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Stories from Gonzo's toolbox


Gonzo

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If you're in the business you more than likely have run across a few "not - so - level - headed" customers ... so have I. Instead of just standing around the water cooler/toolbox and tell these stories back and forth from one tech to another... I wrote them down.

 

My book, "HEY LOOK, I FOUND THE LOOSE NUT" was published last year and is now been introduced to the trade magazines. This is the latest one from AUTOBODY NEWS. I'll be doing a monthly column for them, and each month a different story from the book will be published. (the editor chose this story this month... he liked it...)

 

Each story is different from the last. They cover all aspects of situations that I have encountered over the years. Hysterically funny, and at the same time thought provoking stories.

 

This story isn't so much about a customer but about a situation we had with a customers car. It really happened, it really was a shock to find out what it was.

 

You can purchase a copy of my book from Amazon.com, or Gonzostoolbox.com, or Gossgarge.com. Check with your local book store, Borders can get it but not every store will have it in stock.

 

Great book for those times you only have a few minutes to read, and don't want to sit down for novel. Each story is only a few pages long... long enough for a laugh.

 

Enjoy the story, if you like it... let me know, I'll send more.... If you have a story let me know....

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Great funny story!

 

This convinced me...I'm ordering the book

Buy 2 copies Joe, that way when the customer is standing there wondering why you have this silly smirk on your face... just hand them the book... and say "Your in it...LOL"

 

Enjoy, I'll put another story up next month. Gonzo

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That is a great story.

So I take it you will like to see more of the same.... got lots of them ... LOL

 

Pick up a copy, heck, pick up more than one copy and pass them out to anyone you know in the biz... it's a good book to laugh at ourselves and the business we are in. I had a comment left at a post a few months ago .. but the writer didn't give their name... they said "It's amazing how the author caught the technicians view and how funny people look when they are out of their comfort zone." Obviously... the person doesn't have a clue that I'm not only the author... but the tech... LOL

 

Thanx for reading my story... But I'm sure you can imagine my surprise when I found the ass jolter under that seat... man o man.. what a shocker... LOL

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I will, I'll buy two. It's worth it. I may come by your shop to have you sign one for me. ok?

Sure no problem, order it from my web site and I can send them out autographed right from my desk... LOL

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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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