Muscle Memory for the Counter: Service Advisor Training with the Practice Bot [RR 1052]

Dan Malloy unveils a game-changing tool for your client advocates: the practice bot. Discover how this innovative AI-powered system is transforming sales training and driving unprecedented success on the service counter.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
– Orchestrate Sales Success: Learn how to get your entire team, your “orchestra of client advocates,” to “sing the same song” in unison, reflecting your business’s unique vision and culture in every customer interaction.
– Develop “Muscle Memory” for the Counter: Just like professional musicians or athletes, your service advisors need “muscle memory” to confidently handle customer conversations. Discover how daily, consistent practice with a bot can make effective communication feel natural.
– Conquer the Price Shopper: Understand the “killer” impact price shoppers have on closing rates (e.g., dropping from 81% to 42% for oil changes, or 35% to 17% for tires). Learn how the practice bot and Dan Malloy’s approach equip your team to handle these crucial conversations without immediately giving a price.
– Embrace AI for Data-Driven Growth: Explore how AI goes beyond traditional “keyword spotting” to analyze calls, score performance automatically, and provide invaluable “language KPIs.” Understand how this data on communication directly drives your traditional business KPIs and profitability.
– Mandate Daily Practice: Learn why the best companies are making bot practice mandatory, just like opening the store or running batting cages, and how it fosters a high-level, professional team
remarkableresults.biz/e1052

People 101: Why Soft Skills Drive Hard Results [THA 445]

Key Takeaways:

Auto Repair Is a People Business: Learn why shifting your focus to relationship-building and empathy is crucial for service advisors, who are often “therapists” to anxious customers.

Emotions Drive Decisions: Customers make big emotional and financial decisions, yet we often treat interactions as fast, transactional processes. Discover how to connect with customer pain points, concerns, and fears to build trust and make them feel like a priority, even when smoke is coming out of their engine.

Soft Skills = Profitability: Implementing soft skills like active listening and thoughtful questioning leads directly to climbing average repair orders, more five-star reviews, and significantly higher customer retention.

Price Becomes Irrelevant: When customers trust you, they don’t shop on price, they shop on experience.

Build “Key Dropper” Loyalty: Learn the ultimate goal: turning customers into “key droppers,” individuals who know, like, and trust your shop so completely that they simply drop their keys, confident you’ll handle everything.

Leadership Must Lead the Way: This isn’t just for your counter team. Owners must be engaged, invested, and accountable in soft skills training. Discover why your commitment to professionalism is key to the industry’s future, separating thriving businesses from those that won’t survive the next decade.
remarkableresults.biz/a445

Rehearse to Win: The Secret to Service Advisor Confidence [RR 1045]

Recorded at the Institute Summit 2025, this episode features brothers Jason and Patrick Brennan in a powerful conversation on leadership, innovation, and growth in the automotive industry. Jason emphasizes redefining training through real-world rehearsal practice for service advisors and technicians, and using “education” language to promote a culture of ongoing development. Patrick brings his marketing expertise to the table, stressing the importance of reputation management and direct response strategies for businesses. Together, they explore how strong leadership, peer networking, and a healthy company culture attract talent and fuel long-term success.

remarkableresults.biz/e1045

It’s the Person, Not the Software: Solving Common Shop Management Gaps [RR 1044]

Recorded at Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo, Ben Dexter sheds light on a common issue: many shop owners are only scratching the surface of what their shop management systems can do. From underutilized tools to overlooked processes, this conversation uncovers the true value of role-based training, strategies for better customer communication, why profit should be seen as a healthy business goal, the impact of digital vehicle inspections (DVIs), why strong service advisors are essential, and the crucial role of inventory control in shop performance. Whether you’re a shop owner, service advisor, or team leader, this episode offers practical takeaways to help your business thrive.

remarkableresults.biz/e1044

Gamification and Engagement: Innovative Tools to Retain Top Talent [RR 1039]

The episode explores key strategies for improving technician retention in the automotive industry, focusing on work-life balance, continuous education, open communication, and positive workplace culture. David Boyes highlights the Today’s Class app, which uses short, gamified, daily learning for technicians and service advisors to boost engagement. He also discusses his blog, An Automotive Shop Owner’s Roadmap to Technician Retention, which outlines a six-step approach to retention, emphasizing culture, communication, and career development.
remarkableresults.biz/e1039

Speak, Stretch, Repeat: The Communication Growth Loop [THA 429]

Recorded at Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo 2025, two attendees of a communications class, led by Chris Cloutier and Craig O’Neill, were chosen as the top speakers during a Toastmasters style mock run-through. Their heartfelt and authentic stories resonated so strongly with the audience that they were invited to share their experiences on the podcast.

