Lessons on 3rd Generation Family, Networking and the Front Counter- Steve Mancinelli [RR 623]
Lessons on 3rd Generation Family, Networking and the Front Counter [RR 623]
I caught up with Steve Mancinelli, AMAM, who proudly wears the scars of battle as a 3rd generation shop owner. Family business, networking, and learning how to run a great business are challenges we all face and Steve shares his many moves through the labyrinth of barriers that got him to where he is today. In his section of Denver, there have been 6 shops and 23 service bays have closed since the pandemic hit. Either they liquidated, retired, or moved due to high rent in the downtown area during the pandemic. Besides many wise thoughts, Steve talks about women at the front counter.
The key talking points reside at remarkablersults.biz/e623.
Listen and view episode notesThe Virtual Service Advisor [RR 621]
The Virtual Service Advisor [RR 621]
Amidst the pandemic scare, shops have taken advantage of VoIP, cloud services and new technologies to serve their customers. Some have had to put their service advisor working from home for various reasons. Imagine having support for your counter in the virtual world. Is there is a future for a Virtual Service Advisor?
Our guest today, Robbie Bunch became a virtual service advisor because of the pandemic and has excelled at it. His previous experience helped make this a reality for a shop he supports. Not only is Robbie Bunch doing Virtual Service Advisor work for a shop he continues to work for his other business “Platform Digital Marketing.”
Robbie and I toss out the idea of creating an entire industry of Virtual Service Advisors to support shops when your business is growing but not in need of a full-timer or when you lose a Service Advisor and while you are looking to hire a new person to rely on a Virtual Service Advisor to take up the slack. This episode will get you thinking.
The key talking points reside at remarkablersults.biz/e621.
Listen and view episode notesService Advisor Role Play #5 [THA 213]
Service Advisor Role Play #5 [THA 213]
Our role play subjects cover closing the expectation gap on the appointment setting call and understanding the importance of building anticipation in making the sale after the results of the DVI. We also covered how to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Service Advisor in calming the customer while building value in their services and retaining the sale. Lastly, we talked about the effective way in deferring services at the cash-out. All important and vital in building you or service advisor team.
The panel includes Clint White from Shop Vision, Dan McWilliams from Quality Service Center and Ben Lesueur from Oxford Automotive. They put their service advisor strategies for you to follow.
Find ways to compare and improve your confidence and comfort in the face of your customer. Together we have something here. This episode’s key talking points are already done for you. Find them at remarkableresults.biz/a213
Listen and view episode notesNever the Cheapest but the Best Value Shop – Travis Guy [RR 618]
Never the Cheapest but the Best Value Shop – Travis Guy [RR 618]
Welcome to the 618th episode of Remarkable Results Radio.
In keeping with my goal to showcase our young owners and their rise to ownership, you’ll love this story as my Guest Travis Guy came into the family business via the hospitality industry. Specifically Disney. Do you think he may have learned a lot about how to embrace a customer? A fun and transparent interview with Travis, He says he sees the flaws we have as an industry and tells it straight about being paid for our worth and value.
Travis Guy hails from Yourba Linda Auto Service, Placentia, CA along with his brother Tim, and Dad Danny makes up the family business. He gives you a refreshing take on the state of our industry from a young owner’s perspective. We can learn a few things from Travis.
The key talking points for this episode with Travis resides at remarkablersults.biz/e618.
Thanks for being here in the front row of life in the automotive service business.
The Give to Get Principle: How Relationships & Reciprocity Build Raving Fans [RR 610]
The Give to Get Principle: How Relationships & Reciprocity Build Raving Fans [RR 610]
We are happy to introduce Jennifer Filzen’s Fifth book which is out now on Amazon. The Book “The Give to Get Principle: How Relationships & Reciprocity Build Raving Fans” is a book that you can use as a tool to give back to the industry and to your community. If you are not involved enough in your community, you should be. Let this episode push you into paying it forward.
Jennifer CEO of Rock Star Marketing, a digital marketing agency, will help you discover these three important principles you need in your life. Your Why, Your Superpower, and Your Attitude. If you only work on these three, you will improve.
The incredibly successful businesses in our industry are extremely community-minded and involved. Use this episode as inspiration to take your community to the next level.
The key talking points reside at remarkablersults.biz/e610
Listen and view episode notesStop Selling From Your Wallet [THA 208]
THA 208 Stop Selling From Your Wallet
Too many times we think about our own money tolerance instead of the customer needs. We think what others believe is a lot of money to us is not. We also can’t fathom people paying what they do for services because we would not. We have different lines in the sand when it comes to price perception and if you sell from your own wallet you’ll limit yourself, do what is not necessarily right for your customer and limit your potential, not only for yourself but for the business.
In other words, don’t make the decision for your customer. Let them decide. We play a really insightful game that you need to do with your team.
