Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network

Scott Brown shares his profound journey through significant health challenges, specifically his battle with bladder cancer. Scott reflects on the lessons learned from his experiences, emphasizing the importance of living in the moment and preparing for the future. He discusses the emotional impact on his family, the illusion of control, and the necessity of succession planning. Scott’s story is a powerful reminder of life’s unpredictability and the need to cherish each day, encouraging listeners to take proactive steps in their personal and professional lives.

Scott Brown, Cardinal Plaza Shell, Springfield, VA. Scott’s previous episodes HERE

Show Notes

• Watch Full Video Episode
• The Illusion of Control (00:03:25)
• The Diagnosis Revelation (00:04:21)
• Assessing Succession Plans (00:06:52)
• Health Challenges and Recovery (00:07:41)
• Living One Day at a Time (00:08:25)
• The Impact on Loved Ones (00:10:56)
• Long-Term Family Planning (00:12:10)
• The Copper Beech Tree Metaphor (00:14:05)
• The Importance of Values and Legacy (00:16:07)
• Succession Planning in Business (00:20:36)
• Competitive Advantage Discussion (00:22:28)
• Emotional Impact of Health Challenges (00:26:24)
• Busyness as an Idol (00:28:39)

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network

Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX – Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com

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Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS and AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching

Industry leaders John Hanighen, CEO of Cloyes, Matt Buchholz, CEO of Motorrad, and Andy Fiffick, CEO of a 10 store franchise chain in Cleveland, dive into the current state of the supply chain within the automotive aftermarket, addressing issues of product availability, quality concerns, and the impact of unpredictable demand. Insights into data-driven forecasting, manufacturer-distributor collaboration, and the importance of communication between suppliers and auto repair shops are also explored to give a holistic view of managing challenges in the aftermarket industry.

Andy Fiffick, CEO Rad Air, 10-locations, franchise. Listen to Andy’s other episodes HERE

John Hanighen, CEO at Cloyes Gear and Products. Listen to John’s other episodes HERE

Matt Buchholz, CEO MotoRad

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Thanks to our Partner, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching

Proven Auto Shop Coaching with Results. Over 61 Million in ROI with an Average ROI of 9x. Find Coach Chris Cotton at AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching on the Web at https://autoshopcoaching.com/

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Show Notes:

Thanks to our Partners Shop-Ware and Delphi Technologies

Shop-Ware: More Time. More Profit. Shop-Ware Shop Management https://getshopware.com/

Delphi Technologies: Keeping current on the latest vehicle systems and how to repair them is a must for today’s technicians. http://DelphiAftermarket.com

Connect with the Podcast

-Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider

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-Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm

-The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com

-Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

Watch Episode HERE

Jake Sorensen, 2019 NAPA ASE Technician of the Year and 2019 Ratchet + Wrench All-Star technician of the year. Shop manager and diagnostic technician at McNeil’s Auto Care in Sandy, UT Listen to Jake’s previous episodes HERE

Chris Chesney, Training and Organizational Development, Repairify. Chris’ previous episodes HERE

Derek Kaufman, Managing Partner, Schwartz Advisors, President of C3 Network. Listen to Derek’s previous episodes HERE

Show Notes:

• Looking up and reading service procedures is already a must, but even more so as technology advances.
  • Example: ADAS systems now require calibrations when performing repairs like an alignment or bumper cover removal. If you change a headlight assembly that requires bumper R&R, you may need to perform a radar calibration. The only way to know for sure is to read service information.
• Reading technical information/technical reading skills- much different than reading newspaper or Facebook posts, a book etc.
• Evelyn Wood speed reading course- reading with purpose
• An explosion of information- computing power for all industries 
• 2022 captures over a trillion data points that will be aggregated to provide insights
• AI- mining data for trends
• Diffusion of innovation curve- 17+ years for EV’s
• We have expected Technicians to be masters of everything. 
• Many better diagnostic technicians are inefficient at R&R and do not enjoy it.
• Shift mindset to a technology industry
• Even today, electric vehicles account for 18% of new vehicles sold, and those won’t be in our bays tomorrow.
• By 2030 the population of vehicles in operations, over 300 million, and only 8% will be electrified.
• Get ready, or some other service industry will beat you to the punch
• How are you presenting your shop to the public?
  

Thanks to our Partners Shop-Ware and Delphi Technologies

Shop-Ware: More Time. More Profit. Shop-Ware Shop Management getshopware.com

Delphi Technologies: Keeping current on the latest vehicle systems and how to repair them is a must for today’s technicians. DelphiAftermarket.com

Connect with the Podcast

Aftermarket Radio Network

Subscribe on YouTube

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Buy me a coffee

Important Books

Support our partners:

• Guest host Rob Merwin from Aftermarket Matters will share news on the number of shops that closed as a result of Covid-19 and the advance of mobile repair.
• Charlie Marcotte from American Pride in Virginia gives you a tour of his four shops. He stresses processes, systems, and sameness between all facilities.

