Acquiring and Transforming a 72 Year Old Business [AW 171]
Jon Kloosterman, the Director of Operations at West Side Service in Zeeland, discusses their recent acquisition of a business and their approach to training and retention of technicians. The acquired business had been a pillar in the community for 72 years and was ready for a change in ownership. Jon also highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism and focusing on the right KPIs in your business.
remarkableresults.biz/aw171
Real Estate Strategies [AW 170]
Rick Levitan shares his experience and insights on real estate in the automotive industry. He discusses the importance of developing a strategy when expanding and finding new locations, as well as various methods for finding potential sites. Rick advises against falling in love with a specific location and highlights the option of leasing with an option to buy. He also discusses the role of real estate investment trusts (REITs) and the importance of demographics when considering a new location. Rick emphasizes the need for careful planning, good advisors, and transparency when acquiring a business or property.
remarkableresults.biz/aw170
How Do You Define Professionalism? [THA 340]
How do you define professionalism? It’s not just about how we dress but how we act and conduct our business. In this episode our panel dives into how professionalism is key in the automotive industry, and how it affects our businesses. They discuss the impact of professionalism on customer perception and satisfaction, and share personal experiences of creating a positive and welcoming environment in their auto repair shops. By prioritizing both the physical appearance and the customer experience, auto repair shops can set themselves apart and create a loyal customer base.
remarkableresults.biz/a340
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
Remodel 1 Year Later: See the Transition, See the Difference [AW 168]
Carm Capriotto visits Scott Felser’s shop to showcase the renovations he made since the last visit. They discuss various changes, including adding a door to the parts room, implementing a four-day workweek, and upgrading facilities like a coffee bar and bathroom. They also highlight the overall design and decorations, with input from Scott’s wife, new security cameras, new phone system, the positive customer feedback, and Scott’s involvement in the “Brakes for Breasts” campaign.
remarkableresults.biz/aw168
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 notesPreparing for Fall 2023 Conferences [AW 167]
Carm Capriotto discusses upcoming fall conferences the podcast is attending, speaking engagements, and events, including the Brakes for Breasts Campaign. Our website, remarkableresults.biz, now features a Classroom page. It’s a treasure trove of podcast episodes organized into specific topics, perfect for research and team discussions. Stay curious, keep learning, and let’s continue to Advance the Aftermarket.
remarkableresults.biz/aw167
Marketing Power Panel: Grow Your Revenue by $1 Million [THA 337]
Is it possible to grow your shop’s revenue by $1 million? Together, our panel of marketing gurus discuss the importance of marketing for automotive repair shops and provide insights on effective marketing strategies. The panel emphasizes the need to understand the shop’s current situation and goals before developing a marketing strategy. They also discuss financial aspects, setting goals for growth, seeking advice from successful shop owners, and creating memorable customer experiences. They stress the importance of strategic and proactive marketing and financial planning to drive business growth in the auto repair industry. Remember, marketing takes time and should be trusted as a process. Always be marketing, and don’t stop when business is busy.
remarkableresults.biz/a337
The Noble Mechanic: Before and After Transformation and Rebranding [AW 166]
In this episode, Reggie Stewart covers a range of topics from dispatching and business operations to shop renovations. Reggie recently undertook renovations at his shop in Kokomo, Indiana, he modernized the colors and feel of the shop to give it an upscale vibe, with the help of an interior designer. He also discusses the importance of building a positive culture and is currently working on creating job descriptions and manifestos for each position to better define expectations and attract the right people.
remarkableresults.biz/aw166
Hiring Process Explained [RR 865]
Phil Carpenter discusses the challenges of finding good technicians and the constant need for recruitment. Phil maps out the hiring process at Urban Auto Care and Avalon Motor Sports, which includes video interviews and in-person interviews. It’s critical to a good fit for the long term and filtering out candidates who are not willing to go through their hiring process. He also explains the importance of maintaining a sense of urgency in hiring, employee turnover, and recognizing when it’s time to let someone go.
remarkableresults.biz/e865
One Location $2.5M: How We Do It [THA 334]
Shop owners Jimmy Alauria, Joe Hanson, and John Gustafson share their strategies and tactics for achieving exceptional success. The most valuable lesson? The importance of having a strong team, setting goals, and monitoring key performance indicators to achieve success. They emphasize the need for attention to detail, accountability, and hiring the right people, empowering them to lead and demonstrating commitment to the purpose and core values of the business. Tune in to learn more about how to achieve success in this industry!
remarkableresults.biz/a334
How Can Data Improve Customer Relationships and Sales? [860]
Are you looking for ways to improve your customer relationships and drive business success? Bill Nalu and Stan Stokes discuss the importance of using data and information to enhance customer relationships and sales. They share their experiences with auditing phone calls and using personality assessments to identify areas for improvement. Tune in to learn practical advice for using data and information to improve your customer relationships and drive business success.
remarkableresults.biz/e860
Brakes 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
Giving Back to the Community: The Social Impact Initiatives of Adam and Son Auto Repair [RR 850]
Are you tired of the same old auto repair experience with poor customer service and no personal touch? Look no further than Adam and Son Auto Repair in Colorado Springs. Owner Dan Adam and VP of Social Impact and Strategy Stacy Burns, share their insights on creating a unique customer experience and positively impacting their community.
Dan Adam founded Adam and Son Auto Repair with a mission to improve the way auto repair businesses are run and provide exceptional customer service. He achieved this by defining 28 fundamentals that create behaviors for team members and ingrained them in the company culture through weekly messages and daily huddles. But the customer experience at Adam and Son doesn’t stop there. They have implemented social impact initiatives that provide free car repairs to single mothers, domestic violence victims, and disabled veterans through their Stranded Motorist Fund. This program aims to provide safe and reliable transportation to those in need and has gained positive feedback from the community. Adam and Son have gained high-quality customers who support their business by providing excellent customer service and making a positive social impact.
remarkableresults.biz/e850
Navigating Family Dynamics in Business Ownership [AW 157]
Tatsu Tsuchida discusses his experience transitioning from a Japanese-only shop to an all-makes and all-models shop, his marketing strategy, and his experience taking over an existing business. He also discusses the challenges of owning a family business and the importance of having an exit strategy. The episode also includes a tour of Tsuchida’s second location.
remarkableresults.biz/aw157
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
The Power of Branding and The Power of Letting Go – Andy Bizub [RR 806]
Recorded live at AAPEX with Andy Bizub, Midwest Performance Cars, Chicago and Northbook, IL. Andy shares a story about how his branding connected two customer’s in Croatia and how he is able to be a remote owner while living in Texas.
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Demeny Pollitt Lists Her Labor Rates and Menu Prices On Website [AW 130]
Guest Host and Shop Tour with Demeny Pollitt, Girlington Garage, South Burlington, VT. Demeny believes in a transparent business and lists her labor rates and menu prices on her website.
remarkableresults.biz/aw130
Inside Chapel Hill Tire: Empowering Employees and Branding [AW 128]
Guest Host and Shop Tour with Marc Pons, Chapel Hill Tire, 10 locations, Chapel Hill, NC. Carm joins Marc and visits 2 of his shops while we were in North Carolina for the ASTE 2022 Show. Learn about leadership, branding and empowering your team.
remarkableresults.biz/aw128
Customer Amenities [THA 291]
Customer amenities aren’t just a snack bar and some coffee k-cups. It takes more to deepen a relationship. My panel of shop owners goes beyond the free wifi and beverages to really wow their customers and make that lasting impression. Amenities are your ultimate marketing tool for your business. Take Note!
remarkableresults.biz/a291
Finding Success in an Auto Repair Complex [AW 116]
Guest host and shop tour with Jeff and Shari Pheasant, A Master Mechanic, Reno, NV. Find out how a media story on converter theft led to Jeff collaborating with the local sheriff’s department.
Listen and view episode notesHelping the Community Deter Converter Theft [AW 115]
Guest host and shop tour with Jeff and Shari Pheasant, A Master Mechanic, Reno, NV. Find out how a media story on converter theft led to Jeff collaborating with the local sheriff’s department.
Listen and view episode notesIdentify Your Ideal Customer [THA 285]
Why is understanding the psychographics of your ideal customer so important to your business? Why it is important to understand who your ideal customer is? My panel discusses the importance of building relationships with customers that see the value in your business.
Listen and view episode notesSurvey Says [RR 753]
Did you know a simple survey gathers valuable input from your customers about your business? It’s time to tap into the customer’s viewpoint by listening to what they want. Your customer’s input is a great source for your marketing plan. Find out how many survey responses give you a good sampling. Get info on conducting your own survey with links on the show notes page.
remarkableresults.biz/e753
Listen and view episode notes