Quantcast
Jump to content

Retirement Ramblings

Transmission Repair
 Share

Recommended Posts

Jerrys Auto Center Apprentice

Jerrys Auto Center

Posted
Posted

So apparently I’m the kid here at 66😬, 

I still work Monday-Friday, 8-5 but have toned things way down! We’re a shop of 2 1/2 techs and myself. We’re in the community since 1979, on 3rd generation customers. We’ve had no issues closing for extended weekends and at least 2-3 weeks a year for “Mental Health” time off. 
If I close, Yes, my guys get paid. 

We’re actually talking about going to a 4 day work week, possibly with alternating 4 day weekends. Week 1 would be Monday to Thursday, Week 2 would be Tuesday to Friday. 
I have found that if you stay profitable, and loyal customers allow you to do that, you don’t need to work like an animal. 
My wife and I both take weekly salaries, I pay myself a real rent every month and I really don’t mind going to “Club Jerry”  during the week.
I have typical Motor Head hobbies… motorcycling, snowmobiling, hot rods, etc. and all the friends that go with it!!

I’m enjoying life just as it is. 👍

  • Like 1
  • 9 months later...
bantar Community Regular

bantar

Posted
Posted
On 5/4/2023 at 10:45 AM, Transmission Repair said:

While I do enjoy writing, it's not everything.  My sister suggested that I write a book, more like an autobiography.  I don't think anybody would read it.  From the outside looking in, my life has been pretty boring and nobody is going to read a boring book.

I'm not much of a reader.  I'm going to wait on the movie to come out and couch-potato it.   I'm expecting to see some Rocky-like scenes with you in the gym working off them retirement pounds for your comeback move!

bantar Community Regular

bantar

Posted
Posted

😁  I should say casual reader...  you won't find me reading a book for fun.  However, I pound-down technical data though.   My guys are at their computers often researching the system info, although this week, one was off on the model year and wasted some time because it changed that year.  For a short while, we had one that didn't bother.... reading... tightening bolts... etc.

weighit Enthusiast

weighit

Posted
Posted

Wow, reading about the retirement life you have, nothing like what I did. Sold the business, bought a large truck and 5th wheel a few months before the sale and once the money was in the bank, hit the road. Lived 8 years traveling around the USA exploring what this country has out there. While traveling found another business I started weighing rv's by wheel position, tire safety was the reason. What air pressure was needed to be safe, so that not only kept us busy, but brought in a bit of money to further the life style. I was 53 and my wife was 51 when we hit the road. We found a foreclosed home in 2010 we just  could not pass up and ended up stopping our full time travel adventure. Still travel about 5 months a year in a motorhome now. Life it all you want it to be, but sometimes you actually have to go look for the fun.

  • Like 2

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

    • carmcapriotto
      How Did A Mother-Daughter Duo Overcome Staffing Struggles? [RR 1006]
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Katy and Victoria Carl, a mother-daughter duo, share their unique journey of taking over the business five years ago, discussing their challenges, particularly in staffing and recruitment. They emphasize the importance of coaching and mentorship, innovative hiring practices, and creating a family-oriented work culture. Their story highlights the power of resilience, community involvement, and supporting women in the automotive industry, offering valuable insights and inspiration to listeners. Katy and Victoria Carl, Carl’s Advanced Automotive & Truck Repair Center, Voorheesville, NY 12186 Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Location Overview (00:00:32) Business Acquisition Opportunity (00:01:39) Family Values in Business (00:02:32) Importance of Coaching (00:04:15) Takeaways from Coaching Program (00:07:12) Staffing Challenges (00:08:56) Changing Recruitment Strategies (00:12:07) Texting as a Recruitment Tool (00:13:24) Interviewing Process Evolution (00:15:47) Compensation Plans as Recruitment Tools (00:19:47) Family Involvement in Business (00:22:24) Importance of Team Culture (00:23:40) Adoption of a Four-Day Work Week (00:25:10) Community Engagement Initiatives (00:26:58) Empowering Future Generations (00:29:14) Women in Trades Advocacy (00:31:36) Transitioning to New Systems (00:33:31) Realizing 'Okay' Isn't Enough (00:35:06) Focus on Financial Metrics (00:35:29) Long-Term Goals and Planning (00:36:37) Pride in Achievements (00:37:18) Encouragement to Pursue Passions (00:38:06) Building a Support Network (00:39:42) Embracing Change (00:40:42)
      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
      Artificial Intelligence: We Have Some Concern! With Dan Vance [E016] - Speak Up!
      By carmcapriotto
      Our world is rushing head first into an A.I. future and we want to encourage our listeners to remain vigilant in these exciting times, as there is some legitimate cause for concern with the changes brought by A.I. Technology.
      Joining us as our guest is Dan Vance from Shop Dog Marketing.
      Craig has known Dan for a few years now and it was at ASTA in 2023 that he first heard Dan Speak Up on the topic of AI to a group of shop-owners on the promise and peril of AI…and he saw Dan deliver a presentation on the topic again at the MARS marketing conference with the Institute for Business Excellence in (beautiful) Ogde, UT earlier this year.
      In this episode Dan acknowledges many of Craig's concerns regarding AI, while they both align on the actual benefits. 
      Craig states regularly that the last skill machines should ever be able to take from us is our ability to communicate interpersonally and … but in some areas - A.I. is far more capable of outperforming certain tasks.  While that is happening - there remains a disconnect between AI’s ability to generate data and present the data in a way that can produce more effective interactions with real people. 
      Our listeners who may share in Craig’s concerns will no doubt appreciate Dan’s calm and reassuring thoughts on the topic.  
      Watch the YouTube Video
      Topics include:  
      Early AI and Machine learning The concept of Human Capital. Authenticity as a new focus Communication tendency becoming less synchronous Efficiency vs. Authenticity and what we lose AI Strengths and practical uses Social Proof - and a word on Reviews and AI Google quality rater guidelines - EAT - Experience Authority and Trust
      Join Our Virtual Toastmasters: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
      Thank You To Our Partners:
      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
    • JustTheBest
      It’s like a Car Count Cheat Sheet!
      By JustTheBest