Dorman gives people greater freedom to fix vehicles by constantly developing new repair solutions that put owners and technicians first. By always innovating, Dorman has led the way in growing the aftermarket. Here you will see a few examples of a Dorman OE Fix. An OE FIX is a Dorman repair solution you can’t get from the original equipment manufacturer. It means they found a situation where they believe the OEM wasn’t giving repair professionals what they wanted, so we fixed it. Everything Dorman does is centered around providing customer value, both in the quality of products, and the creativity of solutions. Our engineers and designers go out of their way to save repair technicians time and save vehicle owners money. Want to really go under the hood? Take the Dorman Virtual Tour at www.DormanProducts.com/Tour

Dave Giles has been involved with the automotive, truck and transport and collision industries for over 30 years. He currently holds a Red Seal AST certification in Canada and is also certified HRAI instructor for the delivery and certification for controlled substances in several provinces as well as several other certifications and certificates in each trade involving advance vehicle technology and systems. He is often a guest speaker at several automotive conferences that involve battery electric vehicles and advance vehicle systems such as ADAS and automatous vehicles. His passion is to continue to learn and help find solutions for exciting and sustainable transportation for the future.

Dave started ALL EV Canada In 2019 with his partner Jeff Farwell. Their goal was to put affordable electric vehicles on Atlantic Canada roadways. During that time they acquired Pure EV another dealer in PEI. From there they built an incredible growing business with sales and service on electric vehicles. Just recently in July 2021, Steele Auto Group bought out ALL EV adding two more dealers to the 55 family of dealers they already own. In less than a month they have opened 3 more dealer locations for ALL EV by Steele. This was all done during the pandemic of Covid-19.

Key Talking Points

• Hedgehog concept- good at one thing and excel at it. 
• Made the transition to only EV’s and hybrids- also sell EV’s at auction and take in EV’s on trade. 2 locations and 2 dealer lots. Inventory of over 60 EV’s and about 15 Teslas are at 1 location. 6 bays shop for all EV repairs. Customers can shop for vehicles online. 
• Tesla- service and repair vehicles, purchase parts (VIN number is recorded and the customer will also get a copy of the invoice that part has been purchased for the vehicle, the customer is aware the parts have a markup. Parts are made by others, the aftermarket will get smarter on bringing parts to market. Cross-referencing will slowly start to show Tesla availability), restricted on scan tools access for diagnostics. Not as difficult as people think. 
• EV educators, not salespeople- more education involved with EV’s with charging, range (buy as much as you can afford), how they work in winter/summer
• Charging- 98% EV owners have their own homes to charge. Nova Scotia power program- install charger and $250 for next two years credit on account, allows control of charge rates during the night instead of overloading the grid. Fast chargers: 350-400 chargers in NS. One Tesla supercharger with 8 stations. Level 1- outlet charger, slower charge. Level 2 charger around $1000, Level 3- DCFC (direct current fast charging, booster).  
• Truck towing capacity- nothing beats torc of electric motor, the truck platform for EV- bigger and stores more batteries
• Website: Allev.ca

• Thanks to Dave Giles for his contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
• Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page, highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
• Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Podchaser, and many more. Mobile Listening APP’s HERE
• Find every podcast episode HERE.
• Every episode is segmented by Series HERE.
• Key Word Search HERE.

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:

Facebook   Twitter   Linked In   Email

Join the Ecosystem – Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.

Buy me a coffee

This episode is brought to you by AAPEX, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo. AAPEX represents the $740 billion global automotive aftermarket industry and has everything you need to stay ahead of the curve.  The Virtual AAPEX Experience 2020 is in the record books. Virtual AAPEX lived up to presenting leading-technical and business management training from some of the industry’s best and brightest. Now set your sights on the homecoming in Las Vegas in 2021. Mark your calendar now … November 2-4, 2021, AAPEX // Now more than ever.

This episode is brought to you by Shop-Ware Shop Management. It’s time to run your business at its fullest potential with the industry’s leading technology. Shop-Ware Shop Management will increase your efficiency with lightning-fast workflows, help your staff capture more sales every day, and create very happy customers who promote your business. Shops running Shop-Ware have More Time and generate More Profit—join them! Schedule a free live demonstration and find out how 30 minutes can transform your shop at getshopware.com/carm

Key Talking Points

• Brian Holthe- addiction was from 14 years old, started drinking beer, alcoholic by 17. At 21, got turned on to coke, speed then drugs via syringe at 23. Once IV use began, I got into the crack, heroin, and meth. During his 30’s his turning point was his mom saying she wanted him out of her life. 1992 began his sober road.
• David Wagner- addiction to alcohol, cocaine, and crystal meth. Been off of the drugs for about 11 years now, Started having a beer or wine once in a while. His wife and mom were the catalysts to become sober. 
• Help along the way- having trusting friends that can help, coworkers constantly checking. Understand people care about you. There are always people to help with anything in life- sometimes you just don’t see them or are aware. 
• Being open, realize you have a problem, ask for and accepting help- realize danger signs, be willing to act on them, set a clear path to maintain being sober
• How to help- don’t distance yourself from the addict, acknowledge someone asking for help. Support as an employer- consider going to meetings with them, celebrate their sober milestones, never look down on them, acknowledge their sober path, listen, ask questions. The automotive industry has typically a fixer type personality- consider listening instead of trying to ‘fix’ and give your answers to them. 
• Success stories can help motivate
• Safety nets- choosing to go to rehab and having job security
• Have to hit the bottom to rise above but so many people are still functioning addicts. 
• Changing routine- drugs/alcohol disrupt your routine and you start not knowing what your priorities are
• Find a support group that works for you
• Higher power- you are in less control than you think you do, surrender and forgive yourself
• Putting energies towards other things instead of addiction- hobbies, teaching etc that is rewarding. Accepting you won’t feel the same “high” and start appreciating the little things. Remember what’s important.

