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Greg Bunch is the owner of Aspen Auto Clinic, a five-location automotive and service business in Colorado. Greg started his passion for cars at 15 when he began rebuilding a 1966 Volkswagen Bug. Greg has moved from a Volkswagen mechanic to ASE Master Technician, to Management, to starting his shop 18 years ago in his garage, to an award-winning multi-location business.

Greg is currently a board member for the STEM-based charter school call “Automotive Institute of Science & Technology” and on the Advisory board of Ratchet and Wrench Magazine. Greg is also a board member of the Autocare organization and a certified instructor for the Worldpac Training Institute and Carquest Technical Institute. Greg’s unwavering passion for the industry has also led him to form a company called Transformers Institute, a coaching and training company dedicated to transforming the automotive industry.

Listen to Greg’s previous episodes HERE. Transformers Institute HERE.

Austin Miller. Tire Star opened the doors in 2011 in the back part of a grain elevator warehouse. Austin Miller started the business with the goal of providing trustworthy automotive repair at a fair price and timely manner. Since then Tire Star has grown to 3 locations and 40+ employees. This growth was made possible by employees willing to go the extra mile to provide a great customer experience. Austin is an ASE L1 Master Certified Technician and has received an ASE technician of the year award. Although he is not turning a wrench most days Austin is still very involved in learning about new technology and ensuring his staff gets the training they need to be successful. Listen to Austin’s previous episodes HERE.

John Manelas and wife, Karen Manelas,purchased their first location in April 2004. They expanded into their 2nd location in 2011. They bought out a former 20 group member in Maine in 2013 as their 3rd location. They purchased a former Chevy/Chrysler 14 bay dealership in 2014. In 2016, they purchased an import auto service business and converted it to an Auto Care Plus (store #5). In 2017, they purchased a Volvo Specialty Repair Shop which they decided to then re-brand and create a new brand for us calling it Euro Care Plus. In 2019, we did our first non-acquisition “build to suit” venture erecting an 8 bay facility with upstairs offices for their Corporate headquarters. They also decided to lease the rest of that building where we are preparing to open a Hybrid/EV specialty division to be named Electrified Auto Care. They now have 7 locations (5 of which they own the dirt). 6 Locations in NH and one in ME. Listen to John’s previous episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points:

