If You Think Your Shop is a Business, This Article May Surprise You
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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
Want a real marketing plan that doesn’t live in your head or on a bunch of sticky notes?
In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Kim Walker is joined by Caroline Legrand and Savannah Garrett to talk all things Plan With the Pros Shop Marketing Pros’ hands-on, no-fluff marketing workshop designed to help shop owners create a full-year strategy they’ll use.
You’ll hear how last year’s event helped shops ditch the chaos and build real, actionable plans from big-picture budget planning to week-by-week content ideas. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining what you’ve already got, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what to expect, what you’ll walk away with, and why West Point is the perfect backdrop for this kind of transformative work.
Packed with insights, personal stories, and plenty of laughs, this episode is your sneak peek into a game-changing experience for your business.
Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you with this episode. RepairPal’s Certified Network of shops is trusted by millions of customers each month. Learn more at
RepairPal.com/shops.
Are you ready to convert clients to members? App Fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for professional auto repair businesses. Visit Appfueled.com to get started today. Keep your shop top of mind on the mobile device they love.
Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
Plan With The Pros
Get In Touch With the Guest:
Savannah Garrett
Meet The Team Schmidt Auto Care
Show Notes with Timestamps
Introduction and Welcome (00:00:10) Kim Walker introduces the podcast and guests, discussing the "Plan with the Pros" event. Event Overview (00:02:19) Discussion on the inception and goals of the "Plan with the Pros" event, blending retreat and workshop elements. Savannah's Experience (00:05:13) Savannah Garrett shares her motivation for attending the event, highlighting the importance of marketing in her role. Networking Importance (00:06:09) The value of networking with peers in the industry and sharing marketing strategies is emphasized. Marketing Plans Discussion (00:09:19) Savannah discusses her existing marketing plans and areas where she sought improvement during the event. Collaboration Insights (00:12:14) The benefits of collaboration among shop owners and sharing successful marketing ideas are highlighted. Event Hosting Benefits (00:12:57) Savannah discusses hosting events for community engagement and how it enhances shop visibility and reputation. Camaraderie and Learning (00:15:08) Savannah reflects on the camaraderie experienced at the event and the valuable marketing tactics learned. Building Relationships (00:15:32) Discussion on the importance of relationships and collaboration among women in the automotive industry. Mentorship and Growth (00:17:04) Reflections on mentoring young professionals and the influence of women leaders in the industry. Inclusivity in Events (00:19:38) Announcement of opening the "Plan with the Pros" event to all genders after a female-only event last year. West Point Venue Experience (00:21:03) Insights on choosing West Point as a venue and its significance for the upcoming event. Unique Experience at West Point (00:24:05) Personal reflections on the beauty and history of West Point, enhancing the event experience. Camaraderie in Unique Locations (00:25:06) Discussion on how destination events foster deeper connections and meaningful conversations. Setting the Tone for Success (00:26:20) The importance of the venue in creating an environment conducive to productivity and success. Personal Connection to West Point (00:28:36) Sharing personal stories and connections to West Point, emphasizing its historical significance. Unexpected Takeaways (00:29:23) Exploration of surprises and key insights from the event, particularly for new marketers. Marketing to Your Audience (00:30:39) Savannah shares her biggest takeaway on the importance of targeting specific audiences in marketing. Understanding Customer Avatars (00:31:43) Kim emphasizes the need for attendees to leave with a clear understanding of their customer profiles. Networking Benefits (00:33:11) Discussion on the value of networking and maintaining connections post-event through a Facebook group. Flexibility in Marketing Plans (00:36:19) Caroline discusses the importance of having a fluid marketing plan that adapts to changing circumstances. Evaluating Marketing Success (00:36:46) The speakers highlight the need to assess what marketing strategies are effective and worth continuing. Event Logistics and Support (00:39:24) Caroline outlines what attendees can expect from the "Plan with the Pros" event, including support and networking. Final Thoughts on Learning (00:41:01) Savannah encourages attendees to stay open to learning, regardless of their current marketing expertise.
How To Get In Touch
Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook
Meet The Pros
Follow SMP on Facebook
Follow SMP on Instagram
Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book
Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto
Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Recorded live at the Institute Summit, this insightful conversation explores how business leaders can apply sports principles—like team chemistry, leadership, and preparation—to enhance performance. Keynote speaker Ross Bernstein underscores the impact of storytelling as a powerful communication and trust building tool, sharing lessons from icons like Scotty Bowman and Jay Leno. The discussion reinforces the importance of having a solid business playbook grounded in strategy, data, and accountability, while also addressing the need to adapt to change, foster a culture of loyalty, leverage technology for growth, and prioritize meaningful personal connections and networking.
