Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care, NAPA TRACS and Automotive Management Network

Margaret Palango, CEO of Autoshop Solutions, shares her unexpected diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in May 2023. In this powerful episode, she shares the emotional and physical hurdles she faced, the intensity of her treatment, and how she stayed grounded through it all with a positive mindset. Margaret highlights the critical role of a strong support system and how her team, resilience, and leadership helped her navigate one of life’s toughest battles. Her story is a moving testament to the strength of the human spirit. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation filled with motivation, hope, and meaningful life lessons.

Margaret Palango, CEO Autoshop Solutions. Margaret’s previous episodes HERE

Show Notes

• Watch Full Video Episode
• Introduction and Celebration (00:00:00)
• Margaret’s Introduction (00:02:18)
• Understanding AML (00:02:30)
• The Importance of Positivity (00:06:18)
• Treatment Navigation (00:07:32)
• Listening to Your Body (00:08:18)
• Advocating for Health (00:09:50)
• Teamwork with Medical Staff (00:12:35)
• Managing Side Effects (00:18:25)
• Bone Marrow Transplant Journey (00:19:56)
• Importance of Remission (00:20:50)
• Mental Strength During Treatment (00:24:00)
• Support and Positivity (00:28:34)
• Team Dynamics and Leadership (00:30:08)
• Planning for the Unexpected (00:36:20)
• Lessons in Trust and Growth (00:37:00)
• Support from the Team (00:40:12)

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care, NAPA TRACS and Automotive Management Network

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com

Connect with the Podcast:

-Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/

-Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

-Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976

-Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto

-Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/

-Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/

-Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz

-Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/

-Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider

-All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books

-Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom

-Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm

-Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix – Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O’Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network

“I Went to Yale Law School and Trade School Because American Prosperity Depends on Both Lawyers and Tradespeople.” Darnell Epps

Darnell Epps, a Yale Law School graduate and CEO of Thurgood Industries, and Andy Bizub, owner of Midwest Performance Cars, discuss the importance of skilled trades and the need to promote alternative career paths. Darnell shares his inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing to success, emphasizing the value of vocational schools and education. Andy highlights the urgent demand for skilled workers in the automotive industry. Together, they advocate for greater collaboration between industry, education, and families to bridge the skills gap and create fulfilling career opportunities.

Darnell Epps, CEO, Thurgood Industries

Andy Bizub, Midwest Performance Cars, Chicago and Northbrook, IL.  Andy’s previous episodes HERE.

Show Notes

• Watch Full Video Episode
• Darnell’s Law School Experience (00:02:31) Darnell shares his memorable graduation moment at Yale Law School with his children present.
• Darnell’s Background in Brooklyn (00:03:20) He discusses growing up and overcoming challenges through education.
• Connecting Darnell’s Story to Skilled Trades (00:04:32) Carm highlights the relevance of Darnell’s experiences to the skilled trades industry.
• Darnell’s Journey to Lincoln Tech (00:04:53) Darnell explains his decision to attend Lincoln Tech while working on legal issues in low-income neighborhoods.
• Skills Gap in the Workforce (00:06:39) Darnell discusses the desperate need for skilled workers in various industries he encountered.
• Darnell’s Training at Lincoln Tech (00:07:45) He details his enrollment in a machining program and his experience at the Kentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute.
• Tapping into Hidden Talent (00:09:20) Darnell emphasizes the importance of connecting skilled trades with underutilized talent in communities.
• Need for Skilled Workers in Automotive (00:10:27) Andy highlights the projected demand for automotive technicians over the next decade.
• Parallels in Darnell and Andy’s Stories (00:11:36) Andy shares similarities in their backgrounds and the importance of skilled trades for future generations.
• Importance of Alternative Education Pathways (00:12:48) Both speakers stress the need for diverse career paths beyond traditional education.
• Engaging Parents in Career Decisions (00:13:21) Darnell advocates for involving parents in discussions about alternative career options for their children.
• Celebrating Skilled Trades (00:14:57) Darnell expresses his desire to raise awareness about the craftsmanship and opportunities in skilled trades.
• Changing Perceptions of Education (00:15:39) Darnell challenges the notion that success is only achievable through traditional college pathways.
• Personal Educational Experiences (00:20:08) Andy shares his own college dropout story and how he found his passion in the trading business.
• Job Security in Legal vs. Technical Fields (00:20:36) Andy highlights the job security differences between legal professions and technical trades amid automation.
• The Evolution of Skilled Trades (00:21:18) Discussion on the changing perception of blue-collar jobs and the need for skilled workers.
• Automation and Job Security (00:21:40) Exploration of how automation is transforming factory jobs, enhancing the need for skilled labor.
• AI and Productivity in Repair Shops (00:23:34) The potential of AI to improve technician productivity and efficiency in automotive repair.
• Goals of Thurgood Industries (00:26:27) Darnell shares his vision for connecting employers with hidden talent pools in underserved communities.
• Building a Community for Skilled Workers (00:29:04) Discussion on creating a platform to celebrate skilled workers and improve public perception.
• Introducing the Thurgood App (00:32:35) Overview of the app designed for skills assessments and community engagement among skilled workers.
• Darnell’s Legal Aspirations (00:35:28) Darnell discusses his plans for the bar exam and pro bono legal work in the future.
• Advocating for Skilled Trades (00:39:23) The need for industry leaders to engage with educators and promote the importance of skilled trades.

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network

Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX – Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com

Connect with the Podcast:

-The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com

-Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/

-Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976

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-All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books

-Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom

-Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm

-Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

Key Talking Points

• Brian Holthe- addiction was from 14 years old, started drinking beer, alcoholic by 17. At 21, got turned on to coke, speed then drugs via syringe at 23. Once IV use began, I got into the crack, heroin, and meth. During his 30’s his turning point was his mom saying she wanted him out of her life. 1992 began his sober road.
• David Wagner- addiction to alcohol, cocaine, and crystal meth. Been off of the drugs for about 11 years now, Started having a beer or wine once in a while. His wife and mom were the catalysts to become sober. 
• Help along the way- having trusting friends that can help, coworkers constantly checking. Understand people care about you. There are always people to help with anything in life- sometimes you just don’t see them or are aware. 
• Being open, realize you have a problem, ask for and accepting help- realize danger signs, be willing to act on them, set a clear path to maintain being sober
• How to help- don’t distance yourself from the addict, acknowledge someone asking for help. Support as an employer- consider going to meetings with them, celebrate their sober milestones, never look down on them, acknowledge their sober path, listen, ask questions. The automotive industry has typically a fixer type personality- consider listening instead of trying to ‘fix’ and give your answers to them. 
• Success stories can help motivate
• Safety nets- choosing to go to rehab and having job security
• Have to hit the bottom to rise above but so many people are still functioning addicts. 
• Changing routine- drugs/alcohol disrupt your routine and you start not knowing what your priorities are
• Find a support group that works for you
• Higher power- you are in less control than you think you do, surrender and forgive yourself
• Putting energies towards other things instead of addiction- hobbies, teaching etc that is rewarding. Accepting you won’t feel the same “high” and start appreciating the little things. Remember what’s important.

• A special thanks to Brian Holthe, David Wagner and Matt Fanslow for their contribution to the aftermarket.

• Books Page HERE
• Listen to all Remarkable Results Radio, For The Record and Town Hall Academy episodes.

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This episode is brought to you by Shop-Ware Shop Management. It’s time to run your business at its fullest potential with the industry’s leading technology. Shop-Ware Shop Management will increase your efficiency with lightning-fast workflows, help your staff capture more sales every day, and create very happy customers who promote your business. Shops running Shop-Ware have More Time and generate More Profit—join them! Schedule a free live demonstration and find out how 30 minutes can transform your shop at getshopware.com

Emily Chung is a proud mom of two energetic boys. She owns and operates AutoNiche, a family-friendly auto repair shop in Markham. She is a licensed Automotive Service Technician, and Automotive Writer with various publications. She also teaches in the Automotive Business School of Canada at Georgian College. Emily holds a degree from the University of Waterloo in Psychology and Business, and her previous jobs include Psychometrist and Human Resources Associate. 

