Joe Marconi

Yes, the company, is a 100 year old company out of Mt Kisco NY. They are small in comparison, but offer a complete line at competitive prices. The new local store, Central Auto, has more inventory than any other part store in the area. The delivery service is great, and as I mentioned earlier, they cater to the professional shops, not the DIYer. Combine all that with the fact that the store is owned and run by former CARQUEST people, you have a winning combination.

Yes, if they kept the same people, they would have kept the same culture. But, Advance will never get it. They will never give up the DIY market either. It kills me to see batteries being replaced in their parking lots, tools being rented out to consumers, alternators being tested for free, codes being scaned in the parking lot for free. I could go on and on. What I really hope is that an Advance rep is reading this. Try to refute what I am saying Advance...try...

My first call now is to a new auto parts company run by the former manager of the Advance/CARQUEST I used to do business with. I have know them for years and they have the culture that I feel I can align myself with. Plus, they do NO trade to the retail market.

Source: Advance Auto Parts Strategy of FREE undermines auto repair shops

I got a call the other day from a shop owner who happens to own a repair shop in the town I live in. He told me that a new Advance Auto Parts store has opened up down the road and they want him to buy from them. I asked him how he felt about buying from Advance Auto Parts. He told me that he really has an issue due to all the signage in front of the store: Free Wiper Blade installation, Free Battery Testing, Free Battery Installation, Free Alternator Testing and Free Starter Testing. There’s even a sign that says, Loaner Tool Sets Available! I don’t know how you feel, but as a shop owner I cannot align myself with a company that devalues the work we do. It’s hard enough to generate a profit these days, but to compete with the same business that wants me to buy from them? That’s insane. Advance Auto Parts claims that they target the DIY, not my customers. But the truth is, everyone sees and hears their advertising. So my customers here the “Free message” over and over. And, let’s not kid ourselves: If Advance Auto Parts can convert a few motorist to try to do auto repairs themselves; that would be just fine for Advance Auto Parts. All at the expense of the auto repair shops. The bottom line here is truly the Bottom Line. Advance Auto Parts has to answer to Wall Street and its investors. I have to answer to one person…myself. And I will not compromise my beliefs for anyone or any company. So Advance Auto Parts and Tech Net, say goodbye to someone that has been a life-long friend.

Always enjoyable! Great aarticle!

Perhaps one of the best ways to motivate employees is to give them regular positive feedback. Too often, employees only hear when things go wrong. And while we all need to know when we fail, it’s more important to recognize when things go right. People want to know when they win. People also like to be included in on the progress of the company. It’s important that everyone in your shop feels that what they do really matters to the success of the company. This also promotes the right culture and builds a strong team. Create a strategy where you give your employees feedback on their progress, especially positive feedback. Look for things you can point out that recognizes an action by an employee that resulted in recent success. This will help to reinforce the behavior you are looking for and will increase the odds of repeating that same behavior. The feeling of accomplishment and being recognized for it is a powerful motivator in the workplace, perhaps stronger than money. People want to feel good about themselves. As shop owners, implement this strategy and ignite your workplace toward success. Remember, your success is dependent on the success of the people around.

Agree. Rattled is perhaps the best way to describe the mind of the consumer. The state of the consumer mindset reminds me of the stories my father would tell me of the great depression in the 1930's. People back then would rather go to a movie and escape. Although we are "technically" out of the great recession, people lack confidence in the economy, world security and in their leaders. Great point!

Gonzo, you just gave me hope that the techs of the future will be more like "Scottie" Being a Star Trek and Si Fi fan, this article was a lot of fun!

At the Ratchet + Wrench Conference last month, I met Charlie Marcotte, owner of Amerian Pride Auto in Virginia and the founder of Family Service Day. After doing a little research, I joined the organization. Family Service Day originated in 2009 with a Williamsburg, Virginia based company, American Pride Auto. The idea was simple: offer support to single parent families and deployed military by offering the gifts and talents we have been given, the ability to repair vehicles, for free. There are really no limitations — if you have desire to make an impact in your community, Family Service Day is a great way to get involved. Getting involved in your community is the best way to make your shop stand out as the business that cares about people. Plus, it will get your staff involved which will boost morale. You can reach out to your vendors for help with parts and also get major businesses in your area to help sponsor the event. Shop owners, I recommend that you find out more about Family Service Day. Below is a link for more information: http://www.familyserviceday.org/

You know Gonzo, you can't make this stuff up! In all the years in this business, I still get blind-sided by something a customer will say to me. Amazing!

