Automotive Diagnostic Podcast: Tech-Turned-Owner Backs Hourly Pay for Auto Techs
Ex-tech San Diego shop owner Dean Sharpe and hiring pro Chris Lawson share an hourly-pay plan on the Automotive Diagnostic Podcast amid a 471K tech shortage by 2028
Ex-tech San Diego shop owner Dean Sharpe and hiring pro Chris Lawson share hourly-pay plan on Automotive Diagnostic Podcast amid a 471K tech shortage by 2028
"I spent my whole career on flat rate, but I've completely changed my approach," says Dean Sharpe, who transformed from a GM dealership lot porter to successful shop owner with 12 employees. "I want technicians to use their experience and knowledge without killing themselves physically to make that paycheck. We pay them hourly with performance bonuses, whether we're busy or slow."
This compensation philosophy addresses a fundamental industry pain point. 40% of technicians agree that pay structure is the most important thing that needs to be fixed to combat the technician shortage, according to WrenchWay's 2025 industry statistics.
The timing couldn't be more critical. TechForce Foundation data reveals that demand for new technicians is estimated to outpace supply by five to one, while the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects over 67,000 job openings annually for automotive technicians between 2022 and 2032.
The episode explores how Sharp Automotive's innovative approach to compensation has helped the shop grow from a one-person operation to 12 employees in just nine years. Sharpe, who brings 28 years of industry experience including time as a GM dealership technician, shares his philosophy on creating a workplace where technicians thrive.
This compensation philosophy addresses a fundamental industry pain point. According to WrenchWay's 2025 Voice of Technician Report, 40% of technicians agree that pay structure is the most important thing that needs to be fixed to combat the technician shortage.
Key Revelations from Episode 309:
• The Death of Flat Rate: The discussion explores how hourly pay with performance bonuses creates stability while rewarding productivity
• The Career Path Crisis: Limited advancement opportunities plague the industry, with innovative solutions including mentorship roles for senior technicians
• Culture Over Everything: Open-door policies, clean facilities, and transparent communication trump traditional hierarchical management
• Strategic Hiring: Successful shops invest in training, attend conferences, and develop clear five-year growth plans
Chris Lawson, whose company Technician Find has helped over 200 independent repair shops hire automotive technicians since 2018, shares insights on the current hiring landscape and what drives technician satisfaction in the workplace.
The episode also addresses critical red flags technicians should watch for:
• Owners distracted during interviews or lack of professionalism
• No training opportunities or investment in employee development
• Lack of transparency about compensation and growth plans
• High turnover without reasonable explanations
"With approximately 276,000 repair shops in the United States, according to the Auto Care Association, there's a shop out there for every technician that will have the right culture, values, vision, and career path," notes Lawson.
Sean Tipping, host of the Automotive Diagnostic Podcast and mobile diagnostic technician, brings unique perspective from visiting multiple shops daily. The podcast, which Tipping announced is approaching one million downloads, has become a vital resource for technicians and shop owners navigating industry challenges.
About the Automotive Diagnostic Podcast: The Automotive Diagnostic Podcast explores the diagnostic and technology side of automotive repair, featuring weekly episodes with industry experts. The show airs Sundays at 10 AM across all major podcast platforms. Episode 309 is available now at https://autodiagpodcast.com/.
About Technician Find: Technician Find specializes in connecting independent auto repair shops with qualified technicians and mechanics for hire nationwide. Founded by Chris Lawson, the company offers recruitment services, consulting, and AI-powered hiring solutions. Learn more at https://www.technicianfind.com/.
About Sharp Automotive: Sharp Automotive is a full-service auto repair shop in San Diego, California, known for its innovative approach to technician compensation and workplace culture. Owner Dean Sharpe brings 28 years of industry experience to his successful 12-person operation. Learn more at https://www.sharpe-automotive.com/
Chris Lawson
Technician Find
email us here
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Facebook
YouTube
Other
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Machine Control System Market Expected to Hit $12.2 Billion by 2032, Exhibiting 10.6% CAGR
Doula Doc & Me Launches Statewide Initiative to Reduce Maternal Health Disparities in Underserved Communities
Lydia M. Hawke Casts a Spell and Secures Her Spot as a Must-Read Author for the Next Generation
Więcej ważnych informacji
Jedynka Newserii
Jedynka Newserii
Problemy społeczne
Sukces gospodarczy Polski może zachęcić do powrotów Polaków mieszkających za granicą. Nowa rządowa strategia ma w tym pomóc
Polska coraz mocniej stawia na powroty swoich obywateli z zagranicy. Rządowa strategia współpracy z Polonią na najbliższe lata zakłada system zachęt dla osób powracających, ale też ułatwienia w uznawaniu wykształcenia i kwalifikacji, podejmowaniu studiów czy staży zawodowych. To w obliczu rosnących wyzwań demograficznych i zapotrzebowania na wysoko wykwalifikowaną kadrę szansa na wzmocnienie rynku pracy. Napływ wykwalifikowanych specjalistów z doświadczeniem zdobytym za granicą może pomóc w modernizacji krajowej gospodarki.
Prawo
ZPP: Działania administracji narażają na szwank wysiłek deregulacyjny. Niektóre niosą znamiona dyskryminacji i nękania przedsiębiorców
Choć rząd zgodnie z zapowiedziami realizuje szeroko zakrojone zmiany deregulacyjne, przedsiębiorcy alarmują, że brakuje w nich spójności, przewidywalności i realnej poprawy, zwłaszcza w kontaktach z administracją. Jako przykład ZPP podaje przypadek firmy British American Tobacco (BAT) i jej zatrzymanego przez izbę celno-skarbową zamówienia 200 tys. kartridży do e-papierosów. Dotknięte tą decyzją spółki liczą straty.
Konsument
Branża piwowarska dodaje do polskiej gospodarki ponad 20,5 mld zł rocznie. Spadki sprzedaży i produkcji piwa uderzają również w inne sektory
Branża piwowarska pozostaje ważnym ogniwem polskiej gospodarki. Nowy raport CASE wskazuje, że generuje ona 3 proc. dochodów budżetowych i 85 tys. miejsc pracy w samych browarach i innych powiązanych sektorach. Dlatego kurczący się rynek piwa może mieć poważne reperkusje – już dziś nadwyżka mocy produkcyjnych przekracza 10 mln hl. Spadki są spowodowane m.in. znaczącym wzrostem kosztów działalności, spadkiem konsumpcji, a także uderzającymi w browarników zmianami regulacyjnymi.
Partner serwisu
.gif)
Szkolenia
Akademia Newserii
Akademia Newserii to projekt, w ramach którego najlepsi polscy dziennikarze biznesowi, giełdowi oraz lifestylowi, a także szkoleniowcy z wieloletnim doświadczeniem dzielą się swoją wiedzą nt. pracy z mediami.
|
|
|