She has appeared on various media including Breakfast Television, Cityline, and the Marilyn Denis Show. She is passionate about her work; together with her staff, AutoNiche’s purpose is to bring better communication and client service to the auto repair experience.

Key Talking Points:

• Gender isn’t an issue until you make it one- mindset isn’t excuse one way or another Directed away from gender and focus on the skills of any technician
• People’s bias or judgment is on them and they can choose to believe what they believe- we can choose not to accept it for ourselves. Don’t let other people’s judgments be apart of your identity
• Both men and women can be insecure 
• “Priming”Saying something you want to prove it right or primed to think about it more
• “If you enter trades as a female it’ll be hard for you and people will be biased against you..” etc then that woman will be biased to look for it. Self-fulfilling prophecy  
• The stereotypical idea that females should be on the counter in shopsTypically women have the perception of being better communicators but the role should be based on characteristics and personality, not gender 
• “Hiring female to fulfill quota” can be male insecurity when applying and not being hired- easy excuse to make
• Friction in cultureEasiest and quickest difference between employees is “I’m a guy, you’re a girl” instead of diving into what the real issue/problem is
• Take “women and men” out of your vocabulary

Resources:

• Thanks to Emily Chung for her contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
• Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
• Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Podchaser and many more. Mobile Listening APP’s HERE
• Find every podcast episode HERE.
• Every episode segmented by Series HERE.
• Key Word Search HERE.

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:

Facebook   Twitter   Linked In   Email

Join the Ecosystem – Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.

Buy me a coffee

As a member of the NAPA family, AutoCare Center owners can take advantage of the NAPA National Health Program from the NAPA Insurance Center. This “NAPA only” program gives you and your employees access to national “large group” rates on medical insurance with premiums discounted up to 30 percent. These rates are based on the collective purchasing potential of 22,500 NAPA locations including both NAPA AUTO PARTS stores and NAPA AutoCare Centers.

The NAPA Insurance Center can help you with a variety of other insurance benefits too. For more information about The NAPA National Health Benefits program as well as all of the insurance benefits available to your AutoCare Center and your employees, visit the NAPA Benefits Center, at www.napabenefitscenter.com or call the NAPA Benefits Center at 844-627-2123.

Through her advice columns, books, and seminars, Dolah Saleh has sought to help others make choices that honor who they are and what they want to accomplish. Ms. Saleh is an educator, lecturer, and author with more than 20 years of counseling others in making optimal life choices.

 Ms. Saleh is the author of a few non-fiction books and one commissioned, Dating and the Pursuit of Happiness (DRM Net Inc., 1998), which helped people understand their personality “type” in a relationship and provided practical advice for pursuing a happy, fulfilling love life. Her last book, It IS All About You (Balboa Press, Hay House, 2018), which addresses lifelong questions in the search for meaning. 

Dolah’s website www.loveinyourlife.com that includes a podcast and provides commentary on career as well as general life reflections.

Major corporations have hired Ms. Saleh as a career transition consultant. These companies include Allied Signal, Praxair, American General Life Insurance, Cargill Inc., Carleton Technologies, General Motors, Moog Inc., M & T Bank, Praxair Inc., Tyco International, University of Buffalo and the Xerox Corporation. To assist in her practice, she has used and is certified in various psychological assessment instruments to provide her clients with appropriate guidance toward life-changing decisions. 

Key Talking Points:

• Grieving- experience loss (person, job, business, etc), shock, denial, anger, depression, acceptanceGrieving is not a linear process- goes in and out of all stages of grief
• Separating yourself from what met your needs that is now gone. What do you do next?
• Losing a job- grieving about the job and the people they worked with
• No set grieving timeline- find strength and consider what you can offer to a prospective employer?
• Networking- most helpful during the grieving processReach out to people for comfort, advice, support and brainstorm next career change
• Develop a marketing plan for yourself 
• Always a positive and negative way too look at everything in lifeOpportunity to reevaluate your career- how happy have you been? Is this an opportunity to pursue something else that you would enjoy more? What jobs are related to what you were doing?
• We all have something to give, you have value, you have worth- what are your talents? What are your strengths and gifts? Self-analysis- sit with someone who knows you/used to work for/colleague/peer and listen to their input 
• Tony Robbin’s website DISC assessment, Clifton Strengths Finder Test, Birkman Test
• Support of your spouseLean on them and accept support, don’t hide the loss of job because of ‘failure’ mentality 
• Acceptance and mobilization- move forwardMeet with someone for coffee, talk about your ideas

