RR 299: Christopher Petersen from Northwest Automotive
Shop Owner For Only 2 ½ Years Makes Big Moves: Buys a Building And Retrofits It Into a State Of The Art Facility.
Christopher Petersen from Northwest Automotive in Kalispell, MT has only been a shop owner for 2 ½ years. A twenty-two-year industry veteran, Chris made the leap to shop ownership and found himself owning two properties. He shares the story and explains that his bank showed the confidence in him to support these transactions.
Good take-a-ways here on DVI, and staying on the cutting edge of change. Chris says If it is not documented, then it didn’t happen. He’s got a porter on staff and he shares how important his people are to his culture and that his loyal and happy customers are a direct reflection of him putting his people first.
Listen and view episode notesRR 298: Mark Roberts from Schertz Auto Service
Shop Owner and Serial Entrepreneur Shares His Business Story.
Mark Roberts of Schertz Auto Service in Schertz, TX tells his story when the entrepreneurial bug hit him; he was 15 years old. Mark shares his journey and outlook on life and business.
He’s getting ready for his second branch and has implemented a succession plan. He shares his very strong outlook on family and the family unit in his business.
Mark talks about his culture, his techs pay plan, work-life balance, how his DISC profile works so well with his manager and his philanthropy efforts. He’s set up a trust to invest back in community and people.
Listen and view episode notesRR 296: The Digital Shop – A Discussion | Sevart | Connor | Kleinschmidt
The Digital Shop: A Discussion.
If you are contemplating the future and know you’ll need to get there maybe sooner rather than later this roundtable discussion has a lot of information for you. Panelists are Joe Sevart from I70 Auto Service from Kansas City, MO, Bill Connor the General Manager form Craig’s’ Car Care in Allen, TX and AutoVitals CEO Uwe Kleinschmidt.
There are many important info points here to help you and guide you in this inevitable change to your business that will be as important as having lifts in the bays. You may not be ready to implement a totally digital inspection, CRM, and workflow system, however, you’ll want to invest the time in this episode, to you keep your learning curve high and hear from shop owners who have done it and are so happy they did.
The digital strategy is to have the service advisor to do more advising and less busy work. Digital also allows the customer to be anywhere and still see the problems via still pictures and videos.
Listen and view episode notesRR 267: Brian Bates from Eagle Automotive
Your Business Model Needs to Be Fluid and Flexible as Tech and Business Transformations Abound.
Brian Bates from Eagle Automotive in Littleton, CO is a multi-store operation where the strength of his business culture and leadership is based on firm values and integrity.
Brian points out that leaders are not born and being a great leader can be learned. Studying leadership is your most important role as a business owner. You must learn how to be a great leader. He’s built his business based the relationship he has with his team and how they function as an organization. He says, “Customers can feel that.”
An early adopter of Digital Vehicle Inspections a member of the NAPA advisory team and his local Business Development Group has helped influence his business success.
Listen and view episode notesRR 259: Clint Dudley from Shade Tree Auto – Update
Are you taking care of your customers beyond their expectations?
The business culture at Shade Tree Automotive in Grimes, IA is the biggest factor for creating satisfied customers and team members. Owner, Clint Dudley has a brand-new building to service his customers. It was a team effort to design the building for top efficiencies.
This AAA Top Shop in Iowa has also been recognized with the 2016 Torch Award for Ethics from the US Chamber of Commerce. Clint is a disciplined goal setter and has taken his entire team to Vision in KC in March 2017.
He says hiring practices has made the difference in building his top team. Clint says we have a bright future and his new location has made him more convenient to his customer base. He doubled his tire sales in the last year.
Listen and view episode notesRR 251: Craig O’Neill form O’Neill’s Transmission Service
Third Generation Millennial Whose Dad Has Complete Confidence in His Decision Making is Looking for an Actionable Succession Plan.
Craig O’Neill from O’Neill’s Transmissions and Service has taken some bold moves in the business and implemented a DVI system and hired a business consultant.
He sees great opportunities in emerging technologies and values the power of a strong business culture.
Regarding the technician shortage, he shares their apprentice program that has helped not only his business but the vocational school he works with.
Listen and view episode notesRR 239: John Burkhauser – Director of Educational Programs – Bolt On Technology
What You Can Learn from Your Dentist on Setting Appointments.
John Burkhauser, the Director of Educational Programs at Bolt-On Technology has a storied career as an automotive technician and as a post-secondary automotive educator. He is finding his career path has set him up for this current job.
