Is Your Company Culture Holding You Back? [RR 864]

Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Culture again?” But trust me, this episode takes a deep dive into how culture can truly make or break a business. Every business has a culture, whether it’s intentional or not, and it’s crucial to evaluate if it’s the right one for retaining employees and attracting customers.

Imagine an auto repair shop that truly understands the frustrations of car owners and aims to provide honest, knowledgeable, and reliable service to give them peace of mind. That’s the kind of culture that draws customers in and keeps them coming back.

Chris Lawson suggests checking out an article in the show notes that discusses the impact of culture on over 40 business metrics. Studies have shown that employees are more motivated and efficient in a happy work environment. So, investing in your company culture can actually boost your bottom line.

If you’re a business owner or someone interested in creating a positive work environment, this episode is a goldmine of information. Carm and Chris provide practical guidance on building company culture and emphasize the need for strong policies, procedures, and teamwork.
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Right To Repair NHTSA Update [RR 861]

Lisa Foshee, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and General Counsel for the Auto Care Association, discusses the recent letter from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) instructing auto manufacturers not to comply with the data access law in Massachusetts. This letter has caused concern for those advocating for the right to repair legislation, as it could hinder progress.

But why is the right to repair legislation so important? It allows car owners to have access to the same diagnostic and repair information that dealerships have. This means that car owners can choose where to get their car repaired, and not be forced to go to a dealership for repairs.
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Why Much? How Much? Exploring Value Proposition in Auto Repair [AW 162]

Bill Nalu, Interstate Auto Care in Michigan, shares his “Why Much” philosophy, which advocates for a more nuanced approach to pricing that involves training, coaching, and consultation to understand the context of each customer’s needs and provide a personalized value proposition. 
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Advocacy, Action, and the Future of Right to Repair [RR 857]

Join Lisa Foshee, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and General Counsel of the Auto Care Association, and Paul McCarthy, President and CEO of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Group, as they discuss the recent update to the law and the challenges that may arise in enforcing it. The recent decision by a federal judge in Massachusetts to allow the law to go into effect is a big step forward for the automotive industry, but there are still some challenges that need to be addressed. They discuss the limitations of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) model for data sharing between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and independent repair shops and urge listeners to sign the petition at repairact.com and support the Federal Repair Act, also known as HR 906. Lisa and Paul describe the bill as a reasonable and critical solution to ensure vehicle repairability, safety, and cybersecurity. They stress the need for unified and passionate support from the industry to push Congress to take affirmative action and pass the bill.
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Brakes For Breasts – 2023 Update & Challenge [CC 110]

Brakes For Breasts – 2023 Update & Challenge Breast Cancer Vaccine Trials at the Cleveland Clinic and a Challenge for Participation for the 2023 October Initiative which supports breast cancer vaccine research at the Cleveland Clinic. The co-founders of the campaign, Leanne Best and Laura Frank, discuss the importance of finding a cause that aligns with their values and the challenges of funding vaccine research. We discuss the success of the campaign and their goals for the future, encouraging independent repair shops to participate and donate 10% of labor and parts for brake jobs.

How Your Mindset Will Overcome Your Business Struggle [RR 856]

Dan Taylor discusses the struggles of shops and the importance of self-image, guidance, and mentoring to overcome negative conditioning. Dan also highlights the power of the mind, the reticular activating system, and the law of attraction in achieving success in business and personal life. He emphasizes the need for individuals to be receptive to feedback and to actively seek out blind spots in their own lives. The episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for individuals looking to improve their self-image and overcome obstacles in their business and personal lives.
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Creating Consistent Routines that Drive Success [THA 331]

Do you find it hard to create consistent routines that drive success? This episode discusses the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and how they can help businesses achieve their goals. Our guests, Jaron Kleber, Chris Machado, and Nick Hively, discuss the positive impact of SOPs on creating a positive culture and improving the consistency of the customer experience. They also discuss the importance of engaging team members and getting their input when creating SOPs. 
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Leadership 2.0: Transitioning from Technician to Shop Owner [RR 854]

In this episode, Carm Capriotto sits down with a panel of automotive professionals who share their experiences at the Leadership 2.0 Program from the University of the Aftermarket. They discuss the importance of professional development and improving leadership techniques in the industry and how the program helped them bond with fellow service professionals. Johnny Weber, the owner of Weber’s Automotive in Dayton, Ohio, was the focus of their project. Find out how they helped him transition from a technician to a shop owner and the importance of resources available in the aftermarket industry.
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Making Dispatch Work [THA 330]

What are the challenges of making dispatch work in the automotive aftermarket industry? Our guests share their experiences with dispatch in their companies, emphasizing communication, flexibility, and teamwork. They also discuss the qualities of a good dispatcher and the need for policies and procedures in unexpected events. They stress the importance of simplifying technical information and building trust with customers. The episode concludes with a discussion of the interaction between dispatchers, customers, and technicians and the immense responsibility that comes with the job. 
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What Does It Take to Become an A-Tech in the Automotive Aftermarket Industry? [THA 329]

What does it take to become an A-Tech in the automotive aftermarket industry? Scot Manna, Matt Fanslow, and Ryan Kooiman share their perspectives, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, individual effort, and natural talent. They also discuss the role of shop owners in investing in their employees’ training and development, as well as the challenges faced by the industry in assessing skill levels. The episode provides valuable insights into becoming an A-Tech and how the industry can support and cultivate talent.
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21 Tips: How to Gain an Edge Part 4 [THA 328]

