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Share this…Danny Sanchez is owner and founder, of Autoshop Solutions and grew up spending countless hours working around his dad’s auto repair shop in California, eventually taking over and running the business himself. Autoshop Solutions started in 1998, when Danny founded Auto Web Solutions. The Internet was starting to take off, and Danny took great…
Share this… Mike Davidson from Parkway Automotive in Little Rock, Arkansas, been in the industry for 31 years and a business owner for 18. His team includes 6 techs who support eight lifts and seven bays with a shop foreman, two service advisers and an estimator. He’s on track to do $1.7 million this year.…
Share this… Bill Hanvey is the Sr Vice President of AASA (Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association). He has oversight of AASA’s internal operations while leading their marketing and new member initiatives while serving as executive director of the Brake Manufacturers Council and the AASA Marketing Executives Council. His resume is impressive with The Schaeffler Group USA,…
Share this… A special thanks to Joe Sevart, in celebrating a milestone, as the 50th podcast guest! Joe Sevart from I70 Auto Service in Kansas City, MO, received a very high honor from NAPA in 2014 as their NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year. Please watch this special video done as a tribute to Joe: http://i70autoservice.com/joes-award/…
Share this… Bob Greenwood, AAM is President and CEO of Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre Ltd. AAEC is a company focused on providing Business Management Resources and Development for the Independent Sector of the aftermarket industry. Bob has over 40 years of Business Management experience within the Independent sector of the automotive aftermarket industry in North America,…
Share this… Meet Jeff Matt owner and founder of Victory Auto Service & Glass, a family-owned, award-winning auto repair and auto glass business with six locations in Minnesota and Florida, is known for its honest, dependable service. Before opening Victory Auto in 1997, Jeff worked as an automotive technician and dreamed of opening a shop where the customer…
Share this… Trish Serratore is the Senior Vice President of ASE along with being President of the National Automotive Technicians Education foundation (NATEF) and the Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES). She works closely with all of the organizations within the ASE Industry/Education initiative, which also includes ASE and the Automotive Training Managers Council (ATMC), to…
Share this… Greg Skolnik from Motor Works in Rockville, MD is a 40 year industry veteran and a shop owner for 37 years. Greg has a 3,000 SQ FT facility with 6 bay/lifts plus an alignment bay. The shop team is made up of 2 techs, one apprentice, one service adviser, one ops manager and…
Share this… Kim Walker from 5 Stones Media is a social media expert, but before she became involved with Five Stones Media she was a school counselor and a teacher. Her husband Brian, started his own shop while he was a Mercedes technician in North Carolina. Then asked Kim to leave her school job and…
Share this… Rick Bilger a 40 year service professional owns Advanced Auto Pros in Greely, CO. His Grandfather and Dad were mechanics/technicians and Rick practices his craft in a 10 bay facility with 4 techs, and two service advisors. Rick, a pilot, offers some very interesting and unique strategies in this episode. Much to learn…
Share this… Trish Serratore is the President of the National Automotive Technicians Education foundation (NATEF) and the Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) as well as Senior Vice President at ASE. She works closely with all of the organizations within the ASE Industry/Education initiative, which also includes ASE and the Automotive Training Managers Council (ATMC), to…
Share this… Dave Toole, owner of Toole’s Garage in San Carlos, CA has a family affair, with Dave’s entire family working in the business. A great discussion on family and a few challenges as every family business knows. However he knows his role; as the glue of the organization. He keeps it going and all…
Share this… Jim Murphy prefers to use only one word when describing himself: coach, “That’s all I am, and honestly, that’s all I want to be,” he says. In nearly every position Murphy has held throughout his 30-plus-year career in the repair industry, his work has revolved around shop improvement. After graduating from Oregon State…
Share this… Roger Lanctot, Associate Director Global Automotive Practice from Strategy Analytics, Inc., a global research and consulting firm that provides insights and strategic business solutions to companies operating at the convergence of information, communications and entertainment technologies. Roger Lanctot has a powerful voice in the definition of future trends in automotive safety, powertrain, and…
Share this… Bill Nalu form Interstate Auto Care in Madison Heights, MI has a very interesting story … he tells it well so I won’t spoil much of it. He has 30 years in the business to include some time as a Shell dealer. He and his brother are partners in the business. Let me…
Share this… Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of the Auto Care Association shares her views and thoughts on the industry and the association she has led for the last 11 years. Before becoming President and CEO Kathleen served as executive vice president. She joined the Auto Care Association after 30 years with Babcox, a leader…
