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By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog5 commentsI 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!”
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By Joe Marconi
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By carmcapriotto
Insights to the Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo 2024 Class “Which Scan Tool Should I Buy?" on Thursday, February, 29, from 1pm-5pm. Our panel discusses the importance of tailoring scan tool recommendations to a technician's specific needs, including the car lines they work on, their budget, and the features they require. Don't sit on the value of seeking advice from experienced users and trainers to make informed decisions. Justin Morgan LMV Bavarian Technical Support and Trainer, ASE-Wave Technical Ambassador. Justin’s Previous Episode HERE. Tanner Brandt, Autodiag Clinic. Tanner’s previous episodes HERE. Scott Shotton, The Driveability Guys. Scott’s previous episodes HERE. Show Notes
Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo: https://visionkc.com/ Which Scan Tool Should I Buy? Thursday, February 29, 2024, 1pm-5pm Importance of proper training (00:01:18) The need for proper training in understanding the capabilities and limitations of scan tools. Factors to consider when recommending a scan tool (00:04:35) Questions to ask when recommending a scan tool, including car lines, functionalities, and budget considerations. Impact of feedback on scan tool development (00:06:08) Discussion on the importance of feedback from users and the impact of feedback on the development and availability of scan tools. Remote access and networking (00:10:02) The benefits of remote access for professional tech support and peer-to-peer networking among technicians. Understanding the capabilities of scan tools (00:13:34) Discussion on the importance of understanding the capabilities and limitations of scan tools before making a purchase. Importance of Proper Training (00:19:42) The importance of proper training before investing in tools and the impact of buying from industry-connected vendors. The Value of Support (00:22:04) The significance of having support when using tools, illustrated by a story about receiving support for a scope issue. Learning Methods (00:25:30) Discussion on different training methods, with a focus on the effectiveness of hands-on and in-person training. Virtual Training Challenges (00:26:51) The challenges of virtual training and the importance of in-person training to understand diagnostic processes. Hybrid Training Approach (00:32:08) Exploring the idea of a hybrid training approach combining virtual classes and hands-on sessions for better learning. Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX and NAPA TRACS 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/ 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
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By carmcapriotto
Ever wonder how automotive shops across the country set their labor rates? It's not just about matching the shop down the road. It's about achieving your profit goals. Tom Ham discusses the labor rate tracker tool, which can be found on the Automotive Management Network. The conversation includes the variability of labor rates among different types of automotive shops and across states and the influence of location and shop type on rates. Tom shares that the tracker has grown to 3,000 shops reporting their rates, providing a more comprehensive view of the market. The episode also covers the importance of having a labor rate that reflects a shop's quality and customer trust. Find out why the labor rate tracker is a valuable tool for both shop owners and industry coaches to gauge market rates and inform business strategies. Tom Ham, Automotive Management Network. Tom’s previous episodes HERE. Show Notes
Labor Rate Tracker The labor rate tracker tool (00:01:42) Discussion of the labor rate tracker tool, its development, and its purpose in the automotive industry. Setting labor rates based on profit goals (00:03:18) Importance of setting labor rates based on individual profit goals and the process of determining labor rates. Feedback from members of the Automotive Management Network (00:08:14) Positive feedback from members of the Automotive Management Network regarding the labor rate tracker tool. Different labor rates across various types of automotive shops (00:12:32) Discussion of the variation in labor rates across different types of automotive shops, such as RV shops, franchises, transmission shops, and more. Variations in labor rates across different states (00:15:50) Observations on the differences in labor rates across states, including the correlation between labor rates and political affiliations. Mobile Repair Rates (00:17:01) Discussion about the lower labor rates for mobile repair services and the impact of weather on their business. Membership and Data Privacy (00:19:40) Details about accessing the labor rate tracker tool, membership requirements, and the privacy of members' data. Profit Structure and Labor Rates (00:21:08) Consideration of the potential value in understanding a shop's profit structure based on their labor rate and the implications for success. Cost Factors and Labor Rates (00:23:29) Discussion about the impact of rising costs, including healthcare and insurance, on the setting of labor rates. Snowbirds and Florida (00:25:22) Conversation about the history of Florida's popularity as a winter destination and the influx of seasonal residents. Future Developments of Labor Rate Tracker (00:26:48) Discussion about the planned enhancements and future developments for the labor rate tracker tool. Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX and NAPA TRACS 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/ Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -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
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By Transmission Repair
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By carmcapriotto
Take a deep dive into the world of scan tools with Matt Fanslow, Keith Perkins, Tanner Brandt, and Richard Falco. Together they discuss choosing the right scan tool, maximizing scan tool usage, aftermarket vs. factory scan tools, the power of scan data, subscription fees, the future of diagnostics, AND MORE!
