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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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Preparing for January's Marketing [E126] - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast
By carmcapriotto

Ready to kick off the year with a marketing plan that keeps your bays full? Join Brian Walker and Caroline Legrand as they dive into easy, actionable strategies to help auto repair shops plan their marketing month-by-month. From practical ways to align your campaigns with community events to leveraging fun, nationally recognized days, you’ll learn how to make your marketing engaging and impactful.
Discover fresh ideas for social media, event hosting, and campaigns that’ll keep your shop top-of-mind all year. Whether it’s winter car care, “new year, new car” resolutions, or creative customer appreciation ideas, this episode is packed with ways to turn small efforts into big wins.
Don’t let January sneak up on you—start planning now!
Tune in to get the tools you need to make 2024 your best marketing year yet.
Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops

Are you ready to convert clients to members? App fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build client loyalty. Get started today with your own customer loyalty app. Visit Appfueled.com

Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)

How To Get In Touch With the Guest

Show Notes with Timestamps

How To Get In Touch
Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind
Website - shopmarketingpros.com
Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros
Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book
Instagram - @shopmarketingpros
Questions/Ideas - [email protected]
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
Ghosting: The Silent Killer of Auto Repair Hiring Success [E190] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
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 from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching delves into the increasingly prevalent issue of "ghosting" within the auto repair industry's hiring process. Ghosting, a term that describes the sudden cessation of communication by either job applicants or businesses without any prior explanation, has become a significant challenge for both parties involved.
Coach Chris begins by examining the underlying reasons for this trend. On the applicant's side, factors such as receiving multiple job offers, feeling overwhelmed by the job search process, or simply deciding that a particular position is not the right fit can lead to ghosting. From the business perspective, a lack of structured follow-up processes, being inundated with applications, or changes in hiring needs can result in businesses inadvertently ghosting candidates.
The impact of ghosting is profound, affecting both job seekers and business owners. For job seekers, being ghosted by potential employers can lead to feelings of frustration, confusion, and a lack of closure, which can be demoralizing and impact their confidence in the job market. For business owners, ghosting by candidates can disrupt hiring timelines, lead to wasted resources, and create gaps in staffing that affect operations.
To address these challenges, Coach Chris offers several strategies aimed at mitigating the occurrence of ghosting. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication throughout the hiring process. This includes setting expectations from the outset, providing timely updates to candidates, and being transparent about the hiring timeline and decision-making process.
Furthermore, Coach Chris highlights the role of empathy in improving hiring practices. By understanding the pressures and challenges faced by job seekers, businesses can tailor their communication and engagement strategies to be more supportive and considerate. This approach not only reduces the likelihood of ghosting but also enhances the overall candidate experience.

The episode concludes with practical tips for auto repair shop owners to refine their recruitment processes. These include implementing structured follow-up procedures, utilizing technology to manage applications efficiently, and fostering a company culture that values open and honest communication. By adopting these strategies, auto repair shops can improve their hiring outcomes, reduce the frustration caused by ghosting, and build stronger, more reliable teams.

The Rise of Ghosting (00:01:05)
Discussion on the troubling trend of ghosting in the hiring process and its impacts.
Why Ghosting is Increasing (00:02:16)
Exploration of the reasons behind the rise of ghosting, including job market dynamics.
Employee Perspective on Ghosting (00:03:16)
Insights into why job seekers ghost employers, including feeling undervalued and overwhelmed.
Business Owner Perspective on Ghosting (00:05:41)
Challenges business owners face when candidates ghost them, including time and financial losses.
The Importance of Communication (00:08:03)
Emphasis on the need for better communication and transparency in the hiring process.
Impact on Business Reputation (00:09:00)
How consistent ghosting can negatively affect a business's reputation and public image.
Strategies to Reduce Ghosting (00:09:30)
Suggestions for both parties to improve communication and reduce ghosting occurrences.
Creating a Welcoming Interview Process (00:10:05)
Advice on how to create a respectful and engaging interview environment for candidates.
Follow Through After Interviews (00:11:05)
Importance of following through with candidates to maintain professionalism and opportunities.
Conclusion and Acknowledgments (00:12:03)
Wrap-up of the episode, encouragement for listeners, and thanks to the sponsor.

