FixedOps #AutomotiveManagement #DealershipTraining #ServiceManager #IncreaseGross #CSI #AutoIndustry #ServiceDepartment #ChrisBulldogCollins 🛑 On-Demand Training For Huge Results: https://shorturl.at/j7J8u 🛑 Book a free 30-min discovery call for coaching that grows your profits: https://calendly.com/cci-schedule/30-minute-discovery-call-with-chris-collins-inc?utm=SDRPod&month=2025-12 🛑 Best-selling books on making your Fixed Ops a money printer: https://chriscollinsinc.com/shop/ 🛑 Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR 🛑 Grab Chris's New Leadership Book I AM LEADER: https://iamleader.com
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/40497070
info_outline
SDR #348: What I Look For When Hiring A Service Performance Coach
03/02/2026
SDR #348: What I Look For When Hiring A Service Performance Coach
Dealership Owners, General Managers, and Service Leaders — your ability to fix a department is only as strong as the system you build. Most leaders misunderstand the hierarchy of a turnaround. They believe "people" are the primary ingredient for success, but the truth is that a great system can survive mediocre people, while a bad system will run out of your best employees every time. In this episode of Service Drive Revolution (#348), we break down: ✅ Why "People" is actually the wrong answer when asked how to fix a department ✅ The "Fixer" Mentality: Telltale signs of a true production leader ✅ How to identify if your manager is a "ghost" or an intentional leader ✅ Lessons from the 2003 BMW technical nightmare and the value of a process-driven approach ✅ Why most leadership training is actually just "bad management" training ✅ The "Cleveland Browns" analogy: Why the situation (system) dictates the performance ✅ How to manage the "rate of change" within your team If your service department struggles with: - Stagnant or declining gross profit - Advisors who are washing cars instead of selling - Low average hours per repair order - Managers who react to problems rather than prevent them - A culture where everyone "loves" the manager, but the shop is losing money This episode will challenge everything you’ve been told about "people-first" leadership and give you the recipe for a true departmental turnaround. The strength of your system determines the ceiling of your Fixed Ops production. #FixedOps #ServiceManager #AutomotiveLeadership #ChrisBulldogCollins #SystemsVsPeople #DealershipLife #ServiceDriveRevolution 🛑 OnDemand Training For Huge Results: https://shorturl.at/j7J8u 🛑 Book a free 30-min. discovery call for coaching that grows your profits: https://calendly.com/cci-schedule/30-minute-discovery-call-with-chris-collins-inc?utm=SDRPod&month=2025-12 🛑 Best Selling books on making your Fixed Ops a money printer: https://chriscollinsinc.com/shop/ 🛑 Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR 🛑 Grab Chris' New Leadership Book I AM LEADER: https://iamleader.com
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/40497010
info_outline
SDR #347: Top 9 Reasons Service Managers Fail (And How to Avoid Them)
02/23/2026
SDR #347: Top 9 Reasons Service Managers Fail (And How to Avoid Them)
Service Managers, Fixed Ops Directors, and dealership leaders — your leadership style is either building a powerhouse or quietly sinking your department. Most Service Managers struggle because they never truly leave the "technician" mindset behind. They manage by emotion instead of numbers, and they prioritize being liked over being a leader. In this episode of Service Drive Evolution #347, Chris Collins, Hogi, and Adam break down the 9 critical reasons why Service Managers fail and how to pivot toward a mission-driven leadership style. We also dive into the future of the industry, discussing our recent experiences with Waymo and Tesla’s "Mad Max" self-driving tech—and what it means for the future of the service drive. In this episode, we break down: ✅ Why "The Technician Mindset" is the #1 killer of management success ✅ How to manage by facts and figures, not by feelings ✅ The "Recipe for Success": Why process must always beat people ✅ How to set clear expectations that your team can actually follow ✅ Why playing it safe is the riskiest move a manager can make ✅ The truth about self-driving tech: Waymo vs. Tesla’s latest chips ✅ How to move from "Maintenance Mode" to "Mission Mode" If your service department struggles with: - Inconsistent performance and "rollercoaster" months - A culture of excuses instead of accountability - Lack of clear systems and processes - Managers who act like "glorified technicians" - Uncertainty about the future of automotive tech This episode provides the blueprint to stop "playing it safe" and start winning in the service drive. The success of your department depends on your ability to lead, not just solve problems. 📌 Watch now to evaluate your management style and prepare for the future. 🔔 Subscribe for daily automotive service industry insights 📞 Got a question? Call 833-3-ASK-SDR 📚 Special deals on training: #ServiceDriveEvolution #ServiceManager #FixedOps #AutomotiveLeadership #TeslaFSD #Waymo #ChrisBulldogCollins #ServiceDepartment #dealershipsuccess
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/40181890
info_outline
SDR #346: Most Shop Foremen Are Doing This Wrong (And It’s Costing You Production)
02/16/2026
SDR #346: Most Shop Foremen Are Doing This Wrong (And It’s Costing You Production)
