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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 May's Marketing [E143] - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast
By carmcapriotto

Want to make your shop’s marketing stand out this May? Join Brian Walker and Caroline LeGrand as they break down creative ways to engage your audience, plan your content, and connect with your community.
In this episode, they’ll share creative campaign ideas, fun social media prompts, and practical ways to highlight your team, engage customers, and boost brand awareness. Plus, get inspiration for using national holidays like National Skilled Trades Day, Road Trip Day, and even Pizza Party Day to keep your content fresh and relevant.
Don’t miss this opportunity to simplify your marketing and make a real impact. Tune in now and start planning content that connects!
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.
AppFueled makes marketing easy. It’s a CRM designed for auto repair shops with tools like segmentation, reminders, and even a call center. Don’t wait—get started today at appfueled.com
Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
Days of the Year
National Calendar
Show Notes with Timestamps
Introduction to the Episode (00:00:01) Brian and Caroline introduce the podcast and thank RepairPal for their support. Preparing for May Marketing (00:01:16) Discussion on planning marketing strategies for May, emphasizing the importance of advance preparation. General Marketing Themes (00:02:00) Overview of summer-related topics, tax return spending, and pre-trip inspections for vehicles. Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month (00:03:17) Highlighting the importance of motorcycle safety and tips for drivers and riders. Military Appreciation Month (00:03:39) Encouraging auto repair shops to give back to military personnel throughout May. Teacher Appreciation Week (00:04:34) Ideas for showing gratitude to teachers, including small gestures and discounts. National Pet Week (00:05:50) Encouragement to engage customers by sharing pet photos on social media. Celebrating Various Appreciation Weeks (00:07:05) Discussion on multiple appreciation weeks in May and the importance of selecting key themes. Learn to Ride a Bike Day (00:08:04) Suggestions for community engagement by helping kids learn to ride bikes. National Skilled Trades Day (00:09:00) Promoting skilled trades and hosting events to educate youth about automotive careers. Star Wars Day (May the 4th) (00:10:26) Fun marketing ideas related to Star Wars Day for engaging customers. National Odometer Day (May 12th) (00:11:42) Ideas for a fun contest involving vehicle odometer readings to engage customers. RepairPal Certification (00:13:14) Discussion on becoming RepairPal certified and the benefits for auto repair shops. App Fueled Introduction (00:14:18) Overview of a customer loyalty app designed for auto service shops. National Lost Sock Memorial Day (00:14:54) Encouragement for creative engagement ideas related to this fun holiday. Military Appreciation Month (00:15:06) Suggestions for acknowledging military families and providing discounts. National Dance Like a Chicken Day (00:15:59) Call to action for engaging with customers through fun activities. Check Your Wipers Day (00:16:27) Importance of checking wipers before summer travel and educating clients. National Pizza Party Day (00:18:05) Highlighting the fun of pizza party day and community engagement. Armed Forces Day (00:18:28) Ideas for honoring military personnel and their contributions. Memorial Day Awareness (00:18:46) Discussion on the solemn nature of Memorial Day and appropriate observances. National Road Trip Day (00:19:34) Emphasis on preparing vehicles for summer road trips and inspections. National Rescue Dog Day (00:20:13) Celebrating rescue pets and their connection to the auto repair community. World Marketing Day (00:20:48) Encouragement to appreciate and promote effective marketing efforts. Paws and Pistons Campaign (00:22:41) Combining pet care with auto services for community engagement. Prepping for Road Trip Day (00:24:51) Continued focus on educating customers about road trip preparations. Engagement Ideas (00:25:34) Encouragement to share personal stories and engage customers creatively.
Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind (00:26:01) Invitation to join the Facebook group for sharing marketing ideas and support.
How To Get In Touch
Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook
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Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book
Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics
Thanks again for listening to The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast on Aftermarket Radio Network. There are some other great shows on the network and you can find them at AftermarketRadioNetwork.com or on your favorite podcast listening apps like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and many others
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.
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
I am new in business. Need advice to increase profits.
By Zenoo

Hi my name is Zenas and I am 26 years old from Alberta, Canada. I started my own automotive repair shop in December 2023. After running it for 1 year I made a little bit of profit. I needed some advice on how I could increase it. Its a 3 bay shop with two 2 post hoists and one 4 post hoist with alignment. I am the only mechanic in the shop as I can't afford to hire anyone at this point. I am charging about $120 per hour for the labor and very minimal mark up on parts. The shop had no customer base when I got it so it took me sometime to build returning customers. If I try to increase the prices on parts the customers run away. Seems like they are calling around the city and going to the cheapest person. My monthly over head cost is about $7000. Whatever I make in a month goes back into next month's rent. Any advices on how to manage this properly from other shop owners?
Maximize Your Tax Deductions With These Common Write-Offs
By nptrb

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Help! I Need Cash! [E151] - Business By The Numbers
By carmcapriotto

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
Running low on cash? Before panic sets in, it’s time to get strategic. In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt explores practical steps to manage cash flow challenges, cut expenses wisely, and secure financing without sinking your business. Learn what options are available and how to make informed decisions to keep your shop running smoothly.
Understand the root causes of cash flow issues to avoid repeating mistakes. Learn why preserving cash strategically is more effective than slashing every expense. Discover how to leverage credit lines, loans, and alternative financing options safely. Avoid common pitfalls, like cutting critical expenses, that can worsen financial struggles. Develop a plan to stabilize and grow your cash reserves for long-term success.
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 https://remarkableresults.biz/
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto

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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 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