How Do You Define Professionalism? [THA 340]
How do you define professionalism? It’s not just about how we dress but how we act and conduct our business. In this episode our panel dives into how professionalism is key in the automotive industry, and how it affects our businesses. They discuss the impact of professionalism on customer perception and satisfaction, and share personal experiences of creating a positive and welcoming environment in their auto repair shops. By prioritizing both the physical appearance and the customer experience, auto repair shops can set themselves apart and create a loyal customer base.
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Rachel Spencer’s ‘Rachelisms’ for Auto Repair [AW 169]
What are some of Rachel Spencer’s “Rachelisms?” The Power of Consistency: Rachel emphasizes the importance of consistency and communication in her operations. She believes in creating habits, holding each other accountable, and striving for perfection while acknowledging that mistakes can happen. Customer Communication is Key: Rachel’s approach to customer service is all about overcommunication. You must provide customers with as much information as possible upfront, offering financing options, and sending vehicle health and safety reports via text. Rachel also shares her experiences with recruiting technicians including reaching out to institutes with automotive programs.
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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?
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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.
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Paradigm Shift: Predicting Customer Needs with Artificial Intelligence [RR 870]
Dave Schedin and Jorge Antico discuss the importance of showing care and compassion for customers, effective communication, and the use of technology to improve customer service. Did you know technology can help overcome the shortage of qualified staff by providing comprehensive information to service writers, demonstrating expertise, and offering cost-effective maintenance programs? They also emphasize the significance of preventative maintenance in reducing breakdowns and improving customer satisfaction. They encourage a paradigm shift in the industry to prioritize customer care and proper maintenance.
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Breaking the Mold: How a Staffing Agency Can Help You Build a Winning Team [THA 338]
“There isn’t a technician shortage,” Said no one ever.
Please welcome our panel of guests to discuss the topic of recruiting talent with a staffing agency in the automotive industry. Shop owners Kathleen Callahan and Michelle Tansey share their experiences and challenges in finding skilled technicians and how partnering with Promotive, a full-service staffing agency, has been a game-changer for them. Joelle Pollak and Amy Gerardi, Cofounders of Promotive, discuss the process of understanding individual shop needs, sourcing candidates, and the importance of communication and partnership between the agency and shop owners.
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Listen and view episode notesFrom Training to Triumph: Breathe Leadership Into Your People [RR 868]
COO’S Max Orsborn and Dave Askwith discuss the importance of training and defined leadership in automotive businesses. They highlight the need for effective training that goes beyond just checking boxes, emphasizing accountability and pressure on individuals who attend training sessions. The conversation also touches on the significance of transparency and communication within organizations, focusing on clear communication during promotions and changes. Max and Dave share their experiences as leaders, with insights on admitting mistakes and making adjustments in hiring, as well as the importance of staying true to one’s beliefs and vision.
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Marketing Power Panel: Grow Your Revenue by $1 Million [THA 337]
Is it possible to grow your shop’s revenue by $1 million? Together, our panel of marketing gurus discuss the importance of marketing for automotive repair shops and provide insights on effective marketing strategies. The panel emphasizes the need to understand the shop’s current situation and goals before developing a marketing strategy. They also discuss financial aspects, setting goals for growth, seeking advice from successful shop owners, and creating memorable customer experiences. They stress the importance of strategic and proactive marketing and financial planning to drive business growth in the auto repair industry. Remember, marketing takes time and should be trusted as a process. Always be marketing, and don’t stop when business is busy.
remarkableresults.biz/a337
The Noble Mechanic: Before and After Transformation and Rebranding [AW 166]
In this episode, Reggie Stewart covers a range of topics from dispatching and business operations to shop renovations. Reggie recently undertook renovations at his shop in Kokomo, Indiana, he modernized the colors and feel of the shop to give it an upscale vibe, with the help of an interior designer. He also discusses the importance of building a positive culture and is currently working on creating job descriptions and manifestos for each position to better define expectations and attract the right people.
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Is Your Shop Butcher Clean? [RR 866]
COO’S Andrew Marcotte and Melissa Parker discuss growth and succession in the industry, emphasizing the importance of having a sellable business. They share their experiences with acquiring and managing new shops, highlighting the value of cultural fit over work experience. Andrew and Melissa also encourage others to build relationships within the industry, learn from other operations and have a ‘butcher clean’ shop!
