Finding Technicians Part 2 – Chris Lawson [RR 816]
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By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog5 commentsI recently spoke with a friend of mine who owns a large general repair shop in the Midwest. His father founded the business in 1975. He was telling me that although he’s busy, he’s also very frustrated. When I probed him more about his frustrations, he said that it’s hard to find qualified technicians. My friend employs four technicians and is looking to hire two more. I then asked him, “How long does a technician last working for you.” He looked puzzled and replied, “I never really thought about that, but I can tell that except for one tech, most technicians don’t last working for me longer than a few years.”
Judging from personal experience as a shop owner and from what I know about the auto repair industry, I can tell you that other than a few exceptions, the turnover rate for technicians in our industry is too high. This makes me think, do we have a technician shortage or a retention problem? Have we done the best we can over the decades to provide great pay plans, benefits packages, great work environments, and the right culture to ensure that the techs we have stay with us?
Finding and hiring qualified automotive technicians is not a new phenomenon. This problem has been around for as long as I can remember. While we do need to attract people to our industry and provide the necessary training and mentorship, we also need to focus on retention. Having a revolving door and needing to hire techs every few years or so costs your company money. Big money! And that revolving door may be a sign of an even bigger issue: poor leadership, and poor employee management skills.
Here’s one more thing to consider, for the most part, technicians don’t leave one job to start a new career, they leave one shop as a technician to become a technician at another shop. The reasons why they leave can be debated, but there is one fact that we cannot deny, people don’t quit the company they work for, they usually leave because of the boss or manager they work for.
Put yourselves in the shoes of your employees. Do you have a workplace that communicates, “We appreciate you and want you to stay!”
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By Joe Marconi
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By Changing The Industry
Episode 161 - Realities of Coaching in the Auto Industry & Customer Misconceptions with Matt Wagg
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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
In this podcast episode, Chris Cotton, an auto repair business coach, talks with Mark, owner of an independent European auto repair shop in Rochester, New York, that also does sales and bodywork. They discuss Mark's family history, including his father's move from Germany to the U.S. and his transition from diamond cutting to car sales. Mark recounts his own path in the family business, from washing cars to his current role, and the lessons learned along the way. They also delve into succession planning, with Mark's son Hunter potentially taking over in the future. Mark highlights the benefits of working with Chris implementation of a new service management system, and the positive changes in business performance and staff engagement. The episode touches on the importance of regular staff meetings, understanding daily business metrics, and the joy of family involvement in the business. It concludes with personal anecdotes about family meals and the cultural heritage that enriches their lives.
The background of Mark's family (00:00:05) Mark talks about his father's journey from Germany to the United States and their family background. Mark's family's journey in the auto repair business (00:02:05) Mark shares the story of his family's involvement in the auto repair business, including their transition from sales to service. Mark's father's journey in the auto industry (00:04:08) Mark details his father's experiences in the car industry, from working at a BMW dealership to starting his own car sales business. Mark's connection to European cars (00:10:52) Mark discusses his family's deep connection to European cars, particularly Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen. Mark's journey in the auto repair business (00:14:48) Mark reflects on his journey in the auto repair business, from washing cars to becoming a service advisor and learning to buy cars at auctions. Car Sales and Sunroof Surprise (00:19:22) Mark recalls a car sales experience and his father's tough love and succession plan. Auto Auction and Nostalgia (00:21:29) Chris shares his experience working at an auto auction, and both speakers reminisce about the excitement of auctions. Transition and Succession Plan (00:23:16) Mark discusses his role in the business and the prolonged transition plan from his father. Family Involvement and Future Plans (00:25:43) Mark talks about family members' roles in the business and his son's potential as a service manager. Succession Planning and Family Dynamics (00:29:31) Mark emphasizes the importance of communication and close relationships in succession planning. Future of the Business and Retirement (00:34:14) Mark discusses his long-term plans for the business and his reluctance to fully retire. Family Living Arrangements (00:36:40) Mark shares that his mother still lives in the family home, and he and his wife live next door. Each timestamp is followed by a short description of the topics covered in the corresponding segment of the podcast episode. Family and Business History (00:37:29) Discussion about family's daily routine and plans for creating a slideshow of old pictures for the website. Transition to New Location and Succession Plan (00:38:19) Mark mentions the upcoming 40th anniversary at the new location and transitions to discussing their decision to change service management systems. Transition to Auto Leap Service Management System (00:39:13) Mark's decision to switch to Auto Leap, initial challenges, and his encounter with Chris Cotton's podcast. Initial Meeting and Decision to Work with Chris (00:43:40) Mark's initial meeting with Chris at a convention, initial reluctance to work with a coach, and the decision to start working with Chris. Impact of Coaching on Business (00:45:48) Positive impact of coaching on business performance, particularly in December and January, and how it has improved their outlook for the year. Benefits of Coaching and 20 Groups (00:50:40) Discussion about the value of coaching, 20 groups, and the supportive industry landscape in Rochester. Shop Renovation and Growth (00:54:30) Description of the shop's renovation and growth, including the increase in employees and the focus on cleanliness. Future Plans and Idea Sharing (00:55:20) The anticipation of a productive year with many ideas yet to be explored and nurtured during the coaching sessions. Accountability and Responsibility (00:55:34) Discussion on the importance of accountability and responsibility in business ownership. Meetings and Regimen (00:56:37) The significance of regular meetings and a structured approach to managing the business. Future Plans and Succession (00:58:36) Mark's future plans for the business, including the involvement of his son and the transition of responsibilities. Family Traditions and Gratitude (00:59:22) Mark's family traditions, including meals prepared by his mother, and expressions of gratitude. Closing Remarks and Sponsorship (01:01:00) The conclusion of the episode, including acknowledgments and sponsorship mentions.
