ncautoshop

*Sorry for the repeat post 😄* Dorman…. Love ‘Em, Hate ‘Em, either way they are a force in our industry! In this episode David and I set down with Lester Kovacs, the Director of Ideation at Dorman. Now let’s be clear, David and I spent the better part of a week attempting to determine the best “way” to have this conversation… You see, plenty of folks are upset with Dorman quality – it’s become a running theme or joke in the social media circles. And there’s also plenty of folks who LOVE Dorman products…In fact a previous episode had a comment letting us know they were unhappy with a joke about Dorman in the episode. But the primary factor in how we approached this episode? Well, it’s simple really – it takes a ton of courage AND true interest in client input to put yourself in the position Lester did… How many of us, as shop owners, would be willing to jump on a podcast with two people who wanted to talk about “your problems”…? So you’ll find that we discussed some of the issues, and worked to find an understanding of “where” the issues come from… It wasn’t a bash fest – In the same respect, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. We talked about good experiences, we talked about bad experiences, and we talked about ways to improve the experience for those using Dorman products. We talked about part failure for a professional shop is embarrassing….it’s not just the fact that it got fixed! It’s bigger than that – it’s our reputation, it’s our livelihood! So tell us (in the comments section), how do you feel about Dorman? Is the quality issue bigger than Dorman? Also….Please considering liking and subscribing to the podcast on your favorite listening app or YouTube! The likes and subscriptions are truly one of the primary reasons we take time out of our lives to do this…it’s because we know it’s valuable to you! To listen on your favorite listening app click here: www.theasogpodcast.com To listen on YouTube click here:

In a few upcoming episodes, we're talking about new access restrictions and what we face as an industry. So let me ask this question - what would your reaction be if you lost the ability to obtain even basic data or perform simple functions like a relearn without VSP credentials?

We all have this idea starting out that owning a business is the same thing as having the keys to the building, turning the lights on, and getting to work....in our case, getting to work fixing cars. But as most of us have figured out by now, it's not what it seems from the outside looking in. In my business, one of the toughest challenges I've faced is creating a culture that I can be proud of. Conveying to our people the WHY behind the what. While it took years to build, a realization I had no clue what my "WHY" was, and a number of missteps - in the past few years the culture of my facility has begun to develop....and in many ways, it develops itself now through the amazing team we have in place. This episode of the podcast is titled "How to keep talent from leaving" but in it's entirety this episode is much more than keeping talent from leaving... It's some of the fundamentals one of the greats of the business, Dwayne Myers, uses daily in his business. I know David and I both gained a ton of knowledge from this chat, so take a listen and let us know your thoughts on culture and going a step above for your staff. It's also worth noting that those of us who are patrons got quite a laugh out of what's become quite a running joke with David - It should be noted that this is the first time David hasn't edited out the jokes about the banner or the beaver...... Speaking of patrons..... We'd love to have you as a patron of the channel. It's the patrons who make the podcast and all of the great offerings within ASOG possible. It's the subscribers and those of you who like or share the podcast that has shown us the hard work is worth it! So if you don't mind, take a few minutes and become a patron! Maybe like and share the podcast? 😁 The podcast can be heard on all major listening apps here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1182755/8089854-asog-podcast-ep-24-how-to-keep-talent-from-leaving-with-dwayne-myers-of-dynamic-automotive It can be viewed on YouTube (Along with ASOG Shorts and AMA's) here: And if you'd like to become a patron (which includes access to the full AMA videos, early releases and live participation in the AMA events) you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/AutoShopOwnersGroup

This week David and I had a chance to sit down with a legitimate celebrity. CEO, Shop Owner, Technician, and YouTube Extraordinaire Carolyn Coquillette. We talked about technician training and whether or not EVs will spell the end of our industry as we currently know it. Want to get a glimpse into the mindset of a CEO? One that started as a tech and became a shop owner before leading a successful software company? Then don't miss this episode! https://www.buzzsprout.com/1182755/8041803-asog-podcast-ep-23-thinking-like-a-ceo-with-carolyn-coquillette You can also find us on YouTube here:

I do like my snap on tools, autel is really looking like a better value right now in my opinion. We end jumping between autel and snap on for most daily task, the autologic drivepro and programming laptops have been a huge lifesaver in many ways too!

