RR 487: Joe Register – Will You Be at the Forefront of Technology?

RR 487: Joe Register – Will You Be at the Forefront of Technology?

Joe Register, Vice-President Emerging Technologies at Auto Care. Joe has over 40 years of experience delivering progressive system solutions to companies in every channel of the Automotive Aftermarket. You owe it to yourself to listen to Joe’s previous two episodes 381 and 442.

This episode shows you that there is no hiding from technology. Adapt or Fade. Joe reiterates standardization, immersive perception tech, ADAS, Dedicated Short Range, Security, Safety, Communication, 5G, Re-Calibration, OE operating specs, and so many more.

Joe says that Technicians must continue to train because of the new tech coming. They will have great job security. Shops will need to charge enough to pay for access, systems, and their communication diagnostician specialist to get the vehicle back into OE operating specs.

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RR 480: Geek Talk 2.0 Part 5 The Future of Websites. Will They Evolve?

Geek Talk 2.0 Part 5 The Future of Websites. Will They Evolve?

The Geeks are back talking websites, wait until you hear this discussion. This super-smart group creates a pile of ideas, insights, and trends to think about. I must say they were at the top of their game in this episode.

With me for part 5 of Geek Talk is Bill Nalu, Interstate Auto Care, Madison Heights, MI, Chris Cloutier, Golden Rule Auto Care, Dallas TX also CEO of Autotext.me, Greg Buckley, Buckley’s Personalized Auto Care, Wilmington, DE and Karim Morsli, Winkler Automotive, Gaithersburg, MD.

They talk organic content, the impact of social media vs the value of your website, using YouTube, and they wonder if video and chat will become mainstays on websites?

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THA 143: myASE Renewal APP – There’s an APP for That!

THA 143 My ASE Renewal APP – There’s an APP for That!

You are going to get an interesting behind the scene understanding of the myASE Renewal APP. It is in Beta, however, you can get on board.

This a perfect evolution from ASE to embrace and engage every certified technician into keeping their certs current through this very intuitive app.
The panel: John Tisdale and Kevin Lekas from ASE, Technician Rudy Mestaz and app developer Ron Meyer.

Based on technicians’ requests, you can find out when you get an answer wrong and what the correct answer is. You’ll hear the logistics behind how to get started and how you get questions sent to you each month based on the number of certifications you have. As an example, a master technician would get eight questions a month sent to your app. You can answer at your convenience. No need to register for a test center, take time off work or drive miles to sit for the exams.

You may just find this new tool from ASE an important part of your credential process and you may even dust off those expired credentials and get on board and renew them.

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RR 477: Danny Sanchez – It is Not Rocket Science to Run a Successful Shop

RR 477: Danny Sanchez – It is Not Rocket Science to Run a Successful Shop

Danny Sanchez, CEO of Autoshop Solutions, likes to keep it simple and direct. Having been a successful shop owner Danny is able to share his past experience as it relates to the challenges of the day. He sees your success as the totality of the shop from the ground up! He shares some key insights that will apply to any shop or organization. We continue to build on the trending talking points that my guests say are the fundamental building blocks of a successful shop today.

Some of the things we talk about are Building a culture, investing in people, using time efficiently and having better customer service. These are the key ingredients of becoming a successful owner!

Danny warns that every time you start something new there is a heavy investment of time, time is a commodity in shorter demand than money. Spend it wisely

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RR 476: Chris Cloutier and Scott Brown – Productivity Hacks

Chris Cloutier and Scott Brown – What does it take to become more Productive and Efficient?

There are a lot of ways to become productive and efficient. There are a lot of strategies and systems that can be followed by just hearing this episode. Follow the process, improve communication, leverage to software technologies, learn to improve diagnostic methods and a whole lot more!

The experts: Chris Cloutier and Scott Brown. Chris is the co-owner of Golden Rule Auto Care in Dallas Texas and CEO of Auto Tex Me. He spent many years in the software industry developing solutions for companies. And Scott is an ASE Master Certified Automobile Technician with over three and a half decades of professional service industry experience. He and his wife own Connie & Dick’s Service Center Inc. Together they are the productivity and efficiency duo that bring results.

