Quantcast
Jump to content

mikerisich

Free Member
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    171

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Blog Entries posted by mikerisich

  1. mikerisich
    The greater Philadelphia area automotive software solutions developer ranked #36






    Not only has BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY remained at the forefront developing innovative add-on solutions powering the nation’s independent auto repair shops’ ability to automate daily operations, increase efficiency and boost profits, the Downingtown, Pa.-based company has ranked as one of the 2014 fastest-growing, privately-held businesses in the Philadelphia region by the Philadelphia 100®, the Wharton Small Business Development Center, the Entrepreneurs' Forum of Greater Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Business Journal.
     
    The Philadelphia 100 rankings are based on companies’ percentage of growth over the last three years, ending in 2013. During that time frame, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY grew by 187 percent and ranked number 36 of 100, according to official Philadelphia 100 rankings released Thursday night.
     
     
    In addition to founder and CEO Mike Risich, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY employed two workers just two years ago and has since grown to employ more than a dozen. The company’s software applications serve thousands of independent auto repair shops in the U.S., Canada and Guam. BOLT ON, which operates a software development center in Bucks County, is poised for continued expansion both in its workforce, as well as its more than a dozen software applications, according to Risich.
     
    “This achievement is just the next step in taking our company to another level,” Risich said. “I know our team embraces change and has the drive and motivation to continue to better our customers’ businesses.”
     
    About BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY™
    Founded in 2008, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY was created by entrepreneur Michael Risich, whose vision of digitizing the automotive repair industry has continued to define the company. BOLT ON stays at the forefront of innovation, continuing to revolutionize mobile applications that save auto shops time, money and the need to write out lengthy estimates or vehicle diagnoses. Bolt On Technology has grown to be one of the leading shop management software providers. The company has partnered with some of the largest companies in the business, including Mitchell1, ATI (Automotive Training Institute) and CARFAX.
    To learn more about Bolt On Technology, visit BoltOnTechnology.com, see our mobile innovations on YouTube, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
     
    About the Philadelphia 100 Program:
    The Philadelphia 100 was founded in 1988 by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum of Greater Philadelphia, Philadelphia Business Journal, and Wharton Small Business Development Center to publicly identify, recognize, and promote successful companies in the Greater Philadelphia region. Previous participants have told us that participating in the Philadelphia 100 helped them attract new employees, obtain new customers, and raise capital. Past honorees include NovaCare, Forman Mills, ATX, Mothers Work, Diamond Couriers, West Coast Video, Spectacor, Urban Outfitters, and Kremer Laser Eye Center
  3. mikerisich
    Since his 16-bay repair shop began using wireless automotive software solutions last fall, Dave Murray, VP of Operations at Florida-based Murray Motive, said his family-owned business has been able to save an hour each day “by not doing a whole lot.”
     
    Incorporating BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY’s™ Mobile Manager Pro, Murray said processes that had previously taken 10 to 20 minutes to complete now take “five minutes or less.”
     
    “It improves our efficiency dramatically when building ROs,” he said. “It saves at least 10 steps on the desktop.”
     
    Specifically, the mobile device or tablet-powered application is equipped with the functionality to carry out digital multi-point inspections, digital repair orders, VIN scanning and more. The paperless system syncs with shop management systems, making it unnecessary to enter data back into the computer, which, in turn, dramatically cuts down on time.
     
    On average, Murray said the speed and precision of the Mobile Manager Pro application adds a minimum of one extra car to his 15-cars-per-day service schedule.
     
    That added convenience has contributed to his shop’s bottom line, according Murray, who said the cutting-edge technology has boosted his shop’s $646 average repair order by 5 to 10 percent. Mobile Manager Pro also features the capability to take and text or email vehicle conditions, which oftentimes accompany inspection reports or repair orders.
     
    “It definitely helps up-sell the small things,” Murray said. “When communicating with the customer, to be able to show them saves time on sales calls and trying to educate the customer.”
     
