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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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Device Discipline: The War Against Notifications [E039] - Speak Up!
By carmcapriotto

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound
Watch Full Video Episode
Todays Show Post - Our notes today will be in a different format, written by our host.
Welcome to another episode of Speak Up - Effective communication.
Your place for focusing on elevating our communication skills in the auto repair industry - I’m your host Craig O’Neill….
I want you to ask yourself a question today - each time you receive a notification on one of your devices:
Do I need this?
Do I need to do something about this RIGHT NOW?
This has been my question for any number of the alerts that pop onto my screens on a daily basis. - - As I’ve been at war with distractions in my life. Loyal listeners have become familiar with my growing concern on the topic and I feel that I’ve begun to find some more balance slowly as of late and will share whats working for me.
Of note - I’ve been reading a book titled, “Stolen Focus - Why you can’t pay attention and how to think deeply again” by Johann Hari.
This read was a referral from Carm Capriotto - and it’s worth your attention.
In our episode today, I have some thoughts on the topic of notifications - and hope to get you thinking differently on what YOU are allowing devices to compromise YOUR focus!
Our Word of the Day:
Frenetic: fre·net·ic
adjective
fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way.
Listen to this excerpt from the book, Stolen Focus - the author, Johann Hari, writes about a conversation with a friend who was getting notifications for things he didn’t want… and I’ll quote:
“... All this frenetic digital interruption is “pulling our attention away from our thoughts,” and I think we’re almost in this constant stimulus-driven, stimulus bound environment, moving from one distraction to the next.” If you don’t remove yourself from that, it will "suppress whatever train of thought you had.”
That is a quote from Stolen Focus - Why you can’t pay attention and how to think deeply again.”
The consequences of distractions are real - not just from tasks - but from our creative thoughts and even healthy mindwandering.
Hari mentions in his book that “a distraction such as looking at an image from a friend pulls the average person away for up to 20 mins! Not just one!
And if you look around, you’ll recognize that the distractions are EVERYwhere - and we now have this habitual tendency to scan for them, in our own pockets, and on our own wrists!
Look around you now - how many people do you see distracted by devices?
Before you blame yourself or feel bad about this - let me state - our technological world has been engineered this way in a deliberate attempt to get more engagement from us.
I will say - while I, like all modern humans, struggle with distractions, I have come to develop a few VERY simple and reasonable disciplines regarding notifications.
I feel sometimes a little old-fashioned on this… but as I discussed recently in episode 35 with Darren Mclea, I feel like I came of age with technology enough to appreciate a slower pace of information than what has been engineered around us now.
Here we go. My thoughts for LESS distractions - and being MORE present (be it with your own thoughts - or for the people you are with)
1.) Silence your device - I don’t care what tech eco-system you favor - noisy notifications are not just a distraction for you - they are distracting for others.
2.) Don’t keep your devices in your pocket at home or work.
3.) Disable notifications from all non-essential applications - (or uninstall all non essential applications)
4.) No social media notifications. This doesn’t mean no social media (but more on that another time). You can check it as you want when you want.
5.) Silence that group chat thread… you know the one. Texting and group texting… really does function like social media. Check at intervals.
6.) Smart Watches. Don’t. This is my opinion but it’s a strong one. I think one of three things when I see you look at a smart watch while in conversation: 1.) You have no time for this. 2.) You have something more important to do. Or 3.) This interaction is causing a blood pressure spike.
7.) Organize your emails - filter or unsubscribe from ALL non essential emails.
8.) Email Away Messages are OK! (There are conflicting schools of thought on this.)
9.) Set Expectations for availability with colleagues and loved ones.
10.) Replace the activity with something else - just turning off things on one device will often lead elsewhere.
Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound:
The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.
AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com
AutoLeap at AutoLeap.com. Are you tired of juggling multiple tools to manage your auto repair shop? Say hello to the streamlined efficiency of AutoLeap, the #1 all-in-one Auto Repair Shop Management Software!
Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.
In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.
Contact Information
Email Craig O'Neill: [email protected] Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
Grow Faster, Go Further – The Peer Group Advantage [THA 423]
By carmcapriotto

