Serious Tech Shortage Reported

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

Why Trusting Our Services Makes All the Difference #podcast #autorepairbusiness #automotivebusiness
By Changing The Industry

Why Trusting Our Services Makes All the Difference #podcast #autorepairbusiness #automotivebusiness
All Shop Owners Know Something That Other Owners Don’t Know! [RR 993]
By carmcapriotto

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Recorded at the 2024 Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) Business Management and Lindertech Training Tradeshow, discover how simply attending meetings can significantly improve net profit, the impact of cost management, and tips on leveraging technology for business efficiency. Murray Voth, RPM Training. Listen to Murray’s previous episodes HERE. [email protected] Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO): https://www.aaro.ca/ Importance of Attendance (00:02:04) Discussion on how missing educational events can lead to lost opportunities and profits. Value of Showing Up (00:03:05) Murray emphasizes the connection between attendance and improved business performance. Networking and Community (00:04:39) The significance of in-person meetings for building relationships and sharing knowledge. Learning from Group Sessions (00:05:23) Murray shares insights on the benefits of participating in group coaching sessions. Addressing Intimidation in Coaching (00:07:50) Discussion on how some individuals feel intimidated and hesitant to participate in coaching. The Need for Continuous Learning (00:10:59) Carm stresses the importance of seeking expert guidance and accountability in business. Coaching Styles and Techniques (00:11:53) Murray contrasts different coaching approaches and their effectiveness in the industry. Utilizing Technology for Coaching (00:13:28) Murray discusses the transition to online coaching and the importance of Google Business Profile. Engagement in Virtual Meetings (00:14:17) The effectiveness of screen sharing and virtual meetings in enhancing learning experiences. Introduction to Collaboration Tools (00:15:54) Discussion on using screen sharing and collaboration tools for knowledge sharing among automotive shop owners. Resources for Business Improvement (00:18:58) Introduction to automotive management network resources such as SOPs and checklists for business advancement. Note-Taking and Organization (00:20:00) Personal experiences with note-taking and strategies for managing notes effectively in a business context. Using Google Docs for Accountability (00:23:22) How Google Docs can facilitate accountability by allowing team members to log and review action plans collaboratively. Networking and Community Support (00:27:02) Encouragement for members to utilize networking tools like Slack for better communication and support among peers. Understanding Employment Law (00:30:33) Insights into Canadian employment law regarding severance and the importance of having employment contracts to protect business owners. Understanding Severance Costs (00:32:12) Discussion on the financial impact of severance costs and the importance of understanding net income. Calculating Impact on Sales (00:33:13) Exploration of how to calculate necessary sales to cover losses in the automotive industry. Networking and Sharing Solutions (00:34:11) Importance of sharing experiences and solutions among peers in overcoming business challenges. Expense Management Insights (00:35:09) Discussion on the need for better focus on expense management in business operations. Insurance and Expense Comparisons (00:36:02) Sharing strategies for managing insurance and other recurring expenses effectively. Planning Expense Discussions (00:37:35) Proposal to plan discussions on key expenses in future meetings for better financial management. Setting Budgets and KPIs (00:38:27) Discussion on the importance of setting budgets and KPIs for various business expenses. Normalizing Income Statements (00:39:18) Explanation of how to clean up income statements for accurate financial analysis.
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: -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
Strategies for Addressing the Technician Shortage [FTR 103]
By carmcapriotto

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss, and 360 Payments Brad Updegraff discusses the pressing shortage of skilled technicians in the automotive industry. Brad shares strategies for training and developing technicians, and the importance of creating strong relationships with local schools. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of flexible compensation plans and support for aspiring technicians. Brad Updegraff, Dave’s Ultimate Automotive, 6 locations, Austin, TX. Brad's previous episodes HERE. Show Notes
Industry Challenges (00:00:34) Discussion on the nationwide technician shortage and the impact of the growing electric vehicle market. Creating a Technician Pipeline (00:01:08) Brad reflects on the long-term strategies dealerships have implemented to develop their technician workforce. Personal Experience as an Intern (00:02:08) Brad shares his early experiences in the automotive industry and the challenges he faced as an intern. Strategies for Training Technicians (00:02:34) Exploration of effective strategies for training technicians, emphasizing building relationships with local schools. NAPA Apprenticeship Program (00:03:11) Overview of the NAPA apprenticeship program and its effectiveness in developing new technicians. Case Study: A Young Trainee (00:04:04) Brad discusses a specific trainee's experience, highlighting the importance of pairing her with a skilled technician. Adapting Training Approaches (00:05:01) Challenges faced during the training program lead to a need for more flexible and adaptable training methods. Identifying Natural Leaders (00:05:47) Importance of recognizing natural leaders among technicians to foster a supportive training environment. Compensation Structures (00:07:30) Discussion on compensation plans and how to ensure they are attractive to both new and experienced technicians. Selecting the Right Trainees (00:08:33) Brad emphasizes the importance of carefully selecting trainees based on their interest and potential. Encouraging Continuous Improvement (00:09:34) Encouraging technicians to seek growth and development opportunities within the company. Value of Training for Students (00:10:17) Highlighting the need for trainees to understand the importance of continuous education and training. Compensation and Incentive Plans (00:11:05) Brad discusses innovative compensation structures to attract and retain skilled technicians. Tool Accessibility for Technicians (00:12:01) Addressing the lack of tools as a barrier for entry-level technicians and proposing solutions. Flag Rate Compensation Model (00:12:58) Explanation of a flag multiplier system designed to support both green and experienced technicians in learning. Compensation Structure for Technicians (00:14:04) Discussion on the importance of a well-structured compensation plan for technicians and foreman roles. Challenges of Foreman Role (00:15:00) Exploring the difficulties faced by foreman roles during poor traffic times in the shop. Impact on Profit Margins (00:15:49) Analyzing how technician training impacts overall shop output and profit margins. Tool Acquisition Programs (00:16:43) Overview of programs designed to help technicians acquire necessary tools through structured payments. Supporting Local High Schools (00:18:25) Strategies for building relationships with high schools to support automotive education programs. Enhancing Automotive Education (00:19:23) Discussing the benefits of donating equipment to schools to improve their automotive programs. Creating a Pipeline of Talent (00:20:14) Importance of engaging high school students to prepare them for careers in the automotive industry. Selling the Automotive Career (00:21:09) Encouraging technicians to share their career stories to attract high school students to the industry. Engagement with Students (00:21:57) The significance of actively participating in career fairs and building relationships with students. Closing Thoughts on Future Technicians (00:22:48) Emphasizing the responsibility of the industry to nurture future technicians and change lives.
Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and 360 Payments Shop Boss – Shop Management Software built by shop owners for shop owners. It works the way you need it to, right out of the box. Find on the web at https://shopboss.net 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 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 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.
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
Why Clear Tech Labels Are Crucial for Smooth Operations #podcast #autorepairbusiness #podcastclips
By Changing The Industry