• A special thanks to Brian Holthe, David Wagner and Matt Fanslow for their contribution to the aftermarket.

• Books Page HERE
• Listen to all Remarkable Results Radio, For The Record and Town Hall Academy episodes.

Facebook   Twitter  LinkedIn   Instagram  Youtube   Email  

Mobile Listening APP’s HERE

Join the Ecosystem – Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.

Buy Carm a Cup of Coffee 

This episode is brought to you by Shop-Ware Shop Management. It’s time to run your business at its fullest potential with the industry’s leading technology. Shop-Ware Shop Management will increase your efficiency with lightning-fast workflows, help your staff capture more sales every day, and create very happy customers who promote your business. Shops running Shop-Ware have More Time and generate More Profit—join them! Schedule a free live demonstration and find out how 30 minutes can transform your shop at getshopware.com

Chris Cloutier is co-owner of Golden Rule Auto Care in Dallas Texas and CEO of Auto Tex Me. He spent many years in the software industry developing solutions for companies like Southwest Airlines, and Wyndham Intl. He’s worked for companies that understood the marriage of service and software, and have applied it in an effective way. Chris has his ASE C1: Automobile Service Consultant Certification Test (C1). He brings the business side to the business and his brother Pat brings the Braun. Chris is also a musician. Hear Chris’s previous episodes HERE. Autotex.me website HERE.

Key Talking Points

• 3D printingWill change the way shops do business and how parts are delivered  
• Customization- printing car in future? 
• Speed of delivery with parts
• Voice technologyHaving conversations with technology instead of keyboard use
• Intuitive user interface- “point, swipe and talk” technicians can talk faster than they can write on paper for DVI’s
• Ask Alexa who’s the best auto shop in your area- get your name in voice results  Consider getting an Alexa and using it in your shop to acclimate your employees to emerging technologies
• Google searchAI/ML- Artificial intelligence and machine learningMachines are learning and becoming ‘smarter’ 
• Data models- your data is important because it “feeds’ models
• AutoText.meBaywatcher.io- real time based statistics with cameras and license plate recognitionShop efficiency 30-40% of time your shops making money in bays
• 60% of time bays aren’t making money
• Bay management- how long has car been in bay?
• Free brake check- is it really free?
• Hour diagnostics- is it really an hour?
• Thanks to Chris Cloutier for his contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
• Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page, highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
• Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Podchaser, and many more. Mobile Listening APP’s HERE
• Find every podcast episode HERE.
• Every episode is segmented by Series HERE.
• Key Word Search HERE.

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:

Facebook   Twitter   Linked In   Email

Join the Ecosystem – Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.

Buy me a coffee

This episode is brought to you by AAPEX, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo. AAPEX represents the $740 billion global automotive aftermarket industry and has everything you need to stay ahead of the curve.  The Virtual AAPEX Experience 2020 is in the record books. Virtual AAPEX lived up to presenting leading-technical and business management training from some of the industry’s best and brightest. Now set your sights on the homecoming in Las Vegas in 2021. Mark your calendar now … November 2-4, 2021, AAPEX // Now more than ever.

This episode is brought to you by Shop-Ware Shop Management. It’s time to run your business at its fullest potential with the industry’s leading technology. Shop-Ware Shop Management will increase your efficiency with lightning-fast workflows, help your staff capture more sales every day, and create very happy customers who promote your business. Shops running Shop-Ware have More Time and generate More Profit—join them! Schedule a free live demonstration and find out how 30 minutes can transform your shop at getshopware.com/carm

Aaron Lowe, Senior Vice President, Regulatory and Government Affairs. Find Aaron’s other episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points

• Google vs OracleGoogle was using some of the application program interface (API) for Oracle for phones, Oracle sued over copyright infringement. 
• Aftermarket automotive concern- power to original equipment manufacturer if they limited access to their software so they wouldn’t be able to build compatible parts- cars are software driven
• Auto Care Association filed an amicus brief on Jan 13th, 2020 urging Supreme Court not to permit copyright protection 
• The Supreme Court on April 6 ruled that: “Google’s copying of the Java SE API, which included only those lines of code that were needed to allow programmers to put their ac­crued talents to work in a new and transformative program, was a fair use of that material as a matter of law.” 
• The Supreme Court ruled copying API to build compatible parts is fair use, overturning a lower court decision in favor of Oracle that Google had violated Oracle’s copyright of its API 
• Copyright law- right to repair software driven technology
• Aftermarket call to actionProviding information/concerns/issues- helps better defend the aftermarket with the more information
• Networking in the software copyright realm benefits all efforts
• Thanks to Aaron Lowe for his contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
• Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page, highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
• Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Podchaser, and many more. Mobile Listening APP’s HERE
• Find every podcast episode HERE.
• Every episode is segmented by Series HERE.
• Key Word Search HERE.

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:

Facebook   Twitter   Linked In   Email

Join the Ecosystem – Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.

Buy me a coffee

This episode is brought to you by AAPEX, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo. AAPEX represents the $740 billion global automotive aftermarket industry and has everything you need to stay ahead of the curve.  The Virtual AAPEX Experience 2020 is in the record books. Virtual AAPEX lived up to presenting leading-technical and business management training from some of the industry’s best and brightest. Now set your sights on the homecoming in Las Vegas in 2021. Mark your calendar now … November 2-4, 2021, AAPEX // Now more than ever.