    For Murray, Mobile Manager Pro also helps to strengthen the shop’s internal communication.
     
    “Since we've ditched our clipboards and gone full tablet, we use the big board to keep track of statuses and job distribution,” he said. “The most recent update including team chat with broadcast helps the shop foreman know when jobs are completed. We are spread across 3 buildings and 10,000 square feet, so the broadcast has been really helpful.”
     
    While its efficiency is a clear benefit, creating a better, more predictable scheduling system is what drew Murray to the time-saving software solution. Murray, in trying to have “more control” of the shop’s oil change stickers, began using BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY’s Lube Sticker Pro, which is part of the Mobile Manager Pro suite of solutions. The tool breaks away from the three months or 3,000 mile benchmark for lube, oil and filter services and instead uses a vehicle’s driving history and mileage milestones to determine with precise accuracy, when vehicles should receive lube, oil and filter service, as well as tire rotations, coolant flushes and myriad other services.
     
    For Murray and his four techs that use the automotive software solution, being able to circumvent the Mitchell1 application to add multiple canned jobs at once is most beneficial. The notes and descriptions section is a bonus for adding further description, or clarifying service recommendations, he said.
     
    And everybody loves no longer having to hand-write reports, he said.
     
    “It’s kind of just like your phone,” Murray said.
     
    For more information on Mobile Manager Pro visit www.boltontechnology.com or call 610-400-1019.
  4. mikerisich
    Our Mobile Manager Pro digital multi-point inspection tool will be discussed during the upcoming NACE/CARS Expo & Conference in Detroit, Michigan. The auto repair software will be referenced during our partner, Mitchell 1’s 90-minute training session, “Shop Management Unleashed.”
     
    Tim McDonnell, Mitchell 1’s National Training Manager will lead the training on July 22 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the COBO Center during the annual event, which runs from July 21 through July 25.
     
    Focused on optimizing repair shop efficiency, Tim will provide tips for Manager SE users to improve profit-generating potential and highlight solutions to maximize efficiency. Part of the discussion will center on how Mobile Manager Pro extends the shop management system into your shop’s bays and beyond.
     
    Service advisors can use the tablet-powered, fully wireless auto repair software to meet a customer at their vehicle, scan the VIN or decode the license plate. From there, vehicle make, model, year and more auto-populates fields, saving time and guaranteeing accuracy of information.
     
    The software fully integrates with the Mitchell 1 platform, meaning that any data input through the tablet transmits automatically into your shop management system, offering real-time two-way communication and eliminating double entry of information.
     
    Shops that use Mobile Manager Pro have successfully built a better foundation of customer trust, particularly through the ability to take and text vehicle condition photos, along with color-coded multi-point inspections.
     
    In addition to discussing our digital multi-point inspection tool, Tim will provide insight on configuring a work in progress screen; automating SMS functions; sharing repair order tips; and more. For more information on the topics Tim will discuss, click here.
     
    If you go
    Admission to the Mitchell 1 discussion is included with a CARS registration. The NACE/CARS Expo & Conference will be held July 21-25 at the COBO Center in Detroit, Michigan. The show features more mechanical specialty and technical training than in years past. For more information and to register, click here: NACE CARS.
  5. mikerisich
    During a recent Philly New Tech meetup gathering, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY founder and CEO Mike Risich demonstrated the digital multi-point inspection process made possible through the company's Mobile Manager Pro automotive software solution.
     
    To see the automatic transmission of data from the tablet device to the shop management system and hear more about the best practices of advance appointment scheduling, click here to watch the video:
  6. mikerisich
    The BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY team will travel to Arizona and Las Vegas in the coming weeks to exhibit alongside partners, Mitchell1 and NAPA.
     
    First up is the Mitchell 1 Shop Management Workshop, which is set for April 30-May 2 in Scottsdale, Ariz.
     