What began as a simple role-play exercise turned into a powerful conversation about the role of communication and relationship building in the automotive shop industry. Our guests reflect on the value of active listening, vulnerability, storytelling, and how these traits fuel strong leadership and team culture in repair shops.

This episode is a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful moments are unplanned, and that great communication is at the heart of every successful business.
remarkableresults.biz/a429

Improve Call Handling Skills: The Power of AI and Continuous Learning [RR 1015]

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network David Boyd discusses the critical importance of call handling and customer communication, offering valuable insights on setting clear expectations and fostering a supportive training environment. Learn how modern technology can elevate customer service interactions, boost conversion rates, and drive sales growth. Plus, gain practical…

Modern Customer Engagement In Auto Service [RR 1010]

Join the dynamic duo Uwe Kleinschmidt and Krista Eriksson of AutotechIQ! Uncover how data-driven processes are revolutionizing the automotive industry, explore the shifting landscape of customer behavior, and learn why transparency and education are essential for increasing approvals. Gain actionable insights into key aftermarket strategies, including maximizing the impact of digital vehicle inspections and employing innovative sales techniques.
remarkableresults.biz/e1010

Transforming Phone Calls into Profits: The Five C’s Every service Advisor Should Know [FTR 111]

Rena Rennebohm from Empowered Advisor introduces the “Five C’s of a Phone Call”—Comfort, Customer, Car, Conclusion, and Close—designed to help service advisors optimize phone interactions and increase conversion rates in the automotive service industry. She emphasizes the financial value of effective phone communication, noting that well-handled calls can greatly improve customer engagement and boost shop profitability.
remarkableresults.biz/f111

The Impact of DVI’s On Sales and Shop Efficiency [FTR 104]

Recorded at the 2024 Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) Business Management and Lindertech Training Tradeshow, Dilraj Sekhon discusses the transformative impact of digital vehicle inspections (DVI) in automotive repair shops. Dilraj addresses common hesitations from technicians and service advisors, emphasizing DVI’s benefits, such as enhanced customer communication through visual aids, improved inspection efficiency, and protection against disputes with photographic evidence. He also highlights the importance of team buy-in, consistency in inspections, and leveraging technology for ease of use.
remarkableresults.biz/f104

The Most Overlooked ‘Power’ Tool: Unlocking Your SMS [THA 396]

‘Our shop managers, our shop owners, they don’t know what they have, and because they don’t know what they have, they don’t know how to use it to the fullest extent.’

This episode is packed with valuable advice for shop owners who want to maximize their Shop Management System and ensure their business runs seamlessly and profitably.
remarkableresults.biz/a396

A Gift, Not A Punishment: Service Advisor Coaching [THA 395]

This episode explores how effective coaching can pay for itself by improving client interactions and boosting profitability. By listening to calls and identifying areas of opportunity, coaches help advisors address customer needs more accurately. Discover why one-on-one coaching is a valuable investment for shop owners aiming to enhance their business performance and customer experience.
remarkableresults.biz/a395

From Diesel to Dollars: Building a Better Shop [RR 977]

Parker Branch discusses the secrets behind his efficient diesel repair shop in Littleton, Colorado. From morning huddles and service advisor check-ins to specialized technician carts and effective communication, Parker shares insights and strategies that have propelled his shop to success.
remarkableresults.biz/e977

A Better Road to Success: Navigating Your SMS and Customer Rapport [RR 945]

By leveraging tools like digital vehicle inspections (DVI) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, businesses can significantly improve their operations and customer experience. These integrations allow for a more streamlined process, from diagnosing vehicle issues to maintaining consistent communication with clients.
remarkableresults.biz/e945

Are You Measuring Sales by the Minute? [RR 944]

Becky Witt’s philosophy on minute-efficiency is not just a practice but a way of life. She’s fine-tuned her operations to ensure every minute counts, leading to optimized customer service and a thriving business.
remarkableresults.biz/e944

In 8 Years I’ve Been Through 68 Service Advisors [RR 942]

Recorded Live at Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo, Jeremy O’Neal shares his journey of transforming a struggling business into a thriving enterprise, emphasizing the critical role of service advisor training.  Jeremy also highlighted how understanding the business, the owner’s goals, and team dynamics is essential before implementing any training program. It’s not just about fixing cars; it’s about creating an exceptional customer experience that drives business success.
remarkableresults.biz/e942

Daily Dose of Top Tier Training: Today’s Class [THA 371]

Research has shown that people will generally forget 90% of what they “learn” within 30 days unless it is reinforced.

