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Key Talking Points

  • “Using Integration to Supercharge Your Existing Marketing”
  • The residual value of previous content- getting the most out of every picture/video
  • What should you talk about? Listen to your customer’s questions, answer in the form of a picture/video. Answer 1 question and have 1 month of marketing content. 
  • When business is good, don’t take your foot off the marketing pedal- stop stopping. Your business is the average of the highs and lows. Priorities may change but continue to do what works. Instead of slowing down, take a turn instead. Always talk about the culture of your business. 
  • Email marketing- seeing the email in the inbox without opening it is still successful as a reminder you’re there. People will forget about you. 
  • Marketing vs advertising- marketing develops relationships with customers and turns them into friends. Making connections with customers to the shop employees.   
  • Commitment to community involvement 
  • Facebook Ads- don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
  • “Turn your authentic message into a constant message” Darrin Barney
  • Don’t wait until the bottom falls out to set your business for success 
  • Continue to move your goals

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Important Books

Check out today's partner:

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.

The Panel

Kim Walker from Shop Marketing Pros is a social media expert. Kim’s experience includes a school counselor and teacher. Her husband Brian, started his own shop while he was a Mercedes technician in North Carolina. Then asked Kim to leave her school job and join his service business. Then for specific reasons left to go back home to Louisiana. It was almost destiny that they launched Shop Marketing Pros. As a former shop owner, Kim’s advice and expertise on social media is perfectly matched because she’s been there and done that. Kim is a member of Women in Auto Care, an ATI and Management Success Graduate, and their shop was a Motor Age Top Shop winner two years in a row. Their shop experience is without question, so when she talks about social media as it relates to the automotive service professional, she has the experience that matters. Look for Kim’s other episodes HEREShop Marketing Pros Website HERE.

Brian Walker was a Mercedes Benz Master dealer technician and was ASE Master Certified. He owned Peak Automotive in Apex, NC and was recognized by Motor Age Magazine as a Top Ten Shops twice. Brian was also the ASA North Carolina Mechanical Division Director. Brian is co-owner of Shop Marketing Pros. He does “Done for you” marketing services for auto repair shops. Brian believes that most people overcomplicate their marketing in an effort to make it easier. Look for Brian’s other episodes HERE.

J.R. Portman is the Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of 5 Stones Media J.R. Portman hails from Laredo, Texas. The Tulane University alumnus earned a B.A. in English and Studio Art while focusing on photography and creative writing. In his 20-year photography career, Portman has racked up many accolades, including being a Google Trusted Photographer and Local Search Strategist. As COO of 5 Stones, J.R. oversees all departments of the marketing agency and workflow, while also conversing with clients to ensure goals are being met. Portman’s first love of photography afforded him the opportunity to publish photos on Google Maps; allowing widespread views of his work in the hundreds of millions. One of his proudest accomplishments at 5 Stones has been the development of the Photography and Video division of the agency, whose work is now regarded as one of the top visual producers in the Southeast Louisiana region. Look for J.R's other episodes HERE

