TOOLS Pennsylvania - Should You Go? | Bret Fadely

TOOLS Pennsylvania - Should You Go? | Bret Fadely

Author: Braxton Critcher May 2, 2025 Duration: 32:05

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE

If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!


In this episode, Braxton Critcher sits down with Bret Fadley to dive into the growth and unique culture of the TOOLS training event in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Bret shares how TOOLS has evolved from a struggling show to a regional cornerstone, emphasizing its focus on networking, training, and creating a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of other major industry events like ASTA. They also discuss the fun community traditions—like the “jacket exchange”—and the family-friendly experience attendees can expect at this year’s TOOLS, making it a must-attend for shop owners, technicians, and their teams in the Northeast.

00:00 Annoying Flashing Table Lights

04:47 Rebranding Revived Struggling Show

09:35 Event Schedule: Training & Trade Show

12:50 Networking: Key to Training Events

13:49 "Step Outside Your Comfort Zone"

19:57 Weekend Event Schedule Highlights

23:47 "Excited for New Location Expansion"

25:29 Delayed Registration for Event

27:39 "Event Planning Date Dilemma"

31:43 "Engage & Improve Industry Together"


Braxton Critcher hosts Automotive Repair News Today, a podcast that feels like a direct line to the shop floor and the latest industry developments. It sits at a unique crossroads, blending the hands-on passion of a leisure project with the sharp insights needed for automotive business. Each episode digs into current stories and shifts within the repair world, moving beyond just technical manuals to explore the real people and innovative practices moving the field forward. You’ll hear straightforward discussions about operational changes, emerging tools, and the positive stories that often go unreported. This isn't about dry announcements; it's a conversation for shop owners, technicians, and enthusiasts who care about the craft's future. As part of the Changing The Industry family, this podcast focuses on actionable news and constructive dialogue, offering a grounded perspective you can use whether you're under a hood or running a service desk. Tune in for a clear-eyed look at where auto repair is headed next.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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