The Part-Time Performer (And The Full-Time Lesson) [218]

Thanks to our Partner, Pico Technology

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This episode uses professional wrestling’s “part-time performer” phenomenon—stars who leave, come back, and instantly get the spotlight—to explore something that happens in auto repair, too:

When a specialist has a reputation that brings cars through the door, the right move is to lean into it—not resent it.

Key Talking Points & Takeaways

1) The Seth Rollins Quote Sets the Tone

1. “If you’re not learning, then you’re stagnant… and the business isn’t progressing.”
2. Matt frames growth as a requirement—not a nice-to-have—for both the individual specialist and the shop.

2) Wrestling 101: “Protecting the Business” vs. “Understanding the Draw”

Matt revisits early WrestleMania and the idea of kayfabe (protecting the illusion) to explain a bigger concept:

1. The “outsider celebrity” (like Mr. T back then) wasn’t about pride—it was about bringing eyes and money.
2. Selling offense (“selling” = making it look like it hurts) is part of making the other person look legitimate.

3) The Modern Version: The Part-Time Star Problem

Matt runs through the familiar cycle:

1. A star goes to Hollywood or appears occasionally (Rock, Cena, Undertaker, Lesnar, Goldberg).
2. They return and get major wins/titles.
3. The full-time grinders feel slighted—until they see the business reason:
4. Those names are draws. Draws bring revenue.

4) The Auto Repair Translation: The Specialist Who Brings Work In

Here’s the pivot:

1. In shops, you sometimes have that person:
2. the alignment specialist
3. the drivability/diagnostics specialist
4. the transmission/differential rebuilder
5. the ADAS/calibration person
6. the accessory/TPMS/trailer/camper person
7. Customers don’t just ask for the shop… they ask for that specialist by name.
8. Matt’s point: Don’t let ego or envy sabotage something that helps everyone.

5) “Lean Into It” (Instead of Getting Weird About It)

Matt argues you should:

1. Promote that specialist more, not less.
2. Treat their reputation as an asset to the entire shop.
3. Recognize what it actually creates:
4. more cars in the door
5. more opportunities for ethical work
6. higher ticket averages
7. more stability for the business

6) Keep Ego in Check (For Them and for You)

Matt acknowledges the fear: “If we hype them up, will their ego explode?”

His take:

1. True specialists usually know their lane is narrow and the shop ecosystem is bigger than them.
2. The shop can’t survive on only alignments / only rebuilds / only diagnostics.
3. It’s a team sport: everyone has a role and the work requires all of it.

7) The “Be Careful What You Wish For” Reality

Being “the person” customers ask for sounds awesome—until:

1. expectations pile up
2. pressure rises
3. living up to the legend becomes exhausting
4. relief replaces ego when you actually solve the problem

Memorable Lines / Quotables

1. “If you’re not learning, then you’re stagnant… and the business isn’t progressing.”
2. “It isn’t about that. It’s about the money—these people are draws.”
3. “Instead of being upset about it… lean into it.”
4. “Be careful what you wish for.”

Listener Challenge (Call to Action)

1. Identify one area you could sharpen into a true specialty.
2. If your shop already has “that specialist,” ask yourself honestly:
3. Am I helping amplify that draw… or quietly resenting it?
4. Look for a “see a need, fill a need” opportunity that benefits the whole shop.

Thanks to our Partner, Pico Technology

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Contact Information

1. Email Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com
2. Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel
3. Subscribe & Review: Loved this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

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