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Hello ASO,

 

My name is David and Im coming from northern VA area. I’m in the early stages of putting together my business plan for my next business endeavor. While doing my research on logistics, outlook, etc. for my new business I came upon this site. I have to say all the data research and project and planning I’ve done, does not compare to the priceless information I have gotten from this site so far. Little about myself I’m a Jr. System Administrator that is about to finally finish my school with a bachelors in Communication Systems Administration. I used to run an online store that sold high end European parts a couple years ago that was pretty successful but I was not able to put my full 100% attention due to me being in school and a full time job. Due to my busy schedule my customer service suffered a bit so the decision was made to close it, with the hopes of doing it later down the road. Life happened and was forced to put plans and school on hold for a few years. I have been finally been able to pursue my dreams of opening my business and finishing school. School has always been very important to me as I am the first to attend and graduate from college in my family. I also thought it was very important to have a backup plan encase my business doesn’t go as planned. With my new business I’m planning to do it full time and enact things I learned from my first business. By no means will this be a backyard mobile business. It will be run like a professional shop with the exception of being mobile. I have worked on cars my whole adult life but by no means I’m I an expert mechanic with is why I will hire one. Like I said I’m in the early stages of planning everything and will be asking many questions and as I go I would be more then help fellow members as well.

  • 1 month later...
Posted

Hey David, My name is Tim and I own an indipendent repair shop.When I first started my company I started it as a mobile repair service. Just like a fixed location it has its pros and cons. If you have any specific questions I would be glad to give you some input from the perspective of someone who has been there.

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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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