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If your making reference to the season, at this point it's the hi season for them. The holidays is the answer. Business closing, there are so many factors. For the shipping companies laying off, they're at their peak due to the Holidays and online orders, not laying off until after season... The purchasing habits have change a lot... My sales for November & December had diminished a lot, nothing to compared to the previous months. My thoughts for this year, "Black Friday turn into Black November" The Black Friday sales started early in November and not in the Black Friday, therefore people spending on gifts and specials for the holidays. Once we got to the Thank Giving week, the consumer buy food and kids are out of school, so their funds go to the groceries store. The auto shops are empty since the consumer does not consider their car well being since it runs, if it does not run then they'll consider doing something about it... it's an uphill battle. and Yes, I have been advertising even more, with very little outcome.

I just discovered this topic from back in October and I see nobody has made a comment since. I didn't have very much luck with a shop foreman. The main cause, in my opinion, was twofold. If I hired one, right off the bat they wouldn't be productive. If I promoted one of my techs, they had no practical experience running a shop. Eventually, if not sooner, their productivity would also end up as nothing. Either way, I ended up losing one of my best techs. If I ran the shop, it would run the smoothest and most profitable. However, that meant I had to delegate the front counter responsibilities and phone answering. I had my greatest success doing this because it was a lot easier to find someone who fit that job description. I quickly learned from that experience that I had to write a job description for every position. Easier said than done. Over the course of a year, I was constantly editing and updating every job description until I was happy with the employees' outcomes. The old adage about 20/20 vision applies here. Looking back, I should have written a shop owner's job description and included that with all the employees' job descriptions so they would know what to expect from me instead of assuming.

Here's a good article from Ratchet & Wrench on how your shop's numbers compare to other shops in a recent survey. https://www.ratchetandwrench.com/running-a-shop/finance/article/55250653/numbers-how-does-your-shop-compare-in-annual-revenue-gross-and-net-profits

If you’re running a small automotive business, doing a year-end review gives you an accurate picture of your performance over the past twelve months. The information you collect gives you the opportunity to create a tangible action plan for growth as you enter 2025. While this may seem like a daunting task, it is actually a helpful tool that will set your business up for long-term success. This blog post will help you conduct an effective yearly review so your automotive business can thrive next year. Why a Year-End Review is Critical A yearly review is essential for several reasons: You collect data to identify positive and negative patterns within your finances. You have an accurate depiction of your yearly growth. You have the opportunity to reconcile accounts and address discrepancies as needed. The financial data you retrieve from your review is the key to setting realistic and achievable goals for the future. Therefore, conduct your year-end review prior to setting your new goals for 2025. How to Conduct Your Year-End Review Now that you understand why your review is critical, it’s time to get to work. This process should take approximately two hours to complete. Since you’re a busy business owner, it helps to schedule your review on the calendar and treat it like a shop appointment. You wouldn’t cancel on a customer, so don’t cancel on your review appointment. Settle down in a quiet space, turn off your notifications, and dive head-first into your financial records. For a full list of documents to review, check out this blog post, and be sure to download our free End-of-Year Checklist. Here are questions to reflect on as you go: What were your financial goals for your business at the beginning of the year? Consider the state of your business at the beginning of the year. Recall your goals and compare them to your 2024 financial data. Did you meet your financial goals for the year? Evaluate your progress toward said goals. Did you meet them, exceed them, or fall short? Identify why you did or did not achieve your goals this year and reflect on financial data to create a profitable plan moving forward. What went well this year? What could have been improved? Numbers don’t lie, which is why it’s important to be informed of your business’s yearly performance. They are a concrete indicator of what went well and what could have been better. Create a list for each so you can continue the positive patterns and make improvements as needed. You’ve completed your review. Now what? Take a deep breath, pat yourself on the back, and celebrate the completion of another year as an entrepreneur. Now that you understand your yearly progress, it’s time to set new goals and tackle them intentionally and strategically. Remember: It’s okay if the past year did not go according to plan. The data from your year-end review will help you stay on track and succeed over the next twelve months.

AI Voice Scams Using A CEO's Voice #podcast #autorepairbusiness #automotivebusiness

Why People Pay $7 for Water - The Marketing Behind Liquid Death #podcast #autorepairbusiness

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching, and Today's Class Partnering with a recruiter isn’t just about filling a position—it’s about building a team that drives your business forward. In this episode, Kelly Cavanaugh, VP of Recruiting at Promotive, Brian Burris, Account Manager at Promotive, and Matt Fanslow, Shop Manager and Diagnostician at Riverside Automotive, share expert insights on attracting and retaining top talent in the automotive industry. Gain valuable perspectives from both a recruitment company and the shop level, offering a well-rounded view on hiring strategies, retention, and building successful teams. Dive into critical topics shaping the industry, including: Recruiting Strategies to attract top talent Retention Techniques to keep employees engaged Overcoming Ghosting in today’s hiring landscape Resume Building tips for technicians Cultural Fit and why it matters in building strong teams Kelly Cavanaugh, VP of Recruiting, Promotive Brian Burris, Account Manager, Promotive Matt Fanslow, lead diagnostician and shop manager, Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN. Matt’s previous episodes HERE Matt Fanslow Podcast: Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com. Challenges in Hiring (00:02:56) Cultural Fit in Interviews (00:03:49) Pre-Screened Interview Questions (00:04:55) Working Interviews (00:05:52) Confidentiality in Job Searches (00:06:37) Reasons for Leaving Jobs (00:07:02) Culture and Career Opportunities (00:08:11) Balancing Work and Training (00:08:34) Investment in Training (00:09:11) Candidate Profiles and Training Willingness (00:12:56) Resume Building Assistance (00:17:09) Candidate Preparation for Interviews (00:18:34) Curious vs. Serious Job Seekers (00:19:39) Ghosting Phenomenon in Recruitment (00:20:47) Communication with Candidates (00:21:31) Understanding Candidate Excuses (00:23:19) Importance of Recruiters for Shop Owners (00:26:09) Delegating Recruitment Tasks (00:32:39) Cultural Shift in Recruitment Practices (00:34:17) Importance of Job Satisfaction (00:36:01) Defining Job Expectations (00:36:34) Qualifying Candidates Effectively (00:36:57) Delegating Hiring Responsibilities (00:37:28) Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching Proven Auto Shop Coaching with Results. Over 61 Million in ROI with an Average ROI of 9x. Find Coach Chris Cotton at AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching on the Web at https://autoshopcoaching.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/ Connect with the Podcast: -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on X: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/ Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio

Why Success in Business Requires Sacrificing Comfort

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Recorded live at AAPEX 2024, this episode highlights the launch of MEMA's Tech Training Hub, a centralized platform for training resources, underscoring the industry's commitment to innovation, trust, and professional development. This episode is packed with updates on upcoming industry events, the significance of continuous education, and the entrepreneurial spirit driving the aftermarket industry forward. Paul McCarthy, President of MEMA, Aftermarket Suppliers. Find Paul’s other episodes HERE. Chris Gardner, Senior Vice President, Programs & Technology, MEMA, Aftermarket Suppliers Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Right to Repair Progress (00:02:05) Technology in the Automotive Industry (00:05:35) Upcoming Institute Summit (00:06:29) https://www.wearetheinstitute.com/summit Rapid Technological Changes (00:07:41) Entrepreneurial Spirit in the Industry (00:09:23) Commitment to Repair All Vehicles (00:10:31) Tech Training Hub Launch (00:11:33) https://www.mema.org/tech-training-hub Training Portal Details (00:15:18) Manufacturer Collaboration (00:16:45) Training Opportunities in the Industry (00:18:21) Growth of Training Professionals (00:19:48) Challenges of New Technologies (00:20:04) Building Consumer Trust (00:21:05) The Importance of Education (00:22:45) Embracing Industry Changes (00:23:28) Electric Vehicle Trends (00:24:01) Future Opportunities in Aftermarket (00:24:50) Consumer Awareness of EV Technology (00:26:33) Importance of Attending AAPEX (00:27:30) https://www.aapexshow.com/ Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2025. Mark your calendar now … November 4th-6th, 2025. AAPEX - Now more than ever. https://www.aapexshow.com/ NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com Connect with the Podcast: -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on X: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/ Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio

Why Car Repairs Feel Like a Scam

Revolutionizing the Automotive Industry With Leadership And Performance #podcast

Not sure why shipping companies are laying off people. But, your point on bonuses is a good question. Bonuses should be tied to performance, expectations, completing certain training, and other criteria. It needs to be managed by the shop owner and/or manager, and YES, it needs to be factored into your cost of doing business.

I agree, and you summed up perhaps the best strategy!

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive Join Hunt Demarest, CPA from Paar Melis and Associates, as he dives into one of the most crucial aspects of financial planning for your business—forecasting for the year ahead. Whether you're setting your business goals or analyzing key performance metrics, Hunt provides actionable insights to help you simplify and strengthen your forecasting process. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why forecasting is essential for your business's growth and performance. Simple steps to start forecasting—even if you’ve never done it before. Tips on analyzing your current business performance to set realistic goals for 2025. How to use key financial metrics to identify areas of focus and improvement. Tools and methods to streamline your forecasting, from basic spreadsheets to advanced software.Discover how forecasting can bridge the gap between where your business is and where you want it to be. Start making data-driven decisions that drive profitability and success. Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support? It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it. After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice. Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com Thanks to our partner, Promotive It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com. Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com Email Hunt: [email protected] Download a Copy of My Books Here: Wrenches to Write-OffsYour Perfect Shop The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/ Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio

Personally, I don’t want a bunch simply “satisfied” customer reviews; I want the thrilled customer reviews. I prefer the first time customer. We give them over-the-top service, helpful suggestions, and a fair price. We are in good spirits, joke with them, welcome them to “our family” of customer/clients. When we’re finished with them and they are heading to their car, I use the “Colombo” technique by walking out to their car as if I had an afterthought and say; “Hey, if we helped you today, please give us a review.” They are usually shocked that a repair shop can be so helpful. Which make for an exceptional review. I gotta believe that someone reading that says to themselves: “I GOTTA go there!”

