Industry Thought Leaders Series Archives

Employee Review Process with Bryan Kelley [RR 625]

Employee Review …two dreaded words for both the owner and the employee. But, with my guest Bryan Kelley’s unique approach it might be something everyone looks forward to. Bryan owns Valley Automotive Electric, Covington, WA, and is the ASA Northwest President. Brian and I did an episode on Hiring practices in Feb 2021 episode 611 and is the perfect pairing to this episode.

In this episode, we dive into a role reversal with employee reviews. Should it always be the owner that does the reviews? Are they the ones observing the day-to-day pulse of the business? Some are … some not. What if the employee reviews were done with everyone in the business as a collective group once a week? The culture of your business is dependent on the attitudes of your employees. It’s time to sit back and listen to what your people have to say.

Rethinking Your ASE Certification [THA 215]

Did you know you need a license to cut hair but you don’t need a license or certifications to change brakes on a vehicle? And why do industry owners and technicians not value ASE certifications? That is the question of the day.

Joining me on this lively discussion on ASE is Trish Serratore, Sr. VP Communication, ASE, Mark Murphy, Lead Technician, Dynamic Automotive and technician and mentor Bryan Stafford from Parkway Automotive in Little Rock, AR

A great way to attract and keep customers is by letting them know YOU have certified technicians working on their vehicles. It is also a strong part of your value proposition. Now think about this …… If you value your ‘career’ in our industry wouldn’t ASE Certification be at the top of your list?

Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from taking the tests, there are practice tests and plenty of support located on the ase.com website to guide you along the way including the new recertification app.

Preventing Zoom Burnout [THA 214]

Ever get burnt out on a zoom meeting or call?

The pandemic has caused us social creatures, to go indoors and away from our friends at conferences and training events. However, Technology stepped in to keep us ‘in the loop’ and engaged. Zoom was embraced along with other video conferencing platforms to give us virtual training and even cocktail parties.

Just talking to industry friends I found that for the majority we are ‘zoomed out’. Is that a real verb? So it was time to talk about it.

This panel says they are maxed out on virtual training, but we took it a step future. We all realized that virtual is here to stay. We will have hybrid training, some face-to-face and some virtual and we talk about it.

The panel says the presenters need to learn new virtual training techniques and the participants need to participate. A very eager panel that has some really great ideas on how to zoom!

This episode’s key talking points are already done for you. Find them at remarkableresults.biz/a214

ASE Update: Approaching 50 Years of Certification Excellence [RR 619]

As a listener, I know how much you care about ASE and the value it brings to your people, your quality, and your commitment to excellence.

Did you know that ASE will be 50 years old next year? I’ve done episodes on ASE yet it is time to get an important update from ASE Sr. Vice President Communications, Trish Serratore.

She will cover what is happening with ASE now and into the future. We talk ADAS, the ASE renewal app, and the future related to remote proctoring and recertification tests at home.

The key talking points reside at remarkablersults.biz/e619.

Charging What We are Worth [THA 212]

THA 212 Charging What We Are Worth

We are talking about charging what we truly are worth. Yes this topic dives into your reluctance to charge enough so you can sustain a real profitable business. Breaking even is just a hobby. Many don’t feel that they can actually make a real living serving their customer … repairing cars.

This episode exposes the elephant in the room. Emotion is a big driver in your worth and what you charge. Do you truly know the value of your business and your overall cost of doing business? If you did, you would not be working for Free.

Our panel nails this episode in all the proper places. With me is Carlo Sabucco, 2nd generation owner of Sil’s Complete Auto Care Centre, Maylan Newton, business coach from ESI – Educational Seminars Institute, and Glenn Larson, from Foothill Autoservice, Lake Forest, CA

This episode’s key talking points are already done for you. Find them at remarkableresults.biz/a212

EOS Part 1: How EOS helps Owners Get More Out of Their Business – Barry Barrett [RR 616]

Here is a first in a series with Barry Barrett, a Certified EOS Implementer. Barry talks about how the Entrepreneur Operating System helps entrepreneurs get what they want from their business and to Understand how to make your leaders get on the same page with you and have Traction by helping them become more disciplined and accountable.

This episode is an overview of EOS. Barry and I will bring you seven episodes, released over time to help you better understand the disciplines and power of the Entrepreneurial Operating System or EOS. There are shop owners engaged in EOS and it is having a huge impact on their business.

