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Will the EV cars take away business? Let's rethink this

Joe Marconi
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bantar
bantar

First, let me say that I think EVs are here to stay, but just as a hammer isn't the only tool in your tool box, neither will EV's be alone.   Adoption Barriers:   Amongst the many single family h

xrac
xrac

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Transmission Repair
Transmission Repair

I have found so many good posts in this community.  I love the fact that is this site categorizes different subject matter.  Keep up the good work, Joe! J. Larry Bloodworth /larrybloodworth@gmail

bantar Community Regular

bantar

Posted
Posted

First, let me say that I think EVs are here to stay, but just as a hammer isn't the only tool in your tool box, neither will EV's be alone.  

Adoption Barriers:   Amongst the many single family homes here are some super sized apartment complexes... lots of them.   Living in an apartment severely dampens the convenience of having a personal plug for your EV.    You will have to hook up, charge and leave so that the next person can arrive for charging.    If all spots are full, you must wait for one to free up.    Most apartments do not have EV chargers and if they added one, it would need to be a profit center as apartments are experts at expense reduction.    There are some apartments here with garages, so that helps.      I think this inconvenience will continue to be an impediment to adoption.    How many of us have been so late for a meeting that we can't spare the few minutes to pump gas into our tank?  Imagine forgetting to charge and needing one now.    Another factor is the vitrol that I hear about EV's from everyday customers.   It's surprisingly loud.   Then, you have your EX-Tesla drivers with not so great stories of their adventure.    Contrast that with Prius drivers and those guys are generally happy and keep their cars quite a long while.

IMO, I think the manufacturers with the most ICE engines remaining will mop up the majority of the new car sales.  I think the CEOs are building for a perceived market vs an actual one.   Hype always precedes adoption.  But, hey, I'm not a visionary.

Personally, I have no desire roasting in a spontaneous Lithium fire, so it's never in my future.   I'd be open to other alternatives (fuel cell, propane, alkaline batteries, etc) if it made sense and was peppy.

Profitability:  I would say that the majority of the Tesla drivers that I see at our shop (for State Inspections) are cheapskates.   They think that they've solved the maintenance and gas mileage conundrum.   Add to that, a very small set of early adopters (not cheap folks).   I also see their cheapness in their driving habits.   They have a super-accelerator-machine, but pushing on the pedal uses their precious battery, so I zoom past all but 1-in-a-1000.   These guys aren't using their brakes much.   I see more tire wear from alignment issues than driving wear. (For reasons noted here are currently refusing Tesla alignments... we've only done 1).  Most of the Teslas are low mileage vehicles.  The highest I've seen is 70.3K miles on a used 2016 Tesla S.  93% < 40K miles in all.    I bring this up, because I think it foretells the types of customers that you are likely attracting.

 

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bantar Community Regular

bantar

Posted
Posted
20 minutes ago, Joe Marconi said:

Or, will innovation jump over the EV and invent something else?

Again, I don't know what the future will bring, but it is way easier to retrofit 10,000's of gas stations with hydrogen tanks than it would be to add charging stations. Fuel cells could win the infrastructure game easily, if they become viable. How many states have enough excess power to absorb all EV?  Here's a real tell... how many states believe that all EV is here and are building NEW power plants in anticipation?   I think that infrastructure is the biggest hurdle for all EV adoption.   However, as you mentioned, the wildcard is if the government says I don't care how much it costs and uses our taxes unwisely.  Lastly, as EV adoption climbs, gasoline consumption drops and we will see very affordable gas, if the government does not first bankrupt the fuel stations.  The free market will keep the playing field level.   The government is the disruptor.   But every time they step in to help us save (fuel economy, toilet flushes), it's a false economy.

 

13 hours ago, xrac said:

That is if the place where it needs to be installed has a large enough service panel. 

You piqued my curiosity and I took a look at the charging options for EV.   What I found is that your charging rate is a function of your supply amperage (makes sense).  If you look at their charging tables, it shows various options from 11 miles per hour of charging up to 44 miles per hour of charging.  With a 110V plug you can get about 100 mile charge overnight.   Not exactly terrible if you are a local commuter.   Now, I peeked at my 2 service panels and they are both loaded up full.   My costs to add a higher amperage charger would be higher than others that have excess breaker power.   To get to the 44 mile charging, you need a 100A breaker and probably draw 60-80A I'd guess.   I think we're really seeing the Tesla as a 2nd car for local commutes and not the primary vehicle for the family.    And, if this is the case, then what are my service opportunities on a low-miles-driven-commuter car?

