Joe Marconi

It's hard to judge your entire operation, but from I see you need to hire a quality tech. Adding a lift too will help with production. As far as raising your rates, I feel that too many shops around the country grossly under charge what they are worth. However, you may have a production problem if your husband is wearing too many hats. Make sure you are charging for the little things, such as testing and diagnosing. You really need to sit down and analyze everything, get help through any organizations you are involved with, this forum can help and seek out help other friends in the business.

Back in the 1970’s, the success of the repair shop could be traced directly to three things: General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. Those cars needed a ton of repair work and broke down all the time I remember when a customer would come in asking for an oil change. We would almost laugh at the guy, “Park it out back, I’ll get to it later if I get the chance”, was the standard reply. Today, it’s a different world. When Mrs. Jones asks for an oil change, I urge you to say, “YES, we can do that!” Cars today are built better, don’t require as much maintenance and oil change intervals are ever-increasing. You need to take a proactive approach with every car in your shop. Don’t get tunnel vision and focus only on what the customer brought the car in for. Manage the vehicle’s car care needs. Explain the need for preventive maintenance, scheduled services, and other services such as wheel alignments, tire rotations, filters, etc. And lastly, make sure you inform the customer of their next appointment and book that appointment. Ok, I know what some of you are saying, “My customers don’t know what they are doing in 4 months and that strategy does not work for me.” I hear this all the time. Well, think about this; your dentist books the next appointment, and so does the eye doctor, medical doctor, hair dressers, chimney cleaners, boiler service companies, on and on. The bottom line is this. You can wait for the cars to come to you, and some will. Or you can take a proactive approach and increase those car counts and maximize your sales.

Perhaps the most significant thing in your article (for me at least) is the part about the grumpy old man in the corner of the shop. I have gained a lot of grumpiness over the years, but the experienced learned is priceless. I have pulled my share of rabbits out of the diag hat on many occasions, at the surprise of the young bucks. But it's not the years that count, it's like you state in our article; keep current and don't get left behind. Oh, by the way... I do not even care to learn or try to learn how to reset oil reminder lights!

I am going to use this!

Source: Got a bad apple in your Repair Shop? Remove it!

A shop owner friend called me the other today to complain about one of his technicians. He went on and on about his bad attitude, he comes in late, is always miserable, and brings down the morale of the shop. So I asked him, “Why do you keep him?” He replied, “He’s my best producer” How many times have we heard this story? How many times have you said those exact words? As a shop owner you need to come to terms with the fact that a toxic employee will bring down the entire shop. Making excuses or giving this employee a pass because he’s a great producer is not a valid argument. Eventually, the entire shop will spiral downward. Morale will deteriorate to a point where employees will shut down. In addition, the other employees will begin to question your judgment of people and “your” integrity. You will lose your credibility as owner of the company. When that happens, expect good people to leave. A bad apple will destroy the bunch, and never leave the bushel unless you physically remove it. Once removed, morale will go up and so will production. And don’t be surprised when your other employees come to you and say, “Hey boss, what took you so long?”

Brilliant perspective! And right on point. And, I really like that you used the term "Mechanic" As always, thanks Gonzo for your unique way of looking at things that make perfect sense to all of us!

Harvard University surveys have shown that graduates with goals far exceed those without goals. Goals hold you accountable and keep you on track. Goals will help make you more successful. If you have not done it already, I urge you to sit down soon and write out (yes, write out on paper) your 2017 goals. In addition, plan out the next 3 years, next 5 years and 10 years. Keep your goal document on your desk and review often. And don't forget to put deadlines on those goals. I wish everyone the best in 2017. Success starts with a plan, and a plan starts with clearly define goals.

I recently updated my handbook and had a labor attorney review it. I would strongly recommend shop owners to make a bullet point list of what you want to include in an employee handbook and work with either a labor law attorney or a payroll company to develop the handbook. There are many laws specific to state laws, and federal laws to consider. By the way, I do agree that if you have employees, you need an employee handbook to protect both you and your employees.

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and the very best in 2017! I also want to take this time to thank all of our amazing members for making AutoShopOwner.com the number 1 go-to auto shop business forums website on the planet! Joe Marconi

Sounds like Santa's from my neigborhood in the Bronx.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all also!

With the holidays upon us, here is my important tip... Take time off for yourself, family and friends. Enjoy the holidays and focus on the things in life that matter most. You owe it to yourself and family. The time you take off will pay off in the long run. The business will be there. And a little time off will prove to be one of the best decision you can make!

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. This is a special time of year, and we need to reflect on what we have, rather than focus on any shortcomings. Thank you to all AutoShopOwner members and wishing everyone the very best this holiday season!