John says the service process really hasn’t changed in 30 years. For many shops, it is still a day of putting out fires and trying to keep one’s head above water. He has his opinions on finding techs in post-secondary schools, the importance of best practices, and insights on digital vehicles inspections.
Listen and view episode notesRR 235: Tom Piippo from Tri-County Motors
Where does a three time ASE Technician of the Year and shop owner find a new technician?
Tom Piippo a three-time recognized ASE Technician of the Year needed to find a new technician. He decided to grow his own and found a candidate in a most interesting place. Also listen to Tom share his story of remarkable results over the last 39 years operating in a small town of 491 households in northern Michigan.
Tom was recently honored by ASA as their 2017 Alpha award winner for his generous and far-reaching contributions to the automotive service industry.
Listen and view episode notesRR 231: Tony Tatich from TMT Complete Auto Service Center
How do you integrate a second-generation millennial into a succession plan?
Tony Tatich from TMT Complete Auto Service Center in Bremen, IN shares his view on the family business and the aftermarket from a millennials point of view.
Hear Tony talk about his Dad, the business, the industry and the future. It is a big business in a very small town.
He’s doing a lot of things right. See how many you agree with.
Listen and view episode notesRR 219: Nick Lenhart from Lenhart’s Service Center
Fourth Generation Millennial in Partner With His Dad Speaks to the Challenges of Succession, Debt Management and the Changing Industry.
Nick Lenhart from Lennart’s Service Center Tire Pro’s brings a very honest and transparent discussion to the table. On top of the legacy customer service that Lenhart’s is known for they are big in community philanthropy. Nick shares the story on one key tool they use to do community outreach.
Nick shares why they made a move to Tire Pros and that their move to DVI was important and rewarding. He explains the strategy he uses on social media why improving his balance sheet is important to his dad’s succession plan with him and the value he places on networking and twenty groups.
Listen and view episode notesRR 211: Judi and Dana Haglin from Haglin Automotive
Husband and Wife Team Keeps Careful Watch on all Details of their Business.
Judi and Dana Haglin work together so well because they say ‘They are opposites’. Each of their own passions help drive their successful business. Haglin Automotive, a twelve bay shop in Boulder, CO, was recognized in 2015 as Motor Age Top Shop of the Year. They continue to look for ways to improve their systems and marketing that will give them a competitive advantage.
The Haglin’s are all about team and culture and share many great ideas and insights on marketing, training, and stress relief. They share their rules for finding harmony in their personal and business relationship, their core values and their top strategy to corral new customers.
Listen and view episode notesRR 210: Service Professional Round Table -O’Neal -Winters -Bohnert
Ever Thought of Creating Training Videos of your Standard Operating Procedures?
Jeremy O’Neal threads his wisdom as a service adviser trainer and shop owner. Service Manager Jeremy Winters shares his company’s strong culture, and Jason Bohnert talks about his Used Car Dealership.
Episode topics include the power of systems and processes, documenting your SOP manual in video form, the power of a strong business culture, human behavior assessments, and how tough it is to hold an employee accountable if you haven’t given the proper training or great processes.
Listen and view episode notesRR 205: Chris Monroe from Monroe Tire & Service in Shelby, NC
Big Investment in “Driver Lounge” Brings Top Shelf Amenities to the Customer Experience
Chris Monroe from Monroe Tire & Service in Shelby, NC is a second-generation business owner with an equal mix of tire and automotive service for 30 years. He is passionate about our industry and the future as technology changes the landscape.
Chris feels that industry change paves the way for many opportunities that we are slowly uncorking. He is an active participant in improving our industry image and training through networking and mentoring.
Listen and view episode notesRR 199: Brett Beachler from Beachlers Vehicle Care & Repair
Third Generation Service Professional is Known, since 1951, as a Super Ethical shop that Never Compromises.
Brett Beachler is Vice President of Beachlers Vehicle Care & Repair. Brett’s grandfather Bob started the business and his Dad Terry is active every day. Beachlers believes that customers need to be taught the concepts of automotive and become friends. They are known throughout their community as the shop of second options.
Helping their customers get 250K miles from their vehicle helps drive the high maintenance numbers the shop performs. Giving tours of the new facility is a smart tactic and strives to educate their customers of the behind the scenes of automotive repair.
To add to their new customer growth Brett has instituted a traveling lunch and learn program in his community and has a strong charitable program for new customers first oil change.
Listen and view episode notesRR 197: Gary Pontious, Jr. from Toledo Auto Care
A Big Emphasis on Culture has helped this Entrepreneur Create Duplicity to Scale his Business.