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  • 1 month later...
bantar Community Regular

bantar

Posted
Posted

I'm not intending for this to be a political statement, but I do want to touch on the political news of the moment as it pertains to electric cars.   I previously said: 

On 2/7/2022 at 9:57 AM, bantar said:

Another factor is the vitrol that I hear about EV's from everyday customers.   It's surprisingly loud.  

Listening to the news over the past few days as the calls for lower gas prices getting louder, we hear that you should be driving an electric car.   Some comments are overt and some are subtle, "as we transition to 100% renewable energy sources".    Everyday Americans are getting hammered by these high gas prices right this minute.   Telling them to buy a new car only worsens their financial picture.   So, are the politicians encouraging our fellow American's to be more accepting of Electric Cars or are they discouraging them?

“The top 9 most terrifying words in the English Language are: I'm from the government, and I'm here to help.”   Personally, I think they have just breathed new life into the ICE cars.   I believe that this intervention is actually driving a wedge in the electric car vs ICE debate that wasn't really there (or as loud) before.

Even Elon Musk recently called for gas prices to be lowered.  In the past, he spoke negatively of gas prices being artificially low, (IMO) as a sales pitch for EVs.   I wonder what he's really worried about?  

 

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Transmission Repair Experienced

Transmission Repair

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Posted

I wouldn't even consider an EV unless we also installed a 220V charger in my garage at the same time.  Charging away from home doesn't fit my lifestyle either.  While I like EVs, we chose to buy a 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in January of last year.  It gives the best of both worlds.  38 mpg freeway, 50 mpg in town.  Locally, it runs mostly on electric power, however on the freeway, it's mostly gas powered.  Can you believe we only have 4,500 miles on it after 15 months?!?!? That's only 300 mi./mo.  I guess that makes me a Certified Homebody.  🙂

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Transmission Repair Experienced

Transmission Repair

Posted
Posted
On 2/6/2022 at 3:27 PM, Joe Marconi said:

Back in the 1990s, some shop owner's feared that fuel injection, 100 mile spark plugs, the elimination of the Distributor cap, rotor and extended fluid services would be our demise. But, that didn't happen. 

Now I hear many in our industry state that "There is no needed work on an electric vehicle, they are problem free." 

My opinion, let's not fall into thinking that the EV car will run forever of even for years without needed service.  The EV still has tires, suspension, brakes, and a whole new area of opportunities. It will be different, but there will be a need for the Automotive Technicians and for repair shops.

Your thoughts? 

 

 

 

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Transmission Repair Experienced

Transmission Repair

Posted
Posted
Just now, Transmission Repair said:

 

Remember the "Buggy Whip Story"?  Well, that's the trap a lot of fatalistic-thinking people think about conventional ICE vehicles.  I'm in total agreement with what Joe said.   I couldn't have said it better.  Our industry WILL ADAPT to the changing technologies.  That's what we've always done, right?

And oh, by the way, the buggy whip business is alive and well.  They just adapted.  https://www.buggywhip.com/

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RYAN B Apprentice

RYAN B

Posted
Posted

I had a 2016 Tesla X model with 26,000 miles in for inspection this week. It needed 2 front tires and a third brake light which was mounted in the spoiler. I choose not to get involved with the third brake light because it was glued into the spoiler and the Tesla parts guy told me I would have to replace the spoiler cap and repaint it, which didn't scare me but I was scared that when it was done it may set a code or a warning from disconnecting the brake light that I would not be able to clear.  But my customer spent 860.00 to inspect and put 2 tires on and they were on there way to drop their car off at the Tesla dealer for 2 weeks and over 2000.00 to fix the light. They were regretting purchasing this car! When these Electric cars hit mainstream there will be as many or more problems as the cars we are dealing with now!

