Brainstorming on Shop Ownership – A Business Not a Hobby [RR 607]

Brainstorming on Shop Ownership – A Business Not a Hobby [RR 607]

Chris Cotton once again shares his experience on shop ownership. Chris warns that buying your first shop and or getting into business as a new auto repair shop is not a cakewalk. Just because you know stuff about cars and love working on them doesn’t make it easy. You don’t treat it like a hobby, you treat it like a business.

Strong words of wisdom from Chris warning those who venture into shop ownership must have strong financial goals to reach. You need to have a lot of brainstorming or planning sessions to come out successfully. You will not be an overnight success. A fun and fast-paced episode. Make listening to it your homework.

You can find Chris Cotton’s other episodes and the key talking points at remarkablersults.biz/e607

Owner, Technician, Service Advisor – Working Together – AAPEX 2020 Honors [RR 606]

Owner, Technician, Service Advisor – Working Together – AAPEX 2020 Honors [RR 606]

This 606th episode honors the recipients of the AAPEX 2020 Awards. The first annual honors include Shop Owner of the Year, Technician of the Year, and Service Advisor of the Year.

Sure we bestowed a bunch of high-fives upon these three outstanding aftermarket professionals, but you’ll love the episode as we discussed their roles in a shop environment and why working together through trust and respect make a huge difference for the business and work environment.

Help me welcome Brian Sump of Avalon MotorSports and Urbana Auto Care as the AAPEX 2020 Shop Owner of the Year. Norm Schultz of Interstate Auto Care, Madison Heights, MI as AAPEX 2020 Technician of the Year, and Jason Sexton of Dynamic Automotive, Frederick, MD as the AAPEX 2020 Service Advisor of the Year.

The key talking points for this episode reside at remarkableresults.biz/e606

How 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

Women in Auto Care Awards 2020 [RR 604]

Women in Auto Care Awards 2020 [RR 604]

This episode honors the 2020 Women in Auto Care Awards. There are 3 prestigious awards presented annually, namely; Auto Care Woman of the Year, Female Shop Owner of the Year, and Auto Care Woman of Excellence. The awards are presented to a Women in Auto Care member who has provided recent outstanding contributions to the auto care industry.

I welcome Auto Care Woman of the Year, Lauren Beaulieu, Vice President, Professional Marketing, Advance Auto Parts, The Female Shop Owner of the Year Kim Auernheimer, owner and Business Manager, Cool Springs Automotive, Brentwood, TN and the Auto Care Woman of Excellence, Danielle Sonnefeld, Vice President, Business Development, N.A. Williams

The key talking points for this episode reside at remarkablersults.biz/e604

The Women In Auto Care organization is very dedicated to the advancement, education and empowerment of women within the auto care industry, especially their commitment to educational scholarships. Please listen for details on the unrivaled nurturing they make in scholarships and continuing education.

You can find my panels previous episodes, their bios and the key talking points for this episode at remarkablersults.biz/e604

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.

How to Become a Thermostat Instead of a Thermometer- Dave Hobbs [RR 601]

Become a Thermostat Instead of a Thermometer – Dave Hobbs [RR 601]

Dave Hobbs, the lead technical trainer and course developer for Delphi Product and Service Solutions, Dave Hobbs is back. Dave has graced us recently with his episode 592 talking about how to avoid comebacks with tech talks. He is now offering you his insights on ADAS training virtual classes on how to become a thermostat not a thermometer.

You can find Dave’s other episodes and the key talking points for this episode at remarkablersults.biz/e601

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]

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

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

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]

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

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

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]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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]

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

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

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 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.

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

ADAS and Tech Advances – Joe Register [RR 584]

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

Dave Kusa – 20 Questions in 30 Minutes [RR 583]

Dave Kusa – 20 Questions in 30 Minutes [RR 583]

Welcome to another episode of 20 Questions in 30 Minutes. This format offers a quick, in-depth and on-point conversation like no other. You’ll hear from shop owner Dave Kusa from Autotrend Diagnostics, San Francisco, CA.

He talks about the impact of technology on his business, building a strong business culture, and getting training whenever you can. He also has some important tips about Gross Margin Hack which will be interesting once the episode hits the mid part!

Find the key talking points, Dave Kusa’s bio and links to his previous episodes at remarkableresults.biz/e583

This is raw, relevant and personal. All the necessary ingredients are concocted here to diminish your struggles and take you to the next level. Learn things aftermarket approved only here on the only remarkable results radio!