Quantcast
Jump to content


Medical and dental benefits .


Recommended Posts

We offer them and I'm sure it varies by state. It's a pain but I think to remain competitive it's a must. We pay for 75% of the employee only for a HSA (High Deductible) plan as the base plan. The employee has the option to upgrade to a traditional PPO plan or an Hybrid HMO plan as well as add their spouse or family. We also pay 100% for a LTD plan and a $30K Life & Accidental Death Plan. I use a third party company to manage it and shop the plans each year. It seems we have to switch health insurance companies about every 2 years. The forms are numerous as each company has it's own forms they want. We also offer Dental and Vision but at 100% cost to the employee.

The reason we pay 100% for the LTD is that as a self employed owner it is very expensive for me to purchase a plan outside the company. It is much cheaper to purchase it as a group plan. For what it would cost me on the outside I can provide all my employees a plan plus myself for less cost. I have about 15 employees on the plan.

We also offer a SEP Retirement plan that matches dollar for dollar up to 3%. If you run the numbers, or for us at least in Texas it cost me very little because of the reduced taxes and I am able to shelter funds for myself.

Be ready to spend considerable time set it all up. I use a third party provider to handle all the benefits as well as payroll processing. I tried ADP Total Source but found their fee structure a little expensive and they did not have a good import for Quickbooks, I also tried another company but the people where incompetent. Now with my new payroll/benefits company I go on-line to a web portal and enter the payroll, I can delegate this to another employee now and don't have to schedule vacation around pay dates. I can also enter it if need be while away from the shop. Last year I did it while diving in Honduras. The payroll company sends me a QB import file that has it all broken up into departments that I set up as well as the QB account numbers that I want various costs to hit. Actually QB integrated payroll does this well and it's easy. But now the payroll/benefits company has all my employee numbers and is able to shop for insurance much easier without me having to send them numbers and census information. I chose an outside company for future scale-ability as we grow and open up another location.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Also let me add that most of the dental plans are not that good. We used to pay 100% for them but the employees rarely used it, that's why I made it optional. I feel the employees have to pay something to see the real benefit. If the employee is willing to kick in something then I want to help them also, if they don't care about it then I don't care about it for them.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         5 comments
      I recently spoke with a friend of mine who owns a large general repair shop in the Midwest. His father founded the business in 1975. He was telling me that although he’s busy, he’s also very frustrated. When I probed him more about his frustrations, he said that it’s hard to find qualified technicians. My friend employs four technicians and is looking to hire two more. I then asked him, “How long does a technician last working for you.” He looked puzzled and replied, “I never really thought about that, but I can tell that except for one tech, most technicians don’t last working for me longer than a few years.”
      Judging from personal experience as a shop owner and from what I know about the auto repair industry, I can tell you that other than a few exceptions, the turnover rate for technicians in our industry is too high. This makes me think, do we have a technician shortage or a retention problem? Have we done the best we can over the decades to provide great pay plans, benefits packages, great work environments, and the right culture to ensure that the techs we have stay with us?
      Finding and hiring qualified automotive technicians is not a new phenomenon. This problem has been around for as long as I can remember. While we do need to attract people to our industry and provide the necessary training and mentorship, we also need to focus on retention. Having a revolving door and needing to hire techs every few years or so costs your company money. Big money! And that revolving door may be a sign of an even bigger issue: poor leadership, and poor employee management skills.
      Here’s one more thing to consider, for the most part, technicians don’t leave one job to start a new career, they leave one shop as a technician to become a technician at another shop. The reasons why they leave can be debated, but there is one fact that we cannot deny, people don’t quit the company they work for, they usually leave because of the boss or manager they work for.
      Put yourselves in the shoes of your employees. Do you have a workplace that communicates, “We appreciate you and want you to stay!”
  • Similar Topics