Share this… Bill Moss, Owner and Certified Master technician of EuroService Automotive in Warrenton, VA. Bill has been fixing cars since before he was old enough to drive them. Such a strong desire to be around cars led to his first job at an Arlington service station when he was 16 years old. While home…
Share this… Pete Meier the Director of Training for the UBM Advanstar Automotive Group of publications goes ON-POINT here in episode 36. I’m sure you’ve read Pete in either Motor Age, ABRN, Aftermarket Business World or Dealer News. His primary goal is to bring working technicians the information they need to succeed. Pete is an…
Share this… Jerry Kezhaya from The Auto Shop in Plano Texas has been in business since 1981. Plano is a northern suburb of Dallas with a population on 280,000. According to Jerry it is the top growing county in the US. His shop is large 35,000 sq ft. He has 21 lifts and has two…
Share this… Enjoy a narrative from Carm Capriotto as he recounts the four days spent in Detroit at the NACE/CARS 2015 Expo and Conference in July 2015. Listen to his observations and actual quotes from speakers along with specific ‘hot’ subjects having an impact on the aftermarket right now! Get out your pen and paper…
Share this… Co-Owner of Seyfer Automotive, in Wheat Ridge, CO. Donny Seyfer, a 3rd generation owner, has over 30 years of automotive experience as a technician, manager and service consultant. His Dad started in 1961 and his grandfather was building race cars before that. Seyfer Automotive provides general repair, and maintenance with a special focus…
Share this… Malcolm Sissmore is a wealth of knowledge on telematics and provides great insight on the subject. Malcolm is with Delphi Product and Service Solutions. He is the North American Sales Director: Traditional Markets & Telematics and the Country Director Canada. Many of our guests have discussed telematics technology as a potential disruptor or…
Share this… Meet Tod Holiday the second generation owner of the 43 years young Winchester Tire and Alignment in Memphis, TN. Like so many of our podcast entrepreneurs this is a great story on growing up in a family business when before school and after-school were all about being at the business helping out. (I’m…
Share this… In May 2015 Donny Seyfer was named Chairman of ASA. He says it is a ‘NEW’ organization that is changing in many positive ways. Donny shares his inside view on the Automotive Service Association and discusses the biggest benefits to the membership. He also talks about their big expo and conference NACE/CARS, in…
Share this… Curt’s Service started out as so many shops did back in the day as a Sunoco Station. That was 34 years ago that Curt Massoll got the bug. Andy Massoll, second generation owner of Curt’s Service in Oak Park Michigan. Guest Andy Massoll is second generation owner and has a top shop designation…
Share this… (NOTE: This episode was recorded and released in July 2015. The picture above is the presentation for the 2015 fundraising efforts. $141,868 was collected.) In 2011, Leigh Anne Best and fellow shop owner Laura Frank began the “Brakes for Breasts” fundraiser with 5 local auto shops in Ohio. In 2012, they expanded “Brakes for Breasts” to 27 shops…
Share this… Meet Bogi Lateiner from 180º Automotive in Phoenix, AZ. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Oberlin College in just three years with a double major in Womens’ Studies and Pre-Law. Listen to her story on how she got where she is today. Her nine year old shop has an all-female tech team, working…
Share this… Where are we getting our future technicians? Without one doubt this is a big aftermarket concern. There are many great post-secondary training institutes or colleges in the US. One that I happen to know a lot about is in Wellsville, NY. It’s Alfred State College part of the State University of NY system.…
Share this… Frank Butkus-Leutz of Desert Car Care in Chandler, AZ, is clearly a vibrant, excitable and passionate shop owner. He is enthusiastic about unity in the industry and helping his fellow shop owner. This outspoken jazz trombonist tells his story from growing up in Harlem to serving in the Persian Gulf as a signalman. …
Share this… Jill Trotta, Director Automotive Group at RepairPal provides an in-depth discussion on the benefits and value of this shop referral site. A few of our previous podcast guests are RepairPal members and that got me curious and prompted a call to Jill for an interview. According to Jill there are 1200 participant shops…
Share this… Maryann Croce of Croce Transmissions in Norwalk, CT and her husband Tony combined her banking career and his automotive technical skills and bought a transmission business 15 years ago. They have 4 bays, 4 techs and one service adviser As so many in the aftermarket know when husband and wife’s and families, for…
Share this… Amy Mattinat, the current president of the Car Care Council Women’s Board discusses the organization she leads. When you think about the number of woman who make up the majority of customers and decision maker at service counters, the role the Women’s Board is very important to the industry. Amy outlines the council’s…
Share this… Bill Hill owner of Mighty Auto Pro from Medina, OH has owned the 19 bay 10,000 sq ft shop for 17 years. He employs 13 associates that includes 5 techs, 2 service writers, 1 customer service specialist along with a customer service assistant and a shuttle driver. He believes that processes and procedures…
Share this… Michael Haeg is the Director of Business Development at Century Interactive. He says they are phone nerds and have a solution called ‘service setter’ that shops use to improve their phone skills and close more sales. Who wouldn’t want that? Michael points out that the “owning the phone” has a bigger impact on…
