Elevating Professionalism Through Language and Terminology [THA 345]

Our panel discusses the topic of language and terminology changes in the automotive aftermarket service industry. It’s important to use clear and professional language with employees and customers, as well as the significance of honesty and trust in communication. They also touch on the distinction between “technician” and “mechanic” and the need for ongoing training and teamwork. We hope that our discussion will inspire you to reflect on your own communication practices and make necessary improvements.
remarkableresults.biz/a344

Listen and view episode notes

Lost Everything: Started from Scratch and Bought a Shop [RR 882]

Aaron Weber, a shop owner from D & E Auto Repair in Chico, California, discusses his experience during the devastating Paradise Campfire in November 2018. Aaron shares how he and his family lost everything in the fire and had to start from scratch. He is transparent about the challenges they faced, including dealing with insurance, finding temporary housing, and seeking assistance. Despite the difficulties, Aaron emphasizes the importance of compassion and empathy, and how this experience has made him a better leader. 
remarkableresults.biz/e882

Listen and view episode notes

S.O.B: Son of Boss [THA 344]

Carm Capriotto hosts a panel discussion on family businesses, specifically focusing on the challenges faced by sons of bosses (SOBs). Andrew Marcotte and Anthony Campanella share their experiences of working in their family businesses and the unique dynamics that come with it. They discuss the perception of nepotism and the importance of earning respect and value in their own right. They also discuss leadership development, work-life balance, communication, and succession planning in family businesses.
remarkableresults.biz/a344

Listen and view episode notes

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

Listen and view episode notes

The Art of Onboarding: A Deep Dive Into Employee Training and Development [RR 880]

Murray Voth discusses the importance of teaching and training employees instead of assuming they have common sense or knowledge. He shares personal anecdotes and observations from the automotive industry to highlight the need for employers to nurture a natural curiosity and desire to learn in their employees. He also discusses effective teaching and training methods, the importance of understanding employee strengths and preferences, and the significance of clear expectations and policies during the onboarding process.
remarkableresults.biz/e880

Listen and view episode notes

Listening to Service Advisor Phone Calls [THA 343]

“The art of asking the right questions: this approach, inspired by the Socratic method, helps uncover valuable insights and ensures a thorough understanding of situations. Authenticity is key in every interaction.”

Carm Capriotto introduces a panel to discuss the importance of listening to service advisor calls. Rena Rennebohm and Clint White are service advisor coaches, while Collin Ashin and Tyler Nichols are their clients. They discuss the benefits of reviewing recorded calls, such as identifying areas for improvement, enhancing problem-solving skills, creating a safe environment for feedback, the value of coaching, and the need for continuous improvement. Remember, the journey to self-improvement begins with a single step.
remarkableresults.biz/a343

Listen and view episode notes

Personal Struggles in the Workplace: Lessons from Joe Marconi [AW 172]

Ever wondered what makes a leader truly great? Joe Marconi discusses the value of being approachable, connecting with your employees on a personal level, asking about their life outside work, and genuinely caring – it all contributes to a positive work environment. Remember, leadership is a constant learning process. Let’s nurture empathy, be open to self-reflection and keep the balance between old school values and new school flexibility.
remarkableresults.biz/aw172

Listen and view episode notes

Navigating the Electrified Road: Understanding the Need for EV Certification [RR 877]

Corey Glassman, an EV consultant with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), brings his wealth of experience and knowledge about Electric Vehicles (EVs), shedding light on the importance of EV certification and electrical safety. Corey discusses the power of certification, the levels of EV certification, electrical safety training and the importance of respecting the potential risks associated with working on EVs.
remarkableresults.biz/e877

Listen and view episode notes

Redefining Business Bravery: Stories of Courage [THA 341]

Join our panel as they share insights on the importance of courage, different leadership styles, the need for tough conversations, and the role of coaching and mentoring in developing courage in teams. The panelists emphasize the importance of effective communication, training, and providing individuals with the tools and confidence to make courageous decisions. They also discuss the need for leaders to make tough decisions even when uncomfortable.
remarkableresults.biz/a341

Listen and view episode notes

My Technicians Won’t Go To Training: Why Not? [RR 875]

Our panel from NAPA AutoTech Training, discuss key insights regarding the pivotal role of continuous training in the automotive aftermarket industry. What are the challenges of learning technical material after a demanding workday and is there the need for tailored training sessions that consider the environment and attention span of technicians? The NAPA Apprentice Program was highlighted for its self-paced approach, allowing apprentices to earn multiple ASE certifications in a span of two years. Beyond training, the panel stressed the significance of investing in technicians and the consensus emerged that prioritizing attitude and work ethic in technician hiring, rather than just skill sets, equals a successful workforce.
remarkableresults.biz/e875

Listen and view episode notes

How to Maintain Focus in a World Full of Distractions [RR 874]

Rick White discusses the challenges of maintaining focus and avoiding distractions. He explores the negative effects of distractions on productivity and shares insights on how to improve focus. Rick White, a business coach, provides tips on creating bubbles of focus, scheduling tasks, and setting boundaries with distractions. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear destination and purpose, as well as the need to overcome obstacles and challenges. 

remarkableresults.biz/e874

Listen and view episode notes

Why is Mission Strategy Crucial in the Automotive Industry? [RR 872]

“Do our technicians, when they close the hood, take the rag, you know, they rub the hood, make sure there’s no fingerprints? Do they really think about the role that they had in that customer’s life? Most of them don’t.”