Recorded Live at Vision 2024, David Boyes, President of Today’s Class, outlines the mobile app’s features, including gamification and personalized training paths. AJ Nealey and Patrick Roberts share how they’ve implemented the platform in their businesses, highlighting its impact on engagement, adaptability to individual needs and its role in fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

“It’s microdosing of training. It’s a set of daily questions on a daily basis. And what I love about it, it’s the question after the question. “How confident are you in your answer?” It’s low, medium, or high. You’re understanding their confidence level.” AJ Nealey
remarkableresults.biz/a371

2024 Outlook with the Aftermarket Radio Network [THA 367]

Industry experts discuss the future of the automotive industry, focusing on training, technology, and business strategies. They explore the importance of simplifying communication, utilizing video content for customer education, and the benefits of in-person versus virtual training. The panel also discusses the challenges of management training and the need for a holistic approach to business issues, emphasizing collaboration and a positive company culture. The episode provides insights into adapting to economic changes and fostering industry growth through shared knowledge and experiences.
remarkableresults.biz/a367

Service Advisor Role Play #7 [THA 366]

Through role-playing exercises, our panel demonstrates different approaches to selling and communicating with customers. They emphasize the importance of understanding customer needs, building rapport, and being direct when necessary. The discussion covers the significance of tone, trust-building, technical knowledge, and authenticity in customer interactions. The episode concludes with a focus on continuous learning and the value of a supportive work environment.
remarkableresults.biz/a366

Why CRM is Vital to Automotive Shop Success Part 2 [THA 365]

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems are more than just tools; they are the lifeline of customer engagement and business growth. 

Explore strategies for identifying and re-engaging lost customers, adapting CRM practices to changing customer behaviors, and personalizing communication.
remarkableresults.biz/a365

The Role of The Reservationist in Auto Repair [RR 922]

Discover how “reserving” a service advisor’s time, not just the bay, can transform your client relationships and service quality.

Learn about the rise of virtual service advisors and how they’re reshaping the industry.

Find out how a well-trained reservationist can boost your shop’s efficiency and profitability.
remarkableresults.biz/e922

Coaches Lab: When Will Shops Stop Doing Work That They Don’t Get Paid For? [THA 363]

It’s time to find the hidden costs of ‘busyness’ in auto repair shops. It’s not just about the work you do; it’s about the work you’re actually getting paid for. Measuring technician productivity is crucial – because if you’re not measuring it, you can’t manage it. It’s a wake-up call for shops everywhere to stop leaving money on the table.
remarkableresults.biz/a363

Driving Change: Women’s Influence in the Automotive World [THA 361]

Nichole Bennecoff and Tenise Chapman are steering the automotive conversation toward new horizons. We’re shifting gears to talk about the power of female presence in the industry, from technicians to service advisors, and the impact it has on businesses and customers alike. Nichole shares her success in creating a team dynamic that’s as inclusive as it is efficient. She’s proving that leadership knows no gender, and her approach is magnetizing more women to the field. Tenise drives home the importance of visibility. She’s out there in a rural setting, changing the landscape and inspiring the youth to dream of a career in automotive with Camp Drive, a two-day camp for kids ages 12-15. 

We also touch on the art of customer service, crafting spaces that make everyone feel welcome, and the quest to bring more female technicians into the fold. 
remarkableresults.biz/a361

The Art of Client Appreciation [RR 915]

Dane and Cathy Bailey discuss their transition from a franchise to independent operators, the importance of trust and reputation, and their unique approach to customer relations. The Baileys emphasize the significance of creating a welcoming environment, particularly for female clients, and the role of personalized gestures like thank-you baskets and branded gifts in building lasting relationships. They also explore the parallels between the automotive and real estate industries, highlighting the importance of professionalism and quality service.
remarkableresults.biz/e915