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Hiring Process Explained [RR 865]
Phil Carpenter discusses the challenges of finding good technicians and the constant need for recruitment. Phil maps out the hiring process at Urban Auto Care and Avalon Motor Sports, which includes video interviews and in-person interviews. It’s critical to a good fit for the long term and filtering out candidates who are not willing to go through their hiring process. He also explains the importance of maintaining a sense of urgency in hiring, employee turnover, and recognizing when it’s time to let someone go.
remarkableresults.biz/e865
Is Your Company Culture Holding You Back? [RR 864]
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Culture again?” But trust me, this episode takes a deep dive into how culture can truly make or break a business. Every business has a culture, whether it’s intentional or not, and it’s crucial to evaluate if it’s the right one for retaining employees and attracting customers.
Imagine an auto repair shop that truly understands the frustrations of car owners and aims to provide honest, knowledgeable, and reliable service to give them peace of mind. That’s the kind of culture that draws customers in and keeps them coming back.
Chris Lawson suggests checking out an article in the show notes that discusses the impact of culture on over 40 business metrics. Studies have shown that employees are more motivated and efficient in a happy work environment. So, investing in your company culture can actually boost your bottom line.
If you’re a business owner or someone interested in creating a positive work environment, this episode is a goldmine of information. Carm and Chris provide practical guidance on building company culture and emphasize the need for strong policies, procedures, and teamwork.
remarkableresults.biz/e864
Stagnation vs Acceleration: How EOS Can Transform Your Business [862]
Have you ever wondered how different businesses face similar challenges? Join Barry Barrett, a certified Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) implementer and business consultant, and Jeremy Bates, the president of Bates Security. They discuss the importance of culture, family, and implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in their businesses. The key takeaway? Building a strong culture and surrounding yourself with quality people can lead to long-term success and employee retention.
remarkableresults.biz/e862
One Location $2.5M: How We Do It [THA 334]
Shop owners Jimmy Alauria, Joe Hanson, and John Gustafson share their strategies and tactics for achieving exceptional success. The most valuable lesson? The importance of having a strong team, setting goals, and monitoring key performance indicators to achieve success. They emphasize the need for attention to detail, accountability, and hiring the right people, empowering them to lead and demonstrating commitment to the purpose and core values of the business. Tune in to learn more about how to achieve success in this industry!
remarkableresults.biz/a334
Is Hiring a Business Coach Worth It? Dispelling the 5 Excuses Not to Hire One [AW 163]
Do you find yourself making excuses not to hire a business coach? Tom Sciortino shares his experience with coaching and how it has helped him make changes in his business, resulting in an increase in average ticket and KPIs. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and not waiting around for things to change, and encourages young people in the industry to seek guidance and coaching. Listen to this episode to learn how coaching can help you identify blind spots, gain a different perspective on your business, and prepare for the future.
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Why Much? How Much? Exploring Value Proposition in Auto Repair [AW 162]
Bill Nalu, Interstate Auto Care in Michigan, shares his “Why Much” philosophy, which advocates for a more nuanced approach to pricing that involves training, coaching, and consultation to understand the context of each customer’s needs and provide a personalized value proposition.
remarkableresults.biz/aw162
Don’t Be a Boss, Be a Leader: Tips for Building Strong Relationships with Your Employees [RR 858]
David Askwith, Managing Director of Auto Stream Car Care, discusses the importance of evolving and changing as a leader in the automotive industry. He shares personal experiences and offers advice to shop owners on how to improve their leadership skills and build better relationships with their employees. David stresses the importance of seeking guidance and advice from peers and mentors, holding employees accountable while also being part of their career development, and building trust within the team and the organization. He also emphasize the need for leaders to constantly evaluate their culture and reputation.David Askwith, Managing Director of Auto Stream Car Care, discusses the importance of evolving and changing as a leader in the automotive industry. He shares personal experiences and offers advice to shop owners on how to improve their leadership skills and build better relationships with their employees. David stresses the importance of seeking guidance and advice from peers and mentors, holding employees accountable while also being part of their career development, and building trust within the team and the organization. He also emphasizes the need for leaders to constantly evaluate their culture and reputation.
