The Real Horsepower Behind Automotive Influencers [THA 408]
Who are the innovative influencers of the automotive industry—the unsung heroes behind the tools and technology Technicians/Technology Specialists rely on every day?
“Most of the industry doesn’t realize that a large portion of technology used every single day came from a very small group of people that nobody knows.”
“They’re not the ones you see online. They’re not the ones that have Instagram or TikTok or anything like that. They’d rather figure the car out or how something works.”
remarkableresults.biz/a408
Shop Owners to the Rescue: Friends First, Competitors Second [THA 402]
Recorded at the 2024 Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) Business Management and Lindertech Training Trade Show, join the discussion about the unparalleled camaraderie, local business support network, lifestyle changes, and management strategies shared among automotive business peers. These automotive industry leaders showcase the value of having a contingency plan and the impact of personal and professional transformations over the years.
remarkableresults.biz/a402
The Race to Electric: How Chinese Manufacturers are Changing the Game for Legacy Automakers [RR 989]
Derek Kaufmann, managing partner at Schwartz Advisors, discusses the transformative changes in the automotive industry, particularly the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and the influence of Chinese manufacturers. Derek shares insights on China’s significant investments in EV technology and battery production, highlighting their impact on global market dynamics. The conversation also covers the challenges faced by legacy automakers in the U.S. and Europe, the competitive landscape of EVs, and the future of the automotive market.
remarkableresults.biz/e989
What’s The Worst Piece of Advice You’ve Ever Been Given in Business? [THA 397]
Join our panel of shop owners as they discuss the worst advice they’ve received in the automotive business: “Be the cheapest in town; it will get you more business.” “Don’t give a price over the phone.” “Don’t get personal.” “DVI’s are not worth the extra time.” “You’ll never make it because you’re too honest.” “Don’t hire a business coach.”
remarkableresults.biz/a397
From Websites to Texts: How to Meet Modern Consumer Expectations [RR 982]
Aubrey Amborn, Director of Sales for Net Driven, discusses the evolving marketing landscape in the automotive industry. She emphasizes the necessity of a robust online presence, effective SEO, and diverse communication methods to meet changing consumer preferences. Aubrey highlights the importance of adapting to digital trends, noting that 87% of consumers prefer text communication. The discussion also covers the impact of online reviews and the need for businesses to engage with customers through various channels to remain competitive.
remarkableresults.biz/e982
The Talent Pipeline: How to Find and Retain Top Technicians [THA 392]
Joelle Pollak and Lisa Coyle, co-founders of Promotive, discuss the intricacies of technician recruitment, including red flags in resumes, the importance of cultural fit, and their process of finding and vetting candidates. They also discuss the significance of career growth, compensation models, and how shops can retain talent by adapting to modern workforce needs. Learn about innovative recruiting strategies, crucial interview tips, and the importance of providing a supportive work environment to keep talent within the automotive industry.
remarkableresults.biz/a392
Red Flags When Buying a Business [THA 383]
Join a discussion with multi-shop operators Dwayne Myers and Rick Levitan, as well as CPA Hunt Demarest, on the intricacies of purchasing a business. They cover the necessity of due diligence, understanding financials, and the emotional aspects of negotiation. The panel shares personal experiences, highlighting the importance of realistic financial projections, environmental assessments, and the role of goodwill in valuations. They advise on building strong banking relationships, scrutinizing financial statements, and respecting sellers’ emotional ties, emphasizing patience and strategy for successful acquisitions in the automotive industry.
remarkableresults.biz/a383
Auto Allies: Forging an Independent Networking Group [THA 382]
The power of unity and shared purpose.
Automotive industry professionals from Buffalo, New York, discuss their independent networking group’s evolution and impact. They emphasize the importance of continuous learning, support, and the benefits of a collective approach to improving their businesses and the industry. The group’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and its commitment to education and community involvement are also highlighted.
remarkableresults.biz/a382
15 Car Maintenance Rip-Offs Explained [THA 381]
Our panel discusses and debunks car maintenance myths from an online article titled “15 Car Maintenance Rip-Offs You Should Avoid.” They cover topics such as engine flushes, air filter replacements, fuel additives, tire shine, headlight cleaning kits, extended warranties, coolant flushes, oil additives, oil enhancers, undercoating, custom exhaust systems, dealership oil changes, and professional detailing.
remarkableresults.biz/a381
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
Build Your Labor Rate From the Ground Up: Part 2 [THA 346]
Part 2 of our labor rate discussion in the automotive aftermarket industry. Our panel emphasizes the importance of setting labor rates based on the shop’s own expenses and profitability, rather than comparing them to competitors. They also stress the need for regular labor rate increases and educating staff about the financial aspects of running a shop. They address fear and mindset issues that can affect labor rates and overall success. The episode provides valuable insights and advice for shop owners in effectively setting and managing their labor rates.
remarkableresults.biz/a346
Customer Perceptions: Part 2 – Bob Cooper and Darrin Barney [RR 777]
We are on Part 2 of our 3 Part series about customer perspectives with Bob Cooper. In this episode, Bob asks a panel of consumers at the 2022 Elite Invitational in San Diego about pricing competitiveness and how to recover when something goes wrong with a customer experience.