Dan Taylor shares a personal experience where his technician played a crucial role in getting his wife to the hospital in a life-threatening situation. This incident made Dan realize the importance of our mission in ensuring the safety and reliability of vehicles. What is the ‘why’ behind someone’s work and why is that important? 

remarkableresults.biz/e872

Listen and view episode notes

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

Listen and view episode notes

Is Your Company Culture Holding You Back? [RR 864]

Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Culture again?” But trust me, this episode takes a deep dive into how culture can truly make or break a business. Every business has a culture, whether it’s intentional or not, and it’s crucial to evaluate if it’s the right one for retaining employees and attracting customers.

Imagine an auto repair shop that truly understands the frustrations of car owners and aims to provide honest, knowledgeable, and reliable service to give them peace of mind. That’s the kind of culture that draws customers in and keeps them coming back.

Chris Lawson suggests checking out an article in the show notes that discusses the impact of culture on over 40 business metrics. Studies have shown that employees are more motivated and efficient in a happy work environment. So, investing in your company culture can actually boost your bottom line.

If you’re a business owner or someone interested in creating a positive work environment, this episode is a goldmine of information. Carm and Chris provide practical guidance on building company culture and emphasize the need for strong policies, procedures, and teamwork.
remarkableresults.biz/e864

Listen and view episode notes

Don’t Be a Boss, Be a Leader: Tips for Building Strong Relationships with Your Employees [RR 858]

David Askwith, Managing Director of Auto Stream Car Care, discusses the importance of evolving and changing as a leader in the automotive industry. He shares personal experiences and offers advice to shop owners on how to improve their leadership skills and build better relationships with their employees. David stresses the importance of seeking guidance and advice from peers and mentors, holding employees accountable while also being part of their career development, and building trust within the team and the organization. He also emphasize the need for leaders to constantly evaluate their culture and reputation.David Askwith, Managing Director of Auto Stream Car Care, discusses the importance of evolving and changing as a leader in the automotive industry. He shares personal experiences and offers advice to shop owners on how to improve their leadership skills and build better relationships with their employees. David stresses the importance of seeking guidance and advice from peers and mentors, holding employees accountable while also being part of their career development, and building trust within the team and the organization. He also emphasizes the need for leaders to constantly evaluate their culture and reputation.
remarkableresults.biz/e858

Listen and view episode notes

Making Dispatch Work [THA 330]

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. 
remarkableresults.biz/a330

Listen and view episode notes

21 Tips: How to Gain an Edge Part 4 [THA 328]

Learn how to improve your business and take it to the next level with these 21 tips and insights related to management, marketing, customer service, and personal growth. Our panel provides practical tips such as refreshing online photos, using referral programs, and creating a virtual tour of the shop. They also encourage humility, vulnerability, and continuous learning as essential tools for success in the automotive industry.
remarkableresults.biz/a328

Listen and view episode notes

Retention: Keeping Top Employees [THA 327]

Are you struggling to retain top employees in the automotive aftermarket industry? Look no further than this episode featuring Dan Taylor, David Askwith, and Bryan Kauffeld, who share their experiences and strategies for hiring and keeping good teammates. They agree that employee retention is crucial for businesses of all sizes and starts with hiring. They discuss the importance of communication, accountability, surveys, referrals, training, and career pathing. They also stress the importance of creating a positive culture to retain top talent.
remarkableresults.biz/a327

Listen and view episode notes

Building Trust and Rapport: The Art of Being a Service Advisor [THA 326]

“The service advisor is the face of the brand and the first point of contact for customers.” Join our round table discussion as our panel shares their experiences and strategies of successful service advisors, highlighting the importance of communication skills, creating a positive customer experience, and building customer trust and rapport. It’s also essential to be an educator rather than a salesman and help customers understand how to maintain their vehicles to avoid breakdowns. The discussion also emphasizes the need for investment in service advisor training and development.
remarkableresults.biz/a326

Listen and view episode notes

Toxic Cultures, Leaders and Team Members [AW 155]

As leaders, we all know that culture is important, but how often do we take the time to really analyze and shape it? Culture is the company’s personality, starting with the leadership team. Michael Smith discusses the significance of culture and offers advice on how to become a better leader. However, toxic culture can hold a company back. Michael advises leaders to identify toxic elements and people in their company and take action to eliminate them. He emphasizes that leaders must be held accountable for the core values and purpose of the company, and they must take action to ensure that the company’s culture aligns with these values.
remarkableresults.biz/aw155

Listen and view episode notes

Consistency and Common Sense Trumps Trendiness [AW 154]

Andy Bizub emphasizes the importance of common sense and listening in the automotive industry. It’s essential to be open to new ideas and ways of doing things while maintaining consistent business practices and providing real value to employees. By listening to employees and encouraging them to share their thoughts and insights, businesses can thrive and succeed in the ever-evolving industry.
remarkableresults.biz/aw154

Listen and view episode notes

How to Create a Leadership Culture [THA 322]

How do you create a leadership culture within a business? Mike Davidson, Bryan Rogers and Josh Steinhert emphasize the importance of a positive atmosphere and culture in a shop and provide practical advice on developing leadership skills. This episode provides valuable insights and recommendations for shop owners and managers looking to improve employee satisfaction and overall success.
remarkableresults.biz/a321

Listen and view episode notes