Podcast

In this episode, Doug Zignoni, the ASE Master Tech of the Year, shares his journey in the automotive industry, highlighting the importance of passion, continuous learning, and mentorship. He discusses his early influences, the significance of ASE certifications, and the supportive environment at Frank's Auto Service. Doug emphasizes the need for research skills in diagnostics and the balance between tool needs and wants. He concludes with insights on career growth and the evolving landscape of the automotive industry.

Takeaways

• Doug Zignoni is the ASE Master Tech of the Year.
• His journey began with a passion for cars inspired by his father.
• ASE certifications significantly enhance a technician's career opportunities.
• Frank's Auto Service provides a supportive work environment.
• Continuous learning is crucial in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.
• Research skills are essential for effective diagnostics.
• Mentorship plays a vital role in developing new technicians.
• Tools can be a significant investment, but quality matters.
• Passion for the craft leads to greater job satisfaction and success.
• The automotive industry is changing, requiring adaptability and ongoing education.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Master Technician

02:16 The Importance of ASE Certifications

04:54 Early Influences and Passion for Cars

06:47 Career Development and Learning Experiences

08:44 The Role of Environment in Success

10:34 Frank's Auto Service: A Model Workplace

13:31 Team Cohesion and Problem Solving

15:31 The Evolving Role of Automotive Technicians

17:42 Curiosity and Critical Thinking in Diagnostics

19:25 The Importance of Lifelong Learning

20:51 Research as a Diagnostic Tool

26:16 Mentorship and Simplifying Complex Tasks

31:17 The Reward of Teaching and Mentorship

32:29 The Importance of Passion in the Automotive Industry

33:24 Employer Responsibility and Employee Ambition

35:00 Industry Changes and Opportunities for Growth

38:14 Investing in Tools: Needs vs. Wants

41:25 The Role of Passion in Success

44:08 Striving for Excellence in Every Role

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Vic Tarasik and co-host David Wofford gather friends from across the automotive aftermarket for a heartfelt, unscripted round-table on gratitude, growth, and the power of people.

In this special episode, you'll hear honest reflections from leaders representing The Pronto Network, The Parts House, Fast Undercar, AutoFlow, and more, each sharing what shaped their year, the challenges they overcame, and the moments that mattered most.

From family milestones, new babies, and cross-country moves… to shop expansions, service to local communities, faith, journaling, and the everyday “small moments” that remind us why this industry feels like home, this conversation captures the spirit of Thanksgiving in a way only the aftermarket can.

Along the way, Vic and David add their own reflections on relationships, work-life balance, the heart of independent repair shops, and the gift of serving a community built on great people.

Whether you’re in the bays, behind the counter, supporting shops, or leading a team, this episode is a warm reminder that no matter where you stand today, there is always something to be thankful for.

Featuring:
Pepper Wilson • Steven Ng • Julie Fowler • Matt Porter • Chris Cloutier • David Wofford • and host Vic Tarasik

From our family to yours — Happy Thanksgiving.

When passion meets purpose, the results are unstoppable. In this episode, Vic Tarasik and David Wofford sit down with Ray Lopez, a lifelong automotive pro whose career proves that helping others win is the fastest route to success.

Ray shares how professional discipline, clear goals, and a heart for people transformed his path from the parts counter to business development. Along the way, he drops practical insights on leadership, shop growth, and why every service center needs a marketing engine as strong as the cars they fix.

From goal-setting to Banner programs, this conversation is packed with real-world strategies for shop owners, advisors, and anyone ready to turn good intentions into measurable results.

Takeaways

Ray Lopez emphasizes the importance of helping others in the automotive industry.

Setting high goals can lead to greater achievements, even if not fully met.

Professional discipline is crucial for success in any career.

Marketing strategies can significantly impact service center growth.

The Banner program offers valuable marketing support to service centers.

Understanding customer needs is key to effective service delivery.

Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary in a changing economy.

Building partnerships can enhance business opportunities.

Effective communication with service centers can lead to better outcomes.

The automotive industry requires a balance of technical skills and business acumen.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:02 Retail vs. Wholesale in the Parts Industry

01:03 The Importance of Relationships in Business

04:28 Setting Goals and Objectives

07:40 Marketing Strategies for Service Centers

At seventeen, Ray Lopez took an after-school job at a local parts counter to make a few bucks and talk cars. What he didn’t realize was that the smell of oil and the sound of impact guns would set the course for a lifetime in the automotive industry.

In this episode of Driven to Success, Vic Tarasik and David Wofford sit down with Ray to talk about his first Pontiac, his early days behind the counter, and how curiosity, hard work, and a few Chilton manuals built a career that still fuels his passion today.

You’ll hear how selling spark plugs led to lasting relationships, what Ray learned from the technicians who shaped his path, and why a simple opportunity can turn into a calling.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of saying “yes” to small opportunities

• Lessons learned from the retail counter and early mentors

• How curiosity and consistency shape a lifelong career

Follow the show, leave a review, and share this story with someone just starting out in the automotive world.

