Make Price Irrelevant [THA 228]
Make Price Irrelevant [THA 228]
Everyone strives to implement good customer service. But what about creating an exceptional customer experience?
Being friendly and helpful to customers while repairing their vehicles correctly is plain old expected. In a restaurant or hotel or anyplace for that matter, what is going to push you to remember the experience? Have you asked your customers if you are meeting their expectations? In this episode find out how to elevate your business and culture.
Listen and view episode notesSelling Batteries with Tom Sciortino and John Armstead [CC 092]
Selling Batteries with Tom Sciortino and John Armstead [CC 092]
How many batteries are you selling in your business per week and per year? Are you testing each battery that comes through the bays no matter what? You might be missing an opportunity to not only make a sale but also gain a customer’s trust that their battery needs to be replaced before it fails. No one wants to get stuck because of a dead battery. Listen and learn from two guys that aren’t shy about sharing how many batteries they sell per week!
Head to the CarmCast Page on my website https://remarkableresults.biz to listen or watch archived episodes.
Listen and view episode notesEOS Part 5 – Issues – with Barry Barrett [RR 645]
EOS Part 5 Issues with Barry Barrett [RR 645]
We are on 5 of our 7 part series on the Entrepreneurial Operating System with Barry Barrett, a certified EOS implementer. Did you know issues aren’t always bad? Sometimes issues can be positive and an opportunity for growth. How many times have “issues” been brought up during team meetings with a discussion that follows but no real solution? In this episode, Barry breaks down how to identify, discuss and solve issues within your business with real-life examples.
You can find Barry’s previous episodes on the EOS system on remarkableresults.biz, just search “Barry Barrett” or “EOS” to find them.
Listen and view episode notesEmployee Amenities with JJ Greenfield and Kelly Michel [CC 091]
Employee Amenities with JJ Greenfield and Kelly Michel [CC 091]
I recommend you watch the video so you can see pictures of top-notch employee amenities from JJ’s Auto Care and Kelly’s Auto Repair. Both shops are located in Florida, and with that humid summer weather, you’ll see a refreshing way their tech’s beat the heat!
Showing your employees how much you value them can also be as easy as providing lunch once a week or once a month.
Head to the CarmCast Page on my website remarkableresults.biz or my youtube channel to watch the video and find the key talking points for this episode. You might want to watch previous Carmcasts on lean processes and digital signage!
Listen and view episode notesBuilding Customer Trust [THA 225]
Building Customer Trust [THA 225]
We all know building customer trust takes time and doesn’t happen overnight. So when does it happen? It starts with every single touchpoint you make with your customer.
From marketing to the way your storefront looks, and that first phone call, every interaction inches you further in developing trust. Find out how to polish your business in this must-listen episode.
Listen and view episode notesTechnician Outlook with Jake Sorensen [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
Listen and view episode notesPartnership Agreements with Charlene Parlett [RR 642]
Partnership Agreements with Charlene Parlett [RR 642]
Do you remember when you started your business with your wife or friend as your partner? The upside was blue skies and the horizon was never-ending.
No one plans for partnerships to crumble or marriages ending or an unforeseen death to occur. But what happens when it does? Do you have legal documents in place? No matter what stage you are in owning a business, it is a necessity to plan for the unexpected now, rather than later when emotions and tensions are high. In this episode, Charlene Parlett shares her personal experience with business and marriage so others can avoid the same path.
Find the key talking points for this episode at remarkableresults.biz/e642
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
Listen and view episode notesDrop the Keys and Fix It [RR 641]
Drop the Keys and Fix It [RR 641]
Think about the latest procedure or surgery you had. You put all your trust in your doctor and the medical staff as you were getting put under anesthesia. Can we translate that trust into auto repair customers? How do we gain “Here are my keys, I trust you, fix it and let me know when it’s done” type of customers? In this episode, Andy Bizub and Charlie Marcotte break down the fundamentals of connecting with customers and what that means to your business.
The key talking points for this episode reside at remarkableresults.biz/e641
Listen and view episode notesImprove Your Capabilities and Processes – Get LEAN [CC 090]
Improve Your Capabilities and Processes – Get LEAN [CC 090]
I recommend you watch the video so you can see the incredible organizational strategies Craig Caudill has implemented at Fine Tuned Auto in Erie CO. Use it as a template for your shop. Head to the CarmCast Page or remarkableresults.biz/cc090 to watch the video and find the key talking points for this episode.
