Quantcast
Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

https://youtu.be/OHdSmJgAeL4

Matt Lachowitzer is a husband, father of 3, avid Minnesota Vikings fan, and owner and founder of Matt’s Automotive Service Center. A Herman, MN native, Matt started this company as a two-bay shop back in 2009. He has expanded the company into 6 locations with beautiful, state of the art facilities all over the Fargo-Moorhead area. Matt enjoys being a pillar in the community, giving back in any way he can, and providing knowledge and education in the biggest ways possible. As a result of being a continuous educator and an amazing pillar in the community, Matt won Entrepreneur of the Year in 2015 through the Fargo-Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce. When Matt’s not working, he enjoys fishing, riding ATV’s, watching football, and traveling with his family. Check Matt’s other episodes HERE.

Emily Chung is a proud mom of two energetic boys. She owns and operates AutoNiche, a family-friendly auto repair shop in Markham. She is a licensed Automotive Service Technician, and Automotive Writer with various publications. She also teaches in the Automotive Business School of Canada at Georgian College. Emily holds a degree from the University of Waterloo in Psychology and Business, and her previous jobs include Psychometrist and Human Resources Associate.

She has appeared on various media including Breakfast Television, Cityline, and the Marilyn Denis Show. She is passionate about her work; together with her staff, AutoNiche’s purpose is to bring better communication and client service to the auto repair experience. Check Emily’s previous episodes HERE.

Kelli Weatherby co-owner, with husband Lee, in Accurate Automotive, Inc. in Mesa, AZ. Accurate Automotive was founded in July 1994

Their time building Accurate Automotive, Inc. has been very adventurous. Along the way they have been fortunate to have received awards but mostly Kelli treasures her involvement in ATI and being a part of the sole all women 20 groups, Leading Ladies.

Kelli is the mother of 2. Morgan (daughter), Corbin (Son) both married now and working in their careers. Corbin is a father of 3 which makes me a Nana who LOVES to spoil her little’s!!!  Listen to Kelli’s previous episodes HERE.

Kevin Eckler, a Dad and a mentor along with wife Lisa, own Foreign Car Specialists, in Poughkeepsie, NY. Kevin has been named Albany, NY region’s ASE Tech of the Year 2019 and 2020. He was also voted Best mechanic in the Hudson Valley, which encompasses Westchester, Putnum, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster and Greene counties. Kevin is a 40 year veteran of the industry, and still has a love for it and simply cannot understand why anyone would tell a young person to get out while they can, instead of inspiring them to greatness! Kevin’s previous episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points:

Matt Lachowitzer

Not letting go of the cancer in my shop because he was a “super tech”

 Some points

  1.  I was afraid because he was our best tech, highest producing, could fix anything
  2. I didn’t know if our team could replace what he could do
  3. It appeared that he was well liked, and I didn’t want to cause issues, even though it was causing lots of issues. Lost front end staff especially.

Emily Chung

  • I didn't terminate the employee soon enough
  • I believed that I couldn't run the business without him
  • The employee was a great technician, and I thought that meant I could take advice from him in other areas e.g. business operations

 Lessons learned

  • Slow to hire, quick to fire
  • Being a tech and being a business owner are very different skills
  • I'm more resourceful than I give myself credit for, no matter what happens I'll figure it out

 Blessings

  • The experience has added resiliency to my character
  • I now know the price I pay when I allow toxicity to persist
  • I was able to work through that season of my business

