Episode 254 - Grit, Growth, and Genuine Leadership in the Diesel Industry with Chris Gayne
Mon Feb 02 2026
Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE
Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026
Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability
Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros
Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.
Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.
Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!
In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Chris Gayne, owner of Dale County Diesel. Chris shares his unique journey from Army attack helicopter pilot to diesel shop owner, highlighting the importance of leadership and integrity in building his team. The conversation covers why prioritizing people and culture over technical skill is critical, the value of honest customer communication, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining passion while running a successful business.
00:00 Garage Trouble Without License
06:19 "Learning Through Experience"
09:39 Truck Repairs and Industry Journey
12:59 "Results Over Passion"
15:55 "Passion and Honesty in Selling"
17:05 "Transparent Auto Repair Process"
20:52 "Morals Over Money"
25:31 "Passing the Torch"
26:24 "Plans for Business Continuity"
29:31 "Failed Recruitment Due to Diploma"
33:14 "Lessons on Hard Work"
37:25 "Maximizing Growth Within Business"
42:09 "Shifting Passion and Letting Go"
45:17 "Work-Life Balance Struggles"
46:32 "Guidance Counselor Tension Escalates"
51:01 "Unexpected Apology on Facebook"
More
Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABE Don't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026 Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitability Transform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros Shop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing. Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform. Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today! In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Chris Gayne, owner of Dale County Diesel. Chris shares his unique journey from Army attack helicopter pilot to diesel shop owner, highlighting the importance of leadership and integrity in building his team. The conversation covers why prioritizing people and culture over technical skill is critical, the value of honest customer communication, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining passion while running a successful business. 00:00 Garage Trouble Without License 06:19 "Learning Through Experience" 09:39 Truck Repairs and Industry Journey 12:59 "Results Over Passion" 15:55 "Passion and Honesty in Selling" 17:05 "Transparent Auto Repair Process" 20:52 "Morals Over Money" 25:31 "Passing the Torch" 26:24 "Plans for Business Continuity" 29:31 "Failed Recruitment Due to Diploma" 33:14 "Lessons on Hard Work" 37:25 "Maximizing Growth Within Business" 42:09 "Shifting Passion and Letting Go" 45:17 "Work-Life Balance Struggles" 46:32 "Guidance Counselor Tension Escalates" 51:01 "Unexpected Apology on Facebook"