Resources:

• Thanks to Dolah Saleh for her contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
• Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
• Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Podchaser and many more. Mobile Listening APP’s HERE
• Find every podcast episode HERE.
• Every episode segmented by Series HERE.
• Key Word Search HERE.
• Love what we do? Buy Carm a cup of coffee HERE.

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:

Facebook   Twitter   Linked In   Email

Join the Ecosystem – Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.

Buy Carm a Cup of Coffee 

NAPA AutoCare’s PROimage program makes it easy for you to make the most of the NAPA brand. A PROimage upgrade lets you maintain your shop’s identity as a reliable, locally-owned business while letting your customers and potential customers know you’re partnering with NAPA, the most recognized and trusted name in the automotive aftermarket. AutoCare Centers that have completed a PROimage exterior upgrade enjoy an average 23 percent sales increase during the first year. You can also choose to go PROimage on the interior and transform your customer waiting area from merely utilitarian to warm and welcoming. You can even get a free look by visting www.NAPAAutoCare.com and clicking on the NAPA PROimage link under the NAPA PROimage tab. Of course, the AutoCare site is also the place to go to find out about all the advantages being part of the NAPA family has to offer.

Learn more about NAPA PROimage and the hundreds of other benefits NAPA offers. Talk with your servicing NAPA store or visit www. NAPAAutoCare.com

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. Chris has his ASE C1: Automobile Service Consultant Certification Test (C1). He brings the business side to the business and his brother Pat brings the Braun. Chris is also a musician. Hear Chris’s previous episodes HERE.    Autotex.me website HERE.

Dennis McCarron

Dennis started his career Bridgestone/Firestone working in various sales and management level positions prior to leading the national retail management training programs. Most recently, Dennis was the Executive Director of Dealer Strategic Planning Inc. (DSP 20 Group), providing coaching and consulting services to its members.

With over 25 years of experience in the tire & automotive industry, Dennis is a seasoned professional with vast tire and auto service industry experience. He is also a featured columnist for Modern Tire Dealer, “Business Insights”

Dennis continues to teach workshops around North America to tire dealers from financial acumen to behavioral selling and leadership and coaching skills. Hear Dennis’s previous episodes HERE.

Talking Points:

• “Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times.” ― G. Michael Hopf 
• We are in hard times and it should create hard and smart people.
• We need to think about the future and cash reserves
• Many businesses that were on the brink of closure will find this pandemic their end
• We are living in a history class
• We’ve gotten away from saving money. We are living paycheck to paycheck and for businesses, a zero cash position will not help the business sustain
• Chris was having a great first quarter vs 2019
• The economy will slow down
• Tell your people that times are uncertain.Communicate with your people and customers
• Have plans for short, medium and long term
• Money needs to keep coming in
• If it stops employment cannot be sustained
• Don’t panic
• Use your logic mind to make decisions not your anxious or emotional mind
• Know your numbers. This is the time to know your numbers and how to adjust them. 
• Review all expenses and categorize or prioritize them. Necessary and not necessary
• Closing can help preserve cash to help you re-start to inject business with cas
• Offer your customers a touchless experience, text to pay, DVI reports. Customers may not want to spend money, especially with layoffs
• You’ve got to set up stages of plans. It may get worse than better. PLANS NEED TO BE FLUID
• We need to have a one month, two month, three month plan. Maybe even longerCreate a ‘What If’ scenario on a spreadsheet
• It should change often depending on sales and the condition of the marketplace and government-mandated rules
• Pay attention to your business and the marketplace
• On average a typical shop is only putting 3¢ of every dollar sold into net profit.
• Every $1 of expense cut goes into net profitLook at every line item
• Talk to your landlord
• Your biggest asset is your employees. Cut other costs and your people lastHours or positions must be the last to be cut
• “I give my employees too many chances. I love my employees.” Gary Vaynerchuk 
• Create a video with your smartphone that shows the precautions you are doing
• Offer a touchless transaction
• Assure your customer that you are protecting them and your team
• You are an essential service. Tell them
• You have power as a small business owner to change

