Shop Owners: Can you ever unplug?
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By carmcapriotto
The Panel:
AJ Nealey, Nealey’s Auto Service, Edgewater, MD John Klarkowski, AutoPro Auto Service, Brooklyn Park, MN Talking Points:
Discover the number of cars that pass by your location. Search for Car Count in your County Find a state or county website They may update the numbers yearly Number of cars, trucks, etc AJ started with a DIY sign His new sign cost him $42K The company he hired did the permitting AJ justified at $700 per month because his referrals justified the investment If he gets 3 new customers a month. Sign pays for it. His driveby referrals doubled Lights up at night AJ can change the sign wording from anywhere Seasonal message If it is going to rain that day he can put up a message on wiper blades AJ has over-communicated his brand message and is totally consistent John started with not much money and created signs on a budget The old-style sign with the letters needed to be changed 15’ up in the air John’s is located off the path with only 4,000 cars a day going by Installed digital sign and he saw within 8 months an increase in car count of 20% People said they discovered him because of his sign Digital signs grab attention His signs change every 20 seconds Check with your local ordinances The messages are their unique selling points The messages are conversation starters John started to change his clientele from the shop he purchased. A strong reason for the branding and signage change Product packaging shows professionalism John’s investment is prox $15K for his digital sign He went with monochrome. A single color AJ went with color in his digital sign Make your branding professional that may include a new sign More car count More professional customers John $120K increase in revenue because of his sign and branding investment
Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page, highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers. Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Podchaser, and many more. Mobile Listening APP’s HERE Find every podcast episode HERE. Every episode is segmented by Series HERE. Key Word Search HERE. Be socially involved and in touch with the show:
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Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHXSUyYR6Nc&t=6s
Judy Zimmerman Walter is co-owner with her uncles and the CFO of, this 57-year young service business. Zimmerman’s Automotive, Mechanicsburg, PA is a true blue ‘family enterprise’ with 12 out of a team of 29 team members that are ‘IN THE FAMILY’. Zimmerman’s is a top automotive repair facility along with a quick lube and a used car division.
Among her involvement: Women’s Board of the Car Care Council, AASP-PA Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, and the Auto Care Association. Listen to Judy’s other episodes HERE.
Joe Hanson owns Gordie’s Garage. Joe has attended Management Success, NAPA training, Lawrence Tech University and most recently he is a member of the RLO 20 Group 13. He has earned his ASE C1: Automobile Service Consultant Certification. Under his father’s leadership, he has seen what it really takes to make a business like this work. Listen to Joe’s Episodes HERE.
John Klarkowski
A special thanks to Judy Walter, John Klarkowski and Joe Hanson for their contribution to the aftermarket. Books Page HERE Listen to all Remarkable Results Radio, For The Record and Town Hall Academy episodes. Key Talking Points
Growing up in the family business and deciding to work in the family business
Judy’s Rule: You have to work 2 years somewhere else first, instead of expecting/assuming them to work in the family business
Finding your own way first then can always circle back to the family business later
“I’m here because I have to be here” mentality is a responsibility that will lead to resentment long term
Introduce to beginning stages- cleaning shop
Team concept and positive culture
Treat employees like family
Everyone’s treated the same
Family dynamics have to be separate
Allowing failure
No favoritism
Failure is learning
Giving space- share your own mistakes but don’t try to intervene
“Quarterbacking” instead of forcing a certain way
Regretful or grateful
Heightened emotions with family
Not giving things time to work out, treating family members with disrespect
Experience trumps new ideas
Let your family members know your feelings- call them after work
Nurturing the following generation
Guidance and positive reinforcement, moral support
Put things in perspective about the journey
Advice
Recognize if you work well together or not well together
Recognize your communication style among family members
Family issues and business issues are checked at the door- no fighting in front of other employees
Keep it simple- find out/analyze whole story first then react after
Focus on celebrating it is a family business and working together
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Buy Carm a Cup of Coffee
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Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto
How to Have a Four Day Work Week with Eric Henley [RR 627]
Eric Henley, owner of H-Teck Auto Care in Gray, TN, is 4th generation of mechanical repair. He received an associate's degree in Auto Service Technology and spent over 15 years at a Honda dealership. Eric started H-Teck Auto Care in 2006 with just him, his dad and his wife. Going on over 15 years in business he now has a 6 bay shop.
4 generations in the automotive industryGrandfather was a blacksmith and father used to bring home cars to be fixed up. Eric grew up fixing bicycles, lawnmowers and cars. Received an associates degree in Auto Service Technology Spent 15 years in dealerships- income can go down as skill level goes up (more skilled jobs often wouldn’t pay as much) Hiring new techniciansUses Indeed and Facebook Marketplace but the best results come from word of mouth and referrals from existing employees Current prospect is 21 year old Skills USA graduate Current tenured technicians - 15 years, 11 years, 3 years Food Friday’sEither grill or go out to eat every Friday- have employee meeting over a meal All employees and Eric discuss any issues, improvements, ideas, areas needed for training, or tools needed. Open dialogue and non-formal Eric gives his employees the opportunity for responsibilities in the business- currently working on updating SOP’s with more DVI usage Shop is open 5 days a week with weekends offEric is in the shop 4 days a week because he trusts his employees- they are good people able to follow the SOP’s in place and make day to day decisions Employees will know if you don’t trust them- creates “neediness” for everything Gives his employees monthly expenditures they can use for customers in need Spends extra time in the community and with his family He is very involved in his employee's lives and is flexible with work schedules based on their family schedules What makes a great service advisor?Excellent people skills and communication skills- enjoy talking to people Can think quickly on their feet, a warm personality, patient and good listener Similar to a good waitress/waiter- there when you need them, listen to what you need, then go on to the next table. Both of Eric’s service advisors are in ongoing training Best service advisor trainers- previous service advisor, or previous technician with good people skills, or having parts experience TrainingRequires minimum 30 hours per year of training Utilized online training a lot last year during COVID shutdowns RRR 588 with Jim Fleischman and Matt Manzone- Dealership tech now works for an independent How to Have a Four Day Work Week with Eric Henley [RR 627]
Thanks to Eric Henley for his contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast. Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page, highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers. Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Podchaser, and many more. Mobile Listening APP's HERE Find every podcast episode HERE. Every episode is segmented by Series HERE. Key Word Search HERE. Be socially involved and in touch with the show:
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Youtube Email
Join the Ecosystem - Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.
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NAPA Autotech Training helps your technicians keep their skills sharp and their NAPA Know How up to date. It’s the highest quality technical training that covers almost every vehicle system and every make and model. NAPA Autotech is presented by experienced instructors who are ASE master certified technicians. Even after a class is over, techs can access course information online with ClassPass. So when questions come up later they can get the answers. AutoCare Center owners who have taken advantage of Autotech Training say that well-trained technicians are helping to increase their shop’s repair capability and raise bay productivity. That results in fewer comebacks, more satisfied shop customers, and reduced technician turnover.
Learn more about NAPA AutoCare and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting www.NAPAAutoCare.com.
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto
Steve Mancinelli Owner | AMI Accredited Automotive Manager | ASE Certified Master Technician (Advanced Level Specialist, L1, and Service Consultant)
Steve has over 48 years of experience in the automotive field here in Downtown Denver. After graduating from Creighton University in 1983, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, he chose to continue the family business. Among the above certifications he holds, he is also a registered Colorado Emissions Technician, he has earned his Accredited Master Automotive Manager (AMAM) degree through the Automotive Management Institute and served on the Automotive Service Association (ASA) board of directors for 6 years. Steve finds the field of vehicle service and auto repair to be the most challenging ever. Because of this, he ensures his employees are updated regularly through training and have access to the latest high tech tools and equipment in order to solve the toughest car problems. Ongoing training in communication skills is equally important to Steve, in order to maintain that “Old Fashioned Service” his customers have grown accustomed to since his grandfather opened the business back in 1950. With roots that deep, Steve and his staff of service advisors and auto mechanics are continually involved with community events and causes.