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         0 comments
      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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    • By nptrb
      Running an auto repair shop comes with a unique set of challenges, and managing your finances is a big one. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, understanding cash flow management for auto repair shops is crucial to your long-term success.
      In this post, we’re sharing practical, actionable strategies to help you take control of your shop’s finances and boost your auto repair business profitability—without sacrificing service quality or customer trust.
      What Is Cash Flow and Why Is It Important?
      Cash flow refers to the money moving in and out of your business. 
      For small businesses like yours, positive cash flow ensures that you can pay your team, keep parts in stock, handle operating costs, and still have something left to reinvest in growth.
      When cash flow gets tight, it affects everything—from your ability to take on more jobs to your peace of mind. That’s why improving cash flow in small businesses, especially in the auto repair industry, is one of the smartest moves you can make.
      Common Financial Challenges Auto Repair Shops Face
      Auto repair shops often experience:
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      5 Financial Tips to Improve Cash Flow
      Here are some real-world auto repair shop financial tips you can start implementing today:
      Streamline Your Invoicing and Payments
      Make it easy for customers to pay by offering digital invoicing and online payment options. Send invoices quickly, and set up automated reminders. 
      The faster you get paid, the better your cash flow.
      Review Your Pricing Structure
      If your rates haven’t changed in a while, it might be time for a tune-up. 
      Make sure your pricing reflects the value you provide while also supporting your auto repair business’s profitability.
      Manage Inventory and Ordering
      Don’t let cash get stuck on your shelves. Track what parts you actually use and only stock what’s necessary. Consider just-in-time ordering to reduce overhead.
      Reduce Unnecessary Expenses
      Look closely at your subscriptions, software, utilities, and vendor costs. Managing expenses in auto repair shops doesn’t have to mean cutting corners—just being more intentional with your spending.
      Create Consistent Revenue Streams
      Prepaid service packages, maintenance memberships, or seasonal promotions can help bring in predictable income, smoothing out your cash flow during slow periods. 
      With summer coming, now is a great time to offer deals on tune-ups for people who will be traveling!
      Forecasting = Fewer Surprises
      Cash flow forecasting allows you to plan for upcoming expenses and income. This helps you avoid financial surprises and confidently make big decisions—like hiring another tech or investing in new equipment.
      Even small adjustments in how you manage your shop’s finances can have a big impact over time. Staying proactive and strategic helps ensure your shop is profitable, sustainable, and ready to grow.
      Taking control of your finances starts with understanding your numbers and making small, consistent changes. By focusing on cash flow management for auto repair shops and applying smart financial tips tailored to your industry, you’ll be in a much stronger position to weather the ups and downs of your business.
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound
      Watch Full Video Episode
      In our episode today, we welcome guest Hunt Demarest, CPA ABV.
      Hunt is the host of Business by the Numbers and, as our host Craig O’Neill will tell you… Hunt uses words really well for a numbers man!
      This episode came to be after Craig found himself on a walk and listening to one of Hunts recent episodes, Episode 163 - Where are my customers?  It’s a great episode on getting to the root of what the numbers are actually telling you - and guess what - it involves actually picking up the phone and talking to people!
      Hunt’s episode played right after Craig had listened to an episode on a health/wellness program which spoke on a similar topic… going straight to the source of information!
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      While the takeaway for today’s episode is in the title, it expands as you listen to Hunt and Craig explore a range of topics from talking to clients, employees, and even family.
      Today’s WOTD is Gumption
      noun
      the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters
      Learn more about Hunt Demarest here: 
      https://paarmelis.com/business-by-the-numbers/
      Look for his book here:  https://a.co/d/hAf0cDF
      Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound:
      The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com.  "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.
      AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com
      AutoLeap at AutoLeap.com. Are you tired of juggling multiple tools to manage your auto repair shop? Say hello to the streamlined efficiency of AutoLeap, the #1 all-in-one Auto Repair Shop Management Software!
      Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.
      In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.
      Contact Information
      Email Craig O'Neill: [email protected] Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
      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/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Joe Marconi
      Over the weekend I met a 67 year old shop owner who has been in business for 41 years, and still involved in the day to day operations. He added that he has done nothing to plan for his future and his exit. 
      Life can throw us a curve ball at any age, are your properly prepared.
      I know it sounds a little crazy, but the right time to get you business ready to sell, is when you first go into business.
      What are you doing to prepare for your exit, sale or if life throws you a curve ball?
       