    • By carmcapriotto
      Coaches Mastermind: Bill Haas and Kent Bullard discuss performance reviews, benefit packages and succession. Succession planning in family businesses is often met with emotional complexities and practical challenges. However, with open communication, a willingness to learn from the past, and proper financial planning, these obstacles can be overcome. Kent Bullard, COO, The Institute. Listen to Kent’s other episodes HERE. Bill Haas, Haas Performance Consulting, Bill’s previous episodes HERE.
      Show Notes: Answering the Phone (00:00:43) Importance of answering calls, dealer service department comparison, missed opportunities. Technology and Communication (00:01:54) Discussion on new technology, voicemail, and missed connections. Training and Handling Calls (00:03:28) Importance of training staff to handle calls, voicemail setup, and staff hierarchy for call answering. Role-specific Phone Training (00:05:37) Training different staff members to answer calls based on their roles, prioritizing customer service. Customer Service and Workflow (00:08:10) Discussion on virtual service advisors, prioritizing customer relationships, and back-end workflow. Handling Cost Estimates (00:12:11) Importance of having dedicated staff for cost estimates, focusing on customer service. Reservation System (00:14:41) Discussion on the concept of reservations over appointments, and comparison with car dealership reservation systems. Dealership Service Experience (00:16:13) Comparison of dealership service experience, emphasizing the importance of providing a better customer experience. The importance of client experience (00:18:02) Discussion on the significance of client experience officer and revenue growth despite COVID. Performance reviews and improvement discussions (00:18:58) Fear of holding people accountable and reframing performance reviews as improvement discussions. Setting goals and targets for employees (00:20:01) Importance of setting goals and targets for employees to ensure clarity and success. Quarterly one-on-one meetings (00:21:25) The value of regular one-on-one meetings with employees to build relationships and open communication. Employee benefits and incentives (00:24:28) The importance of providing benefits, including PTO, retirement programs, and other incentives to attract and retain talent. Succession planning and family involvement (00:31:26) Challenges and conversations around succession planning, especially involving family members in the business. Learning from Past Generations (00:35:20) The impact of witnessing previous generational struggles on the decision-making process for succession planning. Conflict and Communication (00:35:56) The necessity of conflict and open communication in changing ideas and thoughts for successful business succession. Challenges of Taking Over (00:36:45) The challenges faced when taking over a family business with zero financial support. Financial Responsibility (00:37:03) The impact of leaving a child with financial responsibility and debt after taking over a family business. Importance of Planning (00:37:29) The importance of planning and the consequences of not having a solid financial plan for the future of the business.
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Connect with the Podcast -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections        
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Maryann Croce discusses the importance of separating personal identity from business identity. Maryann, a coach and shop owner, emphasizes the need to recognize and embrace different roles in life, such as being a leader, family member, or partner. She suggests that separating these identities can lead to growth, team collaboration, and the ability to assess the business objectively. Viewing the business as a separate entity can lead to better delegation, clearer focus, and improved work-life balance. Maryann, Small Biz Vantage. Maryann’s previous episodes HERE. Show Notes
      Separating Your Identity (00:02:59) Discussion on the importance of separating one's identity and roles in different aspects of life, such as being a business owner, family member, and leader. Shifting Roles and Uniforms (00:04:17) Exploration of how changing clothes and uniforms can help shift one's mindset and separate different roles, using examples like first responders and military personnel. Advantages of Separating Business and Personal Identity (00:08:41) Explanation of the benefits of viewing the business as a separate entity from oneself, including the ability to receive constructive feedback, assess business growth objectively, and avoid taking negative reviews personally. The importance of separating identity from business (00:10:43) Discussion on how separating one's identity from their business can lead to reduced stress and increased clarity. Using role shifting to manage different aspects of the business (00:12:57) Exploration of how shifting roles can help business owners focus on different areas, such as marketing and financials, and achieve a separate entity mindset. Understanding Your Financials (00:22:05) The importance of owners understanding their business's financials and knowing where to focus on improvements. Building Relationships (00:23:25) The significance of owners building and nurturing relationships with their team, vendors, suppliers, and associations. Separating Yourself from the Business (00:24:23) The benefits of viewing the business as a separate entity, allowing owners to delegate tasks, step away for extended periods, and make the business sellable. The importance of separating business from personal identity (00:31:15) Discusses a story of a business owner who almost lost his business due to a car accident and emphasizes the need to separate one's identity from their business. Stop thinking of the business as you (00:32:01) Highlights the importance of delegating tasks and responsibilities, having job descriptions, processes, and systems in place, and working with a team instead of trying to do everything alone. The impact of not separating business from personal life (00:34:13) Talks about the consequences of not separating business and personal life, such as feeling burdened, missing out on important moments, and the need to prioritize different roles in life. Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX and NAPA TRACS Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections      
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      George Kingman discusses the importance of work-life balance, psychological safety, and cultivating a positive work environment. He shares personal experiences and lessons learned from his journey in the automotive industry, emphasizing the need for passion and positivity. Kingman also discusses leadership strategies inspired by George Washington and how they can be applied in modern businesses. He stresses the importance of making employees feel valued and connected to their work. George Kingman, Blue Sky Tire and Auto, Georgia and Illinois. Advanced Shop Leadership Show Notes
      Advanced Shop Leadership Group https://www.advancedshopleadership.com/ Safety and the Importance of Passion (00:02:18) The role of safety in fostering passion at work, both in terms of physical safety and psychological safety. The Contagion of Passion and Negativity (00:03:35) How passion is contagious and can uplift others, while negativity can also have an impact on the work environment. Finding Passion and Building a Team (00:06:44) The importance of finding the right people (the "who's") to support and complement your skills and passions in order to build a successful team. The importance of learning from mistakes (00:09:57) The value of allowing employees to make mistakes and the learning opportunities that come from them. Creating a positive work culture for work-life balance (00:12:09) The importance of fostering a positive work culture to achieve a proper work-life balance and how it affects employees' motivation and happiness. Psychology articles and work-life balance (00:22:15) Discussion on the importance of work-life balance and the misconception that more time off is the solution. Creating psychological safety at work (00:23:21) Exploration of the significance of making employees feel happy and safe at work, rather than solely focusing on time off or monetary compensation. Building a positive culture and purpose (00:24:54) Importance of creating a positive work culture and purpose, and the role of leaders in mentoring and improving the attitudes of team members. The power of bringing something extra (00:35:48) The importance of going above and beyond in order to achieve success, both personally and professionally. George Washington's Leadership (00:36:53) George Washington's ability to motivate his troops and redefine their purpose during difficult times. Building Positivity in the Workplace (00:38:31) Using George Washington's methods to motivate employees by sharing success stories and creating a positive culture. Taking Care of Each Other (00:41:17) The importance of taking care of teammates and spreading joy in the workplace to create a successful business. Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections
         
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Great news, you don’t have to go it alone. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Get a copy of my Book: Download Here
      Aftermarket Radio Network
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.



  • Our Sponsors

×
×
  • Create New...