Comebacks: Prevention, Reputation and Cost [THA 224]
Comebacks: Prevention, Reputation and Cost [THA 224]
How closely do you track comebacks in your shop? Do you look for trends? Is it human error or communication gaps between customer and service advisor, and service advisor and technician? Sometimes the most loyal customers arise from correcting a mistake, but often times we are unaware a mistake even happened. In this episode, my panel dives into the different scenarios that occur during vehicle comebacks and how to correct them.
You can listen and/or watch the video of this episode and find the key talking points at remarkableresults.biz/a224
My Biggest Mistakes [THA 223]
My Biggest Mistakes [THA 223]
In this episode, my panel discusses some of their biggest mistakes they’ve overcome as shop owners. We all wish we could go back in time and fix mistakes from ever happening, but unfortunately, there is no crystal ball for life. Instead, it’s important to reflect and turn it into a learning curve for ourselves and others. Take this opportunity to listen to this giving and transparent episode to perhaps avoid making the same mistakes in your business. Learn from these moments of truth.
The key talking points for this episode reside at remarkableresults.biz/a223
10 Things That Require Zero Talent [THA 222]
10 Things That Require Zero Talent [THA 222]
What makes a person successful? Is it luck? Is it because they are born to be leaders? Can success be taught or learned? Too often we get caught up in the day-to-day grind, we lose focus on the big picture called life. In this episode, we go back to basics and discuss 10 things that require zero talent that EVERYONE can accomplish. Practice each one and you’ll be amazed at the changes that follow.
You can listen and/or watch the video of this episode and find the key talking points at remarkableresults.biz/a222. They make a great meeting agenda.
Are You Fixing Hybrids Cars? [THA 221]
Are You Fixing Hybrid Cars? [THA 221]
If you’re waiting for a sign to get into hybrid repairs then consider this your wake-up call! You can either sit back and let a specialization opportunity pass you by, or take action and embrace hybrid repairs whose cars have been around for 21 years. Our lineup includes Craig Van Battenburg, Automotive Career Development Center (ACDC), Cameron Lee, Ernie Lee’s Service Center, and Raleigh Hybrids and Eric Carlson.
They are here to help guide you through hybrid repairs, marketing, tooling, and training. The key talking points for this episode on Hybrids reside at remarkableresults.biz/a221
Specialization with Tom Palermo and John Anello [THA 220]
Specialization with Tom Palermo and John Anello [THA 220]
We are here to talk about specialization. Ever wonder what are the pros and cons to being a specialist in a certain field of repair? In this episode, we discuss fleet business with Tom Palermo, Preferred Auto Specialists, and the world of being a mobile diagnostician/programmer and ADAS calibrator from John Anello, Auto Tech on Wheels.
Listen to their approach to specializations and how they’ve adapted to the changes in our industry. This is Knowledge you need to have as you continue to learn what makes our aftermarket tic.
The key talking points for this episode reside at remarkableresults.biz/a220
Keeping Your Shop Floors Clean – Why and How [CC 088]
Stephane Grabina, BMW Excluservice, Rockville, MD, and Scott Pelava, Lonsdale Auto
Works, Lonsdale, MN share the reasons they keep their floors clean. They use a commercial
floor scrubber. Learn how and why these two successful shop owners have invested in
keeping their shop floors clean.
Tires as a Profit Center [THA 219]
Tires as a Profit Center [THA219]
Did you know that roughly 33% of tires that come through your shop on customer’s vehicles need to be replaced? Are you willing to see that money go to someone else? It’s time to turn your business into a one-stop shop for your customers! Find out how in this episode with shop owners who love tires!
You can also watch the show’s video and get the key talking points at remarkableresults.biz/a219
Auto Repair in the Decade of the Nineties [THA 217]
Auto Repair in the Decade of the Nineties [THA 217]
It’s quite fitting this episode is being released on a Thursday…because it is the quintessential #throwbackthursday. My panel is taking a trip down memory lane in the 1990’s…the era of OBD2 and the huge shift in technology. Change is never easy but it is always a necessity, hear how my guests handled the changes and adapted in order to move forward. You can watch the video of this episode and find the key talking points at remarkableresults.biz/a217
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
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.
A Blessing in Disguise From My Biggest Mistake [THA 200]
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
Electric Vehicles – The Future Unfolds [THA 197]
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.
Auto Repair in the Decade of the Eighties [THA 194]
Auto Repair in the Decade of the Eighties [THA 194]
Welcome to another trip down memory lane and a flashback to the decade of the 1980s. My guests recall that the new tech that came out in the decade was learned through trial by fire and carburetors could be diagnosed with your ears. A fun time where the music was made by hair groups…. what was your favorite group?
This was an era too where the Chrysler Caravan, Fiero and the IROC-Z debuted. When the phone rang during this period, they said that 80 percent of the time that caller would-be customers and 12 D Cell Batteries to make the Boom Box work. And of course, the mullet was the hair cut of choice. If you don’t remember because you are too young, then listen to what your brethren, who came before you, remember about the decade of the eighties. BTW There are pictures of the entire panel from the 1980s in the show notes
The panel, Kevin Eckler, along with wife Lisa own Foreign Car Specialists, in Poughkeepsie, NY, Paul Marquardt, Northwoods Auto Techs, Rhinelander, WI was the National NAPA ASE Tech of the Year for 2010 and is a NAPA Autotech Trainer
Rich Falco, Instructor at CTI (Carquest Technical Institute) and John Bridgwater, Wright’s Automotive Service, San Leandro, CA. The show notes at remarkableresults.biz/a194 where you’ll find pictures and links to my panel’s previous episodes.
