Carman Cappriotto, Author at Remarkable Results Radio

THA 147: Overcoming Debt

Carman Cappriotto — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 10:14:00 +0000

The Panel:

Kim Walker from Shop Marketing Pros is a social media expert. Kim’s experience includes a school counselor and teacher. Her husband Brian, started his own shop while he was a Mercedes technician in North Carolina. Then asked Kim to leave her school job and join his service business. Then for specific reasons left to go back home to Louisiana. It was almost destiny that they engaged with Shop Marketing Pros. As a former shop owner, Kim’s advice and expertise on social media is perfectly matched because she’s been there and done that.

She is on the Car Care Council’s Women’s Board, an ATI and Management Success Graduate, and their shop was a Motor Age Top Shop winner two years in a row. Their shop experience is without question, so when she talks about social media as it relates to the automotive service professional, she has the experience that matters. Look for Kim’s other episodes HERE.

Tom Lambert, owner of Shadetree Automotive. Tom Lambert got his start right at home. His dad and uncles always had projects going on in the home garage. During the summer vacation, his dad would have Tom remove engines from the vehicles that were being sent to the local machine shop for rebuilding.

In the past three and a half years, Tom and his dad have made strategic adjustments in the business. They are now a $2.5 million dollar a year shop with 10% annual growth and profitability. They continue to improve every day. Tom says he has the best team and a strong culture. In January 2017 Tom bought his dad completely out of the business.

Tom struggled for many years because he had lost his passion for the auto industry. After receiving all the guidance and coaching over the past few years, he is rejuvenated and has more passion than ever and is currently doing everything he can to pay it forward to other local shop owners. Tom’s previous episodes HERE.

AJ Nealey got the mechanical bug at a young age playing with Legos. The bug quickly escalated to wrenching on his own car in high school, to his first full-time job as a technician and also to a racing career.

He started Nealey Auto Service, Edgewater, MD, out of his one bay garage in 2011 after his racing career came to an end. After he married his wife, Stephanie, in 2014. AJ and Stephanie decided to focus all energy and resources to grow Nealey Auto Service. It all started with taking RLO Training’s Guerilla Shop Management course. Since then, they have grown to a 9 bay facility with 8 employees and have increased sales a total of 1172% since then. Listen to AJ’s previous episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points:

Allow your story to be your story. No shame.
Understand your problem and admit it
Don’t get behind on taxes.
Debt Snowball – Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University
Make the hard decisions. Downsizing may be a gift.
There is always a way out. It might not be the most pleasant.
Really know your financial numbers
Really know the difference between your management numbers and your ownership numbers (understand the balance sheet)
Goal setting around $$ in the bank and debt reduction rather than income.
You can get into debt because of the lack of clear goals and plans.
Be sure you have a good CPA
Have a smart board of directors. For many in the industry, their 20 group serves this purpose of accountability and comparison
Why did you get into debt in the first place?
“Profit First” banking as a tool to help with debt reduction
Proper forecasting is crucial with good/better/best scenarios
Increased sales can help your expense issues if you are controlling your expenses Increased revenue will still not always fix an expense issue…but only enhance it. Don’t spend the increased gross margin dollars
We tend to spend money we have available but is allocated to other obligations especially if all the monies are in one bank account
Sometimes we need to make lifestyle changes that fix our bad habits
Just because you have a business doesn’t allow you to swipe your credit card anytime you want
Shop owners need to remember to be nice to themselves. Quit pricing not to be profitable.
Some of your fires may not be fires if you put some thought to it.

Resources:

A special thanks to Kim Walker, Tom Lambert, and AJ Nealy for their contribution to the aftermarket.
Books Page HERE
Leave me an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one of them.

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This episode is brought to you by Shop-Ware Shop Management. It’s time to run your business at its fullest potential with the industry’s leading technology. Shop-Ware Shop Management will increase your efficiency with lightning-fast workflows, help your staff capture more sales every day, and create very happy customers who promote your business. Shops running Shop-Ware have More Time and generate More Profit—join them! Schedule a free live demonstration and find out how 30 minutes can transform your shop at shop-ware.com

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 re-manufactured drive-train 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

RR 200: 200th Episode Retrospecitive

Carman Cappriotto — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 09:00:00 +0000

The 200^th episode is a milestone. I had envisioned, it but it was so sweet when it got here. I’m humbled for the mounting support for the podcast and frankly could not have provided the aftermarket this huge resource without the guests that have come on the show and shared their story and their passion; from service professionals to industry leaders, trainers, coaches, industry execs, et al.

Keep in mind you can listen, audio only, right here on the website, on the FREE podcast APP, on iTunes, Google Play and iHeart Radio. The video is also available right here on the site or on my You Tube channel.

