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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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Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech
NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.
Contact Information
Email Matt: [email protected] Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel
The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
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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/
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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. 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]
Download a Copy of My Books Here:
Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop
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.
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.
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto

Join Brian Walker in this thought-provoking episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast as he delves into the controversial philosophy of "just say yes" in the auto repair industry.
Brian explores how this approach can influence your marketing efforts, customer service, and overall shop success.
He shares real-life examples of missed opportunities, highlighting the importance of proper service advisor training and the need to always look for ways to turn a "no" into a positive response.
Tune in to gain valuable insights on optimizing your shop's phone interactions and maximizing your marketing investments.
Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops
Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
Episode 106: shopmarketingpros.com/106
Empower Your Advisor : https://empoweryouradvisor.com/
Episode 2: Brian's Euro shop : https://shopmarketingpros.com/kim-and-brian-tell-their-story/
Episode 45: phone skills with Cecil Bullard:
https://shopmarketingpros.com/ep-45-phone-skills-amplify-your-marketing-with-cecil-bullard/
Show Notes with Timestamps
Introduction to "Just Say Yes" (00:00:10) Brian introduces the concept of "just say yes" in auto repair marketing. Philosophy Overview (00:01:18) Discussion on the philosophy of getting cars into shops, regardless of capacity or customer interest. The Divide in the Industry (00:02:12) Explains the polarizing nature of the "just say yes" philosophy among auto repair shops. Marketer's Perspective (00:02:12) Brian shares his insights as a marketer and the importance of customer engagement. Stressful Nature of Service Advisor Role (00:03:13) Highlights the stress faced by service advisors and its impact on customer interactions. Service Advisor Training Importance (00:04:20) Discusses the necessity of proper training for service advisors to improve customer retention. Examples of Missed Opportunities (00:05:17) Shares anecdotes illustrating how service advisors discourage potential customers. Case Study: Diesel Engine Inquiry (00:06:22) Describes a call where a service advisor prematurely dismissed a customer’s request. Flat Tire Assistance Example (00:07:24) Discusses a missed opportunity to create customer loyalty through service. Air Conditioning Inquiry Mismanagement (00:08:23) Highlights a situation where a service advisor refused service based on engine type. Timing Belt Refusal (00:09:24) Details a call where a service advisor rejected a customer based on vehicle age. RepairPal Sponsorship Mention (00:10:19) Introduces RepairPal as a resource for connecting shops with new customers. Frustration with Service Advisors (00:11:25) Expresses frustration over service advisors frequently telling potential customers "no." Misunderstanding Customer Needs (00:12:17) Discusses the importance of understanding customer queries beyond their initial questions. Radiator Inquiry Example (00:13:16) Describes a call where a service advisor failed to explore the customer's actual needs. Exhaust Repair Refusal (00:14:12) Shares an example of a service advisor not offering solutions for exhaust repairs. Training for Service Advisors (00:15:12) Importance of service advisor training and understanding good phone skills for effective customer engagement. Turning No into Yes Examples (00:16:23) Brian shares practical examples of converting customer inquiries from no to yes during phone interactions. The Philosophy of Saying Yes (00:17:23) Discussion on the positive implications of saying yes, while maintaining integrity and customer trust. Value of Marketing with Yes (00:18:23) Emphasizing that looking for ways to say yes enhances marketing effectiveness and customer satisfaction. Closing Remarks and Thank You (00:19:08) Brian thanks listeners and sponsors, encouraging engagement with the podcast and its content.
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