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Connie and Russell Cook owns Finish Line Automotive in Ocala, FL.

Talking points:

  • Husband and wife story of commitment to open their own shop
  • Russel had a long commute and worked at a dealership
  • Connie finds a going shop within three miles of home and Russell did the research
  • Russell has 27 years experience as a dealership tech
  • Russell know they needed help on the finance side of the transaction
  • They put a lot of money as a down payment but put them in a tough position with working capital. That is why Russell continued to work at the dealership for 5 monthsThey have survived with his normal income
  •  They will continue to take less of a salary to help the business get on a strong cash footing
  • They took ownership on February 1, 2020, and one month later Covid-19 hit. They are coming out of it very well
  • They kept some of their great, long time, people that have helped Connie transition
  • Connie had to learn to be a service advisor
  • Russell will jump in at whatever level he needs to do from counter to be in the bays
  • The business they bought had good consumer ratings. They keep hearing good talk about the business
  • They started with a database of 5,000 customers
  • They made a move on labor rates. They were too low compared to other shops. They also changed their menu prices
  • They fixed a credit policy that charged more if you used your credit card. Wrong thing to upcharge
  • A bright and well-lit waiting room
  • Fix it or repair the new businessComputer/Invoicing
  • Broadband speed
  • AC Recharger would not complete a functionCouldn’t get it repaired
  • Bought a used on
  • Scan tool
  • They were blessed with the technicians that were in the business and the affordability of the deal.He has 5 bays and 4 usable
  • An alignment machine

Resources:

  • Thanks to Connie and Russell Cook for their contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
  • Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
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This episode is brought to you by AAPEX, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo. AAPEX represents the $740 billion global automotive aftermarket industry and has everything you need to stay ahead of the curve. With 2,500 exhibiting companies, you’ll see the latest products, parts, and technologies for your business. As a result, the event also offers advanced training for shop owners, technicians, warehouse distributors (WDs) and auto parts retailers, as well as networking opportunities to grow your business. AAPEX 2020 will take place Tuesday, Nov. 3 through Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas. Therefore, more than 48,000 targeted buyers are expected to attend, and approximately 162,000 automotive aftermarket professionals. They will be from 135 countries which are projected to be in Las Vegas during AAPEX 2020. For information, visit aapexshow.com

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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 shop-ware.com

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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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