Joining me on the retrospective are 10 podcast alumni who discussed a plethora of subjects with a focus on what transpired with the podcast in the past last year. We also got into some top industry topics.

I know how much the podcast is valued in the industry, but to hear from these respected peers shows how it has impacted many lives.

You know I care about building a stronger aftermarket; to fundamentally transfer the way professionals think about their success by putting it out there in a most transparent way. So enjoy the behind the scenes moments, the nice accolades sent our way and to the camaraderie that transpired during this fun and inspiring episode.

Joining me on the show:

Bob Greenwood Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Center, Episodes 40 and the Town Hall on Succession Planning Shari Pheasant Horsepower Strategies, Episode 68 Bill Nalu Interstate Auto Care, Madison Heights, MI, Episodes 39, 69, 100, 118 and Town Hall Resolutions 2017 Bill Haas NACAT and Haas Performance Consulting, Episide 106 Matt Fanslow Shop Manager and Diagnostician, Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN, Episode 122, 146 and Town Hall Best Conferences to Attend 2017 Barry Barrett Director of Training at RLO, Episode 130, Town Hall Resolutions 2017, Town Hall Great Traits of a Service Advisor John Eppstein John’s Automotive Care, San Diego, CA, Episode 119 and Town Hall Resolutions and Town Hall Qualities of a Service Advisor Joe Hanson Gordies Garage, Madison Heights, MI, Episide 177 Jeremy O’Neal President of Advisor Fix, Episode 124 and 178 on the Digital Sales Process Tristan Realubit Realhouse Automotive, Westmount, IL, Episode 179

Episode Topics that have Creamed to the Top

Business Culture
Customer Service
Technician Shortage
Technician Training
Technology: Vehicles, Autonomous Cars
Digital Vehicle Inspections
Processes and Systems Win Wars
Service Advisor Training
Overcoming obstacles

Podcasts by category (multiples may be listed)

Coaching – Advice – Leadership Series (18)
Entrepreneur Series (99)
Face To Face Series (10)
Industry Thought Leaders Series (43)
Industry Women Series (28)
Married Partners: A Wife’s Perspective (2)
MSO: Multi Shop Owner Series (13)
ON-POINT Series (75)
Support Services Series (9)
Technician Talk (9)
Technology Series (15)
Training/Future Technicians Series (31)

New since the 100th episode is the Town Hall LIVE Forum. Broadcast live very Friday at 12 Noon Eastern on Facebook Live. A powerful weekly discussion on a single industry topic with a panel of experts.

In late 2016 we released our own podcast APP. Get it at your APP store. Search for Remarkable Results Radio

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:

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This episode is brought to you by Federal-Mogul Motorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake, Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust. For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at fmmotorparts.com and fmgaragegurus.com

RR 190: The Potential Of Potential – Leadership Round Table

Carman Cappriotto — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 09:00:00 +0000

I’ve assembled a power panel of aftermarket leaders to discuss ‘The Potential of Potential’. Each has continued to realize their own potential, as their careers have taken on a sharp trajectory.

Pictured above: John Passante, Donna Wagner and Larry Pavey.

Key Talking Points:

Find a job you want and find a mentor to help you develop your potential and make it your career.
The pursuit of one’s potential is keeping the fire in your belly stoked.
Passion brings out potential.
Be the person you want to be.
Listen without judgement. Listening should become a skill.
Admit what you don’t know.
Create an environment where people aren’t afraid to fail.
Empower your people to make decisions, ask questions, be willing to listen and trust and pick them up when they fall down.
A culture of learning is critical to personal nurturing or improvement
Find your purpose.
You can’t steal second unless you take your foot off first.
Make potential a priority and a passion at your next staff meeting.
You need the right attitude to build your potential.

Esteemed panel:

John Passante is a legacy automotive aftermarket Human Resource leader and the President and CEO of The Organizational Development Group. He’s worked with and for some of the biggest names in our industry including Monroe/Tenneco, Delphi, Moog and Car Quest.

I’ve seen John speak at many events and he always ignites the spirit of self-development and leadership.

John works with many aftermarket organizations to increase its effectiveness by better utilizing their human capital to implement change initiatives including: Management Development, Leadership Development, Personal Development, and Team Development among others.

Donna Wagner is currently Chair of the Aftermarket Management Program and Professor at Northwood University. In her 25 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket, Donna Wagner worked for Tenneco, Wells Manufacturing and The Marx Group. She also worked for Gelia Marketing Communications Agency and The Car Care Council in various roles of increasing responsibility concluding with her tenure as president of the Council when it became part of the Auto Care Association.

