Joe Marconi

Did you have any type of training for the techs with regard to speaking to customers? Or protocol?

Wow, I can empathize and sympathize with you! I grew up in the gas station business, and we worked every day, rain or shine. We had to be there. I tip my hat to you for putting things in perspective and having the guts to make changes that affect you and your employees' lives. AND I CAN RELATE TO YOUR STATEMENT, "I still worry about being closed for repairs on Saturdays..." When I went into business, my father told me, "You will feel guilty when you take a Saturday off." Funny how so many shop owners think and feel alike!

All great points, I know all too well that feeling at the end of the day when spending 8 to 10 hours working in the heat. Great job for providing a comfortable workplace.

Wow, thanks for sharing that! Could you expand on what is important to you in the workplace? It would great to get your perspective.

Great points and I tend to agree with you. You also bring up a great point about the consumer. And Culture is King.

I agree with all, but especially like the fact you mentioned, "Great working conditions" as number 1.

I may be old fashion, but aren't we in a service-oriented business? Are employees today really interested in a 4 day work week? With that said, I think years back, most of us worked too hard, too many hours, and did not take enough time off. To me, time with family is perhaps a major consideration. Is there a balance? Work hard / Family time?

There's a lot of talk these days about a 4-day work week. Some discussions include the entire shop only being opened for 4 days, other discussions talk about rotating employees to work only four days, while the shop remains open for 5 or 6 days. I am on the fence about this. I do see the benefits, but it's not as easy as some may think. Thoughts, Comments?

This past summer set record heat in many parts of the country. As a former tech, I know what it's like to work 8 to 10 ten hours in 90-plus degree temperatures with unbearable humidity. Does air conditioning help with morale and productivity? Is the investment worth the benefits?

As shop owners, we are constantly finding ways to motivate our employees, and often we think it's money. Money does factor into motivation, but don't employees want other things? If we knew what motivated our employees, we stand a better chance of keeping them and improving morale and production. So, how do we find out? Do we ask them? Would they tell us?

Great perspective! Our current administration should contact people like you! The economics involved to invest in the future of a typical gas station, especially to replace underground tanks, is overwhelming to many. Even with this big push for EVs, there are so many hurdles to overcome. The blacksmith analogy is something I agree with. However, many smart blacksmiths became our first auto technicians and repair shops.

You bring up a great point! Way back, it was easier to tool up for most makes and models, the training was available, and the technical information was also pretty much available. Fast forward to today: the amount of specialized training, tools, equipment, and information needed is mind-blowing, compared to what it was.

Very innovative! Also shows the employee that you are thinking of him.

I think in the short term, the internal combustion engine is not going anywhere soon. But what about the long term? If the electric vehicle is to become the dominant vehicle model in the future, how does that change the traditional gas station business? I think it would be interesting to hear from our fellow gas station shop owners, and how they view their future.

Let's face it, we all need a certain income in order to pay bills and take care of our families. But when it comes to paying bonuses and incentives, money is not the only way to reward performance. Other than money, what non-monetary bonuses or rewards do you give to your employees?

There is so much talk these days about pay raises for employees, raising prices, inflation, cost of living, and labor rate increases. But when was the last time you gave yourself a raise? Or have taken corporate distributions?

It appears that no matter where you go these days, repair shops are looking to hire. However, shop owners also don’t want to lose the people they have now. And many of them are considering giving pay raises as a way to retain employees. This is not a bad idea, especially if your pay plans are outdated and not competitive with the current market. However, before you give out pay raises, there are things to consider. First, have you done a complete review of your labor and part profit margins to support the raises? If you are not sure, consult your accountant or business coach. Increases in wages must be in line with what your company can afford. Adjustments to prices, labor rates, part margins, and production may be needed to finance those pay increases. Another important thing to consider is why employees leave in the first place. While money is a factor, especially with high inflation, it’s not the main reason employees quit their jobs. Most people leave their jobs because they are unhappy with their boss or manager. To sum up: before you give out pay raises, make sure your company can support the increase in payroll and, equally important, create a workplace environment that gives your employees reasons to stay.

ADAS calibration is becoming an everyday service. Do you perform ADAS calibration in-house, or do you sublet it to another shop or a mobile company? And what challenges does ADAS bring to your business?

With all the different makes and models these days, and the complexity of modern vehicles, is it still possible to work on all makes and all models? To add to that, we now have to contend with electric cars. Are we heading to more specialization? How do auto repair shops evolve their business model and their target customers?

I recently read an article in Auto Success online, a publication for dealerships. It states that there is a market for used tires. I was never a fan of selling used tires. Link to article below. Your thoughts? Comments?

Great points! What are your thoughts about cities, with hi-rise apartment buildings? With tenants on the 8th floor, it doesn't seem feasible at this time to own an EV in that situation.

Wow, good for you! What type of shop are you, general repair, or specialize in certain makes/models, etc.? Also, when you say the techs write the estimate, do you have a service advisor staff? Who interacts with customers?

I tend to agree with you. Too many things are changing also, and who knows what technology will bring out in the next few years.

Great points! I too, before I went into business, did side work to earn additional money. I also work for a tow company on Sat and Sundays. I also know techs that make a great income but still have their side-work lined up. This topic does have a lot of twists and turns.

Again, Frank, right on point. I am right behind you at 67. And yes, for the first time since high school, I have the right balance. In fact, I am writing this from my son's home in California, staying here until August. Get your plan together and reach out to me if you have questions. But, do what's right for you.