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
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 notesHow 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
Listen and view episode notesFrom 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.
Listen and view episode notesAvoiding 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
Listen and view episode notesElectric 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.
Listen and view episode notesADAS 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
Listen and view episode notesSecure Vehicle Interface – Standards Evolve as the Vehicle is Part of a Larger Transportation System – Joe Register [RR 582]
Secure Vehicle Interface – Standards Evolve as the Vehicle is Part of a Larger Transportation System – Joe Register [RR 582]
We are talking about Secure Vehicle Interface or SVI. We can’t get enough information on the plethora of technology that is happening at an enormous rate. My guest is Joe Register the Vice-President Emerging Technologies at the AutoCare Association. I love talking to Joe and we’ve done episodes in the past with big uptakes on technology. Joe also brought slides with him so we have the video on our youtube channel and on the show page on the website.
Joe Register has over 40 years of experience delivering progressive system solutions to companies in every channel of the Automotive Aftermarket. This is our third interview and we are also doing an ADAS update look for that soon. I love listening to Joe as he is so 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 at https://remarkableresults.biz/e582.
Listen and view episode notesAuto 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.
Apprentice Stories [THA 193]
Apprentice Stories [THA 193]
In your circles do you find that the discussion is trending toward finding top talent? All aspects from networking, writing great ads, improving hiring systems and improving your business culture is credited to finding and keeping top talent.
How much success are you having finding great talent out of the available pool? I believe the time has come, in a big way, to “grow your own”. For many that concept seems nebulous. Something you hear about, know you should do, but can’t even begin to know where to start.
I’ve done at least 10 podcasts on apprenticing and career pathing. Most recently Town Hall Academy #185 dedicated to understanding apprentice programs. This episode is a bookend to #185 and I call it Apprentice Stories. Listen to two apprentices and a mentor talk candidly about the process and results.
Anything worthwhile takes time and effort and installing an apprentice program in your shop is as right as having lifts in your bays.
I will have links to important apprentice programs you can embrace listed in the show notes at remarkableresults.biz/a193
Listen and view episode notesDiagnostic Processes – Matt Fanslow and Scott Shotton – Part 2 [RR 578]
Diagnostic Processes – Matt Fanslow and Scott Shotton – Part 2 [RR 578]
There are different approaches to every situation and problem, especially in automotive repair problem-solving. My guests bring their different approaches in solving diag issues to the podcast. They did it before in episode 544, but this time they take it to the next level.
Matt Fanslow and Scott Shotton once again prove their own points in this second part episode. They may not agree on the processes but their approach to diagnose and solve problems are undeniable. They are relentless but their individual approach works. Matt and Scott are fine-tuned by years of experience diagnosing problems under the hood. In the end, we can pass the decision to you, the listener. Which pathway do you prefer? Possibly a hybrid of the discussion?
Both Matt and Scott agree that The customer supplies important data. The service consultant must write it all down so the tech has as much information available. Find the show notes at https://remarkableresults.biz/e578.
Listen and view episode notesSuccession Planning: With an Internal Candidate [THA 190]
THA 190 Succession with an Internal Candidate
In keeping with my goal to keep the succession theme burning as we face the reality that many of you need to retire and sell your business and many of you would like to become business owners.
This episode reveals a transaction with two internal non-family successors. Bob Ward anchors this episode as he helped orchestrate this transaction.
I’m with business owner Steve LaFleur from Prescott Import Car Service and one of the internal co-buyers, Dave Mendez. Dave has worked for Steve for 10 years.
This very candid conversation will help move your succession plans forward and you can get all the key talking points from this episode at remarkableresults.biz/a190. These key talking points will make for a great planning agenda.
Listen and view episode notesImprove Your Leadership Influence: Join Toastmasters [RR 560]
Improve Your Leadership Influence: Join Toastmasters [RR 560]
Ever want to grow your self-confidence, your ability to speak to a small meeting or a larger group. Well, toastmasters is a forum to challenge yourself to not only be a better presenter but a better listener and even a stronger leader.
Two aftermarket pros who are in Toastmasters Chris Cloutier, co-owner of Golden Rule Auto Care in Dallas Texas and CEO of Auto Texg.me and Craig O’Neill an integrator and trainer at Autotex.me are my guests. Learn their tale on how Toastmasters has really helped them in their careers.
We live and die by communication. Three out of four people have a fear of speaking and if you know it or not you are always selling, which requires good communication skills. Craig’s challenge to the industry is to get our trainers to embrace toastmasters to help them in their engagement and delivery. He and Chris believe we can all become better presenters and leaders.
