Fresh Talent and Trusted Expertise Shape Ratchet+Wrench’s 2026 Editorial Direction

With a goal of connecting readers with industry insight, educational information, and practical solutions, Ratchet+Wrench magazine welcomes new and returning industry professionals to the print edition and the advisory board in 2026.

Beginning in January, online columnist Lauralee “Lola” Schmidt will begin her reign in the print edition. The vice president of operations and marketing for Springboro, Ohio-based Schmidt Auto Care has been a fan favorite online and will continue to use her fresh voice and unique perspective to offer insight on everything from hiring employees to creating a dynamic culture in repair shops in her column, “Rooted in Success.”

Entering the industry more than 10 years ago to help her husband, Erich, grow his business, Schmidt jokes her ambition was as high as her heels. She adds that Ratchet+Wrench served as her industry inspiration as she got up to speed.

“I would comb over the magazine each month when Erich would bring it home,” recalls the mother of one. “I’d read about the shop Breakdowns and accomplishments and knew we could make business work and blossom beautifully. I wanted my shop in that magazine.  I wanted to write for the brand.”    

Schmidt will replace columnist Kathleen Callahan, owner of Xpertech Auto Repair in Florida, who wrote for Ratchet+Wrench for two years in her Measure, Manage & Master column. We sincerely appreciate her contribution and thank her for her years of dedication to the publication.  

Meanwhile, R. “Dutch” Silverstein, president of A&M Auto Service in North Carolina, will continue to share his opinions and know-how in his 35,000-Foot-View column.

Known for his no-nonsense, story-driven approach to leadership and shop management, Silverstein has built a loyal readership by tackling the topics most shop owners quietly wrestle with—but don’t always say out loud. His column focuses on culture, communication, ethics, operational discipline, and the realities of being both a business owner and a human being.

“I’ve always believed that the real heart of this industry is people—our customers, our employees, and the owners who carry the weight of the whole operation on their shoulders,” Silverstein says. “Writing this column gives me the chance to speak directly to them. If something I’ve lived through can make someone else’s road a little less bumpy, then it’s worth putting pen to paper every month.”

Additionally, the lineup of online columnists welcomes veterans and new faces:

• Mike Bennett, Automotive Training Institute
• Victor Broski, Newport Motorsports
• Greg Bunch, Transformers Institute
• Hunt Demarest, Paar, Melis & Associates
• Katie French, 2025 AAPEX Service Advisor of the Year
• Todd Hayes, Houston Boston Partnership
• Josh Parnell, Limitless Leadership LLC
• Jim Saeli, DRIVE
• Taran Sodhi, Conceptual Minds
• Kendall Warnock, A1 Automotive 
• Rick White, 180BIZ

The editorial advisory board, which helps to steer content for the print issues, will retain members Tonnika Haynes (Brown’s Automotive), Andrew Marcotte (American Pride Automotive), Rachel Spencer (Spencer’s Auto Repair), and Tara Topel (Topel’s Towing and Repair) while welcoming Ceasar Cordon (Fifth Gear Automotive) and Bill Snow (Rad Air Complete Car Care) aboard.

Ratchet+Wrench wishes to thank outgoing board members J.J. Mont (J.J.’s Auto Service) and Lucas Underwood (L&N Performance Auto Repair) for their contributions to the industry publication.