Quantcast
Jump to content

Recommended Posts

I know of 2 other shops that have used their consulting services in the past, and attended numerous seminars. Although I haven't personally sought out their service for my shop, I can tell you that,depending on your circumstances, it may be the best or the worst decision you make.

 

From the countless conversations I've had with my shop owner/friends, it depends on your expectations. For example, one person said that their first piece of advice was that if he wanted to make more money, start by raising his prices. That is either genious, or the sillyest, most expensive peiece of advice to get, depending on your own circumstance. Much of the advice, and ongoing accountability you'll experience will be driven by the very expensive nature of the relationship. Both friends of mine admitted that they often tried following their consultant's advice on every point, not because they agreed, but beccause they were paying them a lot of money, and it felt silly to do so and then NOT do everything they suggested.

 

Some of it worked out well for them, but on other points, they found themselves telling their consultant that they would simply NOT continue one practive or another, and the response they got was, "Well if you don't get thte results you're seeking now, it's because you didn't follow ALL of our advice." Again - this is either genius or the silliest notion.

 

Overall, I've seen plenty of the programs and pratices they offer, and although I haven't been privy to their one-on-one phone counseling, I think their MUST be a customized approach to each shop's success, as every shop's challenges must vary in ways that should give a professional consultant concern enough to customize the approach, right?

 

I think information is worth something. However, if you already know you should be selling work to land on a particular gross profit margin, you understand why we charge shop supplies, you have a grasp on the concept of technician efficiency, etc...how much is it worth for them to teach you these things all over again?

 

As the folks at Manageent Success ask often...do you know where the "Black Hole" is in your business? What piece of statistical data represents the biggest challenge to your own growth or sales/profitability goals? Plenty of sales, but your profit margin is too low? Have an ample car count, but find that your average repair order is lacking?

 

We run our own custom report each week we affectionately call our "10 Key Economic Indicators" report. It helps us see a picture of the previous week, and where OUR black hole was. When we see a pattern we don't like, it helps us to target the right department, or effort, and make th correctiong quickly. It's nice when we see 9/10 of our key indicators hitting the target more than a few weeks in a row...but as soon as something starts to slip, we're all over it...

 

-Just one guy's opinions

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Our family shop is currently on their program. My father in law signed up about six months before I came on in management at the shop. The first course I took at their facilities was "Service Writer School". For the first three days we used L. Ron Hubbard's material to be "calm under pressure". It was terrible.

The teachers were excellent, the student involvement was better than I have been used to, but the material was horrible.

 

The last two days were completely practical. These days were taught by a local shop owner named Mike Proud. He had been through every program MS offered and was extremely knowledgeable. He was matter of fact concerning MS material, what he liked and didn't like, and what worked for him. I ended up being able to eat a few meals with Mike after hours and this helped.

I am skeptical of MS. They have based most of their material off of L. Ron Hubbard's Scientology teachings. Some of the teachers and coaches are substandard. But, a lot of the program works if you work it. Much like everything else you have to devote to it 110%. When I was allowed to partner with my FIL and get involved in the coaching, management, and company leadership, I saw the benefit.

 

We're in the Transmission business. With two years we've raised our average RO $200 to $400 dollars, raised our gross profit percentage to an average of 55% to 60%, and we opened a second location two weeks ago. This is the best growth and prosperity that we've seen since our heyday in the late 90's early 00's.

 

Now my wife is involved and we are looking to grow our shop and customer service to hand down to our children when they get old enough. We're committed in a way we didn't even know was possible and it's exciting!

My advice, go to a meet up and talk to the owners that have been through or are involved in the course. It's good for some and not for others, but it mostly depends on if you're hungry for success and open to working their plan. Eat the meat, spit out the bones and it works.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The advice given by the other two shops is great advice, I am on the ms program/ was on their program and it does have some great points and stats to track and does give you some good ways to improve yoyr business. It is however very expensive and on going. I guess it did save my marriage but I coiuld have saved a bunch of money finding and talking to other successful shop owners. Once you are on the program and almost finished with a course $5k plus, each one, they prep you for the next course and the next one, and so on.... There are pluses and minuses to all programs and I have spent tons of money searching out what works and doesn't work. MS will tell you and show you what works and how to do it their way but that gets very expensive. I became a shop owner after watching my bosses make all the money, I was a tech not a business owner so I needed the help to change my mindset, because as you know the owner does not make a ton of money, no matter what the techs think. I don't know if you can post phone #s here, so check out my website and contact me there, autoworksserviceandrepair.com. I'll help anyway I can, thanks

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...
  • Alex changed the title to Management Success Seminars

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?

         4 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 Transmission Repair

      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.

