Quantcast
Jump to content


[Podcast] Improving Work Flow [THA 192]


Recommended Posts

https://youtu.be/uPTkeE_jkDo

Mike Davidson is from Parkway Automotive in Little Rock, Arkansas, been in the industry for more than 30 years and a business owner for over 18. Mike is an AMI graduate, an ASE Master Technician, he belongs and contributes to Elite Worldwide and was recognized as the Arkansas NAPA/ASE tech of the year seven years in a row. He’s been doing radio and TV over the last fifteen years talking ‘service’ in Little Rock. Mike helped start the Little Rock chapter of ASA and is currently an officer. Look for Mike’s other episode HERE.

Corey Evaldi grew up in Buffalo, NY (Lackawanna). His dad had his own auto repair shop before Corey was even born. In 1988, he built the shop that is still in business today. He started to enjoy the electronics and troubleshooting of vehicles really young. During his junior and senior year of high school, He went to Potter Road Career and Technical Center and took the Automotive programs. His senior year had an automotive competition at ECC, local community college.

In 2015 he returned and was overwhelmed with the responsibilities of running a shop. he was a technician, service writer, accountant, clean up person, the fireman that extinguished fires all over. He could not keep doing what he was doing. He produced 40% of the billed hours out of 4 techs. He looked for help. Found a coaching firm that really showed him what a business owner looks like. After implementing the changes, there was extreme push back from the existing crew. After standing firm on most things, change over was inevitable. Listen to Corey’s Episodes HERE.

Steve Wootton is the technical manager of Ultimate Automotive. Listen to Steve’s Episodes HERE.

Andrew Minkler is here from Bavarian Motor Repairs, a specialty BMW, MINI, and RR shop outside of DC. He made the transition from a master BMW technician to owner years ago and owe all of his success in the transition so far from watching the giants of the industry and taking what they say to heart. Andrew spent many years thinking that fixing cars was the way to run a successful shop with NO owner experience or knowledge. Rick White was his most recent coach, paired with the Worldpac smart groups and constantly networking with other shop owners, he thinks he has come a long way very recently. Listen to Andrew’s Episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points:

  • Listen and observe
  • Strong communication disciplines will create and improve great work flow
  • Watch behaviors. Sit on a stool and watch.Discover the how
  • The frontend and communication with the customer is where it startsGet as much information
  • Time every step in the processDiscover the rhythm
  • Make less mistakes by measuring and slowing down or speeding up
  • Mistakes will happen
  • When parts arrive they are assigned to the technician and the job
  • Anyone standing around is no good
  • Managing work flow can be hybrid, computer/paper.
  • Some that have switched to all digital learn to adapt without any paper
  • Workflow screens are used from Shop Management Systems to manage expectationsPhone, tablets, big screens
  • It must work for your shop
  • Less work and more efficiency can be 
  • Keep in mind your people need to follow your processes. If that is done, then you can find the fixes necessary to improve your processes.
  • Always keep in mind that you need to ask, “how can we make it better”
  • Your team needs to be bought into the system so you can measure productivity and efficiency so you can find the positive and negative impacts
  • You can never find the perfect plan, always be improving
  • Repetitive tasks need to be put under a process
  • Work as a collective group to create and improve. Then the collective group owns it
  • Andrew uses photosync on samsung phones with each tech so they can pull photos into their DVI software
  • Many things the front office can do to support the shop
  • A big point if the vehicle gets in by 10:30 AM, inspection must be done by noon
  • The best time to sell is in the morning
  • Advisors set the table for the technician. Let them fix cars, what they do best
  • When speaking to your customer always express the value you provide

 

  • Mike Davidson has ONE QUESTION TO ASK TO THE TEAM:
  • Ask each technician ‘What Makes You Stop?’

 

  • Take notes and see what you can improve or make better
  • When a technician stops it stops production
  • Look at your efficiencies to find an area of improvementAvailable, actual, billed time
  • Discover if you need to hire more people or better tooling or training
  • Look for duplicated work
  • Always refine your processes. We don’t spend enough time to tackle improvements to our systems and processes. It takes a lot of time to improve and revamp
  • The people with the answers are on your front lines, your staff.They now the problems and the answers
  • You do not need to be the one with the answer

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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
  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         5 comments
      I 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!”
  • Similar Topics

