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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKeMWtb7NU4 Fresh out of High School, John Gustafson and his brother, Frank, took their passion for fixing cars and made it a career. In 1971 the brothers specialized in Volkswagen which were very popular in that era, since then the shop has flourished. John is the president and CEO of Gustafson Brothers, Inc. an auto service center in Huntington Beach, California. The company specializes in customer service and performs auto service work, collision repair, and paintwork along with other auto-related services for the community. John is a Certified ASE Master Technical, Bureau of Automotive Repair Certified Instructor, Continuing Education Insurance Instructor licensed by the State of California, and a certified I-CAR instructor. In addition to growing a shop from two employees to the 60+ strong it is today, John has been recognized with the Alumni Pillar of Achievement Award from Golden West College for his contributions in the automotive industry. Listen to John's previous episodes HERE Hunt Demarest, CPA Paar-Melis. Hunt is Accredited in Business Valuation and a licensed Certified Public Accountant that has been with the firm since 2006. He specializes in business taxes, valuations, and does consult work with our clients all across the country. When he’s not in the office, Hunt enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, working on and racing his cars. Look for Hunt’s other episodes HERE. Bob Ward is the President of Wardden LLC, Bob began his business career at a franchised car dealership, overcoming obstacles to learn and earn the required skills to become Controller, General Manager and then, a minority owner of Tacoma Dodge in Washington. A native of Seattle, Bob serves as a financial advisor and consultant to small business owners throughout the United States. He believes that your business should always be ready for expansion or sale, you should get paid for what you built and, when you decide to leave it, your company should continue to prosper. He believes in a Perpetual Business where there is Value, Continuity and Legacy. Look for Bob’s Previous Episode HERE. Warden LLC website HERE.
Key Talking Points
  • John Gustafson. 50-year business- what are the options for successions with no heirs in the family? 3 entities (mechanical, collision, satellite) produce $11.5 million per year
  • What does the owner want the legacy to be? Zero in on what’s most important, oftentimes it’s not about the money.  John’s answer- 2 scenarios: a gross amount of money and hand keys and walk or process to shift business to select employees
  • When do you want to do this? 5-6 years? 20 year? Right now? 
  • Who will it get sold to? Internal (family or employee) How many employees actually want to be a business owner? Narrow down to a small inside pool. Stockholder potential, shareholders, multiple owners?
  • How many internal employees want to be business owners?
  • What are you selling? Real estate? What piece?
  • Value business or gift to a relative?
  • Partnership reality- akin to marriage, can be difficult with separate forces to combine on same path. Potential successful partnerships can be service advisor and lead technician- powerful synergy together 
  • Surviving shops with land ownership- in many cities you can’t go and buy locations because they arent available 
  • Owner partnership in practice on paper as a trial- all owner responsibilities except asset ownership and liability
  • What you can do right now- how do you want to personally leave, how do you want to leave the business? Have conversations with employees.
  • A special thanks to John Gustafson, Hunt Demarest and Bob Ward for their contribution to the aftermarket.
Facebook   Twitter  LinkedIn   Instagram  Youtube   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 by 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

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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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      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -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 -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections 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
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      **Podcast Episode Summary: The Weekly Blitz with Coach Chris Cotton**
      In this engaging episode of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton, a renowned auto repair business coach, delves into the essential elements that contribute to becoming the premier auto repair shop in your community. Coach Cotton begins by emphasizing the significance of establishing a culture of accountability within the workplace. He explains that when each team member takes responsibility for their actions and outcomes, it creates a foundation for success and continuous improvement.
      Furthermore, Coach Cotton discusses the importance of fostering teamwork among employees. He suggests that a collaborative environment not only enhances efficiency and productivity but also boosts morale and job satisfaction. By encouraging open communication and mutual support, team members are more likely to work together towards common goals, ultimately benefiting the business as a whole.
      Delivering an exceptional customer experience is another key focus of the episode. Coach Cotton points out that while having the latest tools and offering competitive prices are important, they are not the sole determinants of success. Instead, he argues that true excellence is achieved when every employee is committed to maintaining high standards and consistently exceeding customer expectations. This dedication to quality service helps build a strong reputation and encourages repeat business.
      Coach Cotton also highlights the critical role of leadership in cultivating a positive and productive workplace culture. Effective leaders set the tone for the organization, modeling the behaviors and attitudes they wish to see in their team. By providing clear direction, support, and recognition, leaders can inspire their employees to strive for excellence in every aspect of their work.
      Finally, Coach Cotton underscores the importance of building trust and loyalty with customers. He explains that every interaction with a customer is an opportunity to reinforce their confidence in the business. By consistently delivering on promises and addressing any concerns promptly and professionally, auto repair shops can establish long-lasting relationships with their clients, ensuring sustained success in a competitive market.


      Introduction to the Episode (00:00:18)
      Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast and its focus on supercharging auto repair businesses.
      Podcast Recommendations (00:01:23)
      Chris highlights other podcasts on the aftermarket radio network worth checking out.
      Inspiration from Previous Episode (00:02:38)
      Chris discusses insights gained from a previous episode with Cecil Bullard about being the best shop.
      Creating a Culture of Accountability (00:03:56)
      The importance of fostering accountability among employees to achieve the goal of being the best shop.
      Defining the Best Shop (00:04:54)
      Being the best shop is a commitment reflected in every operational aspect, not just tools or prices.
      Employee Engagement and Culture (00:06:02)
      The significance of a positive culture where employees thrive and contribute to customer experience.
      The Role of Accountability (00:07:20)
      Accountability is essential; employees must hold themselves to high standards for the shop's reputation.
      Steps to Accountability (00:08:25)
      Chris outlines practical steps for employees to demonstrate accountability in their roles.
      Building a Standard of Excellence (00:09:31)
      Establishing a standard of excellence leads to a desirable workplace and loyal customers.
      Legacy of Excellence (00:10:29)
      Being the best shop is about building a legacy and creating growth opportunities for employees.
      Closing Remarks (00:11:33)
      Chris thanks listeners and emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset in the auto repair business.


      Connect with Chris:
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae


      #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


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