Quantcast
Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Ok, I know there are some Elite customers on this website. I believe that Elite can no doubt help our shop, but my shop owner is very hesitant and is concerned that the coach we get will have us raise our prices which will drive away customers. He also is apprehensive about how much help Elite can provide for the one year commitment (the dollar vs. value). Truth be told I don't think he believes we need any help. We are a strong shop. We have really good car count and great gross sales, but we bleed from places I'm sure we don't even know about. What I'd like to know is if there are any shops represented here in the Houston area. If so I'd like to visit with you over the phone or preferably in person. Thank you in advance for your input.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Another suggestion is maybe you should join a 20 group? For the more mature shop a 20 group seems like a great thing to be apart of. If you are beyond the basics then being with a group of like minded shop owners looking to improve their business may just be the ticket

Please tell me what a "20 group" is. Thanks a lot!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

From what you posted, it looks like you guys must be doing a lot of things right. Congratulations!


I checked out some of your reviews and one of them really stood out as a testimonial of how you're

perceived by your customers. There's nothing better than having customers talk about how trusting

they are of your customer service.



That doesn't happen by accident, so great job!


As for your questions about improving your profits...


Car count and gross sales are both required to have a profitable, successful auto repair business.


You mentioned you thought the business may be "bleeding from places I'm sure we don't even know about."


There are a number of ways to improve profits and your boss is smart in wanting to make sure

any changes to the way he's doing business now - do not drive away customers (or employees).


For example, making blanket labor and parts pricing changes is often suggested as a means of

quickly increasing profits. Sometimes, small changes to how you're currently doing things are what's needed...


But you have to keep your eye on the big picture - not just making sweeping changes without a really good reason.


That may have worked in the past, but today's customers have the exact same information you do meaning...

websites such as repairpal.com have changed the rules of the game because parts and labor

is all out in the open now.


Once the labor and parts formulas are tweaked, (if it actually makes sense for you and your marketplace...)


The very next place to look for more profits is by making sure the sales people are not missing

any legitimate opportunities.


There are many opinions on what that looks in the real world.


This is definitely an area you want to closely evaluate to make sure any recommended changes

are not going to upset your customers.


You also want to make sure the recommended sales methods are employee-friendly, meaning

your sales people can actually see themselves doing it, even if they're not natural born sales people.


Bottom-line, the sales methods need to be customer-friendly and employee-friendly.


The best way to evaluate this is to watch some videso of the trainers demonstrating how they sell jobs.


These are just some of the ways to evaluate if the training company philosophy matches how you folks

want to do business.


PS The same evaluation process also applies to joining a 20 group, just so you know.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

there are several companies that have "20 groups". The ones i have looked into specifically were RLO and Elite. RLO calls their group offers the Bottomline Impact Group. Elite has a 20 group called Pro Service. Both are excellent companies. Most consulting and coaching companies offer some sort of 20 group. There is a screening process involved and they may recommend a coaching program before the 20 group.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

When I signed up as a NAPA center they gave me some great business tips, the most important is keeping track of income and expenses measured in percentages. If there are say 20 categories and your shop is making 5% net profit, saving 1% in 10 areas and increasing price 1% in 10 areas will net you 20% more profit. One percent is easy to accomplish, nobody will notice brake pads costs $1 more. Call your supplier and save 2% on oil, easy. Raise your labor rate 20% and people will notice!

 

This website is basically a 20 group, we don't have to suffer in silence. Businesses helping businesses in a non competitive way is good. Try talking with the shop next door about pricing and problems and it might not be so easy.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

20 Groups train through comparison of policy and procedures, shop layouts, and of course numbers. As far as I know every 20 group works off a monthly financial composite of all the group members. The facilitator of the group whom is essentially the "coach" sets certain benchmarks such as Labor Profit Margin, Parts Profit Margin, Hours Per RO, etc and group members get to compare and contrast how they are doing against the benchmarks and also against group members. There are usually either a teleconference once month and also meetings 2-3 times a year.

 

 

BTW this is as far as I know with the research i have done. I have never been apart of any 20 groups.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mspecperformance and I are in a Focus 2 group. Which means we just talk all the time and share ideas and numbers. 18 more of you are welcome to join our Voxer channel and BAM we have our own (albeit inexperienced) focus 20 group.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mspecperformance and I are in a Focus 2 group. Which means we just talk all the time and share ideas and numbers. 18 more of you are welcome to join our Voxer channel and BAM we have our own (albeit inexperienced) focus 20 group.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I'll make it a Threesome.....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We are located an hour an a half from the Houston area and have been working with Elite for several years. They have been instrumental in helping me grow my company. Very great group of people to work with. Feel free to message me your contact info and I would be glad to contact you. Maybe I can come shadow your shop in Kingwood.

