Flat Rate Doesn't Match the Real Repair with Josh Forbes

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In this episode, Jeff is with Josh Forbes of Maxim Muffler in Winnipeg talks about his unconventional path into the automotive industry. What started with constant breakdowns on his first car—a 1993 Ford Tempo—turned into a career built through hands-on learning, apprenticeship experience, and years of navigating different shop environments. Josh shares lessons from dealership life, the importance of shop culture, why employee appreciation matters, and his concerns about the future of right-to-repair legislation.

Timestamps:

00:00 Tools and Debt Lessons
 00:45 Podcast Introduction
 02:44 Shop Schedule and Weather
 03:27 First Cars and Fuel Costs
 08:22 Tempo Breakdowns That Started It All
 12:24 College Training at Fanshawe
 14:17 Choosing the Trade Path
 17:54 Ford Dealer Quick Lane Reality
 24:19 Book Time vs. Real Repairs
 36:41 Why He Left the Dealer
 39:06 Finding the Right Shop
 41:29 The Culture That Changed Everything
 45:21 Appreciation Over Pay
 52:17 How Bad Culture Breaks Technicians
 55:04 Forever Apprentice Mindset
 58:44 Trade Pay Gap Debate
 01:02:19 DIY Repair Horror Stories
 01:07:54 Training Service Writers
 01:16:24 The Right to Repair Fight
 01:21:22 Quality Control Basics
 01:23:46 Training Instead of Punishment
 01:27:35 Oil Leak Case Study
 01:31:46 Recognition and Longevity
 01:37:35 Smart Tool Buying
 01:40:05 Diagnostics, Process, and School
 01:47:00 Wrap Up and Final Thoughts

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