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In this podcast episode, Kimberly and Chris Cotton reflect on Kimberly's kidney donation to her brother. They delve into her recovery, the physical and emotional challenges she faced, and the importance of a compression belt post-surgery. Chris shares his concerns for Kimberly's well-being and discusses the adjustments her brother had to make due to the kidney size difference. They also cover her brother's recovery, the medical procedures he underwent, and the impact on his mental health. The episode concludes with a call to consider organ donation, and Chris thanks Kimberly for sharing her story, highlighting the significance of organ donor registration.

  • Chris Cotton (00:00:09) - Are you ready to supercharge your auto repair business? This is coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto shop coaching. The weekly blitz is where industry expertise and business innovation collide. Revenue engines for the week ahead. Every episode has game changing insights, up to the minute industry updates and practical tips to shift your business into high gear. We're talking about stuff you didn't even know. You didn't know people. Make sure to check out one of the other great podcasts on the aftermarket radio network. Big shout out to our awesome sponsor shop Marketing pros. Top tier marketing for not just any audience, but the right audience. Shop marketing Pros connects your European or diesel repair shop with car enthusiasts who value expertise, the auto repair experience and a great relationship. Go pro with Shop marketing Pros your ticket to top tier results. Find out how they can feel your success at shop marketing pros.com/chris. So here we are. Kimberly, we're. This is episode 160, and the original cut we did was episode 150. So if you haven't gone back and listen and listen to that, you can,, if you want to catch up where we're at.

 

 

 