Many of us were once techs, but now hold the management role within our facilities - and as much as we'd love to say we're as technically proficient as we once were, the reality is technology is changing SO quickly that it's tough at times to stay on top of it! Scan tools are being released at a dizzying pace, and the features required aren't what they were 5 years ago! In this episode of the ASOG Podcast, David and I talk with Brandon Dills of Jarhead Diagnostics about just that! Brandon shares his scan tool choices and what tool, if he could choose only one, that he would purchase! We also talk some techncian perspective and there's even some dealer perspective in there! Make sure you listen to the whole things, as there's some killer information mixed in 😉 You can listen on your favorite listening app here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1182755/7851337-asog-podcast-ep-21-is-your-shop-under-equipped-with-brandon-dills-of-jarhead-diagnostics There's also a live premiere on YouTube currently! Go and share your opinion with other listeners! Please considering liking, subscribing, sharing, reviewing or commenting on your favorite platform! It really helps us know how to better serve this community! https://youtu.be/J7Wu29AA_FM

Did you know there was an organization working behind the scenes to make sure YOU had the access you needed to properly repair the cars in your shop? An organization which works with the auto manufacturers and the tool companies to help improve the challenges we all face daily? While this organization isn't for shop owners, their efforts directly impact our effectiveness! If you'd like some insider information, and a perspective from someone who truly has the ability to see what's coming this episode of the podcast is for you! In this episode Robert Silverstein and I are joined by Brian Plott of ETI for some much needed perspective! https://www.buzzsprout.com/1182755/7716208-asog-podcast-ep-20-how-do-the-two-connect-with-brian-plott-of-eti Please note that the YouTube channel has month AMA'S from industry recognized professionals! Please consider liking, subscribing and sharing the podcast via your favorite listening app or YouTube! Your efforts with spreading the message of ASOG have continued to grow the group and improve our industry. Each time your share these offerings, it further enables our organization to assist shop owners in need through scholarships, training and on-site support with offerings such as ASOG mastermind!

Thanks for the share brother!

It's that time of year again folks! VisionKC is coming up right around the corner. And that means that the annual ASOG dinner is ramping up its registration efforts! The dinner is open for all to attend, regardless of membership to ASOG and all proceeds go to the ASOG scholarship efforts! ASOG will bring another lucky shop owner with 3 years or less in business to VisionKC. This will be the 3rd scholarship the group has provided, but it certainly won't be the last. We look forward to providing scholarships to events all over the country, and working to ensure scholarship winners are given the tools and paths needed to succeed. Jacob and Lacey Bunyard were last year's winners - when we met Jacob and Lacey things were tough! It wasn't just the business that was suffering, through the suffering of the business, Jacob and Lacey's family...their children were paying the true price. Today, Jacob and Lacey, through the connections and offerings presented at VisionKC have turned the business from a significant liability into a resource which provides a good life for their family. We've also offered scholarships to the greatest automotive show in the south east, ASTE by The Independent Garage Owners Of NC and seen tremendous growth of that shop owner as well. We ask that you, as shop owners, and part of the automotive family join us for dinner. We ask that you support our efforts to improve this industry, even if it's one shop at a time. And most of all, we ask that you join us in continuing to bring unity to shops nationwide, to continue to share a vision of something better for this industry - a higher potential, a better life for owners who haven't been given the opportunity to see there's a better, more profitable way. Isn't it time that we stop seeing each other as competition, but as allies? Please join us for dinner if you are able. Information about the dinner is available at www.asog.site