Gary Pontious Jr. is the Vice President and General Manager of Toledo Auto Care that is celebrating their 100th year in business in 2017.
Toledo Auto Care is the oldest independent auto repair shop in Toledo, OH and has been owned and operated by the Pontious family since 1985.
The family has just opened their second branch in December 2016 and the strength of their culture and fundamental business practices has allowed them to scale their business for growth.
Listen and view episode notesRR 189: Uwe Kleinschmidt from AutoVitals
Technology Entrepreneur shares his vision of success for the service professional..
Uwe Kleinschmidt founder and CEO of AutoVitals shares his insights on the continued integration of technology for every service professional. He says the internet is fundamentally changing the industry and how we serve the customer.
Uwe talks about the power of data, unbillable time wasted, why the service advisor is the most important part of the successful shop, that total shop measurements is the next frontier such as real time technician efficiency, and many more stimulating thoughts, ideas and insights.
Listen and view episode notesRR 185: Bill DeBoer Jr, AAM from DeBoer’s Auto Sales and Service
High Flying Entrepreneur Combines Used Cars with Automotive Service to Create the Right Formula.
Bill DeBoer, AAM has been responsible for bringing innovations in daily operations to the full-service, high-tech auto repair facility for 20+ years. Started by his dad in 1982 DeBoer’s also sells used cars.
DeBoer speaks to the value ride sharing will bring to his business, his new mastermind group, and his new Car Care Club among many other topics.
Listen and view episode notesRR 179: Tristan Realubit from Real Autohaus Automotive
Tristan Realubit, AAM owns Real Autohaus Automotive in Westmont. IL. He has had his share of challenges that for many, would have thrown in the towel years ago. Armed with powerful advice from his mother he continued his quest to be a shop owner even though he didn’t understand the business side of the business.
As luck would have it he found AMI On-Line and then bought a Mitch Schneider book. Those two forces put Tristan on the right path. He has plans to add his second location now that he has retired the debt that mounted as he learned the business.
Listen and view episode notesRR 178: The Digital Sales Process with Jeremy O’Neal and Chris Cloutier
Listen to Chris Cloutier from Autotex.me and Jermey O’Neal from Advisor Fix in a round table discussion on this very subject. They bring to light the many reasons that digital selling is here to stay and it will alter the way business is done into the future.
Listen and view episode notesRR 177: Joe Hanson from Gordie’s Garage
Joe Hanson, second generation family at Gordie’s Garage, Roseville, MI, shares many of his strategies and tactics on the family business. He will implement his first Profit Sharing program for his team in 2017. He tells you how it came to be.
Listen and view episode notesRR 173: Nick Modesti from Modesti’s Car Care Center
A true family culture ingrained with their customers.
Nick Modesti from Modesti’s Car Care Center in Culver City, CA is second generation nurturer. Nick has carried the tradition of his dad and mom to their team members and customers. Everyone feels the family culture which is never compromised.
Interview covers their goal to maintain 100% satisfaction with our clients, implementation of a DVI program, why having a business coach is one of his best decisions, how he bonuses his team for achieving training goals, and their peace of mind warranty program among others.
Listen and view episode notesRR 169: Seth Thorson from Eurotech Auto Repair
Euro specialist shop owner is also a BMW trainer and embraces technician networking.
Scott Thorson has specialized in the service of European automobiles since 1999. A BMW Trained technician also owns a nationwide BMW tech Support service (LMV Bavarian) that people all over the world use for BMW technical advice.
A national BMW trainer embraces new technology and understands that there is always someone willing to work harder to take everything away.
Listen and view episode notesRR 167: Eric Svedberg from Automotive Specialists
How efficiency drives sales and profits for this three-bay service professional.
Eric Svedberg started as an Amoco dealer at the age of 22. Now at 45 years old he has much to share as a young man with 23 years of hard knocks experience. He adopted the slogan ‘Dealer Alternative’ from the day he opened.
Listen and view episode notesRR 163: Frank Scandura from Frank’s European
What happens when you put your people and customers first?
Frank Scandura of Frank’s European in Las Vegas Nevada was fortunate to make the transition from technician to service writer to entrepreneur. Many service professionals never find the degree of success that Frank has achieved, without the transition from working in your business to working on it.
Listen and view episode notesRR 159: Jason Malo form Advanced Automotive Performance
Brothers Jason and Luke Malo shopped their business plan and no bank would help them.
Jason Malo (pictured) and his brother Luke started 10 years ago with a loan from their parents. With their experience in management and fixing cars, they created a business plan and took the plunge. This is a story of how they pulled together and made it work. Never easy but steady.
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