Joe Marconi

A word of caution. Many commercial accounts have issues with paying on time. Establish the ground rules at the start. The money is good....only when you get paid.

Sorry, we sold it last week.

Any more details on your business model?

Now is the time for all independent shops to position themselves as solvent companies in this economic downturn. Those who fight now will reap the benefits down the road. In my opinion, many shops are beginning to see positive signs that there is opportunity out there.

I urge all shops to continue there marketing and advertising. It will pay off.

We always go to our local CARQUEST store first for all TPMS sensors and kits. They have good coverage.

Looking forward to it.

I will be there, putting in my 2 cents, don’t worry.

The business plan is the foundation of you business. It’s your game plan. Without a game plan, you cannot win. Dreams are one thing, but realistic goals and planning are always written down. This is the first step.

With your education in business, you do have an edge over most of us. I started my business in 1980 as a mechanic who decided to go into business. I had no business skills, and as a result, did not do very well until I realized that running a business takes a different set of skills.

It wasn’t until I dragged myself out of the bays and into the office did I start to grow a business. Amazing things happen when you think of yourself as a “businessman” and not just a “man in business”.

Keep your focus on business and never loose site of the big picture. Too many shop owners spend too much time in the bays fixing cars. That’s not to say it’s wrong. It’s just that in order to grow and build wealth you need to build a business that runs on it’s own. Most shop owners today realize this and are making the change. This is why AutoShopOwner.com is needed in this day and age.

Our success as shop owners will be determined by our strength in business, not necessarily in our ability to repair cars. Servicing and repairing cars is how we make money, but you must understand and secure your role as the leader of your company. So, your focus must be on the “mechanics of business”.

Let’s keep this dialogue going. Maybe you can start your own blog. I’m sure that people will enjoy reading it and helping you out. There are a lot of shop owners out there with years of knowledge. If you have any questions along the way, post them. I for one would welcome the opportunity to help you, along with the future of our industry.

Don, I think you are getting into the business at a great time. There is great opportunity in the near future and when all the dust settles from this economic down turn you will be in a position to reap the harvest.

My name is Joe Marconi, one of the creators of AutoShopOwner.com and a shop owner for over 28 years. I am now in the process of a major expansion. I recently purchased the building adjacent to my business and in the process of constructing another 4 bay facility. We removed the old building and erected a new building. The new 4-bay facility will focus on express service and maintenance and will accommodate customers who need while-you-wait service or repairs done in the same day. The existing 6-bay shop will focus on larger jobs, such as timing belts, engines and transmissions. This new business model is the future of auto repair and service.

Please see my blog in the blog section of AutoShopOwner.com. It outlines the steps I took to start this process and outlines the current progress of the construction.

I welcome your comments, questions and thoughts.

Joe Marconi

Osceola Garage

AutoShopOwner.com

Dan, great hearing from you.

You are right on target with you advertising program. Those who invest now and maintain a strong presence during this economic climate will reap the rewards down the road. Now more than ever, shop owners must realize that marketing your business is critical for survival. Great to see that you always maintain a positive outlook.

Joe Marconi, Osceola Garage

While billions of dollars are being wasted and used to bail out wall street and other miss-managed companies, people like you and me must foot the bill with our hard work, blood and tears. NO ONE will bail us out. But we keep America rolling. And most jobs are created by small buisiness, not big business. BUT, the power is not within us...it's found in the unions and the with big business.

The state of this once great land has serious issues.

Some say that if we don't bail out GM, Ford and Chrysler, the economy will suffer because of all the jobs and companies that are directly tied to the auto industry. Others say to let them die. They did it to themselves.

What are your thoughts? Bail Out or let them Die Out????

With consumer confidence at an all time low and the holidays upon us, I think we will be in a tough ride again. We need to be sensitive to customer concerns. I don't think heavy discounting is the solution or retreating in our advertising programs.

Gas prices are down, and that's a good thing. But is it enough to hold the economy together? Or is it just a sign of the times?