Kelli Weatherby

  • Our 20 group had made mention that we were going to have shop spotlights as a line item in our meetings for 2020 and beyond. As discussed, this would help shops/owners in reaching goals set along with many other advantages. Lee and I along with another local shop had been part of an in-person shop tour. So my thought was there is NO way we would be considered for a spotlight. OH BOY WAS I WRONG. 
  • We were lucky to have 5 separate committees 1.) Facilities 2.) Marketing 3.) Management 4.) Finance 5.) Lee and Kelli Headspace support
  • Outcome (PRICELESS) - With the help that was rendered I believe we were prepared and STRONG in all that was 2020. We put together AND finalized our organization chart. Our standard operating procedures were dialed in with new manuals. Our financials and budgets along with our 3 yr business plan have been shared with our whole management team. Our succession is going forward. Lee and I are working diligently on our 35 yr marriage and have included a counselor that we BOTH agree is helpful. I mentioned this last but I certainly believe with ALL that I am, this is the most important work we do. In a business where the owner/operators are all in and on deck looking to manage personal challenges AND business growth and personnel engagement along with customer experience....MAN OH MAN this will spin the head  
  • If you feel any of this is relevant to where you would like to go, I am an open book and glad to share. If not, l have had many experiences with what started out as a train wreck, turned to a golden opportunity for growth!!

Kevin Eckler

  • Being too busy and drawn up into the moment and not seeing the bigger picture was my fatal flaw.I was so consumed in the daily work that I never seriously sought out bettering myself thru business education and only sought out technical knowledge.
  • My focus was being the best at what I did, which is fine, except I continued to view myself as a tech and not an owner. It was safe, comfortable, familiar, and completely the wrong way to, which held growth and prosperity way back and kept us as a shop from being who we could have been.
  • So in short, not stepping into and owning the position that had come to hold and clinging to what was safe almost financially, physically, and emotionally destroyed me.Accepting and finally embracing my responsibilities and putting the same efforts into becoming an educated owner as I did as a tech is when the change began in the business towards being successful. It is still a fight to not fall back into what is safe, but I now own my place and responsibilities.

Resources:

Facebook   Twitter   Linked In   Email

Mobile Listening APP's HERE

Join the Ecosystem - Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.

Buy Carm a Cup of Coffee 

Shop-Ware-Call-To-Action-Graphic-v3.png

This episode is brought to you by Shop-Ware Shop Management. It’s time to run your business at its fullest potential with the industry’s leading technology. Shop-Ware Shop Management will increase your efficiency with lightning-fast workflows, help your staff capture more sales every day, and create very happy customers who promote your business. Shops running Shop-Ware have More Time and generate More Profit—join them! Schedule a free live demonstration and find out how 30 minutes can transform your shop at getshopware.com

Shop-Market-Pros-Sponsor-Graphic-2.png

This episode is brought to you buy Shop Marketing Pros. Your guides are Kim and Brian Walker with a rich history as shop owners and industry veterans. When someone searches for a shop, who are they finding? Your competitors? It should be you! The good people over at Shop Marketing Pros know how to drive website traffic and make Google work for you! www.shopmarketingpros.com

Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio

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 Changing The Industry
      Episode 212 - The Role of Technology in Modernizing Auto Shops with Monique from Shop-Ware
    • 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
      SHOW NOTES
      Connect with Chris: chris autofixsos.com
       Phone: 940.400.1008
       www.autoshopcoaching.com
       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ 
      AutoFixAutoShopCo
       Connect with Chris: chris autofixsos.com Phone: 940.400.1008 www.autoshopcoaching.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae 
      www.autoshopcoaching.com 
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ AutoFixAutoShopCoaching
      Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
      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.
      To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.
      Don't forget to rate and review us!
      Connect with Chris:
      AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      www.aftermarketradionetwork.com
      #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
    • By Changing The Industry
      Episode 211 - Trust, Ownership, and Ethical Sales with Kim and Brian Walker of Shop Marketing Pros
    • By nptrb
      It’s no secret that time is limited as an auto repair shop owner.
      Between diagnosing complex engine issues to managing your mechanics and creating a five-star customer experience, there’s often little time left to focus on your financials.
      But what happens when tax season rolls around, and you’re forced to buckle down on organizing your records and preparing your returns?
      At Three Rivers Bookkeeping, we know the needs of your auto repair business from the inside out. You’re dealing with parts inventory, labor costs, shop equipment, and fluctuating busyness. Navigating the intricacies of tax filing on top of all that can be a real headache.
      That’s why we’ve put together these practical tax tips to help you simplify the filing process! Follow these steps to get your financial house in order before the tax deadline on April 15th!
       
