Technician Talk Archives

Electrificaton of our Industry – Service Impact and Trends [THA 232]

Electrification of our Industry – Service Impact and Trends [THA 232]

How do you prepare for the future? It starts by acknowledging it will be here before you know it. In this episode, my panel discusses electric and hybrid vehicles with statistics and real shop research that help outline the road ahead.

Don’t be left behind. Don’t be a naysayer. Embrace and understand the role of EV’s and Hybrids. Learn all you can so you can prepare your business for the future. A critical and important podcast so you benefit. remarkableresults.biz/a232

Playing the Long Game [THA 231]

How do you “Play the Long Game?” Are you making an effort every single day or do you tend to coast when things are going well? Forecasting the future should always be on your mind with fresh ideas and plans in place to get there.

In this episode, my panel shares their ‘long game’ on finding technicians, reasons why hybrid and electric vehicle repair is a must and keeping customers for life.

Spoiler alert: they discuss things EVERY shop owner can implement. No excuses, it’s time to dive in.
Don’t forget you can find talking points to all episodes on my website remarkableresults.biz

Second in Command: A CEO Perspective [THA 230]

As your business continues to grow and perhaps you add a few more locations, or you want to work on your job as the visionary, it’s a natural progression to start brainstorming who you’re second in command will be.

Why is it important? What qualifications and qualities do they need to possess? How do you set up clear roles and guidelines between your position and theirs? All these questions and more are answered in this episode. Sit back and listen first hand to what works and what doesn’t.

remarkableresults.biz/a230

Career Paths – Technician to Manager [THA 229]

It’s always interesting to hear the unique paths people have embarked on to be in this industry and to grow in it. Seniority doesn’t always trump leadership skills and a drive to become invested and committed in the business. In this episode, my panel discusses the different career paths that they have taken while working for Dynamic Automotive and their plans for future growth within the company.

https://remarkableresults.biz/a229

Journaling – Your Personal Case Study with Matt Fanslow [RR 648]

Do you remember being in school and it seemed like all you were doing was writing? You also memorized phone numbers. With the introduction of cell phones and computers, it seems like our memory bank has shifted. Anything we need is at a click of a button or a quick google search.

In this episode, Matt Fanslow challenges you to go back to the days of journaling and recounting your day. Start keeping a log of success and struggles you face in work and in life. It will help you map out a path to success for yourself. Journaling would be beneficial for new technicians entering our industry that might be overwhelmed. Will you take the time to create your own personal case study? Type it or write it, you choose.

Technician Outlook with Jake Sorensen- Part 1 [RR 643]

Technician Outlook with Jake Sorensen [RR 643]

Are you having trouble finding qualified technicians? Have you ever thought about starting an apprentice program but you don’t know where to begin?

In this episode, Jake Sorensen breaks down all the classic questions and concerns that arise with apprentice programs. It’s time to stop complaining about a technician shortage, and start becoming the solution. Are you willing to invest in your employees and your business? If so, keep listening. This episode can change your trajectory for the future of your business.

You can find the key talking points for this episode and every episode released on my website remarkableresults.biz

Scan Tools Part 1 [RR 629]

Scan tools…who should be the one investing in scan tools? The owner? The technician? How often are you turning away jobs because you don’t have the right tool? Does a journeyman plumber need to buy their own tools to do a job? I don’t think so! These are all questions we cover in this episode with Matt Fanslow, Keith Perkins, and Bill Nalu. A wide-open panel discussion you will enjoy and learn just one thing.

The key talking points for this episode reside at remarkablersults.biz/e629

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.

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

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

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.

Diagnostic 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…

Technician 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

Becoming 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…

In Search of Silver Bullets – Scott Shotton [RR 513]

Matt Fanslow – Kobayashi Maru – Lessons From Star Trek [FTR 77]

Matt Fanslow is the diagnostic tech/shop manager at Riverside Automotive in Red Wing, MN. His primary responsibilities are to diagnose driveability and electrical/electronic issues, and perform most all programming, coding, initializing, adoptions, etc. Basically, if it needs to be figured out or has wires, it goes to Matt. He’s been a tech since 1996. Matt is also…

RR 492: YouTube – Benefit or Burden Part 2

RR 492: Youtube – Benefit or Burden Part 2

Welcome to the second installment of Youtube: Benefit or Burden Part 2. As you go through this episode you’ll discover the stimulus for this discussion. There are many passionate people on both sides of the value of YouTube as it relates to auto repair.

The episode’s expert guests include: Paul Danner, ‘Scanner Danner’ fame, Brin Kline, shop owner and member of Trained By Techs, Shop owner and Technician Michael Broccolo, from Rochester, NY Sara Fraser from Hass Performance Consulting and Matt Fanslow shop manager and lead diagnostician Riverside Automotive.

You’ll hear some sparks fly as the passion for training and quality diagnosis was front and center. The debate over the words diagnostic vs testing was prominent and the real facts that many shops are not really diagnosing they are retrieving a fault code and using statistical diagnostics therefore shooting the parts cannon and in many cases not doing right by the customer.

