Master Tech to Millionaire

Joe Adams interviews Bill Brusard about his transition from master Toyota technician to CEO and partner in JB Auto Care and the Houston Boston Partnership. Bill recounts meeting Todd Hayes, attending Key-to-Key training, and using those systems to scale operations.
They cover early struggles, the Now Auto Care brand, staffing turnarounds, rapid revenue growth, and plans to partner with private equity to build long-term value while staying involved as operators.

In this episode of Master Tech to Millionaire, Joe Adams and Todd Hayes discuss how automotive shops can transform from traditional repair shops into hospitality-driven, highly profitable businesses. They cover practical systems like daily Take Fives, key-to-key callbacks, personalized shop tours, and using AI to scale communications and sales.Listeners will learn strategies for improving phone skills, increasing close rates through photos and videos, training teams, attracting talent, and creating lifetime customers — all aimed at turning master technicians into successful business owners.

The Bartel family shares their multi-generational auto repair story — from humble gas-station roots to a multi-location operation driven by hands-on leadership and Todd Hayes’ training.
This episode covers recruiting A‑players, combating internal theft, using call-recording coaching tools, and the culture shifts that scaled their business in Chicago.

Guest host Glenn Piccolo hosts Joe Adams talking all about the evolution of Adams Automotive and Joe's personal journey from being part of a family business to shaping its future. Joe shares childhood memories from the shop founded in 1980, where he grew up watching his parents build a successful enterprise. He reflects on feeling disconnected from the industry before eventually taking on his current leadership role.
Throughout the conversation, Joe reveals the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from a non-technical background to managing a thriving automotive business. His candid anecdotes highlight the importance of work ethic, family dynamics, and embracing responsibilities. Listen in to gain insight into the complexities of balancing personal aspirations with professional commitments while driving growth and innovation within a family-run business.

Todd Hayes introduces us to Peter Saranditis, the General Managing Partner of Auto Tech Answers. In this episode, we delve into the importance of technical training and business innovation across the auto repair industry. Discover how top-notch technical training can revolutionize auto shops, transforming them into powerhouse operations with soaring revenues.
Learn about the significance of creating an outstanding company culture, attracting top talent with robust recruiting processes, and embracing artificial intelligence to streamline operations and enhance customer service. Master the art of scaling your business, building from a few million to over $100 million in revenue, with aspirations to reach the billion-dollar mark.
If you're ready to change your life and the trajectory of your auto business, this is a must-listen episode, packed with insights, strategies, and real-life examples designed to help you succeed in the competitive automotive industry.

Join host Joe Adams and Todd Hayes as they delve into the revolutionary business strategies reshaping the auto industry. Discover how transitioning from a technician to a business owner entails no risk.
Explore the unexpected paths to millionaire status, showcasing how great customer service and saying "yes" keeps the wheels of success turning. Joe and Todd discuss the importance of phone skills, team training, and auto hospitality, emphasizing that a thriving auto business is about more than just repairing cars—it's about nurturing relationships and providing unparalleled service. Join us for expert insights that could transform your business approach and empower your customer service strategies to drive significant growth.

Welcome to episode four of Master Tech to Millionaire, presented by Autoshop Answers. In this episode, Joe Adams dives into the incredible journey of Charlie Zlatkos, the remarkable transformation from a young boy immigrating from Greece to America, knowing only four English words, to becoming a top automotive operator.
Charlie shares his inspiring story, overcoming numerous challenges, including language barriers and unethical industry practices, to ultimately achieve his American dream. From late-night motorcycle repairs in Greece to dominating the automotive industry in the U.S., Charlie reveals his journey of dedication, hard work, and relentless pursuit of improvement.
Join Joe and Charlie as they explore the secrets behind running a successful automotive business and maintaining a work-life balance, including personal stories of family, faith, and triumph.

In this episode of Master Tech to Millionaire, Joe Adams of Adams Automotive sits down with Brian Rhodes, Director of AutoShop Recruiting, to reveal exactly how we’ve recruited over 1,000 technicians during what others call a “shortage.”
 
Whether it’s front of house or back of house, the truth is:
 
There’s not a people shortage there’s a recruitment problem.
 
This episode is a must listen for every shop owner serious about growth. Joe and Brian break down:
 • The exact pre chat and pre check questions that qualify top talent
 • How to spot a hammer vs. a heartbreaker before they ever walk in
 • Why your closer could be sitting in the wrong seat
 • The track record that matters most when building your team
 
If you’re struggling to find techs or service advisors or just want to scale faster this episode gives you the blueprint we use across all AutoShop Answers businesses.
 
Listen now and make your next hire your best one.

In this episode of "Master Tech to Millionaire," Joe Adams, host and leader at Adams Automotive, sits down with Glenn Piccolo, a top automotive general manager in the country, to discuss the journey of growth and success in the automotive industry. With years of experience and a record-breaking year of $12.25 million in revenue, Glenn reveals insights into the world of automotive management.
Discover Glenn's path to becoming a top leader, from his beginnings as a general service technician at age 16 to leading a flagship store to extraordinary financial success. Dive into the challenges and triumphs he faced, the importance of great leadership, and the role of effective team building in achieving monumental success.
Whether you're in the automotive industry or just fascinated by stories of leadership and business growth, this episode offers valuable lessons and a glimpse into the blueprint that has set Glenn and Adams Automotive apart in the competitive landscape of auto repair.

Out of Adams Automotive in Houston, TX Joe Adams kickstarts the inaugural episode of “Master Tech to Millionaire.” Serving as an inspirational journey, this pilot episode unveils the transition stories of Joe’s leadership team from master technicians to successful CEOs.
In our pilot episode, Todd Hayes shares his transformative journey from investing a $25,000 loan into an impressive $20 million empire in merely 11 years. From innovative business strategies, such as using Polaroids for transparency with customers to recruiting talent outside the traditional industry, Todd’s insights showcase the power of integrity, hospitality, and strategic training.
Through engaging narratives, the episode focuses on the importance of well-executed business plans, consistent training, and ethical business practices, crafting a roadmap for listeners aspiring to succeed as entrepreneurs in the automotive repair industry.