CDC.Gov/coronavirus/

Resources:

• Thanks to Chris Cloutier and Dennis McCarron for their contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
• Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
• Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Podchaser and many more. Mobile Listening APP’s HERE
• Find every podcast episode HERE.
• Every episode segmented by Series HERE.
• Key Word Search HERE.
• Love what we do? Buy Carm a cup of coffee HERE.

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:

Facebook   Twitter   Linked In   Email

Join the Ecosystem – Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.

Buy Carm a Cup of Coffee 

NAPA AutoCare’s recent partnership with CarVantage gives your AutoCare Center an easy way to take advantage of telematics, increasing customer retention and boosting customer spend. You provide customers with a CarVantage sensor that plugs into their vehicle and connects via Bluetooth to their smartphone. Then you set up automated marketing campaigns that target customers based on their vehicle’s next maintenance interval, for example, or whenever a check engine light is detected. That gives customers peace of mind and the best experience in the market. They also love CarVantage because it’s free to them. A special offer only for NAPA AutoCare Centers lets you give CarVantage a try at a very affordable price. And it includes free sensors. Other plans and enhancements are also available.

Learn more about CarVantage and the hundreds of other benefits NAPA offers. Talk with your servicing NAPA store or visit www. NAPAAutoCare.com

This is a bonus episode number 5 and a replay of a CarmCast I did this past week. Because we are in unprecedented times I decided to release this special CarmCast as a podcast of a Covid-19 Thinktank from March 18th.

For many aftermarket professionals, you’ve prepared for an event like this. Your disaster plan may have not been completely defined as a ‘pandemic’ where the government-imposed restrictions, but you’ve planned for a rainy day disaster. You’ve kept an amount of cash in a separate account to help sustain the business for months of possible disaster. You’ve improved your processes and systems and removed yourself as the centerpiece of your business. You delegated your people to run the business.

For many small shop owners, you’ve learned how to implement smart practices and holding yourself accountable. You’ve joined networking groups, maybe even hired a coach to bring business acumen to your world.

If you’ve done a lot to become a better marketer and leader you’ll be OK. If not, it is not too late. There is some good business advice in this episode, that if you implement it you will come out the other side of this Covid-19 challenge.

The essence of the over 745 podcast episodes from all our show formats is to build a strong business. The messages are spot on and for many influential.

Keep in mind it is still not too late to do the right things for your family, employees, business and customers. If there is anything I can do to help you … like find a peer network, talk to a friend, find a coach join an association …. reach out to me carm@remarkableresults.biz.

With me in this think are two shop owners, a technician/manager, a business coach and an IT specialist on a think tank format.

You’ll value this discussion with Dwayne Myers, Greg Buckley, Matt Fanslow, Danny Sanchez and Bob Greenwood. …. and my pledge to keep you flowing with thoughts and ideas from your fellow colleagues continues.

Please listen to learn just one thing and then implement it.

Resources:

• Thanks to Bob Greenwood, Dwayne Myers, Matt Fanslow, Greg Buckley and Danny Sanchez for their contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
• Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
• Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Podchaser and many more. Mobile Listening APP’s HERE
• Find every podcast episode HERE.
• Every episode segmented by Series HERE.
• Key Word Search HERE.
• Love what we do? Buy Carm a cup of coffee HERE.

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:

Facebook   Twitter   Linked In   Email

Join the Ecosystem – Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.

Buy Carm a Cup of Coffee 

Rachael Wacha was born and raised in Gainesville, FL. Her career started in the Salon industry, then to writing home and auto insurance coverage. In 2010, she started working for her father at City Auto Repair, Inc. It didn’t take her long to fall in love with the business.

By 2012, she had doubled sales in a year. In February 2013 Rachael was written about in a nationwide automotive magazine. Since then, Rachael went from managing the business to owning it in 2016.

