Quantcast
Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

https://youtu.be/aDKpVC5ipd0

Pete McNeil is a second-generation family-owned business that started out as a Volkswagen specialist. They quickly recognized their potential for all makes and models and expanded their service offerings. During this time, they joined the NAPA AutoCare program, expanded their footprint in the Salt Lake valley and became a pillar in the automotive repair industry.

In 2018 alone, McNeil’s expanded their Sandy location to 16 bays to help accommodate their growing business, training center and partnership with local schools for the continued growth of their apprenticeship program. During this time McNeil’s also took advantage of the Interior ProImage program and remodeled their entire showroom! This included new counters for their 4 Service Advisors, new epoxy flooring, signage, and upgraded comfortable furniture and fixtures! This is truly a place where their customers can relax while having their vehicle repaired.

In addition, Pete opened a 2nd location in Riverton, Utah in May of 2019. Pete is very involved in the community both locally and abroad He is active in the local Church Youth Conference, Angel Hands, which assists people with disabilities.

Very active in youth soccer with contributions and cars washed to raise money for Sparta-United. He has donated time and resources to “Sandy Pride” which helps residents clean up and beautify the city.

Jake Sorensen is the 2019 NAPA ASE Technician of the Year and 2019 Ratchet + Wrench All Star technician of the year. He is an ASE Master technician with L1,2 and 3 advanced level certifications. He is the shop manager and diagnostic technician at McNeil’s Auto Care in Sandy, UT where he helped develop an apprenticeship program that is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. This program has graduated several high performing automotive technicians and was used by NAPA Auto Care as a template for their automotive apprenticeship program. Jake also developed the curriculum for an automotive course that he teaches at an adult education high school.

Alexia Murphy is Program Specialist, Department of Workforce Services, State of Utah

Key Talking Points:

  • Sustainability- Without a program, there “will not” be enough technicians for the independents to be able to compete, or grow in this industry.
  • By 2026 we are going to need 46,000 additional technicians (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Less coming into the trade
  • You cannot afford to take your ‘lead’ technicians to teach a new member of the team
  • You need a roadmap and an officially approved apprentice program to support a mentor, training and a career path
  • (Jake Sorensen) Benefits from apprenticeship program Common questions:
  • How much will it cost me?
  • Answer: How much are you losing by not having enough technicians? That number far exceeds the cost of training. Also, the program is not as expensive as most believe. On average, an apprentice will start producing more revenue than the cost of their employment and training within three months!
  • What if I train and invest in someone, and they leave?
  • Answer: If you: choose the right candidate, offer free training, assist with tool purchases and treat them well through their apprenticeship, they will appreciate what you have provided and stay around for the long haul. McNeil’s still employs all three of the technicians that graduated from their program.
  • Maybe more importantly, what if you and every other shop owner sits back and does nothing?It is important to remember that if you lose an apprentice to another shop, that shop is no longer looking for a technician, which may free someone up for you.
  • Department of Labors throughout the country is willing to help for employer and apprentice by providing moniesStates vary. Meet with then and ask them questions and show them your program
  • Skilled trades are advertising to bring in young people into their industry through apprentice programs.
  • Not every candidate will work outA big problem is communication
  • Every other week you need a sit down to review and talk about the next two weeks.Discover if the training methods are working
  • If you find the right candidate, it will work
  • Apprentice vs 2-year collegeStudent loan debt
  • Tool investment
  • Not as much hands on as in shop
  • Schools let them know that when they enter the job market they can get top pay
  • Some schools do not have the latest equipment
  • Many counselors are naive about the industryWe must get involved and change the perception
  • Their supplier, NAPA, is providing incentives along the way. Toolbox, tool credit.
  • Incentives (rewards) for the apprentice to earn
  • Just because you are providing free training, they still have rent, car payments, food. They have a life. Create incentives along the way to keep them motivated and engaged while they are growing their skillsHelp shape their attitude for our trade
  • Departments of labor can help you find training
  • Need a technician. Start with an apprentice.
  • There is no silver bullet to growing technicians.There will be an investment.
  • We must get involved with our community and department of labor.
  • Share your success story
  • STARTFind a group to help you. Example NAPA has this programThere is also a program from the IGONC in North Carolina and many others.
  • Look at an apprentice program as a shop tool, a recipe for success
  • Contact (reach out) to your Department of Labor
  • Look for your candidate by advertising.Jake’s inbox was flooded with applicants.
  • Look for key indicators for holding a job even if not paid shadowing type of experience
  • Their apprentice program has spiked ASE certifications among their technicians
  • The program is broken into 9 stages over two years.  Requirements along the way
  • Training classes, virtual, leader-led
  • Demonstrations from equipment people
  • Online video’s
  • Be sure you have an LMS (learning management system) to help track the progress
  • There is a competency section
  • They must their mentor that they learned and can do the tasks that they learned
  • The quality of work in the shop improved because they are a teaching center
  • An apprentice is like a doctors residency to earn certification  
  • Jake Sorensen: We all need to buy into certifications.
  • ASE is a very valuable resource for our industry to separate the professionals from the DIY’ers. You cannot become an electrician or a plumber just because you helped a friend or family member on a home project. Yet we accept that exact same experience in place of certification in our industry all the time. Apprenticeships help force up and coming technicians to become certified.I hear people all the time say “I’ve known plenty of ASE Master Techs that don’t know what they are doing and plenty of really good mechanics that just can’t pass a test,” Well I can tell you I have seen it the other way a whole lot more. I know we like to compare ourselves to the medical profession quite a bit. Would you go to a doctor or see a Nurse that was not certified just because they couldn’t pass a test? Not a chance, so why are we so willing to accept that excuse from our professionals? 
  • Pete has been tracking his apprentice program for four years and has numbers that show a growth in sales from the training and team approach to share work and build the next generation.
  • Other episodes on Apprentice ProgramsRR 335 Build Your Own Apprentice Program - Dwayne Myers
  • RR 482 IGONC Apprentice Program. Three Students Speak.
  • FTR 064 - Mike Davidson. Find Your Apprentices
  • RR 383 - AAPEXedu 2018 - Road to Great Technicians - Roundtable
  • THA 087 - Automotive Career’s Start in High School and in the Home
  • FTR 007 - Matt Fanslow - Integrate the Malleable Young Apprentice Into Your Shop
  • RR 353 - Kyle Holt - S/P2 - Helping Entry Level Technicians Enter and Stay in the Industry