  • Chris Cotton (00:01:16) - So we are titling this Loosely Catching Up with Kimberly or follow up, and this is the follow up episode to The Kidney Donation. So in the previous episode, we talked about everything that we did running up to it. We've had the,, actual donation and what are we, six weeks past now?
  • Kimberly Cotton (00:01:41) - It'll be seven weeks on Thursday.
  • Chris Cotton (00:01:43) - Seven weeks on Thursday. I don't even know where all the time went. I don't even know how 1010 episodes elapsed either. But,, but this is amazing. So. Even even people that talked to me last week still ask me this week how she's doing. So who better than than my lovely wife Kimberly, to come in here and talk a little bit, talk about the donation and,, and kind of catch us up. So,, how are you doing?
  • Kimberly Cotton (00:02:14) - I'm doing physically. I'm doing really well. Mentally, I'm doing really well., but I have started to notice,, I do have limitations still., I want to get back.
  • Kimberly Cotton (00:02:28) - I want to be like I was before surgery. I could just go and do anything at the gym I wanted to, and now I have to really be careful on how much weight I'm lifting. I have to be careful the classes I'm taking because I am still feeling throughout the day. In the morning I'm great. It's usually in the afternoon and it's my back and strangely enough, it just starts to ache. It doesn't really hurt, it just takes a little bit. And so I just have to remind myself, you're only, you know, six weeks out of surgery. You have to give yourself some grace., but I all of my incisions from the surgery are healing great., I haven't had any issues with that., a week and a half after the surgery, my doctor released me to get back to normal activities., he did say, you know, don't lift anything over £30 and, you know, don't do any kickboxing classes or, you know, classes like that., but he said, yes, you are looking great.
  • Kimberly Cotton (00:03:35) - You just resume your normal activities.
  • Chris Cotton (00:03:39) - And, and so that's where we're that's where we're at now. And I'm going to rewind here just a little bit and talk about, you know, kind of the run up to surgery and everything. But you know, I, I kind of knew this was how this was going to go because I know you, you're like, you like to push things and they are pretty much everything they've told us, like, okay, this is going to happen here. This is going to happen here., and they said, like, it's going to take six months for you to get back to quote unquote, normal. And I think you forget that sometimes that,,, they told you six months and you're like, I know you're superwoman, but sometimes, you know, you got to slow down.
  • Kimberly Cotton (00:04:15) - I do forget that I've donate a kidney. I literally do forget., because physically you can't tell., it's all like, internal. And if you didn't know me, you wouldn't know that that's what happened.
  • Kimberly Cotton (00:04:31) - , so yes, I do have a problem with containing myself, and I. I'm humbled. Just about every day my body says, okay, that's enough. Stop. So. Yes.
  • Chris Cotton (00:04:43) - Well, and I will tell everybody that's listening. She's like swimming on Tuesdays. She's doing her kickboxing now., she rides her bicycle to the gym. So she's she's pretty much getting after it, maybe not quite as hard, but she's, she's, she's doing great. And and I love you so much for doing this for your brother. And I still think I'm amazed every day, but the fact that you could do it because I know I couldn't. There's no way. So. So last time we talked to people, we were kind of giving them the rundown of the way we thought things were going to happen. And so I kind of wanted to follow up on what actually happened,, like the run up to the surgery, if you can maybe just go back and tell us, like, like you and I drove to Tulsa, we got into the Airbnb and kind of just take it from there a little bit, and we'll just work forward from there.
  • Kimberly Cotton (00:05:35) - So,, two days after we made it to Tulsa, we had a follow up., basically they wanted to retest everything. So,, my brother and I both at the same time, went to the hospital and we did,, an EKG. We had blood tests., we did all kinds of different stuff., at that time, they gave me information that I was going to need for the surgery. Now, knowing that. I may not still be a match. Something else could have gone wrong between that appointment and the donation, which was a week away. So even though we are doing this and they're giving me all instructions for the surgery, it's still not a guarantee. And so we had to keep thinking about that., so we had the appointment pretty much all day, you know, met with, the nephrologist again and the, the kidney center., again, they're saying, you know, you can still back out. This is still your choice., we won't tell your brother any, you know, just, you know, something else happened, and not that you would have pulled out.
  • Kimberly Cotton (00:06:44) - And it never even crossed my mind to not go through with the donation. I mean, it just. It is what it is. I was going to do it no matter what., so then after that Wednesday,, it was pretty much just a waiting game until we heard from my kidney advocate., the next Tuesday. So we did all the testing on that Wednesday. Then we had to wait until the next Monday and I had to have a Covid test., and then after that, it was again, you were just waiting. And then Tuesday afternoon., they finally called and said, okay, all the cross matches are still good. Everybody's healthy. Covid was negative., so we're good to go. So even though we thought we were good to go and the surgery was scheduled, it's never really a done deal till the final. Okay. Everybody's good to go. So then it was just another, you know, let's see. That was Tuesday. So the rest of Tuesday, all day Wednesday I had to not eat or drink anything, but I couldn't eat anything on that Wednesday it was an all liquid diet.
  • Kimberly Cotton (00:07:54) - And then after midnight on that night, I couldn't have anything to eat or drink,, through the surgery. So I'd been fasting. I've been doing some, some of that, so I was comfortable with that. It was still hard., I was still, you know, I still wanted to eat, but I made it just fine., but I was getting very antsy. I just I wanted to get it done. I everything was good. I'm like, why do we have to wait? But that's when we had it scheduled for that Thursday. So it was just a waiting game at that point., so I tried to get out and walk a couple times a day just to get, you know, fresh air,, get my mind off of it. Which helped., and then my mom and dad showed up that Wednesday evening as well. So that helped me take my mind off of it, too. So they come over,. And stayed for another week and a half after that, just to take care of me and make sure I was doing okay, and basically to say, hey, you don't need to be doing that.
  • Kimberly Cotton (00:08:58) - But so anyway,, everything's good to go. We wake up at 4:00 on Thursday morning. My brother and sister in law actually come pick us up. So we don't have too many vehicles at the hospital and we make it to the hospital. We get all checked in., and then they called me back first, and. That was it. That was like, okay. That was the point where I was like, okay, this is real. And for me, until something happens, it's not really real. When they called me back, my brother gave me the biggest hug and said, I want to thank you so much for doing this for me. So he gave me the big hug. It was hard for him to let go, but he let go and they took me back to my room. And so.
  • Chris Cotton (00:09:50) - So I'm going to I'm going to stop you for just a second right there. So if, if anybody out there is listening, never experience this., I knew where we were going and I'd seen the room before.
  • Chris Cotton (00:10:03) - I really didn't know kind of my part in all this, which is not super important other than just support. But,, you know, in hindsight that day. No, I don't think they prepared us for that day or they didn't prepare me., because we walk in there and they're doing, I think, 96 surgeries that same day, everything from kidney transplants to heart transplants to there was a lady there that was there to get her,, leg amputated from diabetes,, pacemakers, everything. And all this is happening at once. Every person individually has their own team the, the, the donor, the recipient. And it was really, really something. It was interesting to watch. And again, like Kimberly said, we got there, you know, 430 in the morning and they were done with all the surgeries. By 530 that afternoon. They had like everybody off to recovery. The, the,, the rooms were empty, but basically we got like a little cubicle for the family to sit in, and they called us every hour,, to update us, the nurse did to let us know that we're okay and or that Kimberly's okay, not us.
