People Development Archives

Apprentice Journey – High School to Graduate [RR 675]

How did a high school student who wanted to just fill a slot in his schedule end up becoming an apprentice at Dynamic Automotive? What are the qualities a mentor needs to have for an apprenticeship program? Is it possible for a 20 something-year-old to be financially stable in a career with no college debt? This is a down-to-earth, real-life episode that will shed some light on the importance of apprenticeships in our industry. … and you know how important apprentices are to me and to our long-term survival.

remarkableresults.biz/e675

Trends – Aftermarket Round Table [THA 239]

The passion my panel has for this industry is hard to miss in this episode. They touch base on topics including labor rates, the professionalism of the industry and the importance of DVI’s to just name a few. We are only scratching the surface of these issues and concerns but it’s what is needed to spark a real change.

remarkableresults.biz/a239

Second in Command – A COO/GM Perspective [THA 236]

Second in Command – A COO Perspective [THA 236]

As an owner, the day-to-day routine seems like second nature to you. You’re the face of the business and enjoy interacting with customers and your team. How much time are you able to spend focusing on the future.

Having a second in command to manage the day-to-day tasks and employees is vital to a growing business. This episode will appeal to any owner out there and also future COO’s that have the desire to step up into that role. Find out what it takes for both sides to make it work seamlessly.
remarkableresults.biz/a236

Creating a Training Culture [THA 235]

Training in this industry is always a hot topic to discuss. Unfortunately, there are too many shops that don’t realize training employees and business owners must be non-negotiable in order to have a profitable and sustainable business. If you’re listening to this podcast, you’re already taking action to level up. Take a moment to share this episode with just one person, it may change their life personally and professionally.

The panel discusses why training is important, how to incentivize training, and what to look for when hiring people. remarkableresults.biz/a235

Service Advisor Must-Have Qualities [THA 234]

The service advisor role for the automotive industry is crucial for your business and customers. Sometimes owners try to fill that seat with a warm body without realizing the qualities and communication skills required for that position. It goes beyond being friendly and in this episode, my panel takes a deep dive from different perspectives. remarkableresults.biz/a234

Second in Command: A CEO Perspective [THA 230]

As your business continues to grow and perhaps you add a few more locations, or you want to work on your job as the visionary, it’s a natural progression to start brainstorming who you’re second in command will be.

Why is it important? What qualifications and qualities do they need to possess? How do you set up clear roles and guidelines between your position and theirs? All these questions and more are answered in this episode. Sit back and listen first hand to what works and what doesn’t.

remarkableresults.biz/a230

Career Paths – Technician to Manager [THA 229]

It’s always interesting to hear the unique paths people have embarked on to be in this industry and to grow in it. Seniority doesn’t always trump leadership skills and a drive to become invested and committed in the business. In this episode, my panel discusses the different career paths that they have taken while working for Dynamic Automotive and their plans for future growth within the company.

https://remarkableresults.biz/a229

My Biggest Mistakes [THA 223]

In this episode, my panel discusses some of their biggest mistakes they’ve overcome as shop owners. We all wish we could go back in time and fix mistakes from ever happening, but unfortunately, there is no crystal ball for life. Instead, it’s important to reflect and turn it into a learning curve for ourselves and others. Take this opportunity to listen to this giving and transparent episode to perhaps avoid making the same mistakes in your business. Learn from these moments of truth.

The key talking points for this episode reside at remarkableresults.biz/a223

10 Things That Require Zero Talent [THA 222]

What makes a person successful? Is it luck? Is it because they are born to be leaders? Can success be taught or learned? Too often we get caught up in the day-to-day grind, we lose focus on the big picture called life. In this episode, we go back to basics and discuss 10 things that require zero talent that EVERYONE can accomplish. Practice each one and you’ll be amazed at the changes that follow.

You can listen and/or watch the video of this episode and find the key talking points at remarkableresults.biz/a222. They make a great meeting agenda.

Managing Family Business Dynamics [THA 218]

Too often we are subject to the stereotypes associated with family working in business together…favoritism, entitlement, a cloudy culture. But with a clearly defined role, you can actually celebrate having family involved and enjoy watching your business flourish. My panel shares their wisdom on walking the fine line integrating family into your business.

The panel: Judy Walter, Zimmerman’s Automotive, Mechanicsburg, PA
John Klarkowski, AutoPro Auto Service, Brooklyn Park, MN
Joe Hanson, Gordies Garage, Roseville, MI.

Find the key talking points at remarkableresults.biz/a218

A Very Personal Story with Kevin Eckler [RR626]

A Very Personal Story with Kevin Eckler [RR 626]

Do you see good in people when they don’t? Do you have a heart for people that struggle? Do you try to pull out qualities from good people?” If you answered yes to these questions then you know what it’s like to invest emotionally into friends, family and employees.

In this transparent episode, Kevin Eckler, from Foreign Car Specialists in Poughkeepsie, NY explains a situation in his business that pulled at his heartstrings but also hurt his business culture. Kevin takes you on a journey that changed him and his business. A very personal story.

Find the key talking points for this episode at remarkableresults.biz/e626

EOS Part 1: How EOS helps Owners Get More Out of Their Business – Barry Barrett [RR 616]

Here is a first in a series with Barry Barrett, a Certified EOS Implementer. Barry talks about how the Entrepreneur Operating System helps entrepreneurs get what they want from their business and to Understand how to make your leaders get on the same page with you and have Traction by helping them become more disciplined and accountable.

This episode is an overview of EOS. Barry and I will bring you seven episodes, released over time to help you better understand the disciplines and power of the Entrepreneurial Operating System or EOS. There are shop owners engaged in EOS and it is having a huge impact on their business.

The key talking points for this episode with Barry reside at remarkablersults.biz/e616.
Thanks for being here in the front row of life in the automotive service business.

Career Upgrade: Service Manager to Shop Owner at 29 Years Old [RR 608]

In keeping with my goal to interview new shop owners and the upcoming youth of our industry. Here is an incredible story.

Our episode today a succession story from a non-family internal candidate. A trusted service manager who hasn’t even purchased her first home.

Welcome, Colleen Yarger. She trained in the hotel industry for more than 10 years and has risen through the ranks as a service manager. Amazing that this 29-year-old has taken steps to become a shop owner. Despite her young age, she doesn’t lack the talent and has been guided by former owner Mark Goldsmith who has been a great supporter of the RR podcast.

This episode shows what is possible and how Colleen seized many opportunities she had presented to her starting with my friend Maylon Newton, then with Ryan Tunison. Lots of great inspiration to see what can be possible when you capitalize on every situation presented.

The key talking points reside at remarkablersults.biz/e608

Owner, Technician, Service Advisor – Working Together – AAPEX 2020 Honors [RR 606]

This 606th episode honors the recipients of the AAPEX 2020 Awards. The first annual honors include Shop Owner of the Year, Technician of the Year, and Service Advisor of the Year.

Sure we bestowed a bunch of high-fives upon these three outstanding aftermarket professionals, but you’ll love the episode as we discussed their roles in a shop environment and why working together through trust and respect make a huge difference for the business and work environment.

Help me welcome Brian Sump of Avalon MotorSports and Urbana Auto Care as the AAPEX 2020 Shop Owner of the Year. Norm Schultz of Interstate Auto Care, Madison Heights, MI as AAPEX 2020 Technician of the Year, and Jason Sexton of Dynamic Automotive, Frederick, MD as the AAPEX 2020 Service Advisor of the Year.

The key talking points for this episode reside at remarkableresults.biz/e606

Proof of Concept [THA 206]

THA 206 Proof of Concept

The pandemic was the test of preparedness, fortitude, leadership, nerves, among others. Our topic “Proof of Concept” is the story behind the strong getting stronger.

The leaders who listened and implemented the strategies being served up by the industry pundits especially coaches over the last 3 to 4 years found themselves in a good place. You’ve heard them enforce on the podcast, … essential tactics like strong business culture, a commitment to training your team, firing non-productive or toxic employees, DVI, Cloud-based software, text to pay and the list goes on like strong leadership. Smart Marketing. Managing KPIs, Good financial statements, building processes, and systems, Etc, etc. In essence, the strong found their pandemic recovery easier than others. That is what we are talking about today: ‘Proof of Concept’

Joining me is Chris Cotton, AJ Nealey, and Michael Gallini. They all agree that they are in a better spot because they implemented and worked the strategies and tactics that the industry is known to create success and sustainable profits. Glad you are here, Let’s Talk About It.

The key talking points from this episode are already done for you on the show notes page at remarkableresults.biz/a206.

Requirement for Growing a Branch Store [THA 205]

THA 205 Requirements for Adding a Branch Store

Welcome to the 205th episode of the Town Hall Academy. New Year, New Challenges. Many in the industry are contemplating growth and many are thinking of selling or succession. Keep close to the insights and wisdom from your aftermarket peers, right here, who share their growth story with you.

I’m with Greg Bunch, Austin Miller, and John Manelas. Greg is the owner of Aspen Auto Clinic, Colorado. Austin Miller opened Tire Star in2011, and John owns Auto Care Plus and Euro Care Plus. Together this team has 15 branches and growing.

How many shops are enough? Is there a sweet spot? What qualities must a shop owner possess in order to successfully add a shop? What are the challenges? No doubt this group tells their tale of their initial branch store and the huge learning curve that happened with it and subsequent stores.

The key talking points from this episode are already done for you on the show notes page at remarkableresults.biz/a205.

Millennials in High Gear with Sara Fraser – Part 1 [RR 603]

Millennials in High Gear with Sara Fraser Part 1 [RR 603]

Our topic today centers around millennial customers and employees. With me is Sara Fraser. Sara has been a favorite on the show and lives what she teaches as she is a millennial. Each generation has its traits and you must adjust your business to accommodate the millennial customer and employee.

Sara is with Haas Performance Consulting and teaches the millennial story. We look at the millennial customer needs/wants and the same for the millennial employee. This is part one of a two-part millennial series with Sara

You can find Sara’s other episodes and the key talking points for this episode at remarkablersults.biz/e603

The Benefits of Brainstorming Dr. John Passante and Phil Moore [RR 602]

The Benefits of Brainstorming [RR 602]

Let’s create ideas and let’s talk about solving problems. That’s what this episode is all about. I’m with my friend Dr. John Passante, CEO of the Organizational Development Group and a Legacy Aftermarket Human Resource Professional, and Phil Moore, Vice President Sales and Marketing at Federated Auto Parts.

Both have important insight on the power of brainstorming and the discussion will prove to be relevant with tips for your own brainstorming sessions. Also learn how to apply SWOT analysis and make it your own competitive advantage.

You can find my panel’s previous episodes, their bios, and the key talking points for this episode at remarkablersults.biz/e602.

From College to ADAS Calibrations – Learning How [RR 599]

My guests today is Dominik Wrobel and Bob Heipp both from Mobile Auto Solutions in Chicago. Commonly referred to as MAS. This interview is about Dominik. As a 23-year-old, is straight out of college, working with 25 other mobile diagnostic technicians and learning the trade.. He is Bob Heipp’s Mentee. You know Bob as a member of the threesome TechnicianTalk Group where we’ve done 9 really intense and off the wall episodes. If you are new to the podcast go to the collections page on the website to find all Technician Talk EPisode.

Dominik and Bob talk with us about the transitions and challenges of adapting to work without any prior experience. Very much like what an automotive grad would go through. Dominik will also shed light on his mentorship, new technologies, and how much he likes ADAS Calibrations. His goal is to have his own MAS mobile truck and get out on the road. Dom is learning from all 25 team members by using slack to get the information and wisdom that he seeks.

The talking points of this episode can be found at remarkablersults.biz/e599.

Why Fix a Negative Attitude in your Shop [THA 202]

Why Fix a Negative Attitude [THA 202]

Statistics and many studies concluded that a negative behavior creates liabilities in the business setting and strains relationships. On a personal level, it decreases productivity and performance. Not only does it damage teamwork, but it also makes for unhappy customers. Our episode today attacks why a negative attitude has no room in our industry!

Joining me is Craig O’Neill, Andy Pollina, from Legacy Auto Tech, Grand Rapids, and Rick White from 180 Biz.

The key talking points from this episode are already done for you on the show notes page at remarkableresults.biz/a202.

Science Based Hypnotherapy with Maureen Pisani [RR 590]

Science-Based Hypnotherapy with Maureen Pisani [RR 590]

I’m with Maureen Pisani a Certified Master Hypnotherapist and the founder of ProThrive Science-Based Hypnotherapy, where she works with individuals and groups (both in-person and online) to help empower, streamline success, and truly thrive.

Why this interview? I found the discussion with Maureen refreshingly different. I can see where some never reach their potential, yet we know they have it in them. Maureen offers solutions.

Imagine this as a tool for the automotive aftermarket. You do the math. Unlimited potential and untapped ideas.

We discuss how the brain works in hypnotherapy and the science behind it that proved useful in uplifting and giving us an edge in life! The talking points can be found at remarkablersults.biz/e590

Doug Grills – 20 Questions in 30 Minutes [RR 589]

Welcome to another episode of 20 Questions in 30 Minutes. I’m with Doug Grills of AutoStream Car Care Center. Doug along with his partner Rick Levitan has been around the auto service business for over 25 years and has built their reputation by offering best-in-class service to their customers. Now he joins and answers his hand-picked questions on our format I call 20 Questions in 30 Minutes.

This episode highlights Doug’s early musical career and allowed us to understand how he uses his analytical skills to make decisions. He believes in process and that a strong culture is what people really buy into.

Find the key talking points, Doug Grills’ bio, and links to his previous episodes at remarkableresults.biz/e589

Automotive Management Institute: Looking Ahead with Chuck Searles [RR 585]

Automotive Management Institute: New President Chuck Searles – Looking Ahead [RR 585]

I’m with Chuck Searles, the new president of AMI. I know many of you have your industry credentials from AMi, not only in collision but in mechanical. If you are not aware there are certifications and designations offered to the industry for management and service training. You may have your AAM designation, the Accredited Automotive Manager or master, AMAM and you should be proud.

Go behind the scenes and meet Chuck Searles and discover his background and what his plans are for leading AMi. Find AMi at amionline.org. AMi’s mission is to identify, provide, and promote qualified business education for the success of automotive service repair professionals.

Chuck shares his story of how he ended up in the automotive industry. As president of AMi, he wants to increase AMis presence on the service side of the industry. Find the key talking points, Chuck Searles’s bio and links to his previous episodes at remarkableresults.biz/e585

Coaches Lab: Why Employees Leave [THA 195]

You are about to embark on a brainstorming session with three of our aftermarket’s excellent business coaches that have a strong leaning toward people and culture. As you’ve learned throughout the last 194 episodes picking a panel and getting them to mesh seems to be a strength of mine and this one nailed our topic. And you benefit from this listen.

Employees leave for many reasons. This episode will give you more than five reasons and if you work on only three of them, you are on your way to creating a solid ‘sticky’ team. I say sticky because you want your people to stay, yet you need to create the right environment, culture, and engagement for it to work.

The panel: Dan Taylor, Senior Business Advisor at Transformers Institute, Dave Schedin, from Computrek Automotive Management Systems, and Murray Voth, owner and principal trainer at RPM training.

If you want the key talking points from this episode, they are already done for you. Go to the show page at remarkableresults.biz/a195 Use them for an agenda to help you implement the insights from this Academy.

Apprentice Stories [THA 193]

In your circles do you find that the discussion is trending toward finding top talent? All aspects from networking, writing great ads, improving hiring systems and improving your business culture is credited to finding and keeping top talent.

How much success are you having finding great talent out of the available pool? I believe the time has come, in a big way, to “grow your own”. For many that concept seems nebulous. Something you hear about, know you should do, but can’t even begin to know where to start.

I’ve done at least 10 podcasts on apprenticing and career pathing. Most recently Town Hall Academy #185 dedicated to understanding apprentice programs. This episode is a bookend to #185 and I call it Apprentice Stories. Listen to two apprentices and a mentor talk candidly about the process and results.

Anything worthwhile takes time and effort and installing an apprentice program in your shop is as right as having lifts in your bays.

I will have links to important apprentice programs you can embrace listed in the show notes at remarkableresults.biz/a193