Share this… Greg Buckley of Buckley ‘s Auto Care says it was a thrill working alongside his dad, when he was eight years old, pumping gas. This 49 year legacy business has 5 bays, 3 techs and 2 service writers. He is a busy man being a member of ASA, an ATI Coach, a member…
Share this… Michael Rukov, Products and Marketing Manager of One-Stop Parts Source is the Chairman of YANG. The Young Auto Care Network Group is a part of the Auto Care Association whose membership is under 40 years old. Michael talks about the start of the group two years ago, their goals for 2015 and the…
Share this… Dave Serio from Vehicle Service Plus, in Bel Air, MD, takes his turn on the Remarkable Results Podcast. Dave is not just a 30 year shop owner but a Saturday morning radio show host for the last 19 years. Dave has been in the business since 1979 and owned other shops. His current…
Share this… Dave Striegel owner of Elizabeth Auto Care in Elizabeth PA is also owner of Shop Docotor.com, a business coaching company and he was our inaugural interview in episode one of the Remarkable Results Podcast. Since this is the first episode of Remarkable Results: ON POINT, Dave was a perfect choice to lead off…
Share this… Besides growing up in the 57 years young family business, Judy Walter the CFO and co-owner of Zimmerman’s Automotive, Mechanicsburg, PA with her uncles works with a family staff of 12 out of 29 team members. This is a true blue family enterprise. At they have a 20,000 sq foot facility, sporting a 12-bay shop…
Share this… Matthew Roayaee is franchise owner of Auto Check- Cypress Station in Houston, TX. He’s been in the business for 15 years when he started out as a lube technician. This great entrepreneurial success story is full of great take-a-ways you can and will relate to. He offers wise words on starting a business,…
Share this… Amy Mattinat of Auto Craftsmen in Montpelier, VT had the good fortune to combine her love of cars with a career in the automotive industry. Whether going on ride-and-drives, teaching car care clinics, running her independent repair shop or working with the Car Care Council Women’s Board, she is able to combine her…
Share this… This week’s guest is Joe Marconi. You may know the name because Joe writes a monthly column in Ratchet and Wrench. He’s been in business for over 35 years and owns Osceola Garage in Baldwin Place, NY. Joe’s interview is over two parts. You are on part two. Part one is in episode…
Share this… This week’s guest is Joe Marconi. You may know the name because Joe writes a monthly column in Ratchet and Wrench. He’s been in business for over 35 years and owns Osceola Garage in Baldwin Place, NY A great interview broken up over two parts. You are on part one. Part two is…
Share this… Doug Whiteman, owner of George’s Sierra Shell a successful 42 year old business in Fontana, CA, is Motor Age’s TOP SHOP in 2014. Not only is he a strong operator and shares solid insight to his remarkable success, Doug and team is very involved in many philanthropic efforts in his community (see overview…
Share this… Doug Whiteman, owner of George’s Sierra Shell a successful 42 year old business in Fontana, CA, is Motor Age’s TOP SHOP in 2014. Not only is he a strong operator and shares solid insight to his remarkable success, Doug and team is very involved in many philanthropic efforts in his community (see overview…
Corey Evaldi discusses the issue of unintentional self-devaluation in the automotive industry. Corey advocates for a shift in mindset, urging industry professionals to see themselves as skilled specialists, and the importance of educating customers about the value of services. Corey highlights the need for clear communication, transparency in pricing, and fostering a positive industry image.
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By setting realistic expectations, providing necessary support and training, fostering a positive work environment, and maintaining transparency and honesty, business owners can create a more productive and harmonious workplace. Implementing these actionable tips from Kevin Eckler can help reduce turnover, improve employee satisfaction, and ultimately lead to a more successful business.
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Bill Weaver from NAPA Autotech discusses the vital role of personal commitment to training for automotive technicians. He shares his experiences and emphasizes the importance of continuous education, mentorship, and self-education. Weaver highlights the need for technicians to invest time in training through various platforms and stresses the significance of applying acquired knowledge in the workplace.
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Rick White discusses the concept of future tripping, which involves focusing on negative possibilities in the future, and reverse future tripping, which entails dwelling on the past. He emphasizes the importance of staying present, learning from past experiences, and planning for the future while taking actionable steps in the present. Rick offers practical advice on maintaining focus and momentum by asking, “What’s real?” and “What’s the next best thing to do?”
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Tom Petty discusses the critical importance of technical training in the automotive industry. By addressing the skills gap, developing young talent, investing in continuous training, and embracing technological advancements, the industry can ensure a skilled and competent workforce ready to tackle the challenges of modern automotive technology.