Find the key talking points and my guest’s bio’s at remarkableresults.biz/e560
Listen and view episode notesDiagnostic Pathways vs. Silver Bullets [RR 544]
Scott Shotton has over 25 years of technical experience in automotive repair shops. As the owner of The Driveability Guys, Scott performs mobile diagnostics and reprogramming for local repair shops in the DeKalb Illinois area as well as industry training around the United States and Canada. He was also one of the four trainers for…
Listen and view episode notesFrom Technician to Service Advisor to Operations Manager – Phil Carpenter [RR 540 ]
Phil Carpenter has been in the automotive industry since 2002 however his passion for Automotive started much earlier. He bought his first vehicle at 14 years old and still has it, a 1959 Chevy Pickup. He has spent time as an Audi Certified Technician, Service Advisor, Parts Specialist, Service Manager, General Manager and currently, is…
Listen and view episode notesTraining 2020 and Beyond – Future Techniques and Strategies [THA 173]
THA 173 Training 2020 and Beyond: Future Techniques and Strategies
The challenges we have now and into the future, regarding training, are so apparent in this episode. Will you shift and adapt to the many ways of acquiring training into the future. Will we be changing how we deliver knowledge? Do we need to let some of our old training techniques die? Will we embrace career pathing? And will shop owners be more supportive and pay for training? Some of the answers are here now.
Rich Falco came to me with this Academy topic and I was hooked. Who wouldn’t want to listen to a discussion on ‘Training 2020 and Beyond: Future Techniques and Strategies. He brought along Jim Cokonis and Matt Fanslow. You know me I’m a very curious person and I want to learn something new every day. This episode brought out both of those traits. In Fact I got more than I anticipated and so will you.
Talking points for a great meeting agenda at https://remarkbleresults.biz/a173
Listen and view episode notesTrainers Speak to Their Craft [RR 532]
G Jerry Truglia is well known for his automotive training through his company ATTS: Automotive Technician Training Services, where he covers topics ranging from hybrid vehicles, electricity, to Heavy Duty Truck repair. G is also a very proud founding member of the non-for profit Technician Service Training group. G Jerry Truglia Previous Episodes HERE. Dave…
Listen and view episode notesDerek Kaufman on the Future of Battery Electric Drive Vehicles [RR 529]
For 40 years, Derek Kaufman has worked in the Transportation Industry with positions ranging from VP Marketing and Product Planning for Freightliner Trucks, SR VP of Sales, Marketing and Customer Support for Hino Trucks, President of Diesel Technology Co, a subsidiary of Penske Corporation, VP of Fixed Operations for Smart USA and CEO of Mission…
Listen and view episode notesTechnician Round Table – Part 9 OUTSPOKEN on Training – Heipp – Landry – Fanslow [RR 528]
RR 528: OUTSPOKEN on Training
Now Tech Talk 9 with Bob Heipp, Peter Landry and Matt Fanslow. This outspoken trio ponders training in a big way since we recorded this at vision. It was a perfect topic since Vision of the Premier training event. As it is typical with this trio they didn’t hold back and we had some fun.
We cover what it takes to be a trainer, what type of student are you, hands-on, play or research and critical thinking just to name a few.
Find the show notes and talking points at remarkableresults.biz/e528
Listen and view episode notesTech Update: AI and The Autonomous Vehicle [RR 526]
Scott Brown is an ASE Master Certified Automobile Technician with over three and a half decades of professional service industry experience. He and his wife own Connie & Dick’s Service Center Inc., a 57-year-old independent shop in Southern California. With a strong focus on engine performance and electronics, Scott began collaborating with other industry professionals, online,…
Listen and view episode notesAutomotive Instructors Move to Online Training Amid Pandemic [RR 523 ]
Kevin Holzworth, is currently working as an Assistant Professor of Automotive Technology at Montana State University-Northern in Havre, MT. Kevin started his career at MSU-Northern where he earned his 4-year undergraduate degree in Automotive Technology. Upon graduation, Kevin went to work as a technician at Ressler Motors in Bozeman, MT for 5 years. Throughout his…
Listen and view episode notesBecoming a LEAN Technician [RR 520]
Jarrod Alexander from BG Automotive, Fort Collins, CO. Jarrod shares his experience with his first-ever training seminar on becoming a ‘LEAN’ technician. Key Talking Points: Technician to trainer at ASA ColoradoAlways strives to be efficient technician, servicing customers Started to have health issues- forced to slow down and work smarter not harder Owner signed…
Listen and view episode notesKelly Moore – Enticing our Youth to have a Career in the Aftermarket [RR 518]
Kelly Moore Dr. Kelly Thumm Moore has over 20 years of experience in the career-focused higher education industry. She currently serves at Campus President for Lincoln College of Technology – Denver, a career-focused college offering certificate and degree programs in the automotive and skilled trades fields. Her previous experience includes presidencies for Westwood College and Career Colleges…
Listen and view episode notesTeaching Students at Kustom Built Cars [RR 509]
Jack Weaver is a custom car builder of 25+ years and the owner of Acme Chop Shop. He started teaching the art of custom auto restoration at Kustom Built Cars (KBC). Kustom Built Cars was started out of Jack’s love and enjoyment of custom cars and hot rods. He wanted to be able to continue…
Listen and view episode notesErik Mortensen – Former Technician Now Automotive Educator [RR 497]
Erik Mortensen, an Automotive Instructor at Watauga High School, transforms his classroom into an automotive service shop. Key Talking Points: A former technician that runs an automotive An automotive service shop in the classroomFive bays Parts room Toolroom Alignment rack All the equipment you would need He took an existing program and made it his…
Listen and view episode notes