Advantages and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence in the Automotive Industry [THA 335]
Tara Topel, Greg Buckley, and Andy Bizub discuss the applications of AI in the automotive industry, focusing on the use of ChatGPT. They share examples of using AI to update handbooks, create repair procedures, educate service advisors, and enhance the customer experience. They also discuss the challenges and potential benefits of using AI in customer-facing interactions. While AI has benefits, it should be used as a supplement rather than a replacement for human connection.
remarkableresults.biz/a335
One Location $2.5M: How We Do It [THA 334]
Shop owners Jimmy Alauria, Joe Hanson, and John Gustafson share their strategies and tactics for achieving exceptional success. The most valuable lesson? The importance of having a strong team, setting goals, and monitoring key performance indicators to achieve success. They emphasize the need for attention to detail, accountability, and hiring the right people, empowering them to lead and demonstrating commitment to the purpose and core values of the business. Tune in to learn more about how to achieve success in this industry!
remarkableresults.biz/a334
Keeping Up with Technology [THA 333]
As technology continues to advance, it can be difficult for businesses to keep up with the latest tools and updates. This is especially important as it directly affects the quality of service provided to customers. Our panel discusses the challenges of keeping up with technology and shared their tips for staying ahead of the curve. They discuss the need for specialization, individualized training, and networking to solve problems and keep up with new tools and updates.
remarkableresults.biz/a333
Why Is Transmission Diagnostic Training Essential For Automotive Technicians? [RR 859]
Lance Wiggins, Executive Director of ATRA (Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association), discusses the importance of training in transmission diagnostics and the evolving relationship between automotive and transmission shops. He also discusses ATRA’s chapters, which encourage training and communication among members, and the association’s upcoming national training event. The most significant benefit of training attending events like the ATRA Powertrain Expo is the networking that takes place. The buzz and conversations that happen between attendees are invaluable and cannot be replicated on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. So, rev up your knowledge and invest in yourself by attending training seminars. By doing so, you will provide the best possible service to your customers and stay ahead of the competition.
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How Can Professionalism Improve the Automotive Industry? [AW 161]
Mac Akram, the owner of Mack’s Complete Auto Repair in Chandler, Arizona, discusses the importance of professionalism in the automotive industry, including keeping the shop clean and organized and using digital vehicle inspections to provide better service. Mac believes that raising the standards of the industry is crucial to gaining the trust of customers. Mac also encourages shop owners to invest in training for their technicians.
remarkableresults.biz/aw161
Personalized Customer Service and Marketing Strategies [AW 160]
If you’re in the automotive industry, you know it’s not just about fixing cars; it’s about providing exceptional customer service, too. Leigh Anne Best and Bill Hill, owners of Mighty Auto Pro, discuss their marketing strategies that have helped attract and retain customers. They’ve created a customer-friendly environment, providing loaner vehicles, shuttle services, and free towing up to $50.
But it’s not just about the extras. Mighty Auto Pro also emphasizes continuous learning and growth, requiring a minimum of 40 hours of training per year for their technicians. They encourage their employees to pursue their interests and hobbies, even if they are not related to auto repair. This culture of training has grown beyond anything Leigh Anne and Bill could have imagined, with technicians pushing each other to attend classes and improve their skills.
So, what can you learn from Mighty Auto Pro’s marketing strategy? Personalization, exceptional customer service, and a culture of continuous learning and growth can go a long way in retaining and attracting customers. Make everything effortless for the customer, and they’ll keep coming back.
remarkableresults.biz/aw160
The Rise and Fall and the Rise Again of the Electric Vehicle [AW 159]
Electric vehicles (EVs) are a hot topic in the automotive industry and for good reason. They offer numerous benefits, such as reducing emissions and improving fuel economy, but they also present some challenges, including a lack of infrastructure and range anxiety. Pete Meier shares his perspective on the impact of EVs on the industry and offers some insights into their history and future. His message is one of encouragement and reassurance, emphasizing that technicians have risen to the challenge of the rapidly changing industry.
remarkableresults.biz/aw159
What Does It Take to Become an A-Tech in the Automotive Aftermarket Industry? [THA 329]
What does it take to become an A-Tech in the automotive aftermarket industry? Scot Manna, Matt Fanslow, and Ryan Kooiman share their perspectives, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, individual effort, and natural talent. They also discuss the role of shop owners in investing in their employees’ training and development, as well as the challenges faced by the industry in assessing skill levels. The episode provides valuable insights into becoming an A-Tech and how the industry can support and cultivate talent.
remarkableresults.biz/a329
Cheers to Success: Building a Thriving Business and a Craft Brewery [RR 851]
Are you a fan of craft beer? Then you won’t want to miss this interview with Kimberly and Andrew Taylor, owners of Titan Auto and the upcoming Hidden Wit Brewing Company in Mosley, Virginia. In this episode, they share their passion for brewing and their exciting plans for their 10,000 square foot facility. With a brewmaster who is an award-winning home brewer, they plan to offer 12 beers on tap and eventually expand to 18, including flagship beers and special releases.
But their success doesn’t stop at brewing. They also discuss their entrepreneurialism and the expansion of their auto shop business, which includes maintaining a consistent culture across all their locations and finding creative solutions to adapt to changes in the industry and world.
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The Art and Science of Dispatching [RR 849]
Dan Taylor and Reggie Stewart to discuss the art of dispatch in the automotive repair industry. They emphasize the importance of efficiently dispatching and scheduling jobs, using the team’s strengths and weaknesses, the need for accountability, daily tracking of labor inventory to ensure goals are met, and the challenge of accommodating walk-in customers while maintaining productivity. They stress that dispatching is crucial to the business’s success and suggest creating a simulator or role-playing exercise to teach dispatching effectively.
remarkableresults.biz/e849
Turbo Tim’s Garage: From Core Values to Cats, How to Build a Unique Brand [RR 848]
Are you looking for inspiration on how to have fun in your business while building a unique brand? In this episode, co-owners Tim Suggs and Rachel Grewell share their approach to core values and how they recently held a leadership retreat to refine those values. They also discuss the role of cats in their branding and marketing efforts, employee management and training, and community involvement. Tim says, “Being true to yourself and your team is the key to success.” So, let’s all take a page out of their book and strive to be different and true to ourselves in our businesses and lives.
remarkableresults.biz/e848
Passing the Torch: A Father-Son Journey of Strengths and Learning [RR 847]
Recorded Live at the TST Big Event 2023 with Andrew and Peter Knudsen, father and son duo of Coventry Motors in Huntington Station, Long Island. They discuss their background in the car industry, their decision to start their own business, the types of cars they work on, and their succession plan. They also discuss the challenges of running a small business, including labor rates and finding new talent. The conversation provides insights into the rewards and challenges of running a successful auto repair business and the importance of continuous learning and adapting to changes in the industry.
remarkableresults.biz/e847
The Power of Partnership: Liz and Keith Perkins on Marriage and Business [RR 846]
Recorded Live at the TST Big Event 2023. Keith Perkins discusses his presentation at the TST Big Event on electrical theory and the challenges of balancing foundational knowledge with advanced concepts for a diverse audience. We also delved into Liz and Keith’s relationship as a married couple who work together. They discussed their passion for their industry and how it doesn’t feel like work. Bonus: find out how many animals they own!
remarkableresults.biz/e846
Streamlining Workflow: Shop-Ware’s New TechApp for Technicians [RR 843]
Recorded Live at Vision 2023, this episode features Carolyn Coquillette, CEO of Shop-Ware, discussing the release of their new mobile application, TechApp, designed to help technicians manage their work more efficiently. The app allows technicians to view a list of current jobs, track their time on individual services, and easily document findings and results, including inspections. The episode also touches on the challenges of building software for the automotive industry and the importance of customer feedback in the development process.
remarkableresults.biz/e843
Unlocking Technician Earning Potential [RR 842]
Recorded Live at the TST Big Event 2023, Justin Kidd and David Macholz discuss the challenges faced in terms of technician retention, the importance of certification, and the need to change the industry’s perception and promote it as a high-tech profession. They also emphasize the importance of training and education in the automotive industry and introduce IndustryAttends.com, a website created to serve as a centralized hub for industry events and training opportunities.
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Technology Horizon, Do You See It? [RR 838]
Where is Car Count Heading? Catching Up with Greg Bunch [AW 151]
The Automotive Industry: Does the Public Really Know What We Do? [RR 836]
Technician Round Table: Mobile Technicians [THA 321]
Technician Round Table: Mobile Technicians with Matt Fanslow. Is the mobile business a symptom of the industry evolving? What is the future outlook of the mobile repair business? Are shops charging what they are worth instead of a race to the bottom? Is there a need to improve the culture and the atmosphere in shops?
remarkableresults.biz/a321
Newly Purchased ADAS Calibration Equipment [AW 150]
Get a behind-the-scenes look at shop owner Tom Sciortino’s new ADAS unit. Find out why he waited until now to purchase it, the learning curve with service information, why it is important to educate both the customers and local shops, and a step-by-step guide to how it works.
remarkableresults.biz/aw150
Going Electric in California [THA 320]
California is mandating 100% of new cars and light trucks sold will be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. How will electric vehicles change the composition of our industry? What are the service opportunities? Should you start working on hybrids if you haven’t already? Hear from the perspectives of 3 California shop owners that are ready and prepared for the future.
remarkableresults.biz/a320
Job of a Trainer Isn’t a Job, It’s a Lifestyle [RR 833]
Recorded Live at Vision 2023, we are with 3 trainers that describe training as a lifestyle, not a job. Today’s technicians must have an engineering mindset in order to repair vehicles and that requires a continuous commitment to learning, improving, and teaching for both the trainers and attendees.
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First Ever General Service Technician Academy at Vision KC [RR 832]
Recorded Live at Vision 2023, Al Wright and Travis Troy discuss the benefits of joining MWACA’s S.O.S. (Shop Owner’s Support) Group. When we can support and learn from other shop owners, we continue Advancing the Aftermarket and raising the bar for the industry. Travis also gives us an overview of Vision’s newest class for general service technicians.
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