Sorry for not following this close enough. To be honest, I had to read this a few times because I found the words upsetting. In all due respect, the majority of shop owners WANT to pay their techs and other employees a decent and honest wage. We, actual shop owners, want to take care of people and keep valued employees. The solutions to adequate pay is not through the formation of a union, but in the success and profitability of the business. And the statement, "Greedy mom and pops shops" is disrespectful to all the hard working, dedicated shop owners throughout this great nation. Those mom and pops put in countless hours, stay late, get in early, give their heart to the community, hold fund raisers, sponsor little leagues, donate to their local church, hardly take a lunch break, take little to no vacation time, come in to work sick and will work on Sundays and holidays if it means taking care of a customer. How do I know all this....This "Pop" has done it for 36 years! In general, shops do not make enough money, in spite of what some may think. But that is a topic for another day. MOST IMPORTANT: Let us all have an open and honest discussion, without the drama and let us be respectful to each other. This site is called AutoShopOwner for a reason, so let us all stick together and not disrespect the business we devote so much of our lives to.

Typically, at the end of the year, tool reps and other sales people will try to sell shops tools and equipment with the pitch to make sure you get all your write-off deductions in by the end of the year. While this tax strategy can reduce your taxable income, thus reducing the amount of taxes you owe, you need to discuss any purchase with the purpose of using it as a write-off with a qualified accountant first. Reducing taxable income through ligament write-off deductions can in many cases also reduce your cash reserve. Cash is king and sometimes paying taxes and maintaining cash reserve is the smarter decision. Everyone wants to reduce their business and personal income tax. But, please discuss with your accountant any purchase that may impact cash reserve. Obviously, if you need a particular tool or equipment to operate your business, that’s different.

On Sunday morning December 7, 1941 America's naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was attacked by aircraft and submarines of the Imperial Japanese Navy, killing 2,403 American military personnel and civilians and injuring 1,178 others. The attack sank four U.S. Navy battleships and damaged four more. It also damaged or sank three cruisers, three destroyers, and one mine-layer. Aircraft losses were 188 destroyed and 159 damaged. The day after the attack, the United States declared war on Japan and entered World War II. President Franklin Roosevelt, in a speech to Congress, stated that the bombing of Pearl Harbor is "A date which will live in infamy." "There are some things that we must never forget, the attack on Pear Harbor is one of them" , President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Too many shop owners go into hire-crisis mode when they lose an employee. With no real plan, you ask everyone you know, put ads out, and research online sources. But all too often, you end up hiring the wrong person. Why? Desperation. You need to fill a position with someone. Hiring is perhaps one of the most important aspects of running a business. You need to hire right, and that means taking your time, interview as many candidates as possible and look for reasons not to hire as much as reasons to hire someone. ​You also need a plan before you lose an employee. You need to adopt the strategy of recruiting. Constantly look for the top talent in your area and build your pipeline. Connect with this top talent and create a contact list. Maintain a relationship. ​With this strategy, when the time comes when you lose an employee, you will be in a better position to fill that spot with the right person.

Classic Gonzo! Thanks for posting this!

This is breaking news about the new overtime regulation that was supposed to go into effect December 1st. Shop Owners, you need to read this. The link is below. http://www.ratchetandwrench.com/RatchetWrench/November-2016/Judge-Halts-Overtime-Regulations/?utm_source=KnowledgeMarketing&utm_medium=RW%20-%20Newsletter%20Emails&utm_term=RW%20-%20RW%20Insider&utm_content=RW_TheRWInsider_11.30.16&utm_campaign=Judge%20Stalls%20Overtime%20Regulations&eid=211700044&bid=1600848

Thank you! Please see my post under Announcements. Happy Thanksgiving!

I want to take this time at Thanksgiving to say thank you to all AutoShopOwner members. We have a lot to be thankful for and ASO would not be the great sucess if it were not for all the amazing members and the contributions you make to the forums. From the very start of the ASO, the goal was to raise the level of the auto repair industry and to help each other through the day today operations of running a repair shop. We have done that a more! And there is more to come in the future! From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! Joe Marconi

Thanksgiving is around the corner, and that means that the winter months are not far behind. For many shops, this means a slow down due to weather and the usual bills that come with winter. Combine that we the fact that consumers are usually less willing to spend during the winter, adds up to a potential slow down in sales. But, you can be proactive and maximize your efforts. Here's quick list of things you can do below, and please feel free to add any of your own ideas: Be proactive at car delivery and make sure you identify at least two future services per vehicle Perform the multipoint inspection on all vehicles and maximize sales for today and make those recommendations for the near future. Make sure that the customer experience was nothing short of world class - give your customers reasons to return to you Consider a mid-winter promo, such as an oil service with a tire rotation, 21 point inspection, winter safety check, perhaps a fuel and oil additive. NOTE: while I am not a fan of a discount Oil Change, I do like promotions. They convey value and pre-qualify those people only looking for a cheap oil change You could sent the promo to your existing customers and/or obtain a mailing list Create a slow day process your team steps up their game Don't get tunnel vision and only focus on what the customer brought the car in for, look for opportunity Remember, every car in your shop today needs future services and repairs. The question is; will they be returning to you? Please feel free to add your suggestions. I know we would all appreciate it!