RR 409: AJ Nealey: Living the Dream. Turned His Vision Into His Reality. No, is Hard To Say for AJ!
AJ Nealey: Living the Dream. Turned His Vision Into His Reality. No, is Hard To Say for AJ!
AJ Nealey from Nealey’s Auto Service in Edgewater, MD shares a bit of his legacy as a racer but concentrated on the transformation he made from a one bay shop at home to a 9 bay facility. This is a story for a movie of the week. It comes with guts, risk, and reward. All the right ingredients. It shows that the proper attitude, business plan, and the right advisors can contribute to uncompromising success.
It started with an entrepreneurial passion. AJ is from a family of legacy entrepreneurs. His passion filled with the eagerness to learn and the sustained understanding of how things work.
So many great take-a-ways here to help in your own personal success strategy. Remember there are so many ways to run a great business. Our goal with the podcast is to cast these ideas to you in hopes that you will pick one up and run with it.
RR 408: Scott Shotton – Straight Talk on Entry Level Technicians, Tips on Becoming an Aftermarket Trainer and Post-Secondary Automotive Education
Scott Shotton: Straight Talk on Entry Level Technicians, Tips on Becoming an Aftermarket Trainer and Post-Secondary Automotive Education
Scott and I dig into automotive education at the college level. We talk about the knowledge level and experience that our automotive graduates have and what their expected career path can be. Any seasoned technician knows where he started and what it took to get where he/she is today. That hasn’t changed, however, we may have higher expectations of our new grads and that is why each needs to have a career path set for them that includes an ongoing training program
Scott gives accolades to our top aftermarket trainers and gives advice to aspiring trainers.
We also get into the grow your own technician issue, the A,B,C technician designation, and mobile as a career path.
RR 407: Dennis Montalbano: He Survived a Heart Attack and Stroke and so Did His Business!
Dennis Montalbano: He Survived a Heart Attack and Stroke and so Did His Business!
This isn’t the first episode I’ve done on having a health scare. Think about it. The interviews I’ve done lived through their health challenge and are now advocates on what you need to do to help survive your business and also to lead a healthier life. Yes, easier said than done, but if I continue to tell these stories maybe we’ll save one or two business out there and even get you to live a long and happy life.
No doubt eating, exercise, and stress play a big part. I know there is no stress working in or building your business.. As I say that with my tongue firmly planted in my cheek. We are in a high-stress industry and that, of course, is a leading contributor to heart and stroke.
RR 406: Geek Talk 2.0 Part 3: The Independents Biggest Competitor
Geek Talk 2.0 Part Three – The Independents Biggest Competitor
This episode will enlighten and open your eyes to who are the biggest competitors of the independent shops; how to deal with them and how to market against them. Some important stats presented shows how market share is changing.
The panel includes Greg Buckley, CEO of Buckley Personalized Auto Care in Wilmington, DE, Chris Cloutier, co-owner of Golden Rule Auto Care in Dallas Texas and CEO of AutoText Me and Karim Morsli owner of Winkler Automomotive in Gaithersburg, MD.
RR 405: Barry Barrett – Book Review – Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss
Barry Barrett – Book Review – Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss
Barry reviews and shows the principles of the book by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz called “Never split the difference – Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It”.
Barry covers the premise of the book that builds a foundation for negotiation on the basis of understanding the other party through empathy and active listening skills.
Barry does a good job summarizing the book and bringing its principles to an aftermarket perspective.
RR 404. Rodney Pierini. A Grant That Supports Automotive Education – First Of Its Kind
A Grant that Ensures The Future of the Aftermarket.
CAWA receives a $25K grant from the University of the Aftermarket. The program would consider financial assistance, accreditation support, access to automotive products for classroom use and access to industry training for the teachers. This grant will allow CAWA the resources to establish the program and serve as a model for others to implement because we believe it’s a first in the country to provide this type of support for our high school automotive teachers.
Our guest Rodney Pierini is the President and CEO of CAWA – California Automotive Wholesaler’s Association. Mr. Pierini has served on many auto care industry committees and groups including serving as the Chair of the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations, the Auto Care Association Board of Directors and Chair of the Auto Care Association Government Affairs Committee, to name a few. He is also a recipient of Northwood University’s Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award.
RR 403: Lucas Underwood – Take Ownership and Learn from your Mistakes. Find Humility.
Lucas Underwood – Take Ownership and Learn from your Mistakes. Find Humility.
There are a lot of responsibilities being a business owner. You have to re-think or get advice if your policies or strategies are not working. This episode does open the discussion on self-improvement and learning from your mistakes.
Lucas Underwood is an Automotive diagnostic specialist and shop owner. He owns L & N Performance Auto Repair, Blowing Rock, NC.