Key Talking Points:
COVID 196 shops and 23 service bays have closed in Denver- liquidated, retired, moved due to high rent in the downtown area Dynamics of the family business Been in the automotive industry for over 45 years- grew up sweeping floors and pumping gas for his dad’s business Challenges- expectations, leaning on each other, failed partnerships, not knowing each other's roles, not having processes and systems in place Asking for help and getting training- networking Started with 1-day seminar with NAPA and lead to a series with Dale Carnegie Institute, and involvement with ASA as the board of directors for 7 years Napa training by Bob O’Connor- started 20 groups in the Denver area Credited master automotive manager Advice- listen to others Pressed with space with 3 service bays and 2000 square feet- pump oil service tanks. Went to a meeting and another shop owner shared he had eco boxes in his inventory storage room on racks- hold 9 different boxes. Tripled the number of SKUs Community service Fundraiser for “Max Fund”- a woman in the community (1 mile from the shop) started putting a coffee can on her porch as a “donation fund” because her dog Max needed surgery that she couldn’t afford. Community and neighborhood banded together and Max was able to receive his surgery. The woman continued “Max Fund” and ran it as a no-kill shelter for dogs and cats. Steve will hold fundraisers at certain times during the year and proceeds from every job ticket goes to “Max Fund.” Steve has raised over $11,000 Front counter Training is critical- sales techniques and different approaches Must also have natural ability to read customers and enjoys interacting with them Customer’s vehicles are very personal to them- need to hire someone who is empathetic Steve has always had a woman on the front counter- more women customers than before. Women tend to want to know the “why” behind repairs, and having a woman on the front counter is a bonus to help educate them and feel more comfortable. Resources:
Thanks to Steve Mancinelli for his contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast. Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page, highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers. Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Podchaser, and many more. Mobile Listening APP's HERE Find every podcast episode HERE. Every episode is segmented by Series HERE. Key Word Search HERE. Be socially involved and in touch with the show:
Facebook Twitter Linked In Email
Join the Ecosystem - Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.
Buy me a coffee
Since 1989 TRACS has been the industry’s leading shop management system. And in the last 30 years, it’s gotten better and better. Today TRACS Enterprise offers even more of the features AutoCare Center owners want—things like a powerful interactive scheduling calendar, faster and streamlined workflow, plus streamlined parts ordering and purchasing options. And there’s more—Punch-out to Mitchell ProDemand, mobile VIN capture, and multi-shop capabilities. That means you can count on TRACS Enterprise to help drive your success today and well into the future.
Learn more about TRACS Enterprise and the hundreds of other benefits the NAPA family has to offer. Talk with your servicing NAPA store or visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By ncautoshop
Many of us were once techs, but now hold the management role within our facilities - and as much as we'd love to say we're as technically proficient as we once were, the reality is technology is changing SO quickly that it's tough at times to stay on top of it!
Scan tools are being released at a dizzying pace, and the features required aren't what they were 5 years ago!
In this episode of the ASOG Podcast, David and I talk with Brandon Dills of Jarhead Diagnostics about just that!
Brandon shares his scan tool choices and what tool, if he could choose only one, that he would purchase!
We also talk some techncian perspective and there's even some dealer perspective in there!
Make sure you listen to the whole things, as there's some killer information mixed in 😉
You can listen on your favorite listening app here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1182755/7851337-asog-podcast-ep-21-is-your-shop-under-equipped-with-brandon-dills-of-jarhead-diagnostics
There's also a live premiere on YouTube currently! Go and share your opinion with other listeners!
Please considering liking, subscribing, sharing, reviewing or commenting on your favorite platform! It really helps us know how to better serve this community!
https://youtu.be/J7Wu29AA_FM
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