      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 have a Shop Foreman?
      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
      All Shop Owners Know Something That Other Owners Don’t Know! [RR 993]
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Recorded at the 2024 Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) Business Management and Lindertech Training Tradeshow, discover how simply attending meetings can significantly improve net profit, the impact of cost management, and tips on leveraging technology for business efficiency. Murray Voth, RPM Training. Listen to Murray’s previous episodes HERE. [email protected] Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO): https://www.aaro.ca/ Importance of Attendance (00:02:04) Discussion on how missing educational events can lead to lost opportunities and profits. Value of Showing Up (00:03:05) Murray emphasizes the connection between attendance and improved business performance. Networking and Community (00:04:39) The significance of in-person meetings for building relationships and sharing knowledge. Learning from Group Sessions (00:05:23) Murray shares insights on the benefits of participating in group coaching sessions. Addressing Intimidation in Coaching (00:07:50) Discussion on how some individuals feel intimidated and hesitant to participate in coaching. The Need for Continuous Learning (00:10:59) Carm stresses the importance of seeking expert guidance and accountability in business. Coaching Styles and Techniques (00:11:53) Murray contrasts different coaching approaches and their effectiveness in the industry. Utilizing Technology for Coaching (00:13:28) Murray discusses the transition to online coaching and the importance of Google Business Profile. Engagement in Virtual Meetings (00:14:17) The effectiveness of screen sharing and virtual meetings in enhancing learning experiences. Introduction to Collaboration Tools (00:15:54) Discussion on using screen sharing and collaboration tools for knowledge sharing among automotive shop owners. Resources for Business Improvement (00:18:58) Introduction to automotive management network resources such as SOPs and checklists for business advancement. Note-Taking and Organization (00:20:00) Personal experiences with note-taking and strategies for managing notes effectively in a business context. Using Google Docs for Accountability (00:23:22) How Google Docs can facilitate accountability by allowing team members to log and review action plans collaboratively. Networking and Community Support (00:27:02) Encouragement for members to utilize networking tools like Slack for better communication and support among peers. Understanding Employment Law (00:30:33) Insights into Canadian employment law regarding severance and the importance of having employment contracts to protect business owners. Understanding Severance Costs (00:32:12) Discussion on the financial impact of severance costs and the importance of understanding net income. Calculating Impact on Sales (00:33:13) Exploration of how to calculate necessary sales to cover losses in the automotive industry. Networking and Sharing Solutions (00:34:11) Importance of sharing experiences and solutions among peers in overcoming business challenges. Expense Management Insights (00:35:09) Discussion on the need for better focus on expense management in business operations. Insurance and Expense Comparisons (00:36:02) Sharing strategies for managing insurance and other recurring expenses effectively. Planning Expense Discussions (00:37:35) Proposal to plan discussions on key expenses in future meetings for better financial management. Setting Budgets and KPIs (00:38:27) Discussion on the importance of setting budgets and KPIs for various business expenses. Normalizing Income Statements (00:39:18) Explanation of how to clean up income statements for accurate financial analysis.
      Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR 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/ Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.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             Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  •
    Joe Marconi

    Money Isn’t The Motivator We Think It Is

    By Joe Marconi, in Automotive Management,

    0 comments 82 views
    Joe Marconi

    Five Proven Tips to Improve Your Bottom Line

    By Joe Marconi, in Selling Automotive Repair,

    0 comments 104 views
    Joe Marconi

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

    By Joe Marconi, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 117 views

  • Our Sponsors



Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...