      Tax Tip #1: Organized Record-Keeping (From Day One!)
      This might sound obvious, but organized records are the foundation of stress-free tax filing. 
      Don’t wait until January to start sifting through a shoebox full of receipts. And if you’re reading this in April, remember to start getting organized now for next year!
      Implement a consistent system for tracking all your income and expenses throughout the year.
      Here’s a framework to follow to keep your records organized in your auto repair shop.
      Separate Business and Personal Finances: This is crucial. Keep your business bank accounts and credit cards strictly for business transactions. This makes it significantly easier to track income and deductible expenses.
      Categorize Everything: Establish clear categories for your income (e.g., labor, parts sales, diagnostics) and expenses (e.g., parts purchases, payroll, rent, utilities, insurance, marketing, shop supplies). Use accounting software or even well-organized spreadsheets to do this consistently.
      Document Everything: Your records should be kept to the same standards as your shop schedule and organized and clear! Track your invoices, parts receipts, bank statements, credit card statements, and payroll records — no matter how small the cost! Every bit matters.
      Track Mileage: If you or your employees use personal vehicles for business purposes (e.g., picking up parts, making service calls), keep a detailed mileage log. This should include the date, purpose of the trip, starting and ending mileage.
      Organized records make it easier to identify deductible expenses, accurately calculate your income, and prepare your tax forms. This will save you tons of time and effort during filing season.
       
      Tax Tip #2: Don’t Be Afraid to Leverage Technology
      Technology is your best friend when it comes to efficiently managing the finances in your auto repair business. If you’re still relying on manual spreadsheets and a spare notebook, it’s time to swap them out for accounting software that is designed specifically for small businesses.
      We recommend QuickBooks Online because it streamlines all of the important areas in business, including:
      Your financial tracking process Automated reports Invoicing Payments Payroll You can even connect it to your bank accounts and credit cards to make importing transactions and categorization a hands-free task. 
       