I’m with Brian Gillis of You Net Results, who brought this excellent topic and the neat game we play, also Andy Arndt of Arndt Automotive in Malta, IL. And Keith Knowlton of LKS Auto Repair, Bremerton, Wa. They bring sound, practical, and professional advice for all of us to stop selling from our own wallets. Too many times we think about our own money tolerance instead of the customer’s needs.
This episode’s key talking points are already done for you. They reside on the show notes page at remarkableresults.biz/a208.
Listen and view episode notesMSO: 18 Team Members Tested Positive for Covid. How We Survived [RR 609]
MSO: 18 Team Members Tested Positive for Covid. How We Survived [RR 609]
What can we learn from this unprecedented year? A lot!
Our story today is of a hard hit multi-store operation (MSO) and how it survived 18 team members who contracted Covid-19. The preparation years before Covid-19 was to become a pandemic is the anchor in this story. It is proof of concept. Build a strong culture, put your people first, love your customers, engage all the latest technology and systems, and have strong processes and procedures. With all that in place, you can navigate just about anything.
Dwayne Myers from Dynamic Automotive from Frederick, MD, and his partners, Jose Buesso and Lee Foreman put their company in the position to fight through their Covid-19 barrage and come out the other side in decent shape. Surviving the ordeal was gut-wrenching and thought reflecting. Yet they did. This is homework for you to Listen to Learn Just One Thing!
You can find Dwayne Myers’s other episodes, and the key talking points, they reside at remarkablersults.biz/e609
Listen and view episode notesPre Scheduling Appointments – The Time Has Come [THA 207]
THA 207 Pre Scheduling Appointments – The Time Has Come
Welcome to the 207th episode of the Town Hall Academy. Right up front l want to warn you. This discussion may just change the way you do business. I want you to give it your all and when done implement the tactics you discover. I know your business will blossom.
Scheduling future appointments is not a new concept. You know about it but have never decided it was good for your business or your customer. We have solid statistics that demonstrate that 59% of your customers are willing and ready to accept a future appointment for maintenance service. Ever walk out of the dentist’s office without your next hygiene appointment. How about a hair salon?
I’m with Bill Thompson, Craig Noel, and Greg Skolnik. Bill Thompson brings his critical data to support this strategy, Greg has been doing this for years and has the data to prove the strength of the strategy and Craig is starting to pre-book now.
There was a ton of passion flowing throughout this episode. I believe you’ll be moved to start in your business. So …. Let’s talk about it.
This episode’s key talking points are already done for you. They reside on the show notes page at remarkableresults.biz/a207. Enjoy.
Listen and view episode notesProof of Concept [THA 206]
THA 206 Proof of Concept
The pandemic was the test of preparedness, fortitude, leadership, nerves, among others. Our topic “Proof of Concept” is the story behind the strong getting stronger.
The leaders who listened and implemented the strategies being served up by the industry pundits especially coaches over the last 3 to 4 years found themselves in a good place. You’ve heard them enforce on the podcast, … essential tactics like strong business culture, a commitment to training your team, firing non-productive or toxic employees, DVI, Cloud-based software, text to pay and the list goes on like strong leadership. Smart Marketing. Managing KPIs, Good financial statements, building processes, and systems, Etc, etc. In essence, the strong found their pandemic recovery easier than others. That is what we are talking about today: ‘Proof of Concept’
Joining me is Chris Cotton, AJ Nealey, and Michael Gallini. They all agree that they are in a better spot because they implemented and worked the strategies and tactics that the industry is known to create success and sustainable profits. Glad you are here, Let’s Talk About It.
The key talking points from this episode are already done for you on the show notes page at remarkableresults.biz/a206.
Listen and view episode notesMillennials in High Gear with Sara Fraser – Part 1 [RR 603]
Millennials in High Gear with Sara Fraser Part 1 [RR 603]
Our topic today centers around millennial customers and employees. With me is Sara Fraser. Sara has been a favorite on the show and lives what she teaches as she is a millennial. Each generation has its traits and you must adjust your business to accommodate the millennial customer and employee.
Sara is with Haas Performance Consulting and teaches the millennial story. We look at the millennial customer needs/wants and the same for the millennial employee. This is part one of a two-part millennial series with Sara
You can find Sara’s other episodes and the key talking points for this episode at remarkablersults.biz/e603
Listen and view episode notesHow My Business Changed as a Result of Covid-19 – A Look Back [THA 203]
THA 203 How My Business Changed as a Result of Covid-19 – A Look Back
A lot has happened as we drew to a close a year considered to be one of the most challenging years in our history.
Today, our topic talks about the changes and the challenges that Covid-19 swept on the aftermarket industry, along with every shop owner and team member. Did you push through? How did you cope? What changed and what changed permanently? These are some questions to reflect on as 2021 is on our doorstep. Reflect on your preparedness to face this unprecedented call to action.