  • Chris Cotton (00:11:13) - Okay? We're just fine and kind of keep us apprised of all the situations that's going. So that's kind of what I was doing during the day sitting, waiting, managing family and things like that. So,, so, okay, so you saw your brother,, I think I was back there with you until somewhere around that point, and then the nurse finally says, well, okay, you can't back out at this point. We're a go. We're go for liftoff. So,, I give you a hug and a kiss. Take your glasses or put it in the bag and they wheel you out. So if you want to pick it back up from there, then then that would be great.
  • Kimberly Cotton (00:11:49) - So,, right before she says, okay, we're good to go, the surgeon comes in, he's like, okay, there's you know, he marks the spot, literally marks the spot where, you know, things are going to happen. And so then the two little air ladies come in and they wheeled me down the hall.
  • Kimberly Cotton (00:12:08) - We were supposed to have rooms right next to each other, but,, that didn't happen. So as they were wheeling me back to the E.R.,, or the E.R., the operating room,, I saw my. They'd paused at my brother's door, and that's when it got me. I had been fine. I hadn't cried or anything until that point, and I paused and I said, okay, I'll see you on the other side. And he said, thank you again, I love you. And I'm crying as she's willing me back. I'm fine. Nobody else is with me. It's just the poor ladies listening to me cry with me. Back to the operating room. But once I'm through the doors, it was. It happened so fast.. They killed me in. They got the table ready that I was going to be on. They scooted me over. They laid me on my side. They put the oxygen mask on me, and I didn't even count to ten. And I was out.
  • Kimberly Cotton (00:13:14) - I don't remember anything after that. The only the next time I woke up was in the recovery, and I had lots of blankets on me because I think I was shivering because it was cold., and I just remember I had two nurses continuously checking on me. How are you doing? Do you need this? Do you need that? And the only thing I said was, is where's my husband? Can I see my husband? And so I think that's at the point. They went and got you and brought you back. The problem was, is I had to stay in recovery for quite some time. Our surgery was early and so it lasted, what, four hours, I think something like that.
  • Chris Cotton (00:13:56) - Yeah. They, they told they pretty much told us this is a four hour surgery and, and we're going to have you because of the staging and everything. I guess they give you kind of like they give you like an hour headstart and then and then then they start start on, started on your brother and and then they've got your kidney, which they, the doctor said, hey, it looks pink.
  • Chris Cotton (00:14:20) - It's great. We cleaned it up. And so basically they will you out to recovery and then and then clean up the kidney, get it put into your brother and and then he's off and going. But, yeah we had a trouble. We had trouble getting into the actual,, the room that we that not not not I guess ICU or recovery, but your actual room that we stayed in for two nights. Yeah., so you were done by 11, and I think we had you in your room by five. So we kind of sat around for spent more time sitting around trying to get you into another room than than the operation took.
  • Kimberly Cotton (00:14:59) - Yeah., luckily I slept a lot during that time., so it wasn't too bad for me., it was just. I was just down there for a long time, so. Not a big deal. They got me up into a room., and actually, I, I was hungry,, when we finally did make it up to the room,, so I, I think we had tried to order something through the hospital, but they, the time had passed when they were delivering meals and stuff.
  • Kimberly Cotton (00:15:31) - , I did you bring me something or did I? I don't even remember what I had that I.
  • Chris Cotton (00:15:36) - Think I think we, I think I got you, I was able to get you something that you could eat.
  • Kimberly Cotton (00:15:41) - I don't think I was very hungry, but I wanted something small, so.
  • Chris Cotton (00:15:45) - Well. And and to give everybody like the idea of the recovery room you're in, basically, it's just like a long row of beds with like 10 to 15 slots on either side. And when I first went down there, you didn't have anybody next to you. So then we got you some ice water. I think we got you some pudding then or something. Yeah., but because the HIPAA regulations, they were bringing other people down on either side of you, and they had me leave. Yeah., but so we. So we got you to the room and kind of settled in a little bit., and we were trying to manage your pain, and I think, I think one of the important things, if you're listening and you're going to go through this out there, they talk about this.
  • Chris Cotton (00:16:32) - It's not a phantom pain. But what happens is, is where the kidney was. And they insert these robot fingers inside your body and they blow up your abdomen with nitrogen. And and they do this with a robot. And they try to get all the air out, but they can't. And what happens is, is the air or the nitrogen that's left pushes on your diaphragm. And when that happens, your body thinks your shoulder hurts. So it has this like tremendous pain in your shoulder. And I've seen Kimberly,, give birth. I've seen her do all kinds of stuff in 25 plus years that we've been together. And I've never heard her. Yell in pain or anything like that. And oh, maybe that's what had happened. I'd gone and got you something to eat. And then I went and got me something to eat. And when I was coming back, I heard you hollering down the hallway I had.
  • Kimberly Cotton (00:17:30) - Yeah, you hadn't probably been gone 20, 30 minutes maybe. And the pain all of a sudden hit me so hard.
  • Kimberly Cotton (00:17:38) - So I pushed the nurses button and took them, you know, longer than I wanted to them for them to respond. But they finally responded and they said, can we help you? And I said, I need something for the pain. My I'm absolutely excruciating right now. And they said, what on the scale of what to what I'm like, I am above a ten. I mean, this is awful., and so it took them a little bit and then he could hear me moaning and groaning down the hallway, and I think he sprinted to the room after he could hear me., but it just hurts so bad., and it's the strangest thing I don't get it., but it wasn't just one shoulder. It was across my back, right at my clavicle. And it just so hurt, so bad until the pain medication finally kicked in., initially, I had only wanted to stay one night in the hospital, but everybody was like, just see how you feel. See how you're doing.
  • Kimberly Cotton (00:18:41) - Well, the next day, the doctor,, comes. Another one comes in and takes me over, and he looks at me and he's like, yeah, you're spending another night. He could tell the pain on my face. And it wasn't constant, but it was just enough for him to say, yeah, we're going to up the dosage of your pain medication. And you're saying I'm like, okay, so but after they up the dosage, it was much better and much more manageable.
  • Chris Cotton (00:19:07) - So, so out of all the things that they didn't tell us, this was kind of like the big moment or less and not right then. But,, so they wanted me to get her up and have her walking like at 8 p.m. that night. And so that happened. I think we took you for a walk before this happened. Yeah, but but what nobody told us was, was about 30 minutes before you get up to walk, call a nurse, have them give you the pain medication. That way, when you're sore and hurting after the walk, you've already been medicated and you're good to go.
  • Chris Cotton (00:19:44) - So I think I think we walked you that night. I think we walked you a couple times that next day. And then I think the nurse that came in the following night was the one that was like, hey, you guys should be taking pain medication before you walk. And nobody, nobody told us that up until then. And that's,, that's like some Ron White. That's good information to know, right? Like. Yeah. Like,, that would have been handy. That would have been a little handy tidbit for people to tell us., so I, I think...

    Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio



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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest 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 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.
      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
    • 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
      In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton delivers an insightful "state of the industry" update specifically tailored for auto repair businesses. He delves into the current challenges and opportunities facing the industry, starting with the rising vehicle dependability issues that have become increasingly prevalent. As cars age and require more frequent maintenance, auto repair shops are seeing a surge in demand for their services.
      Chris also explores the shifting consumer preferences towards more fuel-efficient vehicles, driven by environmental concerns and fluctuating fuel prices. This trend is influencing the types of services and expertise that repair shops need to offer, as well as the parts and technologies they must be familiar with.
      Economic factors such as inflation and rising credit card debt are also impacting customer affordability, making it crucial for auto repair businesses to find ways to offer value while maintaining profitability. Chris emphasizes the importance of consistency in business practices, suggesting that shops should focus on delivering reliable service and building customer trust to navigate these economic challenges.
      Adapting to the increased demand for repairs on older vehicles is another key point Chris addresses. He advises shops to invest in training and tools that enable them to efficiently service a wider range of vehicle makes and models, ensuring they can meet the needs of their diverse customer base.
      Furthermore, Chris highlights the need for improved technician work conditions, recognizing that attracting and retaining skilled technicians is essential for any repair shop's success. He suggests that businesses consider offering competitive wages, benefits, and a positive work environment to keep their teams motivated and productive.
      Strategic marketing is another area Chris focuses on, encouraging auto repair shops to leverage digital marketing strategies to reach potential customers effectively. He underscores the importance of a strong online presence and targeted advertising to stand out in a competitive market.
      State of the Industry Update (00:01:10)
      Chris shares insights on the auto repair industry's current state and trends for 2025.
      Vehicle Dependability Study (00:02:17)
      Discussion on JD Power's vehicle dependability report and issues with vehicle reliability.
      Supply Chain Disruptions (00:03:43)
      Ongoing supply chain issues from the pandemic affecting vehicle repairs and parts availability.