We talk about supporting post-secondary education, technician training, the importance of communicating with your team, staying current with customer needs such as texting and what are his success secrets at this time in his life. Lucas is a millennial shop ower for the last 10 years. The road was not paved in gold.
RR 402: Generation Z – Understanding Our Newest Employees and Customers
Generation Z – Understanding Our Newest Employees and Customers
Generation Z our newest generation born from 1990 until 1995 that are ready for the workforce and will become your customer. They are on their way to make a difference in our society and taking up leadership roles and making a difference. But how big a difference would they bring to the aftermarket industry?
Our guest Sara Fraser from Haas Performance Consulting LLC. Sara will give us the skinny on our Generation Z. One of the most interesting characteristics is they have tendencies like Baby Boomers. Here is a generation that literally grew up with technology as a given in their lives. Sara says they are independent and want a work-life-blend. She will tell you how they like to be marketed to and that you’ll need to be authentic if you want them to work for you or become a customer.
RR 401: Family Succession Part 1 – Our Future Female Shop Owners
Family Succession Part 1 – Our Future Female Shop Owners
We are talking to three millennial ladies who are geared for the succession of the family business. Many of our aftermarkets family businesses want to retire knowing that the business they have built is in safe hands, is moving forward and continues to succeed. Grooming a family member to become the CEO is a big decision and challenging journey.
Our guests are young and energetic female successors; Carly Paiva from Elite Auto Repair, in Warwick, RI, Jacquie Hower from Zimmerman’s Automotive in Mechanicsburg, PA, and Lauren Anderson from Victory Auto Service and Glass in Minneapolis. They understood very well the stakes and the responsibilities. They are not shying away and have shown maturity above their young age.
Carly Paiva has been actively participating in service advisory classes to better herself, Jacqui Hower recently graduated from Northwood and Lauren Anderson is finding ways and solutions to better equip her staff for success. The energy and passion of these three must make their parents proud.
RR 400: 400th Episode Milestone. What does it mean to “Listen To Learn Just One Thing.”
400th Episode Milestone. What does it mean to “Listen To Learn Just One Thing.
Welcome to the 400th episode. I started back in March 2015 with the seed of an idea to help all ships rise in the industry. Hats off to those first 20 guests who help get this juggernaut started.
Here is the panel, Kevin Eckler, Foreign Car Specialists, Poughkeepsie, NY Pete Rudloff from Pete’s Garage in Newark, DE, Ryan Clo from Dubwerx in Cincinnati, OH, Rich Falco Instructor for CTI, Tom Lambert from Shadetree Automotive in Layton, UT, Maryann Croce, Croce’s Transmission in Norwalk, CT and from Small Biz Vantage.com, Dwayne Myers, Dynamic Automotive in Frederick, Md and Christopher Petersen from Northwest Automotive in Kalispell, MT.
Stories from all segments of the industry with discussions that will help invigorate, enliven and inspire you to take action or affirm your path and strategy. Podcasts are a viable resource for your continual learning game plan.
RR 399: Service Talk 1 – The Service Adviser | Center of the Hub – Customer – Technician – Owner
Service Talk Part 1 – The Center of the Hub: Customer – Technician – Owner
Service advisors are the liaisons between the customer, technicians and the owners. Their job is one of the most important in the aftermarket service industry.
Trust and Communications are the keys to building a relationship with your customer. Trusting your tech is also critical to building a strong relationship.
We talk female service advisors, curb appeal, the disadvantage of being a former technician and how to get the owner to make the SA the point person, among other topics.
I’m so glad to welcome Racheal Barraclough, Service Manager at Amton Auto & Truck, Chris Johnson, Service Manager at Total Automotive, and Nick Herberger, Service Manager at Scruggs Automotive.
RR 398: Shop Talk 9 – Hitting The Brick Wall – Business and Leadership Transformation
Shop Talk 9 – Business and Leadership Transformation
I’m so glad to welcome Chris Machado from JCircle M Truck Repair, Inc. in Bakersfield, Ca and Corey Evaldi from Olmstead Auto Care, North Ridgeville, Ohio. Two leaders with contrasting style but unified in their quest for shop success.
Chris leads his life with no excuses while using his energy to help people. He values generosity, kindness and willingness to listen as part of his strong leadership traits. Corey loves perfection and is addicted to winning. He holds meetings with his people where their input is critical to the running of the business. There are a lot of things covered to help you grow your leadership and business acumen only here.
A bright vision of success and a hope for more businesses. Don’t miss this.
RR 397: Acquisition Integration – A Look Inside a New Location Transition
Acquisition Integration: A Look Inside a New Location Transition
Mike Allen, a General Manager Telle Tires and Auto Centers tells of his first-hand experience integrating a recent acquisition. This episode will show you the processes of transition and the sensitivities in customers, people, and brand when acquiring new shops.