The key talking points for this episode with Barry reside at remarkablersults.biz/e616.
Thanks for being here in the front row of life in the automotive service business.

Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing Insights [THA 211]

Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing Insights

We are talking about retirement plans. If you asked your people if they had a retirement account or even a decent nest egg you will most likely get a blank stare or a no answer.

You just discovered an important benefit you can provide your people. Sure you’ve got to have the profits in the company to start up a program like this, but there are many creative ways to start a 401K and/or profit-sharing program.

First off we are not giving any advice or are even qualified to give advice. This is an open discussion among your peers to get your thoughts started, or even to educate you on this potential employee benefit. You need to contact a certified financial planner, your accountant, and possibly an attorney if you get serious about creating another benefit that keeps your team working for you.

Invest in this episode even if you don’t have a glimmer about providing a retirement saving discipline for your people. You may not be ready today, but the information in this episode will give you ideas and insights if ever you consider doing this.

My guests today are Greg Skolnik from Motor Works in Rockville, MD, and Sabrina Gatewood from King Amaco. As shop owners, they both have a perspective and opinion on retirement plans for your people.

This episode’s key talking points are already done for you. Find them at remarkableresults.biz/a211. Let’s talk about it.

Where the Money Goes – The $100 Lesson [THA 210]

THA 210 Where the Money Goes – The $100 Lesson

How many times do you get a great idea on an exercise you can share with your team …. one that helps your people respect and understand the costs of running a business? My guest Patrick McHugh and I will show you a fun and profound exercise on what happens to a $100 transaction … exactly where the money goes. Welcome to the 210th episode of the Town Hall Academy.

It is important that your people get a chance to see your Profit and Loss Statement, but for many, it will be a very difficult learning curve. We have a very simple way to do it that will make respecting margin, costs, and net profits in a whole new way.

This exercise will change the way you and your people look at the numbers and what it takes to grow a strong and profitable business.

My guest today is Patrick McHugh from Bimmer Rescue in Richmond, VA. and we have a story for you! This episode’s key talking points are already done for you at remarkableresults.biz/a210.

How To Make Your Business Better and More Productive Than What it is Today? – Bob Greenwood [RR 612]

I’m with aftermarket business coach Bob Greenwood, AMAM, of the Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre Ltd. Bob, sees too many shop owners working in their business instead of on it. He created 22 questions for his clients to help them make them better at working on their business. It is the answers to the questions that help determine what they need to work on. As Bob has told me, some shop owners get in their office and say. ‘Now what do I do’. Most don’t know the first step on how to work on their business. The answers to these questions will help them focus.

Bob and I picked 5 questions from his list of 22 that we will discuss in this episode. So as you listen to learn just one thing … keep in mind this question.“How do I make my business better and more productive than what it is today?”

The key talking points reside at remarkablersults.biz/e612

Pre Scheduling Appointments – The Time Has Come [THA 207]

THA 207 Pre Scheduling Appointments – The Time Has Come

Welcome to the 207th episode of the Town Hall Academy. Right up front l want to warn you. This discussion may just change the way you do business. I want you to give it your all and when done implement the tactics you discover. I know your business will blossom.

Scheduling future appointments is not a new concept. You know about it but have never decided it was good for your business or your customer. We have solid statistics that demonstrate that 59% of your customers are willing and ready to accept a future appointment for maintenance service. Ever walk out of the dentist’s office without your next hygiene appointment. How about a hair salon?

I’m with Bill Thompson, Craig Noel, and Greg Skolnik. Bill Thompson brings his critical data to support this strategy, Greg has been doing this for years and has the data to prove the strength of the strategy and Craig is starting to pre-book now.

There was a ton of passion flowing throughout this episode. I believe you’ll be moved to start in your business. So …. Let’s talk about it.

This episode’s key talking points are already done for you. They reside on the show notes page at remarkableresults.biz/a207. Enjoy.

How to Implement Your Own Apprentice Program [RR 605]

I want you to invest in this episode, beginning to end. It is one of the most important topics we can discuss today. You’ve heard me say that apprenticing will be an essential strategy to fill the technician ranks. We need to collectively engage a reliable apprentice program at every professional shop in North America.

