Repair Shop Reckoning
Repair Shop Reckoning is the no-nonsense, hard-hitting podcast where host Kevin Brown pulls no punches in bringing you the raw truth about the collision and repair shop industry. Forget the corporate sugarcoating—this show dives into the gritty reality of what really goes on behind the scenes. Whether you’re a shop owner, a mechanic, or just someone tired of the BS, Kevin’s got the hard-earned expertise and unapologetic opinions you need. Each episode tackles the biggest issues, challenges, and game-changing tips in the industry, giving you the tools to cut through the noise and level up your shop. Buckle up—it’s time to get real.
Episodes

Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
In the second part of this two-part series on Repair Shop Reckoning, host Kevin Brown continues the conversation with Michael Paul and John Turnbull, diving deeper into the evolving landscape of vehicle maintenance. They emphasize the importance of staying on top of regular upkeep to extend vehicle life, maintain resale value, and avoid costly repairs.
Marty from Martin’s Tire & Service joins in to stress crucial maintenance steps—like power steering fluid flushes for warranty compliance, coolant mixture checks to prevent breakdowns, and diesel fuel filter replacements. The group also highlights common maintenance oversights, especially in older models like the Ford Triton, and the impact of exhaust particulates on diesel engines.
The trio also tackles brake fluid care, ABS system misconceptions, and the steep costs associated with ABS modules. Marty underscores the value of transparency in diagnostics, trusting relationships with customers, and honest communication, particularly in fleet management where downtime is a major expense.
With a mix of practical tips and real-world examples, this episode equips shop owners and mechanics with the tools needed to improve vehicle care and customer trust.
00:00 Driving Trends: Then and Now01:02 Power Steering Fluid Flushes Explained03:34 Differential and Transfer Case Maintenance06:17 The Importance of Cooling Systems09:40 The Risks of Neglecting Fluid Maintenance12:40 The Shift in Vehicle Longevity and Maintenance15:56 Understanding Fuel Filters and Diesel Maintenance18:40 Maximizing Engine Performance with Additives21:35 The Rising Costs of Transmission Repairs23:19 The Importance of Brake Maintenance26:47 Understanding Brake Fluid and ABS Technology30:54 The Evolution of Brake Components33:21 Educating Customers on Brake Services39:35 The Role of Technology in Automotive Repair44:30 The Ethics of Auto Repair49:57 Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways
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🎙️ Connect with Us:https://www.garrettauto.com/Website: https://www.motorcitytruckcollision.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MotorcityTruckCollision/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-brown-25a5b344/

Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
This week on Repair Shop Reckoning, host Kevin Brown sits down with industry heavyweights Michael Paul and John Turnbull to tackle the critical—and often overlooked—topic of regular vehicle maintenance. From transmission flushes to brake systems and coolant care, the trio dives into why staying on top of these essentials is non-negotiable for keeping your car running strong.They get real about modern vehicles, pointing out how advanced transmission systems and direct injection engines bring power but also problems, like deposit buildups causing misfires. Michael and John share how BG Products, in partnership with Ford and GM, developed solutions to fight these issues, including cold start misfires in EcoBoost engines.The conversation doesn’t stop there. Kevin and his guests break down the effects of EPA regulations, low-viscosity oils, and questionable fuel quality. They call out Costco’s Tier 3 gas and emphasize why premium fuel isn’t just an upsell—it’s a safeguard for certain vehicles.With personal stories, sharp insights, and a few hard truths, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you avoid costly mistakes and keep your vehicle performing at its best. And this is only part 1... tune in on the next episode for part 2! Don’t miss it!
Chapters00:00 The Importance of Maintenance05:30 Fuel Injection Cleaning: A Necessity?12:15 Understanding Deposit Buildup20:00 Transmission Flushes: Myths and Facts26:45 The Role of Top Tier Fuels32:30 Oil Change Intervals: A Controversial Topic38:00 The Dangers of Quick Oil Change Services
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🎙️ Connect with Us:Website: https://www.motorcitytruckcollision.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MotorcityTruckCollision/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-brown-25a5b344/

Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
This week, we've got Part 2 of Kevin and Marilyn Brown's dive into the highs and lows of family life, financial struggles, and lessons learned. They recount the early days of tight budgets, school expenses, and the thrill of couponing, reflecting on how family support shaped their journey.
The episode explores the complexities of blending families, co-parenting, and overcoming financial setbacks. From adopting QuickBooks to improve money management to expanding their business against the odds, Kevin and Marilyn share hard-won insights. They also tackle mental health, hands-on education, and the challenges of teaching kids resilience without overstepping.
Kevin shares reflections on retirement, cherishing moments with grandchildren while respecting his kids’ independence. They also discuss a young entrepreneur’s struggle to balance work and life, offering encouragement and practical advice for navigating real-world dilemmas. Packed with wisdom and real talk, this episode is a must-listen for families and business owners alike.
00:00 Welcome Back to the Race to Zero01:17 Couponing Adventures02:41 Trials of Parenthood04:41 Breaking Family Cycles06:14 Navigating Step-Parenting08:11 Business Lessons Learned12:11 Accounting Realizations14:05 Understanding Business Margins17:00 Insurance and Cost Management19:07 Personal Growth and Learning Disabilities22:02 Education vs. Experience25:29 Changing Work Environments28:11 Closing Chapters and New Beginnings30:02 Embracing Grandparenthood32:11 Lessons from Parenting35:05 Encouraging Independence in Kids
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🎙️ Connect with Us:Website: https://www.motorcitytruckcollision.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MotorcityTruckCollision/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-brown-25a5b344/

Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
In this revealing episode of Repair Shop Reckoning, Kevin Brown and his wife, Marilyn, open up about their raw and unfiltered journey through early financial struggles. Marilyn shares hard-earned lessons from her 30-year accounting career and the creative ways they managed tight budgets, even extending her work life through
challenges like COVID-19. Kevin reflects on the sacrifices and tough calls of raising a family, navigating part-time education, and building his business.
They dive into stories about blending families, Marilyn’s Detroit Diesel training, and tackling financial roadblocks. From heated school conflicts involving their son Bo to life-changing advice from Dave Ramsey, this episode is packed with grit, growth, and lessons learned. They explore the importance of saving, paying off debt, and treating employees right, all while preparing their kids for financial accountability. Honest and inspiring, this episode doesn’t hold back on the struggles—or the victories.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Repair Shop Reckoning01:14 The Early Days: From Struggles to Success03:01 Career Paths and Transitions06:10 How They Met: A Rocky Start09:00 Building a Life Together12:12 Navigating Parenthood and Financial Struggles18:10 Retirement and New Beginnings23:00 Parenting Challenges and Lessons Learned31:00 Financial Growth and Responsibility
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🎙️ Connect with Us:Website: https://www.motorcitytruckcollision.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MotorcityTruckCollision/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-brown-25a5b344/

Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
In the debut episode of "Repair Shop Reckoning", Kevin Brown sits down with his parents, Jim and Carol Brown, for a heartfelt and candid conversation. They reminisce about Kevin’s energetic and rebellious childhood, sharing personal stories that shaped his tenacious personality. The discussion delves into the Browns’ family dynamics, the challenges of raising a spirited child, and the life lessons that shaped Kevin’s approach to business and life. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the man behind the mic, setting the stage for the unfiltered, hard-hitting journey to come.
00:00 Introduction to Repair Shop Reckoning01:09 A Rocky Start: Kevin’s Birth Story03:03 Childhood Memories and Early Struggles07:54 Navigating Learning Disabilities and Finding a Passion18:02 High School Challenges and Technical Education30:01 The Evolution of Learning and On-the-Job Training35:00 The Trade Skills Renaissance and The Power of Experience42:00 Creating a Positive Work Environment and Work Ethic51:00 The Transition to Independence and Work-Life Balance01:02:00 Success Beyond Money and Self-Discovery01:10:00 Lessons from the Past and The Value of Mentorship01:18:00 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations
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🎙️ Connect with Us:Website: https://www.motorcitytruckcollision.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MotorcityTruckCollision/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-brown-25a5b344/