So You Think You Want To Open Your Second Location? [THA 377]
Industry shop owners discuss the challenges and strategies of opening and managing a second location. They explore the motivations behind opening additional shops, touching on wealth building, seeking new challenges, and planning for retirement. Carl Hutchinson emphasizes the importance of providing a growth path and career opportunities to attract and train the next generation of industry professionals. The conversation highlights the complexities of scaling a business and the need for strong leadership, financial planning, and a commitment to developing talent within the industry.
remarkableresults.biz/a377
The Driving Force: Extraordinary Results with Ordinary People [RR 948]
Andy Bizub explores the influential book “Driving Force: Extraordinary Results with Ordinary People” by Peter Schultz. Dive into the pivotal role of culture in business success with personal insights on maintaining a positive work environment. This episode is packed with wisdom for business owners and leaders seeking to improve their operations and team dynamics.
remarkableresults.biz/e948
Road to NAPA Auto Care Gold Certified: From Technician to Owner of 6 Locations [RR 946]
Brad Updegraff’s transition from a general service technician to a visionary business owner of 6 NAPA Gold Certified locations is a story of dedication and strategic planning. Discover the milestones and the speed bumps he encountered along the way.
remarkableresults.biz/e946
Industry SWOT: Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats [THA 375]
A deep dive into the SWOT analysis of our industry with a panel of shop owners. As we navigate the evolving automotive landscape, it’s crucial to turn threats into opportunities, revving up for success.
remarkableresults.biz/a375
Are You Addicted to Social Media? [RR 938]
Recorded Live at Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo, Carm Capriotto, alongside shop owner Kim Auernheimer and industry professional Tracy Capriotto, dive into a myriad of topics relevant to the industry. They reflect on the evolution of the industry and the significance of the Women in Auto Care conference. Kim discusses her journey managing multiple shop locations and the nuances of catering to different communities, while Tracy offers insights on the benefits of personality tests like DISC for workplace harmony. The trio also examines the double-edged sword of social media’s role in both personal and professional realms, advocating for a more intentional and productive use of the platforms. This episode is a trove of wisdom, emphasizing continuous personal growth and adaptation in a digitally-driven world.
remarkableresults.biz/e938
Measuring Technician Performance with Scorecards and Analytics [RR 936]
Greg Buckley discusses the importance of using analytics and performance metrics in the automotive industry. He draws parallels between managing a sports team and running an auto repair shop, emphasizing the need for owners to understand their team’s strengths and weaknesses. Greg explores the idea of incentivizing performance and accountability, similar to professional athletes. Greg shares his experience with nurturing technicians and the concept of having a “farm team” to develop skills. The conversation also touches on the need for better career pathing, training, and compensation methods to retain talent and improve the industry’s professionalism.
remarkableresults.biz/e936
Make Every Detail Count: What Message Are You Sending to Customers? [RR 932]
Recorded Live at the 2024 MACS (Mobile Air Climate Systems) Training Event & Trade Show, shop owner Bill Snow discusses marketing strategies, the use of social media platforms, and the importance of authenticity in video marketing. Bill shares insights on audience preferences for lighthearted content and emphasizes professionalism and the value of every customer interaction in reflecting the business’s dedication to service.
remarkableresults.biz/e932
Unpacking the Dynamics of Consumer Choice and Pricing [RR 924]
The Value Paradox: We all want top-notch service without the hefty price tag. However, quality comes at a cost. Andy Bizub explores this conundrum and how it mirrors the choices we make. Consumers often face a choice between the cheapest and the luxurious with little interest in the middle ground. This observation sparked a conversation about how the automotive industry can apply this pricing strategy to their businesses. Remember, it’s not just about the price; it’s about the value and experience you provide.
