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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

How My Business Changed as a Result of Covid-19 – A Look Back [THA 203]

THA 203 How My Business Changed as a Result of Covid-19 – A Look Back

A lot has happened as we drew to a close a year considered to be one of the most challenging years in our history.

Today, our topic talks about the changes and the challenges that Covid-19 swept on the aftermarket industry, along with every shop owner and team member. Did you push through? How did you cope? What changed and what changed permanently? These are some questions to reflect on as 2021 is on our doorstep. Reflect on your preparedness to face this unprecedented call to action.

Joining me are for this frank discussion is Jim Hayes, General Manager of Pacific Motor Service — and Dave Martin from Martin’s Auto Repair, Phoenix, AZ

The key talking points from this episode are already done for you on the show notes page at remarkableresults.biz/a203.

From College to ADAS Calibrations – Learning How [RR 599]

My guests today is Dominik Wrobel and Bob Heipp both from Mobile Auto Solutions in Chicago. Commonly referred to as MAS. This interview is about Dominik. As a 23-year-old, is straight out of college, working with 25 other mobile diagnostic technicians and learning the trade.. He is Bob Heipp’s Mentee. You know Bob as a member of the threesome TechnicianTalk Group where we’ve done 9 really intense and off the wall episodes. If you are new to the podcast go to the collections page on the website to find all Technician Talk EPisode.

Dominik and Bob talk with us about the transitions and challenges of adapting to work without any prior experience. Very much like what an automotive grad would go through. Dominik will also shed light on his mentorship, new technologies, and how much he likes ADAS Calibrations. His goal is to have his own MAS mobile truck and get out on the road. Dom is learning from all 25 team members by using slack to get the information and wisdom that he seeks.

The talking points of this episode can be found at remarkablersults.biz/e599.

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

Why Fix a Negative Attitude in your Shop [THA 202]

Why Fix a Negative Attitude [THA 202]

Statistics and many studies concluded that a negative behavior creates liabilities in the business setting and strains relationships. On a personal level, it decreases productivity and performance. Not only does it damage teamwork, but it also makes for unhappy customers. Our episode today attacks why a negative attitude has no room in our industry!

Joining me is Craig O’Neill, Andy Pollina, from Legacy Auto Tech, Grand Rapids, and Rick White from 180 Biz.

The key talking points from this episode are already done for you on the show notes page at remarkableresults.biz/a202.

Thinking Way Outside the Box with Greg Buckley [RR 597]

My friend Greg Buckley brought one of his way out of the box think to play here; that has an octopus analogy sliced in for good measure. Greg does make some excellent points that will help you and your business grow. Seen a copy of National Geographic lately? Have I teased you enough?

The talking points of this episode can be found at remarkablersults.biz/e597.

Hiring a Business Coach [RR 596]

Learn how a coach can keep you focused, motivated, and accountable. It’s very easy to get lost in the day-to-day. It’s great to have someone to keep your feet on the ground.

I get a lot of requests to recommend things, especially business coaches. You know how much I believe in having a business coach. Well, I do not recommend business coaches, as I must be neutral, like the country Sweden. So many coaches bring their wisdom to you on the show and for that I am grateful. What I do do is give a link to all the episodes I’ve done with our industry’s business coaches.

In this case shop owner Rick Williams asked and I gave him the link. I went on to ask him if he would pick three and allow an interview with him and the three coaches as a sort of opportunity for shop owners without a coach to hear what goes on in the coach hiring process. Shop owner Rick Williams of Rix Automotive was kind enough to agree to do this and he chose Bill Haas of Haas Performance Consulting, Bob Greenwood of Automotive aftermarket E-Learning Center, and David Justice from Repair Shop of tomorrow.

You can find Rick, Bob, Bill, and David’s other episodes and the key talking points for this episode at remarkablersults.biz/e596

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.

Frank Scandura – 20 Questions in 30 Minutes [RR 595]

I’m with Frank Scandura of Franks European. Frank Scandura shares his business acumen and offers insights and trends on leadership as a business coach. Here is his 20 Questions in 30 Minutes Episode.

This episode emphasized Frank’s philosophy on making mistakes and how you handle them sets you apart from the rest. Some customers make unreasonable demands. You must be able to handle them even if telling your customer you are not taking them. We had a great time with this interview.