This episode is brought to you by Shop-Ware Shop Management. It’s time to run your business at its fullest potential with the industry’s leading technology. Shop-Ware Shop Management will increase your efficiency with lightning-fast workflows, help your staff capture more sales every day, and create very happy customers who promote your business. Shops running Shop-Ware have More Time and generate More Profit—join them! Schedule a free live demonstration and find out how 30 minutes can transform your shop at getshopware.com/carm

Matt Lachowitzer is a husband, father of 3, avid Minnesota Vikings fan, and owner and founder of Matt’s Automotive Service Center. A Herman, MN native, Matt started this company as a two-bay shop back in 2009. He has expanded the company into 6 locations with beautiful, state of the art facilities all over the Fargo-Moorhead area. Matt enjoys being a pillar in the community, giving back in any way he can, and providing knowledge and education in the biggest ways possible. As a result of being a continuous educator and an amazing pillar in the community, Matt won Entrepreneur of the Year in 2015 through the Fargo-Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce. When Matt’s not working, he enjoys fishing, riding ATV’s, watching football, and traveling with his family. Check Matt’s other episodes HERE.

Emily Chung is a proud mom of two energetic boys. She owns and operates AutoNiche, a family-friendly auto repair shop in Markham. She is a licensed Automotive Service Technician, and Automotive Writer with various publications. She also teaches in the Automotive Business School of Canada at Georgian College. Emily holds a degree from the University of Waterloo in Psychology and Business, and her previous jobs include Psychometrist and Human Resources Associate.

She has appeared on various media including Breakfast Television, Cityline, and the Marilyn Denis Show. She is passionate about her work; together with her staff, AutoNiche’s purpose is to bring better communication and client service to the auto repair experience. Check Emily’s previous episodes HERE.

Kelli Weatherby co-owner, with husband Lee, in Accurate Automotive, Inc. in Mesa, AZ. Accurate Automotive was founded in July 1994

Their time building Accurate Automotive, Inc. has been very adventurous. Along the way they have been fortunate to have received awards but mostly Kelli treasures her involvement in ATI and being a part of the sole all women 20 groups, Leading Ladies.

Kelli is the mother of 2. Morgan (daughter), Corbin (Son) both married now and working in their careers. Corbin is a father of 3 which makes me a Nana who LOVES to spoil her little’s!!!  Listen to Kelli’s previous episodes HERE.

Kevin Eckler, a Dad and a mentor along with wife Lisa, own Foreign Car Specialists, in Poughkeepsie, NY. Kevin has been named Albany, NY region’s ASE Tech of the Year 2019 and 2020. He was also voted Best mechanic in the Hudson Valley, which encompasses Westchester, Putnum, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster and Greene counties. Kevin is a 40 year veteran of the industry, and still has a love for it and simply cannot understand why anyone would tell a young person to get out while they can, instead of inspiring them to greatness! Kevin’s previous episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points:

Matt Lachowitzer

Not letting go of the cancer in my shop because he was a “super tech”

 Some points

1.  I was afraid because he was our best tech, highest producing, could fix anything
2. I didn’t know if our team could replace what he could do
3. It appeared that he was well liked, and I didn’t want to cause issues, even though it was causing lots of issues. Lost front end staff especially.

Emily Chung

• I didn’t terminate the employee soon enough
• I believed that I couldn’t run the business without him
• The employee was a great technician, and I thought that meant I could take advice from him in other areas e.g. business operations

 Lessons learned

• Slow to hire, quick to fire
• Being a tech and being a business owner are very different skills
• I’m more resourceful than I give myself credit for, no matter what happens I’ll figure it out

 Blessings

• The experience has added resiliency to my character
• I now know the price I pay when I allow toxicity to persist
• I was able to work through that season of my business

Kelli Weatherby

• Our 20 group had made mention that we were going to have shop spotlights as a line item in our meetings for 2020 and beyond. As discussed, this would help shops/owners in reaching goals set along with many other advantages. Lee and I along with another local shop had been part of an in-person shop tour. So my thought was there is NO way we would be considered for a spotlight. OH BOY WAS I WRONG. 
• We were lucky to have 5 separate committees 1.) Facilities 2.) Marketing 3.) Management 4.) Finance 5.) Lee and Kelli Headspace support
• Outcome (PRICELESS) – With the help that was rendered I believe we were prepared and STRONG in all that was 2020. We put together AND finalized our organization chart. Our standard operating procedures were dialed in with new manuals. Our financials and budgets along with our 3 yr business plan have been shared with our whole management team. Our succession is going forward. Lee and I are working diligently on our 35 yr marriage and have included a counselor that we BOTH agree is helpful. I mentioned this last but I certainly believe with ALL that I am, this is the most important work we do. In a business where the owner/operators are all in and on deck looking to manage personal challenges AND business growth and personnel engagement along with customer experience….MAN OH MAN this will spin the head  
• If you feel any of this is relevant to where you would like to go, I am an open book and glad to share. If not, l have had many experiences with what started out as a train wreck, turned to a golden opportunity for growth!!

