Are You Your Own Biggest Obstacle to Succeeding in the Auto Repair Business? [E192] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
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By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog0 commentsIt 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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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.
I’d like to give another shoutout to our sponsor, Shop Marketing Pros. They are the only marketing company I recommend, and they handle all of the marketing for my own shop as well. If you’re serious about growth, you need strategies that actually work: better websites, higher Google rankings, and ads that bring real customers through your doors.
Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great.
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 episode of "The Weekly Blitz," host Coach Chris Cotton opens up about his deeply personal journey with grief following the passing of his beloved wife Kimberly's mother on New Year's Eve. With heartfelt sincerity, he delves into the complex and often overwhelming stages of grief, sharing insights and reflections from his own experience. Chris emphasizes the crucial importance of being prepared for the inevitable reality of loss, introducing listeners to the "red envelope yellow envelope" concept. This thoughtful approach involves meticulously documenting essential information and end-of-life plans, ensuring that loved ones are not left in the dark during times of emotional turmoil.
Chris underscores the necessity of having those often uncomfortable yet vital conversations about end-of-life wishes and preparations. By addressing these topics head-on, individuals can significantly ease the burden on their families and friends, allowing them to focus on healing and remembrance rather than logistical challenges. Throughout the episode, Chris also touches on the emotional and spiritual dimensions of grief, offering guidance and support to those navigating similar paths.
He encourages listeners to prioritize self-care and preparedness, not only in their personal lives but also within their business endeavors. By fostering a mindset of readiness and resilience, individuals can better cope with the unpredictable nature of life and loss. Through his candid storytelling and practical advice, Coach Chris Cotton provides a compassionate and empowering message, reminding us all of the strength found in vulnerability and the peace that comes from being prepared.
Introduction to the Episode (00:00:01)
Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast and its focus on auto repair business insights.
Happy New Year Message (00:01:13)
Chris shares a New Year greeting and hints at personal challenges faced recently.
Discussion of Loss (00:02:29)
Chris reflects on the passing of Kimberly's mother and the impact on their family.
Red Envelope Yellow Envelope Concept (00:03:46)
Importance of planning for unexpected events is emphasized through personal experiences.
The Emotional Toll of Grief (00:06:50)
Chris describes the emotional reactions and support needed during grief.
Organizing Affairs for Loved Ones (00:08:18)
Advice on preparing personal and business affairs to ease burdens on family.
The Stages of Grief (00:10:27)
Chris outlines the stages of grief observed in Kimberly's reactions to loss.
Denial and Anger Stages (00:11:38)
Discussion of denial and anger stages in the grieving process.
Bargaining Stage of Grief (00:13:08)
Explains how bargaining manifests in thoughts of regret and "what if" scenarios.
Depression and Acceptance Stages (00:15:12)
Chris describes the transition between depression and acceptance in the grieving process.
Call to Action for Planning (00:16:28)
Encouragement to have plans in place for end-of-life situations to support loved ones.
Importance of Life Stories (00:17:47)
Chris stresses the need to document loved ones' life stories before it's too late.
Final Thoughts on Grief and Readiness (00:19:00)
Reflection on being spiritually and emotionally prepared for life's uncertainties.
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
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto
Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, and Today's Class Join Carm Capriotto and a panel of experts—Joe Marconi, Dan Buss, and Nick Salas—as they delve into the intricacies of selling your automotive repair business. This insightful episode covers everything from preparing your business for sale and understanding valuations to structuring deals and ensuring clean financials. Learn from seasoned shop owners about succession planning, transparent communication with employees, and navigating the emotional and professional challenges of ownership transitions. Whether it's asset vs. stock sales, working with valuation experts, or addressing staff concerns, this discussion equips you with the knowledge to maximize your business's value and ensure a smooth sale. Joe Marconi, Executive Council Member, Elite Worldwide. Auto Shop Owner. Joe’s Episodes HERE. Dan Buss, Elite Worldwide. Nick Sallas, Sallas Auto Repair, Kansas City Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Importance of Transparency (00:02:18) Joe Marconi on Readiness (00:03:13) Succession Planning (00:05:16) Successor Challenges (00:06:40) Selling Experience (00:08:11) Valuation Discussion (00:09:51) Multiple Valuation Explanation (00:10:37) Advice on Business Preparation (00:12:18) Challenges of Selling a Business (00:13:23) Cultural Implications of Cash Transactions (00:14:43) Building Generational Wealth (00:16:25) Understanding Succession Planning (00:17:03) Emergency Plans in Business (00:20:37) Importance of Professional Advisors (00:22:34) Emotional Impact of Selling a Business (00:28:43) Contracts for Key Employees (00:32:05) Transparency in Hiring (00:33:07) Interview Questions for Potential Hires (00:34:15) Structuring Business Sales (00:35:38) Maintaining a Business Plan (00:37:12) Dealing with Tire Kickers (00:38:04) Evaluating Business Offers (00:39:19) Importance of Clean Financials (00:40:22) Value of Independence in Business (00:41:21) Goals for Business Sellability (00:42:32) Preparation for Selling (00:43:08) Maximizing Business Value (00:43:54) Purpose and Succession Planning (00:45:26)
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
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By Joe Marconi
Years back, we did very little advertising. Fast forward to today, and we are seeing more and more auto repair shops using a marketing company.
Are you using a marketing company to help with advertising and marketing? How is that going? And what are the advantages?
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By Joe Marconi
Let me first say that I hate discounts! The more you understand your numbers, the more you will hate it too. My opinion.
BUT, I also know the reality of offering discounts to certain people.
Do you offer discounts to employee family members and/or a friend discount?
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By Zenoo
Hi my name is Zenas and I am 26 years old from Alberta, Canada. I started my own automotive repair shop in December 2023. After running it for 1 year I made a little bit of profit. I needed some advice on how I could increase it. Its a 3 bay shop with two 2 post hoists and one 4 post hoist with alignment. I am the only mechanic in the shop as I can't afford to hire anyone at this point. I am charging about $120 per hour for the labor and very minimal mark up on parts. The shop had no customer base when I got it so it took me sometime to build returning customers. If I try to increase the prices on parts the customers run away. Seems like they are calling around the city and going to the cheapest person. My monthly over head cost is about $7000. Whatever I make in a month goes back into next month's rent. Any advices on how to manage this properly from other shop owners?
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