Quantcast
Jump to content


Newbie in Southern California

Chucks Creations Autobody
 Share

Recommended Posts

Chucks Creations Autobody Apprentice

Chucks Creations Autobody

Posted
Posted

Hello everyone out there in ASO land. You will all become use to seeing my screen name all over this forum because I have a lot of questions lol. A little about why Im here. My father has been doing bodywork for 40+ years and about 12 years ago, he decided that he wanted to open up shop for himself. Business was up and down since and actually closed the shop about 3 years into it because it wasnt making enough to keep the doors open. It started because my father enjoyed what he did, and was very good at it... but didnt know how to manage a business. He was great at his trade, but didnt know what came along with actually running the business side of it. He was the only tech there and my brothers and myself lent a hand but could only do so much. He felt defeated at the time but wanted to try it again when the time was right. They opened up again in 2008 and moved into a bigger location in 2010 where they are at right now. Now my brothers are older and picked up the knowledge from my dad and have done well for themselves as far as getting customers. Problem is, there is no management in play. They know how to do the work and enjoy it, but the business aspect of it is wearing them thin since my younger brother has been stand in office manager/tech/painter. I see the potential in the business and would love to see it flourish so we can continue to build what my father had envisioned. I have a lot of goals and doing my research so that I may see them through. I came across a site that really put things in prospective as far as starting a business. It explained that many times businesses fail because someone gets the itch to open up for themselves because they enjoy something and want to do it for themselves... but dont think about the business aspect of it.. only the trade part. They called the "entrepreneurial seizure" and its explained as:

 

An entrepreneurial seizure is the moment the entrepreneur decides it would be a great idea to start his or her own business. It's when one believes that knowing how to do the work of a business is all one needs to understand in order to start and grow a business. So the accountant starts an accounting practice; the mechanic starts an auto repair business; the cook opens up a restaurant. They go to work, accounting, fixing cars, or cooking meals, none of which is the true work of the entrepreneur. In doing so, the person who starts his or her own business is lost in the teeming confusion created by demands he or she never anticipated...the demands of organization, the demands of cash flow, the demands of people -- employees, customers, suppliers, banks, family -- and so forth and so on. They are simply not prepared for the demands that are going to be made on them. The longer they're in business, the worse it gets. There is no vision; there is only being a slave to work and staying alive. The seizure is long gone, the entrepreneurial vision a vague memory.

 

And I believe this is what happens a lot. Which is why I know that getting feedback from experienced shop owners like yourselves, can only help with what im trying to do to get this business going. I am looking for workflow ideas for organization, management/estimating systems, I have Quickbooks and I'm working on getting the shop cleaned up and looking like a professional location instead of a pile of bondo dust lol (although I love the smell of bondo lol). I do have questions but feel that my "intro" has been super long and I mightve lost a few readers along the way lol. For those that have stuck around, thank you =) I look forward to feedback and to building "friendships" with my fellow ASO'ers . Thanks again for your time.

 

 

*** for those wondering the site that excerpt was from, its called www.e-myth.com ... highly recommend it for the newbies out there looking to start a business from their hobby just for insight ***

 

 

 

*** Gina

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Chucks Creations Autobody Apprentice

Chucks Creations Autobody

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Good luck and you are on the path. Educating yourself is the first step to freedom.

Agreed! I believe its the only way to go. Trust me, I am super excited to start this venture, but I've learned from others mistakes and am doing what I can to be prepared for the task ahead instead of just jumping in and winging it lol Luck can only take you so far.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Chucks Creations Autobody Apprentice

Chucks Creations Autobody

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Welcome! These guys are really nice and very helpful.

 

Went to the website you posted, now looking for a copy of the book.

 

Yes!! It puts a lot into prospective! I'm easily distracted and impatient at times, so reading that book wouldve kept my attention because of the content but my ADD wouldve kicked in eventually lol So I opted for the audio that is FREE on youtube!! its about 8 hours but great to listen to the narrator emphasis on things. Here is the link for those that are just like me lol https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrqwYB2WUos

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Available Subscriptions

    See all Subscription Plans

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.

