Ratchet+Wrench Radio

CPA Nick Papakyrikos joins Ratchet+Wrench Radio host Christine Schaffran for Episode 1 of a three-part series on why busy shops still struggle financially, what private equity sees in the industry, and how shop owners can build lasting wealth instead of burnout.

Seventy-five breakout sessions. Role-based tracks for owners, advisors, and technicians. Big-name keynotes. A coaching debate on one stage. Dedicated technical training on EV service, ADAS calibration, direct injection systems, and new refrigerants. Tektonic 2026 isn’t about theory—it’s about results. In this conversation, Tekmetric owner Sunil Patel explains why hard work isn’t enough, why systems win, and why Houston in April could be the reset button ambitious shop owners have been looking for.

Tariffs, inflation, and rising labor costs are putting real pressure on shop margins right now—and I know a lot of shop owners are asking how to recover those costs without upsetting customers. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, I sit down with payments expert Randy Motos to break down surcharging: what it is, how it works, what the compliance rules really are, and why “freedom of choice” at checkout is becoming a go-to strategy for shops looking to offset credit card fees while protecting customer trust.

Full bays don’t always mean healthy profits. In this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, host Christine Schaffran sits down with Hunt Demarest, CPA, partner at Paar, Melis & Associates, and author of Beyond the Bays, to unpack why so many shop owners feel busy but broke—and what they can do about it. From cash vs. profit confusion to overlooked financial fundamentals, Hunt explains how better understanding your numbers can change the trajectory of your business.

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your goals—but how you’re framing them? On this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, Chris Messer, vice president of transportation at Endeavor Business Media, sits down with Mike Jones, president of Discover Leadership, alongside editorial director Chris Jones for a powerful conversation on fighting forward. From personal growth to shop performance, they unpack why focusing on what you want—rather than what you’re trying to avoid—can change your results, your culture, and your leadership impact. If you want a mindset shift that leads to real, lasting change, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.