anyone else frustrated with the new mitchell pro demand?
-
Available Subscriptions
-
Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?
-
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.
-
-
Similar Topics
-
By carmcapriotto
Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound:
In this episode, Craig is concise as he reflects on the timeless wisdom of Martin Luther King Jr. and how his principles of nonviolent conflict resolution remain highly relevant today. Inspired by recent readings of King’s works, specifically his iconic Letter from Birmingham Jail, Craig explores how these lessons can be applied to resolving conflicts in everyday life—even in situations as modern as addressing negative reviews.
This thoughtful discussion acknowledges the historical context of King’s writings while highlighting their enduring value in promoting understanding, negotiation, and meaningful resolution.
Watch Full Video Episode
Key Points Discussed:
Craig’s Appreciation for MLK’s Legacy: Acknowledging King’s brilliance as a leader, communicator, and writer, Craig emphasizes the enduring relevance of his concepts and principles. The Four Steps of a Nonviolent Campaign (as outlined in Letter from Birmingham Jail):
Collection of Facts: Ensure injustices are present and verified. Negotiation: Open dialogue with a willingness to find common ground. Self-Purification: Prepare yourself to act constructively and maintain the ability to return to negotiation. Direct Action: Take deliberate action aimed at fostering a return to negotiation.
The Word of the Day:
Unfettered.
Adj - Not controlled by anyone or anything. Uninhibited
Modern Applications:
Craig draws parallels between these steps and common missteps in conflict resolution today, such as skipping fact-gathering and jumping straight to retaliation—like leaving a low review without understanding the full story. He discusses how these missed steps can lead to escalation rather than resolution.
Takeaways for Listeners:
People care about how much you know only after they know how much you care. Applying MLK’s principles to situations like resolving a customer complaint or an unjust review can model constructive engagement and encourage others to seek facts, negotiation, and resolution.
This episode is a thoughtful tribute to King’s enduring legacy and a practical guide for applying his lessons to resolve conflicts with empathy and integrity.
Links & Resources:
Letter from Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King Jr.
Join Craig as he unpacks these timeless lessons and their power to transform the way we approach conflicts in our personal and professional lives.
Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound:
The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.
AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com
AutoLeap at AutoLeap.com. Are you tired of juggling multiple tools to manage your auto repair shop? Say hello to the streamlined efficiency of AutoLeap, the #1 all-in-one Auto Repair Shop Management Software!
Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.
In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.
Contact Information
Email Craig O'Neill: [email protected] Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
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. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
-
By Zenoo
Hi my name is Zenas and I am 26 years old from Alberta, Canada. I started my own automotive repair shop in December 2023. After running it for 1 year I made a little bit of profit. I needed some advice on how I could increase it. Its a 3 bay shop with two 2 post hoists and one 4 post hoist with alignment. I am the only mechanic in the shop as I can't afford to hire anyone at this point. I am charging about $120 per hour for the labor and very minimal mark up on parts. The shop had no customer base when I got it so it took me sometime to build returning customers. If I try to increase the prices on parts the customers run away. Seems like they are calling around the city and going to the cheapest person. My monthly over head cost is about $7000. Whatever I make in a month goes back into next month's rent. Any advices on how to manage this properly from other shop owners?
-
Episode 200 - Balancing Customer Service & Profitability in Auto Repair With Rick White & Mike HimesBy Changing The Industry
Episode 200 - Balancing Customer Service & Profitability in Auto Repair With Rick White & Mike Himes
-
-
By marxautocenter
Hello all,
I'm currently the General Manager of a pre-owned vehicle sales and service center. The business has a great reputation in the community, and has done well for 35 years. The current owners are ready to retire and enjoy a life of less responsibilities. They have deemed me fit to take control, and are helping me out by carrying the note, with a good down payment of course. We are still working on the nuts and bolts of the deal, and it has me thinking of all the avenues I could pursue in the future. Which leads to my question, should I continue to sell cars, or just focus on service? I know I'm not giving much information, but I'm looking to hear from other owners who may have experience on both ends, on some pros and cons. I know the 2 segments are symbiotic, as sales gives us future service work, and service has the option of offering vehicles for sale when a service customers vehicle is deemed not worth repairing.
The current numbers are skewed, as service gives a discounted rate to sales in the manner of 50 dollars per hour of labor, as opposed to the 134.77, and also parts are at cost. I am a numbers guy, and would like to make a decision on what would be most profitable, and I will have a better idea as we work over the reports.
I'm just looking for opinions from knowledgeable folks. We don't have a master technician at the moment, so we struggle on diagnostics sometimes, and I would have to resolve that should I decide to remove sales from the equation.
Sales end is currently handled solely by one owner, other than myself talking to customers on the lot. We have a license now for 30 cars.
Fenced in yard behind building capable of storing 40+ cars, with a front lot that displays the 30 vehicles for sale.
Great customer base, minimal advertising in the 35 years of business. ARO is 426.20 currently, and we average around 2000 RO's annually in the last 4-5 years.
I know I'm not providing enough information, but I can update when more becomes available.
Thanks in advance!
-
-
-
Our Sponsors
Recommended Posts
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 accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now