    • By tyrguy
      Hey all,
      Retired 5+ years ago and spend half my time down here in Florida. Haven't been on the forum in a few years. When I am up home in Ohio the tire dealer that bought my business and  rents my building from me takes good care of all my vehicle service needs. My Mini needs a few things and I'd like to hook up with someone from this forum close to me down here.
      Belt is squealing so probably needs a new belt, tensioner and idler pulley. Also need a new right side window motor.
      Anybody close to Fort Myers Beach?
      Mark Defer 330-603-5127
    • By carmcapriotto
      Recorded Live at the 2024 MACS (Mobile Air Climate Systems) Training Event & Trade Show, shop owner Bill Snow discusses marketing strategies, the use of social media platforms, and the importance of authenticity in video marketing. Bill shares insights on audience preferences for lighthearted content and emphasizes professionalism and the value of every customer interaction in reflecting the business's dedication to service.
      Digital Marketing Class (00:01:41) Bill Snow discusses the upcoming digital marketing class at MACS and his approach as a shop owner teaching digital marketing. Importance of Google Reviews (00:03:11) Bill Snow highlights the increasing importance of Google reviews and the impact on search results for potential customers. Asking for Reviews and Follow-Up (00:03:49) Bill Snow explains the process of asking for reviews and the importance of follow-up calls to clients. Deferred Work and Client Follow-Up (00:04:34) Bill Snow discusses the practice of following up on deferred work and its impact on client relationships and future appointments. CRM and Marketing Campaigns (00:06:21) Bill Snow explains the use of CRM for deferred work notifications and the implementation of marketing campaigns based on weather and other factors. Hands-Free Scheduling and QR Codes (00:07:47) Bill Snow discusses the use of QR codes for hands-free scheduling and the integration with the shop management system. Elevating Professionalism in the Industry (00:10:32) Carm Capriotto and Bill Snow discuss the importance of elevating the professionalism of the industry and the impact of job titles on attracting talent. Neighborhood-Based Social Media Marketing (00:12:47) Bill Snow describes the shift towards more fun and neighborhood-based social media marketing for Rad Air's ten stores. Celebrating People and Life on Social Media (00:14:19) Bill Snow emphasizes the importance of showcasing the people side of the business and celebrating employees and clients on social media. The Neighborhood Professional Service Center (00:17:34) Carm shares the concept of the "Neighborhood Professional Service Center" and its importance in the industry. Social Media Strategy (00:18:14) Bill Snow discusses the role of different social media platforms, including Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, in their marketing strategy. YouTube Content and Racing Team (00:18:32) Bill Snow explains their YouTube content strategy, including shorts and in-depth videos, and how they showcase their racing team. Video Marketing and Authenticity (00:19:52) The importance of genuine and unedited videos in building connections with customers and clients is discussed. Consumer, Customer, and Client (00:19:58) Bill Snow explains the distinctions between consumers, customers, and clients, and how they impact marketing and relationships. Creating Engaging Content (00:21:23) Bill Snow shares insights into the type of content that resonates with their audience and the importance of hiring someone with a different perspective. Point of View (POV) Videos (00:22:27) The rising trend of point of view (POV) videos, particularly in the context of technicians showcasing tasks like oil changes, is discussed. Enhancing Customer Experience (00:26:18) Bill Snow describes their approach to creating a positive experience for new clients, including personalized welcome bags and additional services. Client Experience Manager (00:27:11) The role of a client experience manager in ensuring quality control and enhancing the overall customer experience is explained. Professionalism and Image Building (00:30:24) The importance of professionalism and creating a positive image for auto repair shops, as well as the role of digital marketing in their 2024 strategy, is highlighted.
      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/ -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: 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
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo:https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
      Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind
      In the 150th episode of "The Weekly Blitz," host Chris Cotton features his wife, Kimberly, in a special discussion about her experience as a kidney donor for her brother. Kimberly details the rigorous testing and approval process she underwent, including blood tests, urine collection, and consultations. She shares the emotional and physical challenges faced, her proactive search for support groups, and the lifestyle adjustments required post-donation. The episode highlights her concerns for her brother's health post-surgery and her remaining kidney's adaptation. Kimberly encourages others to consider living donation, emphasizing the positive aspects of her journey. Chris closes the episode with words of love and support for Kimberly.
       
      The opening (00:00:01) Setting up the podcast recording and introduction to the special episode. The decision to donate (00:02:10) Discussion about the decision to donate a kidney and the family history of kidney issues. The testing and approval process (00:08:07) Detailed account of the extensive testing and approval process for kidney donation. Challenges and health considerations (00:12:41) Discussion about health issues, including low iron and high cholesterol, and the impact on the donation process. Approval and scheduling the surgery (00:18:05) The process of approval by the board and the decision to schedule the surgery. Support and emotional impact (00:22:33) The importance of the support team and the emotional impact of the approval and moving forward with the donation. The approval (00:23:34) Kimberly's realization of the severity of her brother's condition upon receiving official approval as a kidney donor. Support groups (00:24:22) Kimberly's discovery of a living donor support group on Facebook and her impressions of the community. Pre-surgery preparations (00:27:08) Kimberly's upcoming appointments, pre-admission testing, and concerns about the surgery. Recovery and post-donation care (00:30:12) Discussion about the impact on kidney function, lifestyle changes, and post-donation medical monitoring. Final thoughts (00:32:57) Kimberly's encouragement for potential living donors and her positive experience with the donation process.  
       
       
      Connect with Chris:
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
       
      #kidney #kidneydonor #onebeanclub #donor #livingdonor
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By NATURE
      Hey everyone.  I'm planning on opening in about 3 weeks and am looking for a credit card processing company.  Are there any geared for our type of business?  Does anyone recommend Intuit for it's ease of integration with Quickbooks?  I'll be doing around $10,000 a month in CC payments averaging $200.00 per RO.  Payments are predominately Visa or Mastercard swiped.  A very small percentage of Amex, Discover or over the phone.  If there is a company name that a lot of you experienced members would recommend, I would like to hear it.


  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...