Larry Pavey serves as president of the Federated Auto Group and CEO of The Automotive Parts Services Group, a joint venture between National PRONTO Association and Federated.

He has been active in many industry associations, serving on the boards of ASE, AAPA, MEMA, AAIA (now the Auto Care Association) and the AWDA Board of Governors. Larry was presented with the Martin Fromm Lifetime Achievement Award by the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) in 2016.

He has spent his entire career in the automotive aftermarket, starting in sales at Walker Manufacturing, then on to the BWD division of Echlin. He served as vice president of marketing for Borg Warner, Niehoff and Whitaker brands. Larry served as president of Echlin’s North American Operations and then president of Dana’s Under Vehicle Group.

Many great and powerful insights pulled together for the common theme about finding and growing your potential …. And the responsibilities of leaders to find the potential in the people they lead.

Quote: “If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” Thomas Edison

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RR 174: All Women Panel from Pittsburg State Univ-Seniors in Automotive Technology

Carman Cappriotto — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 08:15:00 +0000

Meet Haley Huddleston, Hallee Murphy, and RandiJo Blackman. (above). They are seniors at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. They are smart, confident and ready to graduate and join the automotive industry (see their bios below).

Understand why we need to get involved in automotive education.

We talk all the time about industry technician shortages and needing to become engaged with our education system. This interview will help solidify why you need to get involved but even more, show you that these programs produce great talent.

Familiar story lines.

Hallee, RandiJo and Haley open up with great discussions on:

Millennials
Their favorite classes
What was their driving force to get into automotive
Ride sharing
Autonomous cars
Career opportunities
Why four-year college programs are the ticket
Their favorite classes.

All of that and more packed into this episode available through the audio only podcast or our video round table ‘Face To Face’. If you want to keep up with education and millennials this is a perfect investment of your time.

They let their heart and passion guide them.

I’m very proud of Hallee, RandiJo and Haley for coming on the show and sharing their story on their path to the automotive technology program and how they look at their opportunities in the industry.

What’s next.

After graduation two have job offers and one is going on to grad school.

Hallee Murphy

Hallee Murphy

Hallee Murphy is an Automotive Mechanical Design major with a Manufacturing minor. Her interest in Automotive started when her father got Hallee involved with dirt track racing. She did some work with the cars and did some driving. Pittsburg state was an amazing opportunity for her and allowed exploration of all the options available to her in the automotive industry. She came into this program thinking that she would learn more about cars; and she did! Hallee has had the chance to intern with GM in the Flint and Detroit areas and Toyota in California. She is set to graduate in December and has accepted an offer from Toyota Motor Sales to start in their Automotive Technical Trainee program.

Haley Huddleston

Haley Huddleston

Haley Huddleston is from Kansas City, Kansas. Her pre-college education was at Turner High School where she was in the color guard and in the high school’s auto tech program. Her auto tech teacher helped Haley find Pitt State; he went to Pitt State as well.

Her grandfather was a big influence in her life. He was a mechanic for over forty years that inspired her interest to work in the automotive industry. He is retired now, but still hasn’t quit working on his cars. He is restoring three 1967 Impalas.

This past summer Haley had an internship with Bridgestone. She has a full time opportunity with them after she graduates from college in May of 2017.

RandiJo Blackman

RandiJo Blackman

RandiJo Blackman is a senior at Pittsburg State University. She is studying Automotive Technology with a dual emphasis in Service Management, Marketing, Collision and Insurance. RandiJo is President of the school’s SAE Baja team, as well as being an active member of their chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). After graduation, her plan is to continue her studies at Pittsburg State University and pursue a Masters in Workforce Learning. She aspires to teach workers new skills to help improve their job performance, allowing them to be more confident in their abilities and making them look forward to going to work every day.

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RR 172: Giuliano Zuccato, Clay Sculptor – 1964 Mustang

Carman Cappriotto — Thu, 24 Nov 2016 09:00:00 +0000

For Giuliano Zuccato, a native of Italy, it was a serendipitous path from a river-powered sawmill near Venice where he cut raw timber for the locals, to the pristine design studio of the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan.

Fate.

Shortly after leaving his country to seek a better future, he contracted a rare form of tuberculosis that put him in a full body

cast for 18 months. As he lay imprisoned by his cast, able to only move his arms and almost bored to the point of insanity, he began to carve the shape of a human face on a bar of soap.

His Craft.

He then further developed his new-found talent by using clay as his medium. His work was brought to the attention of a local newspaper and, as a result, a patron/reader suggested that he look at car design as a way to make a living.

The Story.

