Right to Repair Act Delayed, Again!

Joe Marconi · 2022-04-20T18:35:54+0000

Almost exactly one month after issuing his first delay, Judge Douglas Woodlock issued another procedural order on the day of his self-imposed deadline saying he would not make a decision. Citing "the resurgence of a demanding criminal trial schedule" as well as other non-trial-related delays in the order, Woodlock pushed the decision deadline back by nearly three months to July 1. Once again, our industry is not considered a Top Priority. Except to us, who live it each day!

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The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart

By Joe Marconi in Joe's 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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Car Count Before Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, 2025
By JustTheBest

If you're ready to skyrocket your car count so that you can finally make the money you know you and your family deserves, you're in the right place, because it's never been easier to grow your repair shop, as long as you have the right offers and deals to attract customers.
But I will warn you if you make the same flimsy and lame offers that are just like your competitors, you’re actually making it harder to grow than it ever has been before.
Because I want to make this easy, you’re lucky. Right now I’m starting a brand new Private Case Study Group where I will help 3 repair shops deploy my “Perfect Offer Formula” that lets you generate car count immediately, and if you start today, you can do it before Mother’s Day (May 11, 2025) and continue to do that month after month.
The best part is, you’ll do it all without ever discounting your prices, adding free services, or tossing in Give-a-Ways that only attract the bottom feeders and car owners without money.
In this case study, I’m going to give you the exact formula that you need so you can grow quicker without wasting time trying to figure out how to get car count and what to do next or what offers you should run this month.
Look, there’s only three reasons you’re not getting the car count you want right now…
#1) Either you don’t have a compelling offer that focuses on value -not price
#2) Your offers are just plain terrible and they aren’t what people want or need.
Or
#3) You don’t have the correct packaging or (as we call them, wrappers) for your offer.
What I see a lot of repair shops do is they literally just use flimsy lame offers that look just like what your competitor is doing…
Or they try to duplicate offers the big box auto repair shops are making…
Or they continue to discount their prices… trying to come up with that secret formula that makes some phony illusion of a great deal.
But all of that is just a race to the bottom.
This private case study program's going to solve all of that for you because I'm not only going to literally take you by the hand and show you everything that you need to do, I’m actually going to do it for you!
And this doesn’t matter if you don’t think you can do it, or you’re not good with that math and calculating prices, or even if the last offer or ad you ran was a total big fat loss!
We're actually going to be working together. And I'm literally going to tell you everything you need to do, starting from you spending 20 minutes setting up your pricing profile,
Then I’ll build out your personalized plan,
I’ll be tweaking things and helping you decide exactly what offer to create, and then do all the heavy lifting to create the three Value Wrappers… that make your offer stand out in your market; get car owners to stop and see your offer; then book their job immediately…(not next week, next month, or when they get around to it!) and much, much more
And then after that, you're going to get 30 days of check-ins where you can ask me questions.
I'll ask you to share your sales statistics and analytics so that we can improve them.
I'll send you new ideas for the other 3 Perfect Power Offer Strategies that are proven to work, and even do so much more, and by the end of that, you’ll have the complete “Perfect Offer Program” that will let you stop chasing car count once and for all!
And since I'm going to be coaching you throughout this program for your specific account, know that it doesn't matter what market you’re in; it doesn’t matter if you don’t have one of those fancy main street locations; and it doesn't matter how much marketing experience you have because I'm literally going to be meeting you exactly where you are.
No matter what you need, I'm going to help you do that.
If you need better wrappers (to actually get people to see your offer), I'm going to help you do that. If you need help putting your perfect offer together, I'm going to tell you exactly how you should be doing that differently so that you can skyrocket your car count.
In just the past few months, the typical repair shop that's gone through this program has grown their car count within 15 days of starting, and nobody has ever gained less than 10 new jobs the first month if they implement everything that I show them to do continually. (Your results may vary, depending on how well you follow our directions)
Now, there is one catch.
Actually, there’s three catches.
#1- This is a nationally advertised program across United States and Canada, and it’s limited to only 3 qualified repair shops.
#2- This private case study group is limited to only one repair shop per market. In other words, I won’t compete against myself.
#3- This may be the last time I offer this Exclusive One-on-One Case Study Opportunity to grow your car count immediately - because I'm still only one person, so I can only work with so many shop owners.

The longer you wait to grow your car count, the harder it's going to get started.

Please do not make the mistake that I made, which I literally regret every single day. That is that I didn't start growing car count earlier when I was a shop owner. Car count is the solution to just about every auto shop problem.
So if you don't sign up right now, it could decrease the odds that we can actually work together, because once we get the three shops we’re looking for, I'm going to have to shut this opportunity down.
That just means it's going to be even harder to grow your car count.
Remember, nobody else can provide and guarantee you results before Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, 2025, so please stop procrastinating.
Go below, register right now. I cannot wait to help you hit your goals because at the end of the day, you actually have nothing to lose.
I'm literally going to tell you everything that you need to do. You are going to implement it, and you're going to get the results that you want, period.
And oh, in case you’re wondering, there’s no money back guarantee… because this is a totally FREE Case Study Group.
That means there's zero risk to you if you sign up right now while you still can.
https://thecarcountfixer.com/go

Hope this helps! See you in the case study group!
Matthew
"The Car Count Fixer"
What to Do If You Miss the Tax Deadline
By nptrb

April 15th has come and gone, and you missed the tax deadline for your auto repair shop.
It can be so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind of managing your customers, your shop, and your staff that the tax filing deadline just slips away.
If you find yourself skipping the date, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to minimize late fees and potential consequences from the IRS.
So, relax your shoulders, take a deep breath, and dive into this blog post full of tips to help you with your next steps.

Step #1: File a Tax Extension
Before you do anything else, head to the IRS website and file a tax extension. Click here to get the form.
This buys you time to gather the necessary documents and prepare your return.
Important note: An extension only gives you more time to file, not to pay. If you owe taxes, you’ll still need to make estimated payments by the original deadline to avoid penalties and interest.
Step #2: Determine Why You Missed the Deadline
Once you’ve filed a tax extension, take some time to figure out why you missed the deadline.
Were your records disorganized?
Did you stumble across unforeseen circumstances?
Or was it simply an oversight?
Figuring out why you missed the deadline – and taking action to fix it – will help prevent it from happening again. If you need help simplifying the process for next year, here are some tips!
Step #3: Collect Your Records
Now that you have more time from your extension, start gathering all the necessary documents for your tax return.
This includes tax forms such as W-2’s, 1099s, and other forms. You’ll also want to gather and organize receipts, mileage records, social security documents, bank statements, income statements, expense records, payroll records, tax deduction records, profit and loss statements, balance sheets, financial statements, and any other relevant or requested paperwork.
Step #4: Calculate Your Taxes
Once you have all your documents in order, calculate your taxes as accurately as possible. If you’re not working with a tax professional, your best plan of attack is to invest in tax filing software such as Turbo Tax. QuickBooks Online also features a tax preparation service.
Once you determine if you owe taxes, make sure to make estimated payments on time to avoid penalties and interest.
Step #5: File Your Return
Once you’ve calculated your taxes, file your return as soon as possible. The sooner you file, the sooner you can put the stress of the missed tax deadline behind you. Lesson learned!
Step # 6: Pay Any Taxes You Owe
If you owe taxes, make sure to pay them as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more interest and penalties you’ll accrue.

Disclaimer:
This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax advice. Tax laws are subject to change, and business circumstances vary. It’s important to get direct advice from tax professionals who know the specifics of your situation.
Making Great First Impressions [E137] - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast
By carmcapriotto