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How Can Professionalism Improve the Automotive Industry? [AW 161]
Mac Akram, the owner of Mack’s Complete Auto Repair in Chandler, Arizona, discusses the importance of professionalism in the automotive industry, including keeping the shop clean and organized and using digital vehicle inspections to provide better service. Mac believes that raising the standards of the industry is crucial to gaining the trust of customers. Mac also encourages shop owners to invest in training for their technicians.
remarkableresults.biz/aw161
How Your Mindset Will Overcome Your Business Struggle [RR 856]
Dan Taylor discusses the struggles of shops and the importance of self-image, guidance, and mentoring to overcome negative conditioning. Dan also highlights the power of the mind, the reticular activating system, and the law of attraction in achieving success in business and personal life. He emphasizes the need for individuals to be receptive to feedback and to actively seek out blind spots in their own lives. The episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for individuals looking to improve their self-image and overcome obstacles in their business and personal lives.
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Creating Consistent Routines that Drive Success [THA 331]
Do you find it hard to create consistent routines that drive success? This episode discusses the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and how they can help businesses achieve their goals. Our guests, Jaron Kleber, Chris Machado, and Nick Hively, discuss the positive impact of SOPs on creating a positive culture and improving the consistency of the customer experience. They also discuss the importance of engaging team members and getting their input when creating SOPs.
remarkableresults.biz/a331
Leadership Principles from Coach Rod Olson [RR 855]
Building Strong Relationships: The Importance of Old School Values in Leadership Coaching
Leadership coaching has come a long way from the old school methods of intimidation and shaming to motivate people. Rod Olson, an author, speaker, and executive coach, discusses the importance of old school values, such as discipline, respect, honor, loyalty, and hard work, in leadership coaching, but combined with new school methods and approaches. Rod and Dan Taylor, a senior business advisor, stress the need for emotional intelligence, empathy, vulnerability, and creating a psychologically safe environment for employees to ask questions and give their opinions without fear of retribution.
Leadership coaching is an ongoing process that requires a mentality of continuous learning and development. It is about balancing discipline with relationship-building, empowering the next generation, and working oneself out of a job as a leader. As Rod and Dan emphasized, leadership coaching is about living life to the fullest and keeping the big picture in mind.
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Personalized Customer Service and Marketing Strategies [AW 160]
If you’re in the automotive industry, you know it’s not just about fixing cars; it’s about providing exceptional customer service, too. Leigh Anne Best and Bill Hill, owners of Mighty Auto Pro, discuss their marketing strategies that have helped attract and retain customers. They’ve created a customer-friendly environment, providing loaner vehicles, shuttle services, and free towing up to $50.
But it’s not just about the extras. Mighty Auto Pro also emphasizes continuous learning and growth, requiring a minimum of 40 hours of training per year for their technicians. They encourage their employees to pursue their interests and hobbies, even if they are not related to auto repair. This culture of training has grown beyond anything Leigh Anne and Bill could have imagined, with technicians pushing each other to attend classes and improve their skills.
So, what can you learn from Mighty Auto Pro’s marketing strategy? Personalization, exceptional customer service, and a culture of continuous learning and growth can go a long way in retaining and attracting customers. Make everything effortless for the customer, and they’ll keep coming back.
remarkableresults.biz/aw160
Making Dispatch Work [THA 330]
What are the challenges of making dispatch work in the automotive aftermarket industry? Our guests share their experiences with dispatch in their companies, emphasizing communication, flexibility, and teamwork. They also discuss the qualities of a good dispatcher and the need for policies and procedures in unexpected events. They stress the importance of simplifying technical information and building trust with customers. The episode concludes with a discussion of the interaction between dispatchers, customers, and technicians and the immense responsibility that comes with the job.
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The Kids Table: The Next Generation in the Automotive Industry [RR 853]
Are you curious about what it’s like to work for your family in the automotive industry? In this episode, Tracy Capriotto, Sara Fraser, and Kent Bullard discuss their journey into the automotive industry, the challenges and pressure to fill their father’s shoes, and the need to find their own paths. They squash the misconception that working for family in the industry is easy and handed to them. It requires hard work and dedication to succeed in the automotive industry, regardless of family connections. They also touch on the challenges of preparing the next generation of professionals in the industry.
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Getting Over the Success Syndrome [RR 852]
Dr. David Weiman discusses the concept of success and how it can hold entrepreneurs and business people back. They emphasize the importance of defining success on a personal level and not being held back by societal expectations or comparisons to others. He also touches on the importance of recognizing the value of one’s work and charging appropriately for it rather than treating it as a hobby. Dave encourages listeners to redefine their definition of success and find fulfillment in their work while also recognizing the importance of financial stability.
remarkableresults.biz/e852