“We fix cars and trucks … all makes and models” is a strategy.
Are you a Euro Specialist? Are you known for high-level diagnostics? Have you ever considered mobile diagnostics? Will you ever create a business plan to become an ADAS calibration center? Ever thought about becoming a fleet specialist? Are you heavily invested in air-conditioning diag and repair? Is it time to change the brand to include the name ‘hybrid specialist’? And do you do alignments, they may be more important than ever. What about a detailing program?
Will someday being a ‘general repair’ service center earn my team and me a great living? How many years do we have as vehicle technology, and the cost of specialty tools and training pass up the general repair shop?
Do you need to equip for all I mentioned in the second paragraph? Probably not. However, this blog is about thinking and knowing that the decisions you make today will affect your business vision and success tomorrow. And tomorrow could mean next year, three years, five years or ten years from now.
This discussion is about opportunity. Creating opportunities for you and your team to zig or zag as you invest in equipment, find talented people, and train on new technology. Look at your customer base and realize they will need you to do some of the above-mentioned repairs.
Don’t be stuck in the mud as you look to prepare your business for the future. Is an ADAS calibration center right for your market? Is a stand-alone new store that specializes in Euro a good move? How will air-conditioning systems be deployed to cool our electric fleet? And does your best and brightest diagnostic technician have all the latest equipment, subscriptions, and training to handle everything that comes your way? Are you so good with diag that other shops come to you for what they cannot repair?
Just some thoughts from the aisle seat for you to ponder. Put your vision hat on and think of positioning your business for tomorrow.
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!
