Lean Archives - Remarkable Results Radio https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-tag/lean/ Auto Repair Business Success Stories Fri, 25 Apr 2025 04:36:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://remarkableresults.biz/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-site_icon-32x32.jpg Lean Archives - Remarkable Results Radio https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-tag/lean/ 32 32 This Nerd Says “Go Paperless!” [RR 971] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e971/ Fri, 12 Jul 2024 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e971/

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

Doug Brackett, owner of Pro Vitals Consulting, shares his journey of transitioning his shop to a paperless and digital environment, emphasizing the importance of standardized processes and the full utilization of shop management software. He discusses the benefits of going paperless, such as improved internal communication and efficiency. Doug also explores the future of the automotive industry, particularly the role of AI and digital tools, and encourages shop owners to embrace technology for optimal operations and customer satisfaction.

Doug Brackett, Pro-Vitals Consulting

Show Notes

  • Watch Full Video Episode
  • Benefits of Going Paperless (00:03:12) Doug discusses the benefits of going paperless and emphasizes the need for it to make sense for moving the business forward.
  • Shop Efficiency through Digital Processes (00:05:26) Doug and Carm discuss the efficiency gains from going paperless and digital in the shop environment.
  • Importance of Standardized Processes (00:05:54) Doug emphasizes the importance of standardized processes and discusses the need to tailor processes to meet best practices.
  • Optimizing Shop Management Software (00:07:35) Doug and Carm discuss the underutilization of shop management software and the need for effective usage of its features.
  • Doug’s Expertise in Software Integration (00:08:52) Doug highlights his expertise in software integration and discusses the tools he uses for his shop.
  • Value of Full-Featured Shop Consultation (00:09:55) Carm and Doug discuss the potential value of a consultant like Doug in optimizing shop tools and features.
  • Standardization and Industry Improvement (00:12:00) Doug emphasizes the potential industry-wide improvement through standardized approaches to shop management and processes.
  • Future Capabilities and Challenges in the Automotive Industry (00:16:30) Doug discusses the future capabilities and challenges in the automotive industry, particularly in relation to AI and digital tools.
  • Implementing AI in the shop (00:23:28) Explanation of using OpenAI’s ChatGPT for rewriting diagnostic notes and the importance of professional language.
  • AI’s potential in analyzing vehicle data (00:30:13) Exploration of using AI to analyze vehicle data and streamline service advisor tasks.
  • The role of a chief technology officer (00:33:47) Discussion about the need for a chief technology officer mindset and the importance of tuning and tweaking software.
  • The duty of professionals in the industry (00:36:10) Emphasis on educating and informing clients about everything on their vehicle and the abundance of work available by taking care of clients.
  • The impact of technology on the industry (00:38:09) Reflection on the importance of staying ahead of the curve and embracing technology to remain relevant in the industry.
  • Working Together (00:39:10) Discussion on the opportunities and challenges in the automotive industry and the importance of collaboration.
  • Sharing Ideas (00:39:41) Importance of sharing and collaborating within 20 groups and coaching groups for success and growth.

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

Connect with the Podcast:

-Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/

-Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976

-Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

-Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto

-Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/

-Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/

-Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz

-Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/

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

-All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books

-Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> Technician Productivity Redefined [AW 189] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/aw189/ Sat, 23 Dec 2023 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/aw188/

Joe Marconi discusses the importance of team collaboration, efficiency, and continuous training in the automotive industry. He highlights the need for effective leadership, a positive company culture, and sound systems and procedures to guide technicians and improve productivity. The conversation also covers the significance of accurate estimating and effective labor rates, the rising costs in various industries, and the importance of a positive and growth mindset in business.

Joe Marconi, Executive Council Member, Elite Worldwide. Auto Shop Owner. Joe’s Episodes HERE.

Show Notes:

  • Watch Full Video
  • The importance of teamwork (00:03:31) Discussion on the complexity of cars and the need for a team effort in improving technician production and shop efficiency.
  • The role of leadership and company culture (00:05:13) Emphasis on the importance of leadership and creating the right company culture to promote technician productivity and efficiency.
  • The significance of training and procedures (00:06:12) Highlighting the value of both external and in-house training, as well as the need for clear procedures and policies to enhance shop production and technician efficiency.
  • The importance of team meetings (00:09:03) Discussing the value of team meetings and how they can improve shop production and encourage innovative ideas.
  • Empowering employees to make decisions (00:11:01) Highlighting the importance of allowing employees to think on their own and make decisions, and the benefits it brings to the growth of the company.
  • Assigning work based on technician strengths (00:12:21) Exploring the strategy of assigning jobs to technicians based on their strengths and expertise, and the impact it has on efficiency and productivity.
  • Labor Rates and Effective Labor Rate (00:15:55) Discussion on the increase in labor rates and the importance of calculating the effective labor rate.
  • Raising Rates and Cost of Fast Food (00:17:05) Conversation about raising rates and the comparison of fast food prices to labor rates.
  • Culture, Leadership, and Productivity (00:19:22) Exploration of the impact of culture, leadership, and workplace satisfaction on productivity and efficiency.
  • Continuous improvement in business (00:24:24) Emphasizing the importance of making incremental improvements in business every day, with the analogy of a lifelong commitment and the absence of a destination in business growth.