    Whether you’re already a customer or contemplating expanding the capabilities of your Mitchell 1 shop management system, the Bolt On Technology team of Mike and Frank would be happy to answer any and all of your questions, hear your feedback on our products and share best practices for any of our vehicle maintenance software solutions. Mike and Frank will be available to meet and speak with shop owners in between Mitchell1 workshop sessions. Shops can also test drive our Pro Pack, Mobile Manager Pro and Welcome Station auto repair software solutions.
     
    Then from May 5 to May 8 we'll share a booth with NAPA at the NAPA Expo in Las Vegas.

    The annual expo is expected to bring out 14,000 people all with affiliations to NAPA, either through the NAPA TRACS shop management system or through NAPA parts stores. At the BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY/NAPA booth, staff will demonstrate Bolt On’s automotive software solutions and show how it fully integrates with the NAPA TRACS shop management system for effortless transmission of data.
    For more information on our auto repair software products or either of the upcoming workshops visit our Website.
     
  7. mikerisich
    In the 17 years since Bill Hill and his significant other, Leigh Anne Best, have owned Ohio-based Mighty Auto Pro, the couple has “seen it all” in terms of shop management systems and add-on software programs.
     
    “There are so many programs,” said Leigh Anne. “One program will do this and another will do that.”
     
    But, the couple had not found a software solution for everything at their 17-bay repair shop until recently: BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY’s™ suite of automotive software solutions.
     
    “Nothing has really been as all-encompassing as this,” she said. “They’ve got some great stuff going on.”
     
    Deemed by the business owners as a one-stop software shop for the automotive repair industry, Leigh Anne said Bill favors the VIN scanning functionality and digital multi-point inspections made possible with Mobile Manager Pro.
     
    “We have always done a 51-point safety inspection. Prior to this we hand wrote them,” she said, adding that digital inspections and VIN decoding saves 10 to 15 minutes per vehicle on average. “We toyed around with putting them on the computer for some time.”
     
    Now, instead of trying to figure out how to digitize repair orders and inspection reports, Mighty Auto Pro-which Ratchet and Wrench magazine named a 2013 All-Star-use tablets to carry out these functions using Bolt On’s popular signature software solution.
     
    In terms of expanding the shop’s 450-car-per-month bottom line, Leigh Anne said the application’s ability to take and text photos of customer vehicles has helped up repair orders by 30 percent. Prior to Mobile Manager Pro, she said the shop took its own photos. As part of a week-long test, she said some techs were tasked with taking photos of vehicle conditions to share with customers, while the rest were told not to take photos.
     
    “They were up about 30 percent, the people with pictures versus without,” she said. “Resoundingly the results were so much better with sales.”
     
    Besides boosting sales and saving time, Bill said he likes the fact that technicians are able to zero in on their customers.
     
    “Bill likes that the only thing they’re seeing is their vehicles, not the entire shop’s vehicles,” Leigh Anne said. “Instead of looking at the entire work in progress screen it’s individualized.”
     
    For Leigh Anne, text message customer reminders via Message Manager Pro, as well as the easy compilation of marketing data using the report-generating software wizard that is Report Pro “has been a huge thing.”
     
    For more information on BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY’s suite of automotive software solutions visit www.boltontechnology.com or call 610-400-1019.
  8. mikerisich
    Our Mitchell 1 customers have been asking for years about the possibility of booking appointments by technician. Later this week, the long-awaited feature request will be available through Report Pro.
    This is a huge improvement to the Mitchell 1 stock calendar. With the update, shops can book appointments by technician.
    Service advisors will be able to easily manage a busy workday and ensure technician availability, which helps to improve productivity and leads to shops becoming more efficient.
    Since blocks are color-coded by type – appointment, estimate, repair order or invoice – shop staff can quickly view by day, week and month. To reschedule appointments simply drag and drop the color-coded appointment blocks.
    For now, the update is only available for Mitchell 1 customers. The Report Pro feature is planned for other shop management systems in the future. To locate the calendar update, simply launch Report Pro, select the Tools tab and from there choose the Advanced Scheduler. The software will notify you of the update once it is available.
    For more information on Report Pro, click here: Report Pro.
  9. mikerisich
    The National Pronto Association today announced its endorsement of BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY, a leader in the development of innovative software solutions powering the independent automotive repair industry.
     
    BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY, since its founding in 2008, has created more than a dozen software modules which fully integrate with leading shop management systems, saving repair shop technicians and service advisors time through the use of automation.
    Pronto has 95 independent wholesale distributors with 251 regional warehouses throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. This network supports 59,000 service centers.
     
    David Wofford, National Pronto Association Director of Sales and National Accounts, said the Pronto network is the perfect complement to BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY’s products, which are part of the Pronto Smart Choice Advantage. The Pronto Smart Choice Advantage also features a 24-month parts and labor warranty, online training and ASE certification reimbursement, as well as roadside assistance for customers, among other items.
     
    Wofford lauded the partnership with BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY as a way to provide “cutting-edge technology to service centers to make them more productive.”
     
    “The shops are not unlike most companies where they’re always being asked to do more with less personnel,” Wofford said, adding that the company’s mobile technology enables shops to “communicate with the consumers under the consumers terms – which is email and text messaging.”
     
    Frank Dragoni, Director of National Sales & Corporate Partnerships for BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY, said that gaining Pronto’s “stamp of approval” would help increase awareness and ultimately reach of Bolt On’s automotive software solutions.
    “We’re excited about this incredible opportunity to partner with such a remarkable leader in the automotive aftermarket industry,” Dragoni said. “Together we can make Pronto and BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY household names in the auto repair industry.”
  10. mikerisich
    Spring and summer months are historically busier times for auto repair shops. Of course it would be great to keep that steady traffic coming into your bays day in and day out, each and every day through fall and winter too. But, how do you do it?
     
    A stay-busy year-round solution is easier to attain than you may think.
     
    Dentists, doctors and hair salons all use advance scheduling to ensure their respective professionals do not confront empty appointment books. The auto repair industry should be no different. Repair shops can stockpile consistent business for various vehicle maintenance issues in the same way by employing help from automotive software solutions.
     
    Today’s cutting-edge shop management software programs incorporate features like customer driving history, vehicle age and recommended services based on specific mileage milestones to predict a service timetable for scheduling state inspections, emissions tests, tire rotations, lube oil and filter changes and other services, including coolant flushes.
     
    Scheduling these services in advance, while the customer is in the shop, can help businesses avoid the September and February slumps and ensure a consistent repair shop revenue stream.
     
    In addition, scheduling routine services in advance helps shops maintain a more manageable work flow-particularly during busy seasons-and helps shops to determine how many walk-in customers can be added on any given day. It also gives customers a greater opportunity to keep up with recommended maintenance while making it easier for them to take action on important vehicle services.
     
    Software developed with advance scheduling functionality capabilities takes email, postcards and even phone call service reminders to a whole new level. Using software scheduling tools allows shop owners to be proactive instead of reactive. Think about it, when does boosting business come to mind? Typically shop owners reflect on attracting more customers, or bringing back regular customers when business is down. Waiting until then may be too late.
     
    By implementing software that enables a seamless advance scheduling process for customers’ regular 3 to 6 month and even annual vehicle maintenance needs, shops will see far fewer slow days and will be less likely to need last-minute incentives to drive business.
     
    Another benefit besides keeping steady momentum is that as the appointment date nears, reminders can be auto-texted to customers, further freeing up shop owners and technicians to focus on other priorities, including performing other customers’ vehicle maintenance.
     