City Auto Repair is a AAA approved repair facility. Rachael is currently the President of the Automotive Service Association in the Gainesville/Ocala area.

Rachael is extremely passionate about educating women in automotive repair, which is why she started hosting free Car Care Clinics, “Lipstick and Dipsticks” for women.

Talking Points:

• Overcame challenges in her early life. She was on Medicaid, on food stamps and a single mom.
• Joined the family business and was not sure where that was going to go.
• Cleaned up the place and joined the service counter because she knows people.
• It did not take long for her to get accepted on the counter.
• She learned that she was very much the same as her dad. He did not appreciate how important she was to the business.
• In 2012 she doubled sales in a year.
• At 31-year-old Rachael became the shop owner.
• She connected with Gary Gunn and joined a ‘50’ group.
  • It was her most incredible experience to join that coaching team and mentoring group.
• She is part of Aaron Stokes mastermind Shop Fix Academy.
• She shares the moment when she got a big raise from her dad.
• She struggled with finding good service advisor help.
  • She found a superstar that loves the business just as much as she does.
• Rachael finds things positive in every challenge.
• She is investing in vocational training and engaging with students.
• Rachael is working on being better organized in her office.
• Looking for a ‘B’ tech for the shop.
• Is starting to share her numbers with her team.
• Her goal is $1MM in sales.
• Having Monday morning meetings with her team and setting standards (goals).
• She offers advice on succession plans.
• Our industry is so competitive but we are stronger when we are together.

City Auto Repair Website

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This episode is brought to you by Federal-Mogul Motorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake, Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust.  For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at fmmotorparts.com  and fmgaragegurus.com

Jerry Kubitsky is the President of Summit Transmissions in La Mesa, California

A Car Guy.

Jerry has always loved to build or fix things. Through the years he has owned about 70 different vehicles and restored several MGB’s. He also restored his parents original 1966 Mustang which was featured in Mustang Monthly.

A Motorcycle Guy.

Jerry has ridden motorcycles since 1972. His last bike was a Honda Goldwing that he and his wife to commute to work and go on adventures.

Started in Parts.

Jerry started working for Chief Auto Supply in 1974 and

was promoted to manager in 3 weeks. He stayed in auto parts including British Auto Parts until 1986. Jerry came to work at Summit Transmissions as a front office employee and eventually purchased the company in 1994.

Fixed a Few Famous Vehicles.

The current shop is around 5,000 sq. ft. with 8 lifts and 3 technicians. Summit Transmissions enjoys a great reputation with over 350 Five Star reviews, A+ ratings with BBB and Angie’s List. Jerry and his team have repaired some famous vehicles, including the original Batmobile, Ghostbusters 2, Farris Bueller’s Ferrari, and a 1966 blue Mustang that sits in the Reagan Presidential Library.

Philanthropy.

Jerry has always had a servant heart, which not only translates to his business, but for activities outside of business. For 17 years, he raised money for Multiple Sclerosis and later became a director for Bikers Against Diabetes. I’ve served as Chapter President, Public Relations Chair and on the State Board of Directors of the Automotive Service Council of California (ASCCA). Jerry is currently an advisor on two college boards and has taught a Bible study class on business.

Jerry says, “In life, few things are more valuable than the trust you earn with others and the relationship that develops from that.”

In the episode, we talk about:

• How he survived the fire he had in his shop in August 2016.
• The discovered cause of the fire that was captured on his newly installed security cameras
• The changing transmission business
• His business model changes to include more general automotive
• The challenges of debt
• How well he works with his wife Sandy.

Years in industry: 40 Years in business ownership: 25 Number of technicians: 3 Number of Lifts: 8 Number of Bays: 6 Open Days: Mon – Sat Annual estimated volume: $800K Specialty: Transmissions and General Auto Repair Industry involvement: ASCCA – ATSG – ASE Special Accreditation’s: ATRA Philanthropy: Rock Church – American Diabetes Association BAD Ride – MS Society – ASCCA Cars For Careers Supplier Program: TechNet

Summit Transmissions Website

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