Annual AAPEX Service Award Nominations [CC 094]
Welcome to a special CarmCast #094
Understand the role you play in recognizing our auto care industry’s top people. The AAPEX Service Awards are ready for your nomination. Find them aapexshow.com/service awards. The deadline is September 1, 2021.
Joining me is Dwayne Myers, Partner, Dynamic Automotive, and Bill Nalu, Interstate Auto Care, Madison Heights, MI. Bill and Dwyane were nominators from last year’s honors. They each had their nominee win.
This is a very important opportunity to increase the bar of professionalism in our industry. I’m sure you know someone worthy of a nomination. There are three awards in this annual recognition. Shop Owner, Technician, and Service Advisor of the year. This is the 2nd annual and the honors will be presented at AAPEX 2021.
I know you know someone worthy of a nomination. Consider your peer groups and twenty groups to nominate a shop owner of the year. Think about the dedication from your technician and service advisor that makes a great contribution to the professionalism of your business. You may be a technician and would like to nominate one of your co-workers or a friend.
Listen and view episode notesASE Service Professionals Month – Trish Serratore [Bonus 09]
I’m with Sr. VP of Communications at ASE, Trish Serratore and we discuss some why and how to jump on board with Service Professionals Month. This is a very short listen and we toss up some ideas on how to build momentum inside your community, but more important to thank your people who have invested in their ASE Certifications. There is still time to embrace and support ASE Service Professionals Month.
Listen and view episode notesBuilding Customer Trust [THA 225]
Building Customer Trust [THA 225]
We all know building customer trust takes time and doesn’t happen overnight. So when does it happen? It starts with every single touchpoint you make with your customer.
From marketing to the way your storefront looks, and that first phone call, every interaction inches you further in developing trust. Find out how to polish your business in this must-listen episode.
Listen and view episode notesComebacks: Prevention, Reputation and Cost [THA 224]
Comebacks: Prevention, Reputation and Cost [THA 224]
How closely do you track comebacks in your shop? Do you look for trends? Is it human error or communication gaps between customer and service advisor, and service advisor and technician? Sometimes the most loyal customers arise from correcting a mistake, but often times we are unaware a mistake even happened. In this episode, my panel dives into the different scenarios that occur during vehicle comebacks and how to correct them.
You can listen and/or watch the video of this episode and find the key talking points at remarkableresults.biz/a224
Listen and view episode notesLessons on 3rd Generation Family, Networking and the Front Counter- Steve Mancinelli [RR 623]
Lessons on 3rd Generation Family, Networking and the Front Counter [RR 623]
I caught up with Steve Mancinelli, AMAM, who proudly wears the scars of battle as a 3rd generation shop owner. Family business, networking, and learning how to run a great business are challenges we all face and Steve shares his many moves through the labyrinth of barriers that got him to where he is today. In his section of Denver, there have been 6 shops and 23 service bays have closed since the pandemic hit. Either they liquidated, retired, or moved due to high rent in the downtown area during the pandemic. Besides many wise thoughts, Steve talks about women at the front counter.
The key talking points reside at remarkablersults.biz/e623.
Listen and view episode notesThe Virtual Service Advisor [RR 621]
The Virtual Service Advisor [RR 621]
Amidst the pandemic scare, shops have taken advantage of VoIP, cloud services and new technologies to serve their customers. Some have had to put their service advisor working from home for various reasons. Imagine having support for your counter in the virtual world. Is there is a future for a Virtual Service Advisor?
Our guest today, Robbie Bunch became a virtual service advisor because of the pandemic and has excelled at it. His previous experience helped make this a reality for a shop he supports. Not only is Robbie Bunch doing Virtual Service Advisor work for a shop he continues to work for his other business “Platform Digital Marketing.”
Robbie and I toss out the idea of creating an entire industry of Virtual Service Advisors to support shops when your business is growing but not in need of a full-timer or when you lose a Service Advisor and while you are looking to hire a new person to rely on a Virtual Service Advisor to take up the slack. This episode will get you thinking.
The key talking points reside at remarkablersults.biz/e621.
