[Podcast] Anthony Williams – Update on the Automotive Institute for Science and Technology (AIST) [RR 496]
-
Available Subscriptions
-
Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?
-
By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog0 commentsIt 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
-
Reverse Benchmarking: Learning From What Others Do Poorly [E186] - Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to ZBy carmcapriotto
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training
Key Discussion Points:
What is Reverse Benchmarking?
Traditional benchmarking focuses on studying what competitors do well, but reverse benchmarking involves analyzing what they do poorly and capitalizing on those weaknesses. Two interpretations: Looking at other industries for innovative ideas (e.g., team-building activities from tech companies). Example: Some shops now adopt spontaneous team outings (baseball games, go-karting) inspired by Silicon Valley culture. Staying within the automotive industry to identify gaps in competitors' customer experience or service offerings.
Applying Reverse Benchmarking in Auto Repair
Customer Experience: Visit competitor shops (dealerships, independents) and note flaws—uncomfortable waiting room chairs, poor TV choices, limited snack/drink options. Actionable Fixes: Upgrade seating, offer neutral TV content (e.g., Joy of Painting), provide filtered water instead of plastic bottles. Market Gaps: If competitors specialize in European cars (like Seth Thorson’s shop), consider specializing in underserved markets (e.g., Asian brands like Hyundai, Kia, Nissan). Focus on services competitors avoid (advanced diagnostics, programming, driveline work).
Technician-Level Reverse Benchmarking
In a shop with a star "R&R tech," instead of competing directly, fill gaps (e.g., diagnostics, electrical troubleshooting) to become indispensable. "See a need, fill a need"—position yourself as the go-to for overlooked but critical tasks.
Why It Works
Creates a unique value proposition—whether for customers (better experience) or employers (specialized skills). Helps shops stand out in saturated markets by addressing unmet needs.
Final Thoughts:
Reverse benchmarking isn’t new, but it’s underutilized in automotive. Whether you’re a shop owner, manager, or tech, observing competitors’ weaknesses can reveal opportunities for growth.
Contact Information
Email Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel Subscribe & Review: Loved this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
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
-
By Changing The Industry
Episode 215 - Upending Automotive Credentials With The AVTECC Initiative With David Macholz
-
By Changing The Industry
Bonus Episode - The Impact of Returns, Inventory, & Technology on Auto Parts Pricing with WorldPac
-
By carmcapriotto
Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
April 15th is behind us — but your tax strategy shouldn’t stop there. In this episode, Hunt Demarest, CPA at Paar Melis, shares exactly what auto repair shop owners need to be doing based on how their tax season wrapped up. Whether you filed early, waited until the last minute, or punted with an extension, Hunt helps you take the right steps now to avoid penalties, reduce next year’s bill, and keep your shop’s finances dialed in.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why filing an extension isn’t always a problem — but failing to plan ahead is The costly myth about tax extensions that trips up even seasoned shop owners What to do now if you owed a big tax bill or got a refund The IRS’s rules on estimated taxes and why ignoring them leads to penalties Smart financial habits every shop owner should adopt after tax season ends
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
Thanks to our partner, Promotive
It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. 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: podcast@paarmelis.com
Text Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413
Download a Copy of My Books Here:
Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop
The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto https://remarkableresults.biz/
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
-
-
By Changing The Industry
Episode 212 - The Role of Technology in Modernizing Auto Shops with Monique from Shop-Ware
-
-
-
Our Sponsors
Recommended Posts
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 accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now