remarkableresults.biz/e777
Listen and view episode notesThe Lowest Price Shop Is Not Your Competitor – Reggie Stewart [RR 748]
What do you do when a disgruntled customer wants to know why your shop is more expensive than the one down the road? Are you educating customers on the value of your services? Do you feel like you have to defend your profitable business model? Does the shop down the road, which has the crazy low price, realize their business won’t be worth it’s value when it’s time to sell?
remarkableresults.biz/e748
Listen and view episode notesTrends – Aftermarket Round Table [THA 239]
Trends – Aftermarket Round Table [THA 239]
The passion my panel has for this industry is hard to miss in this episode. They touch base on topics including labor rates, the professionalism of the industry and the importance of DVI’s to just name a few. We are only scratching the surface of these issues and concerns but it’s what is needed to spark a real change.
remarkableresults.biz/a239
Listen and view episode notesWhat Will 2021 Be Like? [THA 204]
THA 204 What will 2021 Bring?
Welcome to the 204th episode of the Town Hall Academy as 2020 is ending and 2021 takes over. Covid-19 continues its wrath and still a huge part in our daily lives. Most important is to move forward with the anticipation and excitement of a new year.
So let’s talk about it. I’m with Gene Morrill owner of Certified Automotive in Glendora, CA, Greg Buckley CEO of Buckley Personalized Auto Care in Wilmington, DE and Joe Marconi from Osceola Garage, Baldwin Place, NY.
2021 will continue to be a year of transition. It won’t be easy. The panel talks about moving the couch, reviewing your fundamentals and believes it’s not over yet. If ever a time to be proactive not is it. We still have a lot of unknowns so pay attention to everything because there are many unknowns. The panel did an excellent job assessing their approach to the new year.
The key talking points from this episode are already done for you on the show notes page at remarkableresults.biz/a204.
Listen and view episode notesWhy We Have Loaner Cars [THA 180]
THA 180 Why We Have Loaner Cars
This episode showcases two shops that have loaner cars. The industry seems to be split on having loaners. This episode opens up a strong position and the reasons they have loaners.
My panel includes Greg Buckley, from Buckley’s Personalized Auto Care, Wilmington, DE and Tom Lambert, from Shadetree Automotive, Layton, UT
Greg just added three new vehicles and Tom has thirteen. There are support companies that help you with a digital and GPS loaner transaction. Find the show notes at remarkableresults.biz/a180
Listen and view episode notesMake your Competitor Your Friend [THA 163]
Brad Pellman first started working in the automotive industry at the age of 15 and over his career has held a wide variety of jobs at both dealerships and independent repair shops. In 1995 this dream of owning his own shop became a reality when he opened up Pellman’s Automotive in Boulder, CO with his wife, Lisa.…
Listen and view episode notesShops Putting Others Down. WHY? – Tom Palermo [FTR 088]
Tom Palermo is General Manager of Preferred Automotive Specialties in Jenkintown, PA. Tom is a world class Master Technician and a Certified ASE Advanced Level Technician, is certified from ASE including Master Auto, MasterTruck, Master Truck Equipment, Master School Bus, Master Collision, Master Transit Bus, L1, L2, C1, X1, P2, F1 Besides the 2015 NAPA/ASE Technician…
Listen and view episode notesFTR 072: Bill Haas – Are You Aware What the Dealerships are Doing to Compete with the Independent
FTR 072 Bill Haas – Are You Aware What the Dealerships are Doing to Compete with the Independent
Listen and view episode notesRR 463: Mitch Schneider – His First Speech 35 Years Ago, Still Relevant today!
Mitch Schneider – His First Speech 35 Years ago, Still relevant today!
Mitch Schneider is here for his second time. Mitch is an award-winning journalist, former shop owner and soon to be published novelist. For more than 37 years, Mitch operated Schneider’s Automotive — a successful 6-bay, family-owned and operated service facility in Simi Valley, Calif. Mitch has recent great news on the biggest challenge in his life as he has taken on Primary Myelofibrosis head-on. He is in his recovery mode from a bone marrow transplant. Mitch is a survivor of this rare procedure and I’m so glad to have him back to have another conversation with him.
When Mitch wrote his speech 35 years ago, he was angry. He showed his frustration and he is now reflective at the state of the industry today. It is sad to say that not much has changed. Listen and learn the issues then and now and some discussion on what we need to do remedy. Are you onboard?
Listen and view episode notesFTR 050: What the Aftermarket Can Learn from Professional Wrestling – Matt Fanslow
FTR 050: What the Aftermarket Can Learn from Professional Wrestling
Matt Fanslow threads a concept that we can learn from the way professional wrestling promotes themselves. Matt makes a strong point comparing the promotion of professional wrestlers to aftermarket shops. Matt likes to look outside the industry to learn and see new things. A stretch in thinking, I don’t think so. I know one thing, this rant will make you think.
Listen and view episode notesRR 406: Geek Talk 2.0 Part 3: The Independents Biggest Competitor
Geek Talk 2.0 Part Three – The Independents Biggest Competitor
This episode will enlighten and open your eyes to who are the biggest competitors of the independent shops; how to deal with them and how to market against them. Some important stats presented shows how market share is changing.
The panel includes Greg Buckley, CEO of Buckley Personalized Auto Care in Wilmington, DE, Chris Cloutier, co-owner of Golden Rule Auto Care in Dallas Texas and CEO of AutoText Me and Karim Morsli owner of Winkler Automomotive in Gaithersburg, MD.
Listen and view episode notes