Technician Outlook with Jake Sorensen- Part 1 [RR 643]
Technician Outlook with Jake Sorensen [RR 643]
Are you having trouble finding qualified technicians? Have you ever thought about starting an apprentice program but you don’t know where to begin?
In this episode, Jake Sorensen breaks down all the classic questions and concerns that arise with apprentice programs. It’s time to stop complaining about a technician shortage, and start becoming the solution. Are you willing to invest in your employees and your business? If so, keep listening. This episode can change your trajectory for the future of your business.
You can find the key talking points for this episode and every episode released on my website remarkableresults.biz
Listen and view episode notesPartnership Agreements with Charlene Parlett [RR 642]
Partnership Agreements with Charlene Parlett [RR 642]
Do you remember when you started your business with your wife or friend as your partner? The upside was blue skies and the horizon was never-ending.
No one plans for partnerships to crumble or marriages ending or an unforeseen death to occur. But what happens when it does? Do you have legal documents in place? No matter what stage you are in owning a business, it is a necessity to plan for the unexpected now, rather than later when emotions and tensions are high. In this episode, Charlene Parlett shares her personal experience with business and marriage so others can avoid the same path.
Find the key talking points for this episode at remarkableresults.biz/e642
Drop the Keys and Fix It [RR 641]
Drop the Keys and Fix It [RR 641]
Think about the latest procedure or surgery you had. You put all your trust in your doctor and the medical staff as you were getting put under anesthesia. Can we translate that trust into auto repair customers? How do we gain “Here are my keys, I trust you, fix it and let me know when it’s done” type of customers? In this episode, Andy Bizub and Charlie Marcotte break down the fundamentals of connecting with customers and what that means to your business.
The key talking points for this episode reside at remarkableresults.biz/e641
Listen and view episode notesLeadership Series Part 1 with Mike Davidson – Everything Rises and Falls [RR 640]
Leadership Series Part 1 with Mike Davidson [RR 640]
How often do you work on your leadership skills? If you don’t, where do you start? Every business owner knows they need to be strong leaders, but how many are consciously working on it? Mike Davidson, a John Maxwell Certified Teacher, Trainer, and Coach, will be bringing you a 5 part series on leadership during the next few months. In this part 1 episode, Mike breaks down the essence of leadership that you should have in both your personal and professional life. Mike is also a shop owner.
The key talking points for this episode reside at remarkableresults.biz/e640
Listen and view episode notesEOS Part 4 Data with Barry Barrett [RR 639]
EOS Part 4 Data with Barry Barrett [RR 639]
We are on 4 of our 7 part series on the Entrepreneurial Operating System with Barry Barrett, a certified EOS implementer. In this episode we discuss data in terms of measurable numbers that give you the pulse on your business. Shop owners often only measure their business success by the number in the bank. And too often shop owners don’t set clear roles, goals and enforce accountability for their team. It’s time to take a magnifying glass to your organization to see where you are.
The key talking points for this episode reside at remarkableresults.biz/e639
Interesting New Technology with Chris Cloutier [RR 638]
Interesting New Technology with Chris Cloutier [RR 638]
If you love new technology you’re in for a treat! Chris Cloutier discusses the rapid changes in technology and what that means for our industry. If you’re not a fan of new technology, then consider this your opportunity to learn a slice of the future and get on board before it steamrolls you.
New technology is going to happen no matter what, it’s just a question of accepting it and adapting it to your world. The key talking points for this episode reside at remarakableresults.biz/e638
Listen and view episode notesNASTF Update with Donny Seyfer [RR 637]
NASTF Update with Donny Seyfer [RR 637]
In this episode, we dive into NASTF’s soft launch of the Assisted Immobilizer Reprogramming Service that offers secure repairs when a vehicle’s security system is involved.
Cybersecurity risks are always a top concern and NASTF has collaborated with automakers to close the gap and offer a service to help shop owners, technicians, and car owners.
The key talking points for this episode reside at remarkableresults.biz/e637
Listen and view episode notesLearn Customer Communication Styles: DISC with Emily Chung [RR 636]
Learn Customer Communication Styles: DISC with Emily Chung [RR 636]
As automotive service professionals, it’s our job to educate our customers and clients. But did you ever stop to think about your approach? What is the best way to efficiently communicate with each individual (client) based on how they like to receive information? In this episode with Emily Chung, from AutoNiche, we discuss how and why it is important to code your customer and train your employees.
The key talking points for this episode reside at remarkableresults.biz/e636
Listen and view episode notesSupreme Court Ruling with Aaron Lowe [RR 634]
Supreme Court Ruling with Aaron Lowe [RR 634]
April 6th, 2021 was a big day regarding a Supreme Court ruling where Google had violated Oracle’s copyright of its API.
Why are we talking about it and what does this have to do with the aftermarket. A lot. I’m honored to have Aaron Lowe, Senior VP of Regulatory and Government Affairs as my guest. Aaron breaks down the impact that the ruling can and will be to the industry.
Where else will you find important and relevant news coverage than the Remarkable Results Radio Podcast! Learn all about it and the impact it will have on our future. The key talking points for this episode reside on remarkableresults.biz/e634
Listen and view episode notesASE Educational Foundation [RR 630]
ASE Educational Foundation [RR 630]
Many of us support education at the high school and college level giving of our time, guidance, and advice to advisory boards. If you are not I highly recommend getting involved. There are not enough independent voices on advisory boards. This is an important show where you will learn the role of the ASE Education Foundation in our schools and who is the biggest poachers of technician talent.
Find the key talking points for this episode at remarkableresults.biz/e630
Listen and view episode notesHow to Have a Four Day Work Week with Eric Henley [RR 627]
How to Have a Four Day Work Week with Eric Henley [RR 627]
As a shop owner, how does a 4 day a week schedule sound to you? Would you like some extra time with family and friends? In this episode find out how Eric Henley
from H-Teck Auto Care does it! Be careful, you might free up some quality time!
The key talking points for this episode that make for a great meeting agenda reside at remarkablersults.biz/e627
Listen and view episode notesEmployee Review Process with Bryan Kelley [RR 625]
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.
Listen and view episode notesRethinking Your ASE Certification [THA 215]
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.
Listen and view episode notesPreventing Zoom Burnout [THA 214]
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
Listen and view episode notesASE Update: Approaching 50 Years of Certification Excellence [RR 619]
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.
Listen and view episode notesCharging 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
Listen and view episode notesEOS Part 1: How EOS helps Owners Get More Out of Their Business – Barry Barrett [RR 616]
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.
Listen and view episode notesWhere 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.
Listen and view episode notesHow To Make Your Business Better and More Productive Than What it is Today? – Bob Greenwood [RR 612]
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
Listen and view episode notesPre 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.
Listen and view episode notesHow to Implement Your Own Apprentice Program [RR 605]
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
Listen and view episode notesMillennials 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
Listen and view episode notesThe 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.
Listen and view episode notesAn 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.