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Share this… 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’…
Share this… With me is Maryann Croce from SmallBusinessvantge.com. She and her husband Tony also own Croce Transmission in Norwalk, CT. As a business owner, she can chalk up many a mistake that has turned into wisdom. She has been there and done that and shares 5 key principles to help a startup business person get ahead…
Share this… Cecil Bullard is President of the Institute for Automotive Business Excellence. He is a trainer and business coach in the automotive aftermarket working closely with service professionals. Previous episodes featuring or mentioning Cecil, click HERE. Institute for Automotive Business Excellence website. Talking Points: Re-thinking parts margins based on pricing transparency from online parts sellers He…
Share this… Tom Palermo is General Manager of Preferred Automotive Specialties in Jenkintown, PA. Tom is a world class Master Technician and a Certified ASE Advanced Level Technician, is certified from ASE including Master Auto, MasterTruck, Master Truck Equipment, Master School Bus, Master Collision, Master Transit Bus, L1, L2, C1, X1, P2, F1 Besides the 2015…
Share this… Kevin Lekas is the Project Manager for Special Testing Programs at ASE. Kevin’s previous episodes HERE. Key Talking Points: myASE renewal app is now branded ASE Renewal APP One year in development and testingThere are about 2,000 techs already involved and another 4,000 ready to get on board www.aserenewalapp.com Certify without going to…
Share this… Kim Auernheimer, AAM is the Co-Owner & Business Manager of CS Automotive in Brentwood, Tennessee. CS Automotive was opened in October of 2006 in the back of a warehouse and now they call a 6,400 square foot, 10-bay shop home. Prior to joining her husband Rob in the business on a full-time basis, Kim had…
Share this… Bob Greenwood, AMAM (Accredited Master Automotive Manager) is President and C.E.O. of Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre Ltd. (AAEC). AAEC is a company focused on providing Business Management Resources and Development for the Independent Sector of the aftermarket industry. AAEC content and technology is recognized as part of the curriculum of the Fixed Operations Diploma…
Share this… Ben Johnson, Director, Project Management, Mitchell 1 Key Talking Points: Some companies challenges is its own success Business start with a vision and a why Over time we tend to not focus on your why but our what If you look at your competition and feel you have to duplicate or mimic what…
Share this… With nearly 50 years’ experience in the automotive field, Jerry Holcom is an ASE Certified Master Auto Technician with the Advanced Engine Performance (L1) certification, a former Certified Master Machinist, and is also an Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) through the Automotive Management Institute. Jerry Holcom owns S & S Service Center in Kansas City, MO, is…
Share this… Steve Finzel, Finzel’s Master Tech, Terre Haute, IN is not a happy camper as it relates to transmission fluid. You may just relate to his rant or maybe even offer some advice. Listen to the frustration Steve has over transmission fluids. Find Steve’s previous episodes HERE. Talking Points So many transmission fluids Low…
Share this… FTR 081 Brian Sump – Never Let Your Foot Off The Pedal Multi-shop operator Brian Sump from Avalon Motorsports and Ubran AutoCare brings a whole lot of passion to this episode as he shares some self-reflection on a rocky time he experienced and what he learned. He says that you’ve got to review…
Share this… Matt Fanslow is the diagnostic tech/shop manager at Riverside Automotive in Red Wing, MN. His primary responsibilities are to diagnose driveability and electrical/electronic issues, and perform most all programming, coding, initializing, adoptions, etc. Basically, if it needs to be figured out or has wires, it goes to Matt. He’s been a tech since 1996. Matt…
Share this… Andy Bizub from Midwest Performance Cars in Chicago is also a native of Chicago. His first career was 25 years as a commodity trader. He entered the professional auto industry in 2014 by acquiring a failing shop in downtown Chicago that he was a customer of and started a turnaround. Andy now has two…
Share this… Carm Capriotto, AAP, is a career automotive aftermarket professional. He hosts and produces the automotive aftermarket’s premier podcasts. They include Remarkable Results Radio, the Town Hall Academy and For The Record. Carm is an influencer and connector of people and speaks to the industry about what he learns each day from the essential…
Share this… Matt Fanslow is the diagnostic tech/shop manager at Riverside Automotive in Red Wing, MN. His primary responsibilities are to diagnose driveability and electrical/electronic issues, and perform most all programming, coding, initializing, adoptions, etc. Basically, if it needs to be figured out or has wires, it goes to Matt. He’s been a tech since 1996. Matt…
FTR 076 Dream Big – You’ll be surprised Where a Career in the Automotive Will Take You
FTR 075 Bill Hill – Yearly Bonus is All About a Commitment to Training
FTR 074: Deb Van Batenburg – Fix The Things You Tolerate
FTR 073 Bob Heipp – Stop Enabling the 80% Who Are Not Committed to Training
FTR 072 Bill Haas – Are You Aware What the Dealerships are Doing to Compete with the Independent
FTR 071 Mike Davidson – Wage and Hour Laws – Don’t Ignore This
FTR 070 Tim Dwyer – Why You Need to be Involved in Skills USA or Canada
FTR 069 Matt Fanslow on Diet and Exercise – Not Necessarily a High Priority for Aftermarket Pros
FTR 068 Ron Ipach – Close Your Shop and Go Get a Job
FTR 067 Rick White – Change Your Life and Your Business – Get To Training
FTR 066 Carm Capriotto – Struggling Shops and The Rule of Holes
FTR 065 Bill Haas – Never Let a Third Party Influence Your Profit Structure
FTR 064 Mike Davidson – An Idea on Where to Find Apprentices for Your Shop
FTR 063 Matt Fanslow – What The Aftermarket Can Learn From Reality Tv Business Shows. Have you ever watched a reality Business TV show and related to the owner who was on the hot
FTR 062 Rena Rennebohm -Stop Hiring Me To Fix Your Business From the Front Counter
FTR 061 Bill Haas – Let’s Not Make The Same Mistake We Made With R12 With Ownership Of Data? Let’s Re-thinkThis.
FTR 060 Jeff Rudnick are Cooperatives in Our Future.
Consider economies of scale to save money and own your brand and control your marketing.
Greg Buckley on Lyft
Greg Buckley posted a video he did when he visited a LYFT Service Center in Philadelphia and shared his observations. No doubt this business model from LYFT is a disruptor and what can we learn from it and what should you know.
FTR 058 Tomi Oliva- Would You Work For You?
Tomi Oliva from San Jose Automotive Center in Chicago reminds us how important morale and work environment is. He reminds you that it is the little things that matter.
FTR 057: Carm Capriotto – Get Involved In This National Cancer Research Program – Brakes For Breasts
FTR 057: Carm Capriotto – Get Involved In This National Cancer Research Program
I’ve got a big ask for you. In the next few minutes, I’m going to set up a compelling reason to get involved with the Brakes for Breasts national program. This is a strong program that is nearing the $1M donation milestone. I feel it may happen soon. This year could be the year B4B hits this huge goal.
My respect and admiration for Laura Frank and Leigh Anne Best, who started brakes for breasts with a hand full of shops in the state of Ohio. Two lady service professionals have created a jewel of a program that continues to grow in support and influence in the industry. The program is Brakes For Breasts and it happens every October. Laura and Leigh Anne are independent service professionals and therefore know your business and can relate to the value Brakes For Breasts can bring to your business and for cancer research.
Total donated to Dr. Vincent Touhy at the Cleveland Clinic for his research on a Breast Cancer Vaccine is $747,771, since 2011. The $1M milestone is not too far away and to get there, your help is needed. www.brakesforbreasts.com is where you can sign up.
Justin Barrett – Hard Talk on Areas of Improvement for Independents
Justin Barrett, owner and operator of Barrett Automotive, Cornelia, GA sees areas that need improvement for independent service operators.
Justin Barrett will hit a few nerves as he asks you to take a look at your facility through the lens of the customer. And if you are not requiring 80 hours of training for your people, according to Justin, you are not keeping pace. He’ll also tell you why and how he closes and takes his team to train at venues like Vision in Kansas City.
FTR 055 Matt Fanslow – We Should Take The Same Skill Set For Automotive Diagnostics And Apply It To KPI Management
Matt Fanslow has an interesting view of analyzing KPIs. He says if your a shop owner that started as a tech, you have the foundation to take what you know about diagnostics and apply it to improve your business.
ASA Behind the Scenes. Roy Schnepper from Butlers Collision, Roseville, MI and outgoing chairman and I caught up at the annual ASA Member meeting in Dallas, TX. Find out who the new chairman is and where the Technology and Telematics Forum will be held this year.
Do You Know The Exact Source of Your Marketing Efforts?
Judi Haglin from Haglin Automotive has a passion for numbers and marketing. She has a chance to set up why you need to track your marketing efforts and determine which give you the greatest return. She has a few great ideas on how to do it and why tracking and the numbers has helped her marketing investment pay dividends for her.
Build Your Bench – and Be a Proactive Recruiter.
Kyle Holt President of SP/2 and Jay Goninen from ‘Find a Wrench’ speak to their expertise as supporters and recruiters of technician talent. They have the depth of experience and are speaking to you from their heart about your need to recruit talent when you don’t need the help. They will tell you why.
FTR 051: Jerry Holcom – Where is Your Personal Commitment & Professionalism
Jerry Holcom from S & S Service Center in Kansas City, MO is a co-founder of Vision and current President of the Midwest Auto Care Alliance wrote in his latest presidents message about his concern for commitment and professionalism
FTR 050: What the Aftermarket Can Learn from Professional Wrestling
Matt Fanslow threads a concept that we can learn from the way professional wrestling promotes themselves. Matt makes a strong point comparing the promotion of professional wrestlers to aftermarket shops. Matt likes to look outside the industry to learn and see new things. A stretch in thinking, I don’t think so. I know one thing, this rant will make you think.
Tom Lambert shares his passion for his style of marketing, charging what he is worth and his three-legged stool strategy.
Our Technicians Are Car Doctors
Amy Mattinat delivers her impassioned perspective on the value and benefits of ASE. It may be time for you to understand why you support ASE and if you don’t, to understand why you must. If there was ever a time to embrace ASE it is now. The high tech world of the automotive creates the need for highly trained technicians and through ASE certification allows us to differentiate ourselves and improve our image.
Jim Silverman, Director of National Account at ATI, is outspoken on what it takes to be successful. He says he has the best job in the world and knows what it takes to turn ordinary service professionals into top performers
Joe Marconi discusses the importance of team collaboration, efficiency, and continuous training in the automotive industry. He highlights the need for effective leadership, a positive company culture, and sound systems and procedures to guide technicians and improve productivity. The conversation also covers the significance of accurate estimating and effective labor rates, the rising costs in various industries, and the importance of a positive and growth mindset in business.
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“40 plus years in business and we had zero money in the bank.”
Bret shares his journey from struggling to successful business owner, emphasizing the importance of seeking outside help and continuous learning. He discusses the transformation of his business into a profitable venture with the help of a coaching company and the implementation of key profit indicators. Brett also highlights the significance of team training and understanding generational differences in the workplace.
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Academic chairs Dave Macholz and Vinnie Laverdi, discuss automotive training at the college level. They cover the importance of soft skills in the industry, the role of mentors, and the need for industry professionals to engage with educational institutions. The episode emphasizes the sophistication of the automotive industry, the potential for growth and advancement in automotive careers and the need to incorporate electric vehicle technology into the curriculum.
“Give Me 10 Mission: To provide a work-based learning model that any industry can utilize to bridge the skills gap. Combining classroom instruction with on the job work based learning opportunities. This program integrates the classroom with employers to create an introduction to a career path of the student’s choice.
The program simplifies the relationship between an industry lead business and vocational education that can lead into a career path. We ask for no money. Our “ask” is for your time. Time to integrate a student into your business to create a career fit. It starts with 10 hours and can grow into a new employee. Can you “Give Me Ten?”
Sue Dixon, the creator of the “Give Me Ten” program, discusses the importance of collaboration between the automotive industry and education. The “Give Me Ten” program, which exposes students to the automotive industry and helps them explore potential career paths, is highlighted. The discussion also covers the need for updated curriculums, industry involvement, and the success of the “Give Me Ten” program in providing work-based learning experiences.
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Carm and Meg discuss the shop’s transition to a four-day workweek to promote work-life balance, the challenges of finding and retaining skilled technicians. Meg shares her experience as a female technician. They also discuss the need to change the perception of the automotive industry and attract more women. The episode concludes with a discussion on succession planning and the shop’s community involvement. remarkableresults.biz/aw185
Brett Beachler shares the history of his business, the impact of closing on Saturdays, and the importance of creating a positive work environment. He also discusses the significance of customer trust and his future goals for his business.
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Aldo Gomez discusses the significance of self-understanding and acceptance in improving sales performance. Aldo shares his journey from being a service advisor to a sales trainer, emphasizing the importance of practicing presentation scripts and handling customer responses. He also differentiates between coaching for performance and development, highlighting the value of personal growth. Aldo reassures introverted individuals that they can be successful in sales and stresses the importance of a strong work ethic.
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Tom Palermo discusses the importance of continuous training for technicians, the increasing average age of vehicles, and his strategies for fostering a positive company culture and building strong customer relationships. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by electric vehicles and the importance of hands-on training.
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Wesley Adams, a shop manager and radio host from Cincinnati shares his experiences in leadership, the importance of course correction in business, and the value of continuous learning. He discusses his mentorship under his boss, Bryan Kauffeld, and the adjustments they made in their business during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wesley also talks about his recent shift to managing a transmission shop and the importance of intuition and situational awareness in his role.
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Bob Ward discusses the importance of early and thorough succession planning, using real-life examples of both successful and unsuccessful transitions. Bob emphasizes the need for business owners to develop their successors and to consider their employees’ career goals. It’s never too early to start thinking about the future of your business and who might be capable of carrying it forward.
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Gary Gunn discusses how mentoring differs from coaching and how it can benefit shop owners in defining their own success and implementing necessary changes in their businesses. Gary shares his experience as a mentor and offers tools and strategies for shop owners to implement new ideas and overcome challenges. He emphasizes the importance of working on the business and oneself, creating a scoreboard for business performance, and understanding the true cost of doing business. Gary also explains the role of a true mentor and the value of assessments in tailoring mentoring approaches. Carm and Gary believe that mentoring can enhance the value of coaching and help shop owners gain confidence and make informed decisions.
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Recorded Live at ASTE 2023, Lester Kovacs, Director of Ideation at Dorman Products, explains Dorman’s unique approach to product development, including working closely with technicians, searching through junkyards for challenges, and conducting extensive testing. He also discusses supply chain issues, reaching out to their network for feedback, and upcoming products at Dorman.
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Jaron Kleber, National Sales Manager of Repair Shop of Tomorrow, discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and maximizing one’s potential. Jaron explains the negative effects of hitting the snooze button and shares his personal routine for starting the day off right. The conversation then shifts to investing in personal goals and well-being, and the importance of treating employees like family. It’s crucial to take a step back from the daily grind and ask oneself what should be done right, rather than focusing on what is being done wrong.
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Pete McNeil discusses the changing needs of employees in the post-COVID workplace, particularly focusing on Gen Z employees. He talks about the importance of providing a positive customer experience and adapting to the preferences and attention span of Gen Z employees. He also discusses the challenges of hiring and retaining Gen Z employees, including the need for benefits, learning opportunities, and potential pay advantages.
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‘Car Coach’ Lauren Fix discusses the topic of synthetic fuel, explaining Porsche’s investment in e-fuel as an alternative to electric conversion. Lauren shares her thoughts on EVs and the government’s role in mandating their use. She believes in the freedom of choice when it comes to the type of vehicle one wants to drive, be it electric, hybrid, diesel, or gas.
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Ryan Baxter, the owner of Modern Auto Service in Fruitland, Idaho, shares his approach to training, including setting aside dedicated time every week and bringing in trainers for technical and personal development. Ryan emphasizes the positive impact training has had on his business and the value of continuous learning.
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Nichole Bennecoff discusses the importance of customer experience in the automotive industry. Nicole shares her company’s focus on customer experience and introduces Taylor, a client success representative who manages communication between clients and the company. Taylor’s responsibilities include monitoring client communication, arranging loaner vehicles, supporting service advisors and providing excellent customer service. Nicole and Carm also touch on setting client expectations, appearance, and the importance of listening to service advisor calls.
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Ever wondered what makes a leader truly great? Joe Marconi discusses the value of being approachable, connecting with your employees on a personal level, asking about their life outside work, and genuinely caring – it all contributes to a positive work environment. Remember, leadership is a constant learning process. Let’s nurture empathy, be open to self-reflection and keep the balance between old school values and new school flexibility.
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Jon Kloosterman, the Director of Operations at West Side Service in Zeeland, discusses their recent acquisition of a business and their approach to training and retention of technicians. The acquired business had been a pillar in the community for 72 years and was ready for a change in ownership. Jon also highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism and focusing on the right KPIs in your business.
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Rick Levitan shares his experience and insights on real estate in the automotive industry. He discusses the importance of developing a strategy when expanding and finding new locations, as well as various methods for finding potential sites. Rick advises against falling in love with a specific location and highlights the option of leasing with an option to buy. He also discusses the role of real estate investment trusts (REITs) and the importance of demographics when considering a new location. Rick emphasizes the need for careful planning, good advisors, and transparency when acquiring a business or property.
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What are some of Rachel Spencer’s “Rachelisms?” The Power of Consistency: Rachel emphasizes the importance of consistency and communication in her operations. She believes in creating habits, holding each other accountable, and striving for perfection while acknowledging that mistakes can happen. Customer Communication is Key: Rachel’s approach to customer service is all about overcommunication. You must provide customers with as much information as possible upfront, offering financing options, and sending vehicle health and safety reports via text. Rachel also shares her experiences with recruiting technicians including reaching out to institutes with automotive programs.
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Carm Capriotto visits Scott Felser’s shop to showcase the renovations he made since the last visit. They discuss various changes, including adding a door to the parts room, implementing a four-day workweek, and upgrading facilities like a coffee bar and bathroom. They also highlight the overall design and decorations, with input from Scott’s wife, new security cameras, new phone system, the positive customer feedback, and Scott’s involvement in the “Brakes for Breasts” campaign.
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Carm Capriotto discusses upcoming fall conferences the podcast is attending, speaking engagements, and events, including the Brakes for Breasts Campaign. Our website, remarkableresults.biz, now features a Classroom page. It’s a treasure trove of podcast episodes organized into specific topics, perfect for research and team discussions. Stay curious, keep learning, and let’s continue to Advance the Aftermarket.
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In this episode, Reggie Stewart covers a range of topics from dispatching and business operations to shop renovations. Reggie recently undertook renovations at his shop in Kokomo, Indiana, he modernized the colors and feel of the shop to give it an upscale vibe, with the help of an interior designer. He also discusses the importance of building a positive culture and is currently working on creating job descriptions and manifestos for each position to better define expectations and attract the right people.
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Dave Hobbs discusses the challenges and changes brought about by electrification in the automotive industry. Dave shares his experience with hub bearing failures, the importance of proper charging cables for electric vehicles and the maintenance requirements of EVs. He also discusses the recently launched ASE Safety Certification and the importance of safety in the industry. It’s an exciting time, and by embracing change and staying curious, technicians can ensure their success in this evolving landscape.
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A new build in 4 months? How did Bill DeBoer do it?! When his father suggested knocking down an office building and building a shop in its place, Bill didn’t hesitate. He took charge of the project, handled the financing, and oversaw the construction. This podcast episode is filled with insights on fleet management, business strategies, and the importance of having a reliable network of professionals.
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Do you find yourself making excuses not to hire a business coach? Tom Sciortino shares his experience with coaching and how it has helped him make changes in his business, resulting in an increase in average ticket and KPIs. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and not waiting around for things to change, and encourages young people in the industry to seek guidance and coaching. Listen to this episode to learn how coaching can help you identify blind spots, gain a different perspective on your business, and prepare for the future.
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Bill Nalu, Interstate Auto Care in Michigan, shares his “Why Much” philosophy, which advocates for a more nuanced approach to pricing that involves training, coaching, and consultation to understand the context of each customer’s needs and provide a personalized value proposition.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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John Ferguson, the owner of Domestic Diesel and Auto Service, shares his experience as a former dealer technician for Ford and how he started his own business. He talks about the challenges of finding the right team to support him and how he sought the help of industry experts to become a better leader and marketer. The episode also includes a video tour of John’s shop, where he specializes in Ford and GM diesel vehicles.
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Tatsu Tsuchida discusses his experience transitioning from a Japanese-only shop to an all-makes and all-models shop, his marketing strategy, and his experience taking over an existing business. He also discusses the challenges of owning a family business and the importance of having an exit strategy. The episode also includes a tour of Tsuchida’s second location.
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5 Secrets to a Successful Automotive Shop. Efficient Layout, Comprehensive Services, Honesty and Openness, Strong Company Culture and Attention to Client Service. Rad Air’s waiting area is a cut above the rest. With a fireplace, high tables for laptops, and free wifi and refreshments for customers, they ensure their client that theyare comfortable while waiting. They understand that client service is just as important as the repair itself, and they do everything they can to make the client experience a positive one. remarkableresults.biz/aw156
As leaders, we all know that culture is important, but how often do we take the time to really analyze and shape it? Culture is the company’s personality, starting with the leadership team. Michael Smith discusses the significance of culture and offers advice on how to become a better leader. However, toxic culture can hold a company back. Michael advises leaders to identify toxic elements and people in their company and take action to eliminate them. He emphasizes that leaders must be held accountable for the core values and purpose of the company, and they must take action to ensure that the company’s culture aligns with these values.
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Andy Bizub emphasizes the importance of common sense and listening in the automotive industry. It’s essential to be open to new ideas and ways of doing things while maintaining consistent business practices and providing real value to employees. By listening to employees and encouraging them to share their thoughts and insights, businesses can thrive and succeed in the ever-evolving industry.
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Matt Lachowitzer shares his strategy for keeping his team engaged and communicative, including shutting down his business for three days to hold a company meeting. The meeting focused on differentiation, engagement, and culture and included a keynote speaker and team-building activities. The episode highlights Matt’s commitment to creating a fun, engaging workplace culture that fosters collaboration and growth.
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Chris Lawson provides insights on using Indeed’s applicant tracking system effectively and recommends using social media to showcase your company’s values and culture to attract top talent. Chris also discusses the importance of personal connections and using proven methods to find the right technicians.
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Catching up with Greg Bunch, President of Transformers Institute, on his perspective on the pulse of our industry with car count, customer service, coaching, and what a top-tier CEO should be focusing on.
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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.
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How do you create an amazing customer experience in your business? Guess what? No one is born with those skills, but your employees are can turn talent into a skill with proper training.
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Communication is full of opportunities and challenges. How do you effectively communicate with everyone in your business, especially if you’re a multi-shop owner? Bill Snow discusses their own internal app and why it is critical in their business.
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On Record with Tom Ham from the Automotive Management Network. Tom discusses a recent survey from his website about the stress level at work, reasons why someone would reject a technician application, health insurance and more! These results may surprise you!
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Erich and Lauralee Schmidt went to a 4 day work week during COVID and haven’t looked back. They also have an app for their shop with benefits to customers.
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Insights to the Vision Hi-Tech & Expo Class “Which Scan Tool Should I Buy?” Saturday, March 4th 8:45 am-11:45 am with Scott Shotton, Scot Manna, Tanner Brandt, Keith Perkins, and Sean Tipping.
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