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By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog0 commentsIt 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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By Transmission Repair
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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
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By carmcapriotto
This episode of Business by the Numbers is Part 3 (and the final part) of the 2024 benchmark series! What separates the most profitable auto repair shops from those struggling to turn a profit? Today, he's tackling that question using financial data and real-world insights from hundreds of shops across the industry. What you'll take away from this episode:
Understand what the top 10% of shops are doing right – and what the bottom 10% are doing wrong. Why labor productivity is actually the most important predictor of profitability. Why do understaffed shops often outperform overstaffed ones? How profitability peaks as a shop grows and optimizes, but also how maintaining that peak can be unsustainable. The ongoing debate on flat rate vs. hourly pay for technicians and service advisors, and how it impacts shop performance. Download the Benchmark Report for yourself and follow along! https://info.paarmelis.com/2024-automotive-industry-benchmark-report
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: 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.
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 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.
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto
Join our panel of shop owners as they discuss the worst advice they've received in the automotive business: "Be the cheapest in town; it will get you more business." "Don't give a price over the phone." "Don't get personal." "DVI's are not worth the extra time." "You'll never make it because you're too honest." "Don't hire a business coach." Bill Nalu, Interstate Auto Care, Madison Heights, MI. Listen to Bill’s previous episodes HERE. Judy Zimmerman Walter, Zimmerman’s Automotive, Mechanicsburg, PA. Listen to Judy’s other episodes HERE. Jesse Matthews, Matthews Mobile Mechanic LLC. Listen to Jesse's other episodes HERE Brian Winograd, Broadway Transmissions and More, Red Lion, PA Show Notes
Judy's Experience with Cheap Advice (00:02:57) Judy shares her father's experience with advice to be the cheapest to attract customers. Bill's Perspective on Pricing (00:03:47) Bill discusses the pitfalls of being the cheapest and the importance of quality over price. Brian's Insights on Industry Standards (00:06:29) Brian emphasizes the value of hiring professionals for quality work in any industry. Communication of Value (00:10:46) Brian highlights the need for better communication of the value provided to customers. Jesse's Coaching Advice (00:12:22) Jesse recounts his father's skepticism about business coaching and the importance of seeking guidance. Brian on the Value of Websites (00:14:03) Brian recalls being advised against investing in a website, which he later found invaluable. The Inner Business Person (00:16:44) Carm discusses the concept of the "inner business person" and its importance in business growth. Judy's Advice on Competition (00:17:47) Judy shares a piece of dubious advice about removing competitors' oil stickers, highlighting ethical concerns. Shop management systems (00:18:28) Discussion on the significance of effective shop management systems for profitability and efficiency. Handling customer inquiries about pricing (00:20:45) Exploration of the complexities surrounding giving prices over the phone and customer engagement. The art of conversation with customers (00:21:04) Emphasis on the need for better communication skills to engage customers effectively. The value of customer trust (00:22:45) Discussion on how to build customer trust and the importance of in-person interactions. The role of visual aids in service (00:26:12) Highlighting the effectiveness of visual aids in explaining vehicle issues to customers. Customer misconceptions about vehicle maintenance (00:27:20) Addressing common customer beliefs about car longevity and the need for regular service. The value of coaching in business (00:28:30) Discussion on the advantages of hiring coaches for personal and business growth. Mentorship groups as a resource (00:31:34) Exploring the benefits of mentorship groups for shop owners seeking guidance and support. Accountability in coaching (00:34:35) The importance of having a coach who holds you accountable for your business actions. Discussion on Humility and Growth (00:34:48) Brian shares his journey of learning humility and the importance of accepting advice for personal growth. Confession and Reflection (00:37:12) Carm acknowledges Brian's confession about recognizing personal issues as a barrier to success. Advice on Social Media (00:37:49) Carm warns against seeking advice on social media, emphasizing it can lead to poor decision-making. Critique of Low Pricing Strategies (00:38:21) Judy discusses the dangers of lowballing business prices to attract customers, advocating for value instead. Integrity in Business Practices (00:39:15) Brian reflects on the importance of honesty in business, sharing a personal story about integrity. Finding Mentorship and Growth (00:41:47) Jesse emphasizes the value of mentorship and learning from various sources to improve business practices. Shift from Training to Education (00:43:10) Carm proposes changing the terminology from "training" to "education" to enhance the learning experience. Personal Investment in Business (00:44:25) Bill stresses the importance of taking business personally and aligning it with core values for success. Educating Customers (00:46:06) Carm concludes with the need to educate customers about services rather than simply responding to their demands.
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
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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Jeep Wrangler Coolant Leaks: What Every Owner Must Know #podcast #podcastclips #autorepairbusiness
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