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Posted

Hey guys I am new to the forum. My boyfriend & I started our shop Parks Industries Motorsports & Performance in January here in Rifle, CO. Mike Parks is owner & main mechanic, has worked at Eliminator Motorsports in San Diego, 4Wheel Direct, other shops locally till we started our own shop in January of this year. We have one employee, one bay, two lifts 1500 sq ft. i posted a question in the help section hopefully you guys can help me out.

We have been super busy from word of mouth and recommendations, and the internet never ceases to amaze me... :) We do mostly oilfield trucks out here, it has really boomed in our area..getting a little slow now. A lot of diesel performance & repair, aftermarket parts & accessories. And being your own boss is the best. But I want to know how everyone keeps their head above water.... I know winter is coming up and definitely our slow time until about February. Im surprised how much we have grown in the little time we've been open and not screwing over people like other shops have around here has kept us in business thus far but I wonder how other people are fairing across the country.

 

Thanks,

Amanda

Posted

Amanda, I welcome you to the forum. However, I will say that I will be curious to know whether your opinion that other shops are screwing over people will be the same opinion after you have been in business a few years. I think a few shops may do that but I do not think the majority do at least where I am at.

 

 

I should say this isn't the first time I have been in this business so I know how quotes and repairs go...so the shop that is charging their customers $400 for an oil change, I say yes they are screwing them over. I get more business from one of the shops doing crap repairs and charging way over what repairs should be for a vehicle; car or truck, gas or diesel. And thanks for welcoming me to the forum...I never said all shops do, its just where I am at I know of a couple.

Posted

Amanda, I welcome you to the forum. However, I will say that I will be curious to know whether your opinion that other shops are screwing over people will be the same opinion after you have been in business a few years. I think a few shops may do that but I do not think the majority do at least where I am at.

 

And I guess I meant how are other people holding their head above water in this business in this economy right now...

Posted (edited)

Thanks Joe, that is our number one priority is customer service, you said it all. thanks~! And i really like your site ASO

 

 

* * *

 

Thanks TN!

Edited by PARKSINDUST
  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Welcome, it's a great place to get info or to just blow some steam off after a tough day.

Keep in touch

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest 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.
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