In this episode, recorded live at the 2026 ASTA Expo in Raleigh, NC, Josh Parnell sits down with Michael Rosenberger, CEO of ShopFix Academy and a two-shop owner in Dallas with 30 years of experience in the automotive repair industry. Michael shares his journey from ShopFix member to coach to CEO, including how ShopFix training helped him rapidly increase sales during a cash crisis. He also discusses the leadership challenges that followed the tragic death of ShopFix founder Aaron Stokes and what it meant to step up during a difficult season. Michael breaks down his “Profit Pitfalls” session, explaining how profitability is shaped by daily decisions and how common pitfalls often come down to leadership, discipline, and accountability. He shares why advisors should be held accountable for gross profit per hour, pricing, and turning marketing efforts into car count, while owners need to maintain consistent financial rhythms. Michael also defines leadership as doing the right things when no one is watching and shares Aaron Stokes’ powerful mantra: “I will lend you confidence at 0% interest forever.”
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Timestamps:
00:00 Pressure Reveals Leaders
00:30 Podcast Liftoff Intro
01:03 Live Expo Guest Intro
01:57 Sponsor Break Hiring Marketing
03:27 Michael Background ShopFix
04:26 From Broke to Breakthrough
06:23 Stepping Up After Tragedy
10:04 Sponsor Break Shop Tools
12:37 Profit Pitfalls Accountability
14:46 Fear Avoiding Hard Talks
16:19 Owner Rhythms Discipline
19:04 Fix Owner Fix Shop
19:44 Connect With ShopFix
20:32 Leadership Rapid Fire
21:34 Lending Confidence Quote
23:10 Closing Thanks Signoff