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JimO Collaborator

JimO

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Posted

One of my customers recently came in with his new Tesla to explain why I have not seen him at my gas island. Knowing that this particular customer owns a grocery store in Manhattan I asked where he recharges his Tesla when he is at work. He told me that he arrives at work very early in the morning and manages to secure street parking in front of his store. He runs an extension cord out to his new Tesla and plugs it in. I right away questioned him about the safety of an extension cord going across a busy Manhattan sidewalk. He had any answer for that concern, he covers the extension cord with a large commercial entrance mat to prevent pedestrians from falling on the cord. My next question was how long does it take to recharge his Tesla using a regular extension cord? He proudly stated that using this method it recharges at a rate of 1% capacity per hour. I asked if there are any fast chargers that he has access to and although there are some available they have long waits and he needs to be at work. He went on to tell me that some of his customers that live in the city have also purchased Tesla’s and love them which prompted me to ask where they recharge their cars. He told me that most of the people he knows that own a Tesla and live in Manhattan drive over to New Jersey on the weekend and recharge their cars at the Tesla dealer in Paramus, NJ which happens to be 10 minutes from my location. So these intrepid Tesla owners will plan their weekend to include a trip from Manhattan to New Jersey via the George Washington Bridge ($16.00) to the Tesla Dealer in Paramus (45 to 120 minutes depending on traffic) sit in the Tesla lot for 45 minutes for a “fast charge” and when done drive back to Manhattan (another 45-120 minutes). I need to know what medication these Tesla owners are taking that gives them enough patience to do this weekly and still tell people that they LOVE their Tesla. I have owned a gas station for 50 years and the average gas customer will honk their horn if a gas attendant fails to appear at their car window within 30 seconds of arrival on the gas island. New Jersey holds the distinction of being the only state that is Full Serve only, Self Serve is against the law here. 

The gasoline and diesel price at the pump includes a Federal and State Motor Fuels Tax which in theory pays for repairs, maintenance and construction of roads, bridges and tunnels. The Motor Fuels Tax is different from state to state but in New Jersey the total Motor Fuels Tax is currently 61 cents a gallon for gasoline and 74 cents a gallon for diesel. So.... my question is: If every ICE vehicle was replaced with an EV tomorrow, where will the government get the money to build and maintain roads, bridges and tunnels that they currently get from Motor Fuels Tax? 

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Transmission Repair Experienced

Transmission Repair

Posted
Posted

They would tax EV owners by how many miles they drive.  That's what our Utah state legislature is trying to pass. (BTW, Joe, 12 point didn't work on this post.)

My wife drives a '21 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.  We've talked about an EV.  I don't know about others, but I wouldn't even consider an EV without having my garage wired for a 220V EV charger.  Charging away from home just doesn't fit my lifestyle.  I often wonder what are people thinking when they don't have a 220V EV charging station at home?  Do they just like to hang out?

Speaking of hanging out, Elon Musk seems to be ahead in the game.  Here's a cut & paste from YouTube.

====================================================================

Elon Musk is working on adding restaurants to charging stations so you can eat while you charge your Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model Y or Tesla Model 2, or Tesla Model X. These Tesla restaurants will be located in a lot of areas near electric car chargers and superchargers. Tesla restaurants are Tesla’s next move and the newest invention. These drive-in Tesla restaurants have big potential as Tesla patented new restaurant patents. It will be very impressive to watch this new Tesla food chain of restaurants build up and reach success as Elon Musk is leading the company. This video is an update on Tesla and Elon Musk where we take a look at the Tesla restaurants because Elon Musk will soon go and test the food from his restaurants while charging his tesla. This video also includes Tesla news and Tesla update.

===========================================================

The above was taken from this video:  

 

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bantar Community Regular

bantar

Posted
Posted
15 hours ago, JimO said:

 I need to know what medication these Tesla owners are taking that gives them enough patience to do this weekly and still tell people that they LOVE their Tesla. I have owned a gas station for 50 years and the average gas customer will honk their horn if a gas attendant fails to appear at their car window within 30 seconds of arrival on the gas island.

You've described a typical early-adopter / fanboy of whatever technology / new thing exists.   They want it and will make it work no matter what.    To them, they get to go on a Sunday drive in their newest and funnest toy!   Life is grand!    The mainstream wants a nice car and convenience and I heard that they might honk if inconvenienced!   😁

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Transmission Repair Experienced

Transmission Repair

Posted
Posted

Being in the transmission repair industry for 40 years, transmission failure was the big ticket item for ICE-powered vehicles.  With EVs, the new big-ticket item is batteries.

My brother owns a Toyota Highlander Hybrid with 250K miles on it.  It still has the original batteries and runs strong.  It's my belief that the battery pack will last a lot longer than expected.  Being an industry of tinkerers, "rebuilt" battery packs will eventually be on the market.  Don't forget about the salvage industry supplying battery packs either.  I believe a lot of naysayers of battery packs are victims of the "Chicken Little" story.
 