    To learn more about implementing advance scheduling software at your automotive repair shop, visit http://www.BoltOnTechnology.com/, or call 610-400-1019.
  11. mikerisich
    With the most recent time-saving feature added to Mobile Manager Pro, technicians can be assigned to a labor item, either per work order or an individual line item – right from the tablet and into your shop management system. The latest update works with Mitchell1 shop management systems only.
    Now with the addition of the most-requested feature, service advisors no longer need to be at the desktop workstation to add or remove technicians from a work order.
    And since assigning technicians to a work order is something that service advisors must do anyway, it made sense to enable this functionality from within Mobile Manager Pro. In addition to saving time through the elimination of unnecessary steps, the labor technician management feature helps to improve accuracy.
    The new update helps to prepare for the release of a new time clock addition, which is in the works and will be released at a future date.
    To read more on this latest Mobile Manager Pro update click here or call us at 610-400-1019.
  12. mikerisich
    It was common for Holt Auto Service and Machine Shop Service Manager Mike Chase to leave a message for a customer and “wait, wait, wait” for a call back.
    In the hours that typically followed until Chase talked to customers, the technicians wasted time taking vehicles down from lifts only to begin the seemingly unending cycle again with another vehicle.
    Since the nine-bay shop began using BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY's Mobile Manager Pro, customer communication – and repair work authorizations – have moved into the fast lane. Plus, the response from customers after receiving color-coded digital inspections and detailed vehicle condition photos has been “phenomenal,” Chase said.
    “The response I get back from people is unbelievable. They can actually see what we’re seeing,” he said. “A picture is worth a thousand words. Even if they’re not buying everything, they can see it for themselves.”
    In the days of simply telling customers what was wrong with their vehicles, Chase said, “You always wonder, ‘do they believe you?’ This way, there’s no question.”
    To learn more about Mobile Manager Pro and how the digital multi-point inspection tool can improve day-to-day operations at your shop, click here: Mobile Manager Pro.
  13. mikerisich
    Upping the daily car count has been an ongoing goal for Tim Steigerwalt since he became owner of six Philadelphia-area independent auto repair shops in 1996.
     
    The challenge of “not enough cars” is a problem common among fellow shop owners.
     
    And while Steigerwalt has not yet found the magic bullet to bring more customers through his shops’ doors, he has been able to make a difference in another way.
     
    This spring, Steigerwalt’s shops incorporated BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY’s mobile automotive software solutions into their daily routine.
     
    The result?
     
    “Doubled revenue.”
     
    In particular, Steigerwalt said his team continues to find success with Mobile Manager Pro’s photo-taking and texting capabilities. Adding vehicle condition photos to a digital multi-point inspection, repair order or estimate has helped “gain the trust of the customer,” he said.
     
    In turn, customers who can visually see the need for repairs or maintenance are more likely to authorize work as evidenced in the $60 increase in his shops’ average repair order.
     
    “It has really enhanced our communication with our customers,” Steigerwalt said. “We’re able to communicate with our customers in a different way.”
     
    Steigerwalt, who worked for two decades fixing cars before becoming a shop owner, said the technology is something he had “never heard of” during his wrenching days.
     
    As such, he “wasn’t really sure what to expect” from it.
     
    His customers, who now receive vehicle condition photos, along with repair orders and inspections via text and email message, have responded positively, in most cases approving repairs in minutes instead of hours.
     
    “It gives them the ‘wow’ factor,” Steigerwalt said.
     

    See Tim's video here:


  14. mikerisich
    Determine what you want from exhibitors post-expo now.






    With so many booths, workshops and more at the AAPEX Show, it would be virtually impossible to leave Las Vegas with all of the information you need to effectively grow your business.
     
    That’s why receiving follow up from exhibitors that align with your goals is imperative.
    How do you do that? Follow these simple tips to gather all the post-show information you need.
     
    1.Set guidelines
    Communicate your preferred follow-up methods with the exhibitor. Would you like them to call you, send a pamphlet, or fax information to you? Share with exhibitors how and what information you need to make any potential follow up decisions after AAPEX.
     
    2.Carve out time
    Be sure to set aside time to speak to exhibitors, or review the information they send. Suggest that exhibitors reach out to you during less busy portions of your workday, or ensure that an employee can cover for you.
     
    3.Set goals
    Give yourself a realistic time frame to discuss, review and act on any follow up material. Don’t leave pamphlets, or other information lying around for months collecting dust.
     
