Quantcast
Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

Hey Everyone! My name is Vince.

 

Just started browsing this website and it seems very informative with lots of useful information. I'm currently looking to connect with any others that can relate to a situation I am in.

 

I am a second generation future shop owner currently struggling with family matters and butting heads with the current older generation that is running the company. I am 30 years old with currently 9 years in the industry. Looking for information or tips on how to push forward or just someone to talk to that can relate!

 

Looking forward to getting to know everyone here!

 

Cheers!

Vince

 

Posted

Vince. I'm 36 years old and 3rd generation shop manager and future owner. I took over running the shop 10 years ago when my father passed away. I had really struggled until recently with my mother who owns the shop and my older sister who runs the office.

 

I'm glad to see you reaching out. I wish I had done the same sooner. I'd be miles ahead of where I'm at now.

 

Sent my info, feel free to reach out anytime.

Posted

I'm 28, Third Generation Technically, although my dad wanted nothing to do with the Auto Repair side, he took the machine shop. I've been running this place since I was 22, I butted heads ALOT with my grandpa then. But as the years have went on it's been less and less.

Posted

I'm a millennial shop owner. My father helped start the business but I'm the sole proprietor. However, we still butt heads sometimes on things like marketing and operations.

Posted

Thanks for all the responses everyone! Here is a little more info on where I am coming from.

 

My father is the majority holder of the this small corporation and started the business, we have multiple shops. He has 3 other business partners whom operate the company and I am currently managing one of the locations. My father has fell ill with some mental issues and left the company shortly before I started. It has been a constant power struggle and what seems to be a concrete ceiling that I cannot break through. I try not to let all the politics get in the way of things and stay focused on work but they constantly hold me down. From the time I started it seemed as if they did not want me to succeed.

 

Rather then giving up I have just kept pushing forward doing my best. Its always been expected from me to do good and I have been monitored under a microscope since I have started where all of my mistakes are magnified. I dont know whether to create some waves and push forward or just wait it out for them to retire. It has become a struggle without my father there to go to for advise

 

I have delt with sensing this grudge, jealousy and anger they carry every day that he is basically retired and does not need to manage the day to day operations any longer. Recently he hasn't been well enough for even me to talk to. My current dilema is that one of the current active owners is getting ready to retire where I will step up in his place but he has no plan or course of action and refuses to let anyone know when that day will be. My father has not been well enough to even create a succession plan and the other owners refuse to loosen up on the reigns and show me the ropes.

 

That is a little more in depth information on my problems along with all the other basics like advancing the company more with technology. Looking for other sources of business, going paperless.

 

Thanks everyone!

Posted

Hi Vince, I can relate you in some fashion. I have not inherited a shop business however I did start my shop about 10 years ago when I was 20-21 and have been through the wringer a few times. Take my opinion with a grain of salt because I have never had to deal with a generational gap with my team. All my guys are around my age. I do recognize however a universal truth. You have to have the RIGHT people working in your business regardless of age or proficiency level. Attitude and Aptitude are paramount. What is seems like is you have some uncooperative people you are working with. If I were you I would make the best attempt to try to turn them around. Really do your best. If it just doesn't happen then you need to find someone to get rid of them or move past them.

 

Thankfully I do not have that problem with a person in a management/ownership role however I do have a running issue with one of my team members whom is a tech. He has been with me almost since the beginning however he has absolutely the wrong attitude. I have tried many times over to change this person but to no avail. I know the right move is to get him off the bus however I am finding it difficult but at least I know what path needs to be taken! ;)

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
  • Available Subscriptions

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest 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

    • By Changing The Industry
      Episode 190 - Hacking Incidents and Protecting Client Information With Cavan Robinson of Vehlo
    • 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 of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton delves into enhancing customer experience in the auto repair industry. He underscores that many customers have never encountered exceptional service, presenting a unique opportunity for shops to stand out. Chris shares practical tips for creating memorable interactions, emphasizing communication, trust, and personal connections. He advises making every touchpoint memorable, under-promising and over-delivering, and building trust through transparency.


      Chris begins by discussing the importance of first impressions. He suggests that the initial phone call or visit to the shop sets the tone for the entire customer experience. He recommends training staff to greet customers warmly, listen attentively to their concerns, and provide clear, concise information about the services offered. By doing so, shops can immediately establish a positive rapport with their clients.


      Next, Chris highlights the significance of ongoing communication. He advises shop owners to keep customers informed throughout the repair process, providing updates on the status of their vehicle and any unexpected issues that arise. This proactive approach not only keeps customers in the loop but also demonstrates the shop's commitment to transparency and honesty.


      Chris also emphasizes the power of personal connections. He encourages shop owners to take the time to get to know their customers, remembering their names, preferences, and previous interactions. This personalized approach can make customers feel valued and appreciated, fostering loyalty and repeat business.


      In addition to these interpersonal strategies, Chris discusses the importance of creating a comfortable and welcoming shop environment. He suggests investing in a clean, well-organized waiting area with amenities such as Wi-Fi, refreshments, and reading materials. A pleasant atmosphere can make the wait time more enjoyable and leave a lasting positive impression.


      Sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, the episode highlights the importance of marketing in attracting and retaining customers. Chris advises shop owners to leverage digital marketing tools, such as social media and email campaigns, to showcase their exceptional service and engage with their audience. He also recommends soliciting and showcasing customer reviews and testimonials to build credibility and trust.


      The episode concludes with Chris encouraging shop owners to transform their services into unforgettable experiences. He reminds them that in an industry where exceptional service is rare, going above and beyond can set their shop apart from the competition. By focusing on communication, trust, personal connections, and a welcoming environment, auto repair shops can create loyal customers who return time and time again.


      Introduction to Supercharging Your Auto Repair Business (00:00:05)
      Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast and its focus on enhancing auto repair business strategies.
      The Concept of Customer Experience (00:01:01)
      Discussing the importance of customer experience in retaining clients and outshining competitors.
      Understanding Customer Loyalty (00:02:10)
      Exploring reasons why some customers remain loyal despite poor service and the impact of experience.
      The Customer Experience Gap (00:03:10)
      Highlighting the difference between basic service and exceptional customer experience in auto repair.
      Making Touchpoints Memorable (00:04:11)
      Tips on ensuring every interaction with customers is professional and positive.
      The Importance of Communication (00:05:25)
      Emphasizing clear and consistent communication to reduce customer frustrations and build trust.
      Under-Promise and Over-Deliver (00:05:25)
      Encouraging shops to exceed customer expectations with timely service and added touches.
      Building Trust through Transparency (00:06:30)
      Discussing the significance of honesty and transparency in auto repair to foster customer trust.
      Creating Personal Connections (00:06:30)
      Strategies for personalizing service to enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction.
      The Competitive Advantage of Experience (00:07:35)
      Explaining how superior customer experience can be a shop's strongest competitive edge.
      Conclusion and Call to Action (00:07:35)
      Encouraging listeners to focus on creating unforgettable customer experiences to crush the competition.




      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
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS
      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-Offs Your 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.
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
      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.
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Changing The Industry
      Finding A Way Where Everyone Wins in Business #podcast #autorepairbusiness #automotivebusiness
    • By carmcapriotto
      Today’s episode tackles a critical issue that could cost your business thousands—your domain name. What happens if it expires? Spoiler alert: It’s not good. An expired domain can bring your website crashing down, devastate your SEO rankings, and even force you to pay big money to get it back. But don't worry, we’re here to guide you through it!
      We’ll dive into the risks of letting your domain lapse and share practical steps to make sure this never happens to you. This episode is packed with essential advice that could save you a fortune and keep your online presence safe.
      Grab your headphones, hit play, and let’s dive in!
      Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops
      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
      Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ 
      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


  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...