Find the key talking points, Frank Scandura’s bio, and links to his previous episodes at remarkableresults.biz/e595

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

A Blessing in Disguise From My Biggest Mistake [THA 200]

Welcome to the 200th milestone episode of the Town Hall Academy. The industry’s premiere and original single subject forum. Thank you for your support in listening and watching the forum and making it a staple of information and insights for our automotive service industry.

Wisdom comes from many sources. If you think about the many mistakes you’ve made there are hundreds. But the blessing that can come from failure is to think of the challenge you faced and the outcome. Your panel today digs deep in their heart and shares with you the triumphs that came from some tough and low spots in their careers. I thank Emily Chung, Kelli Weatherby, Matthew Lachowitzer and Kevin Eckler for their transparent and emotional rendering on how they overcame a huge mistake and found blessings in their decision to act.

Matt Lachowitzer owns and founded Matt’s Automotive Service Center, Emily Chung owns and operates AutoNiche auto repair shop in Markham, Kelli Weatherby co-owner, with husband Lee, co-owns Accurate Automotive in Mesa, AZ., and Kevin Eckler, along with wife Lisa, owns Foreign Car Specialists.

The key talking points from this episode are already done for you on the show notes page at remarkableresults.biz/a200.

Avoiding Comebacks with Dave Hobbs [RR 592]

Avoiding Comebacks and More with Dave Hobbs [RR 592]

I’m with the lead technical trainer and course developer for Delphi Product and Service Solutions, Dave Hobbs. Dave has graced the podcast in the past and we are going to do a series of thought-provoking shows just for you.

Dave is tackling comebacks — a real part of doing business. Prevention or minimizing them comes from quality control, high standards and training. He also talks about the Right To Repair, Access to Data.

You can find Dave’s other episodes and the key talking points for this episode at remarkablersults.biz/e592

Buying & Selling: A Tale of Two Deals [THA 199]

Buying and Selling – A Tale of Two Deals [THA 199]

An episode that showcases a sale and an acquisition and the story behind these aftermarket transactions from two couples who each had a great opportunity.

Kevin and Sarah Bickford bought the Fox River Tire & Auto, Richie and Leslie Zimmerman owned and sold 3 Shops to a big box brand. The reasons and method of these two transactions will help you realize how these opportunities take an immense amount of work and maybe some luck.

The key talking points from this episode, they are already done for you. Go to the show page at remarkableresults.biz/a199.

Customer Service vs. Customer Experience with Murray Voth [RR 591]

Murray Voth the owner and principal trainer of RPM Training and one of Canada’s most knowledgeable experts on the automotive industry. Murray specializes in the fields of business development of the independent automotive service and repair sector.

Murray is focused on the customer experience. In this episode, Murray differentiates customer service vs customer experience and their specific advantages and disadvantages.

The talking points of this episode can be found at remarkablersults.biz/e591.

Science Based Hypnotherapy with Maureen Pisani [RR 590]

Science-Based Hypnotherapy with Maureen Pisani [RR 590]

I’m with Maureen Pisani a Certified Master Hypnotherapist and the founder of ProThrive Science-Based Hypnotherapy, where she works with individuals and groups (both in-person and online) to help empower, streamline success, and truly thrive.

Why this interview? I found the discussion with Maureen refreshingly different. I can see where some never reach their potential, yet we know they have it in them. Maureen offers solutions.

Imagine this as a tool for the automotive aftermarket. You do the math. Unlimited potential and untapped ideas.

We discuss how the brain works in hypnotherapy and the science behind it that proved useful in uplifting and giving us an edge in life! The talking points can be found at remarkablersults.biz/e590

Four Corner – Four Wall Shop Inspection [THA 198]

Four Corner – Four Wall Facility Audit [THA 198]

Welcome to an episode that brings to you the power and value of peer inspections of your facility and property. This discussion applies to the Four Corners and Four Walls of your shop. Does your customer see the organization and cleanliness of your shop? How about the environment that your people work in. Is it up to your standards?