Thanks to our Partner, Dorman Training.  Training technicians today for the challenges of tomorrow!  https://www.dormantraininglive.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

-Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/

-Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto

-Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/

-Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/

-Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz

-Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/

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

-All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books

-Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom

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

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

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

]]> Keeping an Eye on Bay Productivity [THA 356] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a356/ Thu, 30 Nov 2023 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a356/

Did you know most shops only utilize 20-30% of their bay capacity? Let’s explore the concept of effective bay rate and the potential benefits of monitoring and analyzing bay usage. What is the potential revenue that can be realized by addressing these inefficiencies?

Our panel highlights the importance of focusing on bay efficiency rather than just technician efficiency and the need for shops to adopt lean six sigma principles to maximize productivity.

Chris Cloutier is co-owner of Golden Rule Auto Care in Dallas Texas and CEO of Autoflow. Chris’s previous episodes HERE

Brandon Crusha, Training Manager, AutoFlow.

Craig O’Neill, VP of Training, AutoFlow. Listen to Craig’s previous episodes HERE 

Show Notes:

  • Watch Full Video HERE
  • Effective Bay Rate and Bay Productivity (00:00:22) Discussion on the importance of effective bay rate and the use of cameras and AI to improve bay productivity and efficiency.
  • Realizing Potential Revenue through Operational Efficiency (00:08:14) The discussion focuses on how the use of cameras and technology can reveal potential revenue that is not being realized and the fear some shop owners have in facing this reality.
  • The potential of improving bay efficiency (00:10:14) Discussion on the importance of managing bay efficiency and how to become more productive and efficient with limited bays.
  • The role of technology in tracking vehicles in the bay (00:11:17) Exploration of how a tool can provide visibility into which cars are being worked on in each bay, highlighting wasted time.
  • Challenges with diagnosing and tracking diagnostic time (00:13:11) Discussion on the inefficiencies and lack of process in diagnosing and tracking diagnostic time, leading to wasted hours and $0 tickets.
  • The Shop Manager’s Data Needs (00:19:40) Discussion on the importance of data for shop managers and foremen, including workflow software, bay capacity, tire sales, and profitability of ADAS services.
  • The Expensive Alignment Bay (00:20:30) Exploration of the alignment bay as the most expensive bay in the shop and the need for better utilization of alignment racks.
  • Using Technology Efficiently (00:23:26) Discussion on the benefits of using technology in the shop, including efficiency, identifying supply chain issues, and improving communication between technicians and service writers.
  • Thirsty for New (00:27:53) The importance of being open-minded and continuously learning in order to improve operations and stay ahead in the industry.
  • The Trouble with Potential (00:27:27) The concept of potential losses and the need to measure and track them in order to make improvements and increase profitability.
  • The team’s experience in the industry (00:35:15) Discussion about the team’s experience as former shop owners and the value it brings to developing software.
  • The long incubation period (00:37:02) Conversation about the six to seven years it took to develop the software, including false starts and multiple versions.
  • Challenges in shop efficiency (00:39:33) Exploration of issues such as technician distractions, wasted time on switching bays, and waiting for parts, and the need for improved efficiency.
  • The importance of building a good relationship with parts suppliers (00:43:11) Shop owners need to stop blaming their suppliers and instead foster a mutually beneficial relationship.
  • The need for education and training in the industry (00:44:05) Shop owners should invest in educating their service writers and technicians to improve the accuracy of parts ordering.
  • The benefits of using BayFlow as a management tool (00:46:47) BayFlow provides valuable insights and data that can help shop owners run their businesses more effectively.
  • The adoption rate of DVI (00:50:49) Discussion on the slow adoption rate and challenges of implementing DVI technology in the automotive industry.

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

-Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/

-Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/

-Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/

-Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz

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

-All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books

-Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom

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

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

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

 

 

 


]]> Making Dispatch Work [THA 330] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a330/ Thu, 01 Jun 2023 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a329

What are the challenges of making dispatch work in the automotive aftermarket industry? Our guests share their experiences with dispatch in their companies, emphasizing communication, flexibility, and teamwork. They also discuss the qualities of a good dispatcher and the need for policies and procedures in unexpected events. They stress the importance of simplifying technical information and building trust with customers. The episode concludes with a discussion of the interaction between dispatchers, customers, and technicians and the immense responsibility that comes with the job.

John Long, Total True Automotive, Shertz Auto Service, Schertz, TX.  John’s previous episodes HERE.

Nick Howard, GM at Reggie’s Motor Works.

Steve Braun, Director of Sales & Customer Service, Ulmer’s Auto Care, Cincinnati, OH.

Reggie Stewart, Reggie’s Motor Works, and Noble Auto Service in Noblesville, IN, Euro Specialist. Reggie’s previous episodes HERE

Show Notes:

  • Watch Video Episode HERE
  • The Art and Science of Dispatching [RR 849]
  • Dispatch roles (00:03:13) The different roles involved in dispatch, such as parts person and dispatcher, and how they are separate in their companies.
  • Creating an app for dispatch (00:04:39) The idea of creating an app for dispatch training and how it could help service professionals learn how to handle different situations.
  • Dispatching in a Lean and Mean Shop (00:06:33) Dispatching in a two-store building with no parts people
  • The Art and Science of Dispatching (00:08:05) The importance of having a culture and team strengths to support dispatching, as well as the balance between innate abilities and training.
  • Finding the Ideal Candidate for Dispatching (00:10:12) The DISC test and the ideal candidate for dispatching, including the importance of customer service, rules, influence, and decision-making skills.
  • Dispatch policies (00:12:53) The importance of having policies in place for dispatch, including what happens if the person in charge is unavailable.
  • Handling roadblocks (00:14:22) How to handle unexpected issues that arise during the day, including adapting and finding solutions.
  • Team dispatching (00:19:42) The idea of having everyone on the team responsible for dispatching, with clear goals and good communication.
  • Teams Philosophy (00:20:22) The importance of having a team philosophy and how it affects efficiency and dispatch.
  • Customer Experience Officer (00:22:21) The concept of having a CXO (Customer Experience Officer) in a business and how it can improve the customer experience. They suggest giving every team member the title of Chief Experience Officer.
  • Dispatch and Diagnoses (00:25:15) The challenges of dispatching cars for diagnoses and repairs, and how they have adapted their dispatch process to improve efficiency. They also talk about the importance of setting expectations with customers.
  • The line between scheduling and dispatch (00:28:27) The relationship between scheduling and dispatch, and how they need to work together to ensure a technician’s successful day.
  • Scheduling and dispatch goals (00:30:34) The goals for scheduling and dispatch, and how they need to work together to achieve them.
  • Dispatch as a career path (00:32:55) How dispatch can be a career path opportunity, and how it can be a fun and rewarding experience.
  • Communication is Key (00:35:46) The importance of communication in the automotive industry
  • Flexibility is Essential (00:36:35) The ability to pivot quickly and adapt to changes is highlighted as a key factor in improving productivity in the automotive industry.
  • Try it and Learn (00:37:58) The panel encourage shop owners to try implementing dispatch and learn from their mistakes, emphasizing the importance of feedback and communication in the learning process.

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

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

-All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books

-Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom

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

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

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

 

 

 


]]> The Art and Science of Dispatching [RR 849] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e849/ Tue, 16 May 2023 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/e847

Dan Taylor and Reggie Stewart to discuss the art of dispatch in the automotive repair industry. They emphasize the importance of efficiently dispatching and scheduling jobs, using the team’s strengths and weaknesses, the need for accountability, daily tracking of labor inventory to ensure goals are met, and the challenge of accommodating walk-in customers while maintaining productivity. They stress that dispatching is crucial to the business’s success and suggest creating a simulator or role-playing exercise to teach dispatching effectively.