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 #riseandgrind
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS and AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching A deep dive into the SWOT analysis of our industry with a panel of shop owners. As we navigate the evolving automotive landscape, it's crucial to turn threats into opportunities, revving up for success. Andy Fiffick, CEO Rad Air, 10-locations, franchise. Listen to Andy’s other episodes HERE Greg Bunch, Aspen Auto Clinic, Transformers Institute. Listen to Greg’s previous episodes HERE. Brian Sump, Avalon Motor Sports, and Urban Auto Care, CO. Brian’s previous episodes HERE
Watch Full Video Episode The Concept of Mastermind (00:01:58) Discussion on the concept of mastermind, its origins, and its application in the automotive industry. The Role of Independent Repair Shops (00:02:47) The nimbleness and expertise of independent repair shops compared to dealership networks, and the need for better public perception. Challenges of Independent Repair Shops (00:04:49) The weaknesses and challenges faced by independent repair shops, including the lack of unified marketing efforts and lobbying. Perception and Marketing of the Industry (00:09:16) The need for greater respect and recognition for the automotive aftermarket industry, and the importance of effective marketing strategies. Courage and Self-Respect (00:12:36) The courage and self-respect required to succeed in the automotive industry, along with the need for transformation in mindset. Advancements in the Industry (00:14:35) The industry's progress and advancements, challenges faced by smaller independent shops, and the industry's value and fragmentation. Image and Perception of Independent Shops (00:16:25) The importance of image, modernization, and professionalism in independent repair shops to build trust and attract customers. Training Engagement (00:17:15) Discussion on the importance of owners engaging in training with employees and setting an example. Shop Management System (00:17:49) Importance of a shop management system for profitability and efficiency, and the support and training offered by NAPA TRACS. Auto Shop Coaching (00:18:00) The benefits of Auto Shop Coaching in redefining success and efficiency within a shop, and the importance of accountability. Owners' Involvement in Training (00:21:03) The importance of owners attending training classes and being involved in the learning process to understand and support their employees. Challenges in Attracting Talent (00:23:36) Discussion on the challenges of attracting and retaining young talent in the automotive industry. Opportunities in Change (00:28:07) The positive aspects of change, embracing new technology, and being first to market with innovative equipment. Industry Opportunities (00:29:58) Discussion on the opportunities for growth and impact in the automotive industry, despite challenges and competition. Rising to the Opportunity (00:30:47) Embracing the opportunity to make a significant impact in the industry through creativity, thought, and effort. Car Count and Economy (00:33:37) Discussion on the impact of car count and the economy on the automotive industry. Challenges with Car Maintenance (00:34:16) Issues with consumer awareness of car maintenance, including oil changes and service intervals. Barrier to Entry (00:35:29) The increasing barrier to entry for new shop owners due to technological advancements and specialized skills required. Consolidation and Opportunities (00:38:26) Opportunities for family-owned and independent operations amidst market consolidation and private equity involvement. Threats and Strategic Thinking (00:43:22) Discussion on threats such as constant change, aging technicians, and government involvement, and the need for strategic thinking. Future of the Automotive Industry (00:46:52) Optimistic outlook on the future of the industry, including the potential for strong independent shop operators to thrive. Mental Resilience and Rising Costs (00:48:31) The importance of mental resilience and adapting to rising costs as a key factor in the industry's success.
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, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching Proven Auto Shop Coaching with Results. Over 61 Million in ROI with an Average ROI of 9x. Find Coach Chris Cotton at AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching on the Web at https://autoshopcoaching.com/ Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -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/ -Follow on Twitter: 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 -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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