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By Joe Marconi in Joe's BlogIt 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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By Alex
Automotive Batteries
What is your preferred brand of automotive batteries and why?
Who is the supplier of that brand to you?
What are the battery series that are available in that brand, and what are the warranties?
Who manufactures your choice of battery?
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By carmcapriotto
Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Tony Molla shares the need for advanced technical skills in today’s automotive careers. The discussion underscores the importance of engaging parents and students, reshaping perceptions of automotive careers, and encouraging industry professionals to actively participate in local educational initiatives to inspire the next generation. Tony Molla, host of the Team ASE Podcast and also serves as the Texas Field Manager for the ASE Education Foundation. Show Notes
https://www.aseeducationfoundation.org/ Tony Molla's Background (00:02:45) Tony shares his extensive career in the automotive industry and his editorial experience. Importance of Education in Automotive Industry (00:04:12) Carm and Tony discuss the need for improved education and involvement in CTE programs. Changing Perceptions of Automotive Careers (00:04:12) Tony emphasizes the evolving view of automotive careers and the skills required today. Role of Parents in Career Choices (00:05:20) Tony explains the influence parents have on students' career decisions in the automotive field. Career and Technology Education Programs (00:06:13) Tony advocates for involvement in CTE programs to build foundational skills for students. Post-secondary Program Options (00:07:10) Discussion on the benefits of post-secondary programs for aspiring automotive technicians. Curriculum Changes in Education (00:08:06) Carm shares his involvement in updating local college automotive curriculum. Challenges in Educational Resources (00:08:55) Tony talks about challenges in funding and resources for CTE programs across the nation. Perceptions of Independent Repair Shops (00:11:51) Carm discusses changing perceptions of job opportunities in independent repair shops. Importance of Industry Benefits (00:12:49) Tony highlights the need for independent shops to offer competitive benefits to attract talent. Diverse Career Paths in Automotive (00:14:56) Carm emphasizes the various opportunities available within the automotive industry beyond traditional roles. Investing in Employee Training (00:15:39) Tony stresses the importance of employers investing in ongoing training for technicians. The Importance of Passion in Careers (00:20:00) Discusses the necessity of passion for success and financial rewards in any career. Career Changes and Opportunities (00:20:26) Tony shares his journey through various career changes and the importance of technical background. Finding Job Security in Trades (00:21:24) Explores the idea of job security in trades, emphasizing skill and knowledge. Reinventing Yourself (00:21:48) Tony reflects on the need to actively seek new opportunities and reinvent oneself. The Value of Technical Knowledge (00:22:35) Highlights how technical expertise can lead to unexpected job opportunities. Recruitment Strategies in the Automotive Industry (00:23:40) Discusses the need for businesses to be proactive in finding and recruiting talent. Finding the Right Employer (00:25:22) Carm asks for tips on how individuals can identify suitable employers. What Students Look for in Employers (00:25:45) Tony explains what younger job seekers prioritize when choosing an employer. Importance of Workplace Culture (00:28:38) Emphasizes the significance of workplace culture and employee satisfaction. Flexibility and Work-Life Balance (00:29:34) Discusses the increasing demand for flexible working hours and life balance. Engaging Young People in the Industry (00:30:37) Tony suggests ways to engage young people in automotive careers through local programs. Getting Involved with CTE Programs (00:31:01) Provides information on how to connect with local CTE programs for community involvement. Becoming a Community Pillar (00:32:14) Encourages professionals to support and engage with local educational programs.
Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com Connect with the Podcast: -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on X: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections
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By Transmission Repair
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By carmcapriotto
Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss, and 360 Payments Brad Updegraff discusses the pressing shortage of skilled technicians in the automotive industry. Brad shares strategies for training and developing technicians, and the importance of creating strong relationships with local schools. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of flexible compensation plans and support for aspiring technicians. Brad Updegraff, Dave’s Ultimate Automotive, 6 locations, Austin, TX. Brad's previous episodes HERE. Show Notes
Industry Challenges (00:00:34) Discussion on the nationwide technician shortage and the impact of the growing electric vehicle market. Creating a Technician Pipeline (00:01:08) Brad reflects on the long-term strategies dealerships have implemented to develop their technician workforce. Personal Experience as an Intern (00:02:08) Brad shares his early experiences in the automotive industry and the challenges he faced as an intern. Strategies for Training Technicians (00:02:34) Exploration of effective strategies for training technicians, emphasizing building relationships with local schools. NAPA Apprenticeship Program (00:03:11) Overview of the NAPA apprenticeship program and its effectiveness in developing new technicians. Case Study: A Young Trainee (00:04:04) Brad discusses a specific trainee's experience, highlighting the importance of pairing her with a skilled technician. Adapting Training Approaches (00:05:01) Challenges faced during the training program lead to a need for more flexible and adaptable training methods. Identifying Natural Leaders (00:05:47) Importance of recognizing natural leaders among technicians to foster a supportive training environment. Compensation Structures (00:07:30) Discussion on compensation plans and how to ensure they are attractive to both new and experienced technicians. Selecting the Right Trainees (00:08:33) Brad emphasizes the importance of carefully selecting trainees based on their interest and potential. Encouraging Continuous Improvement (00:09:34) Encouraging technicians to seek growth and development opportunities within the company. Value of Training for Students (00:10:17) Highlighting the need for trainees to understand the importance of continuous education and training. Compensation and Incentive Plans (00:11:05) Brad discusses innovative compensation structures to attract and retain skilled technicians. Tool Accessibility for Technicians (00:12:01) Addressing the lack of tools as a barrier for entry-level technicians and proposing solutions. Flag Rate Compensation Model (00:12:58) Explanation of a flag multiplier system designed to support both green and experienced technicians in learning. Compensation Structure for Technicians (00:14:04) Discussion on the importance of a well-structured compensation plan for technicians and foreman roles. Challenges of Foreman Role (00:15:00) Exploring the difficulties faced by foreman roles during poor traffic times in the shop. Impact on Profit Margins (00:15:49) Analyzing how technician training impacts overall shop output and profit margins. Tool Acquisition Programs (00:16:43) Overview of programs designed to help technicians acquire necessary tools through structured payments. Supporting Local High Schools (00:18:25) Strategies for building relationships with high schools to support automotive education programs. Enhancing Automotive Education (00:19:23) Discussing the benefits of donating equipment to schools to improve their automotive programs. Creating a Pipeline of Talent (00:20:14) Importance of engaging high school students to prepare them for careers in the automotive industry. Selling the Automotive Career (00:21:09) Encouraging technicians to share their career stories to attract high school students to the industry. Engagement with Students (00:21:57) The significance of actively participating in career fairs and building relationships with students. Closing Thoughts on Future Technicians (00:22:48) Emphasizing the responsibility of the industry to nurture future technicians and change lives.
Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and 360 Payments Shop Boss – Shop Management Software built by shop owners for shop owners. It works the way you need it to, right out of the box. Find on the web at https://shopboss.net Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Aftermarket Radio Network Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
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By carmcapriotto
In this episode, Carm Capriotto brings insights into the critical role of soft skills in the automotive industry. The discussion centers around the importance of communication, empathy, and active listening in fostering better customer relationships and enhancing team dynamics. Perfect for business owners, service advisors, and automotive professionals looking to elevate their operations. Prioritize the development of soft skills within your team, and watch as your business thrives in a more supportive and cohesive environment. Darrin Barney, President, Elite Worldwide, Barney Brother’s Off-Road and Repair, Grand Junction, CO. Darrin’s previous episodes HERE Rachel Spencer, Spencer’s Auto Repair, Krum Texas. Listen to her other episodes HERE Bill Snow, VP of Franchise Development and Operations, Rad Air. Listen to Bill’s previous episodes HERE Show Notes
Upcoming Events (00:02:35) Darrin shares details about the "Fly with the Eagles" training course and the "Ignite" event in Dallas. https://eliteworldwide.com/events/ Discussion on Soft Skills Gap (00:04:13) A gap in soft skills among students and the need for professional interaction training. Rachel on Communication (00:05:24) Rachel discusses various forms of communication and the importance of closing the expectation gap. Three-Second Rule (00:06:41) Darrin explains the "three-second rule" to improve listening and processing during conversations. Toastmasters and Public Speaking (00:09:23) Carm shares insights about Toastmasters and its benefits for improving communication skills. https://rrtm.toastmastersclubs.org/directions.html Empathy as a Soft Skill (00:10:07) Rachel defines empathy and its importance in effective communication and team dynamics. Sympathy vs. Empathy (00:11:25) Darrin contrasts sympathy and empathy, highlighting the need for understanding in service roles. Teaching Empathy (00:12:25) Rachel discusses modeling empathy for employees and children, emphasizing active listening. Fix My Ride Program (00:13:11) Rachel shares a program that fosters empathy by helping those unable to fix their cars. Empathy in Leadership (00:15:05) Bill discusses the importance of empathy in decision-making and its effects on team dynamics. Eye Contact as a Soft Skill (00:15:50) Darrin underscores the significance of maintaining eye contact in communication, especially in the digital age. The Uncomfortable Nature of Eye Contact (00:18:46) Discussion on the discomfort associated with maintaining eye contact in conversations. Generational Communication Differences (00:19:11) Exploration of how younger generations prefer texting over direct communication. Getting Comfortable with Discomfort (00:19:45) Encouragement to embrace discomfort for personal growth and better communication. Managing Phone Distractions (00:22:50) Discussion on the necessity of managing phone usage and distractions in educational settings. Understanding Personality Traits (00:25:05) Exploration of using DISC assessments to understand team members' communication styles. Communication Styles and Team Dynamics (00:29:40) Discussion on addressing communication deficiencies within teams through assessments. Empathy in Team Dynamics (00:30:44) Discussion on feeling disconnected within a team and the importance of being human and empathetic. Learning Conflict Resolution (00:33:35) Exploring how empathy and listening skills aid in resolving conflicts with customers. Implementing Soft Skills in Huddles (00:34:42) The suggestion to integrate soft skills discussions into regular team meetings for continuous learning. Coin System for Team Morale (00:36:10) Introducing a coin system to encourage team recognition and boost morale through peer acknowledgment. Setting an Example as Leaders (00:37:01) The importance of managers modeling empathy and positive behavior for their teams. Teaching Problem-Solving Skills (00:38:06) Emphasizing the need for employees to think critically and develop problem-solving skills. The Value of 'Think Time' (00:40:01) Discussing the significance of setting aside time for reflection and planning to enhance business growth. Empowering Employees (00:43:39) Encouraging leaders to empower their teams to make decisions and learn from mistakes.
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching Proven Auto Shop Coaching with Results. Over 61 Million in ROI with an Average ROI of 9x. Find Coach Chris Cotton at AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching on the Web at https://autoshopcoaching.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/Connect with the Podcast: -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on X: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections
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