RR 364: ASCCA Automotive Degree Program. First of Its Kind to Channel Students to Independents.

ASCCA Degree Program. First of Its Kind to Channel Students to Independents.

The ASCCA Degree Program at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon, CA was forged by a small group of independent shop owners and a dedicated educator. Kicked off by Dara Bakhshandeh of CD Auto Care, in La Mesa, CA with support from John Epstein of John’s Automotive Care, San Diego, and Brad McCombs, instructor, Cuyamaca Community College.

The program was started to find qualified technicians and ASCCA (Automotive Service Councils of California) will be involved through their membership. One of their goals is to grow the program from an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree which can appeal to a student who dream of owning own business one day and want to work and learn from shopowner.
This program could be developed in other states but will need an association like ASCCA to oversee it. ASCCA also offers out-of-state memberships.

RR 363: David Justice – You Must Manage Your Labor Profit Before Anything Else

David Justice – You Must Manage Your Labor Profit Before Anything Else

When David Justice sold his $5M business he was already speaking and coaching in partnership with NAPA. To help run his business David created the Labor Profit Management tool to keep a tight and smart handle on his labor and he was traveling the country and speaking to service professionals on the power of managing your labor.

Post sale he started Repair Shops of Tomorrow which not only incorporates the Labor Profit Management tools along with a focus on marketing programs.

David decided he needed to give back and is working hard to help shop owners achieve exceptional success. We talk about his three-legged stool, rewards, networking, and so much more.

RR 358: John Gustafson – ATC: Synchronizing the Automotive Trades

ATC: Synchronizing the Automotive Trades

John Gustafson is the president of Gustafson Brothers Automotive Repair, Huntington Beach, CA and the founder of the Auto Talent Co-Op (ATC). ATC is an independent non-profit organization whose vision is to effectively unite resources within the automotive industry, and establish clear career path standards for its users.

ATC’s Mission is to build a synchronized and accessible platform, able to unite the automotive industry. To help refill the talent pool for all automotive job-related positions. To fulfill the technician shortage, and improve technician retention and to streamline career paths, bridge technician skills gap and improve recruitment.

Your support is needed. Find links on the show notes page.

THA 081: Niche. Should We Find Specialties and Create a New Business Model or Services?

Niche. Finding Specialties to Create New Business Services.

A very interesting summit, a lesson for the forever student of the aftermarket. We’re talking Niche or Finding Specialties to Create New Business Services. A vibrant discussion to challenge the use of your talent and facility and to listen to your customers and find out exactly what they want and need from you.

The panel warns you to keep your eyes open. The shift is coming. Toss out those unprofitable jobs. Clean out your closet. Review your current business model. We will not survive doing what we always have done.

The panel will help you understand How to consider a specialty, product based niche vs. service based niche; but an overlying theme is to be sure the basics are being done right. You cannot add a new service if you don’t aren’t fixing your customers’ problem right the first time. Get your house in order before adding.

RR 353: Kyle Holt from S/P2 – Helping Entry-Level Technicians Enter and Stay in the Industry

Kyle Holt. Helping Entry-level Technicians Enter And Stay In Industry.

Kyle Holt is the Co-Founder and President of S/P2. S/P2 serves businesses and career tech schools in the automotive service, collision repair, heavy-duty/diesel, welding, among others.

They are not just building careers, they are nurturing! Offering an innovative mentor training program which has its own Mobile website in which Mentors can log in, comment and grade a student based on the ASE task list. This would be good at retaining students within the industry.

Kyle is very passionate about providing businesses and schools the ability to utilize the technology that they have created to help improve the lives of the people they serve.

RR 350: Carrie-Lynn Rodenberg on Building Relationships One Transaction at a Time. The Power of CRM.

Building relationships one transaction at a time. The power of CRM.

Carrie-Lynn Rodenberg is the founder of Turnkey Marketing. It is a leading all-in-one marketing system for Auto Repair Shops. It is not just a software platform, but is an entire strategically planned, timed, and executed online and offline system, developed by marketing experts, that removes virtually all of the owner’s stress and time spent on marketing.

She and her team specialize in helping auto repair shops attract new leads, increase car count, and keep customers longer, without the shops having to do any work. She managed to do this by integrating cutting-edge technology with the best digital marketing tactics.

Her valuable tips and advice provide insights on how to build and connect with customers while maintaining healthy marketing content to keep businesses visible. Her strategies also include the most basic form of connecting, the normal conversation and content that revolves around helping customers get over their immediate issues. Appealing to humanize the complicated world of CRM, she enlightens us that the key to loyalty is built one transaction at a time.

RR 349: Tracy Martin – Our Vehicles are Becoming Smartphones on Wheels

Smartphone on Wheels.

Tracy Martin has authored six Motorbooks Workshop Series and writes articles for industry and trade magazines. His articles of late are focused on the connected car.

