Benefits of Toastmasters [AW 142]
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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 Changing The Industry
Chris Craig on Creating Positive Automotive Work Environments Even At A Dealership
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By carmcapriotto
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Recorded Live at Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo, Jeremy O'Neal shares his journey of transforming a struggling business into a thriving enterprise, emphasizing the critical role of service advisor training. Jeremy also highlighted how understanding the business, the owner's goals, and team dynamics is essential before implementing any training program. It's not just about fixing cars; it's about creating an exceptional customer experience that drives business success. Jeremy O’Neal, Advisorfix, Freedom Auto Repair, Hesperia, CA. Previous episodes HERE. Show Notes
Service Advisor Coaching & Training: https://www.advisorfix.com/ Jeremy's Transition to Shop Ownership (00:00:36) Jeremy discusses his transition from service advisor training to owning Freedom Automotive. The Impact of Vision 2024 (00:04:17) Jeremy and Carm discuss the impact of the Vision 2024 event on their lives and the industry. Youth Presence at Vision 2024 (00:04:48) Carm and Jeremy discuss the significant presence of young talent at the Vision 2024 event. Jeremy's Business Growth (00:06:56) Carm inquires about the growth of Jeremy's business over the past eight years. The Importance of Service Advisor Training (00:07:11) Carm and Jeremy discuss the critical need for service advisor training in the automotive industry. Jeremy's Business Transformation (00:08:55) Jeremy shares the transformation of his shop, including significant growth and plans for expansion. The Role of Service Advisors in Business Growth (00:09:29) Jeremy discusses the potential for business growth by adding service advisors and technicians. Customer Service Challenges (00:10:45) Jeremy and Carm discuss the decline in customer service and the impact on the automotive industry. The Role of Customer Experience (00:12:21) Carm emphasizes the importance of creating a great customer experience in automotive repair shops. Parenting and Cultural Observations (00:13:24) Jeremy shares his observations and concerns about modern parenting and societal changes. Firing underperforming staff (00:15:20) Jeremy discusses his commitment to high service standards and the consequences for those who don't meet them. Training and standards (00:16:07) Carm questions Jeremy about his work-life balance and the importance of training in maintaining high standards. NAPA Auto Care Center program (00:16:55) Carm discusses the benefits of the NAPA brand and the Pro Image upgrade program for automotive shops. Employee commitment and performance (00:19:00) Jeremy shares his experiences with committed but underperforming employees and the impact on customer service. Service advisor training and culture (00:21:20) Jeremy emphasizes the importance of daily coaching and the shop owner's role in guiding training and culture. Continuous improvement and learning culture (00:23:03) Jeremy discusses the importance of employees having a learning culture and the availability of educational content. Phone call analysis and customer service (00:24:22) Jeremy explains the value of listening to service advisor calls for assessing competency and customer responses. Service advisor's impact on top-line sales (00:26:26) Jeremy highlights the significant impact of service advisor competency on the shop's top-line sales. Life Cycles with Customers (00:30:57) Jeremy shares a personal anecdote about a customer's car and the importance of understanding customer needs. Building Trust with Customers (00:31:35) Jeremy discusses the importance of building trust with customers and ensuring they follow the shop's process for repairs. Market Trends and Automotive Industry (00:32:52) Jeremy talks about market trends, the impact of COVID-19, and the future of the automotive industry, including the rise of EVs and hybrid vehicles. Success in the Marketplace (00:34:19) The discussion revolves around the importance of solid processes, good people, and effective marketing to succeed in the marketplace. Communication and Networking (00:35:18) The conversation shifts to the significance of communication and networking, including a mention of the Disney Institute's emphasis on personal interaction. Reflecting on Life's Milestones (00:37:21) Jeremy reflects on life beyond 50, the legacy he aims to leave, and the importance of capturing special moments with loved ones.
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care 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
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By carmcapriotto
Coaches Mastermind: Bill Haas and Kent Bullard discuss performance reviews, benefit packages and succession. Succession planning in family businesses is often met with emotional complexities and practical challenges. However, with open communication, a willingness to learn from the past, and proper financial planning, these obstacles can be overcome. Kent Bullard, COO, The Institute. Listen to Kent’s other episodes HERE. Bill Haas, Haas Performance Consulting, Bill’s previous episodes HERE.
Show Notes: Answering the Phone (00:00:43) Importance of answering calls, dealer service department comparison, missed opportunities. Technology and Communication (00:01:54) Discussion on new technology, voicemail, and missed connections. Training and Handling Calls (00:03:28) Importance of training staff to handle calls, voicemail setup, and staff hierarchy for call answering. Role-specific Phone Training (00:05:37) Training different staff members to answer calls based on their roles, prioritizing customer service. Customer Service and Workflow (00:08:10) Discussion on virtual service advisors, prioritizing customer relationships, and back-end workflow. Handling Cost Estimates (00:12:11) Importance of having dedicated staff for cost estimates, focusing on customer service. Reservation System (00:14:41) Discussion on the concept of reservations over appointments, and comparison with car dealership reservation systems. Dealership Service Experience (00:16:13) Comparison of dealership service experience, emphasizing the importance of providing a better customer experience. The importance of client experience (00:18:02) Discussion on the significance of client experience officer and revenue growth despite COVID. Performance reviews and improvement discussions (00:18:58) Fear of holding people accountable and reframing performance reviews as improvement discussions. Setting goals and targets for employees (00:20:01) Importance of setting goals and targets for employees to ensure clarity and success. Quarterly one-on-one meetings (00:21:25) The value of regular one-on-one meetings with employees to build relationships and open communication. Employee benefits and incentives (00:24:28) The importance of providing benefits, including PTO, retirement programs, and other incentives to attract and retain talent. Succession planning and family involvement (00:31:26) Challenges and conversations around succession planning, especially involving family members in the business. Learning from Past Generations (00:35:20) The impact of witnessing previous generational struggles on the decision-making process for succession planning. Conflict and Communication (00:35:56) The necessity of conflict and open communication in changing ideas and thoughts for successful business succession. Challenges of Taking Over (00:36:45) The challenges faced when taking over a family business with zero financial support. Financial Responsibility (00:37:03) The impact of leaving a child with financial responsibility and debt after taking over a family business. Importance of Planning (00:37:29) The importance of planning and the consequences of not having a solid financial plan for the future of the business.