This is an episode where there is a lot of ‘HOW TO’ discussed. With me is Mike Davidson, shop owner and creator of an apprentice program that has been put through all the rogers. Mike is president of Industry Essentials. Also speaking is. Pete McNeil and Jake Sorenson from McNeils in Sandy, Utah who created their own apprentice program, and it was picked up by NAPA nationally.

This episode will help you get started. There is a lot in here to understand and learn. Yes, we need to do this, but there is no super easy button that makes it happen. I challenge you to commit to an apprentice program and engage a willing ‘student’ who wants to become a journeyman technician.

The show notes page contains a link to the PowerPoint slides and links to important sites to help you start. You can find our guest’s other episodes and the key talking points for this episode at remarkablersults.biz/e605

Millennials in High Gear with Sara Fraser – Part 1 [RR 603]

Millennials in High Gear with Sara Fraser Part 1 [RR 603]

Our topic today centers around millennial customers and employees. With me is Sara Fraser. Sara has been a favorite on the show and lives what she teaches as she is a millennial. Each generation has its traits and you must adjust your business to accommodate the millennial customer and employee.

Sara is with Haas Performance Consulting and teaches the millennial story. We look at the millennial customer needs/wants and the same for the millennial employee. This is part one of a two-part millennial series with Sara

You can find Sara’s other episodes and the key talking points for this episode at remarkablersults.biz/e603

The Benefits of Brainstorming Dr. John Passante and Phil Moore [RR 602]

The Benefits of Brainstorming [RR 602]

Let’s create ideas and let’s talk about solving problems. That’s what this episode is all about. I’m with my friend Dr. John Passante, CEO of the Organizational Development Group and a Legacy Aftermarket Human Resource Professional, and Phil Moore, Vice President Sales and Marketing at Federated Auto Parts.

Both have important insight on the power of brainstorming and the discussion will prove to be relevant with tips for your own brainstorming sessions. Also learn how to apply SWOT analysis and make it your own competitive advantage.

You can find my panel’s previous episodes, their bios, and the key talking points for this episode at remarkablersults.biz/e602.

An Unprecedented Year and Strategies for 2021 – Bonus Episode 8

Thoughts from an Unprecedented Year and Looking forward to Strategies for 2021 – Bonus Episode 008

As an industry we are essential.
The strong got stronger
. Virtual online training became the norm and will become a permanent part of our training needs
. Milestones reached this year:
600th episode of Remarkable Results Radio
. 200th episode of the Town Hall Academy
. The launch of Aftermarket Weekly.com
. Launched all LIVE show broadcast on the website’s LIVE page
. Training must become part of your culture
. The value of coaching.
Networking is a must to grow and learn
. Succession planning and growth
. Embrace our youth
. Set up an apprentice program
. Reach out to a local shop and have coffee and talk.

Reflections of My First Episode and Prudent Advice for the Ages [RR 600]

Welcome to the 600th Episode of Remarkable Results Radio. Enjoy some very candid talk and behind the scenes revelations from some of the very first episodes from my panel.

Along with the fun discussion, the panel dished out some great advice as the podcast continues to set the standard and the tone for aftermarket industry podcasts.

Our longevity is a testament to the leaders from every segment of the industry who have shared so that others have gained. We will continue to bring thought piercing issues and commentaries so that you grow your business acumen. As I said and I mean it from the bottom of my heart, this podcast is dedicated to you for “listening and learning” and for letting me know how much our content means to you. And a big shout out to the sponsors who make the podcast a reality. Please support them.

My guests bring and give color to this milestone event. Not many can reach the lengths we have reached but we have aced it through the support and respect from peers, students, coaches, service advisors, and shop owners. Welcome Greg Buckley from Buckleys, Dwayne Myers from Dynamic, G Jerry Truglia from TST, Bob Greenwood; CEO of AAEC, Kim Auernheimerfrom CS Automotive, and Matt Fanslow from Riverside Automotive.

We’ve reached these milestones, besides the 600th RRR, the 200th Town Hall Academy and the start of Aftermarket Weekly this year only because you are there and use this resource.

You can find our guest’s previous episodes, their bios, and the key talking points for this episode at remarkablersults.biz/e600

Social Media Influencer- Do What is Right and Not Easy [RR 598]

Matt Fanslow and Scott Brown have been great contributors to the podcast. They also have no-nonsense views about Social Media and the diluting and filtering of information. They talk about the Dunning-Kruger effect and time consumption among other topics as they speak to the good and bad of social media. They do recommend being professional in handling your social media presence. Learn to be professionals in handling your social media presence.

