The Jaded Mechanic

09/09/2026

Mobile repair has opened the door for a lot of talented technicians to build a business on their own terms.

And there's nothing wrong with wanting flexibility, setting your own schedule, or choosing a different path than a traditional brick-and-mortar shop.

But flexibility doesn't automatically equal experience.

There's a big difference between choosing the mobile model because it fits your lifestyle and choosing it because you couldn't succeed in a traditional shop.

You can't spend a few years working out of a parking lot and automatically claim you're equal to a technician or shop that has spent decades building experience, investing in equipment, training, processes, and a reputation.

Being cheaper doesn't make you better.

And being mobile doesn't make you worse, either.

The standard should be simple: Can you do the work? Can you diagnose the problem? Can you stand behind what you do?

Your business model doesn't determine your skill level. Your ability, experience, and results do.

09/08/2026

Well, this was a good one.

I sat down with Ben and Jenna from 3Ts Automotive to talk about what it’s really like running a busy mobile repair business as a couple, and trying to build something worthwhile in this crazy online world. And of course, we got into YouTube and social media. Seems like everybody’s got an opinion these days. The biggest thing I took away from the conversation is simple: take care of the business first and worry about the internet second.

Do good work, take care of your customers, don’t let the trolls get to you, and stay focused on your own path.

Good people and a good conversation. Give this one a listen.

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Ben and Jenna of 3Ts Automotiv...

09/08/2026

We love power couples in our industry. Sometimes we forget that behind most superstar businesses isn't a sole proprietor but a partnership. Todays guests are one of those power couples. We had to bring back Ben Dellaria from 3ts Mobile for another episode and this time his lovely wife Jenna joined us to share her experiences both good and bad working on the roads doing their mobile repair business. From battling the hot humid temperatures in south Florida to navigating the challenges of customers walking up to you as you're working on the vehicle it's always exciting and interesting. Ever looked at a job and said WTF why did I agree to this on a Monday morning? Ben and Jenna go through all the same challenges we do in shops they just get to battle traffic between work orders. I wish they were joining us at ASTA Expo but they're trying to close out 2026 on record highs prepping for a family wedding but 2027 they're hoping to join us at several industry events. So we're slowly building the recording schedule for ASTA which is only 2 weeks away so if you wanna share your story with the world now is the time to reach out to me and get your spot booked in Raleigh.

The Jaded Mechanic Podcast · Episode

09/05/2026

Efficiency isn't about rushing through a diagnosis. It's about knowing when to use the resources available to you.

In this environment, technicians have a defined diagnostic window, access to technical support, and a process for escalating difficult problems when they hit a wall.

That's what a strong system looks like.

You give the technician the time and resources to diagnose the problem properly, but you also have accountability around efficiency. If the issue can't be solved within the expected window, there is a support structure to help move the diagnosis forward.

The goal isn't to punish a technician for getting stuck. It's to make sure they aren't struggling alone when the right resources are available.

Good processes create better technicians, better efficiency, and better outcomes.

09/04/2026

What if technicians were the ones selling their own work?

When the technician who diagnosed the problem can explain the repair directly to the customer, it creates a different kind of experience. There's no middleman translating the diagnosis, and the customer can ask questions and get answers from the person who actually understands the vehicle.

It can also make the process more efficient. The technician knows the repair, builds the estimate, explains the recommendations, and can have a direct conversation with the customer about what needs to happen next.

A good service advisor can absolutely add value, but there are situations where putting the technician directly in front of the customer creates more trust and a more personal experience.

Sometimes the person best equipped to explain the repair is the person who diagnosed it.

09/03/2026

Flat rate can look great on paper when you're hearing from the technicians who consistently flag 10 to 12 hours a day.

But those technicians are the outliers.

There are plenty of skilled technicians who experience slow weeks, limited work, difficult diagnostic jobs, or days where eight hours is a good day. When your paycheck depends on the amount of work coming through the door, those slow periods can hit hard.

For a young technician trying to pay for tools, build a family, or buy a home, that uncertainty can be enough to make them look at another trade and say, "Why am I doing this?"

That's how we lose talented people.

If we want to keep technicians in this industry, we have to take a serious look at how compensation, training, and career growth work together.

The goal shouldn't just be getting people into the trade. It should be giving them a reason to stay.

09/02/2026

A strong shop culture is one of the most valuable things a business can build.

When technicians want to step into leadership roles from within the shop, that's a powerful sign that the culture is working. It means people care about protecting what they've built together.

It also shows why promoting from within can be so effective. An experienced technician who has already earned the respect of the team doesn't have to start from zero. They understand the work, the people, and the culture.

As technicians gain experience or begin looking for a different role, don't overlook the leadership potential already sitting in your shop.

Sometimes the best person to lead the team is the person who has already earned their trust.

09/01/2026

The automotive industry gets plenty of attention, but the ag side of the trade has its own problems, too. In this episode, Jeff sits down with Tanner Waters, a field and shop technician from rural Montana, to talk about working on tractors, combines, hay equipment, and all the headaches that come with keeping that stuff running. They get into diagnostics, pay plans, apprenticeships, shop culture, leadership, training, and why good technicians are leaving the trade. They also talk about EVs, right to repair, and where things are headed. Lots of good information in this one. Might be worth your time to give it a listen.

In this episode, Jeff Compton talks with Tanner Waters, a field and...

09/01/2026

Whats everyone think about this video from our friends at Royalty Auto Service ? Do you think it'd be handled the same if it wasn't a shop with a huge online following? There's entirely too much division in this industry. No one's even close to being perfect.

Big Nasty Air Hammer: https://amzn.to/4he0ZLjOur Affiliate Store:...

09/01/2026

Country music legend Joe Diffie had a hit song back in the 90s titled John Deere Green and no doubt some of the older listeners in the audience probably bought the cassette. No doubt it influenced more then one young wrench. This week's guest Tanner Watters grew up with a John Deere on the family farm and loves his career working at a John Deere dealership in Montana. As a field service tech for Deere Tanner has seen some weather out in the field and faced some pretty daunting diagnostic and repair challenges but he raves about how his dealership shop culture is paramount for his success coming up. His shop has phenomenal culture and Tanner loves working for John Deere in that dealership. This was a really fun conversation as we wound up talking about both of our childhoods, old school MMA, some of the YouTube social media influences in the auto repair space and how we spend our free time away from the shop. Tanners current project at home is building an ice hut. Yeah who would've ever thought it wouldn't be the Canadian host that loved ice fishing. So if you're wanting to have a conversation with me we'll be at ASTA Expo in a few short weeks doing interviews and as always we're always recording here remotely. So reach out to me and share your story with everyone.

The Jaded Mechanic Podcast · Episode