Who's attending? We will be there with our team! I know there's folks coming from all over the country. I saw that Carm will be there as will Frank Butkus-Leutz. Would love to meet some of you! www.asteshow.com

That was an amazing dinner! We'll have to doit again! Great meeting you guys! Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

We're having a dinner tomorrow night at the 180 room - 7pm if you'd like to join I think there's some openings left Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

We've opted for The 180 Room at 11944 S Strang Line Rd, Olathe, Ks 66062 - we plan on meeting at 7PM. Anyone is welcome, just please let know! Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Your on the ball Gonzo, we moved it to Joe's on Thursday. I'll update the time asap! Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

We've got a big group gathering for dinner at the event, either Wednesday or Thursday night - anyone interested in joining? We've not picked a place yet, working on a head count! Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Well, I'd take some good notes and document what happened. Send the customer and email and leave a voicemail explaining that the initial evaluation is complete and estimate reassembling the car, and completing the no start evaluation once it's reassembled. Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

What about events like vision & aste? We're already paying for everyone's plane tickets, rooms, rental car and a good bit of the food. Not to mention one is taking the following week of the explore KC! Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

As new members of IGONC (independent garage owners association of NC) we have found so many useful benefits and positives of being involved with such a great organizations. One of them being the ASTE event in Cary,NC! The training and expo has been a great resource for us. We learned so much last year, it has literally transformed our business. I just wanted to make sure the members here knew about the event and had the opportunity to research/plan to attend the event! http://asteshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ASTENC/ Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

I think a few lower reviews actually helps by confirming that the reviews aren't fake. Just bury them with good reviews. I'd suggest a campaign asking customers for reviews one week after completion . Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

I've seen more mentions of the forum than I had previously, and the activity here has pretty much been consistent (atleast in the areas I subscribe) since bringing attention to the group. I used to check the group daily, over the last year I can check it weekly and only see an occasional post. This didn't start with the mention of the group in my opinion. That's great Alex! Please let me know and I'll share it in the group. I think if forums are going to survive the Facebook movement it's going to take members actively working the forums. It's one thing to say, nothing is happening here. It's another thing to be posting useful information, sharing it into the groups on facebook and on personal pages, and then say nothing is happening here. If the forum is going to survive it's going to take action from the members to make that happen! That being said, as much as you may not like the idea, it may require webinars and events featuring non-sponsor speakers. I understand why this could be a problem for the paying sponsors, however if there's no activity there's not much use in being a sponsor. Our colleagues in the industry are hungry for interaction and communication with others in the field. But this isn't something that can be forced. It requires influence gained for the greater good, not just for profit. It takes hard work by all involved, for instance one of the key reasons that the facebook group has the growth and activity it does has nothing to do with the platform - It's because Bambi works the group constantly! She's finding speakers, reaching out to shop owners, going to groups where shop owners are present and offering to help and the list goes on and on! Build it and they will come only tells half the story - you need a reason for them to come, value in the experience, presence and a road map so they know where to go. If you want to see more activity here from the group, get a facebook account, join the group and participate! While you can only come to push the group, begin to offer the great advice that was once offered here! Show whats happening here!

I've been working with Rick White over a 180biz for a while now. I'm sure he'd always be willing to help setup a webinar with you guys. Or maybe you could talk to a sponsor about doing one? Rick will be doing some over on the Facebook group in the future, I'd suggest you guys watch and see what type of interaction it gets! It's certainly very neat, and it really gets the industry professionals on a podium on those who aren't able to attend trainings and such. Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

I'll mention that Alex! Mike Bennett did a webinar tonight on emergency car count and seo, it was great! Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

I mention it there from time to time. I will say that Bambi who manages the Facebook group does a very good job managing the group and keeping some of that trouble to a minimum! Facebook groups have a way of exploding from my past experiences however this is the first that's been around this long without those issues. I'll continue to mention the group, but the group needs some activity and happenings to help grow the base. Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk