Beyond the Wrench

EXPLORE

Society & Culture

© 2024 PodJoint

https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts211/v4/0f/7c/e1/0f7ce126-1959-c7cd-ede9-86d8a2f95038/mza_8568415718952582029.jpg/600x600bb.jpg

Beyond the Wrench

Jay Goninen

295 episodes

6 days ago

Steve Johnson and Larry Dixon Jr., legendary drag racers, join us to share their paths in racing and how they’re helping inspire the next generation of automotive enthusiasts and technicians. During the episode, Steve and Larry share their racing journeys, why everyone in life needs mentors, and how the BAT-man Scholarship supports future technicians. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuests: Steve Jo...

Show more...

All content for Beyond the Wrench is the property of Jay Goninen and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Steve Johnson and Larry Dixon Jr., legendary drag racers, join us to share their paths in racing and how they’re helping inspire the next generation of automotive enthusiasts and technicians. During the episode, Steve and Larry share their racing journeys, why everyone in life needs mentors, and how the BAT-man Scholarship supports future technicians. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuests: Steve Jo...

Show more...

Episodes (20/295)

Beyond the Wrench

What’s Ahead for WrenchWay in 2026

Mark Wilson, Co-Founder & CEO of WrenchWay, joins us to recap 2025 and share what’s ahead for WrenchWay in 2026. They discuss the growing partnership with ASE and the launch of ASE Connects, efforts to collect better technician data, and key wins and losses from the past year. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Mark Wilson, WrenchWay, mark@wrenchway.com Links & Resources Get notifie...

1 week ago

1 hour 1 minute

Beyond the Wrench

How Racing Legends Inspire Future Technicians

Steve Johnson and Larry Dixon Jr., legendary drag racers, join us to share their paths in racing and how they’re helping inspire the next generation of automotive enthusiasts and technicians. During the episode, Steve and Larry share their racing journeys, why everyone in life needs mentors, and how the BAT-man Scholarship supports future technicians. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuests: Steve Jo...

3 weeks ago

1 hour 3 minutes

Beyond the Wrench

Proactively Growing the Industry’s Technician Pipeline

Lew Olivier, Director of Outreach at the MN State Transportation Center of Excellence, joins us to discuss growing the next generation of technicians. Lew explains how events like Nitro-X spark student interest in technical careers, what shops can do as a first step to get involved with schools, and how small actions today can have a lasting impact on the technician workforce. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@w...

4 weeks ago

1 hour 4 minutes

Beyond the Wrench

Raising the Standards & Respect for the Repair Industry

Ryan Kooiman, Director of Training at Standard Motor Products, joins us to talk about banding together to raise the professional standards in the repair industry. He covers the balance between technical curiosity and shop profitability, the importance of credentials like ASEs, and why mentorship is better for the industry than making young techs learn “the hard way." Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.c...

1 month ago

1 hour 2 minutes

Beyond the Wrench

Taking Technical Skills Beyond the Bay

John Melendez, Owner of JDM Collision, discusses the immense value of carrying technical skills into management and other industry roles. He covers his evolution from technician to industry leader, the lasting impact of effective mentorship on the next generation, and how leveraging certifications directly drives higher pay. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: John Melendez, JDM Collision, john@j...

1 month ago

1 hour 2 minutes

Beyond the Wrench

Building Trust Between Shops & Customers

Marc Poulsen, National Accounts Manager, shares how AutoNet TV helps shops build trust with customers and why it’s essential. Learn why showcasing ASE-certified technicians matters, the public’s misconceptions about the technician role, and the challenges of explaining maintenance and complex repairs to customers. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Marc Poulsen, AutoNet TV, mpoulsen@autonettv.co...

1 month ago

59 minutes

Beyond the Wrench

Building Future Technicians with Tom Wood University

Bill Demaree and Aaron Blount join us to share how Tom Wood University brings high school students into the dealership for hands-on automotive learning. They discuss the “why” behind the program, the importance of ownership support in building a marketplace of future technicians, and how they structure the curriculum to prepare students for real-world success in the industry. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wren...

1 month ago

59 minutes

Beyond the Wrench

Who Is Jay Goninen? The Man Behind Beyond the Wrench

In this special episode, the tables turn as Beyond the Wrench host Jay Goninen takes the hot seat! Guest host and longtime friend Josh Arnold, a technician himself, interviews Jay about his roots in the family auto shop, the journey to co-founding WrenchWay, and his favorite memories from the last five years of hosting Beyond the Wrench. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Josh Arnold, Subaru Senior Master Technician, Connect on LinkedInGuest:...

2 months ago

49 minutes

Beyond the Wrench

Free Soft Skills Training for Future Technicians by RockED + WrenchWay

Chris Craig from RockED joins WrenchWay to discuss their partnership offering free soft skills training to schools and students. They talk about why soft skills matter for today’s technicians, what training is available on the RockED app, and how schools and students can get free access to the training. View the full webinar video and slides About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Chris Craig, RockED, chris.craig@rocked.us Links & Resources Get notified ...