 

 

Please share more info on the Focus 2 group. I would love to be a part.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry, I have been very busy and have not checked this in a bit. Please download an app called Voxer and message me your username and I will add you. Make it a private message because I get those emailed to my phone and I will see it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Available Subscriptions

  • 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.
  • Similar Topics

    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching, and Today's Class Tenise and Weston Chapman, owners of Black Hills Tire in Rapid City, South Dakota, discuss their initiative, Camp Drive. This hands-on camp introduces young people to the automotive industry through engaging activities like brake and alignment modules, electrical scans, and engine performance sessions. The Chapmans discuss the Camp's positive impact on participants, support from local schools and businesses, and plans for expansion. They highlight the importance of inspiring the next generation of automotive professionals and the enthusiastic feedback from both kids and parents. Tenise and Weston Chapman, Black Hills Tire, Rapid City, SD. Listen to previous episodes HERE Show Notes
      Camp Drive Concept (00:01:50) Introduction to Camp Drive initiative, its purpose, and the importance of skilled trades for young people. Camp Drive Activities (00:03:08) Description of the activities and sessions at Camp Drive, including the waiting list for participation. Engaging the Participants (00:05:19) Discussion on the hands-on activities and the excitement of the participants during the camp. Parent and Community Feedback (00:08:31) Feedback from parents and the community regarding the impact of Camp Drive on the participants. Support and Sponsorship (00:11:02) Support from aftermarket suppliers, tool companies, and businesses, as well as the non-profit status of the initiative. Expanding Camp Drive (00:12:14) Expansion of Camp Drive to include more stations and activities, including welding and HVAC modules. Logistics and Community Support (00:14:01) Management of time and community involvement in providing additional experiences for the participants. Engagement and Participation (00:15:02) The engagement of participants and the approach to ensuring their focus and involvement during the camp activities. The smiling and excited kids (00:15:42) A discussion about a young participant's enthusiasm and transformation during the camp. Interviewing students and industry encouragement (00:19:13) The importance of encouraging young people to pursue careers in the automotive industry. Dane's experience and career aspirations (00:24:28) An interview with a student, Dane, who shares his experience at the camp and expresses his career aspirations in the automotive industry. Savannah's interest in welding and automotive technology (00:31:44) An interview with Savannah, who shares her interest in welding and her experience at the camp. The competition (00:33:22) Discussion about an upcoming competition and the number of teams participating. Exploring different stations (00:33:39)The various stations at the camp, including HVAC, alignment, scanning, engines, welding, changing tires, and changing oil. Learning about automotive skills (00:34:10) The participant talks about learning to change oil, spark plugs, and brakes, and gaining knowledge about suspensions and spark plugs. Impact of the Camp (00:35:24) A participant shares their positive experience at the camp and how they learned about it through radio advertising. Career prospects (00:36:27) Discussion about the potential career opportunities in the automotive industry and the high-tech nature of the field. Experience of a 12-year-old participant (00:38:09) An interview with a 12-year-old participant who shares their excitement about welding and other activities at the camp. Engagement and hands-on learning (00:42:49) A station leader discusses the engagement and excitement of the young participants and the hands-on learning approach at the camp. Community involvement and career prospects (00:45:17) Discussion about the importance of community involvement and events like Camp Drive to introduce young people to the automotive industry as a high-tech career option. Success of the Camp and future plans (00:46:30) Reflection on the success of the camp, the engagement of the young participants, and plans for future editions, including potential additions like a plasma cutter. The importance of engaging young people (00:49:42) Discussion on the need for the automotive industry to engage with young people to secure its future workforce. 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: -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 X (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
    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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
      In this podcast episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching delves into the multifaceted benefits of adopting a four-day workweek within the auto repair industry. He underscores significant enhancements in employee morale, work-life balance, and overall productivity, while also noting the potential to attract and retain top-tier talent. Chris provides an in-depth analysis of various structural approaches for implementing a four-day workweek, including staggered shifts and rotating schedules, ensuring that operations run smoothly without compromising service quality.
       
      The episode, sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, is a treasure trove of practical tips for auto repair shop owners contemplating this transition. Chris emphasizes the importance of developing a customized plan that meticulously balances employee satisfaction with operational efficiency. He discusses the nuances of different implementation strategies, such as ensuring adequate coverage during peak hours and maintaining customer service standards. Additionally, Chris shares real-world examples and success stories from shops that have successfully made the switch, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the potential challenges and rewards.
       
      Listeners will also gain insights into the financial implications of a four-day workweek, including potential cost savings from reduced overhead and increased employee retention. Chris highlights the importance of clear communication with staff throughout the transition process and offers advice on how to gather and incorporate employee feedback to fine-tune the new schedule. By the end of the episode, auto repair shop owners will be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to make an informed decision about whether a four-day workweek is the right fit for their business.
       
      Boosted Employee Morale and Productivity (00:02:19) Shorter workweek leads to increased productivity and higher job satisfaction, improving employee morale and focus. Improved Work-Life Balance (00:03:28) A four-day workweek allows for more family time, hobbies, and rest, reducing burnout and maintaining mental and physical health. Attracting Top Talent (00:04:23) Offering a four-day workweek can attract top talent valuing flexibility and work-life balance, setting the employer apart. Operational Efficiency and Financial Benefits (00:05:32) Streamlining operations, reducing turnover rates, and potential cost savings with a condensed workweek. Structural Approaches to Transitioning to a Four-Day Workweek (00:06:34) Staggered shifts, extended hours, rotating schedules, and seasonal adjustments to implement a four-day workweek.  
       
       
      Connect with Chris:
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
       
      #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
    • A-premium Auto Parts:Buy 2 or More Get 10% OFF wit
    • By carmcapriotto
      NO SHOW NOTES YET!!
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      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
      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.
      In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA at Paar Melis and Associates, discusses the growing trend of owner financing in the auto repair industry. With high interest rates making traditional bank loans less attractive, owner financing offers a viable alternative for both buyers and sellers.
      Evaluating the benefits and risks of owner financing for auto repair shops. Key considerations for sellers, including buyer types and financial stability. The importance of environmental assessments in real estate transactions. Strategies for mitigating risks and ensuring successful deals. Insights into current interest rates and market conditions for owner financing.  
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
       
      Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Get a copy of my Book: Download Here
      Aftermarket Radio Network
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • Similar Tagged Content

  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...