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Posted (edited)

Hi all,

 

I'm located in Advance, NC and just opened a new shop with a partner specializing in Mercedes Benz and other European makes. Both of us are Master techs with a combined 25 years experience. I have relieved myself of technician duties(hard to do, but after reading the E-Myth I realize it is needed). We have a 1,600 sq. ft air conditioned facilty located a mile from Interstate 40. So far we have been open for three months and are seeing sales gains every month.

I will definately have questions as the business grows and will frequent this forum I'm sure. I've been cruising the forums and have been impressed by some of the businesses you guys have built. I plan on getting there with you, as I didn't open this shop to go broke and give the farm away. The shop was started on a shoestring budget, but I just got tired of non-professional staff being in control of my earnings, so we stepped out on a wing and a prayer. So far, we have been successful with controlling our expenses and are building a nice working capital. We have also had some great shop owners coaching us on budgeting so far from a couple of towns over. I look forward to gaining some more knowledge from you folks and I appreciate any advice good or bad.

 

Thanks a lot,

Chris Ward

Exact Auto

Edited by Chris@exactauto
Posted

Welcome to the site Chris. As a "new" shop owner myself I can promise you that the guys on this site that have the years of experience are willing to answer questions. Good to have you here.

Posted

Glad to have new faces on board. Owning my own shop was something I always wanted to try, but when I started there was no place to ask those important questions that I needed to ask. ASO is "that" place that I wish I knew about when I started. (OK, it was nearly 30 years ago... LOL) There's a lot of knowledge and experience in dealing with every aspect of owning and operating a repair shop here at ASO.

 

I'm glad to be a part of it, and I hope you stop by often. Hopefully some of the things some of us old timers will help your adventures into shop ownership.

 

Looking forward to your comments and posts. Keep us informed. Gonzo

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         0 comments
      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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