       
    • By carmcapriotto
      In this episode, we’re diving into the powerful concept of creating a shared vision and how a lack of clarity could be holding your shop back from real growth.
      I’ll walk you through what I learned in a deep dive after my own leadership team challenged me to cast a vision that reaches every level of our company. We’ll talk about how to get out of the “small thinking” trap, how to define your goals with laser precision, and why your employees need to see, feel, and believe in the same future you do.
      Plus, I’ll share real tools, like how to craft your vision statement, how to communicate it across your team, and how to create a business where everyone’s pulling in the same direction.
      If you want to stop playing small and start building something truly great, this episode is for you.
      Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. RepairPal will help you grow your auto business and you can learn more at RepairPal.com/shops.
      Declined repairs don’t have to be lost revenue. AppFueled’s call center schedules follow-up calls and equips your team with everything they need to close the deal. Get started now at appfueled.com 
      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
      EOS One
      Vivid Vision: A Remarkable Tool For Aligning Your Business Around a Shared Vision of the Future - Cameron Herold 
      The Vision Driven Leader - Michael Hyatt
      Stop Delaying Your Dreams: Time to Take Action
      Show Notes with Timestamps
      Introduction and Sponsors (00:00:01) Overview of the podcast and thanks to sponsors RepairPal and App Fuel. Creating a Shared Vision (00:00:10) Brian discusses the importance of establishing a shared vision for the company. Leadership Team Meetings (00:01:13) Details about offsite leadership meetings and the exercise called "the one thing." Feedback and Growth (00:02:08) Brian reflects on receiving feedback from his leadership team and its impact on personal growth. Shifting Mindset on Growth (00:03:07) Brian shares his fears about growth and how he overcame them to embrace larger ambitions. Disney's Service Model (00:04:17) Comparison of Disney's customer service model to his company's approach to client service. Processes and Procedures (00:05:26) Discussion on the importance of processes in maintaining service quality while growing. Inbound Marketing Strategy (00:07:25) Brian explains the effectiveness of inbound marketing in attracting clients. Outbound Sales Shift (00:09:26) Introduction of outbound sales strategies and the team's initial reactions to the change. Creating a Shared Vision Deep Dive (00:10:34) Brian's focus on developing a shared vision after receiving feedback from his leadership team. Researching Shared Vision (00:11:42) Challenges in finding resources on creating a shared vision and discovering related literature. Book Recommendations (00:12:42) Brian reviews two books on vision creation and his thoughts on their content. Simplicity of Creating Vision (00:13:34) Brian concludes that creating a shared vision is simpler than expected, emphasizing clarity. Vision, Mission, and Values Explained (00:14:45) Brian differentiates between vision, mission, and values with a practical example. Big Dreams and Ambitions (00:15:45)  Brian discusses the importance of dreaming big and outlines a fictional company's ambitious goals. Vision, Mission, and Values (00:16:48)  He explains the significance of having a clear vision, mission, and values for a successful organization. Sponsor Message: RepairPal (00:17:48)  Introduction to RepairPal and its services that help auto repair shops attract tech-savvy customers. Sponsor Message: App Fuel (00:18:48)  Overview of App Fuel's customer loyalty app designed for auto service shops to enhance customer retention. Core Values and Their Importance (00:19:57)  Brian shares his realization of the value of core values in decision-making and company culture. Litmus Testing New Hires (00:20:59)  He describes how to evaluate potential hires against the company's vision, mission, and values. Understanding What You Want (00:21:55)  Brian emphasizes the importance of defining personal and business desires beyond just financial goals. Creating a Clear Vision (00:23:51)  Discussion on the necessity of a detailed, clear vision for a business to guide its direction. Proximity to Your Dreams (00:26:56)  Encouragement to immerse oneself in environments that inspire and reflect personal dreams and aspirations. Crafting Your Vision (00:28:50)  Brian advises on the process of creating a vision, emphasizing the need for time and space away from routine.  The Importance of a Clear Direction (00:29:46)  He compares running a business without a clear vision to aimlessly shooting an arrow, highlighting the risks involved. Creating a Target (00:30:41)  Discusses the importance of having a detailed vision as a target for business goals. Vision Details (00:31:37)  Explains the components of a business vision, including specifics about services and operational metrics. Dream Big (00:34:25)  Encourages thinking big without worrying about how to achieve those goals initially. Historical Example: JFK (00:35:32)  Uses JFK's moon landing vision as an example of effective goal-setting and inspiring leadership. Sharing the Vision (00:37:33)  Stresses the need to communicate the vision clearly to the entire team for buy-in. Selling Down the Ladder (00:38:27)  Describes the process of sharing the vision, starting with leadership and moving downwards. Feedback and Buy-In (00:39:19)  Highlights the importance of receiving feedback and fostering genuine buy-in from team members. Repetition of Vision (00:40:12)  Discusses the necessity of repeatedly communicating the vision to ensure team alignment. Crafting the Vision (00:42:20)  Brian reflects on his personal goal to create a detailed vision for his organization. Importance of Shared Vision (00:43:34)  Concludes with the significance of a shared vision for team alignment and achieving business goals.
      How To Get In Touch
      Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook
      Meet The Pros
      Follow SMP on Facebook
      Follow SMP on Instagram
      Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book
      Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics 
      Thanks to our Partners,
      RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops. Quality Car Repair. Fair Price Guarantee.
      App Fueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”
      Aftermarket Radio Network
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
      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.
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Summer’s heating up and so should your marketing! In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, hosts Brian Walker and Caroline Legrand get real about what actually works for shop owners when it comes to June marketing.
      From summer travel prep and cooling system services to creative promotions for Tire Safety Month and celebrating your hardworking team during Automotive Service Professionals Week, this episode is your go-to guide for planning ahead and filling those bays.
      You’ll also hear how to make the most out of offbeat holidays (like National Donut Day or World Juggling Day), how to promote community involvement without sounding like you’re bragging, and why some services (like AC repair) don’t need a discount to sell like crazy.
      Packed with fun ideas, real-life shop stories, and actionable tips, this episode is everything you need to kick your June marketing into high gear. 
      Don’t miss it, hit play and get inspired! 🚀
      Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. As shop owners we were part of RepairPal’s Certified network and you can learn more at RepairPal.com/shops 
      Revolutionize Your Shop
      Want to revolutionize your marketing? AppFueled does it all—email, text, app notifications, and even call center integration. Stop guessing and start connecting with AppFueled.
      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)


      Show Notes with Timestamps
      Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. RepairPal’s Certified
      Network of shops are trusted by millions of customers each month. Learn more at
      RepairPal.com/shops.
      Are you ready to convert clients to members? App Fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for professional auto repair businesses. Visit Appfueled.com to get started today. Keep your shop top of mind on the mobile device they love.
      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
      Panhandle Eurotech
      Show Notes with Timestamps


      How To Get In Touch
      Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook
      Meet The Pros
      Follow SMP on Facebook
      Follow SMP on Instagram
      Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book
      Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics 
      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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