Kent Bullard Talks AAPEX

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The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart

By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
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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.

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The Price of Assumptions: Cecil Bullard's Eye-Opening Lesson on Family [E007] - Speak Up!
By carmcapriotto

In this episode we explore how assumptions have the power to destroy relationships.
This episode was first planned back in May of 2024 when Craig was at the HQ for the Institute of Automotive Business Excellence in Ogden Utah.
Craig and Cecil Bullard were outside discussing communication topics while taking in the scenery of the Mountains in the early morning. When Cecil suggested this topic and told a portion of the story it became clear that it warranted an episode. This isn’t about mountains - but we think it will definitely ‘pique’ your interest.
Cecil Bullard is a well known leader, coach, and speaker in the automotive aftermarket - and while that familiar side of his persona will show up multiple times in our chat - listeners will hear about the other side to the man. The husband and the father.
A shocking, humbling and eye opening moment taught Cecil a costly lesson about assumptions. Listen as he shares the story - and the lessons he learned that became crucial strengthen his marriage and his family.
This is a rather moving conversation which will prove extremely valuable for anyone who comes home after a hard day in the shop, or is struggling in a family business, and those who wish to do their best for those they love and count on the most.
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!
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Contact Information
Email Craig O'Neill: [email protected]
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
Transform Your Shop: Marketing Wisdom from Cecil Bullard
By Changing The Industry

Transform Your Shop: Marketing Wisdom from Cecil Bullard
AAPEX’S Commitment to Student Mentorship [THA 360]
By carmcapriotto

Recorded Live at AAPEX 2023, industry mentors and students worked together to service, repair and donate a 2013 Ford Edge to a Veteren. The students share their experiences and aspirations in the industry, from welding to diagnostics. It was also a heartwarming experience to have the recipient of the donated vehicle, Savannah, present in the studio with us. Let's continue to have a positive impact on the industry and inspire more support for young people to join. Show Notes: The mentors' role and students' experience (00:00:01) Discussion about the mentors' role at AAPEX and the students' experience working with them. Advice for students (00:05:17) The mentors give advice to the students, emphasizing the importance of passion, learning from failures, and staying positive. The Glimmer for the Diag Process (00:08:28) Discussion about the importance of the diagnostic process and how it can spark interest in automotive careers. Students' Career Aspirations (00:09:32) Students discussing their potential career paths, including working with airplanes, welding, and body shop work. Learning and Problem Solving (00:10:40) Students sharing their experiences and excitement about learning new skills and the problem-solving aspect of automotive careers. The students and their automotive training (00:16:20) Discussion about the students' involvement in automotive technology and their recent projects, including working on brakes and spark plugs. Thanks to our Partners Shop-Ware and Delphi Technologies Shop-Ware: More Time. More Profit. Shop-Ware Shop Management https://getshopware.com/ Delphi Technologies: Keeping current on the latest vehicle systems and how to repair them is a must for today’s technicians. https://www.delphiautoparts.com/ Connect with the Podcast -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -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 (X): https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -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 -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
2023 AAPEX Service Award Winners [RR 905]
By carmcapriotto

AAPEX 2023 Shop Owner of the Year (00:00:01) Roy Foster's background, including his family's business legacy and involvement in industry organizations. AAPEX 2023 Technician of the Year (00:00:57) Michael Miller's experience and certifications, as well as his friendship with previous Technician of the Year, Matt. AAPEX 2023 Service Advisor of the Year (00:04:37) Greg Damon discusses his shop's involvement in the community, including an exhibit at a kids' discovery museum, and the focus on training and changing the perception of the industry. The importance of apprenticeship programs (00:12:00) Discussion about the success of the NAPA apprentice program and the commitment to investing in young people, including the Roy's sons being apprentices and the need for more young people in the automotive industry. The importance of continuous learning (00:17:25) Discussion on the importance of staying humble, continuously learning, and seeking knowledge from others in the industry. The value of training and networking (00:18:22) Emphasizing the need for shop owners to invest in their employees' training, provide resources, and encourage networking within the industry. Quality control, communication, and value in automotive repair (00:20:17) Exploration of the importance of effective communication between service writers and technicians, quality control measures, and providing value to customers through clear diagnosis and explanation of services. The mentoring program (00:24:49) Discussion about the benefits of having a mentoring program in the shop, with a mentor guiding and teaching a new technician. Increasing sales volume through mentoring (00:25:54) Exploring how having a mentoring program can increase sales volume and profitability for shop owners. Changing the perception of the industry (00:28:02) Highlighting the need to change the perception of the automotive industry as a high-tech, clean environment with opportunities for growth and advancement. The recognition of the industry's high-tech profession (00:32:41) The professionalism and high-tech nature of the automotive industry. The importance of teamwork in the automotive industry (00:33:01) The importance of having a great team of technicians and owners to succeed in the industry.
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/ -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -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 -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections
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Insights Into AAPEX 2023: Right to Repair and Magic Johnson [RR 899]
By carmcapriotto

Recorded Live at AAPEX 2023, Bill Hanvey and Paul McCarthy give insights into Right to Repair, what it takes to put on a massive show encompassing 2,600 exhibitors, and 46,000 buyers, and a recap of Magic Johnson's engaging keynote. In a recent study, by 2035 there could be a 54% decline in market share due to repair restrictions, translating to $92 Billion lost by the independent aftermarket. This issue is not just about the industry, but also about the consumers who rely on affordable and accessible auto services. Bill Hanvey, President and CEO of the Auto Care Association. Find Bill’s other episodes HERE. Paul McCarthy, President and CEO of MEMA (Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association). Find Paul’s other episodes HERE. Show Notes
The impact of Right to Repair (00:02:58) Bill Hanvey and Paul McCarthy discuss a study by Roland Berger that predicts a decline in market share for the independent aftermarket due to repair restrictions. The importance of grassroots efforts in right to repair (00:04:51) The role of grassroots efforts and listener engagement in gaining support for the Right to Repair bill. Exceeding pre-COVID numbers at AAPEX 2023 (00:11:42) Conversation about the number of exhibitors and buyers at AAPEX, and positive feedback received. The technology-driven automotive industry (00:12:46) Exploration of the automotive industry's shift towards technology, the importance of data, and the excitement and opportunities it brings. The breakfast panel for next year (00:19:10) Discussion about planning for the next year's breakfast panel and the constant effort to innovate the show. The larger show for next year (00:19:33) Announcement of a larger show for the next year with more space and exciting new technology and innovations. Magic Johnson's appearance (00:20:22) Conversation about how Magic Johnson was chosen as a speaker and his impressive presence and interactions with the audience. 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/ -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -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 -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio