Why men shouldn't write advice columns

Available Subscriptions

See all Subscription Plans

Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

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

Legal Advice From a CPA [E143] - Business By The Numbers
By carmcapriotto

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. 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
What’s The Worst Piece of Advice You’ve Ever Been Given in Business? [THA 397]
By carmcapriotto

Join our panel of shop owners as they discuss the worst advice they've received in the automotive business: "Be the cheapest in town; it will get you more business." "Don't give a price over the phone." "Don't get personal." "DVI's are not worth the extra time." "You'll never make it because you're too honest." "Don't hire a business coach." Bill Nalu, Interstate Auto Care, Madison Heights, MI. Listen to Bill’s previous episodes HERE. Judy Zimmerman Walter, Zimmerman’s Automotive, Mechanicsburg, PA. Listen to Judy’s other episodes HERE. Jesse Matthews, Matthews Mobile Mechanic LLC. Listen to Jesse's other episodes HERE Brian Winograd, Broadway Transmissions and More, Red Lion, PA Show Notes
Judy's Experience with Cheap Advice (00:02:57) Judy shares her father's experience with advice to be the cheapest to attract customers. Bill's Perspective on Pricing (00:03:47) Bill discusses the pitfalls of being the cheapest and the importance of quality over price. Brian's Insights on Industry Standards (00:06:29) Brian emphasizes the value of hiring professionals for quality work in any industry. Communication of Value (00:10:46) Brian highlights the need for better communication of the value provided to customers. Jesse's Coaching Advice (00:12:22) Jesse recounts his father's skepticism about business coaching and the importance of seeking guidance. Brian on the Value of Websites (00:14:03) Brian recalls being advised against investing in a website, which he later found invaluable. The Inner Business Person (00:16:44) Carm discusses the concept of the "inner business person" and its importance in business growth. Judy's Advice on Competition (00:17:47) Judy shares a piece of dubious advice about removing competitors' oil stickers, highlighting ethical concerns. Shop management systems (00:18:28) Discussion on the significance of effective shop management systems for profitability and efficiency. Handling customer inquiries about pricing (00:20:45) Exploration of the complexities surrounding giving prices over the phone and customer engagement. The art of conversation with customers (00:21:04) Emphasis on the need for better communication skills to engage customers effectively. The value of customer trust (00:22:45) Discussion on how to build customer trust and the importance of in-person interactions. The role of visual aids in service (00:26:12) Highlighting the effectiveness of visual aids in explaining vehicle issues to customers. Customer misconceptions about vehicle maintenance (00:27:20) Addressing common customer beliefs about car longevity and the need for regular service. The value of coaching in business (00:28:30) Discussion on the advantages of hiring coaches for personal and business growth. Mentorship groups as a resource (00:31:34) Exploring the benefits of mentorship groups for shop owners seeking guidance and support. Accountability in coaching (00:34:35) The importance of having a coach who holds you accountable for your business actions. Discussion on Humility and Growth (00:34:48) Brian shares his journey of learning humility and the importance of accepting advice for personal growth. Confession and Reflection (00:37:12) Carm acknowledges Brian's confession about recognizing personal issues as a barrier to success. Advice on Social Media (00:37:49) Carm warns against seeking advice on social media, emphasizing it can lead to poor decision-making. Critique of Low Pricing Strategies (00:38:21) Judy discusses the dangers of lowballing business prices to attract customers, advocating for value instead. Integrity in Business Practices (00:39:15) Brian reflects on the importance of honesty in business, sharing a personal story about integrity. Finding Mentorship and Growth (00:41:47) Jesse emphasizes the value of mentorship and learning from various sources to improve business practices. Shift from Training to Education (00:43:10) Carm proposes changing the terminology from "training" to "education" to enhance the learning experience. Personal Investment in Business (00:44:25) Bill stresses the importance of taking business personally and aligning it with core values for success. Educating Customers (00:46:06) Carm concludes with the need to educate customers about services rather than simply responding to their demands.
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS 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/ Thanks to our Partner, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching Proven Auto Shop Coaching with Results. Over 61 Million in ROI with an Average ROI of 9x. Find Coach Chris Cotton at AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching on the Web at https://autoshopcoaching.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.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
Smart Advice to New Shop Owners [THA 393]
By carmcapriotto

