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Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?
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By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog5 commentsI recently spoke with a friend of mine who owns a large general repair shop in the Midwest. His father founded the business in 1975. He was telling me that although he’s busy, he’s also very frustrated. When I probed him more about his frustrations, he said that it’s hard to find qualified technicians. My friend employs four technicians and is looking to hire two more. I then asked him, “How long does a technician last working for you.” He looked puzzled and replied, “I never really thought about that, but I can tell that except for one tech, most technicians don’t last working for me longer than a few years.”
Judging from personal experience as a shop owner and from what I know about the auto repair industry, I can tell you that other than a few exceptions, the turnover rate for technicians in our industry is too high. This makes me think, do we have a technician shortage or a retention problem? Have we done the best we can over the decades to provide great pay plans, benefits packages, great work environments, and the right culture to ensure that the techs we have stay with us?
Finding and hiring qualified automotive technicians is not a new phenomenon. This problem has been around for as long as I can remember. While we do need to attract people to our industry and provide the necessary training and mentorship, we also need to focus on retention. Having a revolving door and needing to hire techs every few years or so costs your company money. Big money! And that revolving door may be a sign of an even bigger issue: poor leadership, and poor employee management skills.
Here’s one more thing to consider, for the most part, technicians don’t leave one job to start a new career, they leave one shop as a technician to become a technician at another shop. The reasons why they leave can be debated, but there is one fact that we cannot deny, people don’t quit the company they work for, they usually leave because of the boss or manager they work for.
Put yourselves in the shoes of your employees. Do you have a workplace that communicates, “We appreciate you and want you to stay!”
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By carmcapriotto
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS and AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching Industry shop owners discuss the challenges and strategies of opening and managing a second location. They explore the motivations behind opening additional shops, touching on wealth building, seeking new challenges, and planning for retirement. Carl Hutchinson emphasizes the importance of providing a growth path and career opportunities to attract and train the next generation of industry professionals. The conversation highlights the complexities of scaling a business and the need for strong leadership, financial planning, and a commitment to developing talent within the industry. Carl Hutchinson, Complete Automotive, 2 locations, Springfield, MO. Listen to Carl’s previous episodes HERE Kim Auernheimer, CS Automotive, 2 locations, TN. Listen to Kim’s Episodes HERE. Jim Fleischman, Automotive Alley, 2 locations, Arcade and Marilla, NY. Listen to Jim’s previous episodes HERE.
Behind the Scenes: New Shop Retrofit/Remodel with Carl Hutchinson [CC 097]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/cc097/ Store two considerations (00:01:01) Discussion on the importance and reasons for opening a second store, including financing and marketing efforts. Finding the second location (00:02:52) Panelists share their experiences in finding and choosing the location for their second store. Preparation and challenges (00:09:33) Challenges and preparations for operating a second location, including policies, procedures, and staffing. Systemizing and structuring (00:12:29) The importance of systemizing and structuring operations for a second location, as well as the challenges and preparations involved. Transition and training (00:15:14) Discussion on transitioning and training staff for a new location, including the use of a shop management system. Reflection and passion (00:17:32) Reflecting on the passion and effort required to start and grow a business, including the challenges of expanding to multiple locations. Store Number Two Challenges (00:17:56) Challenges of opening a second store, losing customers, ordering parts, and managing separate entities. Inventory and Supplies (00:20:14) Challenges in stocking inventory and supplies for a new store, unexpected expenses, and the importance of thorough planning. Financing and Cash Flow (00:24:43) Discussion on financing options, including seller financing, bank loans, and personal investment, and the impact of COVID-19. People Problems and Leadership (00:29:17) Dealing with turnover, hiring challenges, and the importance of finding the right people for leadership roles. Grooming and Growing Store Two (00:32:45) Balancing time and effort between store two and store one, empowering vice presidents, and the changing role of the company president. Building an MSO (00:34:48) Discussion on the motivations for building a multi-shop operation, including retirement planning, challenges, and personal growth. Creating Career Paths (00:41:26) The importance of creating a career path for the younger generation, fast-tracking growth, and training and educating employees. Valuing and Acquiring Businesses (00:47:31) Challenges in valuing and acquiring businesses, including the impact of market competition and the importance of assessing profitability. Equipment and Location Considerations (00:49:29) Discussion on starting from scratch, acquiring equipment, and the significance of location and infrastructure.
