The NOLN Podcast

Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft with Ron Katz

In many ways, our cars are our lifeline. Our cars get us to work, and allow us to drop our children off at school. When something goes wrong, it can cause a domino effect. As catalytic converter theft remains a prominent issue across the country, many drivers are being left in a lurch. But shop owners have an opportunity to make a difference.  Midas franchisee Ron Katz has been offering services to customers in an effort to deter thieves from stealing catalytic converters. He joins the show to discuss his strategy and the impact it has had on his shops and his community. To learn more about the free VIN etching event Katz held over the summer, click to read "Carving Out Customer Care" from the October 2022 issue of NOLN. Thanks to Valvoline for sponsoring this episode of The NOLN Podcast. Visit this site to learn more.  Subscribe to The NOLN Podcast and visit noln.net for more content. Follow NOLN on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.  

Hiring Strategies for 2023 with Claudia St. John

Happy New Year from National Oil and Lube News!  While it may be too soon to determine exactly what 2023 will bring, it isn't too early to start tackling your to-do list. If you are looking to bring some fresh talent onto your team this year, then you're not alone. New employees are on the mind of many shop owners, but the hiring process can be difficult to navigate without the right procedures in place.   Claudia St. John is the president of HR Affinity Group. She has provided key insight for multiple stories in NOLN about hiring, interviewing, human resources and more. She joins the show to discuss the hiring outlook for 2023, and how shop owners can best equip themselves for success as employers.   Thanks to Valvoline for sponsoring this episode of The NOLN Podcast. Visit this site to learn more.  Subscribe to The NOLN Podcast and visit noln.net for more content. Follow NOLN on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.     

Joanna Johnson on the Hyundai Kia Oil Drain Pan Investigation

In October 2022, it was announced that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation into Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motor Company for oil drain pan assemblies. This NHTSA investigation was spurred by a petition that was put together by the Automotive Oil Change Association in July 2022.   Joanna Johnson is a policy advisor for the AOCA. She joins the show to explain the importance of the petition as well as the research that was put into it. Additionally, she discusses what exactly this NHTSA investigation is and why service providers and their customers should be paying attention to it.   Subscribe to the NOLN Podcast and visit noln.net for more content. Follow NOLN on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.  

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Yoshino Power on Solid-State Batteries

The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo provides an annual opportunity to explore the latest and greatest that the industry has to offer.  This year at AAPEX, NOLN had the chance to check out some new technology firsthand through a conversation with Vince Caito, VP of marketing and product development at Yoshino Power.  Yoshino recently debuted a solid-state lithium ion portable battery. During this interview with NOLN, you'll hear Caito outline the technology behind this portable battery generator, why it matters to the automotive aftermarket and how it contributes to the greater electric vehicle conversation. 

Kevin Davis on Industry Resources and Relationships

Building your toolkit and building your network are two tasks that go hand-in-hand as a quick lube owner and operator. Kevin Davis of the Quick Lube Expert visits the NOLN Podcast to discuss strategies for taking advantage of industry resources and shaping relationships with your peers. 

Bill Hanvey on How to Navigate Ongoing R2R Landscape

In this interview from NOLN's sister publication ADAPT Automotive, Senior Digital Editor Noah Brown speaks with Auto Care Association President Bill Hanvey about how shops can promote education surrounding the Right to Repair issue. In addition, Hanvey touches on some of the topics that will be addressed at this year's ADAPT Summit in Dallas, Texas. Learn more about the ADAPT: Automotive Technology Summit here. 

FullSpeed Automotive Plans Stores for the Future

FullSpeed Automotive recently announced plans for a "Store of the Future" model that promotes an enhanced customer experience, implements more technology, and gives quick lube buildings a fresh look.  Ron Stilwell, Chief Development Officer at FullSpeed, joins the show to discuss the plans for this store model in greater detail with Digital Reporter Hanna Bubser.

The Alamitos Group is Jiffy Lube’s Franchisee of the Year

Implementing a strategy for success in this industry can go a long way. Despite any obstacles, when the hard work pays off there is no better satisfaction.  Mike Biddle, Chief Operations Officer and Partner at The Alamitos Group, joins the show to speak with Digital Reporter Hanna Bubser about the Group recently being crowned Jiffy Lube's "Franchisee of the Year". Biddle outlines some of the challenges and successes that the last several years have brought upon the industry, as well as how The Alamitos Group has navigated it all. 

FullSpeed Automotive Preparing for EV Services

Over the last several months, several major quick oil and maintenance brands have started to rollout services specifically developed for electric vehicles, and now FullSpeed Automotive is joining the ranks. FullSpeed Automotive CEO Kevin Kormondy joins the show today to talk about why the company thinks now is the time to jump into EVs and how he sees the overall car parc evolving over the next several decades.