The Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast
Issues and ideas for Canada's automotive aftermarket professionals and business owners. Hosted by Andrew Ross, publisher and director of content at CHAT Integrated Media. From the people who bring you IndieGarage.ca and JobberNation.ca. Selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 10 Canadian Automotive Podcasts. The Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast is presented by Castrol EDGE Visit wakefieldcanada.ca
Episodes
240 episodes
Aftermarket report card: Where indie shops are winning, and challenges to meet
On this episode of the Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast, host Andrew Ross sits down with J.D. Ney, Managing Director of J.D. Power Canada, to unpack the findings of the 2026 Canada Customer Service Index—Long-Term Study and what they mean for...
Attracting the right technicians: What they really want
Finding good technicians is tough—but what if the problem isn’t the shortage of talent, but what your shop is offering? Andrew Ross is back on the podcast with Murray Voth, RPM Training, about what actually motivates experienced technicians to ...
Store design: The importance of consistency, and how to get it
Andrew Ross welcomes Paul Reed, “The Showroom Guy,” back to The Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast to discuss the importance of store design and consistency across the aftermarket. From jobber stores and repair shops to banner and franchise pro...
Inside Worldpac STX 2026: Highlights, Takeaways & What’s Next
In this episode, host Andrew Ross and CHAT Media correspondent Hannah Ryder Ross recap the biggest takeaways from Worldpac STX 2026, including the latest trends, insights, and a peek into the training shaping the future of the automotive afterm...
Why chasing the cheapest parts can cost you more
When margins are tight, it’s tempting for automotive repair shops to look for savings wherever they can—especially when it comes to parts. But is buying the cheapest part really saving you money? In this episode, Andrew and Murray Voth of RPM T...
What SDRM, scan tool validation, and VSP adoption means for you
Thieves love to get access to professional tools. The Secure Data Release Model, scan tool validation, and the Vehicle Security Professional (VSP) credentialing are designed to get in their way. But adoption is far from 100%. Donny Seyfer, exec...
Miles for Sight: A shop owner's cross-Canada journey for vision
Motorcycle adventures are often about the journey—but for Lorenzo Pellicciotta, this ride is about something much bigger. In this episode, we sit down with Lorenzo Pellicciotta, owner of Pellicciotta Automotive Group and operator of CARSTAR Oak...
Tariffs, Explained: The latest on U.S. trade measures and what it means for us
As a new set of tariffs on Canadian goods is announced by the U.S. Administration, we call on the experts for advice. Ashley Kalyn, International Trade Consultant at Peacock Tariff Consulting (
Inside a brand-new EV-specific shop: How EV Lab is an example for the future
Electric vehicles are becoming a bigger part of the automotive landscape, and with that growth comes a rising demand for specialized service and repair. In this episode, our own Hannah Ryder Ross visits EV Lab in Langley, BC—a dedicated electri...
Using technology to enhance your personal service
In today's world, the use of technology has become a familiar part of our everyday to make our lives easier. However, in our historically face-to-face aftermarket industry, when it comes to adopting these new operations, even for convenience an...
2026 Training Benchmarks Survey: Are you getting the training you need?
Training is a top priority for automotive shops, but knowing what to teach, how to deliver it, and where to find the right resources remains a challenge. In this episode, host Andrew Ross speaks with Matt Shepanek, President of the Automotive T...
My Father's Wallet: Special Father's Day Episode
For this special Father's Day episode of the Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast, host Andrew Ross examines an artifact from one of his main inspirations for his life's path in the automotive industry- his late father. For many in this industry,...
Shad's R&R Fundraiser: On the road to $10 million
As Shad's R&R Fundraiser 2026 is right around the corner, we're revisiting this episode from February 2026 with Shad's chair Charlie Grant. Shad's R&R is a cornerstone of Canada's aftermarket as a fundraiser for Muscular Dys...
Attention Jobbers: What shops really need from you
Murray Voth, aftermarket business pro and owner of RPM Training, joins host Andrew Ross to switch things up and discuss tips for jobbers: how to analyze their business, strengthen shop relationships, improve pricing transparency, and how to bui...
Canadians want EVs more than ever, even Chinese ones
A 2026 JD Power Canada study found that interest in EVs among Canadian new-vehicle shoppers has risen for the first time since 2022. The study also found that many consumers are becoming open to Chinese EV brands due to affordability and techno...
Ontario's scrap tire crisis continues to fester
Fueled by scrap tire quotas that fell below collection for months now, there's a genuine crisis brewing as tires stack up, haulers sit at home, and regulators tinker with a broken system while shops and consumers are caught in the middle. Adam ...
The truth about access to repair information, security, and crime
(Encore presentation) The threats facing modern vehicle security systems are real and evolving. This month, Indie Garage reported on the re...
Building customer satisfaction with clarity and consistency
Jason Hladyniuk, service advisor training specialist with RPM Training jumps into the podcast this week to talk about important touchpoints for service advisors and those who might have to lend a hand when things get super busy at your shop.
Orphan EVs and making the leap with your customers: Notes from the EV & Charging Expo
Multimedia Content & Analytics Associate Hannah Ryder Ross catches up with host Andrew Ross after coverage of the EV & Charging Expo 2026 in Toronto earlier in April. Hannah gives a rundown on the aftermarket panel discussions about EVs...
Build your own ZEV: Conversion course launches in Vancouver
Host Andrew Ross sits down with Brett Griffiths, Dean, School of Trades, Technology and Design at Vancouver Community College (VCC), to discuss VCC'S new EV conversion pilot program, as well as the growing relevance in electric conversion overa...
Incoming AIA Canada Chair Jason Herle on challenges for the aftermarket, and benefits of getting involved
Jason Herle, CEO of Fountain Tire, is the incoming chair of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada. Recorded in early March 2026 during preparations for Fountain Tire's 70th Anniversary Conference in Halifax, N.S., he talks about core ...
Buying or selling a shop? Here's what you need to know
Whether you are an owner looking to sell your shop, or a young entrepreneur looking for an opportunity, Murray Voth, RPMTraining.net, has some great real-world advice and tips for you! With host Andrew Ros...
Takeways from the Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference
Key takeways from the Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference (CIAC) organized by AIA Canada. Quick takes on key points from notable presentations and events by podcast host Andrew Ross.
Going from burnout to breakout success in your shop, with Murray Voth
Running a business can be overwhelming and that can lead to burnout. Leading Canadian aftermarket trainer and business consultant Murray Voth, RPM Training offers proven step-by-step methods that can bring...
Shad's R&R Fundraiser: On the road to $10 million
Shad's R&R Fundraiser is a cornerstone of Canada's aftermarket as a fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy Research, attracting participation from across North America (and beyond) to its annual June event. Now, wth a new chair in Charlie Grant,...