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, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching Proven Auto Shop Coaching with Results. Over 61 Million in ROI with an Average ROI of 9x. Find Coach Chris Cotton at AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching on the Web at https://autoshopcoaching.com/ Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -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 -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections
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By champtires
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By carmcapriotto
Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network By leveraging tools like digital vehicle inspections (DVI) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, businesses can significantly improve their operations and customer experience. These integrations allow for a more streamlined process, from diagnosing vehicle issues to maintaining consistent communication with clients. Ben Dexter, National Training Manager, NAPA TRACS Show Notes
Ben's journey in the automotive industry (00:00:55) Ben's progression from service writer to National Training Manager and his experience in the automotive industry. Importance of shop management systems (00:02:04) The critical role of shop management systems in the automotive repair industry and the support provided by NAPA TRACS. Value of training (00:03:21) The significance of investing in training and the impact of leadership participation in training programs. Building customer rapport (00:11:22) Ben's approach to building customer rapport and the importance of effective communication and attention to customer needs. Significance of scheduling (00:13:12) The shift from reactive scheduling to a coordinated approach, addressing the issues of timely and accurate repairs through effective scheduling. The power of software integrations (00:15:37) The commitment to utilizing shop management software and the potential of integrations with other tools like DVI and CRM for business growth. Utilizing shop management systems (00:19:08) Encouraging the use of shop management systems and the availability of resources for business advancement. Role of technology in DVI (00:20:42) Discussion on the coordinated effort required for effective Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI) and the benefits of real-time communication. Challenges in utilizing software (00:22:32) Exploring the reasons behind the underutilization of software tools and the need for effective leadership and training. Importance of testing and measuring (00:25:13) Highlighting the significance of testing and measuring business performance for improvement and growth. Communication and customer service (00:28:27) Emphasizing the importance of effective communication with customers to prevent unexpected breakdowns and enhance customer satisfaction. Impact of scheduling on service advisors (00:30:07) Discussing the influence of scheduling on service advisors' decision-making and the need for consistent customer recommendations. Rethinking business analysis (00:32:47) Encouraging a reevaluation of business statistics and reports to identify missed opportunities and improve overall business strategies. Morning Meetings and Reporting (00:33:21) Discussion on the importance of morning meetings, sales reporting by service writer, and constructive performance discussions. Maximizing Existing Resources (00:34:55) Emphasizing the significance of making the most of existing resources before seeking more car count. Linear Quantity Opportunities (00:36:32) Exploration of the linear quantity opportunities in parts matrix, addressing traditional matrix problems and opportunities for improvement. Commitment to Lifelong Learning (00:38:54) Highlighting the importance of lifelong learning for success in shop management and overall strategy. Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR 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 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 -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By tyrguy
Hey all,
Retired 5+ years ago and spend half my time down here in Florida. Haven't been on the forum in a few years. When I am up home in Ohio the tire dealer that bought my business and rents my building from me takes good care of all my vehicle service needs. My Mini needs a few things and I'd like to hook up with someone from this forum close to me down here.
Belt is squealing so probably needs a new belt, tensioner and idler pulley. Also need a new right side window motor.
Anybody close to Fort Myers Beach?
Mark Defer 330-603-5127
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By carmcapriotto
Insights to the Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo 2024 Class “Which Scan Tool Should I Buy?" on Thursday, February, 29, from 1pm-5pm. Our panel discusses the importance of tailoring scan tool recommendations to a technician's specific needs, including the car lines they work on, their budget, and the features they require. Don't sit on the value of seeking advice from experienced users and trainers to make informed decisions. Justin Morgan LMV Bavarian Technical Support and Trainer, ASE-Wave Technical Ambassador. Justin’s Previous Episode HERE. Tanner Brandt, Autodiag Clinic. Tanner’s previous episodes HERE. Scott Shotton, The Driveability Guys. Scott’s previous episodes HERE. Show Notes
Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo: https://visionkc.com/ Which Scan Tool Should I Buy? Thursday, February 29, 2024, 1pm-5pm Importance of proper training (00:01:18) The need for proper training in understanding the capabilities and limitations of scan tools. Factors to consider when recommending a scan tool (00:04:35) Questions to ask when recommending a scan tool, including car lines, functionalities, and budget considerations. Impact of feedback on scan tool development (00:06:08) Discussion on the importance of feedback from users and the impact of feedback on the development and availability of scan tools. Remote access and networking (00:10:02) The benefits of remote access for professional tech support and peer-to-peer networking among technicians. Understanding the capabilities of scan tools (00:13:34) Discussion on the importance of understanding the capabilities and limitations of scan tools before making a purchase. Importance of Proper Training (00:19:42) The importance of proper training before investing in tools and the impact of buying from industry-connected vendors. The Value of Support (00:22:04) The significance of having support when using tools, illustrated by a story about receiving support for a scope issue. Learning Methods (00:25:30) Discussion on different training methods, with a focus on the effectiveness of hands-on and in-person training. Virtual Training Challenges (00:26:51) The challenges of virtual training and the importance of in-person training to understand diagnostic processes. Hybrid Training Approach (00:32:08) Exploring the idea of a hybrid training approach combining virtual classes and hands-on sessions for better learning. Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX and NAPA TRACS Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR 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 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 -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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