The Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast

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 the Canadian aftermarket. They discuss rising service costs, shifting market share between dealerships, aftermarket chains and independent shops, the growing importance of customer experience and trust, and the major challenge — and opportunity — prese...

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 leave one employer for another, from compensation and flat-rate frustrations to workplace culture and job satisfaction. They also tackle the question every shop owner should ask themselves: Would you work for you? As always, we welcome all input- visit ...

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 programs, we explore the challenge of creating a look and customer experience that works — and can be executed consistently — across Canada, despite regional differences and the realities of individual locations. Paul returns to continue the conversation a...

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 aftermarket. We also include highlights from Hannah's sit-down with John Hamilton, CEO of Worldpac, to discuss Worldpac’s growth and progress in Canada following its split from Advance Auto Parts—and what’s ahead for the business. Check out some of our ...

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 Training explore how cutting costs can turn into cutting corners, affecting a shop’s profitability, efficiency, technicians, and customer trust. They discuss why gross profit dollars—not just percentages—matter, the hidden costs of constantly price-shopp...