    • By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • By nptrb

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • By carmcapriotto
      What if there's a fire in your shop? An oil spill? A natural disaster or God forbid, a death? How do you prepare for that? Well, This week, Hunt talks about preparing for the unexpected:
      Vision Expo: Hunt shares experiences and insights from attending the Vision Expo in Kansas City, emphasizing the importance of community and industry events. Importance of Preparedness: The significance of being ready for unforeseen incidents, such as theft or natural disasters, affecting auto repair shops. Insights from Roundtable Discussions and Classes: Valuable lessons from discussions and classes, including managing risks and implementing preventive measures. Understanding Insurance Coverages: The necessity of comprehending what business insurance covers, identifying coverage gaps, and making sure you have comprehensive protection. Preventive Measures Against Risks: Steps to minimize risks associated with fires, accidents, and other potential threats to auto repair shops. Contingency Planning: The need for having a solid contingency plan to tackle unexpected situations effectively. Financial Readiness and Strategic Planning: Emphasizes the role of financial preparedness and strategic planning in fostering long-term success and stability for auto repair shop owners.  
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
       
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Great news, you don’t have to go it alone. 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]
      Get a copy of my Book: Download Here
      Aftermarket Radio Network
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      This week, Hunt takes a deep dive into the hot-button issue of price increases within the auto repair sector. He offers a nuanced examination of vendor pricing, market dynamics, and the psychological elements of setting rates in your business. With examples from real-life scenarios, this episode is a treasure trove for auto repair shop owners striving for balance between profitability and customer loyalty in today’s volatile economic climate.
      • The Psychology of Pricing: Unpacking the reaction to vendor price increases and what it reveals about our own pricing strategies.
      • Market Dynamics: Exploring the balance between cost, value, and competition in the auto repair industry.
      • Strategic Decision-Making: How to navigate the complexities of pricing decisions to ensure business growth and sustainability.
      • Real-Life Examples: Actual examples from a shop owners' group debate to illustrate broader industry challenges.
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Great news, you don’t have to go it alone. 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]
      Get a copy of my Book: Download Here
      Aftermarket Radio Network
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      NAPA trainers Curt Eigenberger, Bill Weaver, and Randy Cohen, discuss the critical role of training in the automotive industry's shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). The conversation underscores the industry's evolution, the need for technicians to update their skills continuously, and the overarching theme of safety and ongoing education in response to technological advancements. The role of mechanical and technology specialists is changing faster than a pit stop at the Indy 500. Always know that training is a key pillar to your strategic success. We're not just talking about keeping up with the latest tech but about staying ahead of the curve. Show Notes:
      Link to NAPA Auto Tech Training Technology Skills and Mindset (00:02:06) The conversation delves into the mindset and skills required for today's technology specialists, emphasizing the blend of engineering knowledge and artisan skills. Evolving Training with Technology (00:04:57) The evolution of training in response to technological advancements, including the need to adapt to industry trends and technician needs. Youth in the Automotive Industry (00:06:53) Insights on the changing demographics in the automotive industry, including the increasing interest in technology and electronics among young technicians. Preparing Future Specialists (00:09:47) Identifying and grooming individuals for technology specialist roles, emphasizing the importance of motivation, desire, and forward-thinking. Traits of Successful Specialists (00:13:26) Key traits of successful technology specialists, including problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and the ability to anticipate future industry developments. Recruiting and Identifying Talent (00:14:44) The recruitment of potential technology specialists, with an emphasis on identifying talent within the existing workforce and beyond. The need for a different mindset (00:16:16) The need for individuals to adapt to new technologies and change their mindset. Adapting to high-voltage electricity (00:17:12) The importance of understanding and respecting high voltage electricity and the need for proper training and safety measures. Safety and training for electric vehicles (00:19:12) The necessity of safety and proper training for working on electric vehicles, emphasizing the need for awareness and respect rather than fear. Changing approach to working on vehicles (00:21:31) The need to rethink traditional practices and prioritize safety when working on vehicles, especially in the context of electric vehicles. Pre-qualifications and assessments for EV training (00:24:30) The importance of pre-qualifications and assessments for individuals attending EV training, emphasizing the need for certification and safety awareness. The future of automotive technology (00:27:02) The future of automotive technology, including trends in alternative fuels and propulsion systems, and the evolving nature of the industry. Embracing change and technology in the industry (00:28:55) The excitement and opportunities in embracing new technologies and changes in the automotive industry, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation. Adapting to new roles in the industry (00:29:14) The shift away from traditional stereotypes in the automotive industry, focusing on the evolving roles and opportunities for individuals interested in technology. The importance of conversational learning (00:32:53) The value of conversational and interactive learning, allowing for open discussions and addressing individual struggles and concerns during training. The importance of class engagement (00:33:22) Encouraging conversational learning and active participation in training classes. The value of asking questions (00:34:55) The importance of asking questions, even if they seem basic, to enhance learning for everyone.  
      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/ 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


  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...