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Transmission Repair Experienced

Transmission Repair

Posted
Posted
On 3/21/2022 at 6:16 AM, Joe Marconi said:

JimO, this is an amazing situation, and one that I mentioned in this thread, but didn't actually knew it was real: People are using electric cords to charge their EV? 

The reality is car makers and other major corporations are investing billions in EVs and Battery Plants, I am just not sure how and when we are going to figure out the infrastructure issue. And, I was brought up in the Gas Station business. People want to fuel up fast and easy! 

What great information, and what a discussion! 

A charging idea I came up with on EVs is this:

Why not have either a separate inverter ON THE VEHICLE that converts 220V house current (for faster charging, 110V is too slow) to DC current the EV can use?  I'm no electrical wizard, but perhaps, just maybe, the inverter the EV already has could possibly used in reverse to charge the battery.   I know it will add costs to the vehicle either way, but what do you guys think?

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Transmission Repair Experienced

Transmission Repair

Posted
Posted
On 3/24/2022 at 10:54 AM, Joe Marconi said:

I think it would work, but as you said, it would add the cost of the car.  I imagine the engineers already thought of it.  It is amazing how they came out the EV without an infrastructure to support it. I wonder how the world was when the first internal combustions engines came of age? 

That's what Elon Must thought, "Surely some engineer has thought of this before."  He did what was said to be impossible.  Now he's a billionaire doing the impossible.

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Transmission Repair Experienced

Transmission Repair

Posted
Posted
17 hours ago, Joe Marconi said:

Banned? Their loss, our gain! 

I didn't ever start making any real money until I started hiring and/or attending seminars about sales, business, and management.  Till then, as Michael Gerber so famously said, I was working IN my business and not ON my business.  It took me a while to understand that the technically-only automotive sites are technicians working IN their business.  Many members were 1 or 2 man operations.  I just flat picked the wrong audience.  Oh, well... we all learn something new everyday.

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Transmission Repair Experienced

Transmission Repair

Posted
Posted
11 hours ago, Joe Marconi said:

Wow, my situation was very similar. For the first 10 years in business I struggled financially. I had a great business, booked out for two weeks, but no profit. I started attending classes in finance, sales and marketing, and it changed my life. I too read the E Myth by Michael, and I know he was talking directly to me.

Once I did figure it out, things got better quickly.  I was a tech turned business owner. And it all worked out, but not without a lot of challenges, struggles and set backs. But in the end, no regrets. 

I was born and raised in Houston.  My ex-wife bitched and moaned how much I was "wasting" on such classes, seminars, etc.  Needless to say, that's why she is my ex.

My current wife, Lorraine, met on Match.com.  Holy cow!  She has 2 degrees, one in accounting and another one economics.  My ex, needless to say, was a financial idiot.  I love to be married to a home-grown LDS gal that knows her numbers!

I moved to Utah 34 years ago and I haven't looked back since.  Mellow people, low crime, very few crazy drivers.  I live in a suburb of Salt Lake City, Draper.  Check out these demographics...

Demographics | Draper City, UT - Official Website  

AND,  another thing... The state prison is about to move and freeing up over 600 acres for high-tech development.  They are naming it "Silicone Slopes."  The current prison is right across from me.  Too wild IMHO.

When I go to sell a job, if they don't have the money, they damned sure have the credit.

  • Like 1
  • 6 months later...
Hands On Community Regular

Hands On

Posted
Posted

I bought a Nissan Leaf. I love my little EV and do not miss the stops at the gas station. I am anxious to see what my first vehicle repair expense will be. 6 months in now, I have had to add washer fluid.  I installed a charger at my shop, so I drive to work and plug in. I can show up at 5% battery left and leave at 100% by the end of the day no problem. I let me service writer use it to drop off customers and run errands. I am saving over $600 a month in fuel, more then enough to cover the 3 year note on the car. It is faster then most ICE on the road, I love to floor it at every light. If the battery hits 50% capacity in 10 years I will still make my daily commute with out an issue. With the ~140 mile range, I have been able to leave the shop, run errands into the mountains, across towns, head home, and still have battery enough to make it back to work.