Listen and view episode notesService Advisor Role Play #5 [THA 213]
Service Advisor Role Play #5 [THA 213]
Our role play subjects cover closing the expectation gap on the appointment setting call and understanding the importance of building anticipation in making the sale after the results of the DVI. We also covered how to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Service Advisor in calming the customer while building value in their services and retaining the sale. Lastly, we talked about the effective way in deferring services at the cash-out. All important and vital in building you or service advisor team.
The panel includes Clint White from Shop Vision, Dan McWilliams from Quality Service Center and Ben Lesueur from Oxford Automotive. They put their service advisor strategies for you to follow.
Find ways to compare and improve your confidence and comfort in the face of your customer. Together we have something here. This episode’s key talking points are already done for you. Find them at remarkableresults.biz/a213
Listen and view episode notesStop Selling From Your Wallet [THA 208]
THA 208 Stop Selling From Your Wallet
Too many times we think about our own money tolerance instead of the customer needs. We think what others believe is a lot of money to us is not. We also can’t fathom people paying what they do for services because we would not. We have different lines in the sand when it comes to price perception and if you sell from your own wallet you’ll limit yourself, do what is not necessarily right for your customer and limit your potential, not only for yourself but for the business.
In other words, don’t make the decision for your customer. Let them decide. We play a really insightful game that you need to do with your team.
I’m with Brian Gillis of You Net Results, who brought this excellent topic and the neat game we play, also Andy Arndt of Arndt Automotive in Malta, IL. And Keith Knowlton of LKS Auto Repair, Bremerton, Wa. They bring sound, practical, and professional advice for all of us to stop selling from our own wallets. Too many times we think about our own money tolerance instead of the customer’s needs.
This episode’s key talking points are already done for you. They reside on the show notes page at remarkableresults.biz/a208.
Listen and view episode notesPre Scheduling Appointments – The Time Has Come [THA 207]
THA 207 Pre Scheduling Appointments – The Time Has Come
Welcome to the 207th episode of the Town Hall Academy. Right up front l want to warn you. This discussion may just change the way you do business. I want you to give it your all and when done implement the tactics you discover. I know your business will blossom.
Scheduling future appointments is not a new concept. You know about it but have never decided it was good for your business or your customer. We have solid statistics that demonstrate that 59% of your customers are willing and ready to accept a future appointment for maintenance service. Ever walk out of the dentist’s office without your next hygiene appointment. How about a hair salon?
I’m with Bill Thompson, Craig Noel, and Greg Skolnik. Bill Thompson brings his critical data to support this strategy, Greg has been doing this for years and has the data to prove the strength of the strategy and Craig is starting to pre-book now.
There was a ton of passion flowing throughout this episode. I believe you’ll be moved to start in your business. So …. Let’s talk about it.
This episode’s key talking points are already done for you. They reside on the show notes page at remarkableresults.biz/a207. Enjoy.
Listen and view episode notesService Advisor Advice from Steve Shaw [RR 586]
Service Advisor Advice from Steve Shaw [RR 586]
Service advisor consultant trainer Steve Shaw of Steve Shaw Training brings his unique brand of training. Steve has some great ideas and concepts that can help you grow sales therefore dropping that margin gain directly to the bottom line. Steve Shaw teaches service advisors to get customers’ permission.
Steve shares 5 key reasons customers buy And he wants you to change the wording when you sell maintenance. There is also a simple approach to selling tires.
Steve also adds techniques in this episode. He advises, if you follow the tools and training you will sell more. He extends his understanding of customer behavior to your advantage. This episode can answer why customers buy and offer some great ideas on selling maintenance and tires.
Find the show notes at remarkableresults.biz/e586.
Listen and view episode notesImproving Work Flow [THA 192]
Improving Workflow – THA 192
We are talking about Improving Workflow in the Shop. The panel gave their best in sharing disciplines and processes that work for them. If you are a student of process improvement you’ll appreciate the discussion and if you are not you’ll realize you must start.
The panel includes Mike Davidson, Parkway Automotive, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Industry Essentials with a DOL Approved Apprenticeship Plan, Corey Evaldi, Olmsted Auto Care, Olmstead, OH, Andrew Minkler, Bavarian Motor Repairs, Capital Heights, MD and Steve Wootton, Technical Adviser, Ultimate Auto, Truck and Equipment in Cromwell, CT.
