RR 293: Brin Kline, AAM form Assured Auto Works

Brin Kline is owner of Assured Auto Works in Melbourne, FL.  His career in automotive repair spans 17 years with nearly 8 years as an owner.

Brin knows that the automotive repair industry is ever changing.  Diagnosing and repairing automobiles of today have many more requirements for up to date training than they did in years past.  Today, a technician must network with and befriend other likeminded individuals, commit a lot of their personal time to craft their skills so they can confidently, efficiently and accurately diagnose the issues that they face on a daily basis.

Brin’s journey to becoming an advocate for improving the automotive repair industry at the national level began when he started to attend conferences and training.  At these events, he rubbed shoulders with amazing people who, recognize the need for a national automotive repair industry step-by-step protocol for entry-level recruitment and training, continuing education events, and conferences, sharing of case studies, and helping businesses grow.

One of Brin’s favorite professional moments was being able to attend the 2016 Spring NASTF meeting at the Sheraton in Overland Park, KS. The topic was attracting and retaining technicians.

Brin feels that being a shop owner of a company with great potential is not what gives him a voice. He believes that being an enlightened industry professional is what gives him a voice.

Enlightenment through training, networking with like-minded professionals, collaborating, sharing ideas, knowledge and our experiences with each other, removing pride and egos, getting involved, receiving help and helping each other is the way to a better future and a better industry.

Brin enjoys building case studies for most of the issues that he diagnoses. He has plans of sharing them with training companies, trade magazines and at some point, possibly presenting them himself. In fact, some friends and Brin are working on a project that allows sharing of their diagnostic knowledge and experiences with others. This friendship is a perfect example of the power of attending conferences and networking.

Talking points:

  • Brin has earned his AAM (Accredited Automotive Manager) form AMi Automotive Management Institute.
  • He is passionate to raise the level of professionalism in the industry.
  • Brin is involved in secondary and post-secondary advisory councils and is also on the CarQuest Customer Training Advisory Board.
  • He is a proponent of day-time training. Consider it just like a vacation day or time off. You must book training time into your schedule if you want your technician to learn and retain.
  • His goal is to be a trainer at Vision. KC.
  • He is working with ASA in Florida and with ASA on a national level.
  • Brin is also on the iATN advisory council.
  • His biggest challenges are car count and staffing.
  • He is looking for a good service advisor.
  • Technicians should not only attend technical training to keep up with that side but also attend management training. This will help to strengthen the relationship between service advisers/managers and technicians.
  • Creating a shop identity by finding a specialty or niche.
Shop Profile
Number of locations: 1
Total square feet of all facilities: 2500
Years in industry: 17
Years business ownership: 8
Number of technicians: 2
Number of service advisers: 1
Number of lifts: 3
Number of bays: 5
Days open: Mon – Fri
Technician training hours per year: 500 for two
Service adviser training hours per year: 80-100
Owner/CEO Trianing: 80-100
Training Percent- Leader Led – On line – Other: 50 – 25 25
Specialty: Diagnostic Services
Specialist in: Primarily Domestic and Asian
Shop management system (SMS): Shop-Ware
Completely paperless? Yes
Digital Vehicle Inspection: Shop-Ware
Marketing provider: Kukui Customer Relationship Management
Association memberships: ASA National & Florida, iATN, NASTