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By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog0 commentsIt 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.
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By carmcapriotto
Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care, NAPA TRACS and Automotive Management Network Recorded at the 2025 Institute Summit, workplace culture expert Dr. Jessica Kriegel discusses her data-driven framework for boosting business performance through clarity, alignment, and accountability, anchored by her "Results Pyramid," which highlights how beliefs and experiences shape outcomes.
The discussion unpacks what truly defines organizational culture, the power of storytelling to inspire change, and challenges common generational stereotypes in the workplace, advocating instead for a focus on individual motivations and behaviors. Dr. Jessica Kriegel, Chief Strategy Officer of Workforce and Labor for Culture Partners Dr. Jessica Kriegel is driven by data and defined by results. She transforms corporate culture for success. As seen on CNBC, MSNBC, CNN, NBC, FOX Business, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and more, Jessica is a household name for all workplace, labor, leadership, women in the workplace, and job markets. Her renowned “Culture Equation” was acquired by Culture Partners in 2021, where she is currently Chief Strategy Officer of Workforce and Labor. https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode The Institute of Automotive Business Excellence: https://www.wearetheinstitute.com/ Overview of Dr. Jessica Kriegel (00:00:00) Three-Step Change Equation (00:02:47) Accountability in Business (00:03:31) Results Pyramid Explanation (00:04:11) Beliefs and Experiences (00:05:09) Defining Workplace Culture (00:06:50) Hospital Story for Illustration (00:12:02) Transformative Change Through Storytelling (00:14:09) Culture of Caring (00:15:09) Storytelling in Meetings (00:15:58) Generational Dynamics (00:17:51) Technology Adoption Across Generations (00:20:37) Connecting with Dr. Kriegel (00:22:23)
Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care, NAPA TRACS and Automotive Management Network 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 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/ Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -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 -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
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By carmcapriotto
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech
NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.
Contact Information
Email Matt: [email protected] Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel
Key Highlights:
Matt reflects on the idea of self-awareness and balance, emphasizing that "everything comes from you" and that we are all part of a larger matrix of experiences and growth.
Vision Conference Recap:
Matt shares his experience at the Vision Conference, where he faced a challenging drive through a snowstorm and crosswinds to get there. He highlights the hands-on training sessions he participated in, including: Key Cutting and Programming Class: Co-taught with Andrew Sexton, where attendees got to physically cut keys and program them using a Honda ignition system. Pico Training: A full day of hands-on training with Scott Shotton, focusing on practical, car-side diagnostics. Tech Talks: Featuring Garrett Jacobson (HP Tuners) and Zeb Beard (Thermal Imaging), both of whom delivered high-energy, informative sessions.
Key Takeaways from Vision:
HP Tuners: Matt learned new functionalities of the tool, even after using it for over five years. Garrett Jacobson’s class demonstrated how intuitive and powerful the tool can be for diagnostics. Thermal Imaging: Zeb Beard emphasized the importance of using thermal imagers regularly, even when it doesn’t seem immediately necessary. His session focused on diesel diagnostics but applied to all vehicles.
Personal Reflections and Connections:
Matt shares heartfelt moments from the conference, including dinners with industry friends like Dan Baumgartner, Matt Hall, Kevin Looney, and others. They reminisced about Harvey Chan, a beloved figure in the industry who passed away too soon, and the impact he had on everyone. Matt reflects on the duality of emotions—being sad about losing someone but happy to share stories and memories.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories:
Matt dives into the importance of understanding the "behind-the-scenes" of how things are created, whether it’s a business, a movie scene, or even a professional wrestling match. He shares an iconic wrestling story about Stone Cold Steve Austin and Bret Hart, highlighting how collaboration and trust led to one of the most memorable moments in wrestling history.
Themes of Authenticity and Sharing Knowledge:
Matt discusses the tendency in the industry to want to feel "special" or to exaggerate success stories. He emphasizes the importance of being honest about how things are achieved, whether it’s diagnosing a tough problem or building a successful shop. He encourages technicians and shop owners to share their real stories, even if they involve luck or being in the right place at the right time.
Filling Your Own Bucket:
Matt reflects on the need for self-validation and filling your own "bucket" rather than constantly seeking external validation. He stresses the importance of being honest with yourself and others, giving credit where it’s due, and taking pride in your work without exaggeration.
Key Quotes:
"Set the freaking thermal imager on your diagnostic cart and start using it, even when you don’t know why." "At some point, you’re going to have to fill your own cup. You’re going to have to be content with yourself." "The real stories, if somebody could tell them, didn’t take away from the magic. It’s the art, the craftsmanship, the creativity that’s magical."
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/
The Aftermarket Radio Network
Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.
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.
The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By Joe Marconi
Many auto repair shops are adding a fee to the final invoice for customers using credit cards. I get it, but don't agree.
For me it's simple. First, do your best to negotiate the best deal from your credit card provider service. Next, take that fee and add it to your cost of doing business. To me, I consider this fee an expenses, just like all other expenses: office supplies, utility bill, insurance, taxes, training, travel expenses, maintenance, etc. etc.
From your total average monthly expenses, you will be able to determine your breakeven, and from there, set your net profit goal. In other words, forget about the charging the customer a fee, just build into your overall prices. You will accomplish the same thing, and not bring attention to the customer that small fee that may be a big deal.
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By Joe Marconi
While I know that in some states, paying techs on flat rate is not legal, from what I am hearing, there are a number of auto repair shops in states that do allow flat, moving away from flat rate.
What are your thoughts on flat rate pay?
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