Are You Ready to Open a Second Location? - Justin Barrett [RR 735]
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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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Staying Humble While Promoting Your Community Involvement [E142] - The Auto Repair Marketing PodcastBy carmcapriotto
Getting involved in your community is powerful, but how do you share your efforts without sounding boastful? There’s a fine line between successful and selfish self-promotion, and in this episode, Brian and Kim Walker discuss how to highlight your work with authenticity and gratitude—not ego.
We’ll discuss framing your message to focus on the cause, aligning community service with your company culture and purpose, and sharing stories that connect and inspire rather than just promote. Plus, we’ll share real-life examples—like our team’s work with Our Daily Bread Food Bank—and how to encourage others to get involved.
Tune in now to learn how to support your community while staying humble and making a real impact!
Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. RepairPal is the key that unlocks more business for your repair shop. Learn More at RepairPal.com/shops.
Want to revolutionize your marketing? AppFueled does it all—email, text, app notifications, and even call center integration. Stop guessing and start connecting with AppFueled.
Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
Start with Why - By Simon Sinek
Our Daily Bread Food Bank
Commission Mankind
Show Notes with Timestamps
Introduction to the Episode (00:00:10) Brian introduces the podcast and the topic of community involvement. Topic Suggestion Acknowledgment (00:00:34) Brian mentions Doug DeLuca's suggestion for the episode topic. Sponsor Acknowledgment (00:01:00) Brian thanks RepairPal for sponsoring the episode. Technical Issues Discussion (00:01:30) Brian and Kim discuss technical issues and Brian's experience with braces. Community Involvement Concerns (00:03:44) Kim shares a friend's hesitation about promoting community involvement due to fear of appearing boastful. Successful vs. Selfish Promotion (00:05:44) Discussion about the fine line between effective promotion and self-promotion. Promoting Community Engagement (00:07:24) Kim emphasizes the importance of spacing out promotional posts about community involvement. Starting with Gratitude (00:07:46) Kim suggests starting messages about community involvement with expressions of gratitude. Importance of "Why" (00:09:09) Discussion on the significance of explaining the reasons behind community involvement. Examples of Community Involvement (00:09:15) Brian and Kim share experiences of their community service activities. Promoting Community Work (00:11:25) Brian discusses the importance of promoting community service to demonstrate business values. Messaging about Community Involvement (00:12:21) Kim provides examples of how they communicate their community involvement on social media. Team Engagement in Community Work (00:14:20) Brian reflects on the team's connection with community members during service activities. Closing Sponsor Acknowledgment (00:15:14) Brian thanks RepairPal again for supporting the episode. Community Engagement Strategies (00:15:26) Discussion on how RepairPal helps auto shops gain customers through certification and fair pricing. Customer Loyalty Apps (00:16:25) Introduction of App Fueled, a customer loyalty app designed for auto service shops. Highlighting Community Work (00:17:11) Tips on emphasizing organizational missions instead of personal achievements in community involvement. Authentic Community Involvement (00:17:54) The importance of sharing community efforts without seeking personal recognition or return. Sharing GoFundMe Campaigns (00:18:51) Encouragement to promote charitable causes without boasting about personal donations. Industry-Specific Support (00:19:16) Discussion on giving back to the auto repair industry and local communities. Respecting Privacy in Sharing (00:19:39) The balance between sharing community involvement and respecting the privacy of those served. Educating Marketing Teams (00:22:43) The need to guide marketing teams on how to portray community involvement authentically. Collaborating with Other Organizations (00:24:17) Benefits of partnering with local businesses for community service efforts. Celebrating Local Teams (00:25:38) Highlighting local sports teams and community events to promote goodwill. Telling the Story of Donations (00:27:40) Importance of sharing the personal connection behind charitable contributions. Personal Anecdotes from Mission Trips (00:28:28) Sharing impactful stories from mission trips to illustrate the importance of community support. Personal Anecdote on Community Support (00:29:29) Kim shares a personal story about supporting organizations that assist her brother with disabilities. Encouragement to Join Facebook Group (00:30:44) Kim invites listeners to join their Facebook group for further engagement and community building. Request for Podcast Reviews (00:31:03) Brian asks listeners to leave reviews for the podcast, emphasizing the importance of feedback. Closing Remarks and Sponsorship Acknowledgment (00:31:36) Brian concludes the episode, thanking sponsors and encouraging listeners to tune in next week.
Thanks to our Partners,
RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops. Quality Car Repair. Fair Price Guarantee.
App Fueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”
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 Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
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.
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto
Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound:
In this episode, Craig is concise as he reflects on the timeless wisdom of Martin Luther King Jr. and how his principles of nonviolent conflict resolution remain highly relevant today. Inspired by recent readings of King’s works, specifically his iconic Letter from Birmingham Jail, Craig explores how these lessons can be applied to resolving conflicts in everyday life—even in situations as modern as addressing negative reviews.
This thoughtful discussion acknowledges the historical context of King’s writings while highlighting their enduring value in promoting understanding, negotiation, and meaningful resolution.
Watch Full Video Episode
Key Points Discussed:
Craig’s Appreciation for MLK’s Legacy: Acknowledging King’s brilliance as a leader, communicator, and writer, Craig emphasizes the enduring relevance of his concepts and principles. The Four Steps of a Nonviolent Campaign (as outlined in Letter from Birmingham Jail):
Collection of Facts: Ensure injustices are present and verified. Negotiation: Open dialogue with a willingness to find common ground. Self-Purification: Prepare yourself to act constructively and maintain the ability to return to negotiation. Direct Action: Take deliberate action aimed at fostering a return to negotiation.
The Word of the Day:
Unfettered.
