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The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) is accepting applications for the Gale Westerlund/Richard Cossette Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship, offered in conjunction with the Automotive Service Association (ASA), honor the contributions these individuals made to AMI, ASA and the collision repair industry.

 

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

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      It 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.
      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
      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.
      In this insightful podcast episode, Coach Chris Cotton delves into the evolving dynamics of auto repair shops by exploring the transition of technicians into service advisor roles. Initially harboring skepticism about this shift, Chris has become a strong advocate, recognizing the distinct advantages that technicians offer when they step into advisory positions. He emphasizes that their deep technical knowledge and adept problem-solving abilities can significantly enhance the customer experience.
      Chris underscores the critical role of comprehensive training and mentorship programs in equipping technicians with the necessary communication and interpersonal skills required for their new roles. He acknowledges common concerns, such as the potential depletion of technical talent on the shop floor and the financial implications of such transitions. However, he presents a compelling argument that elevating technicians to service advisor roles can lead to increased customer trust, improved shop efficiency, and ultimately, higher revenue.
      The episode, sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, serves as a call to action for shop owners to prioritize the growth and development of their employees. By investing in their workforce, shop owners can cultivate a more knowledgeable and versatile team, capable of driving the business forward in a competitive market. Chris's insights provide a roadmap for successfully navigating this transition, ensuring that both the shop and its employees thrive.
      Introduction to the Episode (00:00:19) Changing Perspectives on Technicians as Advisors (00:01:30) The Role of Technicians in Service (00:02:53) Personal Experience with Technicians (00:03:53) Staffing Challenges in Auto Repair (00:06:10) Understanding the Service Advisor Role (00:08:31) Why Technicians Make Great Advisors (00:09:41) Concerns About Transitioning Technicians (00:12:05) Training and Support for Technicians (00:16:46) Business Case for Promoting Technicians (00:17:42) Future Planning for Service Advisors (00:18:50) Recap and Call to Action (00:19:56)
      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
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      Welcome to 2025! As a new year begins, it’s time to start thinking about taxes. 
      For auto repair shop owners, understanding potential tax deductions is crucial for maximizing profitability. 
      This blog post will explore some common tax write-offs available to your business. It will help you keep more of your hard-earned money so you can achieve success!
       
      Understanding Deductible Expenses
      The IRS allows businesses to deduct “ordinary and necessary” expenses. 
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      Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
      This includes the direct costs associated with the parts you sell and install. 
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      The employer-paid portions of Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment taxes are also deductible, along with various employee benefits like health insurance and retirement plan contributions.
       
      Operational Expenses 
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      You can even deduct the fees paid to professionals and service providers such as accountants, lawyers, and other consultants for business-related services.
       
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      Depreciation deductions apply to equipment such as lifts, diagnostic tools, and other essential items used in your shop. 
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      Keep all invoices, receipts, and other relevant documentation organized. An online accounting system such as Quickbooks Online can help! 
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    • By marxautocenter
      Hello all,
       
       I'm currently the General Manager of a pre-owned vehicle sales and service center. The business has a great reputation in the community, and has done well for 35 years. The current owners are ready to retire and enjoy a life of less responsibilities. They have deemed me fit to take control, and are helping me out by carrying the note, with a good down payment of course. We are still working on the nuts and bolts of the deal, and it has me thinking of all the avenues I could pursue in the future. Which leads to my question, should I continue to sell cars, or just focus on service? I know I'm not giving much information, but I'm looking to hear from other owners who may have experience on both ends, on some pros and cons. I know the 2 segments are symbiotic, as sales gives us future service work, and service has the option of offering vehicles for sale when a service customers vehicle is deemed not worth repairing. 
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      Great customer base, minimal advertising in the 35 years of business. ARO is 426.20 currently, and we average around 2000 RO's annually in the last 4-5 years. 
       
      I know I'm not providing enough information, but I can update when more becomes available.
       
      Thanks in advance!
       
       
       
       


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