Listen and view episode notesMy 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
Listen and view episode notes10 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.
Listen and view episode notesWhy Invest In Digital Signage & Great Branding [CC 089]
Why Invest In Digital Signage & Great Branding [CC 089]
Welcome to CarmCast Episode 089 with a message on the power of digital signs and branding. This is another Why and How CarmCast and is repurposed from our LIVE broadcast.
I recommend you watch the video because we have a lot of pictures that bring the visual to the message. Sure the podcast will give you great tips but the pictures that my guests brought with them help show the power of their branding/signage strategy.
https://remarkableresults.biz/cc089
Listen and view episode notesYellow and Red Envelopes with Seth Thorson [RR 635]
Yellow and Red Envelopes with Seth Thorson [RR 635]
In this episode multishop owner Seth Thorson, Eurotech Auto Repair, explains two important envelopes he has in his office. One is yellow and one is red and they contain key information if he unexpectedly was away from his business.
As shop owners you are constantly working on your business, but did you ever think about what would happen to it if you weren’t around? Where would someone find important passwords or contact information for sustaining your business? No one plans for accidents to happen but it’s important to prepare for the unexpected for your business’s survival, and for your family and employees.
The key talking points for this episode reside at remarkableresults.biz/e635
Listen and view episode notesKeeping 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
Listen and view episode notesManaging Family Business Dynamics [THA 218]
Managing Family Business Dynamics [THA 218]
Too often we are subject to the stereotypes associated with family working in business together…favoritism, entitlement, a cloudy culture. But with a clearly defined role, you can actually celebrate having family involved and enjoy watching your business flourish. My panel shares their wisdom on walking the fine line integrating family into your business.
The panel: Judy Walter, Zimmerman’s Automotive, Mechanicsburg, PA
John Klarkowski, AutoPro Auto Service, Brooklyn Park, MN
Joe Hanson, Gordies Garage, Roseville, MI.
Find the key talking points at remarkableresults.biz/a218
Listen and view episode notesWomen Shop Owners Round Table [CC 087]
In honor of March’s Women History Month, I assembled a panel of lady shop owners to discuss the women’s role in the aftermarket. The ladies brought some wide-ranging perspectives and I loved the trajectory of this discussion. No matter your position or gender in our beloved aftermarket give this episode your due. The ladies were on fire.
Listen and view episode notesCharging What We are Worth [THA 212]
THA 212 Charging What We Are Worth
We are talking about charging what we truly are worth. Yes this topic dives into your reluctance to charge enough so you can sustain a real profitable business. Breaking even is just a hobby. Many don’t feel that they can actually make a real living serving their customer … repairing cars.
This episode exposes the elephant in the room. Emotion is a big driver in your worth and what you charge. Do you truly know the value of your business and your overall cost of doing business? If you did, you would not be working for Free.
Our panel nails this episode in all the proper places. With me is Carlo Sabucco, 2nd generation owner of Sil’s Complete Auto Care Centre, Maylan Newton, business coach from ESI – Educational Seminars Institute, and Glenn Larson, from Foothill Autoservice, Lake Forest, CA
This episode’s key talking points are already done for you. Find them at remarkableresults.biz/a212
Listen and view episode notesA Shop Fire. What Happened? Resolution. Aftermath. Prevention. Matt Fanslow [RR 617]
A Shop Fire. What Happened? Prevention? Resolution! Aftermath [RR 617]
We don’t know what the future holds especially when it comes to our businesses. We work hard every day and never expect something would happen to disrupt our world. An important question …. how prepared are we? We all feel horrible when certain tragedies, disasters, or near disasters impact our fellow colleagues.
Matt Fanslow, a strong contributor to the podcast shares his story, of a fire at Riverside Automotive in Redwing, MN that happened in January 2021, It’s a story that you need to hear and let touch you, and then push you toward a total safety, systems, and insurance review. There is a lot to learn in this episode, so bury yourself in the audio and give this episode as homework for your team and then follow it up with a discussion.
Matt Fanslow, is the lead diagnostician and /shop manager and talks about being proactive and learn the things you can do ahead of time to minimize catastrophic failure. The key talking points reside at remarkablersults.biz/e617.
Listen and view episode notesEOS Part 1: How EOS helps Owners Get More Out of Their Business – Barry Barrett [RR 616]
EOS Part 1: How EOS helps Owners Get More Out of Their Business – Barry Barrett [RR 616]
Here is a first in a series with Barry Barrett, a Certified EOS Implementer. Barry talks about how the Entrepreneur Operating System helps entrepreneurs get what they want from their business and to Understand how to make your leaders get on the same page with you and have Traction by helping them become more disciplined and accountable.
