How Did A Mother-Daughter Duo Overcome Staffing Struggles? [RR 1006]
Katy and Victoria Carl, a mother-daughter duo, share their unique journey of taking over the business five years ago, discussing their challenges, particularly in staffing and recruitment. They emphasize the importance of coaching and mentorship, innovative hiring practices, and creating a family-oriented work culture. Their story highlights the power of resilience, community involvement, and supporting women in the automotive industry, offering valuable insights and inspiration to listeners.
remarkableresults.biz/e1006
Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners Part 2: Mastering Your Finances [RRR 1004]
Part 2 of the “Unstoppable” series, the episode focuses on “Mastering Your Finances.” Maryann Croce emphasizes the importance of understanding financial statements, calculating profit margins, and managing cash flow. She shares practical advice on building financial reserves and separating personal and business finances. The conversation aims to empower shop owners with financial literacy, enabling them to make informed decisions and ensure business sustainability.
remarkableresults.biz/e1004
“I’m Just One of the Guys!” Being Seen Beyond Gender and Ethnicity [FTR 108]
Emily Chung shares her experiences as a female minority shop owner in the automotive industry. She reflects on societal tendencies to highlight differences rather than commonalities. She encourages her peers to engage with her on business-related topics rather than focusing on her gender and ethnicity.
remarkableresults.biz/f108
Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners Part 1: Core Values and Vision [RR 997]
This ‘Unstoppable Framework’ is designed to help auto shop owners enhance their business operations and achieve a better work-life balance. Maryann Croce emphasizes the importance of defining core values and vision, which serve as guiding principles and a roadmap for the business. The discussion highlights how these foundational elements foster consistency, build trust with customers, and create a positive team culture.
remarkableresults.biz/e997
Profit is not a Dirty Word [FTR 106]
Nichole Bennecoff discusses misunderstood and negatively perceived concepts of profit, especially within local businesses and the automotive repair industry. Nichole provides actionable advice to help business owners and employees alike understand the critical role of profit in business sustainability and growth.
remarkableresults.biz/f106
Global Perspective: Shop Owners Trip to China [RR 995]
Recorded at the 2024 Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) Business Management and Lindertech Training Trade Show, Emily Chung shares her recent trip to China with her 2 sons and father, discussing cultural experiences, manufacturing insights, and consumer differences. Highlights include the impact of tariffs on the automotive aftermarket and the importance of global collaboration, particularly in the context of electric vehicles and semiconductor production. Emily emphasizes the need for understanding and adapting to global market dynamics.
remarkableresults.biz/e995
Brake Jobs For A Cause: Join the Movement to Fight Breast Cancer [THA 391]
Since 2011, Brakes for Breasts and their growing list of independent auto repair shops have raised over 1.8M for breast cancer research for the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Fund! Each year during October, auto repair shops from across the United States and Canada are offering free brake pads to their customers with their vendor and community support. Phase 1A trails are ongoing, and Phase 1B trails have been announced. Prevention is the Cure. Join Laura Frank, Leigh Anne Best, and Dr. Justin Johnson, as they discuss a comprehensive how-to guide on participating in the program, the impact of donations, marketing strategies, and an update on the ongoing clinical trials for a breast cancer vaccine. ‘Can one repair shop make a difference in the fight against breast cancer? You Bet!’
brakesforbreasts.com
remarkableresults.biz/a391
Are You Addicted to Social Media? [RR 938]
Recorded Live at Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo, Carm Capriotto, alongside shop owner Kim Auernheimer and industry professional Tracy Capriotto, dive into a myriad of topics relevant to the industry. They reflect on the evolution of the industry and the significance of the Women in Auto Care conference. Kim discusses her journey managing multiple shop locations and the nuances of catering to different communities, while Tracy offers insights on the benefits of personality tests like DISC for workplace harmony. The trio also examines the double-edged sword of social media’s role in both personal and professional realms, advocating for a more intentional and productive use of the platforms. This episode is a trove of wisdom, emphasizing continuous personal growth and adaptation in a digitally-driven world.
remarkableresults.biz/e938
From Shop Owner to Trainer [RR 934]
Recorded Live at MACS (Mobile Air Climate Systems) 2024 Training Event & Trade Show, Pam Oakes discusses life after selling her shop and the transition into training. She also focuses on the role of 609 certification, EPA regulations and the importance of continuous learning and education. As professionals, we must adapt, learn, and embrace changes to ensure we’re not left behind.
remarkableresults.biz/e934
Driving Change: Women’s Influence in the Automotive World [THA 361]
Nichole Bennecoff and Tenise Chapman are steering the automotive conversation toward new horizons. We’re shifting gears to talk about the power of female presence in the industry, from technicians to service advisors, and the impact it has on businesses and customers alike. Nichole shares her success in creating a team dynamic that’s as inclusive as it is efficient. She’s proving that leadership knows no gender, and her approach is magnetizing more women to the field. Tenise drives home the importance of visibility. She’s out there in a rural setting, changing the landscape and inspiring the youth to dream of a career in automotive with Camp Drive, a two-day camp for kids ages 12-15.