  • I think I’m successful, I think I wanna grow, but am I ready for this?Not for money, not for ego, but for a challenge
  • Personal reasons for why
  • Some peoples why is to build wealthThe challenge of it
  • People are only happy when they are growing
  • Private equity
  • Add another location to justify the management teamGoing from 2 to 3 locations made you focus in on your process
  • Day you realized to lock your processes downEstablish SOPs
  • Use other people’s money to expandBuild to suit
  • Pay it back in a lease arrangement
  • Lean towards acquisitions
  • Newer growing areas are better for build to suit
  • Own the dirt whenever possible
  • The creativity of doing a dealYou do need capital not just the paper
  • Leverage other people’s money to make it happen
  • What Covid has done to our industryAbsorption is an option
  • If you’re gonna grow and acquire, you have to have the right peopleNot everyone fits your model
  • Not every size fits your model
  • Anticipate losing 10% of customer base
  • Anticipate losing 90% of your employees
  • During an acquisitionBuild an avatar of what the perfect customer looks like
  • Build an avatar of what the perfect shop looks likeLean and mean 3 - 4 bay shops
  • Garage-Mahal
  • 7 - 8 bay shop
  • Main street
  • Backstreet
  • Euroshop
  • General repair
  • Asian specialty
  • Austin explains his why I enjoy the challenge
  • The problem child car that no one could figure out at other shops
  • Bored with only one shop
  • The challenge of taking something that is not operating very well and making it profitable
  • Single shop owner with an itch to grow… what do you tell me?I would ask you why?
  • Passion has to be in there
  • It can't be all about money
  • It’s a long road
  • Are there gonna be huge opportunities on the horizon?The potential this industry has in the future is tremendous
  • Also gonna be filled with challenges
  • Technology is changing
  • The industry is going to change
  •  Recession proof business
  • The word is “Cautious”91% of shops were affected by Covid
  • Shop owners looking to expand, take advantage of opportunities
  • Baby boomers are gonna get out early to retire (bcs of Covid)
  • Take advantage but don’t be a predator
  • Be prepared to lose 90% of your employeesLoyalty
  • Fixer Upper Shops
  • You don’t have a broken shop, you have a broken manager
  • Assessment of BusinessNumbers don’t lie, people lie
  • Look at car counts they are running
  • Number of rooftops for competitors
  • Location
  • Never advise someone to buy their second store that isn’t going to be better than their first shop
  • I wanna grow as a shop owner, I’ve done a self assessment and I’m ready…If you’re not profitable at your first business, you’re not ready
  • Profitability is important
  • How much involvement is the owner in the current operations
  • You can’t have a investor hat on and a technician hat on at the same time
  • Some people want a fixer upper, others want an established operation
  • How many shops is too many shops, is there a sweet spot?Depends on the business model you are running
  • Investing back into the business
  • We can’t run a business if we can’t fix the cars
  • Covid was a perfect opportunity to educate parents into the ‘college scam’
  • There is alot to prepare for going into multiple locations
  • Final WordsAustin MillerThe 20 Group
  • Ratchet and Wrench
  • Attend conferences, sit at the lunch table and talk to people
  • Greg BunchThe longer you wait to get help, the more expensive it will be
  • Don’t jump into the deep end alone
  • Need to have a passion for the industry
  • Information is not transformation
  • John ManelasMentors is #1
  • Get out and fight people that have been there done that
  • Wife and or significant other, you need to have their support
  • Attend seminars together
  • Henry Ford attributes 2 things to his successHis mastermind group
  • His wife

 

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This episode is brought to you by Shop-Ware Shop Management. It’s time to run your business at its fullest potential with the industry’s leading technology. Shop-Ware Shop Management will increase your efficiency with lightning-fast workflows, help your staff capture more sales every day, and create very happy customers who promote your business. Shops running Shop-Ware have More Time and generate More Profit—join them! Schedule a free live demonstration and find out how 30 minutes can transform your shop at getshopware.com

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This episode is brought to you buy Shop Marketing Pros. Your guides are Kim and Brian Walker with a rich history as shop owners and industry veterans. When someone searches for a shop, who are they finding? Your competitors? It should be you! The good people over at Shop Marketing Pros know how to drive website traffic and make Google work for you! www.shopmarketingpros.com

Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio

  • Alex changed the title to Requirement for Growing a Branch Store [THA 205]

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  • 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.
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      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
      Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. 


      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/autorepairmarketingmastermindIn 


      In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," host Chris Cotton is joined by special guests Caroline Legrone and Kim Walker from Shop Marketing Pros to delve into the critical necessity of having a robust marketing plan for auto repair shops. The discussion centers around the pivotal role that a well-structured marketing strategy plays in the success and sustainability of these businesses.
      Chris, Caroline, and Kim explore the multifaceted aspects of marketing planning, emphasizing the importance of leveraging historical data to gain insights into the business's performance over time. By analyzing this data, shop owners can pinpoint slow periods and develop proactive marketing strategies that align with local events and seasonal trends, thereby optimizing their outreach efforts.
      Caroline Legrone underscores the significance of understanding past performance metrics, which can provide invaluable information for future planning. She explains how historical data can reveal patterns and trends that are crucial for making informed marketing decisions. This approach not only helps in identifying potential challenges but also in capitalizing on opportunities that may arise.
      Kim Walker, on the other hand, offers practical insights into the creation of a comprehensive marketing calendar. She shares her expertise on how to systematically plan marketing activities throughout the year, ensuring that the shop remains visible and engaged with the community. Kim's advice includes tips on scheduling promotions, aligning campaigns with local happenings, and maintaining a consistent presence across various marketing channels.
      Throughout the episode, the conversation is geared towards empowering shop owners to take control of their marketing efforts. By doing so, they can ensure sustained growth and foster stronger community engagement, even during traditionally slow periods. The episode serves as a call to action for auto repair shop owners to prioritize their marketing strategies, highlighting the long-term benefits of a well-executed plan.