Learn how to improve your business and take it to the next level with these 21 tips and insights related to management, marketing, customer service, and personal growth. Our panel provides practical tips such as refreshing online photos, using referral programs, and creating a virtual tour of the shop. They also encourage humility, vulnerability, and continuous learning as essential tools for success in the automotive industry.
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The Art and Science of Dispatching [RR 849]

Dan Taylor and Reggie Stewart to discuss the art of dispatch in the automotive repair industry. They emphasize the importance of efficiently dispatching and scheduling jobs, using the team’s strengths and weaknesses, the need for accountability, daily tracking of labor inventory to ensure goals are met, and the challenge of accommodating walk-in customers while maintaining productivity. They stress that dispatching is crucial to the business’s success and suggest creating a simulator or role-playing exercise to teach dispatching effectively.
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Turbo Tim’s Garage: From Core Values to Cats, How to Build a Unique Brand [RR 848]

Are you looking for inspiration on how to have fun in your business while building a unique brand? In this episode, co-owners Tim Suggs and Rachel Grewell share their approach to core values and how they recently held a leadership retreat to refine those values. They also discuss the role of cats in their branding and marketing efforts, employee management and training, and community involvement. Tim says, “Being true to yourself and your team is the key to success.” So, let’s all take a page out of their book and strive to be different and true to ourselves in our businesses and lives.
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Passing the Torch: A Father-Son Journey of Strengths and Learning [RR 847]

Recorded Live at the TST Big Event 2023 with Andrew and Peter Knudsen, father and son duo of Coventry Motors in Huntington Station, Long Island. They discuss their background in the car industry, their decision to start their own business, the types of cars they work on, and their succession plan. They also discuss the challenges of running a small business, including labor rates and finding new talent. The conversation provides insights into the rewards and challenges of running a successful auto repair business and the importance of continuous learning and adapting to changes in the industry.
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The Power of Partnership: Liz and Keith Perkins on Marriage and Business [RR 846]

Recorded Live at the TST Big Event 2023. Keith Perkins discusses his presentation at the TST Big Event on electrical theory and the challenges of balancing foundational knowledge with advanced concepts for a diverse audience. We also delved into Liz and Keith’s relationship as a married couple who work together. They discussed their passion for their industry and how it doesn’t feel like work. Bonus: find out how many animals they own!
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Building Trust and Rapport: The Art of Being a Service Advisor [THA 326]

“The service advisor is the face of the brand and the first point of contact for customers.” Join our round table discussion as our panel shares their experiences and strategies of successful service advisors, highlighting the importance of communication skills, creating a positive customer experience, and building customer trust and rapport. It’s also essential to be an educator rather than a salesman and help customers understand how to maintain their vehicles to avoid breakdowns. The discussion also emphasizes the need for investment in service advisor training and development.
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From HVAC to Thermal System Management: Opportunities and Challenges [RR 845]

Recorded Live at the TST Big Event 2023, with Aaron Becker, President of AirSept and Peter Coll, President and COO of the Mobile Air Climate Systems Association (MACS). They discuss the government’s involvement in the automotive industry, the importance of having a mentor, the development of new products, the challenges of complying with EPA regulations, and the impact of COVID-19 on the industry. 
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Streamlining Workflow: Shop-Ware’s New TechApp for Technicians [RR 843]

Recorded Live at Vision 2023, this episode features Carolyn Coquillette, CEO of Shop-Ware, discussing the release of their new mobile application, TechApp, designed to help technicians manage their work more efficiently. The app allows technicians to view a list of current jobs, track their time on individual services, and easily document findings and results, including inspections. The episode also touches on the challenges of building software for the automotive industry and the importance of customer feedback in the development process.
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Why Dressing Professionally Matters in the Shop and Beyond [THA 324]

As a customer, have you ever walked into a business and been put off by the unkempt appearance of the employees or the disarray of the business? If so, you’re not alone. Join our panel as they discuss the importance of professionalism in the automotive industry and how it can impact customer trust, employee morale, and overall success. We should expect nothing less than a professional appearance and attitude from those in the automotive industry, and we should continue to project that image to the public.
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Protecting Gross Profit: The Emotional Intelligence Approach [RR 841]

Dan Taylor uses emotional intelligence (EQ) as a platform to understand why organizations struggle to meet their gross profit goals. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing emotions in order to build trust with clients and achieve GP goals. He also emphasizes the importance of balancing empathy with financial responsibility in the automotive industry.
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Alignments Taking Longer: Are We Charging Enough? [THA 323]

The automotive industry constantly evolves, with new technology and safety features being added to vehicles each year.  Are you investing in technology and education to stay competitive and provide quality service to customers? In this episode, we discuss the importance of charging enough for alignments and educating customers on the need for calibration and maintenance to ensure their safety on the road.
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How to Create a Leadership Culture [THA 322]

How do you create a leadership culture within a business? Mike Davidson, Bryan Rogers and Josh Steinhert emphasize the importance of a positive atmosphere and culture in a shop and provide practical advice on developing leadership skills. This episode provides valuable insights and recommendations for shop owners and managers looking to improve employee satisfaction and overall success.
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From Luscious Garage to Earthling Automotive: A Rebranding Journey [RR 837]

Recorded Live at Vision 2023, Carolyn Coquillette, founder of Luscious Garage and CEO of Shop-Ware, discusses rebranding her business from Luscious Garage to Earthling Automotive. She talks about the challenges of choosing a new name and logo and moving to a new location. Earthling Automotive will also be a training center for EVs and hybrids.
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