Giuliano had the opportunity to work in the Ford Design Studio at the time the seeds of the iconic 1964 Mustang was to be born. Giuliano brought his gift as a clay sculptor to help shape the look of the original ‘pony car’. Giuliano brings you inside the design studio, his memories of Henry Ford II, Lee Iacocca, and other project leaders, designers and sketch artists. It was a team effort and you will get a sense of how it all came together.

The Process.

Listen to Giuliano speak to the talent of the sculptors as they took the engineering drawings and design sketches, created in two dimensions, and turned them into a three-dimensional model.

He references:

The code name of the project.
Joe Oros: Chief Designer.
Gale Halderman (Theme Designer)
The car platform Ford used as the base for the 1964 Mustang.
How he got his job at the Ford Design Center.
The use of hot clay in the process.
The GT40.
That he is a very musical person, enjoying opera in his own music room.
His idea of materializing concept vehicles by the use of computer data and liquid polymer and ultraviolet light, he named the idea ‘Liquid to Solid’.

Motor Press Guild Best Audio 2017

‘Where the spirit is young there is no calendar’ Giuliano Zuccato

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Sculpting & Music.

Zuccato retired from the Ford Motor Co. in 1988 as a master sculptor after 31 years of service. In the following years, he owned and operated a successful automotive development business. He now devotes a great deal of time to sculpting portraiture and his love for Opera.

Future Plans.

Giuliano also discusses his current plans to create a road rally on Route 66 and stopping at VA hospitals along the way sharing his story of ‘Overcoming Obstacles’. He also has a dream to recreate a clay model of the Mustang in a movie on his life.

There is no slowing down this 84-year young automotive hero. Enjoy the story about one of America’s most iconic automobiles and one of the sculptors who helped it take shape.

The sketch was given to Giuliano at a recent speech he made.

Horse of Destiny Foundation

RR 243: Giuliano Zuccato – Chrysler Crossfire & Horse of Destiny Foundatiom

Tedx Talk

Listen to the episode on the Chrysler Crossfire and the Horse of Destiny Foundation

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:

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RR 155: Social Media Strategy with Greg Buckley & Frank Leutz

Carman Cappriotto — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 07:00:00 +0000

Social Media is a hot topic today. Many service professionals want to know how to improve their digital presence. Many just need to get started. If you want to affirm what your current strategy is, listen to these two service professional entrepreneurs, who do a great job with social media. Their passion shows through on this round-table discussion.

This is an extended interview; packed with great information and experiences. You can listen to the audio (above) or the Face To Face video (below); you choose.

•Live Streaming is here to stay.

•Email open rates.

•The concept of ‘Always Be Communicating’.

•Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

•Re-purposing content.

•You don’t need a lot of flash to have a great campaign.

•Attack parts in your SEO. Think how a person would search for a vehicle problem.

•How to stay relevant and be an influencer in your marketplace.

•Always be connecting.

•Have a multi-pronged approach to your marketing.

•Record your car care clinics for re-purposing.

•Conventional marketing is still important.

The panel:

Frank Luetz from Desert Car Care in Chandler, AZ

Frank was featured in episode 25 and is very active in his community. Besides his live streaming, Frank has a weekly radio ‘call in show’ called ‘Wrench Nation’. In Frank’s marketing strategy he also does email marketing, TV, radio and billboards. Frank also does a video feature called ‘Inside the Garage’ where he discusses vehicle failures and cures. Desert Car Care has been recognized as the 2016 Small Business of the Year from the Chandler Chamber along with these other honors:

2015 2016 Ranking Arizona Top 10 Auto Repair
2012 2013 Angies List Super Service Award
2013 BBB Ethics Award Nominee
2012 Phoenix Business Journal Best Places To Work Winner

Greg Buckley from Buckley’s Auto Care in Wilmington, DE has been featured, on the podcast, in Episodes, 19, 54, 60 and 100. He started YouTube video’s six years ago when the concept of YouTube video’s was just a fleeting thought. One of his earliest video’s has had nearly 80K views.

Greg was an early adopter of Facebook LIVE and is a monthly instructor for ATI in a class called ‘Always Be Marketing’. Greg was recently featured on the cover of AutoInc Magazine recognizing the 60^th Anniversary of Buckley’s Auto Care.

Desert Car Care website here.

Wrench Nation TV here.

Contact Frank here.

Buckley’s Auto Care website here.

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:

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RR 125: Succession Planning Round-Table

Carman Cappriotto — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 07:00:00 +0000

Succession planning is a hot topic especially for baby boomer shop owners and for the aspiring entrepreneur who is looking to purchase a successful shop. There is much to consider to prepare the business for the next generation or to find a qualified internal or external buyer. This episode covers a lot of ground to include the experiences of our guests. Listen to an expert, a shop owner who has completed his succession plan and a CFO who is working on a third generation succession plan.

Like all panel discussions this is an extended interview; packed with great information and experiences. You can listen to the audio only or the Face To Face video; you choose.

Why Listen?

Find out why it is important to build a perpetual business, one that succeeds yourself and can run without you. Bob Ward says this strategy takes the stress out of the future and must be in place if ever a tragedy occurs or when it is time to sell.

Learn that having pristine financial statements is important; if you are selling or not.

Learn how much weight a buyer puts on stability and experience in your team.

Trust between members of the facilitation team, the buyers and sellers is critically important.

Our panel:

Joe Sevart from I70 Auto Service in Kansas City, MO, received a very high honor from NAPA in 2014 as their NAPA/ASE Technician of the year. He is the Kansas City ASA Chapter president and was an ASA Top Shop in 2010. Joe is proud to say he is a techie-geek. I70 is a 7 bay, 6 lift facility. Listen to Joe in his own episode 50 and in a Technician Mentoring round table episode 93.

Bob Ward – President, Wardden LLC, started at the bottom, like most business owners. Bob Ward began his business career at a franchised car dealership, overcoming obstacles to learn and earn the required skills to become Controller, General Manager and then, minority owner of Tacoma Dodge in Washington. A native of Seattle, Bob serves as a financial adviser and consultant to small business owners throughout the United States. He believes that your business should always be ready for expansion or sale, you should get paid for what you’ve built and, when you decide to leave it, your company should continue to prosper. Bob has a great e-book available on his website titled ‘Perpetual Business Guide’. It is well worth the read and to best understand the principles that Bob speaks about in this episode. Wardden LLC Website

Besides growing up in the family business Judy Zimmerman Walter is co-owner with her uncles and the CFO of, this 57-year young service business. Zimmerman’s Automotive, Mechanicsburg, PA is a true blue ‘family enterprise’ with 12 out of a team of 29 team members that are ‘In The Family’. Zimmerman’s is a top automotive repair facility along with a quick lube and a used car division.Among her involvement: Women’s Board of the Car Care Council, Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of PA, and the Auto Care Association (Listen to Judy in her own episode 15 and 74 on catering to the female customer.

Here are a few stats on succession within a family business:

88% of current family business owners believe the same family or families will control their business in five years.

Succession statistics undermine this belief. According to The Family Firm Institute, only about 30% of family and businesses survive into the second generation, 12% are still viable into the third generation, and only about 3% of all family businesses operate into the fourth generation or beyond. There is a disconnect between the optimistic belief of today’s family business owners and the reality of the massive failure of family companies to survive through the generations. Research indicates that failures can essentially be traced to one factor: an unfortunate lack of family business succession planning.

RR 100: 100th Episode Retrospective

Carman Cappriotto — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 07:00:00 +0000

We’ll I believe you are in for a treat. A kind of behind the scenes of the last 100 episodes and some engaging talk on a few hot industry topics with my invited guests Jerry Kezhaya, Greg Buckley and Bill Nalu. I also invited all former guests, I call my alumni, to join in using the BLAB platform. I thank all Alumni who joined-in on this special episode and contributed their comments and input on the show and the industry.

Warning: You do not need to be a show alumnus to enjoy this episode and walk away with your own special take-a-ways. Yes we had a sort of celebration and behind the scenes look into the creation of the podcast however we didn’t hesitate to talk ‘shop’!

You can watch the video of our ‘celebration’ or listen to the audio … your choice.

I want to thank you my listener for putting the podcast on the map and every guest that has so generously shared their wisdom and expertise along with their passion for this great industry.

Why Listen?

I share my purpose for creating and producing the premier automotive aftermarket podcast that brings industry wisdom, twice a week, to a medium that has an estimated 57 million engagements every month.

Catch the engaging banter between my guests on subjects like labor rates, the connected car, technician licensing, association membership and new blood coming into the industry.

Understand the value the podcast is bringing to the industry and share in the fun with my guests.

Joining me are:

Greg Buckley from Buckley form Buckley’s Auto Care in Willington Delaware. Catch Greg in episodes 19, 54 and 60.
Jerry Kezhaya from The Auto Shop in Plano, TX. Enjoy Jerry’s perspective in the industry in episode 35 and 69.
Bill Nalu form Interstate Auto Care in Madison Heights, MI our resident philosopher in episodes 39 and 69.

As of the 100^th episode here are a few stats to outline the scope and value of the content that has been produced:

Service Professional Entrepreneur Interviews: 50
ON-POINT (aftermarket professional interviews): 38
Face-To-Face (Video Round Tables): 11
Specific Categories or genre’s: (Many above type interviews can be in multiple categories below)
Industry Thought Leaders: 25
Coaching-Advice-Leadership: 9
Industry Women Series: 19
Industry Thought Leaders: 25
Technology: 10
Support Services: 5
Training/Future Technicians: 15
Coaching/Advice/Leadership: 9
MSO: Multi-Shop Owners: 7

When I think back to what were the strongest messages that has creamed to the top in the last 100 episodes, and not necessarily in any particular order, are:

Customer service is it!
Put your people first.
Processes are ridiculously critical and win wars.
Training is a sustainable competitive advantage. Both technician, service writer and business management.
Culture Rules!
Have Fun!
Network to expand your knowledge.
Run toward technology.

This episode is the longest I’ve ever done. If you can listen in one sitting that is great however if you can’t don’t miss a minute. Go back and watch or listen to the entire celebration episode. As all episodes of the Remarkable Results Radio Podcast you will glean a few new ideas or learn just one new thing.

I want to share an email from Bill Nalu, who has become a friend and who was an on camera guest. He sent this email the day after we recorded the episode. I think it goes to show the value of building a resilient industry and the power of working together to make us ‘aftermarket strong’.

Once upon a lifetime ago, life had placed before me an opportunity to join a men’s group at our church and I hesitantly took it. I walked into the room in need of answers, on the way to realizing that some questions are more life-filling in the asking, than the answers that I was looking for. Thousands of hours of mentorship later and millions of happy tears in the rear view mirror, I am reminded by the importance of such fellowship and my soul’s necessity to seek it and to demonstrate it. Monday night was just such a night for me. Thank you!

To each of you great men; Thank you for indulging me on these rants. Thank you for your courage to lead this industry to its next stop. Thank you for being such great role models to this 51-year-old who has found his industry second-wind for this umpteenth time.

Love and respect,

Bill

Bill’s email is just an example of how the Remarkable Results Radio Podcast has brought people and thinking together toward a stronger aftermarket. Thank you, my listener, for your support. And now on to the next 100!

This episode is brought to you by Federal-Mogul Motorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake,

Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust. For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at fmmotorparts.com and fmgaragegurus.com

RR 093: Technician Mentor/Apprentice

Carman Cappriotto — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Prepare yourself for a very powerful discussion on growing your own technicians. In light of the technician shortage, this episode shows a pathway to build your own bench. Get a ton of great ideas and resources to help you stem the technician shortage.

There are two ways to enjoy this round table discussion. You can watch the video replay below or listen to the audio only podcast when you are traveling, commuting or when you can’t be in front of a screen. The podcast is available on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and of course listen above.

Learn about:

A new new apprentice mentoring guide and why there is a push to formalize one. (see link below)

The very unique program from American Skilled Labor Association (ASLA) from shop owner Mike Davidson with US Labor department reimbursement. (same link below)

Structuring comp programs for apprentice and mentor.

Involving your team on deciding on an apprentice candidate.

Why company culture is critical to anyone who joins your company.

How to write better want ads.

The episode is jammed with enduring ideas to help your business grow and prosper as the technician shortage looms for many shop owners today.

Your panel is:

Mike Davidson from Parkway Automotive in Little Rock, Arkansas and the President of ASLA. Mike is an AMI graduate, an ASE Master Technician. Mike tells all about his great business in episode 52, really worth the listen! Because he talks about his hiring program called ‘hiring for keeps’. Learn how it made a huge impact on his hiring methods and practice. Mike was also part of episode 73.
Bogi Lateiner from 180º Automotive in Phoenix, AZ. As the pieces of her career came together, she began to see that her passion was not simply to fix cars, but to empower others to fix cars – women especially. Bogi also does business coaching, holds car-care classes for women, speaks on a wide range of subjects and is working on the 5^th season as one of the 3-girl crew on the Velocity Channel show … All Girls Garage. (Bogi was featured in Episode 27 and 74)
Joe Sevart from I70 Auto Service in Kansas City, MO, received a very high honor from NAPA in 2014 as their NAPA/ASE Technician of the. He is the Kansas City ASA Chapter president and was an ASA Top Shop in 2010. By his own words he is a techie-geek. I70 is a 7 bay, 6 lift facility. Listen to Joe in his own episode 50.

www.skilledlaborus.com : At Skilled Labor US or ASLA American Skilled Labor Association you can get an Apprentice Program Guide and a Mentor Requirements guide. Learn all about ASLA and how this program can help support a strong Mentor/Apprentice program in your shop.

“Great mentors teach. They encourage. They share. They enlighten. And they share with you their wisdom and their laughter so that when it seeps into the deepest depths of your soul, you learn”. Jeffery Gitomer

RR 090: Technician Training Round-Table Part 2

Carman Cappriotto — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 02:39:00 +0000

In a continuing series on Technician training welcome to part two of a Face To Face Video Podcast.

Professional automotive trainers G Jerry Truglia from ATTS, Pete Meier from Motor Age and Pierre Respaut in a great dialogue about technician training. See their bios below.

What’s in it for you?

Listen to what the pro’s are saying about the state of technician training today and what to do about it.

Understand why on-going training is the #1 critical need for techs today.

Learn why the industry needs manufacturer support for affordable training.

Realize the value for having a strong training culture.

Appreciate why basic electrical knowledge is critical if you want to repair today’s vehicles.

Learn how TST was able to divert funds from manufactures to reduce the cost of the 13^th annual ‘Big Event’ Training in March 2016.

Go to YouTube and view.

When these three amigos get together to talk ‘shop’ it makes for a fun and exciting episode with even a few belly laughs. Don’t forget you can catch the audio only and/or the video replay, whichever you prefer. Now here we go with Technician Training Part 2 and G Jerry Truglia, Pete Meier and Pierre Respaut.

You know G Jerry Truglia. He’s a You Tube Training guru and well known for his automotive training through his company ATTS: Automotive Technician Training Services. G’s training covers a wide range of subject from hybrid vehicles, electricity, to Heavy Duty Truck repair. G is also a very proud founding member of the non-for profit Technician Service Training group (TST). TST is a 501(c)(3) educational not-for-profit and is devoted to the following since its inception. And there is an important annual event coming up in March 2016 we will talk about. (Episode 70)

Pete Meier. You know Pete as the Director of Training for UBM Advanstar Automotive Group of publications. Specifically, … you’ve read Pete in either Motor Age, ABRN, Aftermarket Business World or Dealer News. His primary goal is to bring working technicians the information they need to succeed. Pete is an ASE certified Master Technician and sponsoring member of iATN. Pete pulls on his 35 PLUS year’s practical experience as a technician and educator. (Episode 36 & 59)

You know Pierre Respaut because he recently provided training for Bosch and his involvement in various capacities, with STS, TST, the Bmmer tech and support groups. He has almost 50yrs in the automotive business having worked at BMW, Ferarri and VW dealerships. I owned “Ultimate Cars”, a BMW repair shop for 30 yrs.

Watch Video Replay Below

ATTS Training

TST Training

RR 083: Behind Scenes of Connect Car: Part 2 – What did we learn from CES 2016?

Carman Cappriotto — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 06:25:00 +0000

To say you are in for a deep and powerful discussion about the connect car is an understatement. This PART 2 not just a sequel but a new and exciting dialog as a result of the Consumer Electronics Show 2016. Your panel consists of four very ‘connected’ individuals as it related to the connected car. With vehicle technology a big part of the Consumer Electronics Show in early 2016, it demonstrates the importance and value of this open dialogue

Why Listen?

As an aftermarket professionals it’s important to be in the discussion on the future of technology, security, operating systems and connectivity that will shape automotive repair today and as the future unfolds.

Listen for discussions on gesture based technology, the future of the OBDII port, security, OTA updates, hacking, how Block Chain may figure into ethicasy of ownership and where the smartphone figures in for connectivity.

Listen for the talk about GM’s $500M investment in Lyft and how the new BOLT may become a key component of car sharing in something called Vehicle Persona because in NYC it takes 20% of your drive time to find a parking spot.

Click below to listen to the audio only version.

Click play button below to watch the Face-To-Face panel discussion:

Your Panel:

Roger Lanctot

As Associate Director, Global Automotive Practice for Strategy Analytics, Roger Lanctot has a powerful voice in the definition of future trends in automotive safety, power-train, and infotainment systems. Roger draws on 25 years’ experience in the technology industry as an analyst, journalist and consultant. Roger has conducted and participated in major industry studies, created new research products and services, and advised clients on strategy and competitive issues throughout his career.

Roger joined Strategy Analytics after five years at Telematics Research Group, where he built the client base into a broad portfolio, which was sold to iSuppli. His privileged relationships and extraordinary connectedness help keep Strategy Analytics in the forefront of industry thought leadership. Prior career stops for Roger include directorships at NPD, PC Data, CMP (now United Media), Fairchild and Hearst. Roger was featured in episode 40 of Remarkable Results Radio. Roger Lanctot also served as co-host of the show.

