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Posted

So apparently I’m the kid here at 66😬

I still work Monday-Friday, 8-5 but have toned things way down! We’re a shop of 2 1/2 techs and myself. We’re in the community since 1979, on 3rd generation customers. We’ve had no issues closing for extended weekends and at least 2-3 weeks a year for “Mental Health” time off. 
If I close, Yes, my guys get paid. 

We’re actually talking about going to a 4 day work week, possibly with alternating 4 day weekends. Week 1 would be Monday to Thursday, Week 2 would be Tuesday to Friday. 
I have found that if you stay profitable, and loyal customers allow you to do that, you don’t need to work like an animal. 
My wife and I both take weekly salaries, I pay myself a real rent every month and I really don’t mind going to “Club Jerry”  during the week.
I have typical Motor Head hobbies… motorcycling, snowmobiling, hot rods, etc. and all the friends that go with it!!

I’m enjoying life just as it is. 👍

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  • 9 months later...
Posted
On 5/4/2023 at 10:45 AM, Transmission Repair said:

While I do enjoy writing, it's not everything.  My sister suggested that I write a book, more like an autobiography.  I don't think anybody would read it.  From the outside looking in, my life has been pretty boring and nobody is going to read a boring book.

I'm not much of a reader.  I'm going to wait on the movie to come out and couch-potato it.   I'm expecting to see some Rocky-like scenes with you in the gym working off them retirement pounds for your comeback move!

Posted

😁  I should say casual reader...  you won't find me reading a book for fun.  However, I pound-down technical data though.   My guys are at their computers often researching the system info, although this week, one was off on the model year and wasted some time because it changed that year.  For a short while, we had one that didn't bother.... reading... tightening bolts... etc.

Posted

Wow, reading about the retirement life you have, nothing like what I did. Sold the business, bought a large truck and 5th wheel a few months before the sale and once the money was in the bank, hit the road. Lived 8 years traveling around the USA exploring what this country has out there. While traveling found another business I started weighing rv's by wheel position, tire safety was the reason. What air pressure was needed to be safe, so that not only kept us busy, but brought in a bit of money to further the life style. I was 53 and my wife was 51 when we hit the road. We found a foreclosed home in 2010 we just  could not pass up and ended up stopping our full time travel adventure. Still travel about 5 months a year in a motorhome now. Life it all you want it to be, but sometimes you actually have to go look for the fun.

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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 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.
      Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
      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
      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/autorepairmarketingmastermindIn 


      In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," host Chris Cotton is joined by special guests Caroline Legrone and Kim Walker from Shop Marketing Pros to delve into the critical necessity of having a robust marketing plan for auto repair shops. The discussion centers around the pivotal role that a well-structured marketing strategy plays in the success and sustainability of these businesses.
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      Caroline Legrone underscores the significance of understanding past performance metrics, which can provide invaluable information for future planning. She explains how historical data can reveal patterns and trends that are crucial for making informed marketing decisions. This approach not only helps in identifying potential challenges but also in capitalizing on opportunities that may arise.
      Kim Walker, on the other hand, offers practical insights into the creation of a comprehensive marketing calendar. She shares her expertise on how to systematically plan marketing activities throughout the year, ensuring that the shop remains visible and engaged with the community. Kim's advice includes tips on scheduling promotions, aligning campaigns with local happenings, and maintaining a consistent presence across various marketing channels.
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      Introduction and Importance of Marketing (00:00:09)
      Chris Cotton introduces the episode and emphasizes the need for a marketing plan in auto repair businesses.
      Guest Introductions (00:01:11)
      Chris welcomes Caroline Legrone and Kim Walker from Shop Marketing Pros to the podcast.
      Discussion on Car Count Issues (00:01:48)
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      Here are the extracted timestamps and their corresponding titles from the podcast episode transcription segment:
      Importance of Planning (00:19:14)
      Chris emphasizes the need for shop owners to have a structured marketing plan.
      Blocking Time for Planning (00:19:40)
      Kim advises shop owners to set aside undistracted time in October for planning.
      Using a Big Calendar (00:20:17)
      Kim suggests using a large calendar to visualize important dates and events affecting marketing.
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      Kim discusses breaking down historical data to identify busy and slow times for better planning.
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      Caroline stresses the importance of setting achievable marketing goals based on past performance.
      Understanding Marketing Budgets (00:26:17)
      Kim explains how to determine an appropriate marketing budget based on desired growth.
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      Facebook Group for Marketing Support (00:33:15)
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      Final Thoughts on Marketing (00:37:02)
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      Do It Scared (00:37:51)
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      Getting Started (00:38:11)
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      Perspective on Fear (00:38:22)
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      Final Thoughts and Thanks (00:38:41)
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      Sponsorship Shout-Out (00:39:11)
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      Closing Remarks (00:39:11)
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      To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.
      Don't forget to rate and review us!


      Connect with Chris:
      AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      www.aftermarketradionetwork.com
      940-400-1008
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching
      YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
      Email Chris: [email protected]


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