Service Managers, Fixed Ops Directors, and dealership leaders — this role can either explode your production or quietly destroy it. Most dealerships misunderstand what a shop foreman in Fixed Ops is supposed to do. They treat the foreman like a master technician instead of a production leader. In this episode of Service Drive Revolution (#346), we break down: ✅ What a shop foreman’s REAL job is ✅ Why production drops when foremen think like technicians ✅ How daily flagged hours should be tracked ✅ The right way to handle dispatch and technician balance ✅ How to build shop culture through standards ✅ Why coaching beats solving problems for techs ✅ How leadership in the shop drives gross profit If your service department struggles with: - Low technician productivity - Inconsistent efficiency - Poor shop culture - Lack of accountability - Or unclear production tracking This episode will change how you look at the shop foreman role. The strength of your shop foreman determines the strength of your Fixed Ops department. 📌 Watch now and evaluate your leadership structure. 🔔 Subscribe for daily automotive service industry insights 📞 Got a question? Call 833-3-ASK-SDR 📚 Special deals on training: #FixedOps #ServiceManager #ShopForeman #DealershipLife #AutomotiveLeadership #ChrisBulldogCollins 🛑 On-Demand Training For Huge Results: 🛑 Book a free 30-min discovery call for coaching that grows your profits: 🛑 Best-selling books on making your Fixed Ops a money printer: 🛑 Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR 🛑 Grab Chris's New Leadership Book I AM LEADER: https://iamleader.com
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/40124935
info_outline
SDR #345: Increase Your NPS Score!
02/09/2026
SDR #345: Increase Your NPS Score!
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/40043635
info_outline
SDR #344: Chris Collins Answers: Why Your Fixed Ops System Is Failing
02/02/2026
SDR #344: Chris Collins Answers: Why Your Fixed Ops System Is Failing
Service Managers, Fixed Ops Directors, and Service Advisors — If your service department feels busy but results stay inconsistent, the issue probably isn’t your people. It’s your system. In this episode of Service Drive Revolution #344, Chris Collins answers real questions from service managers and breaks down why broken Fixed Ops systems create advisor burnout, technician inefficiency, and customer frustration — even in dealerships with great employees. This episode covers: ✅ Why good people fail inside bad systems ✅ How poor process design increases unapplied labor and stress ✅ Why convenience and ease drive customer retention ✅ How quick lube setups often hurt long-term profitability ✅ Why the real competition is anywhere customers can service their vehicle ✅ How service managers regain control by fixing systems first If you’re a service manager or advisor dealing with: - Constant chaos in the service drive - Missed opportunities and low retention - Inconsistent technician performance - High stress with little improvement 👉 This episode will change how you think about Fixed Ops systems and leadership. #ServiceManager #FixedOps #DealershipService #CustomerExperience #ServiceDriveRevolution #ChrisBulldogCollins 🛑 On-Demand Training For Huge Results: 🛑 Book a free 30-min. discovery call for coaching that grows your profits: 🛑 Best Selling books on making your Fixed Ops a money printer: 🛑 Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR 🛑 Grab Chris' New Leadership Book I AM LEADER:
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/39984670
info_outline
SDR #343: Handling Difficult Customers in Fixed Ops the Right Way
01/26/2026
SDR #343: Handling Difficult Customers in Fixed Ops the Right Way
Service Managers and Service Advisors — If you’re dealing with angry customers, escalations, or CSI issues, the problem usually isn’t the customer. It’s the system behind the interaction. In this episode of Service Drive Revolution #343, the conversation breaks down why most “difficult customers” in Fixed Ops are created by poor communication, unclear expectations, and weak leadership systems — and how service managers can fix it. This episode covers: ✅ Why arguing with customers makes situations worse ✅ How poor communication creates unnecessary conflict ✅ The leadership skill of absorbing tension and defusing emotion ✅ How to trace customer complaints back to process failures ✅ Why intention matters more than being “right” ✅ How to turn upset customers into long-term loyal customers If you’re a service manager, service advisor, or Fixed Ops leader struggling with: - CSI problems - Customer escalations - Negative reviews - Advisor burnout - Constant complaints 👉 This episode will change how you approach customer conflict in the service drive. #ServiceManager #FixedOps #DealershipService #CustomerExperience #ServiceDriveRevolution #ChrisBulldogCollins 🛑 On-Demand Training For Huge Results: 🛑 Book a free 30-min. discovery call for coaching that grows your profits: 🛑 Best-selling books on making your Fixed Ops a money printer: 🛑 Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR 🛑 Grab Chris's New Leadership Book I AM LEADER:
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/39878565
info_outline
SDR #342: Stop Blaming Communication: The System Is What’s Broken
01/19/2026
SDR #342: Stop Blaming Communication: The System Is What’s Broken
Everyone says they have a communication problem — but what if that’s just the symptom? In this episode of Service Drive Revolution #342, Chris Collins, Adam, and Hogi break down why most service departments don’t actually suffer from poor communication… they suffer from broken systems, unclear expectations, and low standards. From chaotic scheduling and overloaded advisors to uncontrolled waiters, missed callbacks, and “freelancing” employees, this conversation exposes the real reasons communication falls apart — and why training communication alone never fixes it. You’ll learn: - Why communication is an outcome, not a skill - How scheduling, appointment flow, and waiters silently destroy CSI - The power of putting customers on a track with clear expectations - Why logging, follow-up systems, and structure matter more than software - How leadership standards (or lack of them) define customer experience - Why what you allow becomes your department’s identity If you’re a service manager, fixed ops leader, advisor, or dealer principal who’s tired of chasing symptoms instead of results, this episode will change how you think about communication forever. Because once the system is right — communication takes care of itself. #FixedOps #ServiceManager #DealershipLeadership #AutomotiveLeadership #ServiceDriveRevolution #ChrisBulldogCollins 🛑 On-Demand Training For Huge Results: 🛑 Book a free 30-min discovery call for coaching that grows your profits: 🛑 Best-selling books on making your Fixed Ops a money printer: 🛑 Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR 🛑 Grab Chris's New Leadership Book I AM LEADER:
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/39783175
info_outline
SDR #341: The Fixed Ops Leadership Mistakes Killing Service Department Profit
01/12/2026
SDR #341: The Fixed Ops Leadership Mistakes Killing Service Department Profit
Service Managers, Fixed Ops Directors, and Dealership Leaders — If your service department feels busy but profits don’t match the effort, the problem isn’t your people. It’s your leadership systems. In this episode of Service Drive Revolution #341, the conversation breaks down the Fixed Ops leadership mistakes that quietly destroy productivity, inflate labor costs, and hold service departments back — even in strong markets. This episode covers: ✅ Why leadership decisions matter more than market conditions ✅ How minimum performance standards lift technician productivity ✅ Why unapplied labor is a leadership problem, not a technician problem ✅ How tracking and visibility instantly change behavior ✅ Why systems outperform talent in the service department ✅ How to prepare your Fixed Ops operation for 2026 growth If you’re a service manager or advisor dealing with: - Inconsistent technician efficiency - Rising labor cost per hour - Unclear accountability - Strong sales with weak service profits. 👉 This episode will change how you think about leadership in the service drive. #FixedOps #ServiceManager #DealershipLeadership #AutomotiveLeadership #ServiceDriveRevolution #ChrisBulldogCollins 🛑 On-Demand Training For Huge Results: 🛑 Book a free 30-minute discovery call for coaching that grows your profits: 🛑 Best-selling books on making your Fixed Ops a money printer: 🛑 Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR Grab Chris's New Leadership Book I AM LEADER:
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/39783095
info_outline
SDR #340: Your Fixed Ops Questions Answered: Scheduling, Walk-Arounds & Diagnostics
01/05/2026
SDR #340: Your Fixed Ops Questions Answered: Scheduling, Walk-Arounds & Diagnostics
Service Advisors Refusing Walkarounds? Scheduling Chaos? Customers Who Can’t Afford Repairs? In this episode of Service Drive Revolution, Chris Collins answers real, unfiltered questions straight from the service drive. From why advisors resist walkarounds, to how to properly schedule service appointments, to what to do when customers can’t afford diagnosed repairs, this episode is packed with practical leadership insight and real-world systems thinking. 🔥 Topics Covered in This Episode: ✅ Why service advisors push back on walkarounds (and how leadership creates that problem) ✅ How non-negotiable systems outperform “freelancing” advisors ✅ The Service Drive Judo philosophy: using customer momentum to create structure ✅ How top-performing dealerships enforce consistency and accountability ✅ Smart service scheduling strategies (when to stop booking appointments) ✅ Loading the shop early vs. booking to close ✅ Managing waiters without overwhelming advisors ✅ How to handle customers who can’t afford repairs before diagnosis ✅ Why repair authorization upfront protects both the customer and the advisor ✅ The leadership lesson hidden inside system design 🧠 Key Leadership Insight: Bad systems ruin good people. Good systems help average performers perform above average. This episode is a must-watch for: Service Managers Fixed Ops Directors Dealership Leaders Service Advisors Anyone responsible for customer experience and profitability in fixed operations 🛑 OnDemand Training For Huge Results: 🛑 Book a free 30-min. discovery call for coaching that grows your profits: 🛑 Best Selling books on making your Fixed Ops a money printer: 🛑 Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR 🛑 Grab Chris' New Leadership Book I AM LEADER:
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/39609810
info_outline
SDR #339: Why Top Leaders Set Goals Differently (Lessons from Taylor Swift)
12/29/2025
SDR #339: Why Top Leaders Set Goals Differently (Lessons from Taylor Swift)
Service Managers, Fixed Ops Leaders, and Dealership Executives — Why do some people and teams consistently outperform everyone else… while others stay stuck? In this episode of Service Drive Revolution #339, Chris Collins and the team break down what elite leadership actually looks like — and why intentionality, preparation, and standards matter more than talent, location, or luck. Using a surprising leadership case study (yes, even outside the automotive industry), this episode explores why the best performers: - Practice harder than everyone else - Prepare long before results are visible - Set expectations higher — and refuse to lower them - Build systems instead of relying on motivation - Create an experience focused on the customer, not themselves This conversation applies directly to service managers, advisors, directors, and Fixed Ops leaders who want: ✔ Better team buy-in ✔ More consistent performance ✔ Stronger culture and accountability ✔ Higher productivity without burnout If you’re tired of average results and excuses like “market conditions” or “staffing issues,” this episode will challenge how you think about leadership — and what’s actually possible in your service department. 👇 Watch now and rethink how you set goals, lead people, and build a winning operation.
