Joe Marconi

@Joe Marconi Buying lunch on Saturdays, and coffee and donuts during the week does show appreciation for your employees. It also set the right tone and improves morale. I can tell you that the greatest thing I learned about being in business is that your success is found through the success of others. The job of the leader is to ensure the success of others.

Automotive mechanics is perhaps the most challenging career. What we need to know and to keep pace is monumental. It's rewarding too, but tough at the same time. You bring up great points Gonzo!

I am writing this on my last day of vacation in California, spending time with family. It took me a few days to totally relax, but made it a point to not look at emails or call the office. We all need downtime. I know there will be a ton of work to be done when I return, but I also know that the time away has recharged my batteries and I will be more productive. Being away from business and spending time with family puts things into proper perspective. You realize that a lot of the things you stress over, are really not as important as you think. Take time to enjoy life. We all know how quickly time passes us by. And remember, no one on their death bed ever said they wished they spent more time at work.

I recently made a call to my Internet provider to discuss and issue I was having. After multiple attempts at trying to explain my problem, the customer service rep on the other end of the phone had no clue how to solve my problem. She was nice, extremely polite, and had the voice of an angel. She was well-trained, but not in the art of problem solving. Great customer service is not about being nice to people, it’s all about understanding the customer’s needs and coming up with solutions to their problems. Train your service personnel in the art of proper etiquette, but also in the art of problem solving. Empower your people to also make decisions. Set limits, but give them the authority to solve issues without every problem reaching your desk.

Wow, so true! I never thought about it, but you are right! Too funny!

So true. I can say from first hand experience that I was a tech that owned a job, not a business. It took me years to figure it out, but when I did, my world changed. Having a background as a tech is not a bad thing, but it does properly prepare you for the world of business.

Thank you Dan! The very best to you nd your family!

At this very special time of the year, I would like to wish all the very best life has to offer. My gift from all of you are the amazing posts and contributions each of you have made to help each other and help the industry. It makes me proud to be among such an elite group of shop owners! Thank you all! Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Joe Marconi

An amazing Gonzo Classic! Thank you and Merry Christmas

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, also referred to as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day, is observed annually in the United States on December 7, to remember and honor the 2,403 citizens of the United States who were killed in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941. Let us never forget!

Always enjoy that article. Thank you for posting it!

Each year at this time I advise shop owners to set aside time to look back at the current year and start planning for the year ahead. The more due diligence you perform, the more successful you will be. Below is a short list of things you need to do. Remember, the time you spend now, will pay off next year. Review all your numbers, year to date - Did you hit your goals? Arrange a meeting with your accountant and review your projected sales and determine any tax implications Speak to your accountant about investing in any end-of-year equipment purchases or any other large purchases in order to save on taxes. Please do not listen to your tool truck guy or equipment reps. Sometimes having cash reserve is much more important that reducing taxes Have a meeting with your key employees; determine what you will need in the coming year and begin to create a budget Set your new goals for 2018 and beyond, both personal and business Create a Wish List, those things your would like to accomplish, both in business and personal - This will help keep you focused Consider needed future training for all employees Review all insurances: Life insurance, liability, etc. Perform a facility inspection: Identify any needed work, upgrades, OSHA concerns, etc Create an emergency crisis plan in case something happens to you or a key employee; and make sure your loved ones and family have a copy of the plan

Let us always remember and honor those that served in the military to protect the greatest nation on Earth - The United States of America Veterans Day is an official United States public holiday, observed annually on November 11, that honors military veterans; that is, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I; major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. The United States previously observed Armistice Day. The U.S. holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

There has been a lot of controversy recently with flat rate pay plans. Below is a link to an article about a technician's strike that was held in Chicago. Although the strike and issues in the article centered around dealerships, the article brought up good points about flat rate pay, and the low hourly pay many techs receive. It points to reasons why many techs are unhappy, leaving the industry and why we have issues attracting quality people to our industry. I don't want to start a firestorm, and there are many forms of flat rate pay...but, is it time to rethink flat rate pay plans? And also, we really need to compensate our employees at a standard that is in line with the training, the tools that are required and skills needed these days. I think it is worth your while to read the article and start a conversation on this topic. http://www.autonews.com/article/20171023/RETAIL05/171029996/

First of welcome and the best of luck to you and your husband! ASO is a great resource for you, so please spend time going through all the amazing information from all the amazing members we have. And of course, don't be a stranger and post questions and comments. We all learn from each other.