Stomp the Yard

The 55th edition of Wrenches for Wrenches covers the education you can find, the how, and the why, from The Wrench Turners Podcast with Charles Cannon. The episode delivers a no-holds-barred breakdown of what it takes to thrive in the automotive industry: and why waiting for someone to “notice” your potential is a fast track to nowhere and this Newsletter breaks down a few pieces you can learn from.

For senior technicians aspiring to leadership, this episode is packed with strategies to shift from doing the work to leading the charge. Here’s how to move the needle in your career starting today.

TL;DR

• Speak up: Leaders aren’t mind readers.
• Find mentors: Success leaves clues.
• Own your growth: Accountability builds leadership.
• Plan daily: Write it down, get it done.
• Take action: Small steps lead to big results.

Closed Mouths Don’t Get Fed

If you’re frustrated with your job, your team, or the way things run, but you haven’t said anything to the right person, you’re part of the problem. Charles makes it clear: leadership isn’t about sitting quietly and hoping for a promotion. If you see an issue, you need to voice it. If you want a role, you need to ask for it.

Why this matters: Most managers aren’t mind readers. If you’re waiting for someone to magically notice you’re ready for more responsibility, you’ll be waiting forever. Leaders value problem solvers and clear communicators; skills you can’t demonstrate by staying silent.

How to do it:

1. Identify your goal. Do you want to move into a leadership role, or are you trying to fix a specific shop problem? Get clear on what you want before speaking up.
2. Frame your ask. Use solution-oriented language: “Here’s what I’ve noticed, and here’s how I think we can address it.”
3. Start small. Share one idea or concern in your next meeting. Build credibility by showing that your input leads to action.

Pro Tip: Practice speaking up with peers before approaching your manager. Use their feedback to refine your delivery and confidence.

Success Leaves Clues

The quickest way to move up? Learn from people who are already where you want to be. But don’t just expect top performers to hand you their secret, you need to earn their attention.

Why this matters: High performers don’t have time to waste on people who aren’t serious. By actively seeking out their mentorship, you signal that you’re ready to invest in yourself. Plus, being around winners reshapes your mindset and work ethic in ways you won’t get from books or training alone.

How to do it:

1. Observe first. Pay attention to how top performers handle problems, communicate with others, and manage their time.
2. Add value. Offer to help them with tasks like cleaning up, prepping tools, or sharing their workload. Earn their trust by showing initiative.
3. Ask targeted questions. Instead of vague questions like, “How can I be better?” ask, “What’s one habit that helped you succeed early in your career?”
4. Implement feedback. When they give you advice, act on it immediately and report back on your results.

Charles’s tip: “Take a top performer to lunch or coffee. Show genuine interest, and they’ll be far more likely to open up and help you grow.”

Own Your Growth

Here’s the hard truth: no one is coming to save you. Charles learned this early when he was fired from a dealership while his wife was in the hospital having their child. Instead of blaming the world, he looked inward, identified his mistakes, and vowed never to let it happen again.

Why this matters: Accountability is the foundation of leadership. Leaders don’t wait for someone else to fix their problems—they solve them. When you take responsibility for your actions, you gain control over your future.

How to do it:

1. Audit yourself. What habits, skills, or attitudes are holding you back? Write them down and commit to addressing one at a time.
2. Accept failure. If you mess up, own it. Then figure out how to avoid making the same mistake twice.
3. Control what you can. Stop complaining about things outside your power and focus on improving what’s within your reach—your work ethic, communication, and problem-solving skills.
4. Track progress. Keep a journal of lessons learned and wins achieved. Over time, this becomes a roadmap for continuous improvement.

Pro Tip: Accountability isn’t about self-criticism; it’s about self-awareness. Approach each challenge as a chance to grow, not a reason to beat yourself up.

Write It Down, Get It Done

Charles doesn’t start his day by winging it. He shows up at 7:45 every morning (for a shop that opens at 9) and uses that quiet time to review numbers, identify trends, and map out his day. His routine ensures he’s always ahead of the game, and it’s a habit he encourages everyone to adopt.

Why this matters: Without a plan, you’re just reacting to whatever comes your way. Leaders are proactive. They know what needs to get done before the day starts, and they make it happen.

How to do it:

1. Set daily priorities. Write down 3-5 tasks you must accomplish before leaving for the day.
2. Establish a routine. Dedicate specific times to tasks like checking emails, following up with customers, or reviewing performance metrics.
3. Stay consistent. Even when it feels like nothing is happening, keep at it. Progress is the sum of small, consistent actions over time.

Charles’s insight:

“For 20 days, you dig and dig, and it feels like nothing’s happening. Then, on the 21st day, everything clicks, and you strike gold.”

Pro Tip: Use a notebook or app to track completed tasks. Seeing your progress builds momentum and keeps you motivated.

Leadership Is a Choice

Charles’s journey is proof that leadership isn’t just about a title, it’s about mindset, discipline, and the willingness to step up when others won’t. It doesn't matter if you're in the shop, at the counter, or managing a team, the path to leadership starts with you.

Ask yourself: What can I take ownership of today?

Tune in to The Wrench Turners Podcast for the full conversation with Charles Cannon and start applying these lessons to your career.

And Remember:

Negative Pushes, Positive Pulls, and always clean your toys, before you put them away.

j.

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