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/39553750
info_outline
SDR #338: Why Unapplied Labor Was Made By The Devil
12/22/2025
SDR #338: Why Unapplied Labor Was Made By The Devil
Service Managers, Fixed Ops Directors, and Controllers — this is one of the most misunderstood numbers in your dealership. Unapplied labor quietly destroys profitability, inflates your cost per hour, and masks the real performance of your service department. Most dealerships don’t even realize how much money they’re losing — because the problem is buried inside the financial statement. In SDR #338, Chris Collins and the team break down why unapplied labor is often joked about as being “made by the devil” — and more importantly, how to fix it the right way. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ What unapplied labor really means (and what it is not) ✅ Where dealerships mistakenly hide unapplied labor on the financial statement ✅ Why cost per hour skyrocket even when the technician's pay hasn’t changed ✅ How two-man lube teams and poor shop design increase unapplied time ✅ Why throwing more people at a problem usually makes Fixed Ops less profitable ✅ How to correctly track unapplied labor so you can actually fix it ✅ How systems, minimum standards, and accountability reduce waste If your service department struggles with: - High labor cost per hour - Poor productivity - Inconsistent technician efficiency - Confusing financials - Or unexplained losses in Fixed Ops 👉 This episode will change how you look at your shop. #UnappliedLabor #FixedOps #ServiceManager #DealershipTraining #ServiceDriveRevolution #ChrisBulldogCollins 🛑 On-Demand Training For Huge Results: 🛑 Book a free 30-minute discovery call for coaching that grows your profits: 🛑 Best-selling books on making your Fixed Ops a money printer: 🛑 Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR 🛑 Grab Chris's New Leadership Book I AM LEADER: https://iamleader.com
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/39494680
info_outline
SDR #337: Low Hanging Fruit For Quick Fixed Ops Profits!
12/15/2025
SDR #337: Low Hanging Fruit For Quick Fixed Ops Profits!
🛑 Book a free 30-min. discovery call for coaching that grows your profits: Service Managers and Fixed Ops leaders — are you overlooking the easiest revenue in your entire service drive? In SDR #337, Chris Collins and Christian break down the LOW-HANGING FRUIT in Fixed Ops that instantly boosts profit, customer experience, and team efficiency — without adding techs, buying software, or spending big money. You’ll learn the exact strategies that dealerships ignore every day, including: ✅ The simplest profit opportunity in every store: technician optimization ✅ The “Petting the Dog” method that creates unforgettable customer experiences ✅ How to increase revenue FAST using your existing customers ✅ Intelligent pricing — without racing competitors to the bottom ✅ How one body shop delivered world-class service (and what dealerships must copy) ✅ A system that multiplies net profit without increasing RO count If you work in Fixed Ops, Service Management, or the Service Drive, this episode is packed with real tactics you can use today. 📌 Watch until the end — the fastest path to doubling your department’s net profit is simpler than you think. #FixedOps #ServiceDriveRevolution #ServiceManager #AutoService #DealershipLife #CustomerExperience #TechnicianLife #CarDealership #ServiceAdvisorTraining #ChrisBulldogCollins #AutoRepairBusiness 🛑 On-Demand Training For Huge Results: 🛑 Book a free 15-min discovery call for coaching that grows your profits: 🛑 Best-selling books on making your Fixed Ops a money printer: 🛑 Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR 🛑 Grab Chris's New Leadership Book I AM LEADER: https://iamleader.com
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/39433340
info_outline
SDR #336: Why Service Department Goals Fail!
12/08/2025
SDR #336: Why Service Department Goals Fail!