2 months ago

55 minutes

Beyond the Wrench

From Med School to Founding Tekmetric: Lessons in Leadership

Sunil Patel shares how his path from medical school to shop owner to Founder and CEO of Tekmetric shaped his approach to leadership. He discusses how a personal shop struggle inspired Tekmetric, why staying focused on your vertical drives success, and the leadership lessons he’s learned building a platform for automotive repair shops nationwide. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Sunil Patel, Te...

2 months ago

58 minutes

Beyond the Wrench

Hiring Under 18: Lessons From a Shop That Does It Right

John Perez, Sr. Director of Talent Acquisition at Sonic Automotive, shares how they built a junior apprenticeship program for students under 18. From earning executive buy-in to keeping kids safe in the shop, John breaks down how they’re developing the next generation of technicians by starting earlier than most. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: John Perez, Sonic Automotive, john.perez@sonicau...

2 months ago

1 hour 2 minutes

Beyond the Wrench

Inside the Evolving SEMA Show 2025

Tom Gattuso, Vice President of Events at SEMA, shares a behind-the-scenes look at planning the SEMA Show 2025. He talks about how the show continues to evolve, what goes into making it run smoothly, and his best advice for first-time attendees. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Tom Gattuso, SEMA, tomg@sema.org Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions Links & Resources Get notified ...

3 months ago

1 hour 4 minutes

Beyond the Wrench

Milwaukee Pipeline Series: A Look at the New Impact Wrench & Ratchet

Eric Rusch, Director of Product Marketing at Milwaukee Tool, breaks down two exciting new products technicians will love—the M12 FUEL™ Subcompact Impact Wrench and the M12 FUEL™ Gen 2 Ratchet—live at the Milwaukee Pipeline 2025 event. He shares key product features, how Milwaukee Tool has evolved to meet industry needs, and why it’s so rewarding to see these tools come to life for mechanics. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, Wren...

3 months ago

27 minutes

Beyond the Wrench

Milwaukee Pipeline Series: Solving Shop Lighting Challenges

Jason Issacs, Director of Product Marketing at Milwaukee Tool, dives into shop lighting—how Milwaukee Tool develops durable products, key lighting solutions for technicians, and advice on the best lights for those just starting their careers. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Jason Issacs, Milwaukee Tool Links & Resources Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list About Wrenc...

3 months ago

46 minutes

Beyond the Wrench

Milwaukee Pipeline Series: Transitioning From Technician to Shop Owner

Recorded live at Milwaukee Pipeline 2025, Chris Enright—Founder & Owner of Enright Automotive and content creator—shares his journey from technician to shop owner and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, we dive into making the transition from tech to owner, the ROI of technician training, the power of clear communication, and more. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Chris Enr...

3 months ago

46 minutes

Beyond the Wrench

Milwaukee Pipeline Series: Hand Tools Designed with Technicians in Mind

Recorded live at the Milwaukee Pipeline 2025 event, Leah Balto, Group Manager of Product Marketing at Milwaukee Tool, joins host Jay Goninen to walk us through Milwaukee’s latest hand tool kits, explain how the team studies technicians in real-world settings to inspire smarter innovations, and share how Milwaukee Tool is investing in solutions that support technicians’ long-term health. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay...

3 months ago

43 minutes

Beyond the Wrench

Webinar Replay: Building Effective Educational Partnerships

In this recorded webinar, Tom Wozniak, Diesel Instructor at Madison College, and John Gustafson, Shop Owner at Gustafson Brothers, share both the school and shop perspectives on building stronger partnerships. They discuss where shops should start, how to get the most out of advisory committees, the importance of consistency, and the power of serving on school boards to be a voice for the industry. Watch the full recording here: https://wrenchway.com/events/back-to-school-building-effective-...

4 months ago

1 hour 2 minutes

Beyond the Wrench

When Service Advisors Put Technicians First, Everyone Wins

Rena Rennebohm, CEO of Empowered Advisor, shares why shops thrive when service advisors put technicians first. With years of experience coaching advisors, Rena explains how stronger collaboration between advisors and technicians leads to better shop culture and performance. She also dives into challenges such as high service advisor turnover, the lack of respect advisors often face, and why she believes nearly 50% of shops are short-staffed at the front. Check out the full video version of th...

4 months ago

1 hour 1 minute

Beyond the Wrench

Leading with Accountability & Influence

In this episode, Dave Anderson, President of Learn to Lead, gives leaders actionable strategies for handling tough situations while earning trust and respect. He shares practical advice on holding even high-performing team members accountable, making confrontation conversational, and avoiding the loss of credibility. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Dave Anderson, Learn to Lead, dave@learntole...

4 months ago

59 minutes

Beyond the Wrench

Turning Wrenches for the Secret Service

Lenny Fumarolo shares his journey from working in NASCAR to becoming a Protective Armored Specialist for the United States Secret Service (USSS). He breaks down how others can follow in his footsteps, what daily repairs and maintenance look like in such a high-security role, and how tools, uniforms, and the overall environment differ from typical shops. Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube! About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Lenny A...

4 months ago

1 hour 15 minutes