Resources:

  • A special thanks to Pete McNeil, Jake Sorensen, and Alexia Murphy for their contribution to the aftermarket.
  • 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 segmented by Series HERE.
  • Key Word Search HERE.

Buy me a coffeeBuy me a coffee

Join the Ecosystem - Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.

Shop-Ware-Call-To-Action-Graphic-v3.png

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

Shop-Market-Pros-Sponsor-Graphic-2.png

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

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 carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      April 15th is behind us — but your tax strategy shouldn’t stop there. In this episode, Hunt Demarest, CPA at Paar Melis, shares exactly what auto repair shop owners need to be doing based on how their tax season wrapped up. Whether you filed early, waited until the last minute, or punted with an extension, Hunt helps you take the right steps now to avoid penalties, reduce next year’s bill, and keep your shop’s finances dialed in.
       In this episode, you’ll learn:
      Why filing an extension isn’t always a problem — but failing to plan ahead is The costly myth about tax extensions that trips up even seasoned shop owners What to do now if you owed a big tax bill or got a refund The IRS’s rules on estimated taxes and why ignoring them leads to penalties Smart financial habits every shop owner should adopt after tax season ends
      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: podcast@paarmelis.com
      Text Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413
      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 https://remarkableresults.biz/
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Changing The Industry
      Bonus Episode - Creating Chaos Through Impulsive Business Decisions With Tannar and Kassiady Markham
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care, NAPA TRACS and Automotive Management Network Mauro Stara from 6packceo.com shares powerful strategies for staying strong, sharp, and energized as a business owner. He breaks down common myths about health and highlights the importance of a personalized approach to well-being. Key areas of focus include the essential roles of sleep, nutrition, and stress management in promoting longevity and a high-quality life.
      Mauro offers practical tips for optimizing sleep by aligning with your circadian rhythm, managing light exposure, timing meals strategically, and maintaining proper electrolyte balance. He encourages listeners to treat their health like they would their car, prioritizing regular care and attention to ensure a longer, more energized life.
      Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode The Institute of Automotive Business Excellence: https://www.wearetheinstitute.com/ Overview of Dr. Jessica Kriegel (00:00:00) Three-Step Change Equation (00:02:47) Accountability in Business (00:03:31) Results Pyramid Explanation (00:04:11) Beliefs and Experiences (00:05:09) Defining Workplace Culture (00:06:50) Hospital Story for Illustration (00:12:02) Transformative Change Through Storytelling (00:14:09) Culture of Caring (00:15:09) Storytelling in Meetings (00:15:58) Generational Dynamics (00:17:51) Technology Adoption Across Generations (00:20:37) Connecting with Dr. Kriegel (00:22:23)
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care, NAPA TRACS and Automotive Management Network Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care 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: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -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 Twitter: 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
      Episode 213 - Navigating The Family Business With Joseph Schindler
    • 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
      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)
      Chris expresses concern over shop owners complaining about low car counts and the lack of planning.
      Identifying Seasonal Trends (00:02:32)
      Kim discusses common excuses for slow periods and the importance of recognizing seasonal trends.
      Understanding the Marketing Calendar (00:04:23)
      Caroline explains the significance of analyzing past performance to create an effective marketing calendar.
      Proactive Marketing Strategies (00:06:11)
      Kim shares insights on developing marketing plans based on historical data and identifying slow periods.
      Creative Marketing Solutions (00:07:25)
      Kim describes a unique marketing strategy developed around the local state fair to attract customers.
      Importance of Planning Ahead (00:09:27)
      Kim emphasizes the necessity of proactive planning rather than reacting to slow days.
      Timing for Event Promotions (00:12:30)
      Discussion on how far in advance to plan marketing strategies for events like the state fair.
      Community Calendar Considerations (00:14:09)
      Caroline advises checking community calendars to align marketing efforts with local events.
      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: chris@autofixsos.com


      The Aftermarket Radio Network
      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.
      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.
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
      #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


  • Our Sponsors

×
×
  • Create New...