Joining me are for this frank discussion is Jim Hayes, General Manager of Pacific Motor Service — and Dave Martin from Martin’s Auto Repair, Phoenix, AZ
The key talking points from this episode are already done for you on the show notes page at remarkableresults.biz/a203.
Listen and view episode notesWhy Fix a Negative Attitude in your Shop [THA 202]
Why Fix a Negative Attitude [THA 202]
Statistics and many studies concluded that a negative behavior creates liabilities in the business setting and strains relationships. On a personal level, it decreases productivity and performance. Not only does it damage teamwork, but it also makes for unhappy customers. Our episode today attacks why a negative attitude has no room in our industry!
Joining me is Craig O’Neill, Andy Pollina, from Legacy Auto Tech, Grand Rapids, and Rick White from 180 Biz.
The key talking points from this episode are already done for you on the show notes page at remarkableresults.biz/a202.
Listen and view episode notesCustomer Service vs. Customer Experience with Murray Voth [RR 591]
Customer Service vs. Customer Experience with Murray Voth [RR 591]
Murray Voth the owner and principal trainer of RPM Training and one of Canada’s most knowledgeable experts on the automotive industry. Murray specializes in the fields of business development of the independent automotive service and repair sector.
Murray is focused on the customer experience. In this episode, Murray differentiates customer service vs customer experience and their specific advantages and disadvantages.
The talking points of this episode can be found at remarkablersults.biz/e591.
Listen and view episode notesFour Corner – Four Wall Shop Inspection [THA 198]
Four Corner – Four Wall Facility Audit [THA 198]
Welcome to an episode that brings to you the power and value of peer inspections of your facility and property. This discussion applies to the Four Corners and Four Walls of your shop. Does your customer see the organization and cleanliness of your shop? How about the environment that your people work in. Is it up to your standards?
I’m with Seth Thorson, Owner of EuroTech Auto Service and LMV Bavarian BMW Support; and Daniel Gravely, District Manager, EuroTech Auto Service. And keep in mind this is a peer review – some special power in that.
The key talking points from this episode, they are already done for you. Go to the show page at remarkableresults.biz/a198.
Listen and view episode notesService Advisor Advice from Steve Shaw [RR 586]
Service Advisor Advice from Steve Shaw [RR 586]
Service advisor consultant trainer Steve Shaw of Steve Shaw Training brings his unique brand of training. Steve has some great ideas and concepts that can help you grow sales therefore dropping that margin gain directly to the bottom line. Steve Shaw teaches service advisors to get customers’ permission.
Steve shares 5 key reasons customers buy And he wants you to change the wording when you sell maintenance. There is also a simple approach to selling tires.
Steve also adds techniques in this episode. He advises, if you follow the tools and training you will sell more. He extends his understanding of customer behavior to your advantage. This episode can answer why customers buy and offer some great ideas on selling maintenance and tires.
Find the show notes at remarkableresults.biz/e586.
Listen and view episode notesDave Kusa – 20 Questions in 30 Minutes [RR 583]
Dave Kusa – 20 Questions in 30 Minutes [RR 583]
Welcome to another episode of 20 Questions in 30 Minutes. This format offers a quick, in-depth and on-point conversation like no other. You’ll hear from shop owner Dave Kusa from Autotrend Diagnostics, San Francisco, CA.
He talks about the impact of technology on his business, building a strong business culture, and getting training whenever you can. He also has some important tips about Gross Margin Hack which will be interesting once the episode hits the mid part!
Find the key talking points, Dave Kusa’s bio and links to his previous episodes at remarkableresults.biz/e583
This is raw, relevant and personal. All the necessary ingredients are concocted here to diminish your struggles and take you to the next level. Learn things aftermarket approved only here on the only remarkable results radio!
Listen and view episode notesImproving Work Flow [THA 192]
Improving Workflow – THA 192
We are talking about Improving Workflow in the Shop. The panel gave their best in sharing disciplines and processes that work for them. If you are a student of process improvement you’ll appreciate the discussion and if you are not you’ll realize you must start.
The panel includes Mike Davidson, Parkway Automotive, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Industry Essentials with a DOL Approved Apprenticeship Plan, Corey Evaldi, Olmsted Auto Care, Olmstead, OH, Andrew Minkler, Bavarian Motor Repairs, Capital Heights, MD and Steve Wootton, Technical Adviser, Ultimate Auto, Truck and Equipment in Cromwell, CT.
The detailed key talking points can be found at remarkableresults.biz/a192. Remember you can use the talking points to help create your own next steps or meeting agenda.
Mike Davidson shares the most important question that he asks every one of his team members.