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RR 473: Derek Kaufman on Augmented Reality – Closer Than You Think

RR 473: Derek Kaufman on Augmented Reality – A Future Game Changer

Derek Kaufman, a managing partner of Schwarts Advisors digs deep into the world of Augmented Reality. If AR lives up to its promise of faster diagnosis and faster part removal and replacement, the increase in bay turns will be the return on investment shops need to justify this technology.

Derek says Augmented reality will be an important tool in our not too distant future. The Army and Airforce mechanics have been using augmented reality for a few years to repair really sophisticated electromechanical systems.

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RR 469: ASA Technology and Telematics Forum 2019

RR 469: Technology and Telematics Forum 2019

This episode contains transformational information that you’ll need to know and want to know. The more you know the better decisions you’ll make in steering the strategy of your business. Better yet the knowledge will keep you on your tech edge.

We heard topics ranging from the psychological effect of autonomous vehicles, simulated augmented reality testing, and specific strategies from Ford and GM. We learned about the work of Debra Bezzina the Managing Director of the Center for Connected and Automated Transportation, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. Trust me you’ll want to hear about what Debra is working on.

This ‘brain drain’ panel includes Bill Nalu of Interstate Auto Care in Madison Heights, Michigan and Frank Leutz from Desert Car Care in Chandler, AZ.

Find the talking points and the Bios at remarkableresults.biz/e469. My big take-a-way is the discussion of balancing cybersecurity and access to data. As I said earlier, get your geek on!

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RR 442: Joe Register – What are the Puts and Takes In Servicing Advanced Technologies

What Are The Puts And Takes In Servicing Vehicles Equipped With Advanced Technologies And Automated Driving Functions – ADAS

Vehicular data is important for various reasons ranging from collisions to communications and safety. With the advancement in technologies and improved automated driving functions, data and vehicle information is vital to the future of the aftermarket.

My guest is Joe Register who is the Vice-President Emerging Technologies at Auto Care. This is his second interview. His first episode was episode 381 which talks about SVI (Secure Vehicle Interface). In this episode, we discuss the technologies and features that keep consumers safe. With a focus on calibration and self-calibration, we speak to the vehicle data privacy and the investment in ADAS calibration training and equipment among others.

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RR 441: Geek Talk 2.0 Part 4 – Can Our Data Be Used As a Benefit to Others and Us?

In their fourth installment of Geek Talk 2.0. This episode took an interesting path as Greg brought his perspective on AAA. Chris talked about AI, Bill has his thought on his suppliers and Karim talked about the importance of data ownership.

Your panel- Greg Buckley from Buckley’s Personalized Auto Care Willimgton, DE Chris Cloutier from Golden Rule Auto Care, Dallas, and CEO of Autotex.me, Bill Nalu Interstate Auto Care, Madison Height, MI and Karim Morsli, Winkler Automomotive in Gaithersburg, MD.

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RR 366: Defend Our Marketplace – Keeping Up With Connected Cars

Defend Our Marketplace – Keeping Up With Connected Cars

Our ASCCA Connected Cars Panel; Carolyn Coquillette of Luscious Garage, San Francisco, CA, Dave Kusa of Autotrend Diagnostic, San Francisco, CA, and Niko Sougias of Charlie’s Foreign Car Service, Encinitas CA help us better understand the impact of the connected car.

The Panel discusses how the committee defends our ability to do business in the automotive aftermarket, current outlook on Connected trends, and Why is ASCCA focused on Connected Cars.

Learning and understanding this episode grants us the wisdom to either adapt or become obsolete. Continuous learning and being prepared for autonomous cars are one of the few things we need to do as we look to stay ahead of the curve.

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THA 085: 21 Tips to Gain an Edge over the Competition – Part 3!

21 Tips To Gain An Edge Over Your Competition – Part 3

With me, in this part three is the same crew from part two and part three. Todd Westerlund, CEO of Kukui , Jeremy O’Neal Freedom Automotive in Hesperia, CA and President and lead sales trainer for Advisorfix and Mark Goldsmith Mark’s Independent Service in Chatsworth, CA

There was a special challenge put forth by Todd Westerlund from Kukui and you’ll discover that at the end of the episode. The combined tips between the three parts are 68 which includes bonus tips.

