Maximum Octane

Maximum Octane is the high-performance podcast for automotive shop owners ready to accelerate their leadership, culture, and profitability. Hosted by industry veterans Kim Hickey and Jason Patel from Automotive Training Institute (ATI), each episode takes you under the hood of the nation's most successful auto repair shops to uncover the tools, tactics, and mindset shifts fueling next-level results.

This season, Maximum Octane brings raw, real conversations from ATI SuperConference 2025 in Hawaii—featuring shop owners who are transforming their businesses by investing in what matters most: people, process, and purpose. From using Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs) to create superfans and elevate trust, to building training-first cultures that unlock loyalty, growth, and long-term success, these are the stories that inspire action. The season explores the shift from technician to technologist, the power of structure and team leadership, and the innovative thinking driving the automotive industry forward in a time of rapid change.

If you're a shop owner looking to scale sustainably, retain top-tier talent, maximize your Average Repair Order (ARO), or future-proof your business against ever-advancing vehicle technology—this podcast delivers the mindset and methods to get you there. You’ll gain field-tested strategies from ATI’s top-performing members, with deep dives into DVIs, workflow efficiency, culture-building, team accountability, talent development, technician training, and actionable steps to grow your shop’s revenue, reputation, and resilience.

Because in today’s market, it’s not just about fixing cars—it’s about building a business people believe in.

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Recent Reviews
  • Surfit18
    Love the connection and analogies
    Love the connection between automotive industry and leadership. Excited to hear where you go with this.
  • Ryker828
    Great perspectives
    Thank you for making me think harder about business.
  • jimjustjim
    Maximum Octane
    I’ve known Kim was a rockstar for years, but with the podcast she really shines. Any other podcasters should be jealous.
  • Grateful Emily
    I love this show!
    I don’t know anything about cars, but I do know about compassionately operating a business, and Kim is stellar at doing this. She is so inspirational and full of great advice. I highly recommend this podcast for anyone with a business or thinking about having a business!
  • ATIKevin
    Exceptional Listen
    Kim does an amazing job bringing discussions to the table that are real word and relevant to today’s business owner.
  • My Tebow
    Raising the bar!
    Kim is so knowledgeable of our automotive industry and an expert in customer service, Organization and implementation of successful actions. We are so thrilled to have somebody this talented represent the automotive industry. 5 star coach!
  • msorro
    Kim is the real deal!
    What a refreshing podcast! Kim is a passionate leader who walks her talk. This one is a must listen!
  • TBGPhD
    So practical!
    Kim has got to be one of the most practical coaches I’ve heard in a LONG time. Her examples and insights are so real and applicable to all business leaders. Excellent perspective and advice about caring for internal customers.
  • Virgylee
    Honest & heartfelt
    Kim is a true leader in what matters in the automotive industry and beyond! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insights, I can’t wait to see who your guests are and what we will learn next!
  • Debra Dinnocenzo
    Max WOW!
    Save yourself a carload of troubles! Kim offers important insights from her experience that will help you avoid problems, learn important techniques, and be more successful. Maximum Octane is your go-to podcast for mastering the keys to service leadership excellence!
  • greenlane pa
    Filled with Energy
    So much fun to listen to Kim and loved everything about the podcast!!
  • With an Open Heart
    Energy full tilt
    Maximum Octane is perfectly titled. Kim is a ball of beautifully inspired energy who knows what she's talking about. Kim carves her own path. She's truly a BossBabe who tells it how it is unapologetically and with style. Vroom Vroom BABY!!
  • laylatusko
    Informative and Inspiring Podcast
    Very interesting and informative podcast on running a business! Being a business owner, this podcast is relevant to running my business even though I am not in the auto industry. Love Kim’s energy and approach! Aha moment with thinking of my employees as an internal customer!!!
  • Barney Fein
    Go to the Front of the Pack
    Take it to the Max with Kim, her peddle to the metal energy and insight will spark your buisness success!
  • rick9560
    Insightful
    Kim is an expert in the daily running of automotive repair shops. I have worked with Kim for nearly 10 years. She has amazing insights and can really relate to shop owners.
  • SafiRae
    So good!
    Kim is an amazing ring leader. Love her energy and her focus on success and balance. Her approach is real and authentic! Highly recommend.
  • Steveraven1
    Wow!
    Never thought of my employees as internal customers! Thanks for this light bulb moment.
  • amyrookwood
    CEO Insights
    Wow! Never would have thought a podcast by an auto repair shop would have such useful information for a life coach! Kim is open, unconventional and totally easy to listen to. Loved her background story and this non-auto centered woman can’t wait to hear more!
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