Mike was recently involved in integration of one of Telle Tires most recent acquisition. This 10 stores 77-year-old legacy company has been on an acquisition path. Mike Allen talks about how he has lead one particular integration for the Telle family.
Aftermarket Professionals and Shop Owners will find this episode useful if they plan to expand and acquire shops. We can never say that there will be no risks with integrations but Mike’s wisdom will help you understand the excitement, opportunities, and challenges that come with growth.
RR 396: Education – Inside the Automotive Business School of Canada
Education – Inside the Automotive Business School of Canada
Listen to the story of how one Automotive Business College prepares students for an Automotive Career.
Bob Greenwood, CEO of Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre Ltd and Professor John Jackson from Automotive Business School of Canada.
This episode will motivate you to continue your strong message to the educators who are working hard to prepare students for a career in the aftermarket. There are great ideas in this episode to drive your inspiration to keep you or get you involved in aftermarket education.
We cover a lot of ground and I believe you’ll be impressed with what the Automotive Business School of Canada is doing to educate, intern and place students into the aftermarket.
RR 395: Shop Talk 8 – Second Shop Challenge | The Power of Blacktop | Industry Image
Shop Talk 8 – Second Shop Challenge – The Power of Blacktop – Industry Image
I’m so glad to welcome John Eppstein from John’s Automotive Care in San Diego, CA, Scott Pelava from Lonsdale Auto Works in Lonsdale, MN, and former shop owner Scott ‘Gonzo’ Weaver, Scott has added trainer to his resume and continues to be a recognized writer in our industry, I’m sure you know of Gonzo’s Tool Box.
John tells us about his recent new location and a few challenges he didn’t anticipate, Scott Pelava has an idea to add a service to his shop that many would not agree with and Gonzo shares his wisdom of the ages. We also get into our industry image. A lot to chew on.
A bright and interesting moment is the talk about blacktop. Don’t miss this.
RR 394: What Quality Employees Really Want – Results From a Technician Survey
What Quality Employees Really Want – Results From a Technician Survey
Join Tom Ham from Auto Centric and Automotive Management Network (AMN)as we talk about the results of a few surveys from AMN that deal with the technicians perspective on their satisfaction and needs of their job and employer.
We dive into technician related surveys about common reasons for techs to be fired, what quality employees really want, why technicians quit and why would techs change jobs and finally technician complaints.
RR 393: ADAS is the Next Big Thing. Advice From an ADAS Calibration Shop.
ADAS is the Next Big Thing. Advice from an ADAS Calibration Shop.
Matthew Roayaee is franchise owner of Auto Check- Cypress Station in Katy, TX. Matthew brings his insights as an ADAS calibration shop. Matthew made the investment in ADAS calibration and he shares his strategy and challenges for being an early adopter.
Learn why Matthew Roayaee decided to invest in ADAS calibration. You’re going to get his perspectives on his challenges, what he recommends shop owners do to meet this head on and other wide open topics like barriers to entry, and training among other important issues.
RR 392: Shop Talk 7 – The Leading Ladies
Shop Talk 7 -Leading Ladies
Judi Haglin, from Haglin Automotive, Boulder CO, Shelle Bennett, from Mike’s Kars in Gettysburg, PA and Kelli Weatherby from Accurate Automotive in Mesa, AZ.
These three ladies are members of an ATI twenty group that is called Leading Ladies. They are proud of their numbers. They are the top twenty group in performance within the ATI program. How is that for ‘strength in numbers’.
We had a really relaxed and wide open chat in the AAPEX18 Studio where we touched on the disciplines they have in their 20 group, what they believe is the secret to a successful business, finding your humility will change your world, and why the fear of sharing hold businesses back. There is plenty more especially the talk on the secret sauce.
RR 391: What Happens When a Technician Becomes a Customer for Automotive Repair.
What Happens When a Technician Becomes a Customer for Automotive Repair.
Pete Meir, Director of Training for the UBM Advanstar Automotive Group, which includes Motor Age magazine, wrote a story “When a Technician Becomes a Customer for Automotive Repair Service.” You can only imagine the implications and ramifications this implores.
When Pete needed tires for his truck he became a customer. He was not delighted with the service he was given and it drove him to write about it. He may have never written it if he had a satisfying and complete service experience. It’s tough to be in this industry and not judge your own personal experiences and standards against all others.
Training and Customer Service are the very processes that needed improvement and constant adjustment to meeting trends and everyday situations. Having this can equip a technician and service adviser in most decision making situations.