In Part 2, Clay Millican, we go beyond the starting line and into the heart of what drives him. Clay opens up about the people who shaped his path, the power of gratitude, and the personal loss that gave his passion new purpose.

He shares how faith, family, and friendship keep him grounded at 330 mph, and why joy is still the most important gear you can have in life or business.

When the news isn’t pretty and the clock says 5:50 p.m., leadership shows up in what you do next. Vic Tarasik and David Wofford get real about communication across the chain, from manufacturer to WD to the bay. You’ll hear the 5:50 scramble that turned a blown delivery into trust, why drivers are the face of the brand at your door, and how a simple “I’d like to start over” can rescue a relationship after emotions run hot.

Inside the shop, we talk about running short, structured team huddles (without the gripe-fest) and the rule that every complaint must come with a solution. Bottom line: communicate early, value your people, lead with solutions, and when you miss, own it and reset.

You’ll learn:

• Why early, honest ETAs beat silence

• How appreciation for drivers creates real speed

• A simple framework for productive team huddles

• The reset line that rebuilds trust after a blowup

NHRA Top Fuel driver Clay Millican joins Driven to Success to share where the obsession began: a tiny family grocery store in Drummonds, TN, a beat-up ’63 Dodge truck, and the day “Big Daddy” Don Garlits set the hook for life. Clay walks us through backyard laps to his first trip down a real strip, the humbling reality of a handwritten time slip, and the sacrifices behind the scenes—marrying his high-school sweetheart, grinding overtime at the Kroger warehouse, and never taking a vacation without racing. He caps Part 1 with the infamous “burnout in reverse” debut at Route 66, and the philosophy that keeps him smiling win or lose: “I got to drive a race car today.” For Clay, focus is about owning mistakes, taking responsibility, and never losing sight of a childhood dream.

Takeaways

• Clay's passion for cars started at a young age.
• His first car was a 63 Dodge truck.
• He traded his truck for a 69 Dodge Charger.
• Clay's first race was a humbling experience.
• He learned the importance of focus in racing.
• Driving a top fuel car is a unique experience.
• Clay emphasizes the need for a positive mindset.
• He believes in taking responsibility for mistakes.
• The thrill of acceleration in top fuel racing is unmatched.
• Clay's journey is a testament to perseverance and passion

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

01:39 Clay Millican's Journey into Racing

06:33 The Transition to Top Fuel Drag Racing

11:47 Experiences and Lessons from the Track

17:42 The Science of Drag Racing

23:27 Focus and Mental Strategies in Racing

29:48 The Importance of Passion and Hard Work

Summary

In this conversation, David Wofford and Vic discuss the critical role of communication in the auto parts distribution industry. They explore common pitfalls in communication, the importance of understanding each other’s operations, and how building strong relationships can lead to better service and customer satisfaction. The discussion highlights the importance of establishing realistic expectations and the benefits of collaboration between service centers and distributors.

Takeaways

• Communication breakdowns can lead to significant issues in auto parts distribution.
• Setting realistic expectations is crucial for maintaining relationships.
• Understanding the operations of each side can improve service delivery.
• Overpromising and underdelivering can damage trust.
• Experiencing the other side’s challenges fosters empathy and better communication.
• Building strong relationships is key to successful collaboration.
• Every day in a service center presents unique challenges.
• Effective communication leads to quicker vehicle repairs and happier customers.
• It’s important to approach problems with a solution-oriented mindset.
• Tomorrow is a new opportunity to improve and learn from past mistakes.

Sound Bites

“You would overdeliver.”

“The answer is yes.”

“Tomorrow is another day.”

Chapters

00:00 Lost in Translation part 2

01:23 Navigating Communication Breakdowns

09:29 The Power of Positive Communication

auto parts, communication, service centers, distribution, relationships, expectations, problem-solving, customer service, industry insights, collaboration

Check out this preview of upcoming episodes, as Clay shows his appreciation for The Parts House and Parts Plus!

The first episode releases in September.

Join David Wofford of The Pronto Network and Vic Tarasik of Shop Owner Coach as they dig deep into one of the aftermarket’s toughest challenges: communication. From parts ordering pitfalls to setting clear expectations, they reveal how assumptions sabotage trust, why listening matters more than talking, and the unseen power of nonverbal cues. You’ll also gain insights into time management, gender dynamics, and the importance of recognition in fostering strong teams. Don’t miss this first installment of a conversation that can transform how you connect and lead in your business.

Sound Bites

• "We hate to share bad news."

• "Assumptions can lead to trouble."
• "Nobody wants to hear bad news."

Chapters

00:00 Communication Breakdown in the Auto Industry

03:27 The Importance of Setting Expectations

06:12 Building Trust Through Communication

08:59 The Role of Nonverbal Communication

12:12 Understanding Customer Needs

14:49 The Value of Listening

17:57 Gender Dynamics in Communication

20:53 The Impact of Assumptions on Communication

23:47 Navigating Difficult Conversations

26:20 The Importance of Communication in Auto Repair

28:54 Setting the Tone: Leadership and Team Dynamics

32:31 Personal Growth Through Public Speaking

39:32 Understanding the Customer's Perspective