Joe Marconi

Amazing. Just when you think you have heard it all..... A classic example of someone over-analyzing something. I wonder how he talks to his friends and family. Oh, and don't forget to plug up any unused 110 outlets in your home....you never know Gonzo....you never know....

A customer wanted to speak to me the other day to let me know of a situation he had on the road. He said that there was a car that was tailgating him, and it turns out that the driver of the car was one of my techs. The customer was driving to my shop to pick up his other car and saw my tech pull into the shop. The customer was upset and said he was surprised that one of my employees would drive like this. I thanked him for bringing this to my attention, and said I would look into it. BUT, the customer said one thing that did not sit well with me. At one point he said, “Maybe he thought I cut him off?” In the meantime, my tech went up to one of my advisors to let him know what happen. We sat down with the tech and I could sense he was upset. I asked what happened and he said, “I was road testing a car, and a car pulls out in front of me. I nearly locked up the brakes and then I backed off. It happened real quickly.” After listening to both sides, it was clear in my mind that what happened was a mistake on both sides. This tech has never shown me anything but respect and is a soft-spoken guy. I believe him. The truth? Well, I have learned that each side will state his position and the truth is usually found somewhere in the middle. Equally important: Don’t be too quick to judge the employee, listen to all sides, ask question and focus on what happened. Correct the performance. People make mistakes. If you have the right people, look to improve and move on. Lastly,when the employee knows you have their back and looking out for their best interest, this will go a long way with morale.

Sounds like they have the wrong people. A business begins and ends with people.

Man, sorry to hear that. Hope you get back to full health real soon. Things happen and I guess things could be a lot worse.

Welcome to ASO. Looking forward to seeing you on the posts.

What great answers! Let me add that you need to also have the right people, and the right training programs. It's too difficult to go it alone, and with the right people around you, you can achieve things that you would not alone. And also, know your key customer. Don't try to be all things to all people. Great post!

In the book Good to Great, there is an entire chapter on having the right people in your company. Basically it says, "Get the right people on the bus, the wrong people ooff the bus, and once you have the right people, put them in the right seats." Imagine a surgeon on his cell phone while he is removing a brain tumor? You cannot tolerate this. Set policy. Enforce it.

I am a JETS fan, and have been since 1969, the last, AND ONLY time, they won a Superbowl. But, I still enjoy the game. I would like to see Denver win the Super Ball. Manning is a true old school warrior, one that I can relate to. Your Pick???

This is a common problem. And one that cannot be totally solved within these posts. But, with that said, let me tell you, your business has to run with or without you there. It all starts with hiring the right people. Then, with the right people, you must communicate your culture, your ethics and what your company (your brand) stands for. You need to have regular meetings to let everyone know what your vision is. It all starts with you. You must be a coach, a mentor and leader. Shop owners must be business leaders. Please, with all due respect, take with all sincerity from my heart....if you are not happy with the way things are when you are not there, take a look at how you can improve yourself first. I know Exactly what you are going thru. Why? I have been there.

Gonzo, if I didn't know any better, I would bet that this article was inspired by a Twilight Zone marathon. But, where ever you get your inspiration, it is nothing short of Amazing! You continue to produce articles that we would like to say, but cannot put into words the way you do. I feel like am repeating myself, but I am genuine when I say this this....Thank you for your contributions. Saturday without Gonzo, is just another day.

As co-founder of AutoShopOwner.com, I could not ask for nicer compliment. Jeff you have made my day and reinforced my commitment to all the members and to the auto industry. Our goal from the beginning was to create an online experience where shop owners can share and exchange ideas, and also a place where we can all help each other. Thank you and all the members of ASO for making this site the go-to site for auto shop owners around the world. Joe Marconi

If anyone is interested in becoming a hybrid shop, read the contract. Make sure this is for you. One thing that is unclear is the protected territory, which differs for each area, depending on the hybrids in your area. At this point, I am still performing my due diligence.

It's tough everywhere. What makes matters worse, the best techs have jobs. I think we need a new approach. We need to adopt what pro ball teems do...they recruit continuosly. That may not satisfy immediate concerns. Craiglist works, speak to all your contacts, contact trade schools, contact Veterans administration and any employment agency. Good luck.

So, he brought you a contract/warranty to sign? That is a first with me. I would rather the shop create its own documentation and not be subjected to someone dictating to me the terms. It's my business, and I determine the terms. This contractor must not trust others, would he accept a contract from you, if he does work for you?

Gonzo, you're articles are a big part of the big picture.

As we close out another year, I want to take a moment and extend my sincere appreciation to all ASO members. AutoShopOwner.com has exceeded our expectations, and all the credit goes to to you, the members. You have provided great content, helped your fellow shop owner and shared your experience and knowledge. I am truly amazed at the dedication and commitment shop owners have to not only their own business, but to the auto industry. I wish each of you a happy New Year and the very best life has to offer!

Great comments and well said!

First of all, the best of luck to you. Marketing includes a lot of different strategies. For a new start up, the first thing I recommend is grass roots marketing. Get out into the community, every organization, sports team, business network groups, church function and all community events. Get people to know you and what you do. This is cost effective and works. Down the road you can put a plan together to do more advertising and marketing.

Source: 2014 is the end of a year, not the end of your journey

2014 is coming to a close. Most of you by now are already shifting your thoughts to 2015, which is good. Take a look back on 2014; check to see what you have accomplished and what you did not get to. Don’t just use this knowledge as a score card, but rather to plan what you will need to do in 2015. Set your new goals with deadlines and use the past to spring-board you into the future. You will always have obstacles to overcome. That’s called…life. But business, as in life, is not a destination, but a journey. And just like any journey, it’s the experiences you encounter on the way and how you react and learn from those experiences that really matter. Remain positive in 2015, dismiss negative thoughts and dream big. Remember, what you can conceive you can achieve!

I hope my replies (in blue) are helpful.

That's how it starts. One small step at a time. Great job!

The winter is upon us. That brings winter-related accidents. Collision shops gear up differently that mechanical shops during this time of the year. What is your strategy this winter to maximize opportunity?

Welcome to AutoShopOwner.com. You have teamed up with the best group of shop owners in the country! Looking forward to seeing you on the forums.