Dan Taylor, Senior Business Advisor, Transformers Institute. Dan’s previous episodes HERE

Reggie Stewart, Reggie’s Motor Works, and Noble Auto Service in Noblesville, IN, Euro Specialist. Reggie’s previous episodes HERE

Show Notes

  • Watch Full Video HERE
  • (00:00:45) The art of dispatching and scheduling jobs efficiently, using the strengths and weaknesses of the team, and prioritizing big jobs.
  • (00:03:08) Is dispatching a natural aptitude or something that can be learned?
  • (00:05:04) The art of dispatching big jobs and how to prioritize them, using the metaphor of stacking big rocks in a glass bowl.
  • (00:06:28) The importance of efficient scheduling and how it can affect technician’s productivity.
  • (00:10:34) Intentionally overloading the schedule to account for no-shows and unexpected delays.
  • (00:11:35) Blaming technicians for poor production is not always fair, and how the front end plays a significant role in the capability of the back producing what is asked of them.
  • (00:18:18) How to deal with walk-in customers and accommodate them without affecting productivity.
  • (00:22:31) The culture of technicians and scheduling or dispatch problems.
  • (00:25:08) Dispatching is not being taught and how there is going to be a huge emphasis on this art/teachable skillset of dispatch and optimizing it.
  • (00:27:46) The importance of working smart and not just shoveling cars through buildings.
  • (00:28:27) Dispatching can be taught through simulation, training, and role-playing, and how the younger generation is more in tune with this.
  • (00:34:53) How to prioritize tasks using the urgent and important matrix.
  • (00:36:17) The balance between new customers and work that’s already been sold, and how to prioritize customers as far as scheduling.
  • (00:38:42) How dispatching and scheduling can help reduce turnovers and get the first downs right, and how it can lead to winning more often.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA AUTO CARE

Learn more about NAPA AUTO CARE and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting www.NAPAAutoCare.com

Connect with the Podcast:

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

-All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books

-Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom

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

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

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

]]> Aftermarket Radio Network 2023 Forecast [THA 313] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a313/ Thu, 02 Feb 2023 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a313

Recession is the main topic for everyone as we enter into 2023, almost 3 years post-pandemic. The Aftermarket Radio Network has collaborated together to offer their forecast for the year. Consider this your ‘one stop podcast player’ to hear insights from an accountant, technician, business coach and marketing perspective. Together, we continue to Advance the Aftermarket.

Watch Episode HERE

Hunt Demarest, CPA, Paar Mellis and Associates, Business by the Numbers Podcast

Matt Fanslow, Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN, Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z Podcast

Kim and Brian Walker, Shop Marketing Pros, Auto Repair Marketing Podcast

Chris Cotton, AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching, Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz Podcast

Show Notes:

  • Hunt Demarest 2023 Episode- 2023 Forecast and Business Outlook
  • Matt Fanslow 2023 Episode- 2023 Outlook
  • Chris Cotton 2023 Episode- Surviving 2023 and Beyond
  • Brian & Kim Walker 2023 Episode- Creating Your Own Economy
  • Blow people away with your customer service experience
  • Stop stopping
  • Mindset- staying positive
  • Focus on your own numbers, not anyone else
  • Over half of the people that make 150 to $200,000 a year are living paycheck to paycheck.
  • Could you survive during 2008 without government aid?
  • Advertising doesn’t happen overnight!
  • It’s not about cutting expenses, it’s being more efficient with what you have.
  • Pivote parts matrix ‘buckets’  
  • Don’t forget about your internal customers- employees
  • “Experience is remembered long after price is forgotten”

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

Visit us on the Web

Follow on Facebook

Become an Insider

Buy me a coffee

Important Books

Support our partners:

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


]]> Process Driven: Stop Restarting Jobs [AW 108] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/aw108/ Sat, 04 Jun 2022 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/aw107

Guest host and a shop tour with Lorenzo Pellicciotta, CarStar, Oakville, Ontario. Lorenzo discusses his path to becoming an entrepreneur and why processes and procedures are critical to gathering all information on a vehicle the first time.

Watch the Episode on YouTube

Lorenzo Pellicciotta, President, CarStar, 2 locations Oakville, Ontario. Listen to Lorenzo’s previous episodes HERE

Key Talking Points

  • 1991 at 25 years old- worked at import dealerships, wanted to own his own business with anything (tool distributor, pizza, subs). 
  • Purchased collision business- took a financial loss in beginning going from technician to owner
  • Your vision will change- push and change your goals as time goes on. Learn from your mistakes and others. 
  • Processes and procedures- capturing the disablement, ordering parts 1 time, when parts arrive the job starts and is completed. Eliminate second run-throughs. Uses pictures of what equipment should look like when it is put away. 
  • Release meetings- 10 minute meetings, multiple times a day to keep everyone on the same page 

Connect with the Podcast:

Aftermarket Radio Network

Subscribe on YouTube

Visit us on the Web

Follow on Facebook

Become an Insider

Buy me a coffee

Important Books

Check out today’s partner:

Dorman gives people greater freedom to fix vehicles by constantly developing new repair solutions that put owners and technicians first. Take the Dorman Virtual Tour at www.DormanProducts.com/Tour

 

]]> Next Best Improvement: Lean [THA 266] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a266/ Thu, 10 Mar 2022 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/a266

How do you calculate the common phrase “work smarter, not harder?” This episode is all about getting lean in your shop. Are you tracking the steps it takes to do something simple like an oil change? Are your parts and supplies not only organized but purposefully placed in areas for efficiency? My panel discusses simple ways to get started with Lean Six Sigma. 1 simple change can save you time and money.