The detailed key talking points can be found at remarkableresults.biz/a192. Remember you can use the talking points to help create your own next steps or meeting agenda.
Mike Davidson shares the most important question that he asks every one of his team members.
Listen and view episode notesThe Women Stereotype: Creates Friction, Insecurity, and Gender Issues [RR 567]
The Women Stereotype: Creates Friction, Insecurity, and Gender Issues [RR 567]
My guest today is Emily Chung. She owns and operates AutoNiche, a family-friendly auto repair shop in Markham, Ontario, Canada. She is a licensed Automotive Service Technician, and Automotive Writer for various publications. She also teaches in the Automotive Business School of Canada at Georgian College.
We are going to talk about gender stereotyping. I want you to listen to this episode in its entirety and let me know what you took away. I believe it will help you understand some of the reasons we do what we do as it relates to hiring and leading our team.
When it comes to gender biases, Emily makes very strong points. No doubt you can put yourself in many of the situations Emily speaks about. So we get this on the table here in episode 567 and I welcome Emily back to keep the dialogue going. Please recall another episode recently where we had a female shop owner, technician and service adviser discuss the Female Impact in the aftermarket. It is episode RR 549
Find the key talking points, Emily Chung’s bio and links to her previous episodes at remarkableresults.biz/e567
Listen and view episode notesRyan Clo – 20 Questions in 30 Minutes [RR 561]
Ryan Clo – 20 Questions in 30 Minutes [RR 561]
Welcome to this inaugural new format you’ll hear from shop owner and coach Ryan Clo from Dubwerx and Avid Autowerx in Cincinnati. Ryan answers 20 questions within about 30 minutes. This is up close and personal and I believe brings value to you as you continue to navigate and grow your business to boundless success.
Ryan Clo shares one new skill he would like to have, new technology he recently added, his dream car, and one of his biggest mistakes and a whole lot more.
Find the key talking points, Ryan Clo’s bio and links to his previous episodes at remarkableresults.biz/e561
Listen and view episode notesFemale Impact: Getting Through [RR 549]
Ashley McCabe – McCabe’s Automotive Specialist, University Place, WA. In 2015, Ashley took over her father’s decades-old automotive business. She might not have known much about cars when she started, but she sure did know about customers. Ashley started at the front counter, and her father said he could tell that she understood customer service and…
Listen and view episode notesTire Pro Wants Your Customer Experience to Be Your Differentiator [RR 548]
Alan Beech knows what it takes to succeed in today’s marketplace. With more than 30 years of experience in the business world, he has worked his way to the top of the automotive service industry in Canada. Alan’s professional career has spanned within both the corporate and entrepreneurial spaces. Today Alan has a number of…
Listen and view episode notesExceeding Customer Expectations With Better Systems and Processes – Jeremy O’Neal and Chris Collins [RR 539]
Jeremy O’Neal President and lead sales trainer for Advisorfix, began his career as a Service Advisor and moved into Service Management at the dealership level for VW, Audi, and Porsche. He consistently placed in the top 3% of Service Advisors across the nation. With a passion for helping others, Jeremy started coaching Service Advisors in 2007. Jeremy…
Listen and view episode notesDebate: Just Say Yes – I Wish I Could – Darren Adams and Brett Bohlmann [RR 533]
Panel: Darren Adams from Dryfork Diesel and Auto in Carthage, MO Brett Bohlman from HWY 7 Service Center, Newell, IA Talking Points: “Just say yes, I wish I could” Brett lost technician- lower car count and sell more. Technician spend more time on a vehicle, less processing time Top 20% make up 80% of the…
Listen and view episode notesStop Quoting Price Over the Phone – Maylan Newton [FTR 091]
Maylan Newton from ESI – Educational Seminars Institute is a business coach, trainer and industry speaker. Maylan is no stranger to the podcast having paid it forward many times. He is a much sought our speaker at industry events in the US. Find Maylan’s previous episodes HERE. “He is ‘just a car guy’ with lots…
Listen and view episode notesService Advisor Role Play #4 [THA 159]
Jeremy O’Neal President and lead sales trainer for Advisorfix, began his career as a Service Advisor and moved into Service Management at the dealership level for VW, Audi, and Porsche. He consistently placed in the top 3% of Service Advisors across the nation. With a passion for helping others, Jeremy started coaching Service Advisers in…
Listen and view episode notesRR 472: Jeff Rudnick – Marketing Do or Die
Jeff Rudnick – Marketing Do or Die
We are talking about marketing. For some, it is like a root canal, for others they love pulling every marketing lever they have to generate traffic, loyalty, and revenue. You may dispute this, but marketing is one of the most important jobs in the company.
I’m with Jeff Rudnick from Pit Crew Marketing creator of eWardMe Auto Shop Reward card. Just one of Jeff’s areas of expertise is loyalty cards, however, he can talk on just about anything marketing. He is providing some great insights into the barrier he sees between management and the front of the store.
He says we are governed by the laws of retail, he provides some insights into converting ‘one and done’ customers into long-termers and shares his thoughts on measuring your marketing efforts. But he sees a huge communication gap between ownership and the service advisor as it relates to marketing campaigns.
Listen and view episode notesFTR 062: Rena Rennebohm – Stop Hiring Me To Fix Your Business From the Front Counter
FTR 062 Rena Rennebohm -Stop Hiring Me To Fix Your Business From the Front Counter
Listen and view episode notesTHA 130: Service Advisor Role Play #3
THA 130 Service Advisor Role Play
My guests are role-playing these three situations: #1: Brakes- the client knows what is wrong and the car has been inspected somewhere else, $2: Oil change- just looking for a price and #3: The Check Engine Light is on – how much to replace the catalytic converter?
My panel includes Rena Rennebohm CEO of Empowered Advisor, Dave Nelson From Antero’s Automotive, Greenwood Village, Colorado and RJ Milnes from DK Automotive Repair, Antioch, CA
Let features and benefits be the service advisors strong tools and during a call, you are interviewing the customer and they are interviewing you, both looking for a good fit. If cheep is what they want and you can’t deliver you’ve learned.
THA 129: Customer Financing Options
THA 129 Customer Financing Options
What options do you have to help your customers with credit choices. There are many vendor credit options to choose from and they are great. Maybe you don’t use them, maybe you should. No one wants a customer to walk out on a major purchase especially safety related. This session is here to help you capture more of the big-ticket jobs.
You just may hear a financing option idea or two that you’ve never considered. And that is exactly what we do here, push the envelope on strategies and ideas to help you grow as a leader and build your business.
Hear about the acceptance rate of vendor finance programs and a few creative ideas on how to lock in customers with a pre-payment plan. Ever do a comparison of buying new or used vs fixing the vehicle that needs all the work? Have you ever heard of the M & D loan? You are about to.
Listen and view episode notesRR 447: Jonnie Wright – Customer Service: What Are The Three Things You Want To Get Better At?
Jonnie Wright – Customer Service: What Are The Three Things You Want To Get Better At
Keeping customers satisfied is what most businesses strive for and it is what keeps them coming back.
Listen to the story of customer service from Jonnie Wright. Jonnie owns The Buyosphere. Jonnie and I get into a very deep conversation on customer service, generations, the future of phone skills, secret shopping, and reviews. Later in the episode, you will learn that the most important customer becomes the one you w
Listen and view episode notesRR 413: Jill Trotta on Pricing Transparency
Understanding Consumer Behaviour through Price Transparency
Jill Trotta Vice President, Industry Advocacy and Sales RepairPal, discusses pricing transparency and reiterates the fact that it is not going away. Every shop owner should understand this and never let this disable them in any way. If you happen to have a friend who is struggling with pricing, let them listen to this episode and it may be worthwhile for them to best understand how it works and what it means to your operation.
Jill says that millions of people visit the RepairPal site each month and the data they collect helps them understand how to make pricing transparency work for you. She also offers some survey results that, are frankly, disturbing as it relates to satisfied customers.
Listen and view episode notes