Quantcast
Jump to content

Stories of you first year.

mccannable
 Share

Recommended Posts

Gonzo Grand Master

Gonzo

Posted
Posted

Always slow in March and first part of April. I attribute it to the late snow falls that come our area, late for us is March snows...not like you guys up north. The big difference is if there is even an 1/8 of an inch of snow they roll the sidewalks up around here. Which means a lot of people don't get a full paycheck that week. With the credit card bills coming in from Christmas, the snow fall, the lack of a full paycheck everybody is broke.

 

As soon as the 15th rolls around it's like a roller coaster ride of busy slow all the way until Sept. when school starts again.

 

As far as my first year... geez...that was so long ago I've tried to forget it....it wasn't great but after 30+ years I'm still at it, still waiting for that busy season. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
mccannable Collaborator

mccannable

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for the input. With starting out the highs and lows can be vary vast and a but uncomfortable at times. We are actively perusing fleet accounts. We have had a great deal of success out of the few we have had and also had owners brings their cars in as well. There is about a dozen companies with a fleet withing a few miles of us. We are not passively waiting for business; that does not allow for easy nights sleep.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
ncsvoboda7 Enthusiast

ncsvoboda7

Posted
Posted

Thanks for the input. With starting out the highs and lows can be vary vast and a but uncomfortable at times. We are actively perusing fleet accounts. We have had a great deal of success out of the few we have had and also had owners brings their cars in as well. There is about a dozen companies with a fleet withing a few miles of us. We are not passively waiting for business; that does not allow for easy nights sleep.

I don't mean to hijack this thread but what is the best way to approach fleets to gain their business, do you just cold call and then hopefully set up an appointment to meet with the manager hoping your prices and services are better than whoever they are using now? I have been looking into this lately and would appreciate any advice.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
mccannable Collaborator

mccannable

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I don't mean to hijack this thread but what is the best way to approach fleets to gain their business, do you just cold call and then hopefully set up an appointment to meet with the manager hoping your prices and services are better than whoever they are using now? I have been looking into this lately and would appreciate any advice.

 

We have little skill in "fleet service sales" but we both have sales backgrounds. That is what we are counting on to get the accounts. We are stopping by with a flyer we made asking to talk with the decision maker and going from there. So far its been better than any other form of marketing.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      Want to End Your Technician Shortage? Focus on Retention!
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
         5 comments
      I recently spoke with a friend of mine who owns a large general repair shop in the Midwest. His father founded the business in 1975. He was telling me that although he’s busy, he’s also very frustrated. When I probed him more about his frustrations, he said that it’s hard to find qualified technicians. My friend employs four technicians and is looking to hire two more. I then asked him, “How long does a technician last working for you.” He looked puzzled and replied, “I never really thought about that, but I can tell that except for one tech, most technicians don’t last working for me longer than a few years.”
      Judging from personal experience as a shop owner and from what I know about the auto repair industry, I can tell you that other than a few exceptions, the turnover rate for technicians in our industry is too high. This makes me think, do we have a technician shortage or a retention problem? Have we done the best we can over the decades to provide great pay plans, benefits packages, great work environments, and the right culture to ensure that the techs we have stay with us?
      Finding and hiring qualified automotive technicians is not a new phenomenon. This problem has been around for as long as I can remember. While we do need to attract people to our industry and provide the necessary training and mentorship, we also need to focus on retention. Having a revolving door and needing to hire techs every few years or so costs your company money. Big money! And that revolving door may be a sign of an even bigger issue: poor leadership, and poor employee management skills.
      Here’s one more thing to consider, for the most part, technicians don’t leave one job to start a new career, they leave one shop as a technician to become a technician at another shop. The reasons why they leave can be debated, but there is one fact that we cannot deny, people don’t quit the company they work for, they usually leave because of the boss or manager they work for.
      Put yourselves in the shoes of your employees. Do you have a workplace that communicates, “We appreciate you and want you to stay!”

