-
Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?
-
.thumb.jpg.2b345efc275b9df0af2bbb306a10a78a.jpg)
By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog5 commentsI 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
Social Media? [RR 938]" width="200" data-embed-src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/iOC_2mnZFks?feature=oembed"> Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Recorded Live at Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo, Carm Capriotto, alongside shop owner Kim Auernheimer and industry professional Tracy Capriotto, dive into a myriad of topics relevant to the industry. They reflect on the evolution of the industry and the significance of the Women in Auto Care conference. Kim discusses her journey managing multiple shop locations and the nuances of catering to different communities, while Tracy offers insights on the benefits of personality tests like DISC for workplace harmony. The trio also examines the double-edged sword of social media's role in both personal and professional realms, advocating for a more intentional and productive use of the platforms. This episode is a trove of wisdom, emphasizing continuous personal growth and adaptation in a digitally-driven world. Kim Auernheimer, CS Automotive, 2 locations, TN. Listen to Kim’s Episodes HERE. Show Notes
Watch Full Video Episode The Women in Auto Care conference (00:00:42) Discussion about the annual Women in Auto Care conference, the value of self-growth, and the camaraderie of women in the industry. Shop ownership and expansion (00:01:57) Conversation about shop ownership, the acquisition of a struggling shop, and the differences between two shop locations. Understanding personality tests (00:06:08) Discussion about the DISC personality test, its significance, and how it helps in understanding oneself and others. Impact of social media (00:12:21) Reflection on the impact of social media on personal and professional lives, the excessive consumption of social media, and the need to create more and consume less. Social Media and Work-Life Balance (00:16:22) Discussion about the impact of social media on personal and professional lives, work-life balance, and the pursuit of validation through likes and comments. Authenticity on Social Media (00:17:52) Exploration of the trap of seeking affirmation through social media, the pressure to present a perfect life, and the importance of authenticity in online interactions. Influence of Social Media (00:20:02) Reflections on the addictive nature of social media, the impact of following strangers, and the trend of using filters and photo manipulation to create an idealized image. Challenges and Social Media (00:23:10) Insights on dealing with challenges and pain points, embracing change, and the need for internal motivation in the face of social media pressures. Social Media and Connection (00:27:02) Discussion on the loss of genuine human connection due to social media, the importance of vulnerability and genuine interaction, and the superficiality of online communication. Social Media Addiction (00:29:10) Exploration of the potential addiction to social media, the tendency to live vicariously through others, and the impact of social media on isolation and escapism.
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/ -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
Can a break-up be the catalyst for an entrepreneurial leap? Find out during Shawn Gilfillan's 20 questions in 30 minutes episode! Shawn also discusses the importance of a strong business culture, mentorship, and the joy of hobbies like aviation. Shawn shares strategies for managing gross margins and the significance of client experience. Shawn Gilfillan, Automotive Magic, Kenvil and Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Shawn’s previous episodes HERE Show Notes
Automotive Magic (00:00:17) Shawn Gilfillan discusses the founding of Automotive Magic on April Fool's Day in 2003. Life Calibration (00:00:41) Shawn talks about his work with Chris Lawson and the high-performance team coaching program at Life Calibration. Life Calibration: From Burnout to Balance [THA 348]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a348/ Mentorship and Self-Development (00:04:54) Shawn discusses the impact of mentors and self-development in his journey as a shop owner. Hobbies (00:06:10) Shawn talks about his hobbies, including aviation. Motivation and Business Culture (00:07:46) Shawn shares his motivation for getting up in the morning and discusses how he creates opportunities for others to thrive and elevates their performance. Advice and Fear (00:11:49) Shawn shares advice on overcoming fear and empowering employees as an owner/CEO. Book Recommendation (00:13:13) Shawn recommends "Hero on a Mission" by Donald Miller and discusses its impact on his perspective as a business owner. Building Business Culture (00:14:50) Shawn discusses the challenges and importance of building a strong business culture from the top down. Culture and Team Dynamics (00:15:40) Discussion on creating a positive work culture and building a cohesive team. Leadership and Vision (00:16:29) The importance of establishing a vision and values from the start, and involving the team in maintaining the culture. Client Experience and Relationship Building (00:19:36) Strategies for understanding and meeting client needs, and building strong client relationships. Adaptability and Change (00:20:47) The significance of embracing change and adapting to business challenges. Leadership Crisis and Team Support (00:21:00) Dealing with unexpected managerial crises and the importance of team support. Personal Development and Skills (00:23:14) The desire for new skills and personal development, such as learning magic tricks. Business Management and Gross Margin (00:24:14) Strategies for managing gross margin and keeping front-end operations efficient. Car Count and Scheduling (00:25:35) Strategies for managing car count, scheduling, and maintaining workflow in the shop. Future Reservations and Client Commitment (00:27:21) The importance of setting future reservations and ensuring client commitment to scheduled appointments. Leadership Communication (00:29:17) Encouraging a shift in language and communication to emphasize the importance of future reservations. Hiring and Relationships (00:30:12) Discussion on hiring and relationships in the workplace, including the impact of personal relationships on work performance. Dream Car (00:31:37) Shawn's dream car and the enjoyment he derives from it. Opening a New Shop (00:32:11) The three important needs for opening a new shop: location, good people, and effective marketing. Marketing Strategy (00:32:33) The success of giving away the first hundred oil changes for free as a marketing strategy. Firing a Customer (00:33:52) A recent incident of firing a customer due to their attitude and behavior at the shop.
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/ -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 Ruben Van Zenden
Today, we simply cannot ignore social media, everyone is using it whether you are a fan or not. Personally, I think it has its negative and positive sides.
I have been looking at 100+ car repair shops and noticed that only a hand full are using social media marketing, for example, Facebook advertising.
Why are so few car repair shops making use of this, in my opinion, great opportunity to increase car count?
-
By carmcapriotto
In this podcast episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching introduces "The Weekly Blitz," a podcast aimed at providing valuable knowledge and strategies for running a successful independent auto repair shop. He discusses the potential profitability of these shops when managed correctly but acknowledges that many struggle to make a profit. Coach Chris describes his ideal business and emphasizes the importance of creating a path for employees to earn upwards of $100,000 annually. He also discusses the potential for shops to increase revenue by expanding operations. The episode concludes with Coach Cotton expressing gratitude and inviting listeners to engage with the show.
The profitability of independent auto repair shops [00:01:07] Discussion on the profitability of independent auto repair shops and the potential for high net profit margins.
The ideal business for an independent auto repair shop [00:02:27] Description of the ideal business model for an independent auto repair shop, including sales volume, net profit margin, and owner's salary.
Factors affecting profit margins and barriers to success [00:05:35] Explanation of the importance of gross profit, labor and parts margins, fixed costs, and potential barriers to achieving desired profit margins.
The commitment to learning and growth [00:10:51] Gratitude for listeners' commitment to learning and growth, and the importance of making strategic decisions and continuous education.
Continued support and engagement [00:11:50] Encouragement to reach out with questions or topic suggestions, and the importance of listener input in shaping the show.
Wishing for continued success [00:11:50] Closing remarks emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and wishing for the listeners' continued success in the auto repair industry.
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
Connect with Chris:
[email protected]
940.400.1008
www.autoshopcoaching.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching
Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
#autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #autoops #onlinebooking #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
-
-
-
Our Sponsors
Recommended Posts
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 accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now