Transforming Phone Calls into Profits: The Five C’s Every service Advisor Should Know [FTR 111]
Rena Rennebohm from Empowered Advisor introduces the “Five C’s of a Phone Call”—Comfort, Customer, Car, Conclusion, and Close—designed to help service advisors optimize phone interactions and increase conversion rates in the automotive service industry. She emphasizes the financial value of effective phone communication, noting that well-handled calls can greatly improve customer engagement and boost shop profitability.
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Automotive Einsteins: Thinking Under the Hood [FTR 110]
Recorded at the ASTA Expo, Gerard Tonno from NAPA Autotech discusses being an “automotive Einstein.” He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, passion for auto repair, and effective use of resources and tools in diagnostics. He highlights the necessity of understanding basic electrical principles, conducting thorough visual inspections, and practicing with diagnostic tools.
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Are You Embracing Vehicle Complexity? [FTR 107]
Recorded at the 2024 Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) Business Management and Lindertech Training Trade Show, Donny Seyfer from NASTF highlights the increasing complexity of vehicle systems, security concerns like vehicle theft, and broader issues such as employment and the right to repair.
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Profit is not a Dirty Word [FTR 106]
Nichole Bennecoff discusses misunderstood and negatively perceived concepts of profit, especially within local businesses and the automotive repair industry. Nichole provides actionable advice to help business owners and employees alike understand the critical role of profit in business sustainability and growth.
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The Impact of DVI’s On Sales and Shop Efficiency [FTR 104]
Recorded at the 2024 Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) Business Management and Lindertech Training Tradeshow, Dilraj Sekhon discusses the transformative impact of digital vehicle inspections (DVI) in automotive repair shops. Dilraj addresses common hesitations from technicians and service advisors, emphasizing DVI’s benefits, such as enhanced customer communication through visual aids, improved inspection efficiency, and protection against disputes with photographic evidence. He also highlights the importance of team buy-in, consistency in inspections, and leveraging technology for ease of use.
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Strategies for Addressing the Technician Shortage [FTR 103]
Brad Updegraff discusses the pressing shortage of skilled technicians in the automotive industry. Brad shares strategies for training and developing technicians, and the importance of creating strong relationships with local schools. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of flexible compensation plans and support for aspiring technicians.
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“Start Thinking About The Industry First, and You Second.” [FTR 102]
In this episode of For the Record, Maylan Newton tackles the pressing issue of the technician shortage in the automotive industry. Maylan emphasizes the importance of proactive involvement from shop owners and industry representatives in engaging with educational institutions and students. He highlights the need for better representation at vocational events and the necessity of running businesses that attract and retain skilled technicians. Maylan urges the industry to work together to create an inviting career path for the next generation.
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Are You the Biggest Constraint to Your Business Growth? [FTR 101]
AJ Nealey shares his journey from technician to business owner, highlighting key constraints to business growth in the auto repair industry. AJ emphasizes the importance of recognizing personal limitations, building a strong team, and implementing effective processes. He advocates for working “on” the business rather than “in” it and stresses personal development and accountability. This episode provides valuable strategies for overcoming challenges and creating a scalable business model, ultimately fostering long-term success.
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“I Don’t Need to Read That” Said No One Ever [FTR 100]
Matt Fanslow, host of “Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z,” discusses the critical importance of consulting service information before performing vehicle maintenance or repairs. Matt shares multiple real-world scenarios illustrating why thoroughly understanding service procedures is essential to avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring professional work.
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‘Crystal Clear’ Communication [FTR 099]
Rick White underscores the importance of clear communication in automotive shops. He explains how misunderstandings and unmet expectations often stem from the “illusion of transparency,” where people assume others understand their needs without clear and effective communication. The episode offers strategies for improving clarity, such as using “visual definitions” and reflective listening techniques.
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Top 3 Ownership Principles [FTR 098]
Dave Justice from Repair Shop of Tomorrow emphasizes three key pillars for successful shop management: education, communication, and implementation. He underscores the importance of continuous education, particularly for technicians who have transitioned into business ownership. Dave also shares strategies for enhancing team communication and streamlining operational processes. He suggests utilizing a business flow chart and daily tracking to monitor and improve performance. Additionally, he stresses the significance of labor profit management to increase profitability.
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“You Cannot Run a Business From the Underhood of a Car.” [FTR 097]
Discover the transformative power of clear, empowering leadership. Father and son team Jeff and Mike Davidson emphasize the importance of clarity in leadership roles and the value of delegation and employee empowerment. Through practical advice, they highlight how effective leadership practices can foster employee development, build strong relationships, and drive business growth.
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Are We Unintentionally Devaluing Ourselves [FTR 096]
Corey Evaldi discusses the issue of unintentional self-devaluation in the automotive industry. Corey advocates for a shift in mindset, urging industry professionals to see themselves as skilled specialists, and the importance of educating customers about the value of services. Corey highlights the need for clear communication, transparency in pricing, and fostering a positive industry image.