Shop Talk 9: The Ladies Have a Lot To Say [RR 577]
Shop Talk 9 – The Ladies Have a Lot to Say – RR 577
Three lady shop owners that will speak to marketing to women, offer their perspective on margins and cost management, how the pandemic has made important changes and how it changed the hiring process. Will you agree, take exception from their ideas or gain a new insight.
The panel: Jamie Carlson from Ervine’s Auto Repair, who was honored as the Female Shop Owner of the Year 2019 from AutoCare’s Women In Auto Care, Emily Chung
AutoNiceh in Markham, Ontario, and Rachael Wacha from City Auto Repair, Gainesville, FL.
Find the key talking points at remarkableresults.biz/e577
Succession With a Family Member [THA 188]
THA 188 – Succession with a Family Member
Family succession can be different than selling to a non-family member, yet many components of a transaction are similar. Jessica and Ron were very forthcoming and business coach Dave Justice helped shape the plan.
The panel: Ron Tinner, owner of Sparks Tire and Auto, along with his daughter Jessica Carrino. Jessica will become the owner, and they share their story about making a family transaction work. David Justice from Repair shop of Tomorrow is their business coach.
Succession is one of the hottest trends in our industry. So many want to retire, pass the business on to family or sell to a team member. Selling to another shop owner or group is also in the cars. We can’t talk about this enough.
For the key talking points, audio and video go to remarkableresults.biz/a188.
Aftermarket Pros Talk Tesla [RR 552]
Aftermarket Pros Talk about Tesla [RR 552]
In this episode we are talking Tesla and this is a topic I’ve wanted to learn more about as the aftermarket should be a source for service and repairs for this brand. Seth Thorson is servicing them and we pulled a panel together to help you fill in the blanks on where the aftermarket stands as it comes to service and parts for the Tesla.
Find the show notes and key talking points at remarkableresults.biz/e552. Not only do Scott and Seth own Tesla’s, they are working on them, in a limited way, but nonetheless they are learning how to acquire parts, and understand what is going wrong with them. My panel feels that we will be able to play a role in the service of Tesla’s in the future.
The panel: Seth Thorson, Scott Brown, and Matt Fanslow. They are veterans in the industry working on Tesla Vehicles. They know the first-hand issues and workarounds. Learn how they generate energy, securing parts, service and distribution models.
Looking Ahead to the New Normal -Part 1 [THA 170]
Debate: Just Say Yes – I Wish I Could – Darren Adams and Brett Bohlmann [RR 533]
Panel: Darren Adams from Dryfork Diesel and Auto in Carthage, MO Brett Bohlman from HWY 7 Service Center, Newell, IA Talking Points: “Just say yes, I wish I could” Brett lost technician- lower car count and sell more. Technician spend more time on a vehicle, less processing time Top 20% make up 80% of the…
Lift Safety with Rick White [RR 522]
Rick White, President and Lead Coach for 180BIZ, an auto repair shop training and business coaching company. He also owned and managed several successful automotive repair shops. Early in his career, Rick got his arm stuck under a vehicle while working underneath it. He managed to get out safely but it was a wake up…
Covid-19 Aftermarket Panel Discussion ‘Business as Unusual’ [Bonus 06]
In the format of a virtual coffee discussion, this group delivered on a wide range of pertinent topics we are facing. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic we are talking lines of credit, SBA loans, sanitizing, marketing, open or closed waiting rooms, planing short, medium and long-range .. as each week passes, expense review and the optimism that you need to get through this
My panel, is shop owner Greg Skolnik from Motor Works in Rockville, MD, coach Bill Haas, Hass Performance Consulting, shop owner Tom Ham, Autocentric and Automotive Management Network, Grand Rapids, MI and shop owner Bill Nalu, Interstate Auto Care, Madison Heights, MI
Survival Tactics – Covid-19 with Chris Cloutier and Dennis McCarron [RR 521]
Chris Cloutier is co-owner of Golden Rule Auto Care in Dallas Texas and CEO of Auto Tex Me. He spent many years in the software industry developing solutions for companies like Southwest Airlines, and Wyndham Intl. He’s worked for companies that understood the marriage of service and software, and have applied it in an effective way.…
Cecil Bullard – Parts Pricing in the Age of Online Parts Sellers [FTR 089]
Cecil Bullard is President of the Institute for Automotive Business Excellence. He is a trainer and business coach in the automotive aftermarket working closely with service professionals. Previous episodes featuring or mentioning Cecil, click HERE. Institute for Automotive Business Excellence website. Talking Points: Re-thinking parts margins based on pricing transparency from online parts sellers He doesn’t like…
Are You Paying for Training? The Right Thing To Do [THA 162]
Keith Williamson is the owner of Williamson’s Repair and Tire in Bondurant, IA for over 20 years. He is a member of MWACA where he leads the Shop Owner Support Group (an amazing group of shops) in Iowa. He and his team focus on the customer experience, as well as Hybrid, Electric and emerging vehicle…
Shops Putting Others Down. WHY? – Tom Palermo [FTR 088]
Tom Palermo is General Manager of Preferred Automotive Specialties in Jenkintown, PA. Tom is a world class Master Technician and a Certified ASE Advanced Level Technician, is certified from ASE including Master Auto, MasterTruck, Master Truck Equipment, Master School Bus, Master Collision, Master Transit Bus, L1, L2, C1, X1, P2, F1 Besides the 2015 NAPA/ASE Technician…