Our cars today are becoming if not already became smartphone on wheels. If this is the case, then all threats that are threatening our computers at home and our mobile device could potentially harm our cars as well. There are instances of factory system hacking and car software hacking that heightens our concern.

We talk cybersecurity concerns, the evolution of techs needed to fix the vehicles of the not too distant future and a better encryption protocol. Tracy says that you must be aware of the risks that can and will be present as the future unfolds.

RR 335: Build Your Own Apprentice Program – Secretary Kelly Schulz & Dwayne Myers

The Technician Shortage: Build Your Workforce With Your Own Apprentice Program

This episode provides a solution to growing our own technicians. Dwayne Myers from multi-location Dynamic Automotive in Fredrick, MD shares his apprentice program. Also, the Secretary of Labor from the great state of Maryland, Kelly Schulz, explains how the state was instrumental in Dynamic’s apprentice program and how she is using the influence of Maryland’s Labor department to embrace college training and apprentice programs for skilled trades. You’ll be glad you listened because there are real solutions here that will help you grow your own talent.

This episode is going to demonstrate how Dwayne Myers worked with and partnered with his state’s Department of Labor and Secretary Kelly Schulz. Secretary Schulz explains the program and the positive outcomes it has been producing. Dwayne explains how he embraced the state’s programs and integrated it into his training culture.

Follow Dwayne’s passion for growing technicians through an apprentice program and consider using your state’s labor department to support your program. Growing your own talent will be the norm. Use this episode as your launch pad and start.

RR 334: Deb and Craig Van Batenburg from ACDC – Part 2

Looking Thirty Years Into the Future

The evolution of electric, hybrids, hybrid/electric and the internal combustion engine and how we will do business in the future. Deb and Craig Van Batenburg share their view of the pace of tech changes and evolving business models.

Craig believes in zero emissions and that climate change is real. He feels that students at high school and college level must learn to work on hybrid and electric cars and that the transition from the internal combustion engine will happen faster than anyone knows. The driver for a rapid change will be the cost of a barrel of oil.

Deb and Craig are sought after speakers and trainers for OE, aftermarket and through worldwide clients. Their training company, Auto Career Development Center (ACDC) is all hands on and only accepts nine students per class.

RR 333: Keith Benline & Jeremy O’Neal – 10 Steps to a $1M Shop

10 Steps to Build a Profitable Million Dollar Shop

In the 2018 Vision KC Studio longtime friend of the podcast Jeremy O’Neal from Freedom Automotive and Advisor Fix and shop owner and business trainer/coach, Keith Benline.

The goal of these 10 steps is to give you the Freedom to have a stronger work-life balance and to lead your people to run your business.
Benline says working smarter not harder as business owner, being a strong leader and don’t be afraid to let go and empower your employees. He also says you need to allow mistakes to happen and use them as a coaching moment.

Find your strengths and implement while surrounding yourself with people whose strengths are your weaknesses and don’t forget it’s the people that make the business run, always treat them and respect them as people.

RR 332: Mort Schwartz – Legacy Interview

Legacy Aftermarket Leader is Passionate for Educating Our Youth.

Mort Schwartz is a legacy leader in the automotive aftermarket. He brought vision to many exciting programs and companies that are stoic brands of our industry.
For years, Mort had a large influence with the way parts got to market. He was one of the original founders of Carquest, former Chairman, and CEO of Strauss Discount Auto, Import Parts of America, Thermo King of Northern California and Chanslor & Lyon.

He is currently a Trustee of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation that awards scholarships to students who show a desire to work in the automotive.
He was a past Director of WORLDPAC, past Chairman of the APAA, AWDA and CAWA and founder of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS), and inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame. I’ve listed more distinguished positions and honors of Mort’s on the show notes page.

Mort Schwartz realized years ago that the service professional needed the support, marketing, inventory, service, and training, from their supplier, to drive their success; and he set out to deliver just that.

RR 330: Dave Macholz – Academic Chair of Suffolk County College Automotive Technology

How Do We Educate and Integrate Our Young People into a Career as Automotive Technicians?

My guest is Dave Macholz, the Academic Chair at the automotive technology program at Suffolk County Community College on Long Island, NY. The automotive program has been active for over 30 years. Dave has an independent aftermarket history and is very transparent about the current and future value of training our future technicians.

We cover a large breadth of topics including funding, graduation rates, mentoring, improving enrollment, internships and capital spending to keep our colleges current with new technology. Stuff you need to know and get involved with.

You will benefit from this discussion. The more you know about the grassroots issues we face the better you be able to help solve them. With your help, the future is bright.

RR 329: Tom Ham Part 2 – Automotive Management Network

Fundamentals, Systems, People Development and How to Work From Home

Tom Ham has been a great contributor to the podcast and with his years of experience as a shop owner and chief conductor at Automotive Management Network, he has a perspective and/or opinion on all aspects of running a successful and professional automotive service business.