    4.Hold exhibitors accountable
    Be sure exhibitors do what they said they would do – when they said they would do it. In other words, if the exhibitor agrees to touch base a week after AAPEX and then fails to do so, you may want to reconsider doing business with the company. Failure to follow up shows the exhibitor can’t be trusted.
     
    5.Don’t be afraid to ask questions
    Perhaps the exhibitor’s follow up raised more questions, or caused confusion. Be sure to ask for further explanations, or clarifications.
     
    6.Seek out proof
    When follow up regarding the exhibitor’s products or services is not enough ask for insight from others in the know: Shop owners who are also customers. The exhibitor should be able to provide contact information for a customer or two, or you could try to find answers on your own via sites like the International Automotive Technicians Network (http://www.iatn.net/) or www.autoshopowner.com.
     
    You can see other helpful AAPEX Show tips and hints in my blog by clicking here. If you’re going to AAPEX Show 2014, we’d love to meet you! Please be sure to stop by booth #2983 to meet the BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY team, learn more about our mobile technology and our automotive software solutions, Mobile Manager Pro and Welcome Station. For more information, visit www.boltontechnology.com, or call 610-400-1019.
  15. mikerisich
    Nick Nix, the owner of PJ’s Auto Repair in Yuba City, Calif., is seeing a “dramatic impact” in his techs’ ability to “point and click” their way to completing digital multi-point inspections of customer vehicles.
     
    So dramatic, in fact, that after using BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY’s™ Mobile Manager Pro for only a week, Nix said his shop of 17 years made $3,600 in additional profit.
     
    He attributes the uptick in revenue to his shop’s use of digital inspections, which include technician-recommended services, tech notes, along with vehicle condition photos, all of which can be texted via tablet or mobile device, to a customer in real time.
     
    To track the revenue-generating results, Nix said he used BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY’s Report Pro software solution. Users can create customizable invoices which include everything from a shop’s logo, color scheme and service coupons, to a breakdown of checks to be carried out during vehicle inspections.
     
    In addition to seeing a major profit boost the first week, Nix said his average repair order had increased by $30 from $130 to $160 within two weeks.
     
    Making the commitment to invest in the suite of automotive software solutions stemmed from his lackluster average RO, which he said was “half of the industry standard.”
     
    “I was looking for you guys,” Nix said, noting that he had envisioned smoother shop operations through mobile technology for some time. “I actually found your competitor.”
     
    Nix said he decided to license Bolt On Technology’s software platform instead of another company because, “you guys are just developing this so quickly.”
     
    The Mobile Manager Pro feature that works best in driving efficiency is the application’s team chat function, according to Nix.
     
    “It’s cut down on shop miscommunication dramatically,” he said. “(Before) we had paper repair orders for the guys. They would have to write on the work order and send it to the service advisor. Now we have real time documented chat. It hits all the techs at the same time.”
     
    For more information on Mobile Manager Pro, Report Pro, or any of Bolt On Technology’s other automotive software solutions visit www.boltontechnology.com or call 610-400-1019.
  16. mikerisich
    Photos aren’t just important for capturing memories. At auto repair shops, vehicle conditions photos show – in addition to tell – customers what repairs or maintenance is needed.
    The number of shops taking photos and sharing them with customers is growing exponentially. Photos taken with BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY's Mobile Manager Pro digital multi-point inspection tool have surpassed 400,000 – that’s double the number of pictures in our database in December 2014. We reached our first six-figure milestone in August 2014 when technicians took a total of 100,000 pictures while inspecting customers’ vehicles.
    On average, shops take 3 photos per multi-point inspection. That number is a bit low. As a best practice, we suggest including 3 to 5 recommendations and 7 to 10 photos per inspection.
    Recommendations + photos = higher repair orders
    For auto repair shops, photos create a greater level of transparency, which helps to improve customer confidence. In addition, since vehicle condition photos are texted or emailed instantly, customers can see vehicle-related issues from their home, office or wherever they may be. It’s like visiting the shop remotely.
    Seeing what needs to be done is powerful for selling services. Customers are able to view the photos and inspection when convenient for them and are empowered to take action. Click here to read more on the importance of photo-taking in auto repair.
  17. mikerisich
    After using our Mobile Manager Pro automotive software solution for a year, Jon Miller of Pioneer Automotive in Denton, Texas shot a video explaining how BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY's mobile technology has helped his shop.
     

    , Miller said the digital multi-point inspection tool has increased his shop's sales by 30 percent, upped his car count by 25 percent a month and eliminated the need to re-enter information from handwritten inspection sheets back into his shop management system.  
    "It's definitely changed the way we do things in the shop," Miller said. "Everything works flawlessly. I couldn't imagine going back to the way things used to be, back to what seems to be the stone ages with papers and pens."
     
    Mobile Manager Pro, Bolt On's signature solution, in addition to going paperless with multi-point inspections and more, also enables repair shop techs to take and text vehicle photos to customers. The software - which fully integrates with leading shop management systems - comes fully equipped with the ability to create customized multi-point inspection forms and enter color-coded auto pre-canned technician notes right from the tablet.
     
    To learn more about Mobile Manager Pro, click here. To learn more about BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY and its other automotive software solutions, click here.
     
  18. mikerisich
    BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY’s signature automotive software solution, Mobile Manager Pro, has ranked in the top 5 in Top and Best Alternative’s top 10 list of auto repair software.

    Mobile Manager Pro, the company’s signature solution, is the only add-on automotive software solution to make the list. The other 9 modules on the list are shop management systems.

    The wireless tool, which fully integrates with leading shop management systems, enables repair shop technicians to scan VINs and decode license plates and take and text vehicle condition photos to customers along with color-coded digital multi-point vehicle inspections.

    Click here to read more about Mobile Manager Pro's ranking.
  19. mikerisich
    Just in time for the New Year and resolutions for 2015, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY is sharing 7 strategies to boost your average repair orders, save time and increase productivity.
     
    Plus, as an added bonus, you can take advantage of our end of year giveaway.
     
     
    Watch our video demonstration and learn more here: http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=1a0fd59c50dc1f357d3fd869d&id=89c0af4016&e=[uNIQID]
  20. mikerisich
    When he’s not helping auto repair shops learn tasks to automate their business and become more efficient, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY™ Director of National Sales and Corporate Sponsorships Frank Dragoni, of Yardley, eats, breathes and sleeps baseball.
     
    A Pennsbury Athletic Association baseball coach, Dragoni has been gearing up for the Philadelphia Friends of the V Foundation’s annual Jimmy V Home Run Derby, set for June 28 at Trenton Thunder Arm and Hammer Park following the Thunder’s 1 p.m. game.
     
    The event pits high school baseball players from Pennsylvania against New Jersey players.
     
    “The states kind of battle each other,” Dragoni said, adding that the competition is stiff. “The kids have to be able to hit the ball out of a major league stadium.”
     
    The V Foundation was founded by Jimmy Valvano several months before losing his battle with cancer. Valvano had worked as an ABC/ESPN basketball commentator and analyst following a successful 15-year career as a college basketball coach in which he took his team to several NCAA appearances.
     
    The Philadelphia branch of the organization gives 100 percent of the proceeds back to the organization, Dragoni said.
     
    “It’s a great cause,” Dragoni said. “It’s rewarding to feel like we’re making a difference.”
     
    To learn more
    Dragoni’s V Foundation fundraising work is through the Philly Friends of V, a regional branch of the nationwide V Foundation. Check out this video to learn more about the Home Run Derby. Cost is $11. For more information or to buy tickets, click here.
     
    About the V Foundation
    The V Foundation was established in 1993 by Jim Valvano, who, a few months after its establishment, succumbed to his battle with cancer. Valvano had worked as an ABC/ESPN basketball commentator and analyst following a successful 15-year career as a college basketball coach in which he took his team to several NCAA appearances. The Foundation continues in his name with contributions funding cancer research and related programs.
     