remarkableresults.biz/e924
I’m More Than Just A Mechanic [RR 919]
Can a break-up be the catalyst for an entrepreneurial leap? Find out during Shawn Gilfillan’s 20 questions in 30 minutes episode! Shawn also discusses the importance of a strong business culture, mentorship, and the joy of hobbies like aviation. Shawn shares strategies for managing gross margins and the significance of client experience.
remarkableresults.biz/e919
Technician’s Three-Year Succession Plan [RR 906]
Andy Bizub and part owner Brandon Ludwikowski discuss the transition from technician to business owner, the importance of a positive attitude, and the tools and knowledge required for technicians. The conversation also covers the division of responsibilities within the company, decision-making processes, and the importance of understanding business fundamentals and financials.
remarkableresults.biz/e906
Creating Psychological Safety For Your Employees [RR 901]
George Kingman discusses the importance of work-life balance, psychological safety, and cultivating a positive work environment. He shares personal experiences and lessons learned from his journey in the automotive industry, emphasizing the need for passion and positivity. Kingman also discusses leadership strategies inspired by George Washington and how they can be applied in modern businesses. He stresses the importance of making employees feel valued and connected to their work.
remarkableresults.biz/e901
Conference Planning Musts! [894]
Travis Troy, owner of Honest Wrenches, discusses the importance of conference planning and attendance for team development. He dives into the process of selecting classes, professionalism at conferences, and the significance of investing in training and planning for the future.
remarkableresults.biz/e894
Family Business: The Dads [THA 349]
Shop owners and fathers Charlie Marcotte and Paul Campanella discuss the topic of passing down a family business to the next generation. They emphasize the importance of aligning roles and skill sets, providing training and guidance, and setting realistic expectations for children joining the family business. They also explore the value of mentorship, learning from outside sources, and the challenges and rewards of running a family business. Whether you’re considering integrating your family into your business or looking for ways to make adjustments, this episode is a must-listen!
remarkableresults.biz/a349
Overcoming the Challenges of Apprenticeship Programs [RR 891]
Jake Sorensen shares his experiences with running an apprentice program at McNeil’s Auto Care. Initially, they were able to find suitable applicants easily, but as time went on, they faced challenges in finding the right candidates. Jake also talked about the practical skills gap he has observed in the younger generation. He shared an anecdote about an apprentice who had never drilled a hole in a wall or hung anything before. Despite this knowledge gap, Jake believes that with the right attitude and willingness to learn, the right apprentices can become great technicians in the future.
remarkableresults.biz/e891
Life Calibration: From Burnout to Balance [THA 348]
Our panel explores the challenges of achieving work-life balance and how it affects busy professionals and entrepreneurs. The key takeaway was the importance of operating with the mindset of wanting employees’ lives to work both inside and outside of the shop. Eddie Lawrence shared his personal story of experiencing a health crisis in 2015, which served as a wake-up call for him. As a business owner, he had been prioritizing his work over his own well-being. This realization led him to create ‘Life Calibration,’ a framework to help individuals prioritize and improve different areas of their lives, not just for themselves but also for their teams.
remarkableresults.biz/a348
High Performance Leadership Training [RR 888]
Carm Capriotto introduces a group of automotive industry professionals who are part of a leadership program led by Shawn Gilfillan. This group has been working on a 20-week program designed to enhance leadership skills and empower teams in the automotive industry. The program emphasizes the importance of self-talk and changing one’s self-perception to become a better leader. They highlight the benefits of using the DISC test to understand themselves and their team members better, promoting understanding and empathy. They also discuss the positive impact of active listening and effective communication in resolving conflicts and improving relationships. They emphasize the value of continuous learning and the benefits of joining a leadership coaching group.
remarkableresults.biz/e888
The Google Nerds’ Guide to Streamlining Your Business [RR 887]
AJ Nealey and Joe Hanson discuss the use of Google Workspace in their businesses. They explore the different applications within Google Workspace, such as Google Meet, Gmail, Google Sheets, Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Calendar, and Google Drive, and how they utilize them for communication, document storage, and collaboration. They also discuss the benefits of controlling intellectual property, and the efficiency and organization that Google Workspace provides.