Too many to list, but you’ll find not only great ideas in this episodes but trends you must be implementing if you plan to stay relevant and in business.

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RR 362: Technician Round Table – Part 6 – Heipp – Landry – Fanslow

Technician Roundtable Part 6

Our continuing Tech Talk series is back for another go at some intense thinking. Join Matt Fanslow, the diagnostic tech/shop manager at Riverside Automotive in Red Wing, MN, Peter Landry, ASE L1 Master Automotive Technician from Brookfield, WI and Bob Heipp from Mobile Auto Solutions, LLC (MAS) and lead tech and Technician Manager in the Chicago metropolitan area and northwest Indiana. Both Peter and Bob work for MAS.

They are talking Valuing Techs, Marketing your diag capabilities, building a personal network, improving your diagnostic skills, ADAS, and a lot more.

Listen to their thoughts about using a mentor to help receive the max benefit from training events.

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RR 361: Scott and Michael Waddle. Owner and Prodigy. Father and Son.

Father and Son / Owner and Prodigy

Scott and Michael Waddle of Precision Auto Service, Langley, British Columbia. Shows us that a tandem of father and son can unlock different creative and innovative skill sets applicable to the modern shop of today.

Listen to how Scott is nurturing his son’s gifts and transforming them into assets their shop can use. Michael’s innovative work on automotive electrical and lighting systems is phenomenal considering that he is 15 years old this year. Even though Michael still can’t do the heavy lifting within the shop, this doesn’t stop him from his creative thinking. He is creating apps for the business. Learn about them.

Scott continues to provide training and enrollment plans for his son’s future providing an inspiration to every family owned shop and maybe a succession strategy too.

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RR 354: Geek Talk 2.0 Part Two – Tech Talk From Aftermarket Professionals

Geek Talk 2.0 Part 2 – Who owns your data.

Join Greg Buckley CEO, Buckley’s Personalized Auto Care, Wilmington, DE, Chris Cloutier, Golden Rule Auto Care, Dallas TX and CEO of Autotex.me, Bill Nalu, President of Interstate Auto Care, Madison Heights, MI, Karim Morsil, Winkler Automotive, Gaithersburg, MD, and author and trainer Tracy Martin.

This is the second part of this episodic series covering important ‘tech’ topics that the automotive aftermarket, especially the service professional needs to pay attention to.

We discussed ownership of car generated data, the influence of the dealer network, the explosive growth of cellular networks in cars and trucks. The fact that new generations have no brand loyalty and what are we doing as shop owners to prepare ourselves to survive and thrive if we are not embracing IT.

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RR 349: Tracy Martin – Our Vehicles are Becoming Smartphones on Wheels

Smartphone on Wheels.

Tracy Martin has authored six Motorbooks Workshop Series and writes articles for industry and trade magazines. His articles of late are focused on the connected car.

Our cars today are becoming if not already became smartphone on wheels. If this is the case, then all threats that are threatening our computers at home and our mobile device could potentially harm our cars as well. There are instances of factory system hacking and car software hacking that heightens our concern.

We talk cybersecurity concerns, the evolution of techs needed to fix the vehicles of the not too distant future and a better encryption protocol. Tracy says that you must be aware of the risks that can and will be present as the future unfolds.

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RR 339: Geek Talk 2.0 Part One – Tech Talk From Aftermarket Professionals

Geek Talk 2.0 Part 1 – Cloud-Based Systems, RansomWare and More

Join Greg Buckley CEO, Buckley’s Personalized Auto Care, Wilmington, DE, Chris Cloutier, Golden Rule Auto Care, Dallas TX and CEO of Autotex.me, Bill Nalu, President of Interstate Auto Care, Madison Heights, MI, Karim Morsil, Winkler Automotive, Gaithersburg, MD, Ollie Branche, Network Specialist and author and trainer Tracy Martin.

This episodic series will cover important ‘tech’ topics that the automotive aftermarket, especially the service professional needs to pay attention to.

We also speak to ADAS and why your involvement in your state’s laws regarding autonomy and who controls the data.