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 auto repair businesses. Build client loyalty. Get started today with your own customer loyalty app. Visit Appfueled.com
Are your customers getting the right first impression of your shop? In this episode, Brian and Kim Walker explore how to make every touchpoint count, from your website and Google Business Profile to your waiting area and phone calls.
With personal stories and practical tips, they’ll guide you through the customer journey, sharing ways to improve everything from cleanliness to communication. You’ll even hear about Kim’s checklist for first impressions and why small details—like a fresh-smelling lobby or updated photos—make a big impact.
Get ready to see your shop through fresh eyes and take steps to leave a lasting impression. Tune in now!
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.
Are you ready to convert clients to members? App fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build client loyalty. Get started today with your own customer loyalty app. Visit Appfueled.com
Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
https://www.autoops.com/ - Online Scheduling for Auto Shops
https://shopmarketingpros.com/ep-131-branding-your-shop-as-a-concierge-auto-repair-shop/ - Branding Your Shop As A Concierge Auto Repair Shop
https://shopmarketingpros.com/ep-108-part-4-a-service-advisors-take-on-customer-retention-with-michael-doherty/ - Part 4 – A Service Advisor’s Take on Customer Retention with Michael Doherty
https://remarkable.com/ - Remarkable notebook
Show Notes with Time Stamps
Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:01) The podcast episode begins with an introduction to the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Welcome and Topic Introduction (00:00:10) Brian Walker welcomes listeners and introduces the topic of making great first impressions in auto repair. Secret Shopper Concept (00:01:03) Kim discusses the idea of offering secret shopper services to evaluate first impressions in auto repair shops. Frog in Boiling Water Analogy (00:01:20) Brian uses an analogy about a frog in boiling water to illustrate how business owners can overlook issues. Personal Experience with Shop Cleanliness (00:02:26) Kim shares a personal story about noticing cleanliness issues in her shop after sitting on the floor. Origin of the Episode's Topic (00:03:13) Kim explains that the episode's topic originated from a class she taught about hosting events in auto repair shops. Creating a First Impression Checklist (00:04:08) Kim mentions her intention to create a first impression checklist based on customer journey insights. Importance of Online Presence (00:04:51) Discussion shifts to how potential customers first experience a business online, including websites and Google profiles. The Grunt Test (00:06:39) Brian explains the "grunt test," where a stranger should easily understand what a website is about. Evaluating Website Impressions (00:08:04) Kim emphasizes the importance of assessing what feelings a website evokes in potential clients. Social Media's Role in First Impressions (00:10:12) The conversation covers how social media contributes to first impressions and customer perceptions. Content Strategy and Audience Alignment (00:12:08) Brian shares a client's unconventional marketing strategy and the importance of aligning content with audience expectations. Google Business Profile Importance (00:12:59) Kim highlights the significance of maintaining an accurate and complete Google Business Profile for attracting customers. Customer Experience in a Hurry (00:14:01) Kim discusses how potential customers often search for auto repair services quickly, emphasizing the need for accurate information. Improving Waiting Area Appearance (00:15:02) Discusses the importance of updating photos of the waiting area to enhance customer impressions. The Importance of Phone Etiquette (00:15:38) Emphasizes listening to phone calls to ensure service advisors are friendly and professional. First Impressions Over the Phone (00:16:38) Highlights how the tone and manner of answering calls can significantly impact first impressions. Customer Experience During Calls (00:17:18) Explores the importance of a welcoming greeting and attentive service during phone interactions. Listening to Recorded Calls (00:19:22) Encourages shop owners to review recorded calls to improve customer service quality. Customer Experience in Shops (00:21:36) Discusses a personal anecdote about poor customer service and its impact on first impressions. Evaluating Online Scheduling Experience (00:24:26) Stresses the importance of user-friendly online scheduling systems for customer satisfaction. Drive-By Assessment of Shop Appearance (00:26:23) Encourages shop owners to evaluate their business from a customer's perspective for first impressions. Parking Lot and Vehicle Presentation (00:27:27) Discusses the significance of a tidy parking lot and appropriate vehicles for attracting customers. Signage and Branding Consistency (00:29:03) Highlights the importance of maintaining updated and clear signage to reflect the brand accurately. The Story of the Old Shop (00:29:52) Brian shares a humorous anecdote about visiting an old shop and its rundown appearance. The Importance of Cleanliness (00:30:46) Discussion about how exterior cleanliness impacts first impressions in auto repair shops. Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere (00:31:27) Kim emphasizes the significance of the waiting area’s atmosphere and sensory experiences for customers. Sensory Experiences Matter (00:31:47) Exploration of how smell and touch affect customers' perceptions in an auto repair shop. Comparing Experiences (00:34:29) Kim discusses how customers compare their experiences to other businesses like Chick-fil-A. Details Matter (00:35:28) Highlighting the importance of small details in creating a positive customer experience. Creating a Family-Friendly Environment (00:36:55) Discussion on accommodating families and making kids feel welcome in the shop. Comfort in the Waiting Area (00:38:39) Brian stresses the need for comfortable seating and a welcoming environment for customers. Responsibility for Cleanliness (00:39:23) Discussion on who is responsible for maintaining cleanliness in the shop. Bathroom Cleanliness (00:40:20) A personal story about the poor state of a customer-facing bathroom and its impact. Thoughtful Amenities (00:41:24) Kim talks about providing thoughtful amenities for female customers in the bathroom. Impression of Cleanliness (00:43:19) Discussion on the importance of maintaining high standards of cleanliness in customer-facing areas. Shop Area Cleanliness (00:44:11) Importance of maintaining a bright, clean, and organized shop environment for clients and staff. Efficient Shop Layout (00:45:02) Discusses the necessity of an efficient layout to enhance workflow and client experience. Client Interaction (00:46:05) Emphasizes tailoring conversations with clients based on their vehicle ownership goals. Permission for Inspections (00:47:58) Importance of asking for permission to perform inspections to enhance client trust and experience. Client Follow-Up (00:48:59) Discusses the significance of following up with clients post-service to ensure satisfaction. Team Appearance (00:49:48) Highlights how professional attire of staff can impact first impressions on clients. Importance of First Impressions (00:50:45) Stresses that consistent positive impressions lead to long-term client relationships and referrals. Final Thoughts and Checklist (00:50:46) Introduction of a PDF checklist for staff to enhance awareness of shop cleanliness and organization.
How To Get In Touch
Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind
Website - shopmarketingpros.com
Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros
Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book
Instagram - @shopmarketingpros
Questions/Ideas - [email protected]
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
Are You Prepared for the Unexpected Loss of a Loved One? [E198] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
By carmcapriotto