      Introduction and Importance of Marketing (00:00:09)
      Chris Cotton introduces the episode and emphasizes the need for a marketing plan in auto repair businesses.
      Guest Introductions (00:01:11)
      Chris welcomes Caroline Legrone and Kim Walker from Shop Marketing Pros to the podcast.
      Discussion on Car Count Issues (00:01:48)
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      Identifying Seasonal Trends (00:02:32)
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      Understanding the Marketing Calendar (00:04:23)
      Caroline explains the significance of analyzing past performance to create an effective marketing calendar.
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      Kim shares insights on developing marketing plans based on historical data and identifying slow periods.
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      Community Calendar Considerations (00:14:09)
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      Adjusting Marketing Budgets (00:16:19)
      Kim discusses the importance of reallocating marketing budgets based on seasonal trends.
      Applicability to Different Locations (00:16:27)
      Chris challenges the notion that marketing strategies are only relevant to local events, encouraging broader application.
      Yearly Planning for Marketing (00:17:09)
      Caroline stresses the importance of yearly planning for marketing strategies, even if starting late.
      Setting Holiday Schedules (00:18:49)
      Chris shares his approach to planning marketing around holiday closures as a starting point for the year.
      Here are the extracted timestamps and their corresponding titles from the podcast episode transcription segment:
      Importance of Planning (00:19:14)
      Chris emphasizes the need for shop owners to have a structured marketing plan.
      Blocking Time for Planning (00:19:40)
      Kim advises shop owners to set aside undistracted time in October for planning.
      Using a Big Calendar (00:20:17)
      Kim suggests using a large calendar to visualize important dates and events affecting marketing.
      Analyzing Performance Data (00:22:25)
      Kim discusses breaking down historical data to identify busy and slow times for better planning.
      Setting Realistic Goals (00:24:20)
      Caroline stresses the importance of setting achievable marketing goals based on past performance.
      Understanding Marketing Budgets (00:26:17)
      Kim explains how to determine an appropriate marketing budget based on desired growth.
      Plan with the Pros Conference (00:28:49)
      Caroline introduces the "Plan with the Pros" event aimed at helping shop owners create marketing plans.
      Event Success and Expansion (00:31:01)
      Kim shares the success of last year's event and plans for expanding this year's attendance.
      Facebook Group for Marketing Support (00:33:15)
      Caroline details the Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind group for shop owners to connect and share insights.
      Final Thoughts on Marketing (00:37:02)
      Caroline encourages shop owners to create marketing calendars and utilize available resources for success.
      Do It Scared (00:37:51)
      Encouragement to start marketing despite fears of making mistakes or not knowing how to begin.
      Getting Started (00:38:11)
      Emphasis on taking action; "done is better than perfect" and scheduling time away from the shop.
      Perspective on Fear (00:38:22)
      Discussion on the urgency of creating a marketing calendar to avoid business decline.
      Final Thoughts and Thanks (00:38:41)
      Closing remarks and encouragement to utilize marketing pros for effective growth strategies.
      Sponsorship Shout-Out (00:39:11)
      Promotion of Shop Marketing Pros as the recommended marketing partner for auto repair businesses.
      Closing Remarks (00:39:11)
      Encouragement to maintain a positive mindset and a farewell from Coach Chris Cotton.


      To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.
      Don't forget to rate and review us!


      Connect with Chris:
      AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      www.aftermarketradionetwork.com
      940-400-1008
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching
      YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
      Email Chris: [email protected]


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      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

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      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
      Panhandle Eurotech
      Show Notes with Timestamps
      How To Get In Touch
      Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook
      Meet The Pros
      Follow SMP on Facebook
      Follow SMP on Instagram
      Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book
      Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics 


      The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
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      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
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