Most people will make resolutions, download a new app, join a gym… and quit by January 15th. In this episode of SDR #336, Chris and Christian break down why goals fail — and reveal the intentional goal-setting process they’ve used for years to hit targets in business, leadership, and life. This is the conversation every service leader needs before setting their 2026 goals. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ The #1 difference between novelty and intentionality — and why it decides who hits goals ✅ The truth about motivation: why most advisors and techs quit early ✅ How “fresh eyes” and outside coaching collapse your learning curve ✅ Why NOT hitting a goal is often harder than achieving it ✅ The real reason New Year’s resolutions fall apart ✅ How to build accountability systems that force you to level up ✅ Why 2026 will disrupt Fixed Ops — and how to protect your career ✅ How partnership goals at home directly affect performance at the dealership ✅ The mindset shift that separates high-level leaders from victims of circumstance Whether you're a Service Advisor, Service Manager, or Fixed Ops Director, this episode will show you EXACTLY how to create goals you’ll actually hit — and how to build the systems that guarantee results. If you want 2026 to be your breakthrough year, watch this episode from start to finish. Your future profits—and your future career—depend on it. #FixedOps #ServiceManager #ServiceAdvisor #DealershipLife #AutoIndustry #GoalSetting #Leadership #ChrisCollins #ServiceDriveRevolution #TechnicianTraining #MechanicLife #MindsetMatters #AutomotiveTraining #DealershipManagement #ChrisBulldogCollins 🛑 On-Demand Training For Huge Results: 🛑 Book a free 15-minute discovery call for coaching that grows your profits: 🛑 Best-selling books on making your Fixed Ops a money printer: 🛑 Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR 🛑 Grab Chris's New Leadership Book I AM LEADER:
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/39317505
info_outline
SDR #335: The Biggest Problem in Auto Dealerships No One Wants to Fix
12/01/2025
SDR #335: The Biggest Problem in Auto Dealerships No One Wants to Fix
Dealers, Service Managers, and Fixed Ops leaders: Are you frustrated with the direction of our industry? Do you feel like the people responsible for leading automotive into the future are asleep at the wheel? In SDR #335, Chris Collins unleashes one of his most honest, unfiltered rants ever — and it’s the conversation the industry needs but refuses to have. If you've ever wondered why training is weak, why profitability is inconsistent, why NADA never changes, why techs aren’t improving, why customer retention is declining, and why competitors like Tesla are stealing market share… this episode is a MUST-WATCH. In this episode, Chris and Christian break down the uncomfortable truth: Our industry is crumbling because no one is taking responsibility — not the associations, not the manufacturers, and often not the dealers. This episode exposes what’s REALLY broken, and what must happen to save automotive before it’s too late. #FixedOps #ServiceManager #DealershipLife #AutomotiveIndustry #ChrisCollins #ServiceDriveRevolution #AutoDealership #ServiceAdvisor #LeadershipDevelopment #NADA #AutomotiveTraining #ShopCulture #DealershipTraining #AutoIndustryProblems 🛑 On-Demand Training For Huge Results: 🛑 Book a free 15-minute discovery call for coaching that grows your profits: 🛑 Best-selling books on making your Fixed Ops a money printer: 🛑 Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR 🛑 Grab Chris's New Leadership Book I AM LEADER:
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/39220590
info_outline
SDR #334: TOXIC SHOP CULTURE FIX: How to Reset Your Dealership & Win Back Your Technicians
11/17/2025
SDR #334: TOXIC SHOP CULTURE FIX: How to Reset Your Dealership & Win Back Your Technicians
Service Managers and Fixed Ops leaders: Are you losing control? If you're struggling with inconsistent productivity, low technician morale, and a shop where management has lost authority, you know the stakes are high. Your culture is toxic, and it's killing your business. In this episode of SDR #334, Chris Collins and Christian deliver the essential 6-STEP BLUEPRINT for service managers ready to stop the chaos, regain authority, and rebuild a high-performance team. This process is tough, but it's the ultimate cheat code for leadership success. This episode provides the actionable strategy to fix your shop's toughest problems, including: ✅ The counter-intuitive first step: Connect before you correct. Don't try to muscle your authority back. ✅ How hiring new blood immediately signals the end of the "old regime." ✅ Transforming chaos into "Law & Order" to boost tech productivity ✅ The surprising truth: Your "grumpy" techs crave approval and acceptance more than anyone. ✅ Using Gamification and the Daily Scoreboard for instant efficiency gains and accountability. ✅ Broadening your technicians' perspective by teaching them how a financial statement works. If you are a leader dealing with a tough shop culture right now, watch this episode. Learning to fix this problem one time will be the single most valuable lesson of your management career. #ToxicShopCulture #ServiceManager #TechnicianMorale #FixedOps #ServiceAdvisor #DealershipLife #AutoRepairShop #ShopProductivity #ChrisCollins #ServiceDriveRevolution #AutomotiveLeadership #TechRetention #DealershipTraining #shopculture 🛑 On-Demand Training For Huge Results: 🛑 Book a free 15-minute. discovery call for coaching that grows your profits: 🛑 Best-selling books on making your Fixed Ops a money printer: 🛑 Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR 🛑 Grab Chris' New Leadership Book I AM LEADER:
