National Athem

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

THESE THREE THINGS [E206] - 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
n this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton delivers insightful guidance tailored specifically for auto repair shop owners. He delves into the effects of spring break on sales, underscoring the significance of having a well-planned marketing calendar to effectively navigate and prepare for seasonal slowdowns that can impact business. Chris enriches the discussion by sharing a personal anecdote about dealing with an aftermarket warranty issue, illustrating the critical importance of maintaining customer trust and satisfaction, even when it presents financial challenges for the business. This story serves as a reminder of the long-term value of prioritizing customer relationships and integrity.

Additionally, Chris provides an exciting update on Project Alpha, a shop he acquired, showcasing its remarkable turnaround in financial performance. He details the innovative staffing strategies implemented, which have contributed to the shop's success and growth. These strategies not only improved efficiency but also fostered a positive work environment, setting a benchmark for other shop owners to follow.

The episode is proudly sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, a company that specializes in providing marketing solutions tailored for auto repair shops. Their expertise helps shop owners enhance their visibility and reach, ensuring they stay competitive in the ever-evolving market.

**Spring Break Challenges (00:01:05)**
In this segment, Chris delves into the seasonal challenges faced by repair shops during the spring break period. He explains how the influx of vacations and travel plans leads to a noticeable dip in sales, as fewer customers seek repairs during this time. To counteract this trend, Chris emphasizes the importance of having a well-structured marketing calendar. By planning promotions and outreach efforts in advance, repair shops can better navigate the slow season and maintain a steady flow of business.

**Doing What's Right for Customers (00:06:31)**
Chris shares a compelling personal experience that underscores the significance of exceptional customer service. He recounts a situation where he had to make a tough decision to prioritize the needs of a customer over immediate profit. This story highlights the long-term benefits of building trust and loyalty by consistently doing what's right for customers. Chris argues that by putting customers first, businesses can foster stronger relationships and ultimately achieve greater success.

**Project Alpha Update (00:10:26)**
In this update, Chris provides an in-depth look at the progress of Project Alpha, the shop he recently acquired. He discusses the financial performance of the shop, noting significant improvements in revenue and profitability since the acquisition. Chris also outlines the operational changes implemented to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. From streamlining processes to upgrading equipment, these improvements have positioned the shop for continued growth and success in the competitive market.
Connect with Chris: chris autofixsos.com Phone: 940.400.1008 www.autoshopcoaching.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
www.autoshopcoaching.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ AutoFixAutoShopCoaching
Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
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.
To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.
Don't forget to rate and review us!
Connect with Chris:
AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching
www.autoshopcoaching.com
www.aftermarketradionetwork.com
#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
Maximize Your Tax Deductions With These Common Write-Offs
By nptrb

Premium Member Content

This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.
Is it Even Possible These Days to be a General Auto Repair Shop?
By Joe Marconi

Premium Member Content

This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.
Avoid These Money Mistakes! [RR 967]
By carmcapriotto

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network 'Business by the Numbers' Podcast host Hunt Demarest discusses common financial mistakes, emphasizing the importance of building long-term wealth through prudent financial management and investment. The conversation covers managing personal and business expenses, the impact of government programs, and the necessity of maintaining financial reserves. Hunt Demarest, CPA, Paar Melis and Associates, Hunt's previous episodes HERE Business by the Numbers Podcast Show Notes
The Brakes for Breasts initiative (00:00:01) https://www.brakesforbreasts.com/ Rich vs. Wealthy (00:03:09) The distinction between being rich and being wealthy and the financial habits of wealthy individuals. Money Mistakes and Business Finances (00:04:55) Common money mistakes made by business owners and the importance of long-term wealth building. Personal and Business Expenses (00:06:09) The impact of blending personal and business expenses and its effect on financial statements. Year-End Financial Review (00:09:14) The importance of assessing business finances at the end of the year and avoiding unrealistic financial judgments. Impact of Government Programs (00:10:33) The impact of government programs on business profitability and the potential consequences of misusing funds. Business Trends and Demand (00:11:53) Analysis of business trends, demand, and the need for realistic profit expectations in the automotive industry. Cash Flow Management and Reserves (00:13:59) The importance of cash flow management, emergency funds, and the role of credit lines in business financial planning. AAPEX 2024 Registration (00:17:37) https://www.aapexshow.com/ NAPA TRACS Shop Management System (00:18:47) http://napatracs.com/ Labor Rate Tracker (00:19:53) http://LaborRateTracker.com Managing Credit Lines (00:20:48) Discussion on managing credit lines, including the importance of using and managing credit effectively. Cash Management and Financial Statements (00:21:49) Insights into managing physical cash, reconciling financial statements, and the importance of accountability. Overspending and Budgeting (00:23:59) Discussion on avoiding overspending, budgeting investments, and making decisions based on return on investment. Insurance and Protection (00:26:42) Importance of having the right insurance coverage and protecting assets and future liabilities. Return on Sales and Advertising (00:27:46) Explaining the concept of return on sales and the importance of evaluating advertising spending based on return on investment. Bookkeeping and Financial Timeliness (00:29:30) The impact of timely and accurate bookkeeping on business performance and decision-making. Cash Flow and Long-Term Planning (00:34:53) Emphasizing the importance of cash flow, reserves, and long-term planning for business sustainability and retirement. Joining a Networking Group (00:37:07) Encouragement to join a networking group and the value of continuous learning in the aftermarket industry. Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR 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 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
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
Are Service Advisor Too Swamped These Days
By Joe Marconi

Premium Member Content

This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.