Technicians Archives

Hiring Dealership Technicians [THA 247]

Hiring technicians from dealerships is an untapped talent pool for our industry. Shop owners that interview dealership techs with a job hopper resume will usually get tossed to the side. But maybe those technicians haven’t found their right place to work yet. The challenging environment and culture at dealerships give the independent repair shops the opportunity to show them they will be respected, appreciated, and be included in a family atmosphere with a strong culture. Listen closely to my panel as they discuss their own experiences with hiring technicians from dealerships.

remarkableresults.biz/a247

We Are Signal Intelligence Specialists – Gary Smith [RR 685]

Trainer Gary Smith loves to diagnose tough challenges. He is going to touch, in this episode, on the importance of computer and mechanical data in finding carbon and deposit fouling when diagnosing driveability concerns. He is also going to talk about a new definition of technicians saying that they are “Signal Intelligence Specialists.” A unique approach to a technician’s skill set. We discuss the skills necessary to play in this new field of automotive tradecraft.

remarkableresults.biz/e685

Catching Up With Your Mentor [RR 680]

Mentoring is a special relationship that grows between two individuals and also within themselves personally. With me is Jim Morton and Brandon Steckler: Mentor and Mentee. We all know when you teach you learn, but did you also know the best mentor never responds to a question with an answer? In this episode Jim and Brandon discuss the essence of mentorship. They also agree that going back to the basics is the simplest and often overlooked foundation for any successful diagnostician. I bet you are not surprised!

remarkableresults.biz/e680

Q & A with Chris Chesney [THA 241]

You’re going to love this question and answer format style episode with the newly retired Chris Chesney. My panel takes a deep dive into Chris’s long and successful career. What was his most rewarding experience? Does he have any regrets? What is his forecast on the technician shortage and electric vehicles? And most importantly, is retirement really in the cards for Chris Chesney?

remarkableresults.biz/a241

Apprentice Journey – High School to Graduate [RR 675]

How did a high school student who wanted to just fill a slot in his schedule end up becoming an apprentice at Dynamic Automotive? What are the qualities a mentor needs to have for an apprenticeship program? Is it possible for a 20 something-year-old to be financially stable in a career with no college debt? This is a down-to-earth, real-life episode that will shed some light on the importance of apprenticeships in our industry. … and you know how important apprentices are to me and to our long-term survival.

remarkableresults.biz/e675

Trends – Aftermarket Round Table [THA 239]

The passion my panel has for this industry is hard to miss in this episode. They touch base on topics including labor rates, the professionalism of the industry and the importance of DVI’s to just name a few. We are only scratching the surface of these issues and concerns but it’s what is needed to spark a real change.

remarkableresults.biz/a239

Are You Going To ASTE? An Update [CC 095]

Are You Going To ASTE? [CC 095]

Are you going to ASTE September 24th-25th 2021? If the answer is no, then let this episode be your reason why you need to attend. ASTE is a training and expo destination and the largest venue of its type in the Southeast. This may be the year you take the entire shop. We’ve been pent for a while, needless to say, so it may be just the perfect time to attend technical and business training and network with your peers. remarkableresults.biz/cc095

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.

Technician Outlook with Jake Sorensen-Part 2 [RR 659]

We hear the perspectives of business owners all the time, but sometimes it’s important to gain the perspective of technicians as well. See things through their eyes instead and find out what retains them as employees, and how to continue to challenge them in productive ways. Listen and pick up a few ideas to implement in your team culture.

remarkableresults.biz/e659

Playing the Long Game [THA 231]

How do you “Play the Long Game?” Are you making an effort every single day or do you tend to coast when things are going well? Forecasting the future should always be on your mind with fresh ideas and plans in place to get there.

In this episode, my panel shares their ‘long game’ on finding technicians, reasons why hybrid and electric vehicle repair is a must and keeping customers for life.

Spoiler alert: they discuss things EVERY shop owner can implement. No excuses, it’s time to dive in.
Don’t forget you can find talking points to all episodes on my website remarkableresults.biz

Career Paths – Technician to Manager [THA 229]

It’s always interesting to hear the unique paths people have embarked on to be in this industry and to grow in it. Seniority doesn’t always trump leadership skills and a drive to become invested and committed in the business. In this episode, my panel discusses the different career paths that they have taken while working for Dynamic Automotive and their plans for future growth within the company.

https://remarkableresults.biz/a229

ASE 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.

Journaling – Your Personal Case Study with Matt Fanslow [RR 648]

Do you remember being in school and it seemed like all you were doing was writing? You also memorized phone numbers. With the introduction of cell phones and computers, it seems like our memory bank has shifted. Anything we need is at a click of a button or a quick google search.

In this episode, Matt Fanslow challenges you to go back to the days of journaling and recounting your day. Start keeping a log of success and struggles you face in work and in life. It will help you map out a path to success for yourself. Journaling would be beneficial for new technicians entering our industry that might be overwhelmed. Will you take the time to create your own personal case study? Type it or write it, you choose.

Taking Your Toolbox Home with Justin Barrett [RR 644]

Justin is the owner of Barrett Automotive and has been trying to pack up his toolbox in the shop for good for the last 11 years. How many other owners out there have trouble leaving the bays?

The temptation is to default to being a technician, you were always most comfortable in that role or to help your team cover the overload. But when you’re a business owner, you have to hang up that hat and put on a different one. Justin shares his struggle.

The key talking points for all episodes reside on my website, remarkableresults.biz

Technician Outlook with Jake Sorensen- Part 1 [RR 643]

Technician Outlook with Jake Sorensen [RR 643]

Are you having trouble finding qualified technicians? Have you ever thought about starting an apprentice program but you don’t know where to begin?

In this episode, Jake Sorensen breaks down all the classic questions and concerns that arise with apprentice programs. It’s time to stop complaining about a technician shortage, and start becoming the solution. Are you willing to invest in your employees and your business? If so, keep listening. This episode can change your trajectory for the future of your business.

You can find the key talking points for this episode and every episode released on my website remarkableresults.biz

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

NASTF Update with Donny Seyfer [RR 637]

In this episode, we dive into NASTF’s soft launch of the Assisted Immobilizer Reprogramming Service that offers secure repairs when a vehicle’s security system is involved.

Cybersecurity risks are always a top concern and NASTF has collaborated with automakers to close the gap and offer a service to help shop owners, technicians, and car owners.

The key talking points for this episode reside at remarkableresults.biz/e637

ASE Educational Foundation [RR 630]

Many of us support education at the high school and college level giving of our time, guidance, and advice to advisory boards. If you are not I highly recommend getting involved. There are not enough independent voices on advisory boards. This is an important show where you will learn the role of the ASE Education Foundation in our schools and who is the biggest poachers of technician talent.

Find the key talking points for this episode at remarkableresults.biz/e630

How to Have a Four Day Work Week with Eric Henley [RR 627]

As a shop owner, how does a 4 day a week schedule sound to you? Would you like some extra time with family and friends? In this episode find out how Eric Henley
from H-Teck Auto Care does it! Be careful, you might free up some quality time!

The key talking points for this episode that make for a great meeting agenda reside at remarkablersults.biz/e627

Rethinking Your ASE Certification [THA 215]

Did you know you need a license to cut hair but you don’t need a license or certifications to change brakes on a vehicle? And why do industry owners and technicians not value ASE certifications? That is the question of the day.

Joining me on this lively discussion on ASE is Trish Serratore, Sr. VP Communication, ASE, Mark Murphy, Lead Technician, Dynamic Automotive and technician and mentor Bryan Stafford from Parkway Automotive in Little Rock, AR

A great way to attract and keep customers is by letting them know YOU have certified technicians working on their vehicles. It is also a strong part of your value proposition. Now think about this …… If you value your ‘career’ in our industry wouldn’t ASE Certification be at the top of your list?

Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from taking the tests, there are practice tests and plenty of support located on the ase.com website to guide you along the way including the new recertification app.

Never the Cheapest but the Best Value Shop – Travis Guy [RR 618]

Welcome to the 618th episode of Remarkable Results Radio.

In keeping with my goal to showcase our young owners and their rise to ownership, you’ll love this story as my Guest Travis Guy came into the family business via the hospitality industry. Specifically Disney. Do you think he may have learned a lot about how to embrace a customer? A fun and transparent interview with Travis, He says he sees the flaws we have as an industry and tells it straight about being paid for our worth and value.

Travis Guy hails from Yourba Linda Auto Service, Placentia, CA along with his brother Tim, and Dad Danny makes up the family business. He gives you a refreshing take on the state of our industry from a young owner’s perspective. We can learn a few things from Travis.

The key talking points for this episode with Travis resides at remarkablersults.biz/e618.
Thanks for being here in the front row of life in the automotive service business.

New Technology – Finding Out How it Works – Dave Hobbs Part 3 [RR 615]

Welcome to the 3rd part in a series with trainer Dave Hobbs.

Dave Hobbs is the lead technical trainer and course developer for Delphi Product and Service Solutions. Dave talks about innovations in ADAS, calibrating radar, education for tech and shop owners, brainstorming ADAS class for customers, safety, new technologies and why the automotive industry is deemed an essential business.

Hear Dave’s surprising acronyms: FRED, WARPand EWFM. Some new vocab for you.

You can find Dave Hobbs’ other episodes, and this episode’s key talking points, they reside at remarkablersults.biz/e615. Remember make listening HOMEWORK.

How to Become a Thermostat Instead of a Thermometer- Dave Hobbs [RR 601]

Become a Thermostat Instead of a Thermometer – Dave Hobbs [RR 601]

Dave Hobbs, the lead technical trainer and course developer for Delphi Product and Service Solutions, Dave Hobbs is back. Dave has graced us recently with his episode 592 talking about how to avoid comebacks with tech talks. He is now offering you his insights on ADAS training virtual classes on how to become a thermostat not a thermometer.

You can find Dave’s other episodes and the key talking points for this episode at remarkablersults.biz/e601

From College to ADAS Calibrations – Learning How [RR 599]

My guests today is Dominik Wrobel and Bob Heipp both from Mobile Auto Solutions in Chicago. Commonly referred to as MAS. This interview is about Dominik. As a 23-year-old, is straight out of college, working with 25 other mobile diagnostic technicians and learning the trade.. He is Bob Heipp’s Mentee. You know Bob as a member of the threesome TechnicianTalk Group where we’ve done 9 really intense and off the wall episodes. If you are new to the podcast go to the collections page on the website to find all Technician Talk EPisode.

Dominik and Bob talk with us about the transitions and challenges of adapting to work without any prior experience. Very much like what an automotive grad would go through. Dominik will also shed light on his mentorship, new technologies, and how much he likes ADAS Calibrations. His goal is to have his own MAS mobile truck and get out on the road. Dom is learning from all 25 team members by using slack to get the information and wisdom that he seeks.

The talking points of this episode can be found at remarkablersults.biz/e599.

Social Media Influencer- Do What is Right and Not Easy [RR 598]

Matt Fanslow and Scott Brown have been great contributors to the podcast. They also have no-nonsense views about Social Media and the diluting and filtering of information. They talk about the Dunning-Kruger effect and time consumption among other topics as they speak to the good and bad of social media. They do recommend being professional in handling your social media presence. Learn to be professionals in handling your social media presence.

Matt Fanslow is the diagnostic tech/shop manager at Riverside Automotive in Red Wing, MN., and Scott Brown is a shop owner, an ASE Master Certified Automobile Technician and the CEO of Diag.net

You can find Matt and Scott’s previous episodes and the key talking points for this episode at remarkablersults.biz/e598