Watch Episode on YouTube

Kristi Hudson, Troy Auto Care, Troy, MI. Visit Kristi’s shop HERE 

Karim Morsli, Winkler Automotive Service, Gaithersburg, MD. Visit Karim’s shop HERE

Key Talking Points

  • Oil change- consistent results for every customer, supplies are together
  • It’s easy to start- start with your most repetitive processes. Graphic representation of your business (overview of the shop) spaghetti diagram (Karim used Sketchup App) is tracing every step of the process you do with numbered steps and how much time it takes. What is your critical path? 
  • Every job is pre, during, and post. Clean as you go
  • The leadership of the business needs to invest in
  • Time=money
  • Using data- how many jobs do you do? How many hours does it take? How much stock do you have? What is more profitable?
  • Get your team involved- everyone has to be a part of it for lean to work. Less stress looking for tools/scanners etc. Holds everyone accountable. Once team members see how much easier and less stressful their jobs are they will be excited about it and want to help improve it even more
  • Lean is ongoing and will continue to improve
  • Be careful, lean will follow you home!

Connect with the Podcast

Aftermarket Radio Network

Subscribe on YouTube

Visit us on the Web

Follow on Facebook

Become an Insider

Buy me a coffee

Important Books

Check out today’s partners:

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

See how Broadly can help YOU grow your auto shop. getbroadly.com/chat

 

]]> Lean Six Sigma and Shop Tour with Karim Morsli [AW 089] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/aw089/ Sat, 22 Jan 2022 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/captivate-podcast/aw088

Key Talking Points

  • Lean Six Sigma- two philosophies together. “Sigma” is a statistical word to measure variation. 2,000 cars per year= accept less than 1 comeback over 10 year period. Reducing variation- getting an oil change done, all experience is the same and the process is the same while encompassing the best practices. Comebacks because certain technicians work differently under one umbrella. Eliminating having certain techs working on certain jobs. 
  • Having the right environment for lean production- minimize the inefficiency in a production environment. Eliminating wasting time.

Connect with the show:

Aftermarket Radio Network

Subscribe on YouTube

Visit us on the Web

Follow on Facebook

Become an Insider

Buy me a coffee

Important Books

Check out today’s partner:

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

Karim Morsli owner of Winkler Automotive in Gaithersburg, MD, is an engineer by trade who has worked in the oil fields and information technology industry. Karim is passionate about the new direction the automotive industry is taking, and in particular, the critical role independent service centers will need to evolve into to ensure all present and future car owners will have the choice of where to have their vehicle serviced besides the dealership. He is an innovator who works on multiple levels within the industry (education and legislative) to ensure his service center and others like his are ready for the challenges ahead. Always one to practice an open door approach, he is always willing to teach and share his knowledge and is also an avid learner. Listen to Karim’s previous episodes HERE.

 

]]> Improve Your Capabilities and Processes – Get LEAN [CC 090] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/cc090/ Mon, 17 May 2021 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/?post_type=captivate_podcast&p=35396

Craig Caudill, Manager at Fine Tuned Automotive Erie, CO

Key Talking Points

  • Lean- eliminating waste in processes. Waste is anything that doesn’t add value to the customer’s experience
  • 7 wastes in lean- motion, inventory, waiting, defects, overproduction, transportation, over-processing
  • Motion- excessive motion techs/advisors being away from the work station. Using instant messaging on the shop management system for instant streamline communication
  • Inventory- excessive inventory isn’t bringing value to customers. Has to turn over so it’s not wasted money
  • Waiting- technicians input in system precisely parts needed and update lead time in the management system
  • Defects- categorize comebacks
  • Overproduction- doing more than what customer requested
  • Transportation- the movement of vehicles in the shop. Accurate diagnosis first time and identify every issue
  • Over-processing- don’t develop processes that are overly complex. Simplify everything to key elements. Don’t overthink or over the process.
  • 5 S event- sort (take out everything you have and see if it’s necessary to keep) set and order (essential items are identified and set in order. Tape off areas where items go and have a picture of how that area is supposed to look) shine (after everything is in its place then you clean) standardized (building processes and SOP’s) sustain
  • People don’t want to be questioning what they should do- build a structured culture
  • Parts are labeled specific to parts suppliers
  • Improving profitability- waste is time and money. Customers are willing to pay for the value you offer them
  • How to start? Don’t be intimidated. Do research on 5 S and start seeing benefits.
  • 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

Are you seeing auto shops in your area get hundreds of 5-star Google reviews and are you feeling left behind because your shop only has a few?

