Joe Marconi

I am going to throw you a curve ball. While I am a master tech, and achived that by an early age, it was my commitment to learning about business that made the real difference. Being a mechanic and knowing about cars will only get you so far. In fact, if you dont have the right people around and if you don't have the skills of running a business, you will find it very hard to run a business. The skills of running a business are vaslty different than the skills of repairing cars. Being a great mechanic actually held me back, early on. I loved cars, I still do, it is my passion too. But, once you commit to starting a business, you need to understand that you are now a business owner, and your commitment is to running the business. My advice, learn all you can about buisiness, in addition to learning about cars. I hope this helps...Good Luck!

Danny is a pro at this...great advice!

Its no surprise to anyone in the business that it is getting increasingly harder to find qualified entry level techs. Trade schools are producing graduates, but where are they? And, how qualified are they? We need to address this industry problem. Timing is right; more and more people are realizing that the trades are great alternatives to professional markets that are saturated with lawyers, accountants and financial positions. Where do you go to find techs? How many are home-grown anymore?

I have both the OTC and the Branick, some of my techs like the OTC, other techs like the Branick.

Check the local police dept or sheriff's office and ask about the laws on passing bad checks. In the future, if you feel this is an issue, there are companies that offer check guarantee processing. There is a cost to run a check, but for some the peace of mind is worth it.

Man, and I thought I got all the crazies! There are days that I question humanity...after reading your post I am sure you feel the same way. Great post!

Now that is funny! Thanks for the post!

You are getting valuable information from your fellow ASO members. The more information you obtain upfront, the better. You need to create a plan, study the current business model, the competition, the demographics in the area. I would advise seeking help from business people in the area, bank loan officers, your attorney, accountant, etc. I can say one thing, the fact that you are asking the right questions is a great place to start. Too many shop owners were mechanics on a Friday and a shop owner the following Monday...not good. I was one of those early on. The biggest asset you will have is your understanding of the numbers and business management. Move slow and seek help from the pros. As Jim Said, there is no crime in not knowing. Good luck and keep us updated!

Now this is interesting. I wonder if Advance, at least in some areas, are trying to change? Thanks for the reply, really interesting.

What locks up, front brakes, rear brakes or all four? And is this a 4 wheel disc or front disc/rear drum?

My wife was having lunch at her job the other day and a conversation started regarding a check engine light. One of the ladies at the lunch table had a check engine light on and was fearful of the cost before bringing it to a repair shop. Another lady responded by saying, “Take it to either Advance or AutoZone, across from the Putnam Plaza on route 6, they’re right next to each other and they will diagnose your car for free.” My wife cringed when she heard this but did not say a word. We all know how some people think that pulling codes is an analysis, and how tough it is to charge what we need for Diag time. This perception about Advanced and AutoZone does not help. I am going to make it a point ASAP to meet with Advance, since they will be the primary part supplier in my area, and have a discussion on this topic. Some may call me naive, but I have to try. Pulling a code and making a judgment without performing tests is like a druggist at Rite Aid coming around the service counter, taking someone’s blood pressure and then selling them pills based on the readings. To me I see no difference. You?

Wow, what could I say...I wish you the very best and feel honored that you found inspiration from AutoShopOwner.com. Keep up the marketing, get involved with the community and treat every customer extra special. Little by little the business will grow. The shop looks great too, thanks for sharing the photos. Keep us updated and don't be a stranger to the forums. The fun of business has just begun!

Words of wisdom Gonzo, nice article. Please Mr customer, just tell me your problem...that's all we want. We will do the rest! Reading your article reminded me a funny story (the coil pack reminded me). We had a customer come to the shop with a Ford Explorer with a misfire. We diagnosed a coil and spark plugs, common issue. When we inform the customer he becomes agitated and says, "Hey pal, what are your guys trying to pull, I just did a tune up, I replaced the points, plugs, wires, cap and rotor, the whole nine yards! Frank, the service advisor said, "Ah, are you sure you are talking about this car, the explorer?" He said "don't touch my car, I am coming right down" When he came to the shop we just let him scream and yell and carry on. We all watched him make a scene and kept silent. Finally I pulled him into my office and brought him into the 21 century. We did the job and never heard from him again. Be carful, last I saw he was heading WEST!

I wish I had a nickle for every time someone said to me "Hey take care of me and will send you a ton customers". That's when I want to run and hide.

We scrap all old parts, we always have. Some parts we get money for, some we don't, but I like to think that the metals are being recyled. We don't throw parts in the dumpster. We have a local scrap company come by every week or so

Not much of a game. I expected a close game, I did feel it could go either way, but never the blow out like we saw.

I recently read about this organization, Brake For Breasts. Shop across the country have joined in the fight to find cure for breast cancer by donating a percentage of the proceeds from a brake job. The link to the site for more information is below. Has anyone heard of this or participated? And what are your thoughts on this? http://brakesforbreasts.wordpress.com/

I think that is changing - we have technology to help us with that.

Just imagine: You hurt your shoulder, and before you go to the doctor, you ask all your friends about your injury and get their opinions, you do research on the internet, go to Barnes and Noble and pick up a book on shoulder repairs and THEN walk into the doctors office and say, "Hey Doc, I got this shoulder thing going on, but I asked a few friends and looked on line and it looks like I have a rotator cuff tear. Now, here is the manual you need to perform the operation, Ok Doc, got it?

Yes, you can get it cheaper on the internet… I am not alone with this one. We see more and more people telling us that they can get the part cheaper on the internet, right? I overheard my manager speaking to a customer about a catalytic converter job. After Bill gave him the price of the job, the customer said, “I see those catalytic converters on the internet for half the amount you are selling to me. I cringed when the customer said this. But my manager was ready. He simply said, “Yes you can get it cheaper on line, do you have any other questions?” He remained silent and waited for the customer to continue, the customer said, “Well I guess it’s like anything else, you can always get things cheaper on line, you might as well get it done” I am not sure this strategy will work every time, but it was fun to see it work this time.

Wow, first of all you managed to strike more than one nerve today! What a powerful article, funny, realistic and blood pressure enhancing, all at the same time. It is truly amazing how we all experience the same things. I just had someone walk in the shop the other day and wanted to speak to me. He has a 90 Vette and had it checked by a friend and also did research on the internet. He "KNOWs" it's the radiator leaking and knows how much time it should take to replace and he also is such a nice guy that he printed the repair procedures for me; "Step by Step to help you", he told me. Can you believe this guy? Is he really trying to be arrogant, ignorant or insulting. After 15 minutes I finally convinced him that we must perform our own coolant diag. What a look on his face when I told him, the radiator was fine, the water pump is leaking! He offered to go get the repair procedure for the water pump. I said, "don't bother, I've done one or two in my 40 years of working on cars....