      Shift in Consumer Preferences (00:06:09)
      Consumers are moving from SUVs and trucks to smaller, more affordable cars.


      Impact of Inflation on Vehicle Affordability (00:07:25)
      Inflation is influencing consumer buying habits and delaying vehicle purchases.


      Nissan's Production Changes (00:08:44)
      Nissan cuts jobs and production capacity, shifting focus toward electric vehicles.


      Tariffs and Their Effects (00:10:06)
      Discussion on potential tariffs and their impact on vehicle prices and customer affordability.


      Credit Card Debt Concerns (00:11:18)
      Rising credit card debt poses risks for customers' ability to pay for repairs.


      Production and Supply Chain Challenges (00:12:31)
      Expected production drops due to tariffs leading to shortages and delayed repairs.


      Market Growth Drivers (00:13:52)
      Identifying key groups driving growth in the auto repair market.


      Decline of Certain Repair Shops (00:15:20)
      Analysis of repair shops losing revenue and market share.


      Technician Workforce Insights (00:15:20)
      Statistics on technician preferences, job satisfaction, and recruitment challenges.


      New Vehicle Sales Trends (00:18:01)
      Declining new vehicle sales and shifting mileage to older vehicles.


      Aftermarket Growth Opportunities (00:19:22)
      Increased demand for repairs on older vehicles presents opportunities for repair shops.


      Conclusion and Call to Action (00:20:25)
      Chris emphasizes the importance of adapting to industry changes and promotes Shop Marketing Pros again.
      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


      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.
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By 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
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care, NAPA TRACS and Automotive Management Network This episode covers the critical role and impact of AI on marketing, the importance of persona marketing, and effective branding strategies. Learn about "watering holes," referring to identifying where potential customers spend their time online and offline, and how to effectively use persona marketing to target specific demographics. Dan stresses the importance of branding and community involvement, asserting that successful shops prioritize building brand recognition and relationships within their local areas. He also warns about trusting AI implicitly, referencing instances of AI being inaccurate. Dan Vance, Shop Dog Marketing.com Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode TST Big Event, March 29th, 2025: https://www.tstseminars.org/ 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. Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00) AI in Marketing (00:01:02) The Importance of Networking (00:02:02) Consumer Behavior and Marketing (00:04:04) Bullet Points vs. Detailed Content (00:05:54) Creating Memorable Customer Experiences (00:06:32) Identifying Customer "Watering Holes" (00:08:29) Privacy Concerns in Marketing (00:09:41) The Rise of Persona Marketing (00:10:55) AI's Impact on Search Results (00:11:59) The Role of AI in Marketing Strategies (00:13:08) Caution with AI Information (00:14:12) Human Element in Marketing (00:17:34) Client Review Analysis (00:18:46) Women’s Expectations in Service (00:21:20) Impact of Professional Image (00:22:57) Targeting Ideal Customers (00:25:12) Purposeful Marketing Strategies (00:25:43) The Need for Customer Understanding (00:26:26) AI’s Role in Content Creation (00:28:07) Changing Landscape of AI (00:28:29) User Behavior and Decision Making (00:31:11) Branding in the Automotive Industry (00:31:55) Community Involvement for Branding (00:32:57) Conclusion and Call to Action (00:34:38)
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care, NAPA TRACS and Automotive Management Network 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 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: -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


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