Joe Marconi

I know of the Tracs system but I am more familiar with Mitchell. Did you get any training on the program???? I know at first it will be a bit confusing and overwhelming, but in the long run it will pay off, trust me. It sounds like you have issue you need to have your Napa rep handle. Maybe there is an ASO member that uses Tracs???? Sorry I could not have been more help.

We had an Infinity I30 come in last week with cooling fans that would not shut off after they turned on at approximately 204 degrees, coolant temperature. There were no codes stored. This model uses 2 cooling fans with three-stage fan speeds. The car never overheated, but once the fans turned on, they stayed on until the car was shut off and the engine cooled down. We verified the coolant temp of the engine with a scanner; both readings (at the sensor and scanner) were within 5 degrees of each other. We followed the diagnostic flow chart and all looked normal. When we felt the bottom radiator hose, it was not as hot as we thought it should have been. We replaced the thermostat and solved the problem. We got side-tracked a little thinking too deep into this and actually thought we could have a programming issue. It’s the same old rule…check the basics first.

Great jokes, nice to laugh...I am going to show the jokes to my wife...wish me luck!

You make a valid point and I think most of us has grown that alligator skin you speak of. What bothers me is that the customer who wants the job done cheaper will find someone to do it. Now the problem is...the customer can't tell the difference...how in the world are we ever going to change that?

Reading the Declaration of Independence gave me chills! Thank you for posting it. Gonzo is right we would have been there in 1776 and today 2010...side by side!!! God Bless America!

Become an Effective Leader! Every company needs an effective leader. Not someone that demands people to do things, that’s not a leader. A true leader gets the people in the company to do what is right for the company because they want to, not because they are told to. Leaders listen, they coach, and they become truly interested in the welfare of the people around them. It’s a daunting task at times, but it’s the job of every shop owner. What type of leader are you?

Jeff, it takes a real man to admit when 'he' alone is repsonisble for the world around him, and you are that man. Just one more thing to add; you mentioned faith and God, that will help you too. You need to be positve, it's not how hard you get knocked down, it's how quick you get to your feet and how you react that will make the difference. Enough said, no matter what happens from this day on, I know you are already headed in the right direction.

Once again Gonzo, valuable words of wisdom. Consumer education, while needed, takes a lot of time and effort. Some people can’t get beyond the price. I have never met a person who has told me, “No problem, go ahead with that 4 wheel brake job, I budget money every week for car repairs.” People would easily spend a few hundred bucks at the mall, but hesitate for set of quality wipers. Staying calm is another issue. If a person truly can’t afford a repair, just tell me…I will work with that customer. But it’s hard to tell the difference. If a person wants it cheaper because it just doesn’t want to pay the price, then we have an issue. Either we are not showing the customer the value of our service or the customer truly does not want to let go of his money.

Gonzo is right, it's not your fault....if we could we would be right there in the trenches with you. The key thing is to do something. My father (a World War II vet) said that in battle when all things seemed impossible and it looked liked the end was near, the only thing that kept most of them alive was to do something, anything. When you are pinned down with bullets whizzing past you, it's hard to make a move. But if you stay there trapped, you will surely die. In business the same is true. Just get out there, pound the pavement, go to every business, school, organization, church and hand out your business card. Do something, don't get pinned down! And please, use this forum as somewhere you can let off some steam and vent. It will do a world of good and actually, the process of venting may reveal possible solutions.

Jeff, I am not going to be one of those guys who will attempt to try to analyze your problem and give you a magic bullet. I have too much respect for you and that would not help matters. After reading your situation I truly believe that you are in a tight spot and it must be eating you up inside. I remember in the early 90’s when the whole world came crashing down on me and I could not make payroll. I good week was when I could pay my 2 mechanics, but still did not have enough money in the bank account to bring a check home to my wife and three little kids. We all know how humiliating that is for a man, don’t we. So please, with all due respect, I do know how you must feel and I wish I could help. Are there any other businesses or shopping mall in the area you can go to and try to work out a deal with them? Do you specialize in any area that you can market to other businesses or other shops? I am just trying to see if there is any way you can find new work.

Jeff, we have all been there. The auto business is so tough and can beat you up on the best of days in the best of times. What issues are you having? Is the high umployement? Is it that people are afraid to spend? Or?????

This is great information. I assumer with the changes you made the effeciency is greatly improved.

There is a lot of truth to what you say, but today with all segments of the auto industry...from quick lubes to transmission shops, to muffler shops and new car dealers....wanting of peice of our service pie, it is not getting any easier.

I do remember the Amphicar. That brings back memories.

I always fear consumer confidence. To me, it's the one indicator that can have the biggest negative impact. Bad news spreads fast and people react more to the perception than actual events.

There is some truth to what the article says. Although the author generalizes too much and small shops will always find their niche. I know performance shops and Corvette shops that are highly specialized and make a great income specializing in one particular area. If you want to be a general repair shop, I agree, you will find it hard to compete if you want to be everything to everyone. We will need to find our particular strengths and what is profitable. There are very successful companies that understand who their customer is and compete to that market. How anyone can give a dollar amount to survive does not hold water. For many shops, one million dollars is unattainable, for other it’s no money at all. Although I understand what the author is trying to say (having enough income to purchase the correct tools and information), it’s more about who you are in the market place and what defines your business. Know your competition, know your customer, know your market, know what is profitable. Do more of what is profitable, win the battle before you go into battle. You will find a way to thrive if you hold on to these principles. Read the Art of War, it explains a lot of these principles.

I was so undecided on what to do. We had people calling to bring their car in on Monday. I decided to close Monday and be open Sat. I hope I made the right choice.

Let us all make sure we fly the American flags this weekend. And let us not foget the meaning of July 4th. We need to embrace the meaning of the birth of our nation and the reasons why this great nation was founded. Have a happy July 4th weekend!

Now that's what I want! I will tell my wife to put this on my Christmas list!

You know, at the start of this year I would have told you that we have turned the corner. But, it seems that those companies that have a good handle on business and provide the very best in customer service will be fine. However, I see the economy taking its toll on a lot of businesses that were weak to begin with. For those, it will be hard to ride the storm. We are not out of the woods yet and will take some time for the economy to recover. It may never be the way it was either. Especially with the current administration.

Great presentation. Lot's of good information that hits home.

Broad daylight! That's hard to believe. I guess anything is possible. Makes you wonder though. No fear??

I have read this article before. It shows the strength and commitment of the aftermarket. We need to get this word out to the motoring public.

So true, when I am out shopping or going to the dinner, I am critical about the service but will make it a point to recognize outstanding service and thank that person. I guess we all need to share things like this, it is like therapy when we know that we are al in the same boat.

How big is your shop?