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[Podcast] A Supplier’s Strategy Amid Pandemic – Helping the Service Professional with Lee Walker [RR 537]


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Lee Walker is the President of Walker Auto Parts in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.

In 2009 Lee rejoined our family business as the first of the third generation of Walkers. Harry G. Walker Jr. started the family’s journey in the automotive aftermarket back in 1960 in Raleigh. Three of his four sons joined him in the business in the 70s and 80s and now there are 6 Walkers working in the business.

In 2009, when the firm transitioned from being an independent parts supplier into the NAPA family, Iit was Lee's first few months back in the business. His focus was on getting to know and understand their customers and to lead the integration of other business teams into the organization. Walker's acquired and launched a NAPA store every year since 2009 and now are humble and proud to represent NAPA in 35 counties in NC. The team of 725 embodies old school integrity and new school innovation. Lee is poised to lead that team into the future of the next 60 years of the Automotive Aftermarket.

Key Talking Points:

  • Protecting employees and customers- how to continue to operate Constant communication and being proactive for safe social distancing- abnormal circumstances often open up opportunities for better dialogue  
  • PPE masks, gloves, face shields and drop boxes outside shop doors 
  • Giving resources and advice for PPP Loan for businesses
  • Making customer-facing videos to use on social media and demonstrate safety
  • Let your core beliefs shine through- all have to work together 
  • Value breakdown of a businessSales, relationships and performance 
  • Independent repair shops- faired better than national brands Established customer relationship- loyalty 
  • DigitizingRolling out digital delivery dispatch system
  • A better understanding of repairs- often times $5 filter more important to be rushed for delivery than $180 flywheel
  • Cost of delivery- shouldn’t matter where product comes from as long as there is a committed time of delivery
  • Supply chainsA crisis will expose where supply chains are weak and strong  
  • Supply chains that built robust networks, inventory and supply strategies are thriving right now

Resources:

  • Thanks to Lee Walker 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 segmented by Series HERE.
  • Key Word Search HERE.
  • Love what we do? Buy Carm a cup of coffee HERE.

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The NAPA Smart Sign, previously known as Digital Menu Board, gives your shop a professional, state-of-the-art look and feel. It’s a great way to educate and inform your customers about needed repairs and service, plus increase awareness of your current promotions. NAPA AutoCare Center that have installed a Digital Menu Board found one out of five consumers ask for a repair or service they’ve seen on the board. Targeted promotions resulted in double-digit increases. You choose the content from a library of auto care service and repair topics. The latest NAPA national promotions are downloaded to you automatically. And with the Digital Menu Board it’s easy to change your services, prices, and video content anytime you’d like. Talk to your servicing NAPA store to find out more.

Learn more about NAPA Smart Sign and the hundreds of other benefits NAPA offers. 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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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         13 comments
      Most shop owners would agree that the independent auto repair industry has been too cheap for too long regarding its pricing and labor rates. However, can we keep raising our labor rates and prices until we achieve the profit we desire and need? Is it that simple?
      The first step in achieving your required gross and net profit is understanding your numbers and establishing the correct labor and part margins. The next step is to find your business's inefficiencies that impact high production levels.
      Here are a few things to consider. First, do you have the workflow processes in place that is conducive to high production? What about your shop layout? Do you have all the right tools and equipment? Do you have a continuous training program in place? Are technicians waiting to use a particular scanner or waiting to access information from the shop's workstation computer?
      And lastly, are all the estimates written correctly? Is the labor correct for each job? Are you allowing extra time for rust, older vehicles, labor jobs with no parts included, and the fact that many published labor times are wrong? Let's not forget that perhaps the most significant labor loss is not charging enough labor time for testing, electrical work, and other complicated repairs.  
      Once you have determined the correct labor rate and pricing, review your entire operation. Then, tighten up on all those labor leaks and inefficiencies. Improving production and paying close attention to the labor on each job will add much-needed dollars to your bottom line.
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