 

Stage 1 chargers are the 110 volt plug in, takes 12 to 16 hours to take my car from 5% to 100%  <-- I have this at home for emergencies.

Stage 2 chargers, the 220 volt consumer grade. Takes maybe 5-6 hours to go from 5% to 100%  <------- This is what I had installed at the shop, you can also find a few free ones in my area. There are free ones at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park.

Stage 3 Super Chargers. These are the big boys that can charge you from 5% to 85% in 15 minutes. Charging past 85% on a super charger is not advised, and that last 15% can take longer then the first 80% These are what you use for road trips/ long day trips. They cost money, and sometimes have a wait time.

I think the most important thing is going to be technicians that are good with electronics. I imagine a good chunk of the repairs on these vehicles will have to do with the electronics.

I bought my leaf so we can play with it and learn what we might make money on. I have not put it up yet, but I want to see what fluids it may use, see what brake service looks like, ect. I figured best way to find the money in an EV is to own one for shop education purposes. Now I want another.

 

The only thing I think EV is not ready for yet is Towing.  Someone mentioned EV vs ICE and carbon footprint.  There are some studies out there that look at how long you have to drive the EV before you reach parity on carbon footprint to an ICE. Opinions vary between as little as 8k miles, to as much as 93k miles. Some of how long the parity takes is based on how your electricity is generated. My power at home comes from a hydro plant, so if I charge at home, I reach carbon parity very fast. I think my shop is fed from natural gas power, so that will take longer.  The real benefit shows once you reach and drive past that parity. Once the initial production carbon footprint is offset by the zero emissions of the car itself, your now lowering the over all carbon footprint of the vehicle over  the lifespan of the vehicle.

 

Solid state batteries are on the way which will help increase capacity and lower production carbon footprint. BMW sources components for their EV in a more humane way. For example, they use a brushed motor, instead of brush-less, which lowers the amount of (I think cobalt) that they need.

 

Regarding the original topic. I think, assuming your client list converts to EV at any significant rate, you will need 3 EV customers to replace one ICE customer. Just a rough guess, but I am assuming that EV will require about 33% of the work of an ICE.

RYAN B Apprentice

RYAN B

Posted
Posted

I don't know, we have about 30+ customers that have EV cars.  The vast majority are the complainers that don't want to spend money on there cars. The Teslas have been a good source of income, everything for them is SUPER expensive the eat tires up, we have seen third brake lights go bad, and some of those repairs are over $2000, and I am talking about cars that have less than 30000 miles.  One other piece of Information, most of these people say they would not buy another one! EV is coming, But the infastructure will not support it!    

  • Like 2
RYAN B Apprentice

RYAN B

Posted
Posted

On the Teslas we have been seeing tires wearing out around 18000 to 20000 and they are special compounds, $$$.  We have seen third brake lights go bad when they are in the spoilers. Most people who buy these cars think they are Never going to need repairs. I had a customer bring me in a 22 Lucid to inspect it the other day, I asked them where are you going to take if something breaks?  They told me "What's going to break"?  There are no service facilities on the East Coast, People just don't think this stuff out. I had a customer broke down up the street, with her new Tesla, she kept calling us wondering why we couldn't help her, Tesla left her up there for like 4 1/2 hours and people with means don't like to wait!   