Kevin Eckler

• Being too busy and drawn up into the moment and not seeing the bigger picture was my fatal flaw.I was so consumed in the daily work that I never seriously sought out bettering myself thru business education and only sought out technical knowledge.
• My focus was being the best at what I did, which is fine, except I continued to view myself as a tech and not an owner. It was safe, comfortable, familiar, and completely the wrong way to, which held growth and prosperity way back and kept us as a shop from being who we could have been.
• So in short, not stepping into and owning the position that had come to hold and clinging to what was safe almost financially, physically, and emotionally destroyed me.Accepting and finally embracing my responsibilities and putting the same efforts into becoming an educated owner as I did as a tech is when the change began in the business towards being successful. It is still a fight to not fall back into what is safe, but I now own my place and responsibilities.

Resources:

• A special thanks to Matt Lachowitzer, Emily Chung, and Kelli Weatherby for their contribution to the aftermarket.
• Books Page HERE
• Listen to all Remarkable Results Radio, For The Record and Town Hall Academy episodes.

Facebook   Twitter   Linked In   Email

Mobile Listening APP’s HERE

Join the Ecosystem – Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.

Buy Carm a Cup of Coffee 

This episode is brought to you by Shop-Ware Shop Management. It’s time to run your business at its fullest potential with the industry’s leading technology. Shop-Ware Shop Management will increase your efficiency with lightning-fast workflows, help your staff capture more sales every day, and create very happy customers who promote your business. Shops running Shop-Ware have More Time and generate More Profit—join them! Schedule a free live demonstration and find out how 30 minutes can transform your shop at getshopware.com

This episode is brought to you buy Shop Marketing Pros. Your guides are Kim and Brian Walker with a rich history as shop owners and industry veterans. When someone searches for a shop, who are they finding? Your competitors? It should be you! The good people over at Shop Marketing Pros know how to drive website traffic and make Google work for you! www.shopmarketingpros.com

The Panel:

John Eppstein is the owner of John’s Automotive Care in San Diego, CA. He is the incoming ASCCA President. One thing he credits for his success is making his customer his main focus. John was honored as the 2016 NAPA ASE Technician of the year. Hear John in our one on one interview in episode 119, 200 and Academy 003 on the Top Qualities of a Service Advisor. Look for John’s other episodes HERE.

Carolyn Coquillette of Luscious Garage, San Francisco, CA chairs the ASCCA Connected Cars Committee, serves on the ASCCA Board of Directors and is active in her local San Francisco chapter. She’s also the Founder and CEO of Shop-Ware. Look for Carolyn’s other episodes HERE.

Dave Kusa is the owner of AutoTrend Diagnostics in Campbell, CA. Dave is very active in Chapter 42 and currently serves as a board member and chapter representative. He has also helped several new shops become ASCCA members. Dave advocates with local legislators on behalf of small businesses and their employees. He contributes to TeamTalk and is a huge resource for members. He was ASCCA’s past president. Look for Dave’s other episodes HERE.

Rory Balmer of Twin Peaks Auto Service in Twin Peaks is a past ASCCA Chapter 14 President and a past ASCCA Membership Committee Chair. He is the incoming ASCCA Vice-President. Rory is working full-time at his business. He attends De Vry University, where he is completing a BA degree in technical management. He will be attending Washington State University, entering into the Executive MBA program. ASCCA Past President Mary Kemnitz says Rory is “One of the most effective committee members I have ever had the pleasure to work with. He has won the “One Member Can Campaign” twice. He has had a significant impact on the growth and energy within Chapter 14. Look for Rorry’s other episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points:

• California Mandate to sell only new cars being Electric Vehicles in 2035
• We have plenty of time to be trained, learn the technology and change your business plan.
• Electric Vehicles (EV’s) take longer to break.
• EV Repair Orders ( R/O’s) will be higher.
• The industry will transition as EVs become a larger part of the car parc.
• Electric fleets will be able to let vehicles rest and recharge.
• ADAS and Autonomous Vehicles along with EVs are important trends that every shop owner and future shop owners need to pay attention to you
• EV repair could be more modular.
• Hybrids are a great place to start to embrace the future EVs
• A recommendation is to buy a used Gen 2 Prius (2004 – 2009 ). Add it to your loaner fleet, learn all about it, get to training and put up your shingle that you repair the Toyota Prius. You should learn about battery, the inverter and motor. Get inside of it with your scan tool. Let it be your trainer vehicle. You’ll need service information and OE scan tools.
• Keeping the channels open for parts and tooling. ASCCA is fighting for that
• Education for our entire staff with a continual education commitment on all new technology.We need to work with our colleges and high schools to move way from carburetors and into electric drive trains and ADAS
• We will lose the smart bright young people to other industries if we don’t start to introduce all-new technology into our educational system. 
• Every manufacturer is pushing Electric Vehicles.
• Volkswagen is pushing toward an all model Electric Vehicle commitment. VW is the largest vehicle manufacturer in the world.
• In repairing an EV, there is a layer of systems that don’t exist on an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. 
• There is worry that EV cars and the new EV manufacturers will stay at the dealership. It is very expensive to create a dealership network.It is not in the best interest for new manufacturers to set up a dealer network and the independents can be an important part of maintenance and repair for these manufacturers.
• It may be too early to consider working on each manufacturer’s EV models. Tooling up will be very expensive, and access to parts and training will make it too early to rush into this.
• Fuel cell vehicles are also going to grow. More to repair on them.There will be segments of the country that will not see these cars for some time.
• As the future unfolds, embrace the new technology. Learn all about it
• Consumers want you to work on their cars. Embrace every opportunity
• The California mandate for 2035 has manufacturer support and it must open the aftermarkets eyes to embrace EVs The success formula or business model is not there and is a moving target. Keep an open mind.
• Adapt or become obsolete
• Globally manufacturers are committed to EVs. You will not fight it, yet it will have time to prepare. Pay attention to the evolution of the marketplace, new technology and trends.

