Quantcast
Jump to content

[Podcast] RR 370: Darren Garlock Treating Company Culture and Customer Retention Alike!

carmcapriotto
 Share

Recommended Posts

carmcapriotto Grand Master

carmcapriotto

Posted
Posted

Darren Garlock started his career in the shop pushing a broom, pumping gas and washing cars.  At 18 he started full-time and worked his way up through the company from Lube Tech, Towing Operator, Mechanic, Service Advisor and now Owner.   In 2015, Darren and his brother, Dan, bought the business from their father and have expanded it into 3 locations. Now called Silver Lake Auto & Tire Centers, the company focuses heavily on both employee culture and earning customers’ trust – treating their employees and customers the way they want to be treated themselves.

Key Talking Points

  • Advice on succession planning inside the family business
    • Have patience, work together and keep the family as number 1 priority, be ready for it  
  • Expanded to 3 locations total
    • Keep locations uniformed so employees can interchange if needed
    • All 3 locations have own concierge service
      • 20+ free loaner cars between all locations and concierge driver at each location
  • Culture and values within the company
    • Trust- Employees and customers
  • An early adopter of DVI that is now a  key of their marketing
    • An early adopter with Autovitals when DVI came out
    • Customer’s love the feedback about their car- helps them understand and put value in maintaining a car and keeping up with repairs when they can see pictures
  • Invest in employees
    • Minimum of 40 hours of training per year- paid training and in-house training
    • All service writers/advisors have gone through ATI Training
  • Customer retention
    • Scheduling the next service appointment when they leave- call a week ahead to remind the customer about an appointment

Resources Mentioned:

  • Link to Silver Lake Auto and Tires Center Website HERE
  • Thanks to Darren Garlock for his contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
  • Leave me an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one of them.
  • Link to the ‘BOOKS’ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
Shop Profile
Number of locations: 3
Total square feet of all facilities: 18500
Years in industry: 40
Years of business ownership: 10+
Number of technicians: 16
Number of service advisers: 8
Number of lifts: 20
Number of bays: 24
Days open: MON-FRI
Annual estimated volume: 5M
Technician efficiency: 90
Technician productivity: 80
Labor rate: 127.19
Effective labor rate: 108.49
Average repair order (ARO) $: 582.94
Average car count: 177
YTD gross profit percent: 40.76
YTD net profit percent: 15
Percent Repair vs Maintenance vs Other: 45/45/10
Technician training hours per year: 40
Service adviser training hours per year: 40
CEO training hours: 100+
Specialty: We are an early adopter of technology and advanced practices.
Aftermarket association memberships: ASA/BBB/Napa Autocare/AC Delco-TST/Hybrid Shop
Special accreditations: My Brother Dan Garlock-AAM Master for AMI.
Shop management system (SMS): RO Writer
Completely paperless?; Yes
Digital Vehicle Inspection: Autovitals
Website provider: Autoshop Solutions
Supplier marketing program: Aftermarket
Primary supplier: Aftermarket
Performing hybrid repairs: Yes
Engaged with a supplier advisory council: Yes
ASE Blue Seal Certified: Yes
Succession plan: Yes
Biggest challenges: Technician shortage/Changes in technology/Profitability/Parts quality/Marketing/Profititability
Business coach: Yes
Mastermind group: Yes
Philanthropy: Ruth and Naomi/Krueger Classic

Subscribe-to-the-INSIDER-Newsletter-6.pn

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:
Facebook   Twitter   Linked In   Email    Events    Speaking

 

This episode is brought to you by Federal-MogulEpisode-Logo-Sponsored-By-v1-300x93.pngMotorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake, Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust.  For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at fmmotorparts.com  and fmgaragegurus.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
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Available Subscriptions

    See all Subscription Plans

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's 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

    • Joe Marconi
      Low Productivity! Is the Tech or Your Systems?
      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.

    • Joe Marconi
      Do You Use a Marketing Company?
      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.

    • carmcapriotto
      Auto Repair Tech Talk with Brin Kline [E167] - Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech
      Join us for a dynamic and unfiltered 'Ask Us Anything' Live Stream featuring Matt Fanslow and Brin Kline. This is your chance to get expert advice and insights from those who know the industry inside and out.
      Why This Matters:
      Continuing education and asking questions are critical to staying competitive in the ever-evolving automotive industry. Networking with peers and learning from experts can open doors to new ideas, solutions, and opportunities for growth.  
       