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Technician Shortage Is Our Fault, And It's Time We Own It
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
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      The Technician Shortage Is Our Fault, And It's Time We Own It
      Nearly every day, I hear shop owners complain: "There's a technician shortage. We can't find qualified people. There's no one out there." If that's true, then who's to blame?
      The industry? The schools? The government? I don't know how you feel, but who promised us an endless supply of qualified technicians?
      Another common complaint is that young people do not want to work in the trades. Well, if that were true, then why are other trades such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing growing? What are they doing that the automotive industry is not? 
      Here's the reality we need to face: We do have a problem, but we shouldn't look for someone or any entity to rescue us. Not the government. Not the trade schools. Not the recruiting companies. No one owes us a workforce. If we want great people in our industry, it's up to us. At some point, we need to own up to the truth: Building a pipeline of qualified technicians is our responsibility.
      In this blog article, I will break down the key reasons we are in this situation today and what we, as an industry, can do to solve the technician shortage. Are you ready to look in the mirror?
      Have We Pushed Technicians Away?
      Let's take a look at flat-rate pay. True flat rate, which pays a technician only for the hours they produce, is a controversial pay plan that emphasizes high production levels and creates a competitive work environment that, if not properly controlled, can lead to increased mistakes and a decline in morale and team spirit. Additionally, the stress and physical demands placed on technicians as they age are not favorable to long-term employee retention. What do we do with technicians as they grow older into their fifties and begin to slow down? 
      I have heard all the arguments and pros and cons of flat-rate pay, and I am not going to judge any pay plan. Let the facts speak for themselves. True flat rate has changed in most areas around the country and has evolved into a pay plan that gives technicians some pay guarantee.
      Many shop owners have learned that team morale, along with the opportunity to earn income, is important to technicians and to the company's long-term success. But let me ask you: how many technicians have left or been pushed out over the years because of the old flat-rate pay system?
      Another issue is the workplace environment. I remember being grateful to be hired as a young technician at a local repair shop. While very thankful, the work environment was not ideal. The shop owner kept the bay doors open year-round (I am from New York) unless it rained or snowed. He felt that if the bay doors were closed, customers might think we were closed for business. We had no heat and no hot water. Many of the jobs were done outside, year-round,  in all types of weather. The starting pay was minimum wage, with no benefits, sick days, or vacation pay. 
      Now, again, I need to point out that I was truly grateful for the opportunity this shop owner gave me. I learned a lot working there, and the experience was pivotal in my career. But looking back, I wonder how many people were discouraged by these working conditions?
      While the physical demands of the repair workplace are daunting, perhaps even more critical is the culture. Too many of my generation shop owners preached the mindset of "my way or the highway." We were the business owners, after all. We started our companies, took all the risks, and provided jobs. Why shouldn't we be the ones to set the ground rules our way?   
      Many of us found over the years that the "my way or the highway" mentality was a sure way to isolate employees and make them more likely to look over the fence for greener grass. In other words, it led many technicians to seek employment elsewhere, where they felt they could be appreciated and recognized for their hard work. The issue, however, was that there wasn't much green grass around. Disappointment after disappointment, bouncing from repair to repair shop, eventually led to despair. So, I ask you: were workplace conditions a contributing factor in today's technician shortage?
      Another factor that we are all well aware of is the complexity of the modern automobile. When I started, the work was mostly physical, and you were required to master essentially three vehicle models: General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. Let's fast-forward to today. The evolution of automotive technology, along with the extensive training and tools required, has outpaced the typical technician's pay compensation, with no clear career path. Again, leading to frustration and insecurity about the future.
      Here is the bottom line: people don't leave their job; they leave their experience. We must do a better job. 
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      First, shop owners must become better leaders and understand that their ultimate success is directly dependent on the people they assemble around them. Any shop owner who mistakenly believes they can build an empire solely on their abilities is destined for serious disappointment. Business owners who think like this will eventually plateau. Without the collective contributions from a team of qualified people, your business will stall; it will not continue to grow.
      Create a workplace that attracts top talent: a clean, professional, well-equipped facility designed to support productivity, teamwork, and a career, not just a job. Build a great reputation in your community by getting involved locally. Become the auto repair shop that people take notice of as "the" place to work.
      Next, shop owners must become more financially knowledgeable. Knowing your numbers and what you need to achieve for a strong bottom-line profit is essential to paying technicians the money they need and deserve. Profit will also allow you to compete with other trade industries by providing a benefits package that has real take-home value and security.
      When it comes to culture, this is where the rubber hits the road. People crave recognition, praise, and a sense of purpose. Despite what you hear, people are not just money-motivated. Once people feel secure in their financial situation, retaining and motivating technicians can only be achieved by connecting with them on an emotional level. You cannot show enough appreciation. Give out praise for a job well done as if your business depended on it, because it does.
      As technicians age, we need to have a place for them. Expecting a 58-year-old to perform like a 35-year-old is unrealistic. We need to be more focused on career pathing. Provide training, skill development, and coaching to develop leaders and mentors within our older workforce. While their bodies may have slowed, the knowledge they have gained is priceless. 
      Our future is dependent on young people entering our industry. We need to give more young people opportunities. Every shop owner across the country should consider hiring an apprentice, then build an apprentice training plan and career path for them. If every shop did this, we could solve the technician shortage within five years. Get involved with the trade schools and high schools in your area. Look into the NAPA Apprenticeship Program. Don't sit on your hands with this one. Do it today.
      Lastly, don't get left behind. Commit to ongoing training for all your employees. Keep up to date with tools and equipment tailored to your business model. Don't try to be all things to all people and all vehicles. Identify your core profile customer and the vehicles they drive, and become an expert on those vehicles and the services you offer.