Matt Fanslow is the diagnostic tech/shop manager at Riverside Automotive in Red Wing, MN., and Scott Brown is a shop owner, an ASE Master Certified Automobile Technician and the CEO of Diag.net

You can find Matt and Scott’s previous episodes and the key talking points for this episode at remarkablersults.biz/e598

Creating the Right Environment for Shop Efficiency [THA 201]

Creating The Right Environment for Shop Efficiency [THA 201]

There are a lot of variables when we talk about shop efficiency. There is culture, environment, leadership, and more. There is no single formula that can solve shop efficiency. But if there are the right guidelines, our panel today, certainly has the answers. A big fat thank you to Chris Monroe, Joe Marconi, and Kevin Vaught for sharing their expertise with you. So many small things done right makes for improved efficiency.

Chris Monroe is a coach who owns Monroe Tire & Service at Shelby, NC., Joe Marconi is a coach who also owns Osceola Garage at Baldwin Place, NY., and Kevin Vaught is a former multi-shop owner and is an Elite Worldwide Business Development Coach.

The key talking points from this episode are already done for you on the show notes page at remarkableresults.biz/a201.

Hiring Superstars with Jerry Kezhaya and Dr. Laura Shwaluk [RR 594]

Hiring Superstars with Jerry Kezhaya and Dr Laura Shwaluk [RR 594]

Once again I welcome Jerry Kezhaya and Dr. Laura Schwaluk owners of The Auto Shop in Plano, TX, they are also leading Business Builders Mentor and Mastermind USA.

Hiring superstar employees is the goal of every business person I’ve known. Our intention is to find the best of the best in order to seed the company with outstanding and culture driven people. As you and I know, that is not always the case.

How can we get better at recruiting and filtering out just the cream of the crop. Jerry and Dr. Laura will take us through a process and great stories to make their case.

Find Jerry and Laura’s other episodes and the key talking points for this episode at remarkablersults.biz/e594

Cares Act & Payroll Protection Program Update with Hunt Demarest, CPA[THA 196]

CARES ACT and PPP Update with Hunt Demarest [THA 196]

I’m with Hunt Demarest CPA in this Payroll Protection Program or PPP update.

Hunt says that there is a document that says the deadline for PPP forgiveness is October 31, 2020. That is not true and Hunt explains. If you did get PPP funds there is a deadline to apply for forgiveness and he shares the timing on that. If you got an EIDL loan that must be paid back. Check with your banker or accountant. Don’t ignore it.

Hunt provides some tax consequence talk, but more importantly, you need to work with your banker, accountant or tax preparer to be sure you are compliant with the law i

Hunt is from Paar Mellis an accounting firm that exclusively works with aftermarket shop owners. Hunt has contributed in past episodes and he always offers great advice. Nothing in this episode is to be construed as gospel. You must do your own research and consult with your own professionals.

If you want the key talking points from this episode, they are already done for you. Go to the show page at remarkableresults.biz/a196.

Automotive Management Institute: Looking Ahead with Chuck Searles [RR 585]

Automotive Management Institute: New President Chuck Searles – Looking Ahead [RR 585]

I’m with Chuck Searles, the new president of AMI. I know many of you have your industry credentials from AMi, not only in collision but in mechanical. If you are not aware there are certifications and designations offered to the industry for management and service training. You may have your AAM designation, the Accredited Automotive Manager or master, AMAM and you should be proud.

Go behind the scenes and meet Chuck Searles and discover his background and what his plans are for leading AMi. Find AMi at amionline.org. AMi’s mission is to identify, provide, and promote qualified business education for the success of automotive service repair professionals.

Chuck shares his story of how he ended up in the automotive industry. As president of AMi, he wants to increase AMis presence on the service side of the industry. Find the key talking points, Chuck Searles’s bio and links to his previous episodes at remarkableresults.biz/e585

Coaches Lab: Why Employees Leave [THA 195]

You are about to embark on a brainstorming session with three of our aftermarket’s excellent business coaches that have a strong leaning toward people and culture. As you’ve learned throughout the last 194 episodes picking a panel and getting them to mesh seems to be a strength of mine and this one nailed our topic. And you benefit from this listen.

