Your Business Playbook: Strategy, Data, and Accountability [RR 1041]
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Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?
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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
Want a real marketing plan that doesn’t live in your head or on a bunch of sticky notes?
In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Kim Walker is joined by Caroline Legrand and Savannah Garrett to talk all things Plan With the Pros Shop Marketing Pros’ hands-on, no-fluff marketing workshop designed to help shop owners create a full-year strategy they’ll use.
You’ll hear how last year’s event helped shops ditch the chaos and build real, actionable plans from big-picture budget planning to week-by-week content ideas. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining what you’ve already got, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what to expect, what you’ll walk away with, and why West Point is the perfect backdrop for this kind of transformative work.
Packed with insights, personal stories, and plenty of laughs, this episode is your sneak peek into a game-changing experience for your business.
Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you with this episode. RepairPal’s Certified Network of shops is trusted by millions of customers each month. Learn more at
RepairPal.com/shops.
Are you ready to convert clients to members? App Fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for professional auto repair businesses. Visit Appfueled.com to get started today. Keep your shop top of mind on the mobile device they love.
Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
Plan With The Pros
Get In Touch With the Guest:
Savannah Garrett
Meet The Team Schmidt Auto Care
Show Notes with Timestamps
Introduction and Welcome (00:00:10) Kim Walker introduces the podcast and guests, discussing the "Plan with the Pros" event. Event Overview (00:02:19) Discussion on the inception and goals of the "Plan with the Pros" event, blending retreat and workshop elements. Savannah's Experience (00:05:13) Savannah Garrett shares her motivation for attending the event, highlighting the importance of marketing in her role. Networking Importance (00:06:09) The value of networking with peers in the industry and sharing marketing strategies is emphasized. Marketing Plans Discussion (00:09:19) Savannah discusses her existing marketing plans and areas where she sought improvement during the event. Collaboration Insights (00:12:14) The benefits of collaboration among shop owners and sharing successful marketing ideas are highlighted. Event Hosting Benefits (00:12:57) Savannah discusses hosting events for community engagement and how it enhances shop visibility and reputation. Camaraderie and Learning (00:15:08) Savannah reflects on the camaraderie experienced at the event and the valuable marketing tactics learned. Building Relationships (00:15:32) Discussion on the importance of relationships and collaboration among women in the automotive industry. Mentorship and Growth (00:17:04) Reflections on mentoring young professionals and the influence of women leaders in the industry. Inclusivity in Events (00:19:38) Announcement of opening the "Plan with the Pros" event to all genders after a female-only event last year. West Point Venue Experience (00:21:03) Insights on choosing West Point as a venue and its significance for the upcoming event. Unique Experience at West Point (00:24:05) Personal reflections on the beauty and history of West Point, enhancing the event experience. Camaraderie in Unique Locations (00:25:06) Discussion on how destination events foster deeper connections and meaningful conversations. Setting the Tone for Success (00:26:20) The importance of the venue in creating an environment conducive to productivity and success. Personal Connection to West Point (00:28:36) Sharing personal stories and connections to West Point, emphasizing its historical significance. Unexpected Takeaways (00:29:23) Exploration of surprises and key insights from the event, particularly for new marketers. Marketing to Your Audience (00:30:39) Savannah shares her biggest takeaway on the importance of targeting specific audiences in marketing. Understanding Customer Avatars (00:31:43) Kim emphasizes the need for attendees to leave with a clear understanding of their customer profiles. Networking Benefits (00:33:11) Discussion on the value of networking and maintaining connections post-event through a Facebook group. Flexibility in Marketing Plans (00:36:19) Caroline discusses the importance of having a fluid marketing plan that adapts to changing circumstances. Evaluating Marketing Success (00:36:46) The speakers highlight the need to assess what marketing strategies are effective and worth continuing. Event Logistics and Support (00:39:24) Caroline outlines what attendees can expect from the "Plan with the Pros" event, including support and networking. Final Thoughts on Learning (00:41:01) Savannah encourages attendees to stay open to learning, regardless of their current marketing expertise.
How To Get In Touch
Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook
Meet The Pros
Follow SMP on Facebook
Follow SMP on Instagram
Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book
Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto
Thanks to our partner Promotive
Key Takeaways:
Effective Labor Rate [E128]: https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/episode/128
Thanks to our partner, Promotive
It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
Email Hunt: [email protected]
Text Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413
Download a Copy of My Books Here:
Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop
The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto https://remarkableresults.biz/
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto
July’s here, and while the calendar might look quiet, your marketing shouldn’t be! In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Brian Walker and Caroline Legrand share real strategies to keep your shop top of mind and your bays full during the summer slowdown.
From summer travel prep and college car check-ins to back-to-school drives and fun offbeat holidays like Chicken Wing Day and Tattoo Day, this episode is packed with creative, low-effort ways to stay connected with your community.
You’ll also learn how to use slower days to plan, boost team morale, and build content that connects.
Hit play, get inspired, and keep that summer momentum rolling! ☀️
Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for this episode. RepairPal will introduce your shop to new customers through repairpal.com, the largest site for auto repair. Learn more at
RepairPal.com/shops.