Adj - Not controlled by anyone or anything. Uninhibited
Modern Applications:
Craig draws parallels between these steps and common missteps in conflict resolution today, such as skipping fact-gathering and jumping straight to retaliation—like leaving a low review without understanding the full story. He discusses how these missed steps can lead to escalation rather than resolution.
Takeaways for Listeners:
People care about how much you know only after they know how much you care. Applying MLK’s principles to situations like resolving a customer complaint or an unjust review can model constructive engagement and encourage others to seek facts, negotiation, and resolution.
This episode is a thoughtful tribute to King’s enduring legacy and a practical guide for applying his lessons to resolve conflicts with empathy and integrity.
Links & Resources:
Letter from Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King Jr.
Join Craig as he unpacks these timeless lessons and their power to transform the way we approach conflicts in our personal and professional lives.
Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound:
The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.
AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com
AutoLeap at AutoLeap.com. Are you tired of juggling multiple tools to manage your auto repair shop? Say hello to the streamlined efficiency of AutoLeap, the #1 all-in-one Auto Repair Shop Management Software!
Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.
In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.
Contact Information
Email Craig O'Neill: [email protected] Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
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/
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By Zenoo
Hi my name is Zenas and I am 26 years old from Alberta, Canada. I started my own automotive repair shop in December 2023. After running it for 1 year I made a little bit of profit. I needed some advice on how I could increase it. Its a 3 bay shop with two 2 post hoists and one 4 post hoist with alignment. I am the only mechanic in the shop as I can't afford to hire anyone at this point. I am charging about $120 per hour for the labor and very minimal mark up on parts. The shop had no customer base when I got it so it took me sometime to build returning customers. If I try to increase the prices on parts the customers run away. Seems like they are calling around the city and going to the cheapest person. My monthly over head cost is about $7000. Whatever I make in a month goes back into next month's rent. Any advices on how to manage this properly from other shop owners?
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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.
I’d like to give another shoutout to our sponsor, Shop Marketing Pros. They are the only marketing company I recommend, and they handle all of the marketing for my own shop as well. If you’re serious about growth, you need strategies that actually work: better websites, higher Google rankings, and ads that bring real customers through your doors.
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/autorepairmarketingmastermind
In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," host Coach Chris Cotton opens up about his deeply personal journey with grief following the passing of his beloved wife Kimberly's mother on New Year's Eve. With heartfelt sincerity, he delves into the complex and often overwhelming stages of grief, sharing insights and reflections from his own experience. Chris emphasizes the crucial importance of being prepared for the inevitable reality of loss, introducing listeners to the "red envelope yellow envelope" concept. This thoughtful approach involves meticulously documenting essential information and end-of-life plans, ensuring that loved ones are not left in the dark during times of emotional turmoil.
Chris underscores the necessity of having those often uncomfortable yet vital conversations about end-of-life wishes and preparations. By addressing these topics head-on, individuals can significantly ease the burden on their families and friends, allowing them to focus on healing and remembrance rather than logistical challenges. Throughout the episode, Chris also touches on the emotional and spiritual dimensions of grief, offering guidance and support to those navigating similar paths.
He encourages listeners to prioritize self-care and preparedness, not only in their personal lives but also within their business endeavors. By fostering a mindset of readiness and resilience, individuals can better cope with the unpredictable nature of life and loss. Through his candid storytelling and practical advice, Coach Chris Cotton provides a compassionate and empowering message, reminding us all of the strength found in vulnerability and the peace that comes from being prepared.
Introduction to the Episode (00:00:01)
Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast and its focus on auto repair business insights.
Happy New Year Message (00:01:13)
Chris shares a New Year greeting and hints at personal challenges faced recently.
Discussion of Loss (00:02:29)
Chris reflects on the passing of Kimberly's mother and the impact on their family.
Red Envelope Yellow Envelope Concept (00:03:46)
Importance of planning for unexpected events is emphasized through personal experiences.
The Emotional Toll of Grief (00:06:50)
Chris describes the emotional reactions and support needed during grief.
Organizing Affairs for Loved Ones (00:08:18)
Advice on preparing personal and business affairs to ease burdens on family.
The Stages of Grief (00:10:27)
Chris outlines the stages of grief observed in Kimberly's reactions to loss.
Denial and Anger Stages (00:11:38)
Discussion of denial and anger stages in the grieving process.
Bargaining Stage of Grief (00:13:08)
Explains how bargaining manifests in thoughts of regret and "what if" scenarios.
Depression and Acceptance Stages (00:15:12)
Chris describes the transition between depression and acceptance in the grieving process.
Call to Action for Planning (00:16:28)
Encouragement to have plans in place for end-of-life situations to support loved ones.
Importance of Life Stories (00:17:47)
Chris stresses the need to document loved ones' life stories before it's too late.
Final Thoughts on Grief and Readiness (00:19:00)
Reflection on being spiritually and emotionally prepared for life's uncertainties.
Connect with Chris:
[email protected]
Phone: 940.400.1008
www.autoshopcoaching.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
#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 Jay Huh
Long story short, been in business about 2 years and started mobile. Current location for about a year, just opened up a second location about 3 weeks ago- HUGE step for me.
In my area, auto shop locations are REALLY REALLY RARE. There'll be months before a single shop will pop up for lease.
Well.. I was looking for auto equipment on craigslist and stumbled upon a listing of a shop moving and selling all his lifts. Found the location on loopnet- 5 bays, previous business extremely successful, great location, great price too....
1st location hit record sales this past week, 2nd new location held its own (divided by week, came out on top after expenses). I got both stores running self sufficiently. I am pretty much maxed out and I hate taking out loans but I have a line of credit available.
Am I crazy to want to do this?
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