Hey look, Broadly is your answer to getting more online reviews. With more reviews, your business will rank higher in search results — and that means more customers coming into your shop every day.

Broadly helps you automatically request reviews so that your customers can promote your business with just one click.

When you immediately ask for a review after service, when the experience is still fresh in their mind, // you’re more likely to get a 5-star positive review.

Plus, asking for feedback makes your customer feel valued and more connected to your business. Isn’t that what you want a connected customer? See how Broadly can help grow your auto shop.  Visit www.getbroadly.com/carm to learn more.

]]> Creating the Right Environment for Shop Efficiency [THA 201] https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a201/ Thu, 10 Dec 2020 05:15:00 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/?post_type=captivate_podcast&p=33301

Chris Monroe, Monroe Tire & Service, Shelby, NC (Elite Coach)

Joe Marconi, Osceola Garage, Baldwin Place, NY (Coach with Elite Worldwide)

Kevin Vaught, Elite Worldwide Business Development Coach, former multi-shop owner

Key Talking Points:

Chris Monroe

How are we making our service departments more efficient through better communication and organization?

  • Equipment Location- why is it located where it is?
  • Digital paralysis…do we get so focused on technology that we lose the basics?
  • Being able to recognize basic pain points and saluting them
  • Inventory-labeled and organized
  • Radios-bring the conversation in close-save steps
  • Process-from when the customer walks in, to check out….making the process slick. What is working?
  • The problem is…shop owners have trouble seeing stupid stuff with clean eyes.
  • Solutions are typically simple and cheap.
  • Who is working on taking steps out of the process?

Joe’s Marconi

(A different perspective – I am sure we will cover shop layout, Digital MPI, tools, equipment, etc.)

  • It all starts with the right people. The stronger the team, the more potential for high efficiency and production. No amount of technology will ever take the place of people. Before you look to technology to solve problems with production, get your house in order with regard to the right people, culture and morale.
  • Leadership is key – MBWA- Management By Walking Around. Encourage your people, recognize the right behavior, give them praise, give them feedback. Celebrate wins and promote self-direction.
  • Cultivate leaders within your company.
  • Every aspect of the workflow needs to be reviewed often, refined and corrections made. To attain high efficiency requires an ENTIRE team effort. From where the customer parks the car, to effective write-up, dispatch, technician’s repair process, sales, quality control (and reducing comebacks), car delivery and follow up. 

Kevin Vaught

  • Recognizing the Problem-Stepping Back-Too close to the Forest to See the Trees! (recent example to share)
  •  Observing your team and how they function with existing resources both digital and physical-align the right person with the right job
  •  Balanced inventory-better utilizes space/cash-opens up possibilities for more efficiency. Example: too many tires in stock-make space-reallocate equipment/resources to become more efficient-Tire Install Room
  •  Key drop was fashioned with a hole in the wall..nice exterior and the keys just sort of fell into this in-between space that required lots of digging
  •  Centralize equipment-prep processes Ex: Oil drains, flush equipment- Fill Jugs
  •  Tools/supplies at balancer-at aligner (sounds simple, but are you doing it)
  •  Radio’s were our biggest communication slam dunk
  •  Digital tabs…are they saved for quick access along with functional terminals
  •  Internet service…is it robust enough to carry a signal without getting dropped  
  •  Bottlenecks-we have a plan to install another road force
  •  Tablets instead of paper-our technicians now have in their hands mounds of information AND can push that to the right bucket in a timely manner
  •  SMS organization with canned job efficiency
  •  Parts inflow/outflow-returns-establish weekly process to eliminate backlogs
  •  SMS-fed by Insipely-DOT-AutoText-Alldata-Identifix-Mitchells-Carfax-Website parallels-TPMS resources/tooling (9)
  •  Tab Organization on each terminal-no matter which terminal, consistent lookup locations that save time 

Resources:

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

]]> THA 064: Workplace Organization the 5S Method https://remarkableresults.biz/town-hall-academy/a064/ Wed, 25 Apr 2018 08:26:36 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/?p=15935

 Your Learning Curve Never Sounded So Good!



Helping automotive aftermarket professionals improve; one lesson at a time.

