HarrytheCarGeek

Gonzo, I really enjoyed this piece, you made me recall memories when I used to go to Sears and their professional tool sections. I felt like a kid in a candy store! Thank you for sharing, I hope you are healing well and feel even better. Out thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Last week's heat brought in a phenomenal amount of work, we made up more than the first two weeks of this month in a few days. Yes, the weather is affecting us, a heat wave would bring in a lot of cars that are basically running on rubber bands and bubble gum.

We are finding out that people are financially streched, except for the upper tier, they are spending money on the classics and customs like if there is no tomorrow. Being pro active and seeking out the work wins the day, so stay the course and keep mining your list.

15 minutes ago, tyrguy said:

 Example: A customer brings tires in that have a lower load rating than is required for the vehicle and wants you to install them. Waiver or not, you will be held responsible if a tire fails due to overloading. And as I said before, the customer cannot sign a waiver protecting you from the liability of the other guy he hits.

How is this a valid example of not being responsible if someone gets hurt? We come across this very issue all the time with contractors and their light trucks, they register the trucks for 5k pounds but label them for 10,000GVWR and overload them over the rated capacity from the manufacturer's. You betcha we are on alert on this issue, an many a time I have a customer leave for the shop down the road that will install parts that are not rated for the vehicle. If you teach them and they don't want to hear it, good ridance I say, those are the type of people that hurts others out of stupidity.

Awesome update, Jay. Great attitude too. You will certaily have much success with that outlook. Thanks for sharing.

1 hour ago, tyrguy said:

Jay,

You do realize [or maybe you don't] that having those customers sign a waiver won't do you any good in court. The court will state that as the professional, you knew it was an unsafe situation and you will still be responsible. I always laugh when a customer says that they will sign a waiver relieving me of any liability. I then ask them if they can relieve me of the liability of the other person that they hit when they have an accident.

I have a different experience from you that in court, waivers have worked for us, they are grown ups and they have to take responsibility for their actions. we always make sure they sign a work order, as it has notices, terms, and conditions under which we provide service.

On 7/14/2017 at 11:22 PM, xrac said:

Despite some really hot weather AC work is not very strong in these parts.  

Same here, any heat related demand has been very weak. July is running on par with last year's numbers, could change if we get a heat wave but I am not holding by breath.

Gonzo, great news you are doing so well! It is good that you are staying active, keeps you in focused in getting well. You are in our thoughts and prayers, and your family too. Be patient with people and yourself, give yourself extra time and don't rush to heal, even though it can feel frustrating not being able to do some simple tasks and chores. Soon enough you will be all heal up, God willing. -Harry

Greetings, Gonzo! How you feeling? I have been tied up, but dropping by to see how you are doing. I hope you are feeling much better and keeping up your spirits. Cheers from me and my crew!

June was a slow down from the previous pace we were on, it was up 2.9% over last June. People are telling us that they are uncertain about the economy and they are only spending on "must do" items.

Great article, Gonzo! I have been in that same situation, and the things that crosses your mind are all about the kids and loved ones. I hope you help to save many lives with your writing, because your words of wisdom are priceless!

On 6/29/2017 at 9:48 AM, Gonzo said:

If you look at the "V" of the shirt you can just see the start of the scar.  There's a bump at the top of it.  That bump is from what I've been told, is part of the zipper they pull your chest back together with.  They insert some sort of key there and turn it until the chest is pulled back into place.  It's supposed to go away in a few months.  The scar runs about 8 inches and yes... everything hurts... but I smiled for the camera for you guys.   Love ya ALL.  

Ouch! Did you nickle and dime them?Asked them how much the service guide allows for service? Did they try to pass you aftermarket parts as OEM? Kidding, just some dark humor from the peanut gallery.

8 hours ago, Gonzo said:

Can't do much else...but get better.  This fruit basket will be a part of it.  Thank you guys.    

Great smile, Gonzo! Thanks for sharing it with us!

2 hours ago, Gonzo said:

 

Harry....u made my day.  Thank you for the fruit basket.  Never a more proud moment to be associated with such a talented group of guys and gals.   Ya made my day.  Thank you.  