remarkableresults.biz/e887
New Age Employees Require A New Way of Thinking [AW 176]
Pete McNeil discusses the changing needs of employees in the post-COVID workplace, particularly focusing on Gen Z employees. He talks about the importance of providing a positive customer experience and adapting to the preferences and attention span of Gen Z employees. He also discusses the challenges of hiring and retaining Gen Z employees, including the need for benefits, learning opportunities, and potential pay advantages.
remarkableresults.biz/aw176
Elevating Professionalism Through Language and Terminology [THA 345]
Our panel discusses the topic of language and terminology changes in the automotive aftermarket service industry. It’s important to use clear and professional language with employees and customers, as well as the significance of honesty and trust in communication. They also touch on the distinction between “technician” and “mechanic” and the need for ongoing training and teamwork. We hope that our discussion will inspire you to reflect on your own communication practices and make necessary improvements.
remarkableresults.biz/a344
S.O.B: Son of Boss [THA 344]
Carm Capriotto hosts a panel discussion on family businesses, specifically focusing on the challenges faced by sons of bosses (SOBs). Andrew Marcotte and Anthony Campanella share their experiences of working in their family businesses and the unique dynamics that come with it. They discuss the perception of nepotism and the importance of earning respect and value in their own right. They also discuss leadership development, work-life balance, communication, and succession planning in family businesses.
remarkableresults.biz/a344
Acquiring and Transforming a 72 Year Old Business [AW 171]
Jon Kloosterman, the Director of Operations at West Side Service in Zeeland, discusses their recent acquisition of a business and their approach to training and retention of technicians. The acquired business had been a pillar in the community for 72 years and was ready for a change in ownership. Jon also highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism and focusing on the right KPIs in your business.
remarkableresults.biz/aw171
Redefining Business Bravery: Stories of Courage [THA 341]
Join our panel as they share insights on the importance of courage, different leadership styles, the need for tough conversations, and the role of coaching and mentoring in developing courage in teams. The panelists emphasize the importance of effective communication, training, and providing individuals with the tools and confidence to make courageous decisions. They also discuss the need for leaders to make tough decisions even when uncomfortable.
remarkableresults.biz/a341
Real Estate Strategies [AW 170]
Rick Levitan shares his experience and insights on real estate in the automotive industry. He discusses the importance of developing a strategy when expanding and finding new locations, as well as various methods for finding potential sites. Rick advises against falling in love with a specific location and highlights the option of leasing with an option to buy. He also discusses the role of real estate investment trusts (REITs) and the importance of demographics when considering a new location. Rick emphasizes the need for careful planning, good advisors, and transparency when acquiring a business or property.
remarkableresults.biz/aw170
Why is Mission Strategy Crucial in the Automotive Industry? [RR 872]
“Do our technicians, when they close the hood, take the rag, you know, they rub the hood, make sure there’s no fingerprints? Do they really think about the role that they had in that customer’s life? Most of them don’t.”
Dan Taylor shares a personal experience where his technician played a crucial role in getting his wife to the hospital in a life-threatening situation. This incident made Dan realize the importance of our mission in ensuring the safety and reliability of vehicles. What is the ‘why’ behind someone’s work and why is that important?
remarkableresults.biz/e872
Listen and view episode notesFrom Mom and Pop to Multi Shop Owners [RR 671]
Recorded Live at the 2023 Institute Summit in St Petersburg, Florida, Jeannie and David Light, the dynamic duo behind Lighthouse Auto Repair in Manteo, North Carolina, discuss their business, challenges they face, and their recent expansion to a second shop. They also share their experience with joining a coaching program. The coaching program had a significant impact on their sales, with their revenue nearly doubling in the year after joining. Find out how they transitioned from a ‘mom and pop’ shop to successful multi shop owners.
remarkableresults.biz/e871