In this episode, Ryan Burton opens up about how Leads Near Me has built a thriving team and culture that directly drives results for auto repair shops across North America.Ryan shares the company’s mission — “connecting great shops with great customers with the greatest of ease” — and then dives into how they make it happen: recruiting strategies, assessment tools, interviews with multiple team members, and an open-door culture that makes employees feel like owners.You’ll also hear:Why hiring isn’t just about skills but about staying power and fitHow assessments like TestGorilla and Kolbe help filter candidatesThe importance of employee ownership in language (“we” instead of “they”)Why culture, care, and values lead to better service for customersThis episode is perfect for business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs who want to learn how to attract, retain, and inspire a winning team.
Aug 26, 2025
9 min
From Dirt Floors to a Thriving Auto Empire: The Inspiring Journey of A1 Automotive’s Kendall Warnock
Join host Ryan Burton on the High Gear Podcast as he sits down with Kendall Warnock, owner of A1 Automotive in Lincoln, Nebraska. Kendall’s story begins on the dirt floors of a reservation shop and follows his journey to building a multimillion-dollar automotive business—all driven by an unwavering commitment to faith, family, and community.In this episode, Kendall shares the personal discipline strategies that keep him at peak performance, insights into creating an outstanding customer experience, and why giving back to the community is at the core of A1 Automotive’s success. From discussing the challenges of opening a second 12-bay location to highlighting the power of team vision boards, Kendall offers actionable tips and genuine inspiration for shop owners and entrepreneurs alike. Don’t miss this honest and heartfelt conversation on transforming obstacles into opportunities and building a business that truly serves people.
Jan 13, 2025
50 min
In this episode of the High Gear Podcast Ryan Burton takes a deep dive into the intersection of artificial intelligence and Google Ads. As one of the leading voices in Google Ads for auto repair shops, Ryan shares invaluable insights on: • How Google’s long-standing AI capabilities have evolved over time • The current limitations of AI in managing campaigns, especially in industries like auto repair • Why human expertise remains crucial to ensure campaign success • How to avoid falling for AI-driven sales pitches that overpromise and underdeliverIf you’re navigating the world of AI and digital marketing, this episode will help you separate the hype from reality and make better decisions for your business.
Jan 3, 2025
6 min
In this special episode of the High Gear Podcast, we bring you the audio from Carrie Lynn Rodenberg’s keynote session at the High Gear Conference 2024, held on November 15th.Carrie, the CEO and Founder of Turnkey Marketing, shares her expert insights in “Millionaire Maker: Marketing Cheat Sheet”, a session packed with strategies to help auto repair shop owners elevate their marketing efforts and drive growth.In this episode, you’ll learn: • How to apply marketing psychology to connect with customers and increase results • The importance of building a “marketing web” for consistent visibility • Practical steps to increase car count and revenueWith over a decade of experience and $250 million in managed client revenue, Carrie’s advice is a game-changer for shop owners looking to thrive in today’s competitive market.Listen now and take your business to the next level.
Jan 1, 2025
46 min
In this episode of the High Gear Podcast, we’re thrilled to feature Justin Rae, Founder and CEO of Cinch, as he takes the stage at the High Gear Conference 2024 in Atlanta. Tune in to hear Justin’s compelling insights on “Using Customer Data to Your Benefit.”Discover how to harness the power of data to elevate your customer relationships, streamline operations, and drive business growth. Justin dives deep into the future of AI and automation in the auto repair industry, explores predictive analytics, and shares practical strategies to turn data into a competitive advantage.Whether you’re looking to improve retention marketing, enrich customer interactions, or future-proof your shop, this episode is packed with value you won’t want to miss!
Dec 31, 2024
49 min
In this episode, we’re bringing you the incredible keynote session from Steve Lerch, a former Google executive, recorded live at the High Gear Conference on November 16th, 2024.Steve dives deep into the evolving world of marketing and how businesses can adapt to capture the attention of today’s modern consumers. From TikTok trends to leveraging tools like Google Trends, Steve shares actionable strategies and real-world examples to help businesses thrive in the digital era.Highlights include:-Understanding modern consumer behavior and decision-making.-Using humor, relevance, and authenticity to connect with your audience.-Leveraging digital tools and platforms to maximize engagement.This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, marketers, and anyone looking to future-proof their business strategy.📢 Tune in now to learn how to transform your marketing approach and stay ahead of the curve!
Dec 28, 2024
47 min
In this solo episode, Ryan Burton, founder of Leads Near Me, creator of the High Gear Conference, and author of High Gear: Marketing Strategies for Auto Repair Shops, dives into the topic of broadcast media in the modern marketing landscape. Is radio and television advertising still viable as we head into 2025? Ryan explores the challenges and opportunities these traditional platforms offer, sharing insights on targeting, creative messaging, and cost considerations.Tune in for actionable advice, a touch of nostalgia from Ryan’s radio days, and a clear perspective on whether broadcast media deserves a spot in your marketing strategy. Don’t forget to grab your copy of High Gear: Marketing Strategies for Auto Repair Shops at highgearbook.com.High Gear Podcast: Your pit stop for marketing wisdom and strategies to drive your business forward.
Dec 27, 2024
6 min
This is the audio from a Keynote at the High Gear Conference 2024 in Atlanta by Ryan Burton. Join us for this inspiring address, as Ryan CEO of Leads Near Me and author of High Gear - Marketing Strategies for Auto Repair Shops. Delivered at the 2024 High Gear Conference in Atlanta, Ryan dives deep into why marketing is more than strategy—it's art. Discover how creativity, innovation, and passion can elevate your business to new heights.This year’s High Gear Conference, held November 14-16, brought together 20 top-tier speakers in marketing and business development. Experts shared actionable insights, transformative ideas, and tools to help businesses thrive in a competitive landscape.Whether you're a marketer, entrepreneur, or business owner, Ryan’s keynote will leave you inspired and ready to take your marketing game to the next level.Want more insights? Visit highgearconference.com to explore the event highlights, learn about our exceptional speakers, and stay updated for next year’s conference.Subscribe to our channel for more exclusive content from the High Gear Conference.
Dec 21, 2024
20 min
Join Aaron Stokes, the visionary founder of Shop Fix Academy and a successful shop owner, as he delivers a captivating presentation at the High Gear Conference in Atlanta on November 15th, 2024. In this insightful session, Aaron shares his expertise on how every aspect of your business can be leveraged as a powerful marketing tool.Drawing on his extensive experience and success in the automotive industry, Aaron reveals practical strategies and techniques that can transform your shop into a marketing powerhouse. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry's leading experts and unlock the full potential of your marketing efforts. Watch the full presentation here and discover how to turn your shop into a marketing machine.
Dec 19, 2024
52 min
Join Carolyn Coquillette, founder of Shopware and Earthling Automotive, as she delivers a thought-provoking keynote from the High Gear Conference 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Carolyn dives deep into the evolving landscape of electric vehicles (EVs), market trends, and how auto repair businesses can adapt to the rise of EVs and hybrids.In this episode, you’ll hear about: • The growing impact of EVs across different U.S. markets. • Key data points on EV-to-gas vehicle ratios by state. • Insights into Tesla’s market dominance and its implications for repair shops. • The importance of leveraging local market data to make informed business decisions. • Challenges and opportunities for auto shops entering the EV repair space.Whether you’re an auto shop owner, technician, or industry enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable advice and strategies to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.
Dec 18, 2024
32 min
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