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Are You Setting Your Employees Up To Fail? [FTR 095]
By setting realistic expectations, providing necessary support and training, fostering a positive work environment, and maintaining transparency and honesty, business owners can create a more productive and harmonious workplace. Implementing these actionable tips from Kevin Eckler can help reduce turnover, improve employee satisfaction, and ultimately lead to a more successful business.
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How Can Technicians Make a Personal Commitment to Training and Improvement? [FTR 094]
Bill Weaver from NAPA Autotech discusses the vital role of personal commitment to training for automotive technicians. He shares his experiences and emphasizes the importance of continuous education, mentorship, and self-education. Weaver highlights the need for technicians to invest time in training through various platforms and stresses the significance of applying acquired knowledge in the workplace.
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The Tomorrow You’re Dreaming Of Is Created Today [FTR093]
Rick White discusses the concept of future tripping, which involves focusing on negative possibilities in the future, and reverse future tripping, which entails dwelling on the past. He emphasizes the importance of staying present, learning from past experiences, and planning for the future while taking actionable steps in the present. Rick offers practical advice on maintaining focus and momentum by asking, “What’s real?” and “What’s the next best thing to do?”
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Here Is What I’m Doing For In House Training [FTR 092]
Tom Petty discusses the critical importance of technical training in the automotive industry. By addressing the skills gap, developing young talent, investing in continuous training, and embracing technological advancements, the industry can ensure a skilled and competent workforce ready to tackle the challenges of modern automotive technology.
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Stop Quoting Price Over the Phone – Maylan Newton [FTR 091]
Maylan Newton from ESI – Educational Seminars Institute is a business coach, trainer and industry speaker. Maylan is no stranger to the podcast having paid it forward many times. He is a much sought our speaker at industry events in the US. Find Maylan’s previous episodes HERE. “He is ‘just a car guy’ with lots…
Listen and view episode notesFinancial struggles. Gain Control of your Finances [FTR 090]
With me is Maryann Croce from SmallBusinessvantge.com. She and her husband Tony also own Croce Transmission in Norwalk, CT. As a business owner, she can chalk up many a mistake that has turned into wisdom. She has been there and done that and shares 5 key principles to help a startup business person get ahead of the…
Listen and view episode notesCecil Bullard – Parts Pricing in the Age of Online Parts Sellers [FTR 089]
Cecil Bullard is President of the Institute for Automotive Business Excellence. He is a trainer and business coach in the automotive aftermarket working closely with service professionals. Previous episodes featuring or mentioning Cecil, click HERE. Institute for Automotive Business Excellence website. Talking Points: Re-thinking parts margins based on pricing transparency from online parts sellers He doesn’t like…
Listen and view episode notesShops Putting Others Down. WHY? – Tom Palermo [FTR 088]
Tom Palermo is General Manager of Preferred Automotive Specialties in Jenkintown, PA. Tom is a world class Master Technician and a Certified ASE Advanced Level Technician, is certified from ASE including Master Auto, MasterTruck, Master Truck Equipment, Master School Bus, Master Collision, Master Transit Bus, L1, L2, C1, X1, P2, F1 Besides the 2015 NAPA/ASE Technician…
Listen and view episode notesKevin Lekas – ASE Renewal APP – Certification Without Expiration [FTR 087]
Kevin Lekas is the Project Manager for Special Testing Programs at ASE. Kevin’s previous episodes HERE. Key Talking Points: myASE renewal app is now branded ASE Renewal APP One year in development and testingThere are about 2,000 techs already involved and another 4,000 ready to get on board www.aserenewalapp.com Certify without going to a testing…
Listen and view episode notesKim Aurenheimer – Fall In Love With Your Business, Again [FTR 086]
Kim Auernheimer, AAM is the Co-Owner & Business Manager of CS Automotive in Brentwood, Tennessee. CS Automotive was opened in October of 2006 in the back of a warehouse and now they call a 6,400 square foot, 10-bay shop home. Prior to joining her husband Rob in the business on a full-time basis, Kim had a career…
Listen and view episode notesBob Greenwood on Billed Hours Per RO [FTR 085]
Bob Greenwood, AMAM (Accredited Master Automotive Manager) is President and C.E.O. of Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre Ltd. (AAEC). AAEC is a company focused on providing Business Management Resources and Development for the Independent Sector of the aftermarket industry. AAEC content and technology is recognized as part of the curriculum of the Fixed Operations Diploma and the…
Listen and view episode notesBen Johnson – The Power of WHY [FTR 084]
Ben Johnson, Director, Project Management, Mitchell 1 Key Talking Points: Some companies challenges is its own success Business start with a vision and a why Over time we tend to not focus on your why but our what If you look at your competition and feel you have to duplicate or mimic what they are…
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