THA 024: Quality Controls – Why it Matters for Retention & Reputation

Learn from your industry peers in a round-table forum. Get new ideas, perspectives, trends, insights, best-practices and expertise from aftermarket professionals.

Watch like a DOCUMENTARY … Learn like a SEMINAR.

Helping automotive aftermarket professionals improve; one lesson at a time.

Academy Panel:

 

Chris Cloutier Is co-owner of Golden Rule Auto Care in Dallas Texas. He spent many years in the software industry developing solutions for companies like Southwest Airlines, and Wyndham Intl. He’s worked for companies that understood the marriage of service and software, and have applied it in an effective way. Chris has his ASE C1: Automobile Service Consultant Certification Test (C1). He brings the business side to the business and his brother Pat brings the Braun. Chris is also a musician. Hear Chris in episodes 178 and 186.

Frank Scandura from Franks European in Las Vegas, NV started working on cars as a teenager in upstate New York and moved to Las Vegas in 1988.  After years writing service for Mercedes, he opened Frank’s European service in 2001 and grew to a 12,000-square foot, 10 bay shop in the northwest part of Las Vegas, not far from the famous Strip! He has 15 team members and is partnered with his wife Deborah. From his first immersion, in the business, pumping gas at 15 years old in Orange County New York, to writing service at a Mercedes dealer in Las Vegas Frank Scandura shares his business acumen and offers insights and trends on leadership as a business coach. Hear Frank in episode 163.

Joe Hanson is the manager of his father’s business, Gordie’s Garage. Since he can remember he was either sweeping floors, running for parts or working in the shop and for the past 10 years or so managing all the operations. Joe has attended Management Success, NAPA training, Lawrence Tech University and most recently he is a member of the RLO 20 Group 13. He has earned his ASE C1: Automobile Service Consultant Certification.  Under his father’s leadership he has seen what it really takes to make a business like this work. You can hear Joe on the podcast in episodes 177, Academy ‘Resolutions’ episode #2 , episode 226 direct from the ASA Connected Cars and the 200th retrospective.

 Talking points:

  • QC is all about the customer.
  • You cannot manage what you cannot measure.
  • A good QC process brings accountability to your overall processes
  • Your business culture needs to be right to be sure everyone find deficiencies in your processes.
  • Invest in your reputation against any negative ononlineeview.
  • As Toyota does they celebrate when they find deficiencies.
  • It is not about trusting your technicians it is about catching us humans making mistakes and that is OK.
  • There is always time to do QC.
  • Frank’s QC person has a technician background.
  • You build up a bank account of trust with your customer.
  • QC is so important with your first-time customer.
  • Concierge Service: Town Hall Academy: worth the listen HERE.
  • It takes 5 – 7 minutes to walk around the car.
  • It takes 12 – 15 minutes for a drive.
  • Chris C has a 12% QC rate. (Issues they find)
  • Frank QC’s every single car no matter what the work that was done.
  • Most shops do a great job fixing cars. Not good enough anymore.
    • We need to be different and do things above and beyond expectations of the customer.
    • Setting yourself apart. Go above and beyond.
  • Frank suggests a book ‘Checklist Manifesto’ About the medical world.
  • Frank: There is a moral component to treat our customers as family.
    • Give your customer the option to step up or step out of the work that needs to get done.
  • QC can be applied to all areas of the business. Birth to death of ticket.
    • Quality checking the quality of the interaction with the customer.
    • Parts procurement.
    • Vehicle Delivery.
  • QC starts with the leader
    • What level of quality do want to have
  • You have to have a certain level of love in your business entity. The basis in your heart.
  • QC needs a quality process. Get your team involved.
    • Define goals and metrics.
    • Hold your team accountable for the quality level you need to run a reputable business.

Quality Control Worksheet offered by Chris Cloutier HERE.

 

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This episode is brought to you by Jasper Engines & Transmissions. When a car’s engine or transmission fails, it’s not the end of the road. A remanufactured drivetrain product from Jasper Engines & Transmissions will give your car a new lease on life. JASPER has over 2000 Associates, three manufacturing facilities, two distribution centers and 45 branch offices across the country. They’re all working to produce, transport and deliver the perfect product. That’s what they do best… keep customers happy. Visit jasperengines.com

About the author, Carm Capriotto, AAP

Carm is the founder and host of the Remarkable Results Radio Podcast and the pioneer of automotive aftermarket podcasts. Carm calls on his years of experience in the aftermarket to bring engaging stories from his guests.

Listen to raw, unfiltered, honest, and sincere stories that include insights, trends, best practices, and expertise. Each interview brings an opportunity to learn one new thing through the stories of personal achievement. Many podcast guests tell their story of transformation from working in their business to working on it.

As host of over 1,000 episodes, Carm uses his enthusiasm and passion for the aftermarket especially the service sector to take his listeners on a journey showcasing successful service professionals’ paths to Remarkable Results. He also enjoys interviews with aftermarket industry thought leaders who bring their industry perspectives to his listener.

Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast listening app and always listen to learn just one thing!