The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast Who is Josh Parnell, Really? [E178]
Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled
Josh Parnell’s story isn’t your typical rise to success narrative. It’s one of faith, perspective, and the kind of leadership that’s forged through humility and hard lessons. From dreaming of becoming a filmmaker to serving as an Air Force cop in Minot, North Dakota, to climbing the ranks at Christian Brothers Automotive, Josh’s journey is filled with turns only God could have scripted.
In this episode, Brian Walker sits down with Josh to uncover the man behind Limitless Leadership. They dig into what shaped him, how the Air Force taught him about attitude and effort, and why leadership, at its core, is a skill that must be practiced daily. Josh opens up about marriage, fatherhood, emotional regulation, and the lessons that counseling and faith have taught him about self-awareness and service.
You’ll also hear how he helps shop owners become better communicators, leaders, and coaches through his Limitless Leadership Blueprint and why “people before process” is more than just a saying for him.
This conversation is real, raw, and packed with wisdom for anyone leading a team, running a shop, or trying to grow into the person they’re called to be.
🎧 Listen now to hear how Josh Parnell is helping leaders across the auto repair industry move beyond limits and learn what it truly means to keep leading well.
Show Notes with Timestamps
- Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgement (00:00:10) Brian introduces the podcast, guest Josh Parnell, and thanks sponsors.
- Josh’s Early Life and Aspirations (00:02:00) Josh discusses growing up in Louisiana and Texas, his filmmaking dreams, and attending University of North Texas.
- Military Service and Lessons Learned (00:02:53) Josh shares how he joined the Air Force, became a military police officer, and learned about attitude and effort.
- Stationed in North Dakota and Perspective (00:04:29) Josh talks about being stationed in Minot, North Dakota, and the importance of perspective and mentorship.
- Family Background and Upbringing (00:07:01) Josh describes his move from Louisiana to Texas and his upbringing in Houston.
- Leadership at Christian Brothers Automotive (00:09:02) Josh explains his leadership journey at Christian Brothers Automotive and the transition to leadership coaching.
- Hardest Leadership Lessons Learned (00:11:18) Josh discusses the challenges of being coachable and learning from feedback during his time at Christian Brothers.
- The Value of Coaching and Counseling (00:13:54) Josh and Brian talk about the importance of coaching, counseling, and personal growth.
- Sponsor Messages (00:14:43) Sponsor advertisements for Shop Boss and App Fueled.
- Limitless Leadership Blueprint Course (00:16:41) Josh introduces his online leadership course and its three modules: self-leadership, communication, and team leadership.
- Communication and Counseling in Leadership (00:19:31) Discussion on the impact of communication, counseling, and mental health in leadership and personal life.
- Vulnerability and Emotional Regulation (00:23:21) Josh emphasizes vulnerability, journaling, and emotional regulation as key leadership skills.
- Limitless Leadership Podcast Milestone (00:24:44) Brian congratulates Josh on surpassing 100 podcast episodes and discusses podcast longevity.
- Favorite Podcast Episodes (00:25:28) Josh shares his favorite podcast episodes and memorable guests.
- Best Leadership Definitions from Guests (00:26:47) Josh reflects on the best answers to "What is leadership?" from his podcast guests.
- Josh’s Definition of Leadership (00:28:14) Josh gives his own definition of leadership, focusing on influence and developing others.
- Quintessential Leaders and Influences (00:29:55) Josh names Jesus, Craig Groeschel, Ed Mylett, and his wife as leadership role models.
- Personal Life and Hobbies (00:32:44) Josh talks about his family, hobbies, being an introvert, and balancing work and life.
- Role of Faith in Life and Business (00:35:03) Josh discusses the central role of faith in his personal, family, and professional life.
- Upcoming Events and Conferences (00:37:02) Josh shares information about upcoming leadership trainings and conferences.
- Final Thoughts and Contact Information (00:38:01) Josh offers closing advice, encourages connection, and shares how to reach him.
- Podcast Closing (00:38:49) Podcast outro and information about the Aftermarket Radio Network.
How To Get In Touch
Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook
Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book
Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics
Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
The Limitless Leadership Podcast
Limitless Leadership Blueprint
Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled
This episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you.
AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”
The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/
Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/