      Tax Tip #3: Know Your Deductions
      Your deductions can make or break you during tax season, which is why it’s critical for you to understand them! As an auto repair shop, your needs are very different from other service-based businesses.
      Knowing what you can deduct is key to minimizing your tax liability.
      Here is a checklist of common deductions specifically for the auto repair industry:
      Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) Labor Costs Rent and Utilities Insurance Vehicle and Equipment Expenses Shop and Office Supplies Marketing and Advertising Professional Fees  
      Tax Tip #4: Plan Ahead and Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
      If you find yourself frantically scrambling at tax season, planning ahead WILL help! Make tax season simple by staying organized, having financial systems in place, and relying on automated software.
      Navigating your bookkeeping and tax filing on your own can be time-consuming and lead to costly errors.
      If you want to leave your tax filing to the professionals, we’d love to help!
      Three Rivers Bookkeeping specializes in working with auto repair shops, so you can rest assured during tax season. 
    • By carmcapriotto
      Brian and Hallie break down Google Local Services Ads (LSA) and how auto repair shops are using them to bring in more leads at lower costs. Unlike traditional Google Ads, LSA charges per lead instead of per click, making it a cost-effective approach to customer acquisition. Some shops have reported leads as low as $7 per call.
      They cover how to set up LSA, key verification steps, and ways to optimize a shop’s Google Business Profile for better rankings. The discussion also explores how specialty shops can use LSA effectively and when Google Ads might still be useful.
      With LSA now open to auto repair shops nationwide, early adopters have a clear advantage. Brian and Hallie explain how to make the most of it and why now is the best time to get started.
      Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. RepairPal is the key that unlocks more business for your repair shop. Learn More at RepairPal.com/shops.
      AppFueled makes marketing easy. It’s a CRM designed for auto repair shops with tools like segmentation, reminders, and even a call center. Don’t wait—get started today at appfueled.com
      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
      Google Local Service Ads
      AutoOps - Scheduling Tools for Auto Shops
      The Google Guarantee
      Google Screened
      Keywords in Reviews – Adding Fuel to the Fire
      Show Notes with Timestamps
      Introduction to the Episode (00:00:01) Brian Walker introduces the podcast and guest, Hallie Wassinger, discussing the importance of Google Local Services Ads. Overview of Google Local Services Ads (00:02:53)  Hallie explains the recent availability of Google Local Services Ads for auto repair shops across the U.S. Historical Context of Local Services Ads (00:03:25)  Discussion on the past availability of Google Guaranteed Ads and their expansion to auto repair shops. Current Availability and Limitations (00:04:38)  Hallie details the current state of Local Services Ads for tire shops and their limited availability. Cost Structure of Local Services Ads (00:05:34)  Introduction to the pay-per-lead model, highlighting its differences from traditional Google Ads. Service Categories for Auto Repair (00:06:45) Hallie outlines the specific services auto repair shops can advertise under Local Services Ads. Lead Generation Process (00:07:44)  Explanation of how leads are generated through phone calls or messages via the Local Services Ads dashboard. Ongoing Maintenance of Ads (00:08:31)  Discussion on the necessity of monitoring and rating leads to optimize the ad performance. Success Stories from Beta Testing (00:10:55)  Brian shares a success story from Chris Cotton, highlighting low lead costs achieved through Local Services Ads. Lead Cost Insights (00:11:39)  Hallie provides average lead cost data, emphasizing the effectiveness of the ads for auto repair shops. Visibility of Local Services Ads (00:12:18)  Brian describes how Local Services Ads appear prominently in search results, enhancing visibility. Google Screened vs. Google Guaranteed (00:13:02)  Hallie explains the differences between Google Screened and Google Guaranteed, focusing on their application processes. RepairPal Sponsorship Message (00:14:27)  Brian thanks RepairPal for sponsoring the episode and discusses the benefits of being in their certified network. App Fueled Sponsorship Message (00:15:32)  Brian introduces App Fueled, promoting their customer loyalty app for auto repair shops. Verification Process for Shops (00:16:33)  Hallie outlines the verification process for shops to join Google Local Services Ads, including necessary checks. Verification Steps for LSA (00:16:50)  Overview of the verification process for auto repair shops applying for Google Local Services Ads. Challenges with Specialty Shops (00:19:14)  Discussion on difficulties specialty shops face with Google Local Services Ads targeting. Specialization in Google Ads (00:20:03)  Insights on why specialized shops may benefit more from traditional Google Ads. Opportunities with LSA (00:22:05)  Exploration of the current opportunities available for shops using Google Local Services Ads. Cost Benefits of LSA (00:23:13)  Comparison of lead costs between Google Local Services Ads and traditional Google Ads. Importance of Google Business Profile (00:24:29)  Discussion on how optimizing Google Business Profiles impacts LSA ad performance. Role of Reviews in SEO (00:27:40)  Emphasis on the significance of keywords in customer reviews for improving visibility. Optimizing Photos for LSA (00:29:42)  Best practices for managing and updating photos in Google Local Services Ads. Pricing for LSA Management (00:31:01)  Details on the costs associated with managing Google Local Services Ads for shops. Introduction to LSA (00:33:47)  Discussion on the performance of Google Local Services Ads and how to get started. Discovery Call Process (00:34:15)  Details on scheduling a discovery call and assessing local competition for LSA. Final Thoughts on LSA (00:34:38)  Emphasis on the importance of early adoption of LSA for auto repair shops. Self-Management of LSA (00:34:40)  Advice on running LSA independently, highlighting the required time and dedication. Closing Remarks (00:35:29)  Thanking listeners and sponsors, and encouraging engagement with the podcast.
      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 
      Thanks again for listening to The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast on Aftermarket Radio Network. There are some other great shows on the network and you can find them at AftermarketRadioNetwork.com or on your favorite podcast listening apps like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and many others
      Thanks to our Partners,
      RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops. Quality Car Repair. Fair Price Guarantee.
      App Fueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”
      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 Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
      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 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


  • Our Sponsors

×
×
  • Create New...