Technician Round Table – Part 8 – Loyalty – Heipp – Landry – Fanslow [RR 490]

RR 490: Technician Talk – Part 8 – Loyalty

This outspoken trio ponders on how loyalty is defined, how it can be earned and how it can be supported. M guests for Tech Talk 8 are Bob Heipp, Peter Landry and Matt Fanslow.

Loyalty is not limited to the team, they say, it goes way beyond to the customers, stakeholders, suppliers, and even the community. They give their thoughts on creating loyal customers. They even talk about getting a label of being dis-loyal.

This is a long one but well worth the listen even if it takes you a couple of sessions.

FTR 073: Bob Heipp – Stop Enabling the 80% Who Are Not Committed to Training

FTR 073 Bob Heipp – Stop Enabling the 80% Who Are Not Committed to Training

RR 464: YouTube – Benefit or Burden Part 1

RR 463: YouTube – Benefit or Burden

As you go through this episode you’ll discover the stimulus for this discussion. There are many passionate people on both sides on the value of YouTube as it relates to auto repair.

My panel is Paul Danner, ‘Scanner Danner’ fame, Brin Kline, shop owner and member of Trained By Techs, Shop owner and Technician Michael Broccolo, owner with his dad in Broccolo Automotive & Collision and 2006 SkillsUSA 1st place winner for NYS (in collision repair) and attended the national competition. Listen when Michael heaps a load of compliments on Scanner Danner and also Shop Manager and Diagnostician at Riverside Riverside Automotive, Redwing, MN, Matt Fanslow.

I believe the panel surmised a single theme. Don’t trash the professional. I know you’ve used YouTube to help you understand a home project. I have, and never has the presenter ever based a professional plumber, carpenter, electrician, etc. you get the drift that they were ripping me off. No doubt there is a lot of great information available on the internet, especially YouTube. It will not go away, however, this team did a very objective job of bringing a professional discussion on the Benefit or Burden of YouTube.

RR 450: Michael Eilbracht – Becoming an Industry Trainer

Michael Eilbracht – Becoming a Trainer

Many in the industry have the yearning to give and teach. Think about how many professional teachers found their calling.

Michael knows he has found his calling to be an industry trainer. He has presented at Vision and will parlay his career as a Full-Time Transit Bus Technician, and owner of MJE Diagnostics into a professional Heavy Duty Electrical and Driveability Training Business.

This is a ‘real story’ on finding your groove and sticking to it. Listen to the depth of his experience and for his passion to help people.

RR 444: Technician Round Table – Part 7 – Professionalism and More – Heipp – Landry – Fanslow:

Technician Talk 7 – Professionalism and More

This outspoken trio wonders how professionalism is bred, how it starts and how it can be compartmentalized. Everyone must step up and set the bar high for others to emulate and follow.

My guests for Tech Talk 7 are Bob Heipp, Peter Landry and Matt Fanslow. These guys also wonder why shops that are not equipped to service certain vehicles advertised that they can. Some shops lack professionalism. Let’s face it, some shops advertise what they can do even if they are ill-equipped to do it.

They say that Shops need to get OE level service information to best understand how to repair the most common brands that they see in their bays.

THA 120: How Can We Provide Our Technicians a $100K Yearly Pay Package?

How Can We Provide Our Technicians a $100K Yearly Pay Package?

We covered a large swath of reasons to review technician pay and to create a fair and adequate compensation plan based on criteria that is a win, win, win for the tech, the owner and the customer.
Our panel consists of Seth Thorson, shop owner at Eurotech Auto Service New Brighton, MN, Jerry Kezhaya, shop owner at The Auto Shop in Plano, TX, Frank Scandura shop owner at Frank’s European, Las Vegas, NV and Matt Fanslow, Shop Manager/Lead Diagnostician at Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN.

You’ve heard of the struggles and have most likely had your own issues with losing and hiring technicians. Our discussion is not the scientific answer however it goes a long way to helping you make decisions to retain, create loyalty and ward off the loss of our smart and talented technicians to other shops and other industries.

RR 414: Elevating Our Industry’s Definition of Mechanic/Technician

Elevating our Industries’ Definition of a Mechanic/Technician

The mechanic/technician is more than just the person who repairs and maintains machinery. He is an automotive professional.

As we discuss bringing a new definition to the automotive mechanic, we are not trying to build a pecking order but to define the outcome of the investment in training and knowledge of technology necessary to work on today’s vehicles. Is today’s mechanic an ‘expert’, a ‘diagnostician’, or an Automotive Scientific Investigator? Does it matter?

I am joined with AES President, and Trainer Jorge Menchu, Scott Brown from Diag.net, Shop Manager and Diagnostician Matt Fanslow and LMV Bavarian Support Specialist Support and Tech Ambassador, Justin Morgan.

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.