Why Clear Tech Labels Are Crucial for Smooth Operations #podcast #autorepairbusiness #podcastclips
If You Had 364 Days Left to Live: What Would You Do Differently? [RR 986]
By carmcapriotto

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Craig Noel recounts his near-death experience from multiple blood clots in his lungs and how it profoundly affected his perspective on life, family, and business. This life-altering event led Craig to reevaluate his priorities, emphasizing the importance of relationships and intentional living. Craig shares how his absence from work revealed the strength of his team and the culture he built. The discussion covers overcoming the "I can't" mentality, establishing accountability, and planning for unforeseen circumstances. Craig's story inspires listeners to cherish relationships, embrace change, and focus on what truly matters in life. Craig Noel, Sun Automotive, Springfield, OR. Listen to Craig’s previous episodes HERE Show Notes
Craig's Near-Death Experience (00:01:13) Craig shares his story of a near-death experience caused by multiple blood clots in his lungs. Understanding the Health Crisis (00:02:12) Craig explains his symptoms leading to hospitalization and the discovery of the blood clots. Reflection on Life Changes (00:05:34) Craig reflects on how his near-death experience shifted his perspective on relationships and life priorities. The Importance of Relationships (00:07:17) Craig emphasizes the need to value relationships and communicate feelings intentionally. Reconnecting with Old Friends (00:08:29) Carm shares a personal story about reconnecting with an old friend, highlighting the importance of maintaining connections. Intentional Communication (00:09:41) Craig discusses the impact of intentionally reaching out to influential people in one's life. Material vs. Emotional Fulfillment (00:10:25) Craig contemplates the balance between material possessions and the importance of relationships. Living Without Distractions (00:12:00) Craig suggests leaving phones at home during family outings to foster better connections. The Impact of Technology on Relationships (00:12:25) Carm reflects on how technology affects family interactions and the need for personal discipline. Planning for Meaningful Experiences (00:13:14) Craig encourages planning meaningful experiences and spending time with loved ones. Business Continuity Discussion (00:15:42) Carm discusses the importance of planning for business continuity in case of unexpected events. Leadership and Team Discussions (00:16:49) Craig emphasizes the value of discussing business operations and leadership with team members. The importance of presence (00:17:04) Craig discusses the significance of being present and the impact of leadership on team culture. Reassessing leadership roles (00:17:41) Craig reflects on his need to be present and the realization that his team can thrive independently. Employee accountability (00:19:26) Discussion on implementing employee diaries to enhance accountability and track conversations. Introduction of 'Way We Do' software (00:20:11) Craig explains how this software helps manage SOPs and employee manuals effectively. The value of modifying processes (00:22:05) Emphasis on customizing borrowed ideas to fit your unique business culture for better results. Planning for unexpected events (00:23:05) Carm shares insights on having contingency plans, referencing a previous episode about preparedness. Updating legal documents (00:24:40) Craig talks about the importance of updating wills and trusts to ensure business continuity. Collaboration with professionals (00:25:27) Advice on involving various professionals to create a comprehensive support system for business planning. The importance of perspective (00:26:36) Craig shares personal insights on enjoying life and not feeling the need to prove oneself. Encouraging accountability (00:27:36) Carm suggests involving close individuals to hold each other accountable for life planning decisions. Impact on employees' lives (00:29:05) Craig reflects on how he can positively influence his employees' futures through thoughtful planning. Final thoughts on preparedness (00:30:04) Carm and Craig conclude with reflections on the need for proactive planning and emotional resilience.
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care 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 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