From Technician to Shop Owner: The Challenges You Never Saw Coming [THA 507]

Watch Full Video Episode You can be great at diagnosing vehicles and still struggle to make money owning an auto repair shop. What does it take to make the transition from skilled technician to successful business owner? At the ASTA Expo 2026 in Raleigh, NC, Rick White, founder of 180BIZ, reconnects with Dan Hensel, owner of Amton Auto and Truck Repair, to reflect on nearly 30 years of mentorship, hard lessons, and professional growth. Along the way, Rick and Dan explore the value of honest feedback, the discomfort that comes with personal growth, and why accepting guidance can be one of the smartest decisions a shop owner makes. What You'll Learn:

• The unexpected business responsibilities that challenge even the most accomplished technicians when they become shop owners.
• How a mentor or coach can provide accountability, challenge assumptions, and help an owner recognize opportunities for improvement.