  • Similar Topics

    • Changing The Industry
      Why Pricing Adjustments Can Hurt Your Sales #podcast #autorepairbusiness #podcastclips
      By Changing The Industry
      Why Pricing Adjustments Can Hurt Your Sales #podcast #autorepairbusiness #podcastclips
    • Changing The Industry
      Why Clear Tech Labels Are Crucial for Smooth Operations #podcast #autorepairbusiness #podcastclips
      By Changing The Industry
      Why Clear Tech Labels Are Crucial for Smooth Operations #podcast #autorepairbusiness #podcastclips
    • carmcapriotto
      What’s The Worst Piece of Advice You’ve Ever Been Given in Business? [THA 397]
      By carmcapriotto
      Join our panel of shop owners as they discuss the worst advice they've received in the automotive business: "Be the cheapest in town; it will get you more business." "Don't give a price over the phone." "Don't get personal." "DVI's are not worth the extra time." "You'll never make it because you're too honest." "Don't hire a business coach." Bill Nalu, Interstate Auto Care, Madison Heights, MI. Listen to Bill’s previous episodes HERE. Judy Zimmerman Walter, Zimmerman’s Automotive, Mechanicsburg, PA. Listen to Judy’s other episodes HERE. Jesse Matthews, Matthews Mobile Mechanic LLC. Listen to Jesse's other episodes HERE Brian Winograd, Broadway Transmissions and More, Red Lion, PA Show Notes
      Judy's Experience with Cheap Advice (00:02:57) Judy shares her father's experience with advice to be the cheapest to attract customers. Bill's Perspective on Pricing (00:03:47) Bill discusses the pitfalls of being the cheapest and the importance of quality over price. Brian's Insights on Industry Standards (00:06:29) Brian emphasizes the value of hiring professionals for quality work in any industry. Communication of Value (00:10:46) Brian highlights the need for better communication of the value provided to customers. Jesse's Coaching Advice (00:12:22) Jesse recounts his father's skepticism about business coaching and the importance of seeking guidance. Brian on the Value of Websites (00:14:03) Brian recalls being advised against investing in a website, which he later found invaluable. The Inner Business Person (00:16:44) Carm discusses the concept of the "inner business person" and its importance in business growth. Judy's Advice on Competition (00:17:47) Judy shares a piece of dubious advice about removing competitors' oil stickers, highlighting ethical concerns. Shop management systems (00:18:28) Discussion on the significance of effective shop management systems for profitability and efficiency. Handling customer inquiries about pricing (00:20:45) Exploration of the complexities surrounding giving prices over the phone and customer engagement. The art of conversation with customers (00:21:04) Emphasis on the need for better communication skills to engage customers effectively. The value of customer trust (00:22:45) Discussion on how to build customer trust and the importance of in-person interactions. The role of visual aids in service (00:26:12) Highlighting the effectiveness of visual aids in explaining vehicle issues to customers. Customer misconceptions about vehicle maintenance (00:27:20) Addressing common customer beliefs about car longevity and the need for regular service. The value of coaching in business (00:28:30) Discussion on the advantages of hiring coaches for personal and business growth. Mentorship groups as a resource (00:31:34) Exploring the benefits of mentorship groups for shop owners seeking guidance and support. Accountability in coaching (00:34:35) The importance of having a coach who holds you accountable for your business actions. Discussion on Humility and Growth (00:34:48) Brian shares his journey of learning humility and the importance of accepting advice for personal growth. Confession and Reflection (00:37:12) Carm acknowledges Brian's confession about recognizing personal issues as a barrier to success. Advice on Social Media (00:37:49) Carm warns against seeking advice on social media, emphasizing it can lead to poor decision-making. Critique of Low Pricing Strategies (00:38:21) Judy discusses the dangers of lowballing business prices to attract customers, advocating for value instead. Integrity in Business Practices (00:39:15) Brian reflects on the importance of honesty in business, sharing a personal story about integrity. Finding Mentorship and Growth (00:41:47) Jesse emphasizes the value of mentorship and learning from various sources to improve business practices. Shift from Training to Education (00:43:10) Carm proposes changing the terminology from "training" to "education" to enhance the learning experience. Personal Investment in Business (00:44:25) Bill stresses the importance of taking business personally and aligning it with core values for success. Educating Customers (00:46:06) Carm concludes with the need to educate customers about services rather than simply responding to their demands.
      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                      
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • carmcapriotto
      Why Did the Auto Shop Owner Cross the Road? To Get to Profit First! [E180] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
      By carmcapriotto
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo:https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
      Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind
      In this episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching delves into a range of strategies designed to help auto repair shop owners elevate their business operations through the implementation of the "Profit First" methodology. This approach is centered around the critical aspects of cash flow management, profitability enhancement, and the adoption of effective financial practices. Chris underscores the significance of establishing separate accounts specifically for profit, taxes, and operating expenses to ensure a clear and organized financial structure. He also highlights the necessity of having supportive financial partners, such as banks and accountants, who can provide valuable guidance and support.
      Furthermore, Chris encourages shop owners to take proactive steps towards improving their financial health by engaging with educational resources, such as watching a webinar or seeking additional guidance tailored to their specific needs. This episode is proudly sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, a company dedicated to providing specialized marketing strategies aimed at boosting the visibility and success of auto repair shops. Through their sponsorship, Shop Marketing Pros underscores their commitment to supporting the growth and development of businesses within the auto repair industry.
       
