[Podcast] Embracing Change with David Martin [RR 543]

[carmcapriotto]

Dave Martin is the Owner and President of Martin’s Auto Repair in Phoenix, AZ. His automotive career began pulling weeds on the shop property then as he got older Dave moved into a station helper and gas attendant. Dave then became the shop manager before taking over the family business from his father in 2006.

Dave has worked to bring the business into the technology world communicating with customers at their level with digital inspections, email and texting. Dave also knows a key to a successful business is having a team that has strengths he does not. One example is his decision to hire an in-house marketing director back in 2010 (no shops were doing this then). Having a person in the shop who gets to know you and the entire team along with day to day processes brought a bigger success in marketing than imagined. When the person marketing your business knows you, they can then take on your personality which adds the personal touch many businesses were lacking. The shop is well known through the website, social media and fun videos Dave has been “persuaded” to do. (He loves doing them). The shop added the ability to email and text these videos to customers which has been a big hit. Customers and followers now look forward to the videos with the fun and creativity he gives.

Dave married his wife Bo in 1992 and they have an adult daughter, Qamree. Dave bowls, plays over the line baseball, and is a passionate football fan, proudly supporting his lifelong favorite team, The Dallas Cowboys.

Dave was born with Spina Bifida and wants to help others affected and increase public awareness. Elected as Chairman of the Board for the Spina Bifida Association of Arizona in 2012 and has been involved of in its growth through events and fundraisers. Dave also volunteers as a speaker to community organizations and young adults showing how he doesn’t let Spina Bifida keep him from his goals.

Key Talking Points:

• Culture change was keyCulture wasn’t necessary 10-20 years ago- a different generation now, businesses have to change and adapt
• Empowered employees to make decisions
• Keeping up with technology and training 
• Embrace change and be apart of “team” atmosphere 
• Get in front of the camera- make videos for your customers to watch
• Younger team of techniciansHard to find seasoned technicians to replace technicians leaving
• Owner and manager decided to hire “grow your own” younger technicians and started to train them
• Weekly meetings- each employee tells team a learning moment they had that week so everyone can benefit from it
• Smartest hiring decision was hiring marketing manager in 2010- she was able to understand the culture of company and owner’s personality and portrays it on all social media and advertising platforms  
• 3 life lessons from fatherNo free lunches, you have to work for everything you get, nothing good comes out of you getting something for free
• Succession planningThe average age of owner is 55+
• Important to have open discussions with owner and buyer- communication is key and both parties knowing what each other’s expectations are 
• Community supportChairman of board for Arizona’s Spina Bifida Association- Dave was born with Spina Bifida
• Encourages those affected to never let Spina Bifida stop you from pursuing your goals
• Dave Martin’s 5 Key TakeawaysYou must have a strong foundation of work ethic
• Communication ensures everyone works towards the same goals 
• If you learn to think outside the box you’ll become a great problem solver
• Always be ready to embrace change
• It’s a marathon- stay consistent and never give up

Resources:

• Thanks to David Martin for his contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
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