    To learn more about Bolt On Technology, visit www.boltontechnology.com,see our mobile innovations on YouTube, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
  21. mikerisich
    The BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY team will be spending much of March on the road, traveling to several trade shows and hopefully meeting lots of independent auto repair shops and demonstrating our shop management software.
     
    Following a trip to Kansas City for the Vision Hi-Tech Training and Expo, the BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY team will showcase its mobile technology software solutions at the ATI SuperConference, which is set for March 11-14 in Palm Springs, Calif. If you're attending, please be sure to stop by our table during the March 12 trade show to see live demonstrations of our shop management software and learn how to implement best practices into your shop's daily routines.
     
    The following week, from March 20-21, we'll be exhibiting at the Automotive Training Expo at booths 59 and 60.

    Why you should make time to see us
    Hundreds of shops are saving 10 to 15 minutes per customer through the use of VIN and license plate decoding, canned tech notes and more as part of Mobile Manager Pro, a fully wireless digital inspection tool and auto maintenance software add-on. Incorporating mobile technology with text messaging capabilities, among various other functions, has helped shops boost average repair orders by 45 to 75% – and higher in many instances.
    Our other leading mobile shop management solution, Welcome Station, is the first-ever service upgrading kiosk developed specifically for the auto repair industry. It is similar in functionality to kiosks in use at airports, grocery and convenience stores and cropping up in restaurant chains.
    The tablet-powered tool is helping shops save time at the front counter and makes up-selling easier by empowering customers to check themselves in, update their contact and vehicle information and choose services they wish to have performed.
  22. mikerisich
    Do you have a shop management system in place at your auto repair shop? Are you contemplating adding or updating one?
    If so, what do you want from your auto repair shop's software system? Not sure? We can help.
    When it comes to shop management systems, so many options are available it can be mind-boggling. Knowing what you need your auto repair software to do, what features you need and how it benefits your auto repair shop are just a few of the things that should be considered.
    To help better understand this process we have compiled a list of four questions to consider. To read more, click here.
  23. mikerisich
    The Vision Hi-Tech Training and Expo begins in about a month.
     
    But, don't worry, there's still time to register for this four-day event, which happens March 5-8 in Kansas City, Kansas.
     
    Featuring technical training, a tool expo, service advisor summit, management and technical training, and, of course the two-day Vision Expo, this annual trade show offers something for everyone.
     
    In addition, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY's sales and support staff will be exhibiting March 6 and March 7 as part of the Expo. If you plan on attending, please be sure to stop by booth #535 and #537 and say hello.
    For more information on the Vision Hi-Tech Training and Expo, click here.
  24. mikerisich
    Are you heading to the Vision Hi-Tech Training and Expo? What about AAPEX? Of course, there are dozens of trade shows in between.
    But, before you travel to any of them, you may want to consider some advance planning. The trade show floor can be intimidating. Hundreds, if not thousands of exhibitors, countless booths, an unending array of things to see, try out and learn more about.
    The experience can be overwhelming. But, with a bit of advance preparation, you and your auto repair shop staff can get the most out of trade shows in 2015 and for years to come.
    Click here to read more about our tips for trade show success.
  25. mikerisich
    All shops encounter customers who are hesitant to make vehicle repairs or keep up with scheduled maintenance beyond the lube, oil and filter service.
    For skeptics, phrases like “do I really need that,” or “why can’t this wait” tend to follow the service advisor’s suggestions.
    Ultimately, selling auto repair service – particularly to skeptics – is an art form. And just like any other profession, the seller, i.e. your service advisor, must have the best shop management system tools to succeed.
    To effectively respond to a customer's objections, your service advisor needs 4 things:
    1. Photo recommendations
    2. Clear recommendations
    3. Exceptional customer service
    4. Empowering customers to choose vehicle services
    To read more about how to sell services to a skeptic, read our blog: http://boltontechnology.com/how-to-sell-auto-repairs-to-a-skeptic/

Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...