From Parts to Shop Owner #podcast #autorepairbusiness #automotivebusiness

Want to make your February marketing a win for your auto repair shop? Join Brian Walker and Caroline LeGrand as they share engaging, practical ideas for February’s marketing—from fun Valentine's Day campaigns that show love to your customers and vehicles, to creative ways to highlight your shop's culture. Get tips on using National Days to boost engagement, from "Doggy Date Night" to “Random Acts of Kindness Week,” and learn how to connect with your local community, honor shop anniversaries, and run themed giveaways that your customers will remember. Whether you’re promoting winter maintenance, preparing for tax season, or tapping into February’s spirit, this episode has everything you need to make February marketing easy, effective, and engaging. Tune in now and discover how to keep your shop top-of-mind this February and beyond! Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops Are you ready to convert clients to members? App Fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for professional auto repair businesses. Visit Appfueled.com to get started today. Keep your shop top of mind on the mobile device they love. Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc) https://shopmarketingpros.com/126 - Preparing For January’s Marketing https://www.daysoftheyear.com/ https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/ - Topics for February How To Get In Touch Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Website - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book Instagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Matt Fanslow explores common frustrations and misunderstandings in the automotive service industry. Speaking from the perspectives of technicians, managers, owners, and service advisors, he emphasizes the importance of understanding underlying factors in workplace dynamics. Matt discusses the theme of perception, drawing parallels between music, movies, and workplace interactions. He encourages listeners to remain curious, communicate effectively, and foster empathy to build a collaborative work environment. Show Notes Frustrations in the Automotive Industry (00:01:11)Exploring Deeper Meanings (00:02:37)Music as Metaphor (00:03:41)Misunderstandings in Relationships (00:06:18)Management Perspectives (00:07:24)Seeking Understanding (00:08:31)Blame and Accountability (00:10:52)Identifying Systemic Issues (00:12:29)Curiosity in Problem-Solving (00:14:56)Lessons from Entertainment (00:16:12)Building Trust Through Curiosity (00:17:43) "Ask Us Anything!" with Matt Fanslow and Brin Kline 📆 Save the Date: Thursday, December 19th, 2024 🕒 Time: 8:00 PM EST Register Here: https://streamyard.com/watch/M3JjMR53s5Ct Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details. Contact Information Email Matt: [email protected] the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/ Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio

Why Your Auto Repair Shop Needs Strong Leadership During A Transition

There’s less than one month left in 2024. Is the bookkeeping for your automotive business up to date? If you’re anything like us, you feel like this year flew by in the blink of an eye. It’s time to ensure that your books and reports are squared away as this year comes to an end. In this blog post, we share important steps to start the new year on a healthy financial footing. Reconcile bank and credit card statements. Reconciling your automotive business’s credit card and bank statements at year-end is crucial for accurate financial reporting and tax preparation. By reconciling, you ensure all transactions are accounted for, identify discrepancies, and prevent errors that could lead to costly penalties. Review your yearly income statement. Close out the year with a clear understanding of your income by reviewing your yearly income statement. Throughout your review, confirm that all of your transactions are properly categorized. Identify if there are any transactions in the miscellaneous/uncategorized account or “Ask My Accountant”. Compare this year’s statement to the previous year’s statement for growth patterns and revenue increases. And don’t forget to calculate the gross profit percentage of net revenue. Review your yearly balance sheet. Analyzing and adjusting your yearly balance sheet can help you identify trends and assess your automotive business’s current financial position. A thorough review helps you understand your business’s liquidity, solvency, and overall financial performance so you can make informed decisions in the upcoming year. Evaluate the following three categories on your yearly balance sheet to confirm prime accuracy. Your assets Your liabilities Your equity When reviewing each of these categories, ensure that all transactions are accurate and correctly recorded in the appropriate accounts. Additionally, ensure that all adjusting entries are accounted for and all account balances make sense. Reconcile any discrepancies found. Download our free end-of-year checklist. Now that you’re ready to tackle your year-end review, we’d love to offer a free resource to support you. When you download our free end-of-year checklist, you’ll have peace of mind that all of your bases are covered for a healthy and bright 2025!