Employees leave for many reasons. This episode will give you more than five reasons and if you work on only three of them, you are on your way to creating a solid ‘sticky’ team. I say sticky because you want your people to stay, yet you need to create the right environment, culture, and engagement for it to work.

The panel: Dan Taylor, Senior Business Advisor at Transformers Institute, Dave Schedin, from Computrek Automotive Management Systems, and Murray Voth, owner and principal trainer at RPM training.

If you want the key talking points from this episode, they are already done for you. Go to the show page at remarkableresults.biz/a195 Use them for an agenda to help you implement the insights from this Academy.

Cybersecurity: Defend and Protect Your Business and Network [RR 581]

Cybersecurity: First Line of Defense for your Business – RR 581

Chris Cloutier has brought his wisdom and insights to the podcast over the years. // he and his brother own Golden Rule Auto Care and is CEO of Autotext.me. Jay Mikulovich is the founder and CEO of Revival Technology LLC. We will be traversing the world of cybersecurity.

As we all know, cybersecurity is the defense and protection of your computers, mobile devices, or any electronic gadgets connected to the internet against any form of malicious software and hackers. You may be saying why me, Carm. I don’t need to care about this.

Many say differently. You’ve got to take a proactive position to minimize threats that loom to affect computer systems. Learn from this episode, the best practices needed to protect your business from threats that include ransomware, viruses, and malware.

Don’t ignore this. We tend to overlook securing our network and systems with the attitude that it will not happen to me. Find the key talking points at remarkableresults.biz/e581

The Evolution of SEO: Make Your Website the Best For Search – Brain Walker [RR 580]

In this episode, we have Brian Walker talking about the basic core principles of SEO. We will be diving into websites, quality content, search engine, Google’s algorithm of search intent, marketing and many more areas that helps you improve your website.
Brian was a Mercedes Benz Master dealer tech and was ASE certified with L1. He owned Peak Automotive in Apex, NC. He is also the co-owner of Shop Marketing Pros. He does “Done for you” marketing services for auto repair shops.

We talked about websites and optimizations. A few years back you can trick search engines to position your sites a little bit higher but now SEO or search engine optimization has evolved. AI’s are being used to make search engines think like a human. It can adapt well. This means we have to go back to the basic core principles of why your site ever existed.

Find the show notes at https://remarkableresults.biz/e580.

Stress Busters to Deal with the Emotional Roller Coaster – Dr. Dave Weiman [RR 579]

Stress Busters to Deal with the Emotional Roller Coaster – Dr. Dave Weiman – RR 579

This year was like any I ever remember. I’m sure you have the same sentiment. COVID-19 hit us and the uncertainty of dealing with protection, safety, and serving our clients was and is a huge part of our daily lives. We are still figuring out our new normal and with it comes new struggles. With that comes mental stresses of all kinds and the roller-coaster swings that can cause emotional highs and lows.

I’m with Dr. David Weiman. He is the president of Weiman Consulting, a leadership consulting firm in Philadelphia PA. He is also an adjunct Assistant Professor at Widener University’s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, and he is a Certified Performance Coach through Johnson & Johnson’s Human Performance Institute. He will talk about keeping clients, overcoming the stress that the pandemic has thrust upon us all and how we can show gratitude to the people we care about.

I so enjoyed this discussion with Dr. Dave and I’m sure you’ll take some great advice on dealing with stress and showing your gratitude. Find the key talking points at remarkableresults.biz/e579

Massachusetts Right to Repair Law: Vehicle Data Access [RR 574]

Massachusetts Right to Repair Law 2020: Vehicle Data Access [RR 574]

Welcome to an important and vital episode as it relates to how we will do business in the future. It’s about access to data that will be necessary to fix our clients’ vehicles. There is some astounding money being put up against this pro-consumer initiative in Massachusetts. The intention of this episode is to serve up awareness and the impact a NO vote from Massachusetts voters will mean to automotive repair going forward.

By 2022, 87% of new vehicles will be transmitting telematics data wirelessly. But who owns the data? The car manufacturer does. Without access to data, the independent service professional will not be able to get specific diagnostic data. They will hold all the cards and charge handsomely for it.

My guests are advocates of this ‘Right to Repair Law – Vehicle Data Access Requirement Initiative (2020)’. Bill Hanvey, President and CEO of Auto Care Association, and Aaron Lowe, Senior Vice President, Regulatory and Government Affairs.

Find the show notes at https://remarkableresults.biz/e574.