A Tribute to my Father, and to the Industry

Available Subscriptions

See all Subscription Plans

Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart

By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
0 comments
It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.

Similar Topics

Friends Tribute to Maylan Newton [CC115]
By carmcapriotto

YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHno0gsX_YA Maylan Newton’s family has set aside July 26, 2025, for a special gathering to honor his life and legacy. The event will take place in Southern California, with more details to come. You can find updates and information here. I’d like to take a few moments to reflect on Maylan’s impact, both on our industry and on me personally. Whether in a classroom, on a phone call, or standing in front of an audience, Maylan had a way of speaking that was steady, articulate, and always meaningful. His words inspired action, and his delivery made people listen. He was what I like to call a “selfish” volunteer—selfless in every way, but so dedicated, like helping others was his only priority. He generously donated his time, especially to SkillsUSA, and never hesitated to jump in when needed. If someone called, Maylan would drop everything to lend a hand, whether that meant covering a counter in a shop or stepping in last minute at a conference. Over the past decade, we recorded countless podcast episodes together. He shared solo insights, joined panels, and we had many heart-to-heart conversations that reached thousands. His wisdom, energy, and authenticity were unmatched. Maylan was also the first to nudge me to attend shows, speak on panels, and use my podcast platform to support the industry. He believed in building others up. It didn’t matter who got the credit; what mattered to Maylan was the impact. He was a champion for everyone in the industry, especially for women. He supported the Amazing Women in Automotive group with enthusiasm, and you could always count on him to drop by their event dinners just to say hello and show his support. We’re going to miss Maylan deeply. But I believe the true depth of that loss will only grow with time, when we find ourselves in need of guidance and asking, “What would Maylan have said?” Rest peacefully, my friend. Find other episodes with Maylan Newton HERE. Guests joining in this episode to pay tribute to Maylan Newton: Suni Osborn, Maylan's Daughter Jeff Knott Melisa Patterson (Birdie) Rick White Cecil Bullard Bill Haas Vic Tarasik Maryann Croce Dave Schedin Sara Fraser Brian Gillis
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
Emerging Technology? It’s Been Parked in Your Bay for Years [THA 434]
By carmcapriotto

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, and Today's Class Recorded at the NAPA Now Conference celebrating NAPA Auto Care’s 100th anniversary, this conversation dives into the realities of emerging automotive technologies, especially ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems). The discussion emphasizes the critical need for proper calibration procedures, equipment, and technician training to keep pace with rapidly evolving tech. From static vs. dynamic calibrations to the integration of AR/VR tools, the panel explores the industry's struggles to adopt new technology and the personal traits, like hyperfocus, needed to thrive in today’s complex diagnostic landscape. The takeaway: adaptation, education, and investment are no longer optional; they’re essential for staying competitive.
Bill Weaver, NAPA Autotech Trainer. Listen to Bill’s previous episodes HERE Matt Fanslow, Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN, Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z Podcast Show Notes:
Watch Full Video Episode Introduction to Town Hall Academy (00:00:00) NAPA's 100-Year Legacy (00:01:19) Emerging Technologies in Automotive (00:04:29)r. ADAS Calibration Challenges (00:08:06) Industry Ignorance Towards ADAS (00:11:11) Frustration with Industry Changes (00:13:01) Fear of New Technologies (00:14:44) Calibration Concerns (00:18:06) Dynamic Calibration Challenges (00:18:19) Legal Implications of Calibration (00:20:02) Tire Repair Liability (00:20:25) Importance of Following Procedures (00:21:24) ADAS Responsibility (00:24:01) Collaboration Among Shops (00:25:40) Cost of Living Awareness (00:27:16) Spinning Plate Syndrome (00:31:06) ADHD and Hyperfocus (00:35:27) Job Security and Continuous Learning (00:41:02)
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/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/ Connect with the Podcast: -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -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 X: 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 -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.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/
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
Stop Eating Our Young: The Importance of Mentoring [THA 431]
By carmcapriotto

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, and Today's Class Mike Coley and George Arrants from the ASE Education Foundation address the ongoing technician shortage in the automotive industry. They highlight the importance of education, mentoring, and industry involvement in developing career-ready talent. Coley discusses how ASE certification improves retention and productivity, while Arrants emphasizes the value technicians place on a positive shop culture and proper equipment. The episode urges shop owners to actively support schools, nurture entry-level talent, and create environments that promote long-term career development.
Mike Coley and George Arrants, ASE Education Foundation: https://www.aseeducationfoundation.org/ Show Notes:
Watch Full Video Episode Technician Shortage Discussion (00:00:00) Always Be Recruiting (00:03:43) Hiring Challenges (00:05:07) Importance of Career Path (00:06:17) Understanding Technician Turnover (00:09:11) Evaluating Technicians (00:14:11) Engaging with Schools (00:15:27) Importance of Brand Recognition (00:16:30) Career Fair Engagement (00:18:41) Understanding Young Workers' Needs (00:22:00) Role of ASE in Education (00:23:42) Aligning Education with Industry Needs (00:26:54) Impact of Accreditation (00:29:03) Elevating Student Expectations (00:33:17) Industry Accountability (00:34:14) Success Stories in Education (00:36:24) Turnover and Technician Shortage (00:38:12) Benefits of ASE Certification (00:38:25)
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/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/ Connect with the Podcast: -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -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 X: 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 -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.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/
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
Episode 214 - Exploring Leadership & Culture in the Auto Industry with Dori Epstein
By Changing The Industry

Episode 214 - Exploring Leadership & Culture in the Auto Industry with Dori Epstein
Bonus Episode - Building Community and Changing the Auto Industry with SWAP and Sunrise
By Changing The Industry

Bonus Episode - Building Community and Changing the Auto Industry with SWAP and Sunrise