We also touch on the art of customer service, crafting spaces that make everyone feel welcome, and the quest to bring more female technicians into the fold.
remarkableresults.biz/a361
Remarkable Customer Service Stories from Red Rock Repair [RR 912]
Danielle Vila discusses the importance of customer service in the industry and shares her strategies for quality control, the benefits of a reliable shop management system, and the significance of standing behind services and parts. The conversation also covers unique marketing strategies, the value of maintenance, community involvement, and the impact of these on business growth and customer trust.
remarkableresults.biz/e912
Give Me 10 Update: Collaboration with Education [AW 186]
“Give Me 10 Mission: To provide a work-based learning model that any industry can utilize to bridge the skills gap. Combining classroom instruction with on the job work based learning opportunities. This program integrates the classroom with employers to create an introduction to a career path of the student’s choice.
The program simplifies the relationship between an industry lead business and vocational education that can lead into a career path. We ask for no money. Our “ask” is for your time. Time to integrate a student into your business to create a career fit. It starts with 10 hours and can grow into a new employee. Can you “Give Me Ten?”
Sue Dixon, the creator of the “Give Me Ten” program, discusses the importance of collaboration between the automotive industry and education. The “Give Me Ten” program, which exposes students to the automotive industry and helps them explore potential career paths, is highlighted. The discussion also covers the need for updated curriculums, industry involvement, and the success of the “Give Me Ten” program in providing work-based learning experiences.
remarkableresults.biz/aw186
Becoming a Shop Owner with Meg Richards [AW 185]
Carm and Meg discuss the shop’s transition to a four-day workweek to promote work-life balance, the challenges of finding and retaining skilled technicians. Meg shares her experience as a female technician. They also discuss the need to change the perception of the automotive industry and attract more women. The episode concludes with a discussion on succession planning and the shop’s community involvement. remarkableresults.biz/aw185
Listen and view episode notesOK, I Raised My Labor Rate: Now What?! [THA 355]
Raising labor rates is not just about increasing prices. It’s about finding more value in the industry and positioning ourselves as professionals.
Join our panel as they highlight the need for understanding the concept of effective labor rate, ensuring services are charged appropriately, viewing the business as a professional entity, providing a positive customer experience and addressing core business problems before raising labor rates. Our panelists encourage shop owners to take a comprehensive approach to their business strategy, considering all factors and not just focusing on raising labor rates.
remarkableresults.biz/a355
Congressional Testimony: Right to Repair Update [RR 902]
Recorded Live at AAPEX 2023, our panel dives into the progress of the Right to Repair bill that could potentially reshape our industry. Without the Right to Repair Act, our industry could face a staggering $93 billion hit by 2035. Kathleen Callahan, who testified in front of Congress, shared her experience and the momentum it created for the bill. It’s crucial for industry professionals to understand the bill, advocate for it, and engage with their communities and legislators.
remarkableresults.biz/e902
Hands-On EV and Hybrid Training: Earthling Automotive [THA 353]
Carolyn Coquillette, the President and CEO of Earthling Training and Earthling Automotive, and Jack Rosebro, the Head of Training at Earthling Automotive discuss their insights on the growing market of EVs, their unique approach to EV training, and how they adapted to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
remarkableresults.biz/a353
Who is Your Customer Experience Officer (CXO)? [AW 173]
Nichole Bennecoff discusses the importance of customer experience in the automotive industry. Nicole shares her company’s focus on customer experience and introduces Taylor, a client success representative who manages communication between clients and the company. Taylor’s responsibilities include monitoring client communication, arranging loaner vehicles, supporting service advisors and providing excellent customer service. Nicole and Carm also touch on setting client expectations, appearance, and the importance of listening to service advisor calls.
remarkableresults.biz/aw173
The First Breast Cancer Vaccine Trial Recipient: Jennifer Davis [CC 111]
The Brakes for Breasts campaign, every October, supports breast cancer vaccine research at the Cleveland Clinic. The co-founders of the campaign, Leigh Anne Best and Laura Frank, discuss the importance of finding a cause that aligns with their values and the challenges of funding vaccine research. They discuss the initiative and how it raises funds for breast cancer research by offering free brake pads to customers in October. Dr. Justin Johnson from the Cleveland Clinic talks about the importance of a vaccine trial for triple negative breast cancer. Jennifer Davis, the first recipient of the vaccine trial, shares her experience. Our panel emphasizes the importance of community support and the potential of the vaccine trial to revolutionize cancer treatment.
