Joe Marconi

With so much talk these days about the technician shortage, I thought it would be a great idea to share a few recruiting tips that have helped. What tip can you share that you have had great success with?

You did really well with the sale, and a 27% net is amazing too! Selling a transmission business, like other specialized businesses, has challenges that general repairs shops don't. I remember back in the 70s there were muffler shops, radiator shops, speed shops, tune-up shops, electrical shops, brake shops, tire-only shops, wheel alignment & front end shops, and more. Due to the amount of repair work back then, all of these businesses enjoyed a piece of the pie and flourished. Before cars hit 100k (if they lasted that long) it was nearly certain that they would need transmission and/or engine work. Now, it's rare that a specialized business can survive without expanding its services and repair base. I do agree that when it's time to sell, a general repair shop has distinct advantages, especially if you own the land. And one thing is for sure: Start now to show a consistent net profit and year-over-year sales increases. From my experience, buyers look at sales, BUT it's the cash/net profit that is crucial in making a deal.

Charlie, amazing post my friend! Words of Wisdom for sure. The book Profit First should be required reading for any business owner. In fact, for everyone. Thank you for sharing a little of your story. I am sure that many of the shop owners reading it can relate. Myself included!

I find that the majority of shop owners share your work ethic, it's why shop owners are so resilient and never give up, even on the toughest problems. Profitability is an important topic these days, and I totally agree with you. While we can't price fix, we can share pricing on different jobs, perhaps in a survey or a post. Let me work on this. I will also work on a few training modules to help shops calculate their labor rate and pricing structure. Thanks, JimO for the feedback! This is exactly what I am looking for!

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March 31, 2022—President Joe Biden is allocating $1 billion in advance appropriations to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) as part of his $5.8 billion budget proposal for 2023. How are you preparing for the EV future? Training? Shop layout? Tools and equipment? Etc.? Let's share and learn. The link below is an article in ADAPT.

Great comments, when people feel appreciated and treated with respect, it makes a big difference in their attitude toward their job and the company they work for.

There’s a lot of talk these days about finding quality employees. Creating a continuous recruiting process to find and hire quality people is essential for your overall success. However, shop owners also need to consider their existing employees and create a work environment where people feel wanted. The truth is you cannot afford to lose the people you have now, especially if those employees are superstars. Another reality is that with so many shops looking to hire, they may be trying to recruit and hire your employees! To attract and retain employees, shop owners must create an amazing workplace experience. A great pay plan must also be a factor, along with benefits, but it’s not the entire reason why people stay employed with you. The truth is, people don’t quit businesses, they quit their boss or their manager. This is not to say that a pay plan is unimportant. It is, especially these days. However, to get your employees truly engaged and want to continue working at your company requires having a workplace environment where people feel appreciated for the work they do, are encouraged, and have a feeling of shared purpose. This will help anchor your employees to your business and help prevent them from looking over the fence for greener grass. Lastly, get more involved with your employees on a personal level. Find out what matters to them. Find out what their goals are. When you align employee goals with company goals, you are well on your way to having a winning team. You will also create a strong bond with your employees. This strategy will help you retain employees, with a stronger and more profitable business in the long term.

Your concern is valid. I never thought of a sign, however. We always had what I called, the Open Door policy. I would train my advisors to always tell the customer that the estimate I am giving you may change once we begin the repair process. If we encounter any seized bolts, or any other circumstance out of our control, we would discuss any additional charges. I would be curious to see how other shops handle this. Hope this helps. One thing about signs, we need to be careful that they don't send a negative message. But, as I stated, this is a very valid point.

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Being cash strong is so important in business and in life. Budgeting properly will keep you out of debt and help build financial security.

I was a client of Bob Cooper and Elite way back in the mid 1990s, learned a lot and he was also instrumental in my life. To work for Elite now and help others is an honor.

Wow, my situation was very similar. For the first 10 years in business I struggled financially. I had a great business, booked out for two weeks, but no profit. I started attending classes in finance, sales and marketing, and it changed my life. I too read the E Myth by Michael, and I know he was talking directly to me. Once I did figure it out, things got better quickly. I was a tech turned business owner. And it all worked out, but not without a lot of challenges, struggles and set backs. But in the end, no regrets.

Banned? Their loss, our gain!

Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate your great contributions! That's what makes ASO a great resource!

That is amazing! Fun to watch. His first ride on an EV vehicle!

I totally understand the difference. I too have not really retired. In fact, I still work everyday. Not at the same pace, but still work. Everyone has to make the choice that is best for them. What I tell people is to make sure you enjoy life, your family and your friends. Thank you for being a loyal as an ASO member, and looking forward to enhancing Auto Shop Owner. By the way, I am enjoying this new chapter! Thank you again!

Frank, I feel your pain, and what you posted is something I DO NOT miss. I think everyone on Auto Shop Owner has been in your boat too. I know it's easy for me to say this, but here I go: Focus on all your good customers, those that DO value what you do and appreciate the things you do. Do things for the right reasons, and the right people will notice. Don't bring yourself down their level, don't worry about those reviews. Reply to those reviews in a professional manner. You cannot be all things to all people. Take a breath and this too shall pass.

I think it would work, but as you said, it would add the cost of the car. I imagine the engineers already thought of it. It is amazing how they came out the EV without an infrastructure to support it. I wonder how the world was when the first internal combustions engines came of age?

Shop Owners! Come see me at the Elite Invitational this June. You will network with other shop owners from around the country, obtain great information from the customer panels, and from the guest speakers. And, I will be there making a presentation on "How to Identify the Perfect Customer for YOUR Shop" Looking forward to seeing you there! Joe Marconi For more information and to register for the event, click the link below...

Sure, you can email me at [email protected] Thank you! Joe

Thank you for your feedback. It is greatly appreciated. I agree with you that negativity does help our cause. There are many great and honest shop owners and techs and they need to be recognized. I don't know how we can implement a place for customers, but let me kick it around and put in on the list of "To Dos" Thank you again! Joe

I have not heard that. Last summer we ordered filters for our machines, and did not have an issue. But anything is possible these days with the shipping issues we are seeing.

Before I sold my company, I purchased a Robinare. Good unit, good support. You will need to charge. The $550 you paid is not uncommon. Make sure your register it and buy the warranty.

Great information, and detailed! Thanks for sharing!