Conference Planning Musts! [894]
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By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog0 commentsAuto shop owners are always looking for ways to improve production levels. They focus their attention on their technicians and require certain expectations of performance in billable labor hours. While technicians must know what is expected of them, they have a limited amount of control over production levels. When all factors are considered, the only thing a well-trained technician has control over is his or her actual efficiency.
As a review, technician efficiency is the amount of labor time it takes a technician to complete a job compared to the labor time being billed to the customer. Productivity is the time the technician is billing labor hours compared to the time the technician is physically at the shop. The reality is that a technician can be very efficient, but not productive if the technician has a lot of downtime waiting for parts, waiting too long between jobs, or poor workflow systems.
But let’s go deeper into what affects production in the typical auto repair shop. As a business coach, one of the biggest reasons for low shop production is not charging the correct labor time. Labor for extensive jobs is often not being billed accurately. Rust, seized bolts, and wrong published labor times are just a few reasons for lost labor dollars.
Another common problem is not understanding how to bill for jobs that require extensive diagnostic testing, and complicated procedures to arrive at the root cause for an onboard computer problem, electrical issue, or drivability issue. These jobs usually take time to analyze, using sophisticated tools, and by the shop’s top technician. Typically, these jobs are billed at a standard menu labor charge, instead of at a higher labor rate. This results in less billed labor hours than the actual labor time spent. The amount of lost labor hours here can cripple a shop’s overall profit.
Many shop owners do a great job at calculating their labor rate but may not understand what their true effective labor is, which is their labor sales divided by the total labor hours sold. In many cases, I have seen a shop that has a shop labor rate of over $150.00 per hour, but the actual effective labor rate is around $100. Not good.
Lastly, technician production can suffer when the service advisors are too busy or not motivated to build relationships with customers, which results in a low sales closing ratio. And let’s not forget that to be productive, a shop needs to have the right systems, the right tools and equipment, an extensive information system, and of course, great leadership.
The bottom line is this; many factors need to be considered when looking to increase production levels. While it does start with the technician, it doesn’t end there. Consider all the factors above when looking for ways to improve your shop’s labor production.
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By carmcapriotto
Meg Lewis, BJ’s Automotive Diagnostic Center, Belfast, ME, NAPA Auto Care Technician of the Year 2022. Carm and Meg discuss the shop's transition to a four-day workweek to promote work-life balance, the challenges of finding and retaining skilled technicians. Meg shares her experience as a female technician. They also discuss the need to change the perception of the automotive industry and attract more women. The episode concludes with a discussion on succession planning and the shop's community involvement
The decision to move to a four-day workweek (00:03:14) Meg discusses the idea of transitioning to a four-day workweek and the process of deciding which day to take off. The role of a diagnostician as a technology specialist (00:07:55) Carm suggests renaming the role of a diagnostician to a technology specialist, highlighting the importance of technology in automotive diagnostics. The collaboration between a technology specialist and a mechanical specialist (00:08:48) Carm and Meg discuss the complementary roles of a technology specialist and a mechanical specialist in automotive repair and the importance of their collaboration. Challenges with staffing during COVID-19 (00:10:02) The impact of COVID-19 on staffing, including layoffs, struggles to find new technicians, and the use of apprenticeship programs. The decision to pursue automotive technology (00:17:36) Meg discusses her early interest in working with cars and her decision to pursue automotive technology in high school and college. The importance of attracting more women to the automotive industry (00:18:09) Carm suggests changing the perception of the industry and highlights the unique traits that women can bring to the workplace. Overcoming physical challenges as a female technician (00:19:31) Meg talks about how she adapts and finds creative solutions to overcome physical challenges in her work as a female technician. Importance of communication in internal succession (00:27:14) The significance of regular and effective communication between the owner and the successor in a business's internal succession process. Thanks to our Partner, Dorman Products.
Dorman gives people greater freedom to fix vehicles by constantly developing new repair solutions that put owners and technicians first. Take the Dorman Virtual Tour at www.DormanProducts.com/Tour
Connect with the Podcast:
-Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: 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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By carmcapriotto
Aldo Gomez discusses the significance of self-understanding and acceptance in improving sales performance. Aldo shares his journey from being a service advisor to a sales trainer, emphasizing the importance of practicing presentation scripts and handling customer responses. He also differentiates between coaching for performance and development, highlighting the value of personal growth. Aldo reassures introverted individuals that they can be successful in sales and stresses the importance of a strong work ethic. Aldo Gomez, Business With Purpose, Sales Trainer, http://www.bwpcoach.com Show Notes:
Understanding and Accepting Yourself (00:01:48) Aldo discusses the importance of understanding and accepting oneself in sales training, particularly when it comes to delivering presentations and scripts. Practicing the Presentation (00:03:59) Aldo shares his personal experience of practicing the sales presentation in various locations, such as in front of a mirror and in the car, to become comfortable and natural with the script. Being a Better Listener (00:04:48) The script is not meant to oversell or undersell, but to give confidence and allow the salesperson to focus on being a better listener during interactions with customers. The struggle that got you to where you are (00:09:57) Aldo shares his experience of starting as a service advisor and the challenges he faced. The importance of being a good student (00:13:16) Carm and Aldo discuss the significance of being a good student and learning from experienced mentors. Reading and its benefits (00:16:18) Aldo talks about the importance of reading, how it develops the mind, and the impact it has on vocabulary and personal growth. The importance of being a better person for better performance (00:19:15) Coaching for performance focuses on making salespeople better individuals to improve their motivation and job performance. Embracing introversion in sales (00:20:06) Being an interesting introvert can be advantageous in sales, and it is better to focus on listening skills rather than being an exciting extrovert. The value of personalized and interactive training (00:21:16) The training provided by Aldo Gomez and Barry Barrett is unique because it is tailored to individuals or small groups, allowing for more personalized attention and overcoming shyness. They also use role play and review actual phone calls with customers for effective learning. The importance of being grateful for your job (00:28:04) Discussion on working as a service advisor and the benefits of the job. Aldo's journey from service advisor to sales trainer (00:28:57) Aldo's background and experience working in various jobs before becoming a sales trainer. Training for development and changing perspectives (00:31:08) The approach to sales training, focusing on personal development and changing perspectives to improve performance. Thanks to our Partner, Dorman Products.
Dorman gives people greater freedom to fix vehicles by constantly developing new repair solutions that put owners and technicians first. Take the Dorman Virtual Tour at www.DormanProducts.com/Tour
Connect with the Podcast:
-Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: 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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By carmcapriotto
Recorded Live at AAPEX 2023, Bill Hanvey and Paul McCarthy give insights into Right to Repair, what it takes to put on a massive show encompassing 2,600 exhibitors, and 46,000 buyers, and a recap of Magic Johnson's engaging keynote. In a recent study, by 2035 there could be a 54% decline in market share due to repair restrictions, translating to $92 Billion lost by the independent aftermarket. This issue is not just about the industry, but also about the consumers who rely on affordable and accessible auto services. Bill Hanvey, President and CEO of the Auto Care Association. Find Bill’s other episodes HERE. Paul McCarthy, President and CEO of MEMA (Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association). Find Paul’s other episodes HERE. Show Notes
The impact of Right to Repair (00:02:58) Bill Hanvey and Paul McCarthy discuss a study by Roland Berger that predicts a decline in market share for the independent aftermarket due to repair restrictions. The importance of grassroots efforts in right to repair (00:04:51) The role of grassroots efforts and listener engagement in gaining support for the Right to Repair bill. Exceeding pre-COVID numbers at AAPEX 2023 (00:11:42) Conversation about the number of exhibitors and buyers at AAPEX, and positive feedback received. The technology-driven automotive industry (00:12:46) Exploration of the automotive industry's shift towards technology, the importance of data, and the excitement and opportunities it brings. The breakfast panel for next year (00:19:10) Discussion about planning for the next year's breakfast panel and the constant effort to innovate the show. The larger show for next year (00:19:33) Announcement of a larger show for the next year with more space and exciting new technology and innovations. Magic Johnson's appearance (00:20:22) Conversation about how Magic Johnson was chosen as a speaker and his impressive presence and interactions with the audience. 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/ -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: 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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By carmcapriotto
Tom Palermo discusses the importance of continuous training for technicians, the increasing average age of vehicles, and his strategies for fostering a positive company culture and building strong customer relationships. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by electric vehicles and the importance of hands-on training.
Tom Palermo, Preferred Automotive Specialists in Philadelphia, PA. Tom's previous episodes HERE
Show Notes:
The current state of business at Palermo's (00:03:26) Tom Palermo discusses how busy his shop is and becoming the go-to shop for diagnostics. The increase in the average age of vehicles (00:04:07) Tom Palermo mentions that the average age of vehicles is still increasing due to inflationary times, as people are choosing to hold onto their cars longer to avoid car payments and increased insurance costs. Getting commitment from the team (00:05:08) Tom Palermo shares his strategy of leading from the front and actively participating in his own business to motivate his employees and create a family-like culture in the shop. Training and expanding services (00:06:28) Discussion on the benefits of cross-training technicians and expanding services to become a one-stop shop for customers. Creating a culture of learning and teamwork (00:08:03) Exploration of the importance of building a team environment, promoting culture, and providing training opportunities for technicians. Concerns and opportunities with electric vehicles (00:10:23) Conversation about consumer concerns and technician concerns regarding electric vehicles, as well as the need for businesses to adapt to the evolving automotive industry. The importance of continuous training (00:13:13) Discussion on the evolution of the automotive industry and the need for technicians and shop owners to continuously train and adapt to new technologies. The challenges of hands-on training (00:16:02) the need for hands-on training in the automotive industry and the effectiveness of learning through practical experience. Monitoring productivity and customer loyalty (00:18:16) Explanation of how monitoring productivity can be used as a training tool and the shift in customer behavior, from seeking diagnoses and getting repairs elsewhere to valuing a good shop. The value of relationships and trust (00:19:27) The importance of building relationships with customers and gaining their trust in the automotive industry. Customer relationship management strategies (00:20:28) Discussion about the various customer relationship management techniques used, including email blasts, follow-up phone calls, and special promotions for valued customers. Training for service advisors (00:25:04) The need for more training for service advisors in the automotive industry and the importance of standardized approaches to dealing with customers. Retention rate and treating employees like family (00:26:29) Conversation about the high retention rate of employees at Palermo's and their approach of treating employees like family. Creating a better work environment for technicians (00:28:34) Importance of providing a well-lit, air-conditioned, and well-equipped shop to improve technician productivity, safety, and job satisfaction. Thanks to our Partner, Dorman Products.
Dorman gives people greater freedom to fix vehicles by constantly developing new repair solutions that put owners and technicians first. Take the Dorman Virtual Tour at www.DormanProducts.com/Tour
Connect with the Podcast:
-Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: 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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Beyond the Paycheck: Prioritizing Shop Culture and Professionalism in the Automotive Industry
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