  • Similar Topics

    • Joe Marconi
      Can Companies Like Repair Pal & Open Bay help a New Repair Shop?
      By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • carmcapriotto
      Surefire Ways To Get Your Google Business Profile Suspended [098] - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast
      By carmcapriotto
      Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. As shop owners we were part of RepairPal’s Certified network and you can learn more at RepairPal.com/shops.
      Show Notes
      Reasons Google will suspend your GBP Adding Keywords to Your Business Name Using PO boxes or virtual office addresses Using your home address for a service area business - mobile mechanics Making major changes to your information - name, address, phone number Adding Reviews - Talk about RV Masters Recent experience Spam Reviews Two businesses sharing an address - same with phone number A competitor reported you  Dandy Review Removal: Negative review removal using AI They had to rebrand from ReviewVio because of all the negative reviews and complaints that they received. They over charge and under deliver. It is a 12 month contract - not monthly Writer’s Hand: WriterHand.com's Review Generator AI employs state-of-the-art natural language processing algorithms to produce high-quality reviews in a matter of seconds. The tool is designed to cater to the needs of both individual writers and businesses seeking to enhance their online presence. By simply inputting a few key details about a product, service, or experience, users can obtain well-crafted reviews that reflect a genuine customer's perspective. Embed Social: Use AI tools to help you collect more reviews, reply to reviews faster and make your reviews widget designs. New AI Optimization services: Boost Ninja:  Speak on Accurate Automotive GBP Listing being suspended after adding this company to their listing - Supposed to be a Google Maps ranking system by boosting local rankings by targeting top keywords and AI Optimization to your Google listing Problem is when you talk to client’s who have hired companies like this and ask what they are actually doing - the answer is the same: “I have know idea”  
      How To Get In Touch
       
      Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind
      Website - shopmarketingpros.com 
      Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros 
      Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book
      Instagram - @shopmarketingpros 
      Questions/Ideas - [email protected]
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • carmcapriotto
      Are Phone Trees Killing Your Auto Repair Shop's Customer Service? [E162] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
      By carmcapriotto
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo:https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
      Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind
      In this podcast episode, Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching addresses the negative impact of phone trees on customer service in auto repair shops. He emphasizes the importance of the human touch and shares his frustration with complex phone systems that deter customers. Chris offers practical advice for revamping phone systems, such as auditing current setups, matching staffing to call volume, and soliciting customer feedback. He advocates for a balance between technology and personal interaction, stressing that each call is an opportunity to showcase excellent service and stand out from competitors. Chris concludes by inviting listeners to contribute to the conversation on maintaining a personal touch in customer service.
       
      The importance of human touch in customer service (00:01:05) Chris discusses the negative impact of phone trees on customer service and the need for a human touch. The drawbacks of using phone trees (00:02:07) Chris explains how phone trees can frustrate customers and lead to missed opportunities. The value of personal interaction in customer service (00:05:21) Chris emphasizes the importance of human connection and empathy in the customer service experience. Balancing automation and human interaction (00:07:31) Chris discusses the need to strike a balance between technology and human interaction in the auto repair business. Practical tips for revamping phone systems (00:09:33) Chris provides practical suggestions for improving phone systems to better serve customers and enhance the overall customer service experience.  
       
       
      Connect with Chris:
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
       
      #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • carmcapriotto
      The Driving Force: Extraordinary Results with Ordinary People [RR 948]
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Andy Bizub explores the influential book "Driving Force: Extraordinary Results with Ordinary People" by Peter Schultz. Dive into the pivotal role of culture in business success with personal insights on maintaining a positive work environment. This episode is packed with wisdom for business owners and leaders seeking to improve their operations and team dynamics. Andy Bizub, Midwest Performance Cars, Chicago and Northbrook, IL.  Andy’s previous episodes HERE. Show Notes
      Email Lori Schutz for your copy of "The Driving Force: Extraordinary Results with Ordinary People": [email protected] Leadership Book Insights (00:02:07 ) Exploring 'The Driving Force by Peter Schutz's' perspectives on leadership and empowerment. Book's Business Influence (00:03:04) The book's influence on leadership strategies and business operations. Book Discussion (00:05:35) Diving into the book's content and its effects on businesses. Cultural Preservation (00:06:34) The role of culture in maintaining successful business practices. Toxic Employees (00:10:41) Addressing the challenges of toxic employees in the workplace. Empowering Leadership (00:12:14) How leaders can empower their employees to achieve excellence. Employee Growth (00:13:27) Encouraging employees to grow and potentially outperform their leaders. Team Diversity (00:15:27) The benefits of having a diverse and skilled team. Overcoming Barriers (00:18:39) Sharing a story about overcoming barriers at Cummins Engine and its relevance to shop communication. Communication Barriers (00:20:04) The effects of cultural and physical barriers on shop communication. Slack for Shop Communication (00:22:31) Using Slack to improve communication and reduce barriers in the shop. Customer Quality (00:23:42) The impact of customer quality on business success. Customer Vetting (00:29:58) Identifying red flags and conveying service value to potential customers.
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -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  
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • carmcapriotto
      A Tale of Succession & Success! Mark Fuerbacher's Story at Universal Imports of Rochester. [E161] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
      By carmcapriotto
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo:https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
      Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind
      In this podcast episode, Chris Cotton, an auto repair business coach, talks with Mark, owner of an independent European auto repair shop in Rochester, New York, that also does sales and bodywork. They discuss Mark's family history, including his father's move from Germany to the U.S. and his transition from diamond cutting to car sales. Mark recounts his own path in the family business, from washing cars to his current role, and the lessons learned along the way. They also delve into succession planning, with Mark's son Hunter potentially taking over in the future. Mark highlights the benefits of working with Chris implementation of a new service management system, and the positive changes in business performance and staff engagement. The episode touches on the importance of regular staff meetings, understanding daily business metrics, and the joy of family involvement in the business. It concludes with personal anecdotes about family meals and the cultural heritage that enriches their lives.
       
