AI in the workplace is nothing new. From bookkeeping to customer relations, the technology is helpful for shop owners. But Josh Oberlander saw a gap on the technician side, where AI can boost efficiency and productivity. Punching in notes into an iPad one finger at a time slows down the day and increases the chance of information getting lost along the way. But what if there was a more effective way? Something simple that kept everyone in the loop, from techs in the bay to front-of-house staff and even the customer.
In this episode of Maximum Octane, host Jason Patel reconnects with Josh Oberlander, co-founder and CRO of Detect Auto, to discuss how his company is revolutionizing auto shops with AI. One example he shares is how Detect Auto uses technology to upgrade DVIs, filling in 15 to 20 maintenance items with one click, and delivering customer-facing explanations that are informative and professional. He also gives listeners a sneak peek at their newest innovation: a voice-driven inspection tool, which was days from launch at the time of this live recording during Super Conference. With this tool, techs can talk and take photos as they surveil the car while the app sorts the inspection and pushes it into Tekmetric. From there, the conversation digs into AI eroding the human touch at the counter and why owners need to get out of the weeds long enough to see what's failing.
Along the way, Josh shares his journey to building Detect Auto. Like many in the industry, he didn’t start in automotive, but he had the drive and entrepreneurial spirit. After starting a tree service business at 24, he met his current co-founders and turned his focus to auto repair. From his perspective, his two failed businesses were the key to success. Now Detect Auto is found in several shops nationwide, and Josh still spends a lot of time inside shops building maintenance programs.
Tune in to episode 154 of Maximum Octane if you're weighing AI tools for your DVI process, or your advisors struggle to sell maintenance. Josh's advice is straightforward: try the technology, think it through before you implement it, and train your people to explain why the work matters.
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