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/ 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 (X): https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -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
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By carmcapriotto
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Dr. John Passante and Dr. Thomas Litzinger, titans of the automotive aftermarket industry, steer through the intricacies of professional development and organizational strategies. Some key takeaways: Innovation is non-negotiable, education is critical, and leadership makes the difference. Dr. John Passante is a legacy automotive aftermarket Human Resource professional and the President and CEO of The Organizational Development Group. John’s other episodes HERE. Dr. Thomas Litzinger, Chair of the University of the Aftermarket at Northwood University. Show Notes
Leadership 2.0 (00:02:48) Discussion about the educational programs offered by the University of the Aftermarket at Northwood University. The importance of being a lifelong learner (00:04:14) The significance of being a lifelong learner in the automotive aftermarket industry and personal experiences related to learning. Right to Repair Legislation (00:11:01) The fight to secure data access for vehicle owners and independent repair shops, and the introduction of the right to repair legislation. Leadership development and scholarships for service professionals and technicians (00:16:09) The University's efforts to provide leadership development opportunities and scholarships for service professionals and technicians in the industry. The human spirit (00:18:46) The boundless human potential and the importance of collective effort and positive attitude. Legacy and teamwork (00:19:42) The impact of the human spirit, legacy, and teamwork in achieving common goals. Leadership and culture (00:21:42) The conversation shifts to the importance of culture and leadership in the workplace, emphasizing the value of nurturing and developing employees. Professional development (00:22:17) The need for professional technicians to receive training in financial acumen and leadership for their success. Retirement and personal growth (00:23:26) Speaker 2 shares his post-retirement activities, including executive coaching and writing children's books, emphasizing the importance of continuous personal growth. Leadership 2.0 program (00:24:33) Employee satisfaction and development (00:28:20) The importance of contributing to the life satisfaction of team members through organizational culture and training and development programs. Industry storytelling and leadership (00:31:13) The conversation ends with a focus on industry storytelling, leadership, and the significance of the automotive aftermarket.
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care 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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By carmcapriotto
Industry experts discuss the future of the automotive industry, focusing on training, technology, and business strategies. They explore the importance of simplifying communication, utilizing video content for customer education, and the benefits of in-person versus virtual training. The panel also discusses the challenges of management training and the need for a holistic approach to business issues, emphasizing collaboration and a positive company culture. The episode provides insights into adapting to economic changes and fostering industry growth through shared knowledge and experiences. Matt Fanslow, Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN, Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z Podcast Hunt Demarest, CPA, Paar Mellis and Associates, Business by the Numbers Podcast Kim and Brian Walker, Shop Marketing Pros, Auto Repair Marketing Podcast Chris Cotton, AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching, Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz Podcast Show Notes: Impact of COVID on business (00:02:37) Analysis of the impact of COVID on business performance and consumer behavior. Economic indicators and business mindset (00:06:40) Discussion of economic indicators, including credit card delinquencies, and the importance of mindset in business performance. Influence of external information (00:11:01) The impact of external information on mindset and decision-making within the industry. Proactive vs. Reactive business approach (00:13:35) The importance of a proactive approach and avoiding a reactive mindset in business management. The importance of long-term perspective (00:15:28) Discussing the need to take a step back and wait for trends to play out before making reactive changes. The impact of timing and consumer confidence (00:15:42) Exploring the delayed impact of business decisions and the importance of considering consumer confidence in financial planning. Dealing with business cycles and financial pressures (00:18:03) Understanding the impact of property taxes and the need to avoid overreacting to short-term financial fluctuations. Planning for financial obligations and cash flow (00:19:17) Discussing the importance of planning for taxes and managing cash flow to avoid financial stress. Balancing long-term trends and short-term anomalies (00:19:38) Emphasizing the need to focus on longer-term business trends and avoid getting caught up in short-term fluctuations. Consumer confidence and economic impact (00:20:53) Analyzing the influence of consumer perception and economic factors on business decisions. The importance of video marketing (00:24:05) Highlighting the significance of video content in marketing strategies and encouraging businesses to embrace video marketing. Community involvement and communication (00:29:02) Exploring the value of community engagement and face-to-face communication in marketing efforts. The customer's questions (00:29:56) The importance of answering customer's questions through video and blog content. Technology and future training (00:31:32) Trends in training, including in-person and virtual options, and the need for diverse training methods. Training workforce and team culture (00:33:06) Discussion on the training workforce, the importance of team culture, and the impact of training on company culture. Commitment to training (00:37:39) The commitment of independent shop owners to training and the challenges in getting employees to participate. Virtual training and lunch and learn (00:40:55) The increase in virtual training and the implementation of lunch and learn sessions with virtual trainers. Business management and training (00:42:07) Comparison of business management to car repair, addressing the need for a holistic approach to business issues.
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/ 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 (X): https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -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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