A best-selling author of nearly 50 sports books, Ross Bernstein, is an award-winning peak performance business speaker who’s keynoted conferences on all seven continents for audiences as small as 10 and as large as 10,000. Ross and his books have been featured on thousands of television and radio programs over the years, including CNN, ESPN, Bloomberg, Fox News, and “CBS This Morning,” as well as in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today. https://www.rossbernsteinspeaking.com/ Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode The Institute of Automotive Business Excellence: https://www.wearetheinstitute.com/ Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00) Importance of Storytelling (00:02:51) Jay Leno's Storytelling Practice (00:03:50) Team Chemistry in Sports (00:05:06) Scotty Bowman's Coaching Insights (00:06:29) Building Team Chemistry (00:08:00) Innovative Recruiting Strategies (00:08:47). The Power of the Playbook (00:12:17) Measuring Performance (00:13:06) Continual Improvement in Business (00:14:21) Ketchup Insights (00:15:45) Practicing What We Learn (00:20:02) Generational Workforce Changes (00:22:11) Creating Loyalty in Teams (00:22:55) Time Perception (00:23:10) Focus and Distractions (00:23:49) Engagement in Presentations (00:24:38) Struggle and Growth (00:27:26) Humility in Leadership (00:28:25) Client Experience Officer Concept (00:30:05) Philanthropy and Business Success (00:30:23) Gamification in Customer Engagement (00:32:36) Adapting to Change (00:35:14) Networking and Personal Connections (00:36:21) Legacy Business Lessons (00:37:08) Business Fundamentals (00:39:00)
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/ 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
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
Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great.
If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindIn
In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton takes the stage to unveil an exciting new series titled "Back to Basics," specifically designed for auto repair shop owners and their teams. This series is crafted to revisit and reinforce the essential concepts and practices that are crucial for running a successful auto repair shop. Coach Chris passionately emphasizes the significance of having a solid grasp of the basics, particularly in the face of financial challenges and the myriad distractions that can arise in the industry.
He meticulously outlines a comprehensive ten-part series that will delve into a variety of critical topics. These include effective communication strategies, robust financial management techniques, and the cultivation of strong teamwork within the shop environment. Each segment is designed to equip shop owners and their teams with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a competitive market.
Moreover, the episode underscores the importance of continuous learning and development in the ever-evolving automotive repair industry. Coach Chris encourages listeners to embrace ongoing education as a means to stay ahead of the curve and maintain a competitive edge.
In addition to the valuable insights shared, the episode features a sponsorship mention for Shop Marketing Pros. This marketing company specializes in helping auto repair shops grow by providing tailored marketing solutions that drive business success. Their expertise and support are highlighted as a valuable resource for shop owners looking to expand their reach and enhance their market presence.
Introduction and Podcast Overview (00:00:07)
Coach Chris introduces the podcast and its purpose to supercharge auto repair businesses.
Sponsorship Mention (00:01:17)
Discussion of Shop Marketing Pros and their services for auto repair shops.
Episode Series Introduction (00:01:17)
Introduction to the "Back to Basics" series focusing on fundamental concepts in auto repair.
Importance of Fundamentals (00:02:16)
Highlighting the need to revisit basics due to challenges faced by shop owners.
Gaps in Shop Foundations (00:03:27)
Discussing the distractions that lead to gaps in business fundamentals post-COVID.
Overview of the Series Topics (00:04:25)
Preview of the ten episodes covering essential topics for shop owners and technicians.
Target Audience for the Series (00:06:31)
Identifying the audience: shop owners, service advisors, and technicians.
Encouragement for Team Participation (00:06:31)
Encouraging teams to listen together and discuss improvements based on the series.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts (00:07:27)
Reiterating the importance of foundational knowledge and promoting the series for shop success.
Connect with Chris:
AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching
www.autoshopcoaching.com
www.aftermarketradionetwork.com
940-400-1008
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
Email Chris: chris@autofixsos.com
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.
#autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto
Thanks to our partner Promotive
Key Takeaways:
Effective Labor Rate [E128]: https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/episode/128
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: podcast@paarmelis.com
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
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By Changing The Industry
Episode 217 - Going From Management to Ownership At A Tire Shop with Michael & Anna Bellevue
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