I feel the same way, the older I get the more I hate the cold and snow, but perhaps it's what we need. Stay focused, stay positive and build each day to ensure your future. The better you prepare now, the better off you will be. For now, let's hope we don't get sick on the roller coaster ride!

Source: Some Repair Shops slow, others busy for others. What gives?

With my work as a business coach, I get to speak to other coaches and shop owners around the country. It appears that many shops are slow, others are busy. And while there will always be ups and downs in the auto repair business, the present roller-coaster ride is one for the books. There are pockets of the country; northeast and mid-west in particular (among other areas) that are going through very tough times. Sales and car counts are down and shop owners are pulling their hair out trying to make sense of all this. There are other areas of the country that are having banner years. Hard to understand, to say the least. If you are going through a slow period, continue to build for the future. Maximize each week, each day, and each car. Discuss strategies with your employees and look for ways to increase sales and control expenses. Speak with all customers about their automotive needs. Don't get sucked into any negative moods of the customer. Most of all, remain positive. Things will get better with the right positive mental attitude. By the way, the above strategy applies to all shops, whether you are doing good or bad. Why? As I stated earlier, every shop goes through tough times. The problem? No can tell who will be next. So, plan for the future and keep your eye on your business​.

By now you have a pretty good idea how 2016 will end up. Are you going to achieve your business goals? Your personal Goals? That’s not to say you can make up ground or work hard to do even better. But, as we close the third quarter for 2016, it’s time to review the year, revisit your goals and start planning for 2017. It all starts with reviewing your financial situation. Set up a meeting with your accountant. Discuss your 2016 projected sales and profits. Don’t wait until 2017 to do this. There are many tax implications that need to be addressed before the end of the year. In addition, you need to review all your expenses and payroll in order to reestablish your breakeven sales number; and to also create your 2017 budget. This is also the time to review your marketing plan and budget for 2017. Lastly, you need to perform an audit of your facility. Inspect your facility and equipment. Is it time to upgrade equipment? Are there any building or facilities repairs needed? Needed training? Planning for the future is planning for success. And while there is no “perfect” plan, not planning is a path to eventual failure. ​

Source: Shop Owners need a plan for success

I am happy you enjoyed the seminar. Thank you!

I just returned from the Ratchet + Wrench Management Conference and I can tell you it was an amazing event. This is the publication’s first conference and they hit the ball over the fence and into the parking lot. It was large enough to get a ton of information and meet so many great people, but yet not too big as to feel overwhelmed. The sessions were informative and the vendors took the time with anyone who had questions or needed information on their products. I was also honored to be asked to make two presentations at the event. I have to tip my hat to everyone at Ratchet + Wrench for making this event a huge success. They treated everyone everyone as royalty and you could tell that they truly appreciated the shop owners, vendors, sponsors and the speakers. Perhaps the most impressive were the shop owners. I did not hear one negative experience from anyone. The shop owners were top tier, successful people from all different parts of the country with different business models. There were seasoned veterans with decades of experience and millennials with a just few years under their belts. But all carried themselves with such professionalism that it made me proud to be part of this great industry. If you do not subscribe to Ratchet + Wrench, I urge you sign up today! Can’t wait to do it all over again next year! ​

In the early 1970's I worked at a gas station pumping gas. Every week this customer with a Vega would drive in, roll down the window and say, "Please fill up the oil and check the gas." And he wasn't kidding. Each week I would have to add 2 to 3 quarts to the engine! Gonzo, another unique perspective. We have all seen this in our careers.

Today marks the 15th year since the 911 attacks. Let us all take a moment to honor those who died and the brave people that responded to help others. September 11, 2001: A day that change the world, forever.

It’s easy to get sucked into the drama and the negativity of your worst customers. For some reason, no matter how hard you try, there will be some people that you will find impossible to please. My advice: stop trying. I am not suggesting that you ignore all problem customers. That goes with the territory. What I do suggest is that you don’t ignore your BEST customers. Pay a lot of attention to them. Educate your customers; explain the reasons why you are suggesting certain repairs or services. However, you will find that devoting your time and energies to your best customers will bring you a lot more happiness and add a lot more to your bottom line.

If anyone is going the Ratchet and Wrench conference later this month, I will be there giving two presentations: Session 1: Increasing Productivity and Efficiency with the Right Shop Culture Session 2: Making Sales about Relationships, not Salesmanship http://rwconference.com/ September 22-24 It will be an existing event, so let me know if any members are going. Thanks, Joe

Thanks, as I said I had to make a choice. The brake pedal was literally on the floor, both front and rear brakes lines were rotted and leaking, along with a blown rear wheel cylinder. Thanks to all for their input!