Learn from your industry peers in a round-table forum. Get new ideas,  perspectives, trends, insights, best-practices and expertise from aftermarket professionals.

This is the only weekly forum for aftermarket professionals bringing fresh and innovative discussion to inspire and grow individuals and companies.

The Panel:

Pat Brown received her MBA from Bowling Green State University and her BA in Marketing from the University of Findlay. She worked as VP Global Branding & Communications, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company. She also was the VP Marketing Dealer, at Strategic Planning, Inc. She is now retired.

Pat also served on the Tire Industry Association—Board of Directors, the  Benton Ridge Telephone Company –Board of Directors, the Liberty Benton—Board of Education and the Hancock County Board of Education.

 

Ryan Goff a resident of Caldwell, Idaho, grew up in the family tire and automotive repair business, Rogers Tire Pros. Ryan attended Boise State University while still working in the family business. He helped to grow and expand the business to two locations. Ryan served on the Tire Pros Western, National Council, and is currently serving on the Tire Pros technology advisory council. His wife Andrea, son Cash and daughter Presley are his world.  In his free time, he enjoys working out doing Cross Fit and enjoying sunny days on the lake. He is a lover of Boise State football and spending time with his family on their boat.

 

Brad Goff is from Rogers Tire Pros located in Caldwell Idaho. His father started the company in 1978 as mostly a front-end and alignment specialty shop. Brad grew up working in the business from the time he was little and by the age of 12 was changing tires and doing many tasks in the shop and learning as he went along.  In 1990, Brad joined the business full time.  In 2005 expansion plans started and they opened their Caldwell location at almost 15,000 square feet in 2008 and expanded again in 2018, opening their second location in the fall of 2018 located in Meridian, Idaho.

 

Keith Tucker is a 2nd Generation Independent tire dealer. He started changing tires on a 20/20 Coats part-time on summer breaks at 15 yrs old. Keith attended college at DSCC.

He worked with his Dad, Jere Tucker and his brother in the family tire business. During that time was certified in alignment and suspension. On September 1, 1991, Keith partnered with his Dad and his brother Jeff in a 2-bay retail tire & service location named Triple T Tire & Alignment.

With their new adventure, Keith did everything from tire changer, lube tech, alignment tech,  service truck, brake tech, customer service and many more.

Triple T Tire sold all major and some minor brand tires.  In 1995, they relocated to 8 bay shop, with new equipment and designed for efficiency.  In 2002 and 2004, the family acquired additional locations through acquisition.

In 2004, they merged the 3 Dyersburg locations into 2. Today the family owns 3 locations in West TN, and 2 in Dyersburg and 1 in Paris, TN. Both markets are farm and rural markets.

As the business evolved Keith has seen extreme changes in the industry. The management team is working to spend more time working ON the business rather than IN the business.

Talking Points:

  • 5 S origin (sometimes referred to as Kaizen, continuous improvement)
    • Japenese factories were all about continuous improvement.
    • Experiencing unprecedented efficiency, safety, growth.
    • 5S is credited with helping Japanese factories eclipse American Industrial success.
    • Adopted by US Manufacturers with the same dramatic gains.
  • 5 S Overview
    • Sort
      • Tidiness – throw away rubbish and unrelated materials.
    • Set in Order
      • Orderliness – Set things in proper place for quick retrieval and storage.
      • Remove the ‘hunt for’ tools and equipment, stapler, etc.
    • Shine
      • Cleanliness – Clean the workplace. Everyone should be a janitor.
      • If you have time to lean you have time to clean.
    • Standardize
      • Standardization – Standardize the way of maintaining cleanliness
      • Assign janitorial duties.
    • Sustain
      • Discipline – make it a way of life. This means commitment.
      • This can be the most difficult and everyone has to be committed.
      • Reinforcement constantly.
  • Typical 5 S Benefits
    • Decreases
      • Injuries
      • Defects – comebacks
      • Unproductive downtime
      • Underutilized techs
      • Training/orientation time
      • Tools/inventory searches
      • Inefficient work routines
      • Underutilized floor space
    • Increases
      • Safety and morale
      • Quality
      • Extended equipment life
  • It’s all about getting rid of waste
    • People
      • Time most precious asset
      • Waiting waste and motion waste
    • Process
      • Efficiency – reduce steps by process mapping
      • Result of neglect, inefficient scheduling, indifference (we’ve always done it that way”
    • Information
      • Too much clutter?
      • Only save what you need
    • Assets
      • What is not necessary?
      • Get rid of it
    • Ideas:
      • Quick Cart. Oil Change/Batteries/Inspections. A general service cart- discussed in the interview. Time saver. Every item is labeled and in a highlighted place in or on the car.
    • Where in the business:
      • The shop and the back office can benefit from this discipline.
    • Team buy-in.
      • Potential to get a few more cars completed per day because your systems/processes are lean and ‘well oiled’.
      • Make the 5S’s part of your meetings and huddles. Always be striving and rewarding for efficiency.
      • 5S/Lean needs to be a part of your culture.
      • Efficient techs do not want clutter.
  • Implementation tool is ‘Process Mapping’
    • Pat tells about her coffee example when she found 15 seconds of time savings.
    • Involve team and look at every step in a process.
  • Implementing a digital process in the shop such as vehicle inspections is a form of 5S.
  • Stop and look deep. Just because it has been like this for years doesn’t mean it is right for today’s business environment.
  • Working on the business is the most difficult task to do.
  • Don’t get into the trap to do it yourself. This is the best excuse not to have to train someone.
  • We run around every day being inefficient.
  • Think of the spaghetti diagram as to the wasted steps in your shop.

