Positive Paths to Success in 2026- w/ Dave Luehr
Mon Feb 02 2026
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**🎙️ Podcast Show Notes:
Does it feel like your shop’s part of a twisted magic trick... now you see it, now you don't? 🧙♂️🔮🌟
❓ Slower pipelines
❓ Increased volume of total losses
❓ Growing insurance pressures … you’re not alone!
In this week’s episode of The Mind Wrench Podcast, we sit down with industry educator and straight-shooter Dave Luehr from Elite Body Shop Solutions to talk about a better way forward for independent shops heading into 2026.
Instead of fighting the chaos, Dave explains how smart shop owners can become "anti-fragile"… meaning the business actually gets stronger when things get bumpy. We break down a real shift happening right now: more customer-pay repairs driven by higher premiums and deductibles. That work is there, but only for shops that have the right systems in place.
Dave walks us through practical, no-fluff moves you can put to work fast. Front-end triage to grab photos right away. Client-first solutions to keep customers engaged. Built-in financing options through CCC One with Sunbit or other financial tools like Synchrony, so money doesn’t kill the deal. We also dig into “claim avoidance” partnerships with local insurance agents that send work your way even when no claim is filed.
Beyond repairs, we explore smart expansions like glass, ADAS calibration, and in-house car rentals—services that boost margins and improve the customer experience without living on the DRP treadmill. Dave also shares why masterminds, coaching, and a simple daily focus system are helping shop owners grow with less stress and more control.
If you want a clear, positive path to success in 2026, this episode lays out the playbook.
Your 3 Key Takeaways
Volatility isn’t the enemy—shops with the right systems can use it as an advantageCustomer-pay work grows when you remove friction with speed, clarity, and financingFocused leadership, accountability, and simple daily priorities beat chaos every time
Guest Links: email Dave Luehr - david.luehr@elitebodyshopsolutions.com
🔗 Positivity Summit
🔗 Bodyshop Assessment
🔗 Elite Body Shop Solutions
Customer Pay Financing Sites:
Support the show
Join our Mind Wrench mailing list! 👉 https://bit.ly/3DGNM9o
Need one-on-one Mindset or Personal Development coaching? – drop me a note @ Personal Coaching – Rick Selover
👉 CLICK HERE FOR 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH OF COACHING!
(use PROMO code FREE50 in the message box!)
🔗Affiliate Links
👀 Read or listen to Top non-fiction book on Blinkist 20% off membership & 7-day free trial
🧑💼 Need freelance help with your business? Check out Fiverr
🛒🍒🥦 Want an easier way to shop? Check out Instacart
Thanks for listening and please share The Mind Wrench Podcast with others!
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Send us a text **🎙️ Podcast Show Notes: Does it feel like your shop’s part of a twisted magic trick... now you see it, now you don't? 🧙♂️🔮🌟 ❓ Slower pipelines ❓ Increased volume of total losses ❓ Growing insurance pressures … you’re not alone! In this week’s episode of The Mind Wrench Podcast, we sit down with industry educator and straight-shooter Dave Luehr from Elite Body Shop Solutions to talk about a better way forward for independent shops heading into 2026. Instead of fighting the chaos, Dave explains how smart shop owners can become "anti-fragile"… meaning the business actually gets stronger when things get bumpy. We break down a real shift happening right now: more customer-pay repairs driven by higher premiums and deductibles. That work is there, but only for shops that have the right systems in place. Dave walks us through practical, no-fluff moves you can put to work fast. Front-end triage to grab photos right away. Client-first solutions to keep customers engaged. Built-in financing options through CCC One with Sunbit or other financial tools like Synchrony, so money doesn’t kill the deal. We also dig into “claim avoidance” partnerships with local insurance agents that send work your way even when no claim is filed. Beyond repairs, we explore smart expansions like glass, ADAS calibration, and in-house car rentals—services that boost margins and improve the customer experience without living on the DRP treadmill. Dave also shares why masterminds, coaching, and a simple daily focus system are helping shop owners grow with less stress and more control. If you want a clear, positive path to success in 2026, this episode lays out the playbook. Your 3 Key Takeaways Volatility isn’t the enemy—shops with the right systems can use it as an advantageCustomer-pay work grows when you remove friction with speed, clarity, and financingFocused leadership, accountability, and simple daily priorities beat chaos every time Guest Links: email Dave Luehr - david.luehr@elitebodyshopsolutions.com 🔗 Positivity Summit 🔗 Bodyshop Assessment 🔗 Elite Body Shop Solutions Customer Pay Financing Sites: Support the show Join our Mind Wrench mailing list! 👉 https://bit.ly/3DGNM9o Need one-on-one Mindset or Personal Development coaching? – drop me a note @ Personal Coaching – Rick Selover 👉 CLICK HERE FOR 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH OF COACHING! (use PROMO code FREE50 in the message box!) 🔗Affiliate Links 👀 Read or listen to Top non-fiction book on Blinkist 20% off membership & 7-day free trial 🧑💼 Need freelance help with your business? Check out Fiverr 🛒🍒🥦 Want an easier way to shop? Check out Instacart Thanks for listening and please share The Mind Wrench Podcast with others!