RR 390: DATA – How Understanding Search Habits Will Help Grow New Customers
DATA – How Understanding Search Habits Will Help Grow New Customers
Al Haberstroh, a partner and Chief Strategy Officer at MontAd Media has developed numerous innovative, revenue-driving solutions for marketers of all sizes. He was an early adopter of content and database marketing and was instrumental in the development of two new proprietary marketing tools for the aftermarket; Shop Reach 360 and Audience ID.
Al knows that data will help drive traffic to the aftermarket. They key will be to interpret the data and use it to engage with customers who are searching for problem solutions.
This is episode is the answer to most questions regarding tracking data and its content and relevance. Monitoring the trends and movement with months and months of data can offer you a confident approach in assessing the products and services you offer. It is like reading the future and being a psychic using data analysis.
RR 389: The Art of Successful Mentoring
The Art of Successful Mentoring
Dr. John Passante is a well-respected mentor who has 35+ years of experience in human resource and organizational development. He is an author, a lecturer, a professor and prides himself in helping companies increase their effectiveness. Aaron Schaffer is well versed in sales, product, and marketing. He holds a BBA in Economics and a lifelong car enthusiast and has been active in motorsports competition.
This is episode brings you a full view of mentoring and the relationship shared as a mentee. The interview offers exclusive access to John and Aaron’s 45+ Years of combined experience in their respective fields. Their take on mentoring will add quality and value when you become a mentor yourself.
RR 388: Re-Inventing You! A Personal Story Of Prolific Change.
Re-Inventing You! A Personal Story Of Prolific Change.
Carlo Sabucco from Sils Complete Auto Care Centre, a successful 8 bay shop on the east side of Oakville, Ontario.
This is episode offers some in your face and blunt stores about failure, adversity and managing your ego to get to the next level. You cannot be successful in the changing aftermarket if you do not have the CEO mindset. Your thought process should match the level that you want to be at. There is no downshifting gears when you are climbing a mountain.
Carlo offers one of the most transparent interviews I’ve ever done on the podcast. He shares his romance of selling his business and then he said no. That experience rejuvenated him and allowed him to re-invent his mission and vision about his business and the industry.
One of Carlo’s personal disrupters in his business in 2019 is to take his entire staff to Vision KC. He knows that the future will be shaped by what we do today. Too many shop owners ask for help but never implement. He says they’ll be left behind.
RR 387: In Praise of Our Trainers
In Praise of Our Trainers
Our Guests: Bob Greenwood, AMAM, is the President and CEO of Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre Ltd and has over 40 years’ experience working with Independent shops developing their business to maximize business net income.
Eric Ziegler owns and operates EZ Diagnostic Solutions Inc and is an accomplished automotive trainer working for Automotive Seminars and the Driveability Guys training technicians in the latest diagnostic techniques and technologies throughout the Midwest and US.
This is some straight up podcasting with hard-hitting talk about our industry trainers. Do we appreciate them the way we should? Are they paid enough? Do we look at training as an expense or an investment?
Bob and Eric seem like an odd couple to talk about this, but you’ll positively love the honest, transparent and frank talk that we had. Bob wrote an article titled. ‘In Praise of Trainers in the magazine Auto Service World and, I believe you’ll appreciate the way he and Eric bridge this topic.
RR 386: Shop Talk 6 – Making it Work – Husband and Wife Partners
Making it Work: Husband and Wife Partners
Our married partners are Judi and Dana Haglin of Haglin Automotive Boulder, CO, along with Kim and Rob Auernheimer of CS Automotive in Brentwood, Tennessee. They share their experiences in running a shop, together with their life partners.
They make it sound simple, however as you’ll hear there was and continues to be a learning curve in their path to ‘harmony’. We’ll learn how they brought out the best in each other while improving their business’s and continuously making each other better.
They persisted with the patience, hardships, struggles, fulfillment and the joy of owning and managing a business as a husband and wife tandem.
They are like any couple but have the additional dynamic as business co-owners and partners. Learn from their tribulations as they share how each overcame their challenges to make their partnership amazing and strengthen their relationship over time.
RR 385: AAPEX 2018 – Driving the Aftermarket to be Ahead of the Curve
AAPEX 2018 – Driving the Aftermarket to be Ahead of the Curve
The Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) are valued partners working together to meet the needs of the industry and stay ahead of the curve. They co-own AAPEX where the global automotive aftermarket gathers to learn and find the next opportunity in this $740B industry.
Mark Bogdansky and Chris Gardner and their teams under the leadership of Bill Hanvey from Auto Care and Bill Long from AASA bring educational sessions, networking events and live demonstrations to help you grow your aftermarket business.
Mark Bogdansky, is the Senior Director of Meetings and Events at Auto Care Association, and Chris Gardner, MAAP, is the Vice President of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association.