Resources:

• A special thanks to John Eppstein, Carolyn Coquillette, Dave Kusa, and Rorry Balmer for his contribution to the aftermarket.
• Books Page HERE
• Listen to all Remarkable Results Radio, For The Record and Town Hall Academy episodes.

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For 40 years, Derek Kaufman has worked in the Transportation Industry with positions ranging from VP Marketing and Product Planning for Freightliner Trucks, SR VP of Sales, Marketing and Customer Support for Hino Trucks, President of Diesel Technology Co, a subsidiary of Penske Corporation, VP of Fixed Operations for Smart USA and CEO of Mission Motors Company.

Derek is also an entrepreneur. He founded C3 Network, LLC in 1997 to help clients launch new products in the transportation industry.

Today, Derek is a Managing Partner at Schwartz Advisors, LLC doing Mergers & Acquisition support and company growth work in the auto and heavy-duty aftermarket. He continues his role as President of C3 Network.

Derek serves on the boards of several companies and is a regular conference speaker at auto aftermarket and trucking conferences. Listen to Derek’s previous episodes HERE.

Talking Points:

• BEVs or Battery Electric Vehicles have only battery power – no engine at all
• PHEVs are Plug-in Hybrids – they have battery packs that can be charged from the grid and have enough battery power to propel the vehicle for a certain number of miles before their internal combustion engine kicks in to keep the vehicle moving
• Mild and Micro Hybrids – these are hybrid vehicles where the ICE engine drives an alternator to build up a battery pack. In mild hybrids, the motors can add power to the ICE power train. In micro hybrids like stop-start systems you have a battery that will drive a starter to bring the ICE engine back on after it stops to save fuel at an intersection.
• In the USA, about 2.1% of our sales were full BEVs in 2019. To put that in perspective, the number one country in the world for BEV sales was Norway at 49% — a strong market for Tesla
• Number 2 was Iceland at 19%, then you fall down 8.2% for number 3 Sweden.
• China is driving hard for BEVs but they were only at 4.2% last year.
• It is interesting to note that if California was its own country – and lots of people would say it is – it would be right up with Sweden at over 8% BEV sales in 2019. If you go to San Diego, or sections of LA or the Bay Area – you would think that Tesla has a 30% market share – California is the epicenter of their sales.
• Our estimate is that only .22% of cars in shops are BEVs today and that only grows to under 4% in the next ten years.
• The European Union is all in on electric drive – and they are driving the market by imposing a 95 gram per kilometer CO2 emission limit on vehicle manufacturers.
• You have everyone trying to sell cars in Europe rushing to add BEVs to their product lines even though the consumers in that market are continuing to buy high powered ICEs and even turning now to SUVs. So BEVs are going to be money-losing propositions for a lot of years for OEMs in Europe.The UK just announced a ban on ICE gas and diesel engines as of 2035 – that was pulled up from 2040
• France has a ban slated for 2040 – but Paris is blocking ICE cars by 2030
• China isn’t doing a nationwide ban but is talking about regional bans – and they are making it really difficult or impossible to build any new ICE production capacity in the country.
• The US has been lagging other countries for a number of reasons – our geography makes the whole issue of battery range a tougher issue than in a lot of the European countries where you have less chance of even reaching a car’s range limitWe’re a light truck and SUV country – over 70% of new car sales are light trucks in this country so I think the adoption of BEVs will change once those vehicle designs include electric drive.
• So we’re projecting a slower climb for the USA – the Schwartz Advisors model is showing 16% BEV sales by 2035.
• Rivian as a true inflection point for BEVs in this country and maybe in the world.R.J. Scaringe in Detroit has done a tremendous job of attracting both people and investment for his company. He has people like Mark Vinnels the former director of engineering for McLaren and Jeff Hammoud who was the Chief Designer of the Jeep Cherokee and the new Wrangler – he has raised $2.85 billion dollars from companies like Amazon, Ford, Cox Automotive and T. Rowe Price – he bought the Mitsubishi assembly plant in Normal Illinois and is ramping up production now.
• The Rivian design is unique too – both a pickup truck and an SUV and both are built on what is called a skateboard – that’s a platform that keeps the electric drive motors and battery very low on the frame which allows a lot of flexibility of what kind of body can be put on the chassis.
• Amazon invests $700 million in Rivian and turns right around and orders 100,000 Amazon Prime delivery vans using the Rivian drive system.
• Rivian is actually moving from aspirational to inspirational – they’re going to show how electric drive can take you off-road – or offer contractors electric-powered tools – they are going to make BEVs really multidimensional – and I think that will be a turning point.
• Tesla has been brilliant at establishing the BEV as not only a viable product but as a truly desirable design – they have understood the aspirational approach of Tesla owners to make this world a better place.
• Because of Covid19 Chinese companies will now have a harder time launching new products in the USA – but the Byton design is really interesting.Daniel Kirchet has a long history of running automotive companies in China – He was Managing Director of Infiniti China, President of Dongfeng and the VP of Sales of BMW Brilliance which is the China-based BMW production company – he is now running a company that is launching an SUV this year called the M-Byte – it is a beautiful car with a really good electric drive system 
• JCI’s battery range included lithium-ion batteries for BEVs but the vast majority of their product line was associated with micro and mild hybrids – they spent a lot of time at conferences showing a chart that had hybrids taking over the market with BEVs representing under 15% of global production. But a few things could be changing that scenario.A series of breakthroughs in technology
• New range estimates for the best BEVs are now over 400 miles
• New fast chargers are building batteries up to 80% of a full charge in under 30 minutes – but there are many reports of graphene applications allowing much faster charging
• If battery charging times begin to approach the time it takes to fill a gas tank, Derek say all bets are off on hybrid growth
• At the end of the day, hybrids are expensive to produce for OEMs and may make it really hard for them to earn profits
• Just one year ago, we were talking about vehicle manufacturers investing a combined $90B in BEV programs. The latest number is something like $300B led by Volkswagen
• Tesla gets all the BEV headlines in the USA they have led the way for sure – but if you want to talk about scale, you need to talk about the VW MEB program.They have created a modular component platform called Modularer E-Antriebs Baukasten in German. Translate that to English as Modular Electric Propulsion Platform or MEB
• Components can be mixed and matched to configure different vehicle form factors.
• VW is licensing the technology to other OEMs. Ford, for example, will be using VW components in future BEVs.
• VW is projecting 70 new BEV models to be introduced in the next 10 years with over 22 million vehicles produced in that time
• But there are a lot of factors in figuring the well to wheel green house gas impact of various power sources. The BEV vehicle does not pollute as it idles, it doesn’t increase its emission level as it accelerates, it does not put out particulates that are a really big issue in urban centers.We really don’t talk about power sources and their relationship to climate change very consistently or accurately. 
• If we really wanted to make every BEV a truly clean vehicle, we would be generating all power with the new nuclear power designs or maybe we would be converting faster to hydrogen fuel cells.
• Hyundai, Honda, and Toyota have all developed hydrogen fuel cell designs and recently, BMW has announced a hydrogen vehicle. So maybe we should be shifting our percentage curves in that direction in the future