I would like to know what plans do you have going into the winter months?

You make a valid point. But I think it goes beyond that. The hard working people of this country did not get us into this mess. I think we need to look at our trusted elected oficials, finacial advisors and big bussiness leaders. While we were hard at working, earning a living the old fashion way, these people made bad decesions out of greed and power and destroyed our finacial system.

Glad to see you still have 2 cents, EASAUTO!!!!!

I'm not sure if I still do!!!

We must be sensitive to customer's fears and adjust. Don't concede and roll back prices too much. Create packages that have value. Sell service in a way that shows the customer you care about their pocket book. Try not to cut back on advertising too much. This is your life-blood. Remain postive and tell your customers that things are ok and tell your people things are ok. The shop owner is the leader and effective leaders must show strength.

A scared general will surely get his men killed.

Conusmer confindence is bound to be at an all time low and will affect our business. What do you expect when the consumer is bombarded 24/7 on the news, TV, radio and newspapers on how bad the economy is.

We need to be sensitve to customer's fears but not throw the towel in. Bad times will happen and this is BAD. But it's not the end to civilization.

Let's be postive and draw postive things to us. If we give in to this negative atmosphere we may become victims by our own actions.

I agree with on exception. The majority of hard working people who have seen there 401k dissappear really had nothing to do with this mess on wall street or in Washington. The people with power have done a really bad job! Now WE, the hard working people will have to clean up the mess with our tax dollars. It's not fair!

People say Obama has leadership quailities that can ignite the ecomomy. Is this a factor in our recovery? Or are we too far down the slippery slope?

Will the election of President Obama have a positive or negative affect on business?

I see one bright star in this sea of economic doom and gloom...the fact that new car sales are down and many dealerships will either consolidate or close in the next few years. People will still drive and cars will be out there for repairs and service. I think now is the time to get your marketing and advertising in gear and start promoting your shop to capture market share.

I don't want to get too political but I am curious. How will the election affect your business? Or, will it have an affect on your business? Will the country be better off after the election?

I have that tool and it does not work on many vehicles. I purchased the Bartec and am very satisfied.

http://www.bartecusa.com/?gclid=COqnwbfA15YCFQOIFQodEx9K3A

I don't use universal senors. My CARQUEST store stocks most of the sensors and kits. We like to change the valve stems, seal and cap with every tire change. Another good source for tire tools, supplies and TPMS is Meyers. http://www.myerstiresupply.com/

Also, you are 100% correct when you state that it's important to educate the consumer about TPMS before working on their tires.

Stephen,

Welcome to AutoShopOwner.com. My name is Joe Marconi, one of the creators of AutoShopOwner, a veteran shop owner for 28 years and the author of the article you read in Tire Business Magazine.

I think your decision to go into business has come at the right time. With the downturn in the economy and with so many new car dealerships folding, you can position yourself in the right direction and actually grow when the economy turns around (and it will). Others, who wait, will be chasing the market.

As independents we need to share our collective knowledge to strengthen the alliance of shop owners around the country. My goal is to create the forums where valuable interaction can take place among fellow shop owners. Together, we can and will make a difference.

Good luck and looking forward to sharing ideas,

Joe Marconi

http://www.AutoShopOwner.com

http://www.OsceolaGarage.com

We have not had let anyone go yet, but we have cut down on hours and eliminated OT. This will be a test for all of us. Although it's hard, I think now is the time to maintain your advertising and find new ways to market your business. Let's maintain our business and customer base and be ready for when the economy does turns around. If we don't do this we may be chasing the market instead of cashing in when times are good again.

I think you are going to see other big changes in our industry that are contrary to rules that we once held sacred. 10 years ago I would never suggest "while-you-wait, no appointment needed" as a stradegy, but times have changed. Those who embrace change will make it, those who resist will not.

With car counts down we need to take a look at new ways to stimulate work. Now is the time to welcome walk-ins. Bring the customer in. Try to accomdate the customer on their terms. I know it will be tough, but these are tough times.

Agree? Disagree?