Declined repairs don’t have to be lost revenue. AppFueled’s call center schedules follow-up calls and equips your team with everything they need to close the deal. Get started now at appfueled.com
Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
July Social Media Content Topics
Days of the Year
National Calendar
Show Notes with Timestamps
Preparing for July Marketing (00:00:25) Discussion on the importance of planning marketing strategies for July, focusing on themes like freedom and summer safety. Engaging with the Community (00:01:10) Emphasis on keeping customers engaged during a slow month and using social media effectively. Back to School Promotions (00:02:04) Importance of early planning for back-to-school promotions and community involvement in school supply drives. Vehicle Maintenance for College Students (00:03:22) Encouraging vehicle check-ups for college students returning home for summer before heading back to school. Utilizing CRM for Client Communication (00:04:40) Using customer relationship management tools to remind clients about vehicle maintenance for college students. Busy Summer Months (00:05:26) Advice on managing busy summer months and scheduling maintenance during slower periods in August and September. Summer Safety and Vehicle Maintenance (00:06:37) Highlighting the importance of vehicle safety checks during the hot summer months. Creative Marketing Ideas for July (00:07:08) Suggestions for fun marketing content ideas, including engaging with technicians during slower days. National Days and Events (00:09:09) Discussion on leveraging national days and events for creative marketing strategies in July. Community Engagement through Sports (00:10:45) Using local sports events to engage the community and promote the shop through giveaways or themed events. Sponsorship Mention - RepairPal (00:11:27) Highlighting the benefits of being part of the RepairPal certified network for auto repair shops. Sponsorship Mention - App Fueled (00:12:26) Introduction to App Fueled and how it can enhance customer loyalty for auto repair shops. International Chicken Wing Day (00:13:29) Ideas for celebrating International Chicken Wing Day with team cookouts and social media engagement. Local Wing Joints (00:14:36) Discusses supporting local wing restaurants instead of chains and engaging with the community. Air Conditioning Appreciation Day (00:15:29) Highlights a creative marketing opportunity related to air conditioning services in July. 4th of July Promotions (00:15:42) Ideas for engaging with the community during Independence Day celebrations and events. National Workaholics Day (00:16:00) Celebrating dedicated employees who go above and beyond in their work. Social Media Trends (00:16:11) Explores a social media video trend showcasing employee arrival times at the shop. Father-Daughter Walk Day (00:17:30) Encourages sharing personal stories to build trust with customers through family connections. Food-Related National Days (00:18:08) Lists various food-themed days in July for potential marketing content. Collector Car Appreciation Day (00:18:43) Promotes showcasing unique collector cars that shops work on. Cheer Up the Lonely Day (00:19:56) Encourages shops to engage with lonely customers and give back to the community. National Tattoo Day (00:20:14) Engaging social media campaign idea involving employees’ tattoos and their meanings. National Ugly Truck Day (00:20:46) Celebrating unique or old trucks associated with the shop and creating engaging content. National Hire a Veteran Day (00:21:48) Showcasing and appreciating veteran employees within the shop. All or Nothing Day (00:22:13) A brainstorming prompt for creative marketing ideas related to repair orders. Campaign Ideas Discussion (00:22:49) Overview of social media campaign strategies for engaging customers. Engaging Summer Campaigns (00:23:40) Ideas for interactive summer-themed campaigns to connect with customers. Importance of Year-Round Marketing (00:24:53) Emphasizes consistent marketing efforts to maintain business during slow periods.
How To Get In Touch
Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook
Meet The Pros
Follow SMP on Facebook
Follow SMP on Instagram
Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book
Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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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
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/autorepairmarketingmastermindIn
To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.
Don't forget to rate and review us!
Connect with Chris:
AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching
www.autoshopcoaching.com
www.aftermarketradionetwork.com
940-400-1008
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
Email Chris: [email protected]
NO SHOW NOTES YET
The Aftermarket Radio Network
Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.
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.
The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
#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 partner Promotive
In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA of Paar Melis and Associates, explores the details behind what former President Trump is calling the "largest tax cut in U.S. history." What’s actually in the proposed bill? Will any of it pass Congress? And most importantly, what could it mean for auto repair shop owners and other small business operators?
Hunt unpacks what we know so far, what’s still uncertain, and how business owners can start thinking strategically. From potential expansions of the Child Tax Credit and QBI deduction to the controversial proposals of eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security, this episode covers the key elements that matter most.
Whether you’re looking to stay informed or proactively plan for future changes, this episode offers a grounded look at what’s on the table—and what’s likely to be left off.
Key Takeaways:
What’s included in the proposed 2025 tax cut and what’s still up for debate The current status of the Child Tax Credit, QBI deduction, bonus depreciation, and SALT deduction cap Potential elimination of taxes on Social Security income—and whether that’s realistic A breakdown of the proposed “Millionaire Tax” and its implications for high earners Why the talk of tax-free tips and overtime could create major planning opportunities for business owners
What shop owners need to watch for and how to prepare as legislative discussions continue
Thanks to our partner, Promotive
It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
Email Hunt: [email protected]
Text Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413
Download a Copy of My Books Here:
Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop
The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto https://remarkableresults.biz/
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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