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Joe Marconi
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Gonzo Grand Master

Gonzo

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Thanks for confidence in me. I made a pledge to myself this year to get more involved in the political arena. ASO members such as you have helped me greatly in understanding the needs and the frustration of the typical shop owner. I will continue to fight for our rights, but I need your comments and opinions.

 

ASO will become the greatest source of automotive shop management information, worldwide!

 

The battle continues. I get the impression that the legislation doesn't really understand the battle we are up against. And, it doesn't help much when ASA doesn't see the problem. I know what they are saying..."all the info is available, and that lack of proper training is the problem." granted, that's true... in a way. But, when you consider the fact that the information provided don't exactly have "complete" information... such as, if you looked up on the information page for something to do inside a door the only info given to start the procedure is; "remove door panel" Do they not know that that IS not complete information. Some of these door panels ... IF.. you are not careful, can break beyond repair if taken off the wrong way. I'm only using that as an example... there is a lot more different types of repair procedures I could mention.

 

I know on some procedures everything is there, right down to which bolts should be removed. The problems is that NOT all the procedures are there. When I was a kid, I would go down to my dad's work area and sit and look thru the old 40' and 50's repair manuals. Everything you needed to know was there, even pictures of how to do the repair. But, that's not the case today with all the so called "secrets" that the manufacturer doesn't want to share. These are things that get you and I into trouble.

 

The way I see it... the information that is available is like a hang man's noose. Just enough info to hang yourself but not enough to properly do a job. If that's what ASA is referring too... I would have to say they are absolutely full of it. If things don't change, and we as the true independent.... decent shops in the nation... we would have to have such a HUGE hourly labor charge to compensate for the cost of buying these proper scanning equipment and proper information... people, our customers would be forced to go back to the dealer merely because we would be too expensive.

 

Buying all the neccessary equipment at the cost of these individual manufacturers is entirely impossible. Now, if you just wanted to make a living changing starters and brake pads... I guess you could get buy. But, that's not me... I'm a specialty shop that does mainly electronics... and the cost for me... is completely going to put me out of business.

 

This is MY main concern... these legisatures don't see this... they obviously don't understand the plight we are in. You know, if they passed some stupid A&& law where ALL indepedent shops including tire shops were forced to close for one week or even a day... the dealerships could not handle the load. It would be complete caos.

 

I found out last week that the SAAB dealer in town doesn't even service their own convertible tops... they don't even have the diagnostic procedures for them... I asked, "Well, what do you do with them." Their answer, "We send them out to a convertible top shop." I called that shop... they don't have the procedures either.... they do it the all fashion way.... GUESS... and keep changing trip switches and components till it works... and pass the cost of all that back to the customer... NOW WHO'S SCREWED! ! !

 

Let's hope that something is done to wake up America to whats going on with their cars and trucks that we are so dependent on. The independent shop is here to stay as far as I'm concerned... We just have to make sure the ones that are making all the laws understand what's going on. I'm hoping this industry doesn't end up like the mom and pop grocery store or the milkman that delivered to your door. This has got to stop, this has got to be fixed... and soon.

Ori Newbie

Ori

Posted
Posted

Here is a link to the hearing Joe spoke at.

 

Joe, your testimony is at about 1 hour, 50 minutes.

 

We got a notice from a vendor about an assembly woman from New York who is against the Right to Repair Act. Everyone should call her office and voice their opinion on the importance of this bill. She is the Chairman of the Assembly Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee.

 

Audrey Pheffer

Bill A6634

Right to Repair Act

(718)641-8755

 

You don't have to live in New York to call, and it would also be a great idea to pass this along to your customers to have them call as well. In addition you should check out and send out the link to righttorepair.org

Gonzo Grand Master

Gonzo

Posted
Posted

Here is a link to the hearing Joe spoke at.

 

Joe, your testimony is at about 1 hour, 50 minutes.

 

We got a notice from a vendor about an assembly woman from New York who is against the Right to Repair Act. Everyone should call her office and voice their opinion on the importance of this bill. She is the Chairman of the Assembly Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee.

 

Audrey Pheffer

Bill A6634

Right to Repair Act

(718)641-8755

 

You don't have to live in New York to call, and it would also be a great idea to pass this along to your customers to have them call as well. In addition you should check out and send out the link to righttorepair.org

 

I watched the entire video ... I can't understand how these people think we have access to all that information. I'm totally blown away with the guy who owned the dealership and said he has had no problems getting the information... That guy should have brought one of his techs along and let him tell you about that so called... "complete information"

 

The comments that really struck home were the comments from Rick Peak and our own Joe Marconi... If there was a way I could have been there I doubt you could have kept me in my seat... I wanted to chear you guys on and let those people know what we all have been saying for years.

 

Thanx for posting the video... Way to go guys... excellent speeches... now, let's keep it moving and get these changes made.

Gonzo Grand Master

Gonzo

Posted
Posted

The video tells it all. There WERE times that I wanted to jumped out of my seat and confront these people one to one.

This is a very tough issue and very emotional to me now that I see how the "other side" thinks and how they perceive us.

Please, everyone, watch this video and pass it on. The shop owners of this country need to know the master plan that has been created by the car maker to put us under.

 

I will not allow this to happen! But I need your help. I need each and everyone to be angry, make those phone calls, be active and support the Right To Repair Act.

Joe Marconi

 

 

Posted the video on my Facebook page...

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Technician Shortage Is Our Fault, And It's Time We Own It
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
         0 comments
      The Technician Shortage Is Our Fault, And It's Time We Own It
      Nearly every day, I hear shop owners complain: "There's a technician shortage. We can't find qualified people. There's no one out there." If that's true, then who's to blame?
      The industry? The schools? The government? I don't know how you feel, but who promised us an endless supply of qualified technicians?
      Another common complaint is that young people do not want to work in the trades. Well, if that were true, then why are other trades such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing growing? What are they doing that the automotive industry is not? 
      Here's the reality we need to face: We do have a problem, but we shouldn't look for someone or any entity to rescue us. Not the government. Not the trade schools. Not the recruiting companies. No one owes us a workforce. If we want great people in our industry, it's up to us. At some point, we need to own up to the truth: Building a pipeline of qualified technicians is our responsibility.
      In this blog article, I will break down the key reasons we are in this situation today and what we, as an industry, can do to solve the technician shortage. Are you ready to look in the mirror?
      Have We Pushed Technicians Away?
      Let's take a look at flat-rate pay. True flat rate, which pays a technician only for the hours they produce, is a controversial pay plan that emphasizes high production levels and creates a competitive work environment that, if not properly controlled, can lead to increased mistakes and a decline in morale and team spirit. Additionally, the stress and physical demands placed on technicians as they age are not favorable to long-term employee retention. What do we do with technicians as they grow older into their fifties and begin to slow down? 
      I have heard all the arguments and pros and cons of flat-rate pay, and I am not going to judge any pay plan. Let the facts speak for themselves. True flat rate has changed in most areas around the country and has evolved into a pay plan that gives technicians some pay guarantee.
      Many shop owners have learned that team morale, along with the opportunity to earn income, is important to technicians and to the company's long-term success. But let me ask you: how many technicians have left or been pushed out over the years because of the old flat-rate pay system?
      Another issue is the workplace environment. I remember being grateful to be hired as a young technician at a local repair shop. While very thankful, the work environment was not ideal. The shop owner kept the bay doors open year-round (I am from New York) unless it rained or snowed. He felt that if the bay doors were closed, customers might think we were closed for business. We had no heat and no hot water. Many of the jobs were done outside, year-round,  in all types of weather. The starting pay was minimum wage, with no benefits, sick days, or vacation pay. 
      Now, again, I need to point out that I was truly grateful for the opportunity this shop owner gave me. I learned a lot working there, and the experience was pivotal in my career. But looking back, I wonder how many people were discouraged by these working conditions?
      While the physical demands of the repair workplace are daunting, perhaps even more critical is the culture. Too many of my generation shop owners preached the mindset of "my way or the highway." We were the business owners, after all. We started our companies, took all the risks, and provided jobs. Why shouldn't we be the ones to set the ground rules our way?   
      Many of us found over the years that the "my way or the highway" mentality was a sure way to isolate employees and make them more likely to look over the fence for greener grass. In other words, it led many technicians to seek employment elsewhere, where they felt they could be appreciated and recognized for their hard work. The issue, however, was that there wasn't much green grass around. Disappointment after disappointment, bouncing from repair to repair shop, eventually led to despair. So, I ask you: were workplace conditions a contributing factor in today's technician shortage?
      Another factor that we are all well aware of is the complexity of the modern automobile. When I started, the work was mostly physical, and you were required to master essentially three vehicle models: General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. Let's fast-forward to today. The evolution of automotive technology, along with the extensive training and tools required, has outpaced the typical technician's pay compensation, with no clear career path. Again, leading to frustration and insecurity about the future.
      Here is the bottom line: people don't leave their job; they leave their experience. We must do a better job. 
      The News Isn't all Bad; Your Next Steps to Fix the Technician Shortage
      To fix the technician shortage, it will take a combined effort from everyone in the automotive industry, particularly automotive shop owners. Shop owners are in the perfect position to make the greatest impact, not only on their businesses but also on the future automotive workforce.
      First, shop owners must become better leaders and understand that their ultimate success is directly dependent on the people they assemble around them. Any shop owner who mistakenly believes they can build an empire solely on their abilities is destined for serious disappointment. Business owners who think like this will eventually plateau. Without the collective contributions from a team of qualified people, your business will stall; it will not continue to grow.
      Create a workplace that attracts top talent: a clean, professional, well-equipped facility designed to support productivity, teamwork, and a career, not just a job. Build a great reputation in your community by getting involved locally. Become the auto repair shop that people take notice of as "the" place to work.
      Next, shop owners must become more financially knowledgeable. Knowing your numbers and what you need to achieve for a strong bottom-line profit is essential to paying technicians the money they need and deserve. Profit will also allow you to compete with other trade industries by providing a benefits package that has real take-home value and security.
      When it comes to culture, this is where the rubber hits the road. People crave recognition, praise, and a sense of purpose. Despite what you hear, people are not just money-motivated. Once people feel secure in their financial situation, retaining and motivating technicians can only be achieved by connecting with them on an emotional level. You cannot show enough appreciation. Give out praise for a job well done as if your business depended on it, because it does.
      As technicians age, we need to have a place for them. Expecting a 58-year-old to perform like a 35-year-old is unrealistic. We need to be more focused on career pathing. Provide training, skill development, and coaching to develop leaders and mentors within our older workforce. While their bodies may have slowed, the knowledge they have gained is priceless. 
      Our future is dependent on young people entering our industry. We need to give more young people opportunities. Every shop owner across the country should consider hiring an apprentice, then build an apprentice training plan and career path for them. If every shop did this, we could solve the technician shortage within five years. Get involved with the trade schools and high schools in your area. Look into the NAPA Apprenticeship Program. Don't sit on your hands with this one. Do it today.
      Lastly, don't get left behind. Commit to ongoing training for all your employees. Keep up to date with tools and equipment tailored to your business model. Don't try to be all things to all people and all vehicles. Identify your core profile customer and the vehicles they drive, and become an expert on those vehicles and the services you offer.

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