Resources:

• Thanks to Derek Kaufman for his contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
• Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
• Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Podchaser and many more. Mobile Listening APP’s HERE
• Find every podcast episode HERE.
• Every episode segmented by Series HERE.
• Key Word Search HERE.
• Love what we do? Buy Carm a cup of coffee HERE.

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:

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Join the Ecosystem – Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.

Buy Carm a Cup of Coffee 

Gold Certification recognizes top tier NAPA AutoCare’s with a high level of participation in the AutoCare program. The program was built by AutoCare Centers for AutoCare Centers to provide a consistent consumer experience, maximize technology leverage, and reward NAPA’s most committed partners. In other words, Gold Certified AutoCare Centers are the standard-bearers for the AutoCare brand nationwide. Simply put, the Gold Certified NAPA AutoCare program, powered by your local shop brand, will separate you from the rest helping you boost your bay counts and your average repair orders.

Learn more about NAPA AutoCare, Gold Certification, and the hundreds of other benefits the NAPA family has to offer by talking with your servicing NAPA store or visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com

Bill Haas, AAM, is the owner of Haas performance consulting LLC, with 40 years of experience in the automotive service and repair industry. Clients have access to Bill’s solution-based focus, expertise, unique perspectives and in-depth knowledge of the industry.

Bill began his career working part-time at a full-service gasoline station in Appleton, Wisconsin. His career includes time as a technician, shop owner, technical trainer and on the staff of the automotive industry’s oldest and largest association representing automotive service and collision repair businesses. While at the association Bill had the opportunity to work with all segments of the industry.

His knowledge of the industry has been shared on many occasions as he has been invited to speak at numerous industry events as well as providing testimony at hearings of the US Congress and several state legislatures on important legislation and regulation affecting the automotive industry.

Bill received the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) credential from the automotive management institute in 1996 and has been a member of the automotive management institute’s faculty since 2002.

Bill is also the business manager for NACAT, the North American Council of Automotive Teachers. His services include business management seminar development and delivery, keynote presentations, business consulting, performance coaching, and strategic planning facilitation. Listen to Bill’s previous episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points

• We have to know what they are doing
• As independents, we do not have the kind of money for marketing
• They can attract technician talent
• An organization polled 16,000 people that had recently visited the service department at a new car dealership. The survey was skewed because they were all dealership people
• Two of every three visits service visits are to independent shops. (Source October 2019 Fixed Ops Journal)
• Bill doesn’t want our aftermarket customer to have a service experience form a dealership. He recommends:
  • Let your customer know that you’ll support a recall notice. Keep them away from the dealership, do the legwork for them.
  • Don’t let them feel the poor service of dealerships
  • Don’t let them get talked out of their vehicle to buy a new one
  • Don’t let an aggressive service advisor sell them a ton of work, then you lose
• Become the place you’ll ever need to go for service, and warranty on your vehicle.

• A special thanks to Bill Haas for his contribution to the aftermarket.
• Books mentioned in the content library HERE
• Leave me an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one of them.
• Email Carm HERE.

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:
Facebook   Twitter   Linked In   Email    Events   Instagram   Speaking

Subscribe to a free mobile listening app HERE.

This episode is brought to you by FlexCheck Auto Digital Vehicle Inspection Software.

