Quantcast
Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

Dave Hobbs automotive service experience spans 40 plus years in the industry, starting out as a technician and then as a service manager working in his family’s repair shop (Hobbs Auto Electric) in Kokomo, Indiana. After leaving Hobbs Auto Electric, Dave began working as a hotline advisor and field engineer at GM’s Delco Electronics. Those roles eventually led to becoming an electronics systems instructor for thousands of Delco Electronics / Delphi engineers throughout North American and Asia.

Dave is currently the lead technical trainer and course developer for Delphi Product and Service Solutions. In addition, he serves part-time as a contributor to Motor Age Magazine and as a field correspondent for MACS Worldwide (Mobile AC Society). Dave’s previous episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points:

  • Become a thermostat instead of a thermometer When things heat up with frustration thermometers react, thermostats do something (cool down or heat up)
  • Pertains to shop owners, managers, and lead technicians- it’s in our control
  • Virtual classesDifficult to connect with distant learning- no interaction and often time camera for zoom calls are off
  • Missing the important feedback from in person classes
  • ADAS trainingMany cars don’t require targets for radar or cameras that you can do yourself
  • Fuzzbuster, thermal imager etc are tools you can use (“MacGyver” tips)   
  • Love of cars and the car industry- then vs nowDave’s first car- ‘61 Chevy Station Wagon
  • Cars have more technology on them- can appeal to tech savvy students, but still needs to have aptitude of taking apart and putting back together, coding and computers
  • Encourage women to join industry as well
  • Selling it as “computer on wheels”    

Resources:

  • Thanks to Dave Hobbs for his contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
  • Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page, highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
  • Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Podchaser, and many more. Mobile Listening APP's HERE
  • Find every podcast episode HERE.
  • Every episode is segmented by Series HERE.
  • Key Word Search HERE.

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:

Facebook   Twitter   Linked In   Email

Join the Ecosystem - Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.

Buy me a coffee

Gold Certification recognizes top tier NAPA AutoCares with a high level of participation in the AutoCare program. The program was built by AutoCare Centers for AutoCare Centers to provide a consistent consumer experience, maximize technology leverage, and reward NAPA’s most committed partners. In other words, Gold Certified AutoCare Centers are the standard bearers for the AutoCare brand nationwide. Simply put, the Gold Certified NAPA AutoCare program, powered by your local shop brand, will separate you from the rest helping you boost your bay counts and your average repair orders.

Learn more about NAPA AutoCare, Gold Certification, and the hundreds of other benefits NAPA offers. Talk with your servicing NAPA store or visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com visit the NAPA Benefits Center, at www.napabenefitscenter.com or call the NAPA Benefits Center at 844-627-2123.

Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio

  • Alex changed the title to How to Become a Thermostat Instead of a Thermometer- Dave Hobbs [RR 601]

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 Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

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

    • By Transmission Repair

      Premium Member Content 

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

    • By carmcapriotto
      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
    • By Changing The Industry
      Revolutionizing the Automotive Industry With Leadership And Performance #podcast
    • By carmcapriotto
      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


  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...