Send us a Text Message. Episode 329: Being reactive costs the trucking industry millions of dollars every year. Once something breaks down, it is costing you so much more money than if you planned for it in advance. Most people understand this for fleets and owner-operators, but we see this all the time as we consult with heavy-duty parts manufactu…

Text us your ghost stories & Ideas & questions! In this episode of 'From the Word Ghost,' host AJ and co-host Jamie dive into the haunting and mysterious events experienced by the Lee family in their Black Forest Colorado home. The podcast explores lights, footsteps, shadowy figures, and chemical odors experienced by the family. Despite installing …

Send us a Text Message. Episode 328: In these volatile times it is more important than ever to pay attention to the important things in your business rather than only focusing on the urgent day to day tasks. Being proactive and having a solid plan can be the difference between your business struggling or even failing during hard times or emerging f…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 327: Retaining skilled technicians in the heavy-duty repair industry is a challenge that many businesses face. High turnover rates can be costly and disruptive, impacting the overall efficiency and productivity of repair shops. Our host, Jamie Irvine, starts out this episode with a list of 7 things that owners and ma…

Text us your ghost stories & Ideas & questions! In this emotional yet humorous episode of 'From the Word Ghost' podcast, host AJ and co-host Jamie discuss Aaron’s departure and its implications. Personal anecdotes, frustrations with the banking system, and future plans for the podcast are shared, promising an exciting year ahead despite the current…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 326: We start this episode discussing the essential phases of remanufacturing—including disassembly, thorough cleaning, failure analysis, reassembly, and testing—and reveal how you can apply these steps to identify and resolve issues in your heavy-duty parts business. Our featured guest is Joe Kripli, President of AP…

Text us your ghost stories & Ideas & questions! In this episode of From The Word Ghost, hosts AJ and Jay delve into the chilling history of Malvern Manor, a once family-owned hotel turned notorious paranormal hot spot in Iowa. They discuss the manor's troubled past, including its time as a place for individuals suffering from alcoholism and mental …

Send us a Text Message. Episode 325: Brake Safety Week is coming up at the end of August. Last year, over 500 commercial vehicles were removed from North American roads after just one day of surprise inspections for having brake components that were unsafe. To help us prepare ahead for this year we talked to brake expert Don Orrell, Founder and CEO…

Text us your ghost stories & Ideas & questions! In this episode of the 'From the Word Ghosts', hosts Aaron and Jamie dive into the strange and unsettling story of Donnie Decker. Known as the 'Rain Man,' Donnie seemed to possess the eerie ability to control and summon water, leading to inexplicable paranormal events witnessed by multiple people, inc…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 324: In this episode, we talk about contaminants that need to be filtered out – out of your business and out of your commercial vehicle air and fuel system. In our That’s Not Heavy Duty segment, Jamie tells a story of an irate and unreasonable customer and talks about a solution he found for customers that are imposs…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 323: In this episode we discuss the need to change with the times in order to avoid being left behind. Things are certainly changing fast with technology in the trucking and parts industry and there are certain things that just don’t work anymore. There are also ways of doing things that are better than before and th…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 322: Tracking parts cost trends is vital in the heavy-duty parts industry. The last 6 months of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024 were flat or even down for many heavy-duty parts companies as the freight recession affected the industry. Encouragingly, there seems to be an uptick in activity over April and May which …

Text us your ghost stories & Ideas & questions! In this episode of From the Word Ghost, hosts AJ and Jay delve into the paranormal events experienced by the Herman family in 1958, which inspired the horror movie franchise, The Poltergeist. Set in the quiet town of Seaford, New York, the family experiences unexplained occurrences such as bottles and…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 321: In this week’s episode we start by talking about 3 common ideas in heavy-duty parts that need to be challenged. First, how total cost of operation should be considered over purchase price. Second, how salespeople are not usually able to both capture new business and nurture existing business; these take separate…

Text us your ghost stories & Ideas & questions!By From The Word Ghost

Send us a Text Message. Episode 320: When you sell heavy-duty parts, you often sell a lot of the same lines as your competitors. How do you make your company stand out? One way is by finding ways to invite your customers into your business and making them partners of your success. This week we spoke with Curt Westphal from HDA Truck Pride and Jason…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 319: Group training and coaching can be great for not only learning more about a specific topic but also gaining perspective by hearing other’s experiences. Learn about Heavy Duty Consulting Corporation's remote group training programs which foster knowledge-sharing and mentorship in the truck parts industry. Our hos…

Text us your ghost stories & Ideas & questions! The hosts share and discuss the horrifying story of a demonic presence that tormented the Moffat family for over six years. The narrative starts with a light-hearted conversation between the hosts about personal anecdotes and then moves into the main story which follows Debra Moffat's encounter with a…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 318: In a heavy-duty business, maximizing productivity involves using data to make decisions and take needed action. By making the most of data, heavy-duty companies can work more efficiently and save time and money. Join the conversation with our host Jamie Irvine, and featured guest, Brian Mulshine, Sr. Director of…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 317: We're thrilled to announce that The Heavy Duty Parts Report is now presented by the Heavy Duty Consulting Corporation. Our consulting company works with manufacturers, distributors and repair centers to solve problems in their business. Our featured guest, Len Gonzalez, Director Aftermarket of Sales at MGM Brake…

Text us your ghost stories & Ideas & questions! In an engaging podcast episode, hosts AJ and Jamie delve into the intriguing history and paranormal tales surrounding Epping Forest. These tales span from ancient times with Queen Boudicca's ghostly presence to more modern hauntings, such as the story of the Lindsay Street Pond and the notorious highw…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 316: We have two heavy-duty experts ready to share the most important tips for heavy-duty people to succeed in the industry. Get ready to take notes because we’re talking about business relationships, fundamental skills needed to stay relevant, and how to adapt to ever-changing technology in the industry. Join this h…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 315: This episode announces the recipients of the HDPR scholarship for WyoTech students. Dalton Fisher and Blake Klamm, aspiring diesel technicians, are highlighted for their embodiment of heavy-duty traits. They understand the importance of our industry and are answering the call for more qualified technicians. We a…

Text us your ghost stories & Ideas & questions! In this episode of 'From the Word Ghost', hosts AJ and Jamie delve into the chilling story behind the 1970s horror movie classic, 'The Exorcist', focusing on one of its inspirations - the exorcism of Roland Doe (also known as Ronald Hunkeler). The podcast kicks off with some light banter between AJ an…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 314: Join us on an electrifying journey as our host, Jamie Irvine, interviews renowned engineer Ali Javidan, CEO and Founder of Range Energy. Javidan sheds light on the importance of electric trailers for fleets and on how they support drivers to feel confident and comfortable on the road. With his extensive experien…

Text us your ghost stories & Ideas & questions! In this episode, hosts AJ and Jamie share a lively mix of personal banter, paranormal storytelling, and trivia games centered around the Stanley Hotel's haunted reputation and its influence on Stephen King's 'The Shining.' The episode kicks off with casual conversation, including reminiscing about old…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 313: At TMC 2024, we interviewed exhibitors who highlighted innovative solutions for fleets in the trucking industry, focusing on fuel efficiency, clean air systems, and streamlined maintenance. These advancements are vital for cutting operational costs, minimizing downtime, and ensuring regulatory compliance, ultima…

Text us your ghost stories & Ideas & questions! In this different from the usual, more candid, episode of 'From the Word Ghost', the hosts take a relaxed approach to discuss recent life events and their impact on the podcast's schedule. Starting with a light-hearted introduction, they quickly dive into more serious matters, revealing a series of pe…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 312: We were happy to attend this year’s TMC annual meeting in New Orleans, and we have the latest news on how the industry is embracing technology to solve common problems heavy-duty people face. In this episode, Jamie Irvine interviewed industry leaders who have used technology to create solutions that increase eff…

Text us your ghost stories & Ideas & questions! In this episode of 'From the Word Goes,' hosts AJ and skeptic co-host Jamie delve into the haunting story of the Pendle Witch Trials. While attempting to convince Jamie of the paranormal, they navigate through the historical background of Jeanette Preston and the infamous trials in 16th-century Englan…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 311: We recently attended the Technology and Maintenance Council’s (TMC) spring meeting in New Orleans where we had the opportunity to delve into the forefront of innovation in the trucking industry. Our host Jamie Irvine had the chance to interview subject matter experts about how the trucking industry is expanding …

Send us a Text Message. Episode 310: This heavy-duty roundtable discussion features David Seewack, CEO & Founder of FinditParts, Dan Millar of Hinton Transportation Investments, and Jamie Irvine, sharing their passions, highlighting the importance of building meaningful relationships and encouraging young people to be a part of the industry. Togeth…

Text us your ghost stories & Ideas & questions! In this episode of 'From the Word Ghost,' hosts AJ and skeptic co-host Jamie delve into the eerie world of the paranormal with a focus on the famous haunting of the Snedeker family in Connecticut, 1986. The family moved into a house for their son Philip's cancer treatment, only to find it was a former…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 309: The heavy-duty industry is evolving, and mandates are steering the industry towards more environmentally friendly solutions. In the first part of our episode, Jamie Irvine talks about mandates for reduced NOx emissions and the phasing out of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and the plan to replace them …