John Ellis

A seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in telecommunications, automotive, connected devices, ecosystems, embedded products, open source and product management in global, multicultural settings. John is Founder and Principal of a management consulting practice Ellis & Associates where their reach is to provide expertise and hands-on execution in a broad range of areas and now focuses on the world where automotive, consumer, connectivity and software all intersect. John is a technologist, board Member, entrepreneur, and software developer. John Ellis is also a University adjunct professor delivering customized training in international business, sales, marketing, and finance. He is an advisory board member of the connected car expo at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Ellis & Associates was founded as a boutique management consulting firm focused on international business and culture. Clients range from promising startups to Fortune 500 international corporations along with government agencies.

As a business trainer for Cartus (7/1997 – Present) John Ellis developed, and continues to deliver a course entitled “Conducting Business Effectively” in covering international relations, operations, marketing, branding, business fundamentals and business culture for 38 countries on four (4) continents. Clients have included such companies as Caterpillar, Bosch, Kellogg Company, GE, McDonalds, Ford, Whirlpool, John Deere, Tyco, Westinghouse, Schneider Electric, Nielsen, E-bay, General Motors, Square-D, and Pepsi-Co.

Mahbubul Alam

Mahbubul Alam joined Movimento as CTO in 2015 and is responsible for aligning automotive and information technology with corporate strategy to enable Movimento to better lead the automotive industry’s transition to software-defined vehicles. A 17-year industry veteran, Mahbubul works with Movimento customers to maximize the potential of secure over-the-air (OTA) updates and enable new connected services for the vehicle.

Previously, Mahbubul led Cisco Systems strategy in IoT and M2M, where he pioneered and developed this business from the ground up through vision, strategy, platform, and execution. He also helped initiate the company’s smart connected vehicle road map. Before joining Cisco, Mr. Alam held technical leader positions at Siemens and worked as a technical adviser to the Dutch government.

Mahbubul Alam holds a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering from Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands.

Movimento brings cutting-edge Silicon Valley technology to the production lines of the automotive industry. By offering scalable OTA software update, vehicle software lifecycle management, complete vehicle data collection, ECU programming, refreshing services, and advanced automotive cybersecurity protection on the market. Movimento is creating the era of the Software Defined Car. Watch an interview with Mahbubul from CES 2016 here.

David Miller

David Miller directs the identity management offering at Covisint, as their Chief Security Officer, which currently secures access for automotive, healthcare, energy and government customers. Dave has been with Covisint since its inception, architecting its federation solutions and implementing the first true identity network for the auto industry. Mr. Miller has more than 20 years’ experience in the information technology and automotive industries. Prior to Covisint, he served as Director of Operations for GM TradeXchange, managing the implementation and architecture of GM’s automotive exchange.

Dave Miller directs the identity management offering at Covisint, which currently secures access for automotive, healthcare, energy and government customers. Mr. Miller has been with Covisint since its inception, architecting its federation solutions and implementing the first true identity network for the auto industry. A visionary in FIAM, Mr. Miller has built Covisint’s INFOSEC organization, developed policies and procedures for information security and helped design secure solutions for product offerings.

Mr. Miller has more than 20 years experience in the information technology and automotive industries. Prior to Covisint, he served as Director of Operations for GM TradeXchange, managing the implementation and architecture of GM’s automotive exchange. Previously, Mr. Miller was Chief Architect for Secureway, an IBM division that provided security .

Listen to the audio replay or watch the video on you tube.

RR 078: Behind the Scenes on the Connected Car Part 1

Carman Cappriotto — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 07:00:00 +0000

To say you are in for a deep and powerful discussion about the connect car is an understatement. Your panel consists of four very ‘connected’ individuals as it related to the connected car. With vehicle technology a big part of the Consumer Electronics Show in early 2016, it demonstrates the importance and value of this open dialogue.

Why Listen or Watch this Episode?

As the future unfolds with rapidly evolving technology as the centerpiece of performance and connectivity, the issues of security, updateability, telematics, the internet of things, warranty, data bases, recalls, new operating business models, regulatory bodies, silicon valley, the car manufactures, Google and Apple are all real world concerns.

All of these topics and more are discussed in a very eye-opening episode where concepts, ideas and possibilities are explored. It may just make you sit up and pay attention to the impact technology will have on the future and on decisions being made today especially with the OEs coming to the concussion that OTA (Over The Air) updates are mandatory requirement for security.

Click below to listen to the audio only version.

Click below to watch the Face-To-Face panel discussion:

Your Panel:

Roger Lanctot

John Ellis

Mahbubul Alam

Mahbubul Alam holds a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering from Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands.

David Miller

Listen to the audio replay or watch the video on you tube.