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      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Host Carm Capriotto welcomes Chris Lawson, founder of Technician Find, to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing independent auto repair shops today: finding and keeping great technicians.
      Chris explains why many shop owners fall into what he calls "fire alarm syndrome," waiting until a technician leaves before starting the hiring process. That reactive approach often leads to rushed decisions, poor hires, and ongoing turnover. Instead, he advocates for an "Always Be Recruiting" mindset, where shops continuously build relationships with potential candidates long before they have an opening.
      The conversation explores practical strategies for becoming a destination workplace, creating a recruiting pipeline, and building a culture that attracts top talent in a competitive market.
      What You'll Learn Why reactive hiring creates costly staffing problems How to build a bench of pre-qualified technicians before you need them Why becoming "10-mile famous" can help attract both technicians and customers How culture-focused marketing can outperform traditional help-wanted ads The three things technicians value most: respect, growth, and compensation Why sign-on bonuses often fail and how to structure them more effectively Practical ways to engage passive candidates who are not actively job hunting Resources available through Chris Lawson's free online community for shop owners
      The best time to recruit a technician is before you need one. Shops that continuously market their culture, build relationships with local talent, and maintain a pipeline of qualified candidates are better positioned to grow, avoid staffing emergencies, and create a workplace where top technicians want to stay. Recruiting is no longer an occasional task. It is an ongoing business strategy. Chris Lawson, TechnicianFind.Com Love your shop? Stay, but stay ready. Auto techs join to level up, find good shops, and keep tabs on top indie jobs nationwide. Techs only. No BS. Independent Wrench Jobs: https://www.skool.com/independentwrenchjobs Finding Technicians Part 1- Chris Lawson [RR 803]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e803/
      Finding Technicians Part 2 – Chris Lawson [RR 816]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e816/
      Technician Attraction Blueprint [RR 921]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e921/
      Attract, Develop, and Retain Top Automotive Talent [CC 113]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/cc113/
      Beyond Babysitters: Developing Strong Managers and Financial Transparency [RR 1076]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1076/
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS
      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
      NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/
      Connect with the Podcast:
      Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/
      Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto
      Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/
      Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 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 Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm   The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.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
    • Joe Marconi
      Why You, an Auto Shop Owner, Should Consider Coaching
      By Joe Marconi

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      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • carmcapriotto
      Is Your Shop the Problem? Hard Truths from the Voice of the Technician Survey Results [RR 1084]
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode Host Carm Capriotto speaks with Jay Goninen, co-founder and president of WrenchWay, about insights from the 2026 Voice of the Technician Survey and what it reveals about the state of the automotive workforce.
      Jay encourages shop owners to download the free report to uncover blind spots and start meaningful conversations with their teams. The data show that technicians strongly prefer a four-day, 10-hour workweek with no weekends, along with proper equipment, paid vacation, retirement benefits, and paid training.
      While dealership technicians made up a larger share of respondents, independents stood out in workplace culture. 63% of independent technicians would recommend their shop to a friend, compared to 36% at dealerships, though dealerships scored higher in providing paid training. Across both groups, technicians favor an hourly wage plus bonus structure, which many feel better supports diagnosticians than traditional flat-rate systems.
      The discussion also highlights a troubling trend: the industry’s Net Promoter Score dropped to -60 in 2026, signaling that many technicians would not recommend the profession to others.
      To strengthen the talent pipeline, Jay discusses ASE Connects, a new initiative aimed at connecting shops with high school and technical school automotive programs to support them through mentorship, advisory roles, and community engagement.
      Carm also advocates elevating the profession by shifting the language from “mechanic” or “technician” to “specialist,” emphasizing the expertise required to work on today’s vehicles.
      Overall, the episode serves as a wake-up call for shop owners to use the survey insights to evaluate their culture, communication, and work environments, and to become employers technicians are proud to recommend.
      https://wrenchway.com/resources/2026-voice-of-technician-survey-report/
      Jay Goninen, Co-Founder and President, WrenchWay
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS 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 NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ 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/ - 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 Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.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
    • Joe Marconi
      Every shop owner tracks gross sales. But is that really the number you should be focused on?
      By Joe Marconi

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      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.



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