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, and Today's Class "'As a younger shop owner, a struggling shop owner, it's a lot to try and find and fix. The ultimate goal is to work on one thing at a time. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time."
Recorded at the 2025 Institute Summit, discover the transformative power of coaching and accountability within the automotive repair industry. Jennifer Hulbert and Aaron Woods, facilitators of the Institute's performance groups, share insights on how peer support and leadership development can drive significant improvements in shop owners' businesses. They emphasize the importance of personal growth, strategic focus, and the ripple effect of better business practices on employees and communities.
Jennifer Hulbert, Service Plus Automotive, Calcium, NY. Institute for Automotive Business Excellence. Listen to Jennifer’s previous episodes HERE Aaron Woods, X-tra Mile Auto Care, Stillwater, OK. Institute for Automotive Business Excellence. Listen to Aaron’s previous episodes HERE Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode The Institute of Automotive Business Excellence: https://www.wearetheinstitute.com/ Guest Introductions (00:00:00) The Role of Coaching (00:02:12) Personal Transformation Through Groups (00:03:11) Collective Accountability (00:05:06) Transformation in Leadership (00:06:06) Growth vs. Improvement (00:07:43) Removing Limitations (00:08:58) Building Leaders (00:09:04) Shared Experiences in Accountability (00:10:52) Chosen Family Dynamics (00:15:41) The Importance of Support (00:16:24) Networking Group Realities (00:18:24) The Importance of Internal Motivation (00:18:41) Lessons from the Burro (00:19:33) Facilitator Challenges (00:20:44) Self-Responsibility in Coaching (00:21:20) Understanding Shop Ownership (00:22:29) Taking the First Step (00:23:08) Aaron's Transformation Story (00:23:15) The Power of Exposure (00:28:39) The Journey of Learning (00:32:39) Starting Point for Improvement (00:34:10) The Importance of Production Management (00:36:11) Key Issues in Sales and Margin Management (00:36:44) Factors Influencing Shop Success (00:36:58) Facilitator's Rewarding Experience (00:38:03) Impact of Group Collaboration (00:38:29) The Spiderweb Effect on Society (00:40:15) The Importance of Coaching and Networking (00:40:26) Benefits of Group Processes for Employees (00:41:15)
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS 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/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/ Connect with the Podcast: -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -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/ -Follow on X: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -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 Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
Two Shop Owners React: PartsTech's Industry Survey for 2025
By Changing The Industry

Two Shop Owners React: PartsTech's Industry Survey for 2025
Litany Against The Fear of Public Speaking [E020] - Speak Up!
By carmcapriotto

Thank You To Our Partners, The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing and In-Bound
In this episode - our host, Craig O’Neill and regular guest, fellow toastmaster, and friend of the show, Evan Wisner, dive into the root of the fear of public speaking. Also known as glossophobia - it is a fear that is shared with 76% of all people.
Evan speaks on this topic with the heart of a counselor and the mind of an emotional intelligence (EQ) expert. It’s appropriate that this topic follows episode 019 - Reframing - as Evan highlights the similarities of anxiety versus excitement - and how an individual's perspective will influence their experience.
Science Fiction fans who know Frank Herberts, Dune may be familiar with the Litany Against Fear. “...I must not fear, fear is the mind killer…” Evan recites the full version of the litany from memory, and interprets its meaning in a simple way that will allow those who experience glossophobia to move through it, experience excitement instead of anxiety and share your truth.
This is another enjoyable conversation between Evan and Craig with many takeaways.
Watch the YouTube Video Join Our Virtual Toastmasters: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
Thank You To Our Partners, The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing and In-Bound:
The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.
AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com
AutoLeap at AutoLeap.com. Are you tired of juggling multiple tools to manage your auto repair shop? Say hello to the streamlined efficiency of AutoLeap, the #1 all-in-one Auto Repair Shop Management Software!
Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.
In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.
Contact Information
Email Craig O'Neill: [email protected] Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
Episode 188 - The Highs and Lows of Running Two Shops With Adam and Jessica Debaja
By Changing The Industry

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