[Podcast] RR 407: Dennis Montalbano: He Survived a Heart Attack and Stroke and so Did His Business!
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By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog0 commentsIt 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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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: [email protected]
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
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By carmcapriotto
Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
Tariffs might sound like a foreign concept—until they hit home. In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt breaks down the real-world impact tariffs can have on your auto repair shop, using a powerful shop-vs-shop analogy to explain rising costs, disappearing jobs, and economic ripple effects. Whether you're in the weeds of part pricing or just trying to make sense of the news, this episode gives you the context you need.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
Why tariffs are making headlines—and how they could impact part costs in your shop What the “free market” really looks like when safety and environmental regulations aren’t equal The economic chain reaction that can crush local businesses and communities How tariffs influence pricing, profits, and technician availability in the long term A breakdown of how the U.S. tax system evolved from tariffs to income taxes—and why that matters now
Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS
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: [email protected]
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
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By Joe Marconi
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By carmcapriotto
Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
What if your auto repair shop is losing money every single day — and you don’t even know it? In this episode, Hunt sits down with Alex Saladna, CEO of Wicked File, to talk about the hidden financial leaks happening in shops just like yours and how AI is helping owners plug those holes fast. From missed parts and uncredited returns to unauthorized purchases, we dive deep into how real shop owners are using Wicked File to save thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours every month.
Whether you're a single-location shop or managing multiple rooftops, this episode shows you why "doing it manually" might be costing you way more than you think.
Alex Saladna, WickedFile
In this Episode, you'll learn:
How Alex's family-owned shop lost $180,000 in just 6 months — and what sparked the creation of Wicked File The real financial leaks you're probably missing — and why statement reconciliation isn’t enough Why even large, well-staffed shops fall behind on parts reconciliation How AI-powered tools like Navigator help shop owners instantly spot problems and improve profitability What one multi-shop owner did to increase net profit by 15% in just one month
Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS
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: [email protected]
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
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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
SHOW NOTES
Throughout the episode, Coach Chris covers a range of pivotal topics that are crucial for business growth and sustainability. He discusses the potential benefits of real estate investments, drawing parallels to the Monopoly board where acquiring properties can lead to increased revenue and long-term financial gains. Additionally, he explores the concept of financial diversification, encouraging shop owners to explore various avenues for generating income beyond their core services.
A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the value of forming strategic partnerships and investing in employee development. Coach Chris emphasizes that nurturing relationships with other businesses and fostering a skilled workforce can lead to enhanced service offerings and a competitive edge in the market. He also highlights the critical role of cash flow management, advising shop owners on how to maintain a healthy financial status that supports both day-to-day operations and future growth initiatives.
Strategic expansion is another key theme, with Coach Chris providing insights on how to scale operations thoughtfully and sustainably. By aligning expansion efforts with clearly defined business objectives, shop owners can achieve financial stability and set the stage for long-term success.
Introduction and Overview (00:00:09)
Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast and its focus on auto repair business strategies.
Monopoly Metaphor (00:01:05)
Chris uses Monopoly to illustrate strategic business management and growth opportunities for shop owners.
Defining Your Business Size (00:02:03)
Discussion on ambitions regarding the size of the business—local, regional, or national expansion goals.
Opportunities for Growth (00:03:12)
Encouragement to view business opportunities as "squares" on a Monopoly board, representing growth potential.
Real Estate Investments (00:04:25)
The benefits of owning property, including passive income and stability for the auto repair business.
Diversification of Income Streams (00:05:28)
Exploration of additional income sources like storage facilities and rental properties to enhance financial security.
Financial Investments (00:06:41)
Importance of stocks and retirement accounts for long-term financial growth and stability beyond the auto industry.
Flexibility in Business Strategy (00:07:58)
The need for adaptability in response to unexpected challenges and opportunities in the business landscape.
Strategic Partnerships (00:08:41)
Value of collaborations with suppliers and other businesses to create growth opportunities and enhance profitability.
Employee Development (00:09:04)
Investing in team training and development as a critical factor for business success and employee retention.
Connect with Chris: chris autofixsos.com
Phone: 940.400.1008
www.autoshopcoaching.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
AutoFixAutoShopCo
Connect with Chris: chris autofixsos.com Phone: 940.400.1008 www.autoshopcoaching.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
www.autoshopcoaching.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ AutoFixAutoShopCoaching
Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
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.
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
#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
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