The Post-Summer Financial Checklist for Your Automotive Business
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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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By Changing The Industry
Episode 182 - Customer Escalations and Unusual Finds in Car Trunks With Auto Shop Follow Up
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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.
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 delves deep into the intricate balance between focusing on future goals and reflecting on past experiences. He emphasizes the critical importance of learning from both successes and failures to inform future decisions, ensuring that each step forward is grounded in wisdom gained from previous endeavors. Coach Chris offers a wealth of practical strategies to achieve this balance, such as scheduling dedicated reflection time, maintaining a detailed journal to track progress and insights, and celebrating milestones to acknowledge and appreciate growth.
He warns against the dangers of becoming too fixated on future ambitions, which can lead to the neglect of valuable lessons from the past, potentially repeating mistakes or missing out on crucial learning opportunities. The episode also includes a special shout-out to the sponsor, Shop Marketing Pros, which specializes in providing innovative marketing strategies tailored specifically for auto repair shops, helping them to thrive in a competitive market.
Introduction to the Episode (00:00:08)
Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast and highlights its focus on business insights and industry updates.
Shout-out to Sponsor (00:01:08)
Recognition of Shop Marketing Pros for their tailored marketing strategies for auto repair shops.
Focus on the Future vs. Reflection on the Past (00:01:08)
Discussion on the importance of balancing future goals with reflection on past experiences.
The Importance of the Past (00:02:09)
Exploration of how past experiences shape current knowledge and decision-making.
Reasons to Reflect on the Past (00:03:12)
Outlining key reasons for reflection: context, lessons from failure, celebrating progress, and maintaining perspective.
The Journey vs. Destination (00:04:16)
Emphasis on appreciating the journey rather than solely focusing on future achievements.
Balancing Forward Momentum with Reflection (00:05:25)
Practical strategies for integrating reflection into business practices.
Risks of Forgetting the Past (00:06:37)
Consequences of focusing only on the future, including loss of core values and lessons.
Finding Balance (00:07:56)
Encouragement to honor past experiences while pursuing future ambitions for a grounded approach.
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 carmcapriotto
Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss, and 360 Payments Brad Updegraff discusses the pressing shortage of skilled technicians in the automotive industry. Brad shares strategies for training and developing technicians, and the importance of creating strong relationships with local schools. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of flexible compensation plans and support for aspiring technicians. Brad Updegraff, Dave’s Ultimate Automotive, 6 locations, Austin, TX. Brad's previous episodes HERE. Show Notes
Industry Challenges (00:00:34) Discussion on the nationwide technician shortage and the impact of the growing electric vehicle market. Creating a Technician Pipeline (00:01:08) Brad reflects on the long-term strategies dealerships have implemented to develop their technician workforce. Personal Experience as an Intern (00:02:08) Brad shares his early experiences in the automotive industry and the challenges he faced as an intern. Strategies for Training Technicians (00:02:34) Exploration of effective strategies for training technicians, emphasizing building relationships with local schools. NAPA Apprenticeship Program (00:03:11) Overview of the NAPA apprenticeship program and its effectiveness in developing new technicians. Case Study: A Young Trainee (00:04:04) Brad discusses a specific trainee's experience, highlighting the importance of pairing her with a skilled technician. Adapting Training Approaches (00:05:01) Challenges faced during the training program lead to a need for more flexible and adaptable training methods. Identifying Natural Leaders (00:05:47) Importance of recognizing natural leaders among technicians to foster a supportive training environment. Compensation Structures (00:07:30) Discussion on compensation plans and how to ensure they are attractive to both new and experienced technicians. Selecting the Right Trainees (00:08:33) Brad emphasizes the importance of carefully selecting trainees based on their interest and potential. Encouraging Continuous Improvement (00:09:34) Encouraging technicians to seek growth and development opportunities within the company. Value of Training for Students (00:10:17) Highlighting the need for trainees to understand the importance of continuous education and training. Compensation and Incentive Plans (00:11:05) Brad discusses innovative compensation structures to attract and retain skilled technicians. Tool Accessibility for Technicians (00:12:01) Addressing the lack of tools as a barrier for entry-level technicians and proposing solutions. Flag Rate Compensation Model (00:12:58) Explanation of a flag multiplier system designed to support both green and experienced technicians in learning. Compensation Structure for Technicians (00:14:04) Discussion on the importance of a well-structured compensation plan for technicians and foreman roles. Challenges of Foreman Role (00:15:00) Exploring the difficulties faced by foreman roles during poor traffic times in the shop. Impact on Profit Margins (00:15:49) Analyzing how technician training impacts overall shop output and profit margins. Tool Acquisition Programs (00:16:43) Overview of programs designed to help technicians acquire necessary tools through structured payments. Supporting Local High Schools (00:18:25) Strategies for building relationships with high schools to support automotive education programs. Enhancing Automotive Education (00:19:23) Discussing the benefits of donating equipment to schools to improve their automotive programs. Creating a Pipeline of Talent (00:20:14) Importance of engaging high school students to prepare them for careers in the automotive industry. Selling the Automotive Career (00:21:09) Encouraging technicians to share their career stories to attract high school students to the industry. Engagement with Students (00:21:57) The significance of actively participating in career fairs and building relationships with students. Closing Thoughts on Future Technicians (00:22:48) Emphasizing the responsibility of the industry to nurture future technicians and change lives.
Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and 360 Payments Shop Boss – Shop Management Software built by shop owners for shop owners. It works the way you need it to, right out of the box. Find on the web at https://shopboss.net 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 -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections 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
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By carmcapriotto
This episode of Business by the Numbers is Part 3 (and the final part) of the 2024 benchmark series! What separates the most profitable auto repair shops from those struggling to turn a profit? Today, he's tackling that question using financial data and real-world insights from hundreds of shops across the industry. What you'll take away from this episode:
Understand what the top 10% of shops are doing right – and what the bottom 10% are doing wrong. Why labor productivity is actually the most important predictor of profitability. Why do understaffed shops often outperform overstaffed ones? How profitability peaks as a shop grows and optimizes, but also how maintaining that peak can be unsustainable. The ongoing debate on flat rate vs. hourly pay for technicians and service advisors, and how it impacts shop performance. Download the Benchmark Report for yourself and follow along! https://info.paarmelis.com/2024-automotive-industry-benchmark-report
Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS
Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it. After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
Thanks to our partner, Promotive
It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
Email Hunt: [email protected]
Download a Copy of My Books Here:
Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop
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.
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.
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 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.
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By Changing The Industry
Bonus Episode - Transforming Your Shop's Workflow and Accountability With Software
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