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
It's OK to Dream Big (Stop Playing Small) [E125] - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast
By carmcapriotto

Welcome to another episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast! I'm your host, Brian Walker, and I’m excited to have my co-host, Kim, back with me after her recovery. Today, we’re diving into a topic that can change the game for your shop: Stop Playing Small.
If you’re tired of feeling stuck or just getting by, this episode is for you. We'll be talking about the mindset shifts and practical steps needed to build a thriving, impactful business. It’s time to break free from the limits we place on ourselves and dream bigger.
From overcoming the unique challenges of the auto repair industry to redefining what true success means, we’ll share real stories, honest advice, and strategies you can use to push your business to new heights. Plus, you’ll hear how the right mentors, clarity breaks, and a supportive community can make all the difference.
Get ready to challenge yourself, take a fresh look at your goals, and start building a business that’s more than just getting by—it’s an empire.
Let’s jump in and stop playing small together!
Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops
Are you ready to convert clients to members? App fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build client loyalty. Get started today with your own customer loyalty app. Visit https://appfueled.com/
Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Start_with_Why - Start with Why by Simon Sinek
https://youtu.be/u4ZoJKF_VuA?si=8yihKPEDRkFErdeN
https://shopmarketingpros.com/kim-and-brian-tell-their-story/ - Episode 2 : Kim and Brian Tell Their Story
https://shopmarketingpros.com/walkers-hierarchy-of-marketing-needs/ - Walkers Hierachy of Marketing Needs (Blog)
https://shopmarketingpros.com/ep-101-walkers-hierarchy-of-marketing-needs/ - Podcast Episode 101
https://shopmarketingpros.com/ep-084-failing-forward-in-marketing/ - Failing Forward in Marketing - Episode 84
Show Notes with Timestamps
How To Get In Touch
Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind
Website - shopmarketingpros.com
Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros
Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book
Instagram - @shopmarketingpros
Questions/Ideas - [email protected]
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
How Will the 2024 Presidential Election Impact Auto Repair Shop Owners? [E189] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
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 into the potential impact of the 2024 presidential election on auto repair shop owners, offering a comprehensive analysis of the key issues that could shape the industry's future. He begins by examining the implications of small business support policies, highlighting how different candidates' approaches could influence access to funding, tax incentives, and overall business growth opportunities.

Coach Chris then shifts focus to workforce development, emphasizing the importance of training programs and educational initiatives that could be introduced or expanded depending on the election results. He stresses that a skilled workforce is crucial for shop owners to remain competitive and meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry.

Infrastructure spending is another critical topic discussed, as Coach Chris outlines how increased investment in roads, bridges, and transportation networks could lead to more business for repair shops due to higher vehicle usage. He also touches on the potential for regulatory changes, noting that shifts in environmental and safety regulations could affect shop operations and compliance requirements.

The discussion moves to minimum wage and labor laws, where Coach Chris analyzes how potential changes could impact labor costs and staffing strategies. He advises shop owners to stay informed about legislative developments and consider proactive measures to manage payroll expenses effectively.

Supply chain challenges are also on the agenda, with Coach Chris exploring how global economic policies and trade agreements resulting from the election could affect parts availability and pricing. He encourages shop owners to build strong relationships with suppliers and consider diversifying their sourcing strategies to mitigate risks.

Throughout the episode, Coach Chris emphasizes the importance of adaptability, urging shop owners to prepare for potential changes by reviewing their operations, budgeting for increased costs, and focusing on marketing efforts to attract and retain customers. He reassures listeners that maintaining strong customer relationships and operational efficiency will be key to navigating the evolving economic landscape, regardless of the election outcome. By staying informed and proactive, auto repair shop owners can position themselves for success in a dynamic and uncertain future.

Election Discussion Begins (00:01:11)
Chris highlights the importance of the upcoming 2024 presidential election for auto repair shop owners.
Pros and Cons of the Election (00:02:13)
A breakdown of potential advantages and disadvantages for auto repair businesses due to the election.
Support for Small Businesses (00:03:17)
Discussion on potential small business tax credits and health insurance reforms from candidates.
Workforce Development Challenges (00:03:17)
Focus on addressing the tech shortage through vocational training initiatives for the auto repair industry.
Infrastructure Spending Impact (00:03:17)
How increased infrastructure spending can lead to more vehicle repairs due to wear and tear.
Potential Regulatory Changes (00:04:26)
Concerns about new environmental regulations affecting business operations post-election.
Minimum Wage and Labor Laws (00:04:26)
The impact of potential minimum wage increases and labor law changes on shop budgets.
Supply Chain Issues (00:05:28)
Discussion on how international trade policies could affect parts pricing and availability.
Adaptability of Shop Owners (00:07:34)
Emphasizing the importance of adaptability in business operations amidst changing political landscapes.
Preparing for Future Changes (00:08:31)
Advice on budgeting and marketing strategies to navigate potential upcoming changes.
Customer Loyalty and Community Focus (00:08:31)
The significance of building strong community ties and customer relationships during uncertain times.
Conclusion and Encouragement (00:09:38)
Chris reassures listeners that challenges can be managed and encourages steady focus on business operations.

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
Is it Even Possible These Days to be a General Auto Repair Shop?
By Joe Marconi

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