We are challenging the industry to reach a goal of $369,000 or even $400,000 for this year and to involve at least 500 shops. This is a simple and effective program to offer to your customer and to anyone involved to tour the lab and see the impact of their contributions.
remarkableresults.biz/cc111
Rachel Spencer’s ‘Rachelisms’ for Auto Repair [AW 169]
What are some of Rachel Spencer’s “Rachelisms?” The Power of Consistency: Rachel emphasizes the importance of consistency and communication in her operations. She believes in creating habits, holding each other accountable, and striving for perfection while acknowledging that mistakes can happen. Customer Communication is Key: Rachel’s approach to customer service is all about overcommunication. You must provide customers with as much information as possible upfront, offering financing options, and sending vehicle health and safety reports via text. Rachel also shares her experiences with recruiting technicians including reaching out to institutes with automotive programs.
remarkableresults.biz/aw169
From Mom and Pop to Multi Shop Owners [RR 871]
Recorded Live at the 2023 Institute Summit in St Petersburg, Florida, Jeannie and David Light, the dynamic duo behind Lighthouse Auto Repair in Manteo, North Carolina, discuss their business, challenges they face, and their recent expansion to a second shop. They also share their experience with joining a coaching program. The coaching program had a significant impact on their sales, with their revenue nearly doubling in the year after joining. Find out how they transitioned from a ‘mom and pop’ shop to successful multi shop owners.
remarkableresults.biz/e871
Breaking the Mold: How a Staffing Agency Can Help You Build a Winning Team [THA 338]
“There isn’t a technician shortage,” Said no one ever.
Please welcome our panel of guests to discuss the topic of recruiting talent with a staffing agency in the automotive industry. Shop owners Kathleen Callahan and Michelle Tansey share their experiences and challenges in finding skilled technicians and how partnering with Promotive, a full-service staffing agency, has been a game-changer for them. Joelle Pollak and Amy Gerardi, Cofounders of Promotive, discuss the process of understanding individual shop needs, sourcing candidates, and the importance of communication and partnership between the agency and shop owners.
remarkableresults.biz/a338
Listen and view episode notesBrakes For Breasts – 2023 Update & Challenge [CC 110]
Brakes For Breasts – 2023 Update & Challenge Breast Cancer Vaccine Trials at the Cleveland Clinic and a Challenge for Participation for the 2023 October Initiative which supports breast cancer vaccine research at the Cleveland Clinic. The co-founders of the campaign, Leanne Best and Laura Frank, discuss the importance of finding a cause that aligns with their values and the challenges of funding vaccine research. We discuss the success of the campaign and their goals for the future, encouraging independent repair shops to participate and donate 10% of labor and parts for brake jobs.
Listen and view episode notesPersonalized Customer Service and Marketing Strategies [AW 160]
If you’re in the automotive industry, you know it’s not just about fixing cars; it’s about providing exceptional customer service, too. Leigh Anne Best and Bill Hill, owners of Mighty Auto Pro, discuss their marketing strategies that have helped attract and retain customers. They’ve created a customer-friendly environment, providing loaner vehicles, shuttle services, and free towing up to $50.
But it’s not just about the extras. Mighty Auto Pro also emphasizes continuous learning and growth, requiring a minimum of 40 hours of training per year for their technicians. They encourage their employees to pursue their interests and hobbies, even if they are not related to auto repair. This culture of training has grown beyond anything Leigh Anne and Bill could have imagined, with technicians pushing each other to attend classes and improve their skills.
So, what can you learn from Mighty Auto Pro’s marketing strategy? Personalization, exceptional customer service, and a culture of continuous learning and growth can go a long way in retaining and attracting customers. Make everything effortless for the customer, and they’ll keep coming back.
remarkableresults.biz/aw160
Cheers to Success: Building a Thriving Business and a Craft Brewery [RR 851]
Are you a fan of craft beer? Then you won’t want to miss this interview with Kimberly and Andrew Taylor, owners of Titan Auto and the upcoming Hidden Wit Brewing Company in Mosley, Virginia. In this episode, they share their passion for brewing and their exciting plans for their 10,000 square foot facility. With a brewmaster who is an award-winning home brewer, they plan to offer 12 beers on tap and eventually expand to 18, including flagship beers and special releases.
But their success doesn’t stop at brewing. They also discuss their entrepreneurialism and the expansion of their auto shop business, which includes maintaining a consistent culture across all their locations and finding creative solutions to adapt to changes in the industry and world.
remarkableresults.biz/e851
Turbo Tim’s Garage: From Core Values to Cats, How to Build a Unique Brand [RR 848]
Are you looking for inspiration on how to have fun in your business while building a unique brand? In this episode, co-owners Tim Suggs and Rachel Grewell share their approach to core values and how they recently held a leadership retreat to refine those values. They also discuss the role of cats in their branding and marketing efforts, employee management and training, and community involvement. Tim says, “Being true to yourself and your team is the key to success.” So, let’s all take a page out of their book and strive to be different and true to ourselves in our businesses and lives.
remarkableresults.biz/e848