Listen and view episode notesMargaret Palango – 20 Questions in 30 Minutes [RR 570]
Margaret Palango – 20 Questions in 30 Minutes [RR 570]
Margaret is the Executive Vice President at Autoshop Solutions in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area. She shares some great and applicable advice on grit and positive thinking while emphasizing on the importance of building trust and building better teamwork.
Margaret Palango also talks about how she relies on her intuition whenever there is a difficult decision to make. She never regrets listening to her intuition. She made her intuition stronger in her professional life.
Find the key talking points, Margaret Palango’s bio and links to his previous episodes at remarkableresults.biz/e570
Listen and view episode notesMike Tatich – 20 Questions in 30 Minutes [RR 566]
Mike Tatich – 20 Questions in 30 Minutes [RR 566]
Listen to shop owner Mike Tatich from TMT Complete Auto Service Center answer 20 questions on life and business. He shares some great advice he got from family and friends. He talks about how important people are in business and how important your networks are in case all else fails.
Mike Tatich also talks about reading more and networking to other shop owners. Mike has become a John Maxwell Leadership Certified business coach. He has a story of letting go, a perfectionist control freak, a helicopter dad, and he needs to get busier doing other stuff.
Find the key talking points, Mike Tatich’s bio and links to his previous episodes at remarkableresults.biz/e566
Listen and view episode notesMake Customer Service your Single Biggest Competitive Advantage [RR 559]
Make Customer Service your Single Biggest Competitive Advantage [RR 559]
If you are a customer service advocate, one who believes in the Customer Experience you’ve come to a well of information that will confirm your strategies and help to create a new and powerful commitment to your customer.
Author John DeJulius and business coach Alan Beech talk about John’s book ‘Customer Service Revolution’. This is a highly recommended read from me and you can find it on the books page on the website.
John DeJulius says you can’t out market or outspend your competition … You need to out love them with an exceptional customer experience. He also says that exceptional experiences is one of the only sustainable differentiators among competitors.
Learn about secret service systems and soft skills training. You have to know your customer even at the tiniest level like learning what their coffee preferences are. You can out-service the competition this way. Exceeding their expectations ensures having a repeat customer.
Find the key talking points and bios for John DiJulius III and Alan Beech’s at remarkableresults.biz/e559
Listen and view episode notesFake Reviews: How to Handle Them [THA 181]
Fake Reviews – THA181
Fake Customer Reviews, we’ve covered reviews in the past but never have we focused on Fake reviews; the Why they Happen, What to do about them and What should a response look like.
On the panel is Lauren Anderson from eight location Victory Auto Service, Minneapolis, MN, From Mighty Auto Pro in Medina, OH, and co-founder of Brakes For Breasts, Leigh Anne Best, and Mike Della Cruz, National Sales Manager, Broadly.com
And as per usual this panel delivered the goods and beyond, which is why you love listening to the Town Hall Academy.
See the show notes at remarkableresults.biz/a181 for the key talking points. Whoever in your company that manages reviews this is a must-listen.
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 notesUnscripted with Andy Bizub and Lucas Underwood [RR 553]
Unscripted with Andy Bizub and Lucas Underwood [RR 553]
This episode speaks for itself. Raw and Unscripted. And intended to push a button or two maybe one of yours. It’s a collection of ideas and thoughts from my guest’s world which resulted in nothing more than some extraordinary talk.
My guests are shop owners, Andy Bizub and Lucas Underwood. They are veterans of the show and have multiple episodes between them. Andy Bizub owns Midwest Performance Cars in Chicago, two locations and Lucas Underwood from L & N Performance Auto Repair, Blowing Rock, NC
They share the challenges of attracting and retaining customers. Lucas had guidance from his coach that told him that some shop owners often fall in love with their problems and not the solutions. While Andy remains choosy in all of the customers that come through his shop. He programs his business to attract his right customers. This and much more.
Find the key talking points for this interview with Andy Bizub and Lucas Underwood at remarkableresults.biz/e553.
Tire Pro Wants Your Customer Experience to Be Your Differentiator [RR 548]
Alan Beech knows what it takes to succeed in today’s marketplace. With more than 30 years of experience in the business world, he has worked his way to the top of the automotive service industry in Canada. Alan’s professional career has spanned within both the corporate and entrepreneurial spaces. Today Alan has a number of…
Listen and view episode notesSocial Media Strategies as we Re-Open the Economy [THA 176]
Carrie-Lynn Rodenberg, the owner of Turnkey Marketing, founded her boutique marketing firm after moving from New York where she was in charge of the direct response marketing for a 10 BILLION dollar company (Emblem Health). She went on to be the Director of Marketing and won the 2nd place Infusionsoft Ultimate Marketer Of The Year Award. Carrie-Lynn graduated…
Listen and view episode notes