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Scheduling work?

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CARMandP Proficient

CARMandP

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How do you guys schedule work? I have been struggling for months to get the right balance between having enough work and having too much. Most of the time, I too much work to do and can't keep up with what is already here. Does anyone have any pointers for me (this one man band) on how to properly schedule work.

Joe Marconi Grand Master

Joe Marconi

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How do you guys schedule work? I have been struggling for months to get the right balance between having enough work and having too much. Most of the time, I too much work to do and can't keep up with what is already here. Does anyone have any pointers for me (this one man band) on how to properly schedule work.

 

When you say you are a one man band, does this mean you work alone? Also, how many bays do you have?

 

Scheduling correctly is a delicate balance and largely depends on how large your shop is, manpower, type of work you do and the amount of walk-in trade you get.

 

Give us a little more info so we can help.

CARMandP Proficient

CARMandP

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I am the only one working here. Its just me to answer the phones, do the work and test drives, and so on. I have a 2 bay garage (one bay with the lift and the other bay with an alignment machine) As far as work, its whatever comes through the door. I do 99% of my work by appointment because I am the only one doing the work.

Joe Marconi Grand Master

Joe Marconi

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I am the only one working here. Its just me to answer the phones, do the work and test drives, and so on. I have a 2 bay garage (one bay with the lift and the other bay with an alignment machine) As far as work, its whatever comes through the door. I do 99% of my work by appointment because I am the only one doing the work.

 

In your situation, you will no doubt go nuts on a daily basis. But, how long can you keep that up? I did the same thing when I first started and finally crashed one day and I was in really bad shape, both emotionally and physically.

 

You need to think to the future and hire people. Take your time and look for a qualified B tech; someone who can generate income while you are doing the rest. In time, hire another tech tech. Always think about expanding and growing. You can't do that without good people around you.

 

Take it for what it's worth, I have been in business for 30 years and now have 2 facilities and nearly 20 people working for me. It’s a long and slow process but you need to think about it.

 

Sorry I got off topic about scheduling, but I felt this is all related and more important.

CARMandP Proficient

CARMandP

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Thank you for the advice. I know without a doubt that I will have to have employees to help me. The problem is my garage is at my house (no room for expansion) and this area is so expensive to buy and build/or even rent that I can't justify the cost yet. I don't want to turn wrenches the rest of my life. I love what I do but I don't want to be 30 yrs into this business with nothing to show for it but a busted body and no room for improvement...

Joe Marconi Grand Master

Joe Marconi

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Thank you for the advice. I know without a doubt that I will have to have employees to help me. The problem is my garage is at my house (no room for expansion) and this area is so expensive to buy and build/or even rent that I can't justify the cost yet. I don't want to turn wrenches the rest of my life. I love what I do but I don't want to be 30 yrs into this business with nothing to show for it but a busted body and no room for improvement...

 

I see your dilemma, you will need to choose a path in life that makes you happy and earn a decent wage, without the worry about the physical exhaust related to what you are doing now. Maybe with the help of ASO you can gather ideas and put a game plan together. Check out my blog if you want some insight on how I expanded and overcame many of the issues a lot of us have in this business.

CARMandP Proficient

CARMandP

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Where might I find that info Joe? Can you give me a good link to your blog. Would love to read about how someone else did what I am trying to do.

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart
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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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