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RR 338: Technician Round Table – Part 5 – Heipp – Landry – Fanslow

A Wide-Open Discussion from Three Aftermarket Technicians on Mentoring, Fundamentals Training and Mentoring Under a Master Technician

This technician roundtable brings back Matt Fanslow, Bob Heipp, and Peter Landry in our fifth roundtable interview. It is freewheeling, smart and evident that these three are very passionate about their career and industry.

We discussed technician pay and the need for shop owners to improve their profits, so the industry can pay better. We talked about technicians that take their education and skill set seriously and are constantly pushing to expand on them. They also tossed around the answer to this question: ‘What is a True Master Technician?’ We also talked fundamentals, and specialization and a whole lot more.

Agree or disagree with these three diagnosticians they’ve got opinions. You be the judge.

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RR 309: The Shop of the Future – Are You Prepared? Vision 2018 Town Hall

The Shop of the Future: Are You Prepared?

Have you thought about how you will do business in the future? Well the mission of this panel was to stretch the boundaries and serve up plenty of thoughts, concepts and changes coming that you need to be fundamentally be prepared for.

So happy to be able to present this audio recording from Vision 2018. With me are shop owners, Summer Gurerro from Affinity Automotive Services, Inc in Wichita, KS, Keith Williamson owner of Williamson’s Repair and Tire in Bondurant, IA, Trainer and Mobile Technician Eric Ziegler form EZ Diagnostics, Chris Chesney the Senior Director, Customer Training at the Carquest Technical Institute and Donny Seyfer the Executive Officer of NASTF, the National Automotive Service Task Force and co-owner of Seyfer Automotive in Wheatridge, CO.

Many great thoughts that will help shape your future. There are many important action steps discussed that need your support and engagement. Listen carefully for those cues.

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RR 292: Technician Round Table – Part 4 – Heipp – Landry – Fanslow – Meyers

Wide Open Discussion from Three Aftermarket Technicians and One Who Left the Industry.

As usual, these guys brought their opinionated selves to the interview, yet spoke from the heart about topics they are passionate about. Some no holds barred discussion points. There are times where there is no sugar coating and that is good to embrace all sides of an issue.

Matt Fanslow, Bob Heipp, Peter Landry and Tom Myers openly discuss some very hot and touchy subjects that affect all aftermarketer’s.

Just a few of the topics we discussed, shops charging for diagnostic time, opinions on social media, a discussion on augmented reality. They discuss that techs need to help the business owner make money, and therefore owners should share in the wealth. We talk about shop owners training their top and best-vested technicians and talk pay and benefits.

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RR 290: Al Haberstroh and Robert Cannon

Marketing To the Ultimate Customer. The Power of Video and the Zero Moment of Truth.

Al Haberstroh, a partner and Chief Strategy Officer at MontAd Media, a data marketing company serving the auto aftermarket and Robert Cannon, Chairman and CEO of AutoNetTV. Discuss building confidence and awareness in your consumer’s relationship.

These two companies have formed a strategic partnership to provide innovative content and marketing services to the aftermarket. They believe, “Macro trends like price transparency and more educated consumers are compelling smart manufacturers to connect with repair shops and consumers in creative ways.”

This conversation is going to light you up if you are into branding, marketing and the buying moment of truth. Al and Robert have a handle on the ‘e’ buying experience and look to work with the aftermarket to nurture a knowledgeable and brand conscious customer for the service professional.

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RR 278: Emerging Technology – How Will the Aftermarket Prepare – Service EDU @ AAPEX17

Trends, Current Issues and Outlooks On the Future of the Service Sector

Shop owner Ryan Clo, Trainer Dave Hobbs and Diagnostician Matt Fanslow share their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges that make up the dynamic and changing aftermarket.

Don’t miss the discussion on training, business models, technician pay, business culture, specialization, and the changing role of the shop owner.

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RR 189: Uwe Kleinschmidt from AutoVitals

Technology Entrepreneur shares his vision of success for the service professional..

Uwe Kleinschmidt founder and CEO of AutoVitals shares his insights on the continued integration of technology for every service professional. He says the internet is fundamentally changing the industry and how we serve the customer.

Uwe talks about the power of data, unbillable time wasted, why the service advisor is the most important part of the successful shop, that total shop measurements is the next frontier such as real time technician efficiency, and many more stimulating thoughts, ideas and insights.

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