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
I’d like to give another shoutout to our sponsor, Shop Marketing Pros. They are the only marketing company I recommend, and they handle all of the marketing for my own shop as well. If you’re serious about growth, you need strategies that actually work: better websites, higher Google rankings, and ads that bring real customers through your doors.
Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great.

Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind

In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," host Coach Chris Cotton opens up about his deeply personal journey with grief following the passing of his beloved wife Kimberly's mother on New Year's Eve. With heartfelt sincerity, he delves into the complex and often overwhelming stages of grief, sharing insights and reflections from his own experience. Chris emphasizes the crucial importance of being prepared for the inevitable reality of loss, introducing listeners to the "red envelope yellow envelope" concept. This thoughtful approach involves meticulously documenting essential information and end-of-life plans, ensuring that loved ones are not left in the dark during times of emotional turmoil.

Chris underscores the necessity of having those often uncomfortable yet vital conversations about end-of-life wishes and preparations. By addressing these topics head-on, individuals can significantly ease the burden on their families and friends, allowing them to focus on healing and remembrance rather than logistical challenges. Throughout the episode, Chris also touches on the emotional and spiritual dimensions of grief, offering guidance and support to those navigating similar paths.
He encourages listeners to prioritize self-care and preparedness, not only in their personal lives but also within their business endeavors. By fostering a mindset of readiness and resilience, individuals can better cope with the unpredictable nature of life and loss. Through his candid storytelling and practical advice, Coach Chris Cotton provides a compassionate and empowering message, reminding us all of the strength found in vulnerability and the peace that comes from being prepared.

Introduction to the Episode (00:00:01)
Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast and its focus on auto repair business insights.
Happy New Year Message (00:01:13)
Chris shares a New Year greeting and hints at personal challenges faced recently.
Discussion of Loss (00:02:29)
Chris reflects on the passing of Kimberly's mother and the impact on their family.
Red Envelope Yellow Envelope Concept (00:03:46)
Importance of planning for unexpected events is emphasized through personal experiences.
The Emotional Toll of Grief (00:06:50)
Chris describes the emotional reactions and support needed during grief.
Organizing Affairs for Loved Ones (00:08:18)
Advice on preparing personal and business affairs to ease burdens on family.
The Stages of Grief (00:10:27)
Chris outlines the stages of grief observed in Kimberly's reactions to loss.
Denial and Anger Stages (00:11:38)
Discussion of denial and anger stages in the grieving process.
Bargaining Stage of Grief (00:13:08)
Explains how bargaining manifests in thoughts of regret and "what if" scenarios.
Depression and Acceptance Stages (00:15:12)
Chris describes the transition between depression and acceptance in the grieving process.
Call to Action for Planning (00:16:28)
Encouragement to have plans in place for end-of-life situations to support loved ones.
Importance of Life Stories (00:17:47)
Chris stresses the need to document loved ones' life stories before it's too late.
Final Thoughts on Grief and Readiness (00:19:00)
Reflection on being spiritually and emotionally prepared for life's uncertainties.

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
Should I Use Profit First? [E153] - Business By The Numbers
By carmcapriotto

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
Managing your cash flow can feel overwhelming, but the Profit First system offers a fresh approach to organizing your finances. In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA, dives into the pros, cons, and practical applications of Profit First for auto repair shops. Whether you’re new to the system or looking to refine your cash management strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
Key Takeaways:
What is Profit First? Learn the basic framework of allocating revenue into multiple bank accounts to better manage cash flow. Benefits of Profit First: Understand how it can help you get a clear picture of your cash flow and improve financial decision-making. Challenges to Watch For: Discover why overcomplicating allocations or starting with too many accounts can hinder success. Practical Implementation: Hunt shares a simple three-account system tailored to auto repair --shops for effective cash management. Expert Tips: Adapt the system to your business size and goals, and avoid common pitfalls that lead to failure.
Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS
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: [email protected]
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