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Joe Marconi
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Transmission Repair Experienced

Transmission Repair

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On 6/25/2022 at 6:43 AM, Joe Marconi said:

The Summer is in full swing, a time when many people take vacations and also spend time engaging in their favorite hobbies and activities. 

How do you spend your free time?  

My kids live out-of-state 1,500 miles away, so I rarely see them.  However, my wife and I spend time doing what we like.  She loves to cook, sew, work puzzles, and play computer games.  I spend my days sitting on our deck, reading books, reading the newspaper, watching YouTube news stories, watching TV and reading and answering forum posts.  It's a life of leisure with no schedule or commitments outside of the Honey-Do's.  I do occasionally go to the senior center to eat lunch and mingle with other retirees.

My sister once told me, "Larry, you do a whole lot of nothing."  And that's the way I like it. 🙂

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DonnieJ Newbie

DonnieJ

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In the shop at least, because I'm there almost every day (by proud choice) I like to expect the next customer to call or come in while cleaning my tools and equipment. That way when the next customer miraculously comes in they're impressed by how clean everything is. Otherwise, I'm searching for forums like this lol.

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  • 1 year later...
Mark Adam Newbie

Mark Adam

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In my free time, I immerse myself in two of my greatest passions: cricket and reading books. Cricket offers an exhilarating blend of strategy, skill, and teamwork, providing endless entertainment and a chance to stay active. Whether I'm playing with friends or watching professional matches, cricket always brings a sense of excitement and camaraderie.

On the other hand, reading books transports me to different worlds, broadens my knowledge, and enhances my imagination. I enjoy exploring various genres, from fiction to non-fiction, and appreciate the way books offer insights into diverse perspectives and experiences. Balancing these activities allows me to enjoy both physical and mental stimulation, ensuring that my free time is always fulfilling and enriching. Whether on the cricket field or lost in the pages of a great book, I find joy and relaxation in these beloved pastimes.

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  • 2 months later...
Transmission Repair Experienced

Transmission Repair

Posted
Posted

Sim

2 hours ago, JustTheBest said:

Now me! I got sucked into the photography game. There's always a new lens, filter or something. Almost as bad as golf! Anyway, I move around local car shows and try to create the picture that the car manufacturer may have used when they were trying to get you to buy the car! 

Expensive hobby, but I enjoy it!

Matthew

Another great post, Matthew.  Similarly to you, I got into shooting videos a lot during the waning years of my career just before I retired.  Yeah, the equipment was expensive, but I loved it.  I started only after I learned of YouTube in 2006.  I started posting on YouTube in 2007.  Most of the videos were short, 3 to 5 minutes explaining what I found on the customer's transmission.  Basically, I originally started using YouTube as a sales tool.  Eight years later, I had over 2,100 videos on my YouTube channel.  https://www.youtube.com/c/LarryBloodworth

 

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Transmission Repair Experienced

Transmission Repair

Posted
Posted

Matthew,

I originally would send the video link in the same Email as an Adobe .pdf attachment.  I quickly learned that was not a good strategy because some of my customers would only look at the .pdf to get a bottom-line price without ever looking at the video.  Using this method, I had an 86% closing ratio.  Unless people look at the video, they have no idea of how involved the job is.

The strategy I eventually adopted was to only Email the video as a private video, first.  While I was waiting for the customer to view the video, I would write the estimate.  ONLY AFTER the customer viewed the video (by the number of private views being 1 or more) would I send the .pdf of the estimate.  Using this method, I had an astonishing 98%+ closing ratio!  Half the time, I would get a return Email asking when they could expect their vehicle to be ready.  The other half would call me and either have questions or they were calling to give a verbal OK on the job.  For me and my shop, YouTube became our 'secret weapon'.

As cell phone technology advanced, I would eventually just put the video link in a text to the customer.  Due to the big-ticket nature of automatic transmission repair, it made it well worth the extra effort required to go through the hassle of a video to close the sale.  I can't say how effective using video would be for small ticket repairs.  There were some of my customers that would forward the video link to friends, family, & spouse to "prove" what a good choice they had made.  I can remember a few customers that the view counter would be in the double-digits.

From what I'm reading, there's Shop Management software that uses a tablet to send customers a video or photo link from a DVI.  I've never used such, however, I know they're out there.

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Transmission Repair Experienced

Transmission Repair

Posted
Posted

Matthew,

Thanks for the detailed reply.   I believe everything you say as it pertains to a G/R shop.  Remember we were a transmission repair specialty shop.  For example, we only wrote about 25 R.O.s a WEEK whereas a G/R shop would write that many, if not more, PER DAY.  We had only 3,000 sq. ft. of shop space with just 4 lifts.  Yet our annual sales were consistently $1.2M to $1.3M.
I compare our shop more to a collision shop than I do a G/R shop.  It's "one and done" if everything is done correctly.

If we have a repeat customer, it's usually either a customer with extremely bad luck, or has lots of vehicles, or it's a warranty job.


The attitude of indifference that so many shops inherently have is largely fueled by a technician turned shop owner.  They also tend to hire the technical type in the customer-facing positions.
In my technical sales videos, I always tried to make 3 important points, 
A. What the failure was.  
B.  What it's going to take to fix it.  
C.  What are we doing to make sure it doesn't happen again.


I retired before YouTube shorts were conceived.  However, I would use it today if I was still working.  I still try to keep my head in the game because anything and everything automotive still excites me.  Yet, here I am, 9 years after selling my shop and if the truth be told, I'm not much better than the Monday morning armchair quarterback. 🙂


Lastly, here's a random FB post about giving customers pictures with a DVI tablet. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1170301943452267

Every major metropolitan city has at least one investigative reporter standing up for consumer rights and Salt Lake City is no different.  We have Bill Gephardt.  I used him to shoot a 3-minute video endorsing our shop.  I had the video on our home page, as well as any landing pages.  His name recognition was off the charts in our market area.  The very first month we had his video on our website, we saw an immediate $40K improvement in sales.  Check it out for yourself.  https://youtu.be/Loo6V7Nln-o

We also had a killer location with 265K vehicle count per day, a huge parking lot, which was double-fenced.  Take a peek at this 1-minute video... https://youtu.be/V89FJzM7KCg

If you need to contact me, here are several ways to contact me... [email protected] | https://www.facebook.com/larry.bloodworth.5  | (801) 885-2227

 

 

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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
         0 comments
      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. 
      The News Isn't all Bad; Your Next Steps to Fix the Technician Shortage
      To fix the technician shortage, it will take a combined effort from everyone in the automotive industry, particularly automotive shop owners. Shop owners are in the perfect position to make the greatest impact, not only on their businesses but also on the future automotive workforce.
      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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