We’re going to talk about basic block and tackling, the power of good systems and procedures, because if your not your dying. Also, hear about a clever idea to extract business improving ideas from your team and three questions to ask yourself to discover if you can start to walk away and work away from your business.

RR 327: Prepare to Change – O’Neal – Barrett – Cloutier

Are You Prepared To Change?

Jeremy O’Neal from Freedom Automotive and AdvisorFix, Barry Barrett from RLO Training and Chris Cloutier from Golden Care Auto Care and Autotext.me bring a lively discussion and debate on the need and necessity of change.

President John Kennedy said: “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.” We all realize that our industry is in constant change, however many do not embrace the vision necessary to keep pace and improve.

Listen to how these aftermarket professionals look at and embrace change. It is part of the vision. We cover two ways leaders lead. First is the fear of change, and second is that we are willing to change as long as there isn’t any pain.

We get into communications, connecting, and that winners and losers have one thing in common. Listen to find out what it is.

THA 066: Periodic Motor Vehicle Inspections

A discussion on the state of mandated periodic motor vehicle inspections.

There are only 14 states in the US that have some sort of mandated vehicle inspection. There had been almost twice that amount. There is momentum to eliminate these safety inspection programs.

The panel discusses the reason we are at such a low level and what needs to be done to help arrest additional states from phasing out any more inspection programs.

With Carm, recorded live with a studio audience is Robert L. Redding Jr., ASA Legislative representative, Joe Battista, the Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Parsons Corporation, and shop owner Sybren van der Pol, an ASE Master L1 Technician and owner of Adolf Hoepfl & Son Garage, in Houston, TX and serves on the local ASA Houston chapter Board of Directors.

Listen to find out what you can do to help bring awareness to safety inspections as all aftermarket professionals see first hand the number of unsafe vehicles traveling our roadways today.

RR 323: Jennifer Filzen from Rock Star Marketing

Your Story, Your Accomplishments Brings Authenticity To Your Website.

Jennifer Filzen from Rock Star Marketing helps shop owners bring their story to life on their website. Her purpose is to bring joy to millions of people and she has a proven method.

Jennifer says when you tell your story, you are being authentic and putting your company in the limelight.

There is an excitement level in this interview that will keep you engaged as we talk content marketing and how the power of your story connects you to your clients and prospects. We also get into her training seminar she held at Vision 208 called Fishing for Millennials.

RR 322: The Future Shop – A Business Coach Perspective – Haas & Greenwood

Shop Of The Future. A Business Coaches Perspective.

Bill Haas from Haas Performance Consulting and Bob Greenwood President and CEO of Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre bring their viewpoints on the future of the service professional.

Bill and Bob talk about training, culture, the dealership factor, pricing transparency, and the importance of daytime training. They also share their viewpoint on competing, hiring and retaining top talent, both technicians and service advisors.

RR 321: Association Membership More Important Than Ever – Round Table Vision 2018

Association Membership is Right for Today’s Business Climate.

If you are not an association member, it is time. National and statewide organizations need your membership and you need the association.

Association membership helps improve your ‘future think’ so you can align your business for tomorrow and they make it easier to run your business because you will have resources to help you.

For the majority of members, their dues cost is zero based on participation in endorsed programs. Many times the dues ROI is more than doubled and many times even a triple payback.

RR 319: ASA Northwest – Jobst, Smith, Kelley

Ask for help. Offer help. Reaching out to help your peers.

Become the fly on the wall at ASA Northwest’s training event, ATE, and listen to an enlightening panel discussion with Butch Jobst, the ASA Northwest Chairman of the Board from B & B Automotive in Aberdeen, WA, Brian Smith the ASA Northwest Immediate Past Chairman of the Board form Gig Harbor Automotive Service in Gig Harbor, WA and Bryan Kelley the ASA Northwest Chairman-Elect from Valley Automotive Electric in Covington, WA.

The panel was very transparent on their own business career’s and they offered up their wisdom on coaching, the E-Myth, the power of networking and the invisible hand of ASA Northwest, the opportunities for growth with the aging vehicle car parc and embracing advanced technology.

There is a strong message to young shop owners that cannot be missed.

RR 318: Ryan Kooiman, Jeff Masterman & Jerry Bishop from Standard Motor Products Training

A Perspective on the Value and Future of Technician Training.

Listen and learn from Ryan Kooiman, Director of Training at Standard Motor Products, Jeff Masterman, the Manager of Technician Training Development and Wayne ‘Jerry’ Bishop, well known instructor at Standard Motor Products.

Listen to a discussion on daytime training, augmented reality, the future of training, hands-on, case studies, course development and the importance of the fundamentals among others.

If you are a shop owner or technician and you on the fence about making a 100% commitment to obtaining 40 hours of training per year, this industry will pass you by. Maybe you already feel it. Ryan, Jeff and Jerry are going to serve up a very solid position on why you must be a lifelong learner and attend every training class you can get to.