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/39023100
info_outline
SDR #333: Your Fixed Ops Questions Answered: Surviving Bad Bosses, Broken Systems & Service Drive Problems
11/10/2025
SDR #333: Your Fixed Ops Questions Answered: Surviving Bad Bosses, Broken Systems & Service Drive Problems
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/39022965
info_outline
SDR #332: Top Dog 2025 Roundtable: Fixed Ops Leadership Lessons from the Service Drive
11/03/2025
SDR #332: Top Dog 2025 Roundtable: Fixed Ops Leadership Lessons from the Service Drive
What’s really changed in the car dealership service drive—and what hasn’t? In this special roundtable edition of SDR #332, Chris Collins and the team break down decades of experience in Fixed Ops leadership, revealing the timeless lessons every service manager and advisor needs to know. From culture to communication, this episode uncovers why the fundamentals of great leadership haven’t changed—even as technology, customer expectations, and CSI metrics evolve. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅What’s new (and what’s not) in today’s car dealership service drive ✅Why accountability and clarity still drive the best performance ✅How top-performing service departments build culture and consistency ✅Leadership takeaways from Top Dog 2025 and years of real dealership coaching ✅The #1 mindset that separates average service managers from great ones Whether you’ve been in Fixed Ops for 20 years or you’re just stepping into a management role, this roundtable gives you a clear roadmap for leading your team, improving culture, and mastering the service drive. 💬 What’s changed most in your dealership over the years? Drop a comment below — we want to hear your take! #serviceadvisortraining #fixedops #servicemanager #sdr #servicedriverevolution #chrisbulldogcollins On-Demand Training for Huge Results - Schedule a 15-minute intro call with our team to find out how Chris Collins Signature Coaching can grow your bottom line. Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR Grab Chris' New Leadership Book I AM LEADER: Grab our best selling books for your team: Your 90-Day roadmap to your best Fixed-Ops month ever starts here: Millionaire Service Advisor also includes our 11-step Circle of Trust System:
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/38894065
info_outline
SDR #331: Service Department Culture Mistakes: What’s Destroying Your Fixed Ops Team (and How to Fix It)
10/28/2025
SDR #331: Service Department Culture Mistakes: What’s Destroying Your Fixed Ops Team (and How to Fix It)
Your service department’s biggest problem might not be your advisors, your techs, or your customers—it’s your culture. In episode #331 of SDR, Chris Collins and Coach Christian expose the top seven service department culture killers that are quietly destroying dealership performance, morale, and profitability. If you’re a Service Manager or Fixed Ops Director, you’ll learn: Why unclear goals and weak leadership breed chaos How toxic and low performers destroy team morale Why most managers confuse effort with results How to rebuild your dealership culture from the ground up Plus: hear Chris’s hilarious (and painful) story of trying to get his own car serviced — and how that experience proves how broken many dealership systems really are. Whether you run a high-volume store or a small service department, this episode will help you build the culture your team deserves — and your numbers demand. #serviceadvisortraining #fixedops #servicemanager #sdr #servicedriverevolution #chrisbulldogcollins OnDemand Training FOn-Demandor Huge Results - Schedule a 15-minute intro call with our team to find out how Chris Collins Signature Coaching can grow your bottom line. Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR Grab Chris' New Leadership Book I AM LEADER: https://iamleader.com Grab our best selling books for your team: Your 90-Day roadmap to your best Fixed-Ops month ever starts here: Millionaire Service Advisor also includes our 11-step Circle of Trust System:
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/38807710
info_outline
SDR #330: Top 7 Service Advisor Pay Plan Failures
10/21/2025
SDR #330: Top 7 Service Advisor Pay Plan Failures