Facebook   |    Twitter    |    Linked In   |    Email

This episode is brought to you by Jasper Engines & Transmissions. When a car’s engine or transmission fails, it’s not the end of the road. A remanufactured drivetrain product from Jasper Engines & Transmissions will give your car a new lease on life. JASPER has over 2000 Associates, three manufacturing facilities, two distribution centers and 45 branch offices across the country. They’re all working to produce, transport and deliver the perfect product. That’s what they do best… keep customers happy. Visit jasperengines.com

]]> THA 016: Lean Processes – Relentlessly Work On Eliminating Waste https://remarkableresults.biz/town-hall-academy/a016/ Thu, 06 Jul 2017 22:30:13 +0000 https://remarkableresults.biz/?p=8877

>

Learn from your industry peers in a round-table forum. Get new ideas, perspectives, trends, insights, best-practices and expertise from aftermarket professionals.

Watch like a DOCUMENTARY … Learn like a SEMINAR.

Helping automotive aftermarket professionals improve; one lesson at a time.

Academy Panel:

Donny Seyfer is a second-generation repair shop owner and ASE Master Technician. An active industry educator Donny is past chairman of the Automotive Service Association  and works nationally to help repair shops with IT and service information utilization.

Donny is also a member of the board of trustees of NATEF and a trustee of AMi. Hear Donny is episode 30 (ASA), 33 and on ASA Connected Cars Detroit.

Brad  Pellman first started working in the automotive industry at the age of 15 and over his career has held a wide variety of jobs at both dealerships and independent repair shops. In 1995 this dream of owning his own shop became a reality when he opened up Pellman’s Automotive in Boulder, CO with his wife, Lisa.

Brad is ASE master certified and AAM designated as well.  He is currently on the Board of Directors for ASE and ASA Colorado, with past board involvement with CCPN and the TECHNET Automotive Council. He has had the added privilege of being designated as one of the Motor Age Top shops in the country. And hopes to continue to raise the awareness and importance of Independent automotive repair across the country.

He is implementing LEAN at this shop.

Jeremy O’Neal is President and lead sales trainer for Advisorfix, began his career as a Service Adviser and quickly moved into Service Management at the dealership level for VW, Audi, and Porsche. His strong customer satisfaction scores and ability to increase sales consistently placed him in the top 3% of Service Advisers across the nation.

Jeremy also owns an independent auto repair shop. With a passion for helping others Jeremy started coaching Service Advisers in 2007. Since that time Jeremy has logged more than 16,112 hours of high performance coaching sessions with his clients.  Listen to Jeremy in Episode 124, Round-table in episode 178,  the Service Professional Round Table, the Digital Sales Process, and on the 200th retrospective and and Academy session on Concierge Service.

 Talking Points:

  • Application of LEAN is not exactly like manufacturing. In the repair shop you DO 5s. Many LEAN coaches don’t like to make 5S an event but in our environment, it is the only way I have seen to get 5S rolling in the shop. Minimize tech activity outside of their work bay.
  • Organize parking based on status of repair.
  • Benefits of hiring alternative staff for cleaning needs throughout the shop.
  • Organize and enforce placement of equipment throughout the shop space.
  • Correct technician matched to every job when possible, play to their strengths.
  • Lean Behavior is a skill that can be trained.
  • Story of an oil filter that cost a shop $48.00 to get from the parts room.
  • Lean Leadership from the bottom up, even your shuttle driver needs to understand Lean and create the right behavior.

Lean production.com Website

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

]]>