You are welcome, Gonzo! Hope it cheers you up, even though I hear you are tough as nails. Keep your spirits up, and we are asking and praying the good Lord gives you and your family strength, wisdom, and love to endure this test. Hugs and cheers form my crew, family and I, be well buddy.

http://www.wcax.com/story/32218137/vt-mechanic-takes-plea-deal-in-alleged-faulty-inspection

Quote

Vt. mechanic takes plea deal in alleged faulty inspection

Posted: Jun 14, 2016 11:41 AM EST Updated: Jun 16, 2016 5:00 PM EST

By WCAX News

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Steven Jalbert

BARRE, Vt. -

A Vermont mechanic originally charged with manslaughter for a faulty motor vehicle inspection has pleaded guilty to lesser charges.

Steven Jalbert of Barre was arrested last August in connection with a 2014 crash that killed Elizabeth Ibey, 82. Prosecutors say the accident resulted from rusted out brake lines, despite the fact the car had recently passed a state inspection, performed by Jalbert.

Last week, Jalbert accepted a plea deal for reckless endangerment and was sentenced to three months of home confinement.

The attorney general's office says this was the first criminal prosecution in Vermont arising from a faulty motor vehicle inspection.

On 6/25/2017 at 11:07 PM, Gonzo said:

Today, I actually made all day with no pain pills.  Who hoo!  More walking and more activities is the key.  Can't work, still can't stay upright that long.  Probably weeks until I'm allowed to drive anyway.  Slowly healing, keeping up with posts, and everybody's comments.  Thanx for ur thoughts.  It really makes my day to hear from u all.   

It is good to hear from you Gonzo! Please take it easy, I know it is easier said than done, but you have to let your body rest to heal up real good. Try not to stress and let the young ones make you laugh. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Anyone know how Gonzo is doing? Does anyone know where we can send a get well basket?

Happy Summer Solstice 2017!

Your marketing should be going strong, due to the rain and cooler weather A/C servive demand has been soft, no worries. Your 4th of July specials should be on customer's hands and road trip special for August should be heading out the door.

Thank you, and likewise from me to you dads!

Great news! I am really happy for him to be up and about, thank God!

skm,

You are right, these guys pretty much all they can do is the basic maintenance stuff, some of them cannot even afford the scanners to do brakes on the most recent vehicles models. So, yes, time is coming where these guys will not make enough to stay in business.

Yesterday, went for a drive through North Jersey, was very concerned to see that independent shops are putting permanent signs with the $19.95 oil change offers, the $59 A/C recharge, and the $5 dollar flat fix. This reeks of desperation, clearly the industry is coming due for a strong correction. At my shops this month we are starting to see price resistance from the lower income segment, we are having to exert price flexibility for price discovery which we are finding to be 10% to 20% from list pricing. The mid to upper segments are still going strong.

Like expected, the little bit of heat we are having brought out the air conditioner work. Your Father's day special should already be in your customer's hands, and your Summer Special, Road Trip Specials should be heading out the door. Fourth of July is coming up, and all other air conditioner work offers should be clearly displayed for your customers. "Steady as she goes," says the Captain.

3 hours ago, xrac said:

Reckon Gonzo will come out with a story to write?

God willing, once he is well rested, he will tells us all about it. You wouldn't believe the clarity one gains when passing through the repair shop oneself, wish I could write well to share my experience, alas, I am not an eloquent writer.

We continue to pray for Gonzo's speedy recovery.

skm, thanks for the update.

12 minutes ago, Gonzo said:

Full report after Dr. Hacksaw and Nurse Hatchet remove the faulty plumbing and start the motor back up....  it's one of those things that what YOU thought was normal isn't even close to the real normal.. ........  know I know.... the hard way.  BTW ... heart attacks hurt like a somofabitch.  

Only in America! Good to hear from you buddy! Been there, done that, was praying for the Big Guy to give me a little more time to see the children married and off to bigger and better things, lucky for me He gave me more time. We are very happy to hear from you! Get well soon, buddy! I am praying for your speedy recovery.

I pay my lube techs .5

Your lube techs are your money makers if you have then excellently trained. They do so many oil changes that if you train then well they can spot the winners and losers my giving the incoming cars a once over.

But if you don't train then, they will just rush over to get the car in and out.

So discipline then to do the job right and they will mine those cars in recommendations that will help you prosper in this business.