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching, and Today's Class This episode is packed full of practical advice and personal stories that will resonate with new and aspiring shop owners. From leadership and financial management to team development and continuous learning, there's something for everyone. Key insights include the significance of self-awareness, the balance between assertiveness and approachability, the value of mentorship, and the necessity of understanding financial health. Show Notes
Leadership Challenges for New Owners (00:03:39) Discussion on the courage and mindset required for new shop owners transitioning from technicians. Matt's Personal Story (00:04:46) Matt shares his journey of overcoming a catastrophic injury and learning to run his business. Developing Leadership Skills (00:05:10) The importance of recognizing personal strengths and weaknesses in leadership. Balancing Assertiveness and Approachability (00:06:22) The challenge of being both assertive and approachable as a leader. The Value of Delegation (00:06:54) Panelists discuss the difficulties of delegating tasks and trusting team members. Peer Support in the Industry (00:08:01) Carm highlights the importance of seeking help and support from peers in the automotive industry. The Role of Coaching (00:10:04) Tom emphasizes the benefits of leveraging coaching services for business success. Understanding Finances (00:12:19) Discussion on the significance of financial awareness and making informed business decisions. Building a Strong Foundation (00:13:28) Tom draws parallels between scouting and building a successful automotive business. Finding Purpose and Alignment (00:15:02) The importance of aligning with team members who share the business vision. Letting Go and Empowering Employees (00:15:52) Insights on the challenge of stepping back and empowering employees to grow. Creating a Team of Heroes (00:16:32) Discusses the importance of guiding younger technicians and the balance between letting them learn through struggle. Controlled Failure as a Learning Tool (00:17:22) Explores the concept of controlled failure in learning and its parallels to youth-led scouting. Understanding Financial Margins (00:18:33) Emphasizes the significance of understanding profit margins and financial health for shop owners. The Importance of a Shop Management System (00:19:14) Highlights the necessity of having a solid shop management system for operational efficiency. Facing Business Uncertainties (00:22:02) Matt shares his initial fears and the value of a comprehensive business plan before opening his shop. The Courage to Hire (00:23:10) Discusses the fear of hiring an advisor and the eventual realization of their value in the business. Hiring the Right People (00:25:35) Focuses on viewing employees as assets and the importance of making informed hiring decisions. Customer Loyalty and Shop Culture (00:27:28) Stresses the need for a strong shop culture to maintain customer loyalty and service quality. The Value of Training (00:28:17) Discusses the importance of investing in training for employees and the long-term benefits it brings. Being a Perpetual Student (00:29:50) Carm talks about the importance of continuous education and learning for shop owners. Leadership and Culture Connection (00:32:00) Explores the intertwined nature of leadership and culture in building a successful shop environment. Understanding Leadership (00:32:22) Discussion on personal leadership, personality traits, and the importance of self-assessment tools. Developing Team Leaders (00:32:47) Emphasis on nurturing leadership within the team and the impact of leadership coaching. Financial Support for Training (00:33:49) Overview of reimbursement programs that support leadership training costs for staff. Team Collaboration Growth (00:34:37) Insights into improved team collaboration and resolving conflicts independently. Self-Reflection for Shop Owners (00:35:25) Advice on understanding personal strengths and weaknesses for effective leadership. Peer Support in Leadership (00:36:14) The value of peer discussions and support in personal and professional growth. Self-Evaluation Importance (00:36:45) Highlighting the need for self-evaluation, especially for new and younger shop owners. Transformation Through Assessment (00:37:03) Personal growth and transformation through repeated strengths assessment tests. Right People in Right Roles (00:38:17) Importance of aligning team members with their strengths for optimal performance. Continuous Learning and Adaptation (00:40:17) Encouragement to embrace challenges and continuously learn in business management. Risk Management in Business (00:41:34) Discussion on understanding and managing risks as an essential part of business. Time Management for Business Growth (00:42:08) Advice on documenting time wasters and focusing on business development. The Pull of Passion (00:43:08) Reflection on the challenges of balancing passion for work with business responsibilities. Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS 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/ Thanks to our Partner, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching Proven Auto Shop Coaching with Results. Over 61 Million in ROI with an Average ROI of 9x. Find Coach Chris Cotton at AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching on the Web at https://autoshopcoaching.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.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 X (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
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
New Book: Wrenches to Write-Offs [E096] - Business By The Numbers
By carmcapriotto

In this week’s episode, Hunt introduces his new book, "Wrenches to Write Offs," offering essential tax tips for repair shop owners. This book combines fundamental tax knowledge with practical strategies for smarter business operations.
• Book Launch: Introduction of "Wrenches to Write Offs," a guide simplifying taxes for repair shop owners.
• Availability: Details on purchasing options, including Amazon's hard copy and Kindle versions, and a free PDF version on the official website.
• Community Impact: All proceeds from the book sales (if you choose to buy through Amazon) are donated to charity, supporting the industry and providing educational scholarships.
Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
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
It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Great news, you don’t have to go it alone. 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]
Get a copy of my Book: Download Here
Aftermarket Radio Network
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
Episode 130 - Business Advice Before Going Mobile With Scott Hicks
By Changing The Industry

Episode 130 - Business Advice Before Going Mobile With Scott Hicks