In SDR #330, Chris Collins, Christian Lafferty, and Hogi expose the 7 biggest pay-plan mistakes that cost dealerships money, motivation, and top talent. From overcompensating mediocrity to confusing multi-page pay structures, this episode breaks down why most Service Advisor pay plans fail — and how to rebuild yours for higher performance, retention, and CSI. You’ll learn: Why rewarding average performance destroys culture The truth about “socialistic” pooled pay systems How to build pay plans that drive results, not resentment Why changing pay plans too often kills trust The one rule for paying on what advisors can control Whether you’re a Service Manager, Fixed Ops Director, or Dealer Principal, this episode gives you the blueprint for creating a pay plan that actually motivates — and keeps your best Advisors from leaving. 👉 Watch now and learn how top dealerships pay for performance, not problems. Related episodes: SDR #325: Are You Ruining Your New Service Advisors? SDR #326: 7 Steps to Go from Service Manager to General Manager SDR #327: Are You Paying Your Technicians Enough? #serviceadvisortraining #fixedops #servicemanager #sdr #servicedriverevolution #chrisbulldogcollins #ServiceAdvisor #FixedOps #AutomotiveTraining #DealershipManagement #ServiceDrive #CarDealership #AdvisorPayPlans #ChrisCollins #AutoService #TechnicianRetention #DealerLeadership #FixedOpsGrowth On-Demand Training for Huge Results - Schedule a 15-minute intro call with our team to find out how Chris Collins Signature Coaching can grow your bottom line. Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR Grab Chris' New Leadership Book I AM LEADER: Grab our best selling books for your team: Your 90-Day roadmap to your best Fixed-Ops month ever starts here: Millionaire Service Advisor also includes our 11-step Circle of Trust System:
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/38726985
info_outline
SDR #329: The Moneyball Secret Every Service Manager Needs to Know
10/13/2025
SDR #329: The Moneyball Secret Every Service Manager Needs to Know
What's running your service department: feelings, or facts? In this episode, #329, Chris, Christian, and Hogi break down what spells success in Fixed Operations. Here's a hint: it's not tradition, and it's not the blame game. It's all about tracking the RIGHT numbers. It's like Moneyball; scouts were worried about intangibles like how a player looked, acted, or "felt," when all they needed to know was whether or not that guy got on base. Tradition, vibes, and relationships can lie; numbers don't. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. Advisor Pay Caps Kill Performance 2. How to hire techs that "get on base" 3. How to spot lies on a resume 4. Which numbers you NEED to be tracking: profitability and CSI 5. Why challenges are an unfair advantage for your Service Department 6. The recipe for a winning system in ANY dealership. If you’re a Service Manager or Fixed Ops leader tired of turnover, inconsistent results, and frustrated advisors, this episode will change the way you run your department. 🔥 Facts over feelings. Metrics over ego. That’s the Moneyball way to win in Fixed Ops. #ServiceManager #ServiceAdvisor #FixedOps #DealershipLeadership #ServiceDrive #Moneyball On-Demand Training for Huge Results - Schedule a 15-minute intro call with our team to find out how Chris Collins Signature Coaching can grow your bottom line. Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR Grab Chris' New Leadership Book I AM LEADER: Grab our best selling books for your team: Your 90-Day roadmap to your best Fixed-Ops month ever starts here: Millionaire Service Advisor also includes our 11-step Circle of Trust System:
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/38529505
info_outline
SDR #328: How Great Leaders Keep Technicians and Advisors from Quitting
10/08/2025
SDR #328: How Great Leaders Keep Technicians and Advisors from Quitting
Why do good technicians and advisors leave—and what makes them stay? In SDR #328, Chris Collins and Christian sit down with author of I Love It Here and the “Undercover Millennial,” who has interviewed over 11,000 employees undercover to find the truth about retention. Here’s what they discovered: it’s not just about money. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why employees quit managers, not jobs - The status interview every Service Manager should run before an exit interview - How culture, mentorship, and recognition outperform pay raises - The leadership shift that turns churn into long-term loyalty If you’re serious about keeping your best techs and advisors, this episode gives you the playbook. #ServiceManager #FixedOps #TechnicianRetention #ServiceDrive #CarDealership #Leadership #EmployeeRetention
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/38480115
info_outline
SDR #327: Are You Paying Your Techs Enough?
10/08/2025
SDR #327: Are You Paying Your Techs Enough?
Are your technicians leaving for $2 more an hour—or is there a deeper reason? In SDR #327, Chris & Christian break down why tech retention has less to do with pay plans and everything to do with leadership, systems, and culture. Most dealerships ask the wrong question: “Am I paying my techs enough?” The real question is, “Have I built an environment where great techs want to stay?” In this episode, you’ll discover: - Why weak Service Advisors are the #1 reason techs quit - How broken systems (lost keys, bad dispatch, weak processes) drive top performers out - The role Parts Departments play in technician retention - Why training and mentorship are non-negotiable for long-term success - How shop culture impacts CSI, retention, and customer-pay hours - Leadership lessons that prove: he or she who has the most techs, wins If you’re a Service Manager or Fixed Ops leader worried about turnover, flat ROs, and frustrated technicians, this episode is your blueprint for fixing the real problem—not just raising pay. 🔥 Build systems. Train advisors. Protect culture. That’s how you keep your best techs.
