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Craig Noel, Owner of 4 location Sun Automotive Springfield, OR. Craig graduated from Lane Community College in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Repair and quickly went to work. He worked for Ford as a Senior Master Technician and then working my way up through the ranks as Team Lead, Service Advisor, Assistant Service Manager. He has also built ground up Street Rods/Show Cars for over 30 years as a hobby. He was “headhunted” by the original owner of Sun Automotive in 2011 and became GM at that time. As of January 1st 2017, he is the proud owner of Sun Automotive. Listen to Craig’s previous episodes HERE. Key Talking Points
  • Training- slow things down instead of hurrying and overpromising and underdelivering. Service advisers need to be trained to understand and layout how the repair process looks for the customer along the way to both educate them in the moment and to set the expectation of what to expect in the future. “Don’t promise what you don’t know.” Repair order audits- it needs to be clear and easy to understand that the spouse at home will know what’s going on and the competitor be impressed. “Paint a good picture.” Technicians need to sell the job to the advisor that can be resold to the customer.   
  • Education- vehicles now are 4 times more complex than the Apollo rocket. Being a rocket scientist 40 years ago was a recognized and respected career path. We are now automotive engineers and it should be plan A instead of plan B. Capture PTA/School boards and get in front of students and parents. 
  • Culture- teaming together employees that have passion for people and the industry. Paid training during business hours. Respecting their family time. 
  • Community- being involved and present. Always have a finger on the pulse of the community and get involved when you can.   
  • Advice- don’t get lost in the white noise when promoting who you are, pierce the white noise with a sincerity arrow. 
  • Retention- both for employees and customers. Create an environment neither want to leave.
  • Thanks to Craig Noel 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.
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Be socially involved and in touch with the show: Facebook   Twitter  LinkedIn   Instagram  Youtube   Email   Join the Ecosystem - Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE. Buy me a coffee As a member of the NAPA family, AutoCare Center owners can take advantage of the NAPA National Health Program from the NAPA Insurance Center. This “NAPA only” program gives you and your employees access to national “large group” rates on medical insurance with premiums discounted up to 30 percent. These rates are based on the collective purchasing potential of 22,500 NAPA locations including both NAPA AUTO PARTS stores and NAPA AutoCare Centers. The NAPA Insurance Center can help you with a variety of other insurance benefits too. For more information about The NAPA National Health Benefits program as well as all of the insurance benefits available to your AutoCare Center and your employees, visit the NAPA Benefits Center, at www.napabenefitscenter.com or call the NAPA Benefits Center at 844-627-2123.

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

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      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.
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      How To Get In Touch
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      Meet The Pros
      Follow SMP on Facebook
      Follow SMP on Instagram
      Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book
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      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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      How To Get In Touch
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