Savvy shop owners use vehicle inspections to find additional work on a vehicle that the vehicle owner may not know is needed. The most successful shop owners fully inspect every car, every time. It benefits the vehicle owner more than the shop because most vehicle owners want their autos to be reliable.

FlexCheck Auto takes the power of a shop’s inspection process and puts it in the palm of your technician’s hand so that pictures, video, and vehicle-specific notes about a vehicle’s condition can be shared quickly with vehicle owners. It improves technician efficiency in the bays, service writer efficiency at the counter, increases average repair order and builds trust with vehicle owners.

Today’s vehicle owners want to receive their vehicle’s health status electronically, this makes FlexCheck Auto the most transparent way to do sell auto repair. Try it for free for 30 days! Go to FlexCheckAuto.com to learn more.

Welcome to ASA Technology and Telematics Forumn 2019 and this episode contains transformational information that you’ll need to know and want to know.

Bill Nalu is President of Interstate Auto Care in Madison Heights, Michigan and has been in business for 30 years.  Bill collaborates with industry professionals, in building today’s “high-tech/old-fashioned” customer service system. Bill has been a big contributor to the podcast and he currently serves on several industries and educational advisory councils including AutoValue/Bumper to Bumper, Dorman Industries, and Cardone.

Bill Nalu’s Previous Episodes HERE.

Frank Leutz from Desert Car Care in Chandler, AZ.  Frank has a weekly radio ‘call in show’ called ‘Wrench Nation’. Frank also does a video feature called ‘Inside the Garage’ where he discusses vehicle failures and cures.

Listen to Frank’s previous episodes HERE.

ASA Technology and Telematics Forumn 2019

Key Talking Points:

• Access to data
• The psychological effect of autonomous vehicles- pedestrians crossing, security testing etc
• Augmented reality in testing- simulated
• Supply and demand- tech shortage, fewer vehicles on the road but those vehicles will be running more mileage. Less traffic congestion, smarter vehicle communication
• Dealerships locking data from independent shops will have negative effect on both
• GM strategy- zero congestion, zero emissions, and zero crashes in future
• Technology is the new cornerstone of our industry
• Discussion of Turo
• Balance of cybersecurity and access to data

Talk soon,

Resources:

• Thanks to Bill Nalu and Frank Leutz for their contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
• Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
• Leave me an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one of them.

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:
Facebook   Twitter   Linked In    Email    Events    Speaking

Subscribe to a mobile listening app HERE.

Gold Certification recognizes top tier NAPA AutoCares with a high level of participation in the AutoCare program. The program was built by AutoCare Centers for AutoCare Centers to provide a consistent consumer experience, maximize technology leverage, and reward NAPA’s most committed partners. In other words, Gold Certified AutoCare Centers are the standard bearers for the AutoCare brand nationwide. Simply put, the Gold Certified NAPA AutoCare program, powered by your local shop brand, will separate you from the rest helping you boost your bay counts and your average repair orders.

Learn more about NAPA AutoCare, Gold Certification, and the hundreds of other benefits the NAPA family has to offer by talking with your servicing NAPA store or visiting www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Jeff has been involved in the Automotive Industry since 1993. He spent 9 years as a Manufacturer’s Representative selling Automotive Parts and Accessories to clients in the Pacific Northwest. During that time, he worked directly with dozens of Manufacturers and Importers of Parts and Accessories to find distribution across all levels of the Automotive Industry.

Jeff founded The Rudnick Group in 2002 calling directly on Automotive Repair Facilities to serve their marketing needs. Initially, The Rudnick Group focused on Reminder Mailers utilizing CustomerLink’s services; this relationship continued until CustomerLink sold to Intuit. Quickly, The Rudnick Group added Brand Development, Website Design and Management, Web Marketing Services and a comprehensive Direct Mail offering. The Rudnick Group became Pit Crew Marketing in 2006 when eWardMe Auto Shop Rewards was launched.

Jeff is an avid skier, backpacker, mountain biker and traveler. Jeff’s home base is currently The Big Island of Hawaii just outside Hilo.

Key Talking Points

• Disruptors and challenges going on right now
• Shop owner s do not know of the opportunity they have
• Shop owners are not harnessing their buying power or intellectual property
• We need to be lean and mean and manage our costs
• Why don’t things get less expensive when there is an economy of scale
• When you grow branches is the industry getting economy of scale on subscriptions
• Own your brand and control your own marketing

• A special thanks to Jeff Rudnick for his contribution to the aftermarket.
• Books mentioned in the content library HERE
• Leave me an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one of them.
• Email Carm HERE.

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:
Facebook   Twitter   Linked In   Email    Events   Instagram   Speaking

This episode is brought to you by FlexCheck Auto Digital Vehicle Inspection Software.

Savvy shop owners use vehicle inspections to find additional work on a vehicle that the vehicle owner may not know is needed. The most successful shop owners fully inspect every car, every time. It benefits the vehicle owner more than the shop because most vehicle owners want their autos to be reliable.

FlexCheck Auto takes the power of a shop’s inspection process and puts it in the palm of your technician’s hand so that pictures, video, and vehicle specific notes about a vehicle’s condition can be shared quickly with vehicle owners. It improves technician efficiency in the bays, service writer efficiency at the counter, increases average repair order and builds trust with vehicle owners.

Today’s vehicle owners want to receive their vehicles health status electronically, this makes FlexCheck Auto the most transparent way to do sell auto repair. Try it for free for 30 days! Go to FlexCheckAuto.com to learn more.