Show Notes:
The best scan tool? (00:02:22) Discussion on the different types of scan tools and their suitability for specific tasks, such as graphing or coding. Factors to consider when choosing a scan tool (00:05:09) Consideration of the specific needs of the job, including the type of vehicle and the required functionalities, when selecting a scan tool. Increase in non-drivability issues (00:06:51) Discussion about the growing number of non-drivability issues in vehicles, such as electrical, electronic, and climate control problems. Underutilization of scan tools (00:08:23) The importance of utilizing the full potential of scan tools and highlights the lack of knowledge and usage among technicians. Importance of following service procedures (00:10:39) The discussion revolves around the consequences of not following service procedures, leading to shortages of parts and damage to vehicle components. The difference between aftermarket and factory scan tools (00:14:04) Explains the difference in network topology and module pinging between aftermarket and factory scan tools. Module topography and caution with aftermarket scan tools (00:15:26) Discusses the addition of module topography in some scan tools and warns against relying solely on aftermarket scan tools for network layout. Challenges with J 2534 Device vs. Factory OEM Interface (00:23:09) The difficulties of using a J 2534 device instead of the factory interface for vehicle diagnostics and repairs. Communication Challenges in the Automotive Industry (00:27:34) The complex communication networks and different teams involved in engineering and dealership software in car companies. Aftermarket tools for relative compression test (00:30:06) Exploration of aftermarket tools, specifically the E-Scan Elite by ATS, that can perform a relative compression test. Determining the number of modules in a car (00:32:17) Methods for figuring out the number of modules in a car, including using the VIN, RPO codes, and factory scan tools or service information. Throttle Position and Tuners (00:36:01) Discussion on using average throttle position to detect tuners in Chrysler vehicles. Deleted Engines and Missing AFM (00:36:57) Exploration of issues with deleted engines and missing AFM codes after reprogramming. Scan Data and Power Complaints (00:39:25) Using scan data and the ATG calculator to determine if a car has a power issue. The climbing subscription fees (00:43:19) Discussion on the possibility of group buys or legislation to address increasing subscription fees for tools. Nissan V2 repairs (00:45:40) Issues with repairing Nissan V2 vehicles, including the unavailability of certain parts and the need for extensive work. The problem with JLR devices (00:50:59) Discussion about the issues with JLR devices and the only devices that work for JLR diagnostics. Manufacturers locking out aftermarket tools (00:51:53) Clarification that no manufacturers are planning on locking out aftermarket tools, but security gateways may cause some functions to not work temporarily. Expert mode on VW Audi Snap-on Zeus (00:54:08) Advice on using expert mode on VW Audi Snap-on Zeus and the availability of interfaces and online scan tools for newer models. Problems caused by non-factory tooling (00:57:50) Discussion about the daily challenges of fixing BMWs due to problems caused by non-factory tooling. Remote programming and scam tool manufacturers (00:59:29) Exploration of the rise of remote programming services offered by scam tool manufacturers and the potential risks involved. Recovering modules and dealing with software numbers (01:02:11) Explanation of the process of recovering modules, including the use of factory as-built data and dealing with software numbers that have been tampered with. The use of Forscan for programming (01:04:45) Discussion on the use of Forscan for programming and how it can be helpful in manipulating as-built data. Missing as-built data (01:07:17) Discussion on missing as-built data and the possibility of it being a result of a file upload error. Finding and purchasing a Mercedes factory scan tool (01:11:52) Discussion on resources and process for acquiring a Mercedes factory scan tool, including the need for a separate credit card. Accessing service information and becoming a staff member (01:12:24) Exploration of resources for service information, including the importance of becoming a staff member and accessing knowledge articles on the CRM landing page. Ford light and vehicle security professional credentials (01:14:03) Discussion on the Ford light tool, its features, pricing, and the addition of PATS programming. Mention of vehicle security professional credentials and insurance requirements. The insurance agent issue (01:20:26) Explains the problem of using the wrong insurance agent when trying to get insurance for a mobile diagnostic business. Using scan tools for non-drivability issues (01:21:40) Discusses the importance of using scan tools to diagnose electrical, body, and comfort access problems in vehicles. Troubleshooting HVAC module issue (01:23:57) Describes a case study of a common problem with the AC compressor clutch and how to use scan data to determine if the HVAC module is the issue. The AC Compressor Code (01:27:00) Explains how clearing a code can temporarily fix the AC compressor, but the code will turn off the compressor again when it sets. Aftermarket Blower Motor Speed Controller (01:27:54) Warns against using aftermarket speed controllers for blower motors, as they can cause the AC to stop working. Using Data PIDs for Diagnosis (01:28:45) Discusses how data PIDs can be used to diagnose issues with starter request, ignition, and immobilizer systems. The importance of vehicle door configuration (01:34:16) Explains how vehicle door configuration data can indicate if someone has tampered with the doors or disabled certain features. The impact of affordable scan tools (01:35:12) Discusses how affordable scan tools can lead to inexperienced individuals causing problems by disabling features like TPMS. The shift in focus for scan tool companies (01:37:14) Explores how scan tool companies are prioritizing coding capabilities over graphing capabilities due to the increasing complexity of vehicle modules. The cable compatibility issue (01:41:52) Discussion about the USB cable compatibility for the VCI tool and the potential risks of using other cables. Possible future updates in scan tools (01:43:36) Suggestion to create a platform to list the known scan tool functions and the challenges of keeping up with updates.
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA AUTOTECH napaautotech.com
Email Matt: [email protected]
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel HERE
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