Diving head first (yep bold head to boot)

[nmikmik]

Hi,

new here & very appreciative for having this type or recourse. Wish I had it 10 or so years ago.

 

I am considering to purchase a new (to me) auto shop. Just in beginning stages right now and looking for advice.

I owned a very similar shop in the same area and it did not go well, let's say I considered myself lucky when I sold it. This shop seem to be in a better shape, longer established in the same location and better online presence. It has only 3 employees, a manager/front desk and 2 mechanics. Working on all types of cars, so that is familiar to me as well.

My concerns:

1. With only 3 employees, any one leaves and I am in deep trouble, at least as far as I concern.
2. I hate changing things right off the bat, but may have to in order to bring more business in and possibly hiring another mechanic.
3. Hiring a mechanic poses all kinds of problem all on its own ( I did review recent posts regarding that issue)
4. Shop is not on a busy street, but there is traffic. My old shop was right on the major street and that did not save it…. So I guess it could be a good thing.

Any recommendations/suggestions greatly appreciated!

Oh,

I should probably mention, I used to be a mechanic what seems to be a last century, oh wait... it was the last century

But I neither am planning nor physically can, work on cars any longer - love the challange though.

[CARMandP]

Losing employees is something most of us worry about unless you have added the processes to be always recruiting. You need your shop to be the location that techs want to work for you Like you I have a shop that has those numbers. Its been a struggle but I have been quickly implementing processes to strengthen my shop.

[nmikmik]

Thank you for your reply.

 

Starting to look at tech schools today. I think it's my best bet for now.

 

Do you guys (or recommend to) start somone up on a part time or a ful time basis when you hire somone from school?

Thanks!