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/38461645
info_outline
SDR #326: 7 Steps to Go from Service Manager to General Manager
09/22/2025
SDR #326: 7 Steps to Go from Service Manager to General Manager
How do you make the leap from Service Manager to General Manager? In SDR #326, Chris & Christian lay out the 7 key steps every ambitious Fixed Ops leader needs to follow if they want to run the whole dealership. Most Service Managers get stuck because they only think about their department. But the path to GM requires mastering leadership, profitability, culture, and dealership-wide strategy. In this episode, you’ll learn exactly what separates managers who stay in the service lane from those who rise to the top. We also cover: - The mindset shift every Service Manager needs before becoming GM - Why controlling hours per RO and gross profit isn’t enough - How to think like an owner, not just a department head - The importance of recruiting, coaching, and culture-building daily - Industry news, leadership lessons, and Top Dog updates Whether you’re just starting to think about your next step—or you’re actively gunning for the GM seat—this episode gives you a roadmap to get there. If you want more than just survival in Fixed Ops… if you want to run the whole show… this is the playbook. #ServiceManager #FixedOps #CarDealership #AutomotiveLeadership #ServiceDrive OnDemand Training For Huge Results - Schedule a 15-minute intro call with our team to find out how Chris Collins Signature Coaching can grow your bottom line. Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR Grab Chris' New Leadership Book I AM LEADER: Grab our best selling books for your team: Your 90-Day roadmap to your best Fixed-Ops month ever starts here: Millionaire Service Advisor also includes our 11-step Circle of Trust System:
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/38242740
info_outline
SDR #325: Are YOU Ruining Your New Service Advisors?
09/15/2025
SDR #325: Are YOU Ruining Your New Service Advisors?
When is a new service advisor really ready? In SDR #325, Chris & Christian break down training timelines, feedback loops, and why rushing onboarding ruins more advisors than it helps. Plus, industry updates on Ford recalls, Nissan’s struggles, and more. We also tackle one of the most common questions in the service drive: how long does it actually take to get a new service advisor up to speed? Is it 6 months? A year? Or is there no set timeline at all? Chris & Christian also reveal why “one-size-fits-all” training doesn’t work—and how dealerships can create smarter onboarding systems that build confidence, boost CSI, and keep advisors around for the long haul. We also cover: - Why there’s no universal timeline for training advisors - How feedback loops and gradual workload increases build lasting success - Leadership lessons on hosting, culture, and Top Dog Live prep - Industry news: Nissan plant closure, Ford F-150 recall, and rising brand loyalty If you’re serious about building a high-performing service team—and want to avoid burning out new hires before they’re ready—you won’t want to miss this one. #ServiceDriveRevolution #DealershipLife #AdvisorTraining #FixedOps #ChrisCollins #TopDogLive Offers on Training and Books in Description Below ⬇⬇⬇ OnDemand Training For Huge Results - Schedule a 15-minute intro call with our team to find out how Chris Collins Signature Coaching can grow your bottom line. Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR Grab Chris' New Leadership Book I AM LEADER: Grab our best selling books for your team: Your 90-Day roadmap to your best Fixed-Ops month ever starts here: Millionaire Service Advisor also includes our 11-step Circle of Trust System:
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/38184440
info_outline
SDR #324: What To Do When Customers Say, "NO!"
09/08/2025
SDR #324: What To Do When Customers Say, "NO!"
In this episode of Service Drive Revolution, we dig into a hot-button topic in the service lane: what to do when customers say "NO!" Should advisors really be trained to overcome objections? Or is that outdated sales tactic actually hurting CSI, retention, and long-term profitability? We share stories from real dealership experiences—including a Range Rover service visit—and reveal why the way most advisors are taught to handle a “no” is broken. Instead of teaching advisors to push harder, we break down how to build trust, create "key-thrower" customers, and design systems that prevent objections in the first place. We also cover: ✅ The big announcement for Top Dog Live (October 23–24 in Los Angeles, with Chris Voss (Never Split the Difference) ✅ Why alignments, inspections, and advisor write-up systems make or break customer trust ✅ Real talk on recalls, dealer inventory shortages, and the reality of $5,000 mirrors ✅ Why treating symptoms (like “overcoming objections”) will never fix your dealership’s real problems If you’re serious about running a more profitable, customer-focused service drive—and want to stop losing customers because advisors are taught bad habits—you need to hear this one. #ServiceDriveRevolution #DealershipLife #AdvisorTraining #CustomerExperience #ChrisCollins #TopDogLive #NeverSplitTheDifference Offers on Training and Books in Description Below ⬇⬇⬇ OnDemand Training For Huge Results - Schedule a 15-minute intro call with our team to find out how Chris Collins Signature Coaching can grow your bottom line. Got a question? Call us at 1-833-3-ASK-SDR Grab Chris' New Leadership Book I AM LEADER: Grab our best selling books for your team: Your 90-Day roadmap to your best Fixed-Ops month ever starts here: Millionaire Service Advisor also includes our 11-step Circle of Trust System:
/episode/index/show/chriscollins/id/38105090
Warning: file_get_contents(): SSL: Connection reset by peer in /etc/libsyn/libsyn.hg/directory/application/controllers/ShowsController.php on line 85
Warning: file_get_contents(): Failed to enable crypto in /etc/libsyn/libsyn.hg/directory/application/controllers/ShowsController.php on line 85
Warning: file_get_contents(https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/platform/directory/svg-icons/googlePodcasts-logo.svg): failed to open stream: operation failed in /etc/libsyn/libsyn.hg/directory/application/controllers/ShowsController.php on line 85