This episode is an overview of EOS. Barry and I will bring you seven episodes, released over time to help you better understand the disciplines and power of the Entrepreneurial Operating System or EOS. There are shop owners engaged in EOS and it is having a huge impact on their business.
The key talking points for this episode with Barry reside at remarkablersults.biz/e616.
Thanks for being here in the front row of life in the automotive service business.
Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing Insights [THA 211]
Retirement Plans and Profit Sharing Insights
We are talking about retirement plans. If you asked your people if they had a retirement account or even a decent nest egg you will most likely get a blank stare or a no answer.
You just discovered an important benefit you can provide your people. Sure you’ve got to have the profits in the company to start up a program like this, but there are many creative ways to start a 401K and/or profit-sharing program.
First off we are not giving any advice or are even qualified to give advice. This is an open discussion among your peers to get your thoughts started, or even to educate you on this potential employee benefit. You need to contact a certified financial planner, your accountant, and possibly an attorney if you get serious about creating another benefit that keeps your team working for you.
Invest in this episode even if you don’t have a glimmer about providing a retirement saving discipline for your people. You may not be ready today, but the information in this episode will give you ideas and insights if ever you consider doing this.
My guests today are Greg Skolnik from Motor Works in Rockville, MD, and Sabrina Gatewood from King Amaco. As shop owners, they both have a perspective and opinion on retirement plans for your people.
This episode’s key talking points are already done for you. Find them at remarkableresults.biz/a211. Let’s talk about it.
Listen and view episode notesWhat it Takes to Be the Leader of a Family Business [RR 614]
What it Takes to Be the Leader of a Family Business [RR 614]
We welcome Esteban Gonzales, owner of Proshop Automotive to the podcast. Here is a great story about change. Esteban needed to face reality and change his mindset and adapt to what it actually took to run a proper auto repair business.
So many can relate to Esteban and many have yet to face the hard fact that it is not easy to run a profitable service business. Esteban laments that knowing the business numbers and assembling a great team with the same passion is a different story.
This is a true family business. His older brother is a master tech, his younger brother and sister work on the front counter. His parents even live next to the shop and they eat home-cooked meals every day. That tight family bond is what makes their team a success. Check out Esteban’s advice to shop owners and understand why networking is very important in the long run. This keeps with my goal of providing you inspiring stories from the young shop owners who will be leading our industry into the future.
The key talking points reside at remarkablersults.biz/e614.
Listen and view episode notesWhere the Money Goes – The $100 Lesson [THA 210]
THA 210 Where the Money Goes – The $100 Lesson
How many times do you get a great idea on an exercise you can share with your team …. one that helps your people respect and understand the costs of running a business? My guest Patrick McHugh and I will show you a fun and profound exercise on what happens to a $100 transaction … exactly where the money goes. Welcome to the 210th episode of the Town Hall Academy.
It is important that your people get a chance to see your Profit and Loss Statement, but for many, it will be a very difficult learning curve. We have a very simple way to do it that will make respecting margin, costs, and net profits in a whole new way.
This exercise will change the way you and your people look at the numbers and what it takes to grow a strong and profitable business.
My guest today is Patrick McHugh from Bimmer Rescue in Richmond, VA. and we have a story for you! This episode’s key talking points are already done for you at remarkableresults.biz/a210.
Listen and view episode notesHiring Practices with Bryan Kelley [RR 611]
Hiring Practices with Bryan Kelley [RR 611]
When we talk about hiring, there are a lot of questions that come to mind. You may have already in your business life hired and fired a hundred people. Hiring can be an art, especially if you are looking for just that right team member. Bryan Kelley realized that he needed to get a process down to help improve the quality of the individual he added to his team and business culture.
Bryan Kelley, the shop owner of Valley Automotive, Covington, WA and president of ASA Northwest, has been a great contributor to the podcast. He will share his hiring practices and the reason why he does them.
This is one of those gems of a podcast that keeps you in the front row of life in the auto service business.
We get into the critical importance to hire a cultural fit, interviews, processes and offers. Bryan also gets into job posting, job description and specific indicators you need to find in a good hire.
You can find Bryan Kelley’s other episodes, and this episode’s key talking points, they reside at remarkablersults.biz/e611 This is why I podcast.
Listen and view episode notes