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Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?
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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 carmcapriotto
Explore the challenges and benefits of mobile mechanics, Jesse's future ambitions for a physical shop, and the value of mentorship in the automotive industry. Jesse explains his transition to full-time mobile work, his marketing strategies, and customer service approach. He also touches on the logistics of mobile operations, from tools to working in various locations. Jesse Matthews, Matthews Mobile Mechanic LLC
Show Notes
Jesse's Journey to Full-Time (00:00:01) Jesse's transition from working at a dealership to becoming a full-time mobile mechanic, his plans for the future, and his marketing strategies. Marketing and Business Growth (00:06:27) Jesse's use of Facebook and Google pay-per-click ads for marketing, his website, and search engine optimization (SEO) strategies. Customer Interactions and Challenges (00:11:15) Jesse's approach to customer interactions, including explaining his services, handling customer preferences for parts, and overcoming hurdles in his business. Mobile Mechanic Operations (00:12:07) Jesse's use of a Ford Explorer for his mobile mechanic operations, his tools, and the challenges he faces with vehicle inspections. Building a Customer Base (00:15:31) Jesse's efforts to qualify customers, work with a mentor group, and his future plans to transition to a brick-and-mortar shop. Jesse's Start-up Journey (00:16:47) Jesse discusses the support he received from his wife and the challenges of starting his mobile mechanic business. Setting Rates and Business Growth (00:18:02) Jesse talks about starting his rates, increasing them, and the value he provides as a mobile mechanic. Expanding Business and Future Plans (00:21:37) Jesse shares his plans for a brick-and-mortar location and hiring a part-time assistant. Diversifying Services (00:23:09) Discussion on the potential of offering pickup and delivery services and adapting to changes in work styles. Starting with Why (00:24:27) The importance of having a strong reason for starting a business and personal growth in entrepreneurship. Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX and NAPA TRACS Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR 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/ -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
Can a break-up be the catalyst for an entrepreneurial leap? Find out during Shawn Gilfillan's 20 questions in 30 minutes episode! Shawn also discusses the importance of a strong business culture, mentorship, and the joy of hobbies like aviation. Shawn shares strategies for managing gross margins and the significance of client experience. Shawn Gilfillan, Automotive Magic, Kenvil and Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Shawn’s previous episodes HERE Show Notes
Automotive Magic (00:00:17) Shawn Gilfillan discusses the founding of Automotive Magic on April Fool's Day in 2003. Life Calibration (00:00:41) Shawn talks about his work with Chris Lawson and the high-performance team coaching program at Life Calibration. Life Calibration: From Burnout to Balance [THA 348]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a348/ Mentorship and Self-Development (00:04:54) Shawn discusses the impact of mentors and self-development in his journey as a shop owner. Hobbies (00:06:10) Shawn talks about his hobbies, including aviation. Motivation and Business Culture (00:07:46) Shawn shares his motivation for getting up in the morning and discusses how he creates opportunities for others to thrive and elevates their performance. Advice and Fear (00:11:49) Shawn shares advice on overcoming fear and empowering employees as an owner/CEO. Book Recommendation (00:13:13) Shawn recommends "Hero on a Mission" by Donald Miller and discusses its impact on his perspective as a business owner. Building Business Culture (00:14:50) Shawn discusses the challenges and importance of building a strong business culture from the top down. Culture and Team Dynamics (00:15:40) Discussion on creating a positive work culture and building a cohesive team. Leadership and Vision (00:16:29) The importance of establishing a vision and values from the start, and involving the team in maintaining the culture. Client Experience and Relationship Building (00:19:36) Strategies for understanding and meeting client needs, and building strong client relationships. Adaptability and Change (00:20:47) The significance of embracing change and adapting to business challenges. Leadership Crisis and Team Support (00:21:00) Dealing with unexpected managerial crises and the importance of team support. Personal Development and Skills (00:23:14) The desire for new skills and personal development, such as learning magic tricks. Business Management and Gross Margin (00:24:14) Strategies for managing gross margin and keeping front-end operations efficient. Car Count and Scheduling (00:25:35) Strategies for managing car count, scheduling, and maintaining workflow in the shop. Future Reservations and Client Commitment (00:27:21) The importance of setting future reservations and ensuring client commitment to scheduled appointments. Leadership Communication (00:29:17) Encouraging a shift in language and communication to emphasize the importance of future reservations. Hiring and Relationships (00:30:12) Discussion on hiring and relationships in the workplace, including the impact of personal relationships on work performance. Dream Car (00:31:37) Shawn's dream car and the enjoyment he derives from it. Opening a New Shop (00:32:11) The three important needs for opening a new shop: location, good people, and effective marketing. Marketing Strategy (00:32:33) The success of giving away the first hundred oil changes for free as a marketing strategy. Firing a Customer (00:33:52) A recent incident of firing a customer due to their attitude and behavior at the shop.
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/ -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 champtires
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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, Coach Chris Cotton and Coach Al Anderson discuss the auto repair industry. Anderson, a shop owner, shares his journey from auto technician to shop foreman, and eventually independent shop owner. He talks about the challenges and successes he has experienced, the importance of fair pricing, and the benefits of fleet work. The coaches also discuss the importance of continuous learning and coaching in the industry. Anderson shares his insights on the transition towards electric vehicles and hybrids, and the impact of this shift on the industry. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of adapting to market changes.
Coach Al Anderson's background and experience (00:04:29) Coach Al shares his journey in the automotive industry, from attending automotive school to becoming a shop foreman and eventually starting his own independent shop. The struggle of maintaining fair prices (00:10:49) Discussion on the challenges faced by auto shops in maintaining fair prices while competing with dealerships charging higher rates. Benefits and challenges of fleet work (00:12:41) Exploration of the advantages and cyclical nature of fleet work for auto repair shops, along with the importance of providing excellent service to fleet customers. The importance of continuous education and coaching (00:15:31) Explanation of why business owners in the auto repair industry should seek guidance from coaches and engage in continuous education to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry. The Original All Stars of Auto Shop Marketing (00:20:04) This topic discusses the importance of partnering with the original shop marketing pros who understand the nuts and bolts of marketing in the auto repair shop industry. Why Choose Coach Al Anderson? (00:21:32) Coach Al Anderson explains his unique background and experience in growing successful businesses, offering insights and strategies to help auto shop owners avoid common mistakes and take their businesses to the next level. Insights on the Industry and Government Regulations (00:27:19) Coach Al Anderson shares his perspective on the automotive industry, past government regulations, and how consumer demand ultimately shapes the market, including the current trend towards electric cars. Electric Vehicle Transition (00:29:07) Discussion on the shift towards electric vehicles and hybrids, including the challenges of range and charging stations, market changes, and government incentives. Market Shift and Manufacturer Responses (00:29:58) Exploration of the changing market dynamics, with flooded dealerships, price reductions, and manufacturers like Ford and Toyota adjusting their production based on customer demand. Future of Internal Combustion Engine (00:30:54) Debate on the future of the internal combustion engine, questioning whether it will completely disappear and the industry's gradual adaptation to hybrid and electric cars.
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
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto
Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HERE
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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