       
       
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech
      NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.
      Contact Information
      Email Matt: [email protected] Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel  
      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
    • carmcapriotto
      Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners Part 4: Stay Customer Focused and Flexible [RR 1020]
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Join Maryann Croce in the fourth episode of the Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners series. Discover essential strategies for building trust, loyalty, and a thriving business by staying customer-focused and adaptable. Learn about gathering and acting on customer feedback, streamlining customer experiences, offering added services, building referral networks, and staying current with industry trends and training. Maryann Croce, Small Biz Vantage. Maryann’s previous episodes HERE. Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Here's the downloadable worksheet link: https://bit.ly/3Yq4S4J Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners Part 1: Core Values and Vision [RR 997]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e997/ Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners Part 2: Mastering Your Finances [RRR 1004]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1004/ Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners Part 3: Optimize Processes and Empower Your Team [RR 1012]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1012/ MACS Training Event & Trade Show, Jan 30 – Feb 1, Orlando, FL: https://macsmobileairclimate.org/ The Unstoppable Framework (00:00:41) Part Four Overview (00:02:32) Importance of Customer Feedback (00:03:22) Client Story: Sarah's Transformation (00:05:51) Building Trust through Referrals (00:08:01) Shifting Perspective on Complaints (00:09:32) Customer Experience Walkthrough (00:10:27) The Gallon of Paint Analogy (00:12:58) Uplifting Shop Environment (00:13:53) Attracting the Right Customers (00:14:53) Staying Current with Training (00:16:07) Communication Trends and Customer Preferences (00:17:01) Practical Steps for Customer Focus (00:17:03) Streamlining Customer Experience (00:18:27) Building Referral Networks (00:19:43) Staying Open to Change (00:19:46) Thriving Through Change (00:20:25) Reframing Negative Reviews (00:21:36) Focus on Customer Training (00:24:07)
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care 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 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
    • carmcapriotto
      Should I Hire A Shop Manager? [THA 413]
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching, and Today's Class Explore the pivotal moment when an automotive shop owner must decide to hire a shop manager. Learn about the challenges and benefits of bringing in a manager, different approaches to onboarding, and the impact on business operations. The experts share personal stories, management strategies, and advice for identifying the right time and person for the role. Whether you're a single-shop owner or managing multiple locations, this episode provides valuable insights into enhancing your business efficiency and growth. Larry Rose, Larry’s Automotive, Newburgh, IN Andy Adams, Adam's Garage, Terre Haute, IN Steve Finzel, Finzel’s Mastertech, Terre Haute, IN. Steve’s previous episodes HERE Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode MACS Training Event & Trade Show, Jan 30 – Feb 1, Orlando, FL: https://macsmobileairclimate.org/ Importance of Hiring a Manager (00:01:07) When to Hire a Manager (00:03:02) Transitioning Roles (00:04:05) Challenges of Managing Alone (00:04:54) The Role of SOPs (00:08:23) Building Relationships with the Team (00:11:08) Finding the Right Manager (00:12:02) Managing the Team Structure (00:14:00) Navigating Cultural Changes (00:14:21) Understanding Temperature in Management (00:16:58) Realization of Need for a Manager (00:17:54) Guilt Factor of Owners (00:18:57) Checking Staff Moods (00:19:12) Management by Walking Around (00:20:49) Tools for Success (00:21:57) Distinction Between Roles (00:22:51) Need for Leadership (00:25:02) Challenges of In-House Promotions (00:27:00) Leadership Development (00:27:53) Compensation Strategies (00:30:24) Internal vs. External Hiring (00:31:49) Managing Shop Communication (00:34:03) Life Changes and Business Management (00:35:38) Exit Strategy and Business Value (00:36:59) Hiring Better Talent (00:37:57) Coaching and Personal Growth (00:39:44)
      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


  •
    Joe Marconi

    Isn’t It Time We Rethink What a Master Level Technician Is?

    By Joe Marconi, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 512 views
    Joe Marconi

    Money Isn’t The Motivator We Think It Is

    By Joe Marconi, in Automotive Management,

    0 comments 333 views
    Joe Marconi

    Five Proven Tips to Improve Your Bottom Line

    By Joe Marconi, in Selling Automotive Repair,

    0 comments 509 views

  • Our Sponsors



Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...