I’m with Seth Thorson, Owner of EuroTech Auto Service and LMV Bavarian BMW Support; and Daniel Gravely, District Manager, EuroTech Auto Service. And keep in mind this is a peer review – some special power in that.

The key talking points from this episode, they are already done for you. Go to the show page at remarkableresults.biz/a198.

Doug Grills – 20 Questions in 30 Minutes [RR 589]

Welcome to another episode of 20 Questions in 30 Minutes. I’m with Doug Grills of AutoStream Car Care Center. Doug along with his partner Rick Levitan has been around the auto service business for over 25 years and has built their reputation by offering best-in-class service to their customers. Now he joins and answers his hand-picked questions on our format I call 20 Questions in 30 Minutes.

This episode highlights Doug’s early musical career and allowed us to understand how he uses his analytical skills to make decisions. He believes in process and that a strong culture is what people really buy into.

Find the key talking points, Doug Grills’ bio, and links to his previous episodes at remarkableresults.biz/e589

The Difference: Dealership Tech Now Works for an Independent. Why? [RR 588]

I’m with Matt Manzone and Jim Fleischman. Matt is an ASE certified master tech and service writer and works at Jim’s shop Automotive Alley in Arcade, NY.

Why this interview. Matt is a former dealer technician. Hearing the reasons why Matt Manzone went to work for an independent is important to how you think and approach hiring dealer techs. Jim also shares some of his process to bring Matt on board to work in his company.

We discuss the differences of techs at dealerships against techs at independent shops. Matt and Jim also talk about the dilemma of leaving your job of 14 years for the same yet new job. The talking points can be found at remarkablersults.biz/e588

Electric Vehicles – The Future Unfolds [THA 197]

Welcome to an episode ahead of its time. It may bring forth some brilliant thoughts and strategies moving forward that will help the aftermarket prepare for the future. It will be here sooner than we know.

I’m with John Eppstein, Carolyn Coquillette, Dave Kusa, and Rorry Balmer. We talk about the future with changing technology especially Electric Vehicles. Don’t shy away from this or any other topic that will define your future.

My Academy guests detailed our preparedness, the competitive landscape, predictions, legislation, powertrain, ownership structure, electric vehicles and more along with their recommendations.

If you want the key talking points from this episode, they are already done for you. Go to the show page at remarkableresults.biz/a197.

Four Ways to Generate Income Using ESBI with Gerry Frank [RR 587]

Gerry Frank, a business coach, and shop owner share Robert Kiyosaki’s famous CashFlow Quadrant in an easy to swallow and digestible way.

It has 4 quadrants and abbreviated as ESBI. He is correlating the ESBI approach to stages in the aftermarket. The stages are Employee, Self-employed, Business Owner, and Investor which relates to an individual starting himself as a technician becomes a shop owner and eventually, becomes an investor.

Find the key talking points, Gerry Frank’s bio, and links to his previous episodes at remarkableresults.biz/e587

Service Advisor Advice from Steve Shaw [RR 586]

Service advisor consultant trainer Steve Shaw of Steve Shaw Training brings his unique brand of training. Steve has some great ideas and concepts that can help you grow sales therefore dropping that margin gain directly to the bottom line. Steve Shaw teaches service advisors to get customers’ permission.

Steve shares 5 key reasons customers buy And he wants you to change the wording when you sell maintenance. There is also a simple approach to selling tires.

Steve also adds techniques in this episode. He advises, if you follow the tools and training you will sell more. He extends his understanding of customer behavior to your advantage. This episode can answer why customers buy and offer some great ideas on selling maintenance and tires.

Find the show notes at remarkableresults.biz/e586.

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.

ADAS and Tech Advances – Joe Register [RR 584]

This episode speaks to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems or ADAS. Joe Register the Vice-President of Emerging Technologies at the AutoCare Association is back. One week ago we talked about Secure Vehicle Interface and this is our follow-up with Joe. He has brought enormous amounts of helpful information on the advancement of technology to my listeners.

Joe Register has over 40 years of experience delivering progressive system solutions to companies in every channel of the Automotive Aftermarket. Joe is well connected through his work in helping to create tech and interface standards with ISO (International Organization for Standards) and SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers).

Find the show notes and the video of Joe’s slides at https://remarkableresults.biz/e584

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.