      Introduction to the Episode (00:00:04)
      Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast and its focus on auto repair business strategies.  
      Importance of Profit First (00:01:01)
       
      Chris discusses the significance of adopting the Profit First mentality for auto repair businesses.  
      Webinar Promotion (00:02:20)
       
      Information about an upcoming webinar on implementing the Profit First system is provided.  
      Understanding Cash Flow (00:03:24)
       
      The necessity of managing cash flow for successful auto repair operations is emphasized.  
      Challenges with Traditional Accounting (00:04:35)
       
      Critique of traditional accounting methods and their inadequacy for auto repair shops.  
      Profit First Methodology Explained (00:05:46)
       
      Overview of the Profit First approach and its application in the auto repair industry.  
      Setting Up Separate Accounts (00:06:58)
       
      The importance of establishing separate accounts for profit, taxes, and expenses is discussed.  
      Bank and Accountant Collaboration (00:08:02)
       
      Challenges in getting banks and accountants on board with the Profit First system are explored.  
      Incorporating Dave Ramsey's Principles (00:10:16)
       
      Integration of financial control principles from Dave Ramsey is highlighted for better financial management.  
      Results of Implementing the System (00:11:27)
       
      The positive outcomes of using the auto shop profits and cash flow system are outlined.  
      Call to Action (00:14:44)
       
      Chris encourages listeners to take proactive steps in managing their shop's finances effectively.  
       
       
      https://autoshopcoaching.com/
      https://connect.autoshopcoaching.com/profits-cashflow-webinar-form
       
      Connect with Chris:
       
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
       
      #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • Brake & Suspension Clearance Event
    • carmcapriotto
      Communicating With Questions: Jeremy and the Jungle [E006] - Speak Up!
      By carmcapriotto
      This episode begins with a simple premise. 
      Craig recognizes his friend and former co-worker, Jeremy Glassco, as an excellent communicator and a man who asks great questions.
      Shortly after introducing Jeremy- you’ll see what Craig means!
      While exploring the topic of conversational questions, Craig invites Jeremy to explain his communication journey - which is a unique one.
      Jeremy was raised in the jungles of Papua New Guinea.  The son of a missionary family - Jermey, wouldn’t live in the US for more than a few months at a time until he was 17 years old. 
      This raised an interesting point - Jeremy highlighted a reality that few people experience, but we can all learn from.  The concept of being a ‘third culture’ kid. A third culture kid refers to those who were raised in a culture other than their parents', and also live in a different environment or society in their early upbringing.
      This conversation tackles everything from why asking questions was tactical for Jeremy, to how he came to join (arguably a 4th culture) the automotive industry.  From there - Craig and Jeremy challenge each other's perspectives on the direction that communication is taking in technology like in apps, software, and of course with AI.
      While listening, pay close attention to the questions that go back and forth between these two communicators… and enjoy some laughs along the way.
      Thank You To Our Partners:
       
      The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com.  "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.
      AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com
      AutoLeap at AutoLeap.com. Are you tired of juggling multiple tools to manage your auto repair shop? Say hello to the streamlined efficiency of AutoLeap, the #1 all-in-one Auto Repair Shop Management Software!
      App Fueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro”
      Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.
      Contact Information
      Email Craig O'Neill: [email protected]  
      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


  • nptrb

    Understanding S-Corp Distributions and Draws | Are They Taxable?

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 1,989 views
    nptrb

    Tax Season Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 1,811 views
    nptrb

    Spring Clean Your Finances: 5 Steps Every Business Should Take

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 1,796 views

  • Our Sponsors



Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...