Send us a Text Message. Episode 308: At HDAW’24, we had the privilege of sitting down with some of the heavy-duty industry’s biggest names. Kent Jones, President of SAF-Holland, shared exclusive insights into their merger with Haldex. Additionally, Tim Bauer, VP of Aftermarket for North America at Eaton, and Cengiz Shevket, President of Aftermarket…

Text us your ghost stories & Ideas & questions! The podcast episode is a light-hearted discussion about werewolves in popular culture. Hosts AJ and Jamie discuss the origins of werewolves, their appearances in movies, and common characteristics. They pay tribute to their beloved friend Michael Alan Gregory and later humorously dissect popular werew…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 307: Challenging the status quo in the heavy-duty parts industry can lead to greater opportunities for companies today. Learning to reinvent while staying true to core values is the key. In today's dynamic business environment, embracing innovation and reinvention is crucial because it enables you to optimize operati…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 306: This year, HDAW24 displayed people's resilience and hope for the future despite ongoing supply chain disruptions and inflation struggles that leave us feeling uncertain. This episode highlights upcoming changes in MEMA with Collin Shaw, engine rebuilding with Bill Mirth from IPD Parts, and product diversificatio…

Text us your ghost stories & Ideas & questions! In this paranormal podcast episode, hosts AJ and Jamie explore some dramatic stories from Amsterdam's haunted history. AJ shares three of the city's most famous ghost stories, including the haunting of Helena, a 14th-century monastery turned slaughterhouse, and the tale of a highwayman named Matthew w…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 305: If you’re looking to join an industry and have a career, you should consider working in the heavy-duty parts industry. In this episode, we interview two industry veterans, Joe Mejaly, former Vice President Aftermarket of Cummins-Meritor, and David Seewack, CEO & Founder of FinditParts. Both of these men have dec…

Text us your ghost stories & Ideas & questions! In this episode of the paranormal podcast 'From The Word Ghost', host AJ presents the story of the Banshee from Gaelic folklore to his skeptic co-host, Jamie. They discuss the origin and different interpretations of the Banshee, followed by recounting personal experiences and stories from online forum…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 304: Manufacturers of heavy-duty parts and their distributors must work closely together to get the parts the trucking industry needs to keep trucks and trailers rolling. In this episode, we’ll discuss the 5 ways every manufacturer should support their distributors to maximize sales, customer satisfaction, and increa…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 303: In the heavy-duty industry, employees need specific skills, knowledge and safety practices to operate efficiently. So, whenever we hear businesses say they are too busy to send their employees for training, it’s a bad thing! Without proper training, the entire company will face operational challenges, reduced em…

Text us your ghost stories & Ideas & questions! This episode of 'From the Word Ghost' delves into the lore of one of the most famous paranormal creatures - the vampire. The hosts, AJ and Jay, touch on the origin, types, prominent myths, and cultural depictions of the vampire. They also review some famous books and films featuring vampires and share…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 302: Technology on commercial trucks continues to become more complex as more advanced electrical systems are developed. This is changing the demands on the charging system. Alternators need to be high-output and high-performance to meet the needs of the modern semi-truck. Jonathan E. Smith is the Business Developmen…

Text us your ghost stories & Ideas & questions! In this episode of 'From the Word Ghost', a paranormal podcast catering for believers and skeptics alike, hosts AJ and Jay share spine-chilling stories from the White Hart Hotel. Originating in 1710 and having a rumored history dating back to 1260, the hotel is believed to be haunted by spirits from i…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 301: In the old days, batteries for heavy-duty trucks had an easy job. They powered the starter to start the truck and they provided power for the interior lights, the radio, and maybe the clock on the dashboard. These days, batteries are tasked more than ever before. They power HVAC components, safety components, an…

Text us your ghost stories & Ideas & questions! Hosts AJ and Jay engage in a lively and humorous discussion on tarot cards. They delve into the history of tarot cards, dating back to the 1430s in Italy, where they were introduced as a simple card game called 'Triumphy'. The hosts explore how tarot cards got associated with divination and fortune-te…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 300: Join The Heavy Duty Parts Report as we mark our 300th episode. We’re revisiting our inaugural episodes, including our early interview with Marathon Brake Systems and many milestone episodes along the way. Hear about the stories and strategies that have helped reduce the total cost of operations for fleets, the p…

Send us a Text Message. Episode 299: Historically speaking Melissa Petersmann (The Diesel Queen), is not your average diesel technician. But we think that she is an example of the future of heavy-duty. The more young talented people we can attract to the industry the better. In this episode, you will hear Melissa’s story and she breaks down the bar…