      The background of Mark's family (00:00:05) Mark talks about his father's journey from Germany to the United States and their family background. Mark's family's journey in the auto repair business (00:02:05) Mark shares the story of his family's involvement in the auto repair business, including their transition from sales to service. Mark's father's journey in the auto industry (00:04:08) Mark details his father's experiences in the car industry, from working at a BMW dealership to starting his own car sales business. Mark's connection to European cars (00:10:52) Mark discusses his family's deep connection to European cars, particularly Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen. Mark's journey in the auto repair business (00:14:48) Mark reflects on his journey in the auto repair business, from washing cars to becoming a service advisor and learning to buy cars at auctions. Car Sales and Sunroof Surprise (00:19:22) Mark recalls a car sales experience and his father's tough love and succession plan. Auto Auction and Nostalgia (00:21:29) Chris shares his experience working at an auto auction, and both speakers reminisce about the excitement of auctions. Transition and Succession Plan (00:23:16) Mark discusses his role in the business and the prolonged transition plan from his father. Family Involvement and Future Plans (00:25:43) Mark talks about family members' roles in the business and his son's potential as a service manager. Succession Planning and Family Dynamics (00:29:31) Mark emphasizes the importance of communication and close relationships in succession planning. Future of the Business and Retirement (00:34:14) Mark discusses his long-term plans for the business and his reluctance to fully retire. Family Living Arrangements (00:36:40) Mark shares that his mother still lives in the family home, and he and his wife live next door. Each timestamp is followed by a short description of the topics covered in the corresponding segment of the podcast episode. Family and Business History (00:37:29) Discussion about family's daily routine and plans for creating a slideshow of old pictures for the website. Transition to New Location and Succession Plan (00:38:19) Mark mentions the upcoming 40th anniversary at the new location and transitions to discussing their decision to change service management systems. Transition to Auto Leap Service Management System (00:39:13) Mark's decision to switch to Auto Leap, initial challenges, and his encounter with Chris Cotton's podcast. Initial Meeting and Decision to Work with Chris (00:43:40) Mark's initial meeting with Chris at a convention, initial reluctance to work with a coach, and the decision to start working with Chris. Impact of Coaching on Business (00:45:48) Positive impact of coaching on business performance, particularly in December and January, and how it has improved their outlook for the year. Benefits of Coaching and 20 Groups (00:50:40) Discussion about the value of coaching, 20 groups, and the supportive industry landscape in Rochester. Shop Renovation and Growth (00:54:30) Description of the shop's renovation and growth, including the increase in employees and the focus on cleanliness. Future Plans and Idea Sharing (00:55:20) The anticipation of a productive year with many ideas yet to be explored and nurtured during the coaching sessions. Accountability and Responsibility (00:55:34) Discussion on the importance of accountability and responsibility in business ownership. Meetings and Regimen (00:56:37) The significance of regular meetings and a structured approach to managing the business. Future Plans and Succession (00:58:36) Mark's future plans for the business, including the involvement of his son and the transition of responsibilities. Family Traditions and Gratitude (00:59:22) Mark's family traditions, including meals prepared by his mother, and expressions of gratitude. Closing Remarks and Sponsorship (01:01:00) The conclusion of the episode, including acknowledgments and sponsorship mentions.  
       
       
      Connect with Chris:
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
       
      #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook #riseandgrind
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • nptrb

    Spring Clean Your Finances: 5 Steps Every Business Should Take

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 519 views
    nptrb

    Understanding S-Corp Distributions and Draws | Are They Taxable?

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    0 comments 738 views
    nptrb

    Tax Season Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 608 views

  • Our Sponsors



Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...