Quantcast
Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted (edited)

DO YOU KNOW YOUR BUSINESS GOOD ENOUGH TO KNOW WHAT IS GOOD FOR YOU?

 

 

Has anyone called you selfish? Were you offended? Were your feelings hurt?

 

I am alarmed at the highly neglected conditions of over 60% of the vehicles going through my bays. Bald or completely worn tires, dangerously worn suspension components, that is to say, ball joints so worn that they could break upon hitting a pothole, shocks or struts that no longer damp, tie rods ready to pop if the tires are forced to turn against a curb.

 

In our state, the motor vehicle commissioner was delegated the duty to inspect vehicles for their operational conditions at least once a year, then it was increase to a biennial term, that is to say every two years, to eventual discontinuation of the safety portion of the inspection program on August 1, 2010. Now, all the commission does is check for the emissions system to be working.

 

When the New Jersey Repair Excellence Council (NJREC)voiced their concerns about the safety hazard the discontinuation of the safety inspection program may present to the public, they were dismissed as self interested money hungry leeches.

 

Not being politicians, NJREC failed to articulate their position well, clearly they have a vested interest in cars being maintained, but even more than that, their self-interest is one that benefits us all by keeping dangerous and ill cared for cars off the roads.

 

It is about time that those that care about the automotive industry came together and speak with one voice about our interests. You should not be ashamed to speak up for striving to prosper in an industry that provides an essential service to the community.

 

Other industries have hijacked the legislative process to deprive us of the much needed revenue to stay in business to provide an essential service to the community.

 

It's time we scrutinize our position and speak up for our self-interests and those of the community at large.

 

You have to be smart enough to know where is your bread buttered, and there is no shame to speak up for your self-interests where it benefits the whole society at large.

Edited by HarrytheCarGeek
  • 2 weeks later...


Posted

You bring up an excellent point. For too many shop owners, their life is so overwhelming, that surviving the day is their main objective. But I agree, we collectively need to voice our opinions on the what we feel will benefit the motoring public.

And at the same time, help to promote all the good that we do.

 

Great post!

Posted

Joe,

 

The Finance and Insurance industries ate our lunch, on top of that, the Real Estate and Health Care industries are plundering us. The only way we can survive in this industry is by pushing back and getting our share of the household budget to come back to us.

Posted

Joe,

 

The Finance and Insurance industries ate our lunch, on top of that, the Real Estate and Health Care industries are plundering us. The only way we can survive in this industry is by pushing back and getting our share of the household budget to come back to us.

The past few years have not been kind financially to the average consumer. So the points you bring up are so true. The bottom line is truly, the bottom line. As shop owners, in order to survive, we must find ways to remain profitable and understanding to our customer's needs. It's not easy, but any proactive approach to reach our customers is a lot better than taking a wait and see approach.

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
  • Available Subscriptions

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest 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

    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, and Today's Class Recorded at the TST Big Event, industry trainers Eric Ziegler and Pete Meier dive into the growing challenges technicians and shop owners face in staying current with technology and why continuous education is no longer optional. The conversation highlights key issues including the liability risks of inadequate training, the double-edged sword of social media as an information source, and the power of peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. Eric and Pete also stress the importance of actively applying what’s learned, not just passively consuming information, and how networking with other professionals can accelerate growth.
      Eric Ziegler, EZ Tech Mentors.  Eric’s previous episodes HERE.
      Pete Meier, Training Manager, Dorman Products. Pete’s other episodes HERE
      Show Notes:
      Watch Full Video Episode TST Big Event 2025: https://www.tstseminars.org/ Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00) Overview of Training Importance (00:01:03) Cultural Shift in Training (00:03:04) Incentivizing Training (00:04:08) Training Formats and Challenges (00:05:00) Technician Growth and Retention (00:06:55) Advocating for Continuing Education (00:07:40) Financial Commitment to Training (00:08:20) Cultural Commitment to Education (00:09:24) Awareness of Training Resources (00:10:09) Networking at Training Events (00:11:19) Building a Positive Training Culture (00:12:52) Value of Training Experiences (00:14:04) Networking Importance (00:14:38) Training Takeaways (00:14:59) Building a Training Culture (00:18:56) Mentorship in the Industry (00:19:05) Service Information Awareness (00:21:50) Consequences of Ignoring Updates (00:22:39) Importance of Accurate Training (00:26:02) Battery Maintenance and Diagnostics (00:28:17) Technician Homework (00:30:53) Social Media's Role in the Industry (00:31:22) Generational Changes in Automotive Skills (00:33:30) Quality vs. Price in Automotive Services (00:36:40) Vetting Information Sources (00:38:24) Making Training Practical (00:41:19) The Forgetting Curve (00:42:19) Taking Action on Learning (00:43:05) Business Perspective on Training (00:43:43) Changing Technician Compensation (00:44:53)
      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
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our partner Promotive
      In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA of Paar Melis and Associates, explores the details behind what former President Trump is calling the "largest tax cut in U.S. history." What’s actually in the proposed bill? Will any of it pass Congress? And most importantly, what could it mean for auto repair shop owners and other small business operators?
      Hunt unpacks what we know so far, what’s still uncertain, and how business owners can start thinking strategically. From potential expansions of the Child Tax Credit and QBI deduction to the controversial proposals of eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security, this episode covers the key elements that matter most.
      Whether you’re looking to stay informed or proactively plan for future changes, this episode offers a grounded look at what’s on the table—and what’s likely to be left off.
      Key Takeaways:
      What’s included in the proposed 2025 tax cut and what’s still up for debate The current status of the Child Tax Credit, QBI deduction, bonus depreciation, and SALT deduction cap Potential elimination of taxes on Social Security income—and whether that’s realistic A breakdown of the proposed “Millionaire Tax” and its implications for high earners Why the talk of tax-free tips and overtime could create major planning opportunities for business owners
      What shop owners need to watch for and how to prepare as legislative discussions continue
      Thanks to our partner, Promotive
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. 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]
      Text Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413
      Download a Copy of My Books Here:
      Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop 
      The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto https://remarkableresults.biz/
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Changing The Industry
      Episode 216 - Can You Achieve High Performance Through Coaching with Cecil Bullard and Michael Smith
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our partner Promotive
      Credit card fees are eating into shop owners' profits — but should you be passing those costs onto customers? In this episode of Business By The Numbers, Hunt revisits the hot-button topic and shares what’s changed since 2021.
      Key Points:
      Why more shops are experimenting with credit card surcharges today Real-world results from shops that do charge fees — and those that don’t The hidden dangers of incentivizing cash payments How pricing strategy impacts customer loyalty and shop profitability Hunt’s no-BS recommendation for handling credit card costs in 2025
      Thanks to our partner, Promotive
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. 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]
      Text Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413
      Download a Copy of My Books Here:
      Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop 
      The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto https://remarkableresults.biz/
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By nptrb
      Running an auto repair shop comes with a unique set of challenges, and managing your finances is a big one. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, understanding cash flow management for auto repair shops is crucial to your long-term success.
      In this post, we’re sharing practical, actionable strategies to help you take control of your shop’s finances and boost your auto repair business profitability—without sacrificing service quality or customer trust.
      What Is Cash Flow and Why Is It Important?
      Cash flow refers to the money moving in and out of your business. 
      For small businesses like yours, positive cash flow ensures that you can pay your team, keep parts in stock, handle operating costs, and still have something left to reinvest in growth.
      When cash flow gets tight, it affects everything—from your ability to take on more jobs to your peace of mind. That’s why improving cash flow in small businesses, especially in the auto repair industry, is one of the smartest moves you can make.
      Common Financial Challenges Auto Repair Shops Face
      Auto repair shops often experience:
      Slow payments from customers or insurance companies High up-front costs for tools, equipment, and parts Seasonal dips in customer volume Discounting services too frequently Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward smarter cash flow management in your business.
      5 Financial Tips to Improve Cash Flow
      Here are some real-world auto repair shop financial tips you can start implementing today:
      Streamline Your Invoicing and Payments
      Make it easy for customers to pay by offering digital invoicing and online payment options. Send invoices quickly, and set up automated reminders. 
      The faster you get paid, the better your cash flow.
      Review Your Pricing Structure
      If your rates haven’t changed in a while, it might be time for a tune-up. 
      Make sure your pricing reflects the value you provide while also supporting your auto repair business’s profitability.
      Manage Inventory and Ordering
      Don’t let cash get stuck on your shelves. Track what parts you actually use and only stock what’s necessary. Consider just-in-time ordering to reduce overhead.
      Reduce Unnecessary Expenses
      Look closely at your subscriptions, software, utilities, and vendor costs. Managing expenses in auto repair shops doesn’t have to mean cutting corners—just being more intentional with your spending.
      Create Consistent Revenue Streams
      Prepaid service packages, maintenance memberships, or seasonal promotions can help bring in predictable income, smoothing out your cash flow during slow periods. 
      With summer coming, now is a great time to offer deals on tune-ups for people who will be traveling!
      Forecasting = Fewer Surprises
      Cash flow forecasting allows you to plan for upcoming expenses and income. This helps you avoid financial surprises and confidently make big decisions—like hiring another tech or investing in new equipment.
      Even small adjustments in how you manage your shop’s finances can have a big impact over time. Staying proactive and strategic helps ensure your shop is profitable, sustainable, and ready to grow.
      Taking control of your finances starts with understanding your numbers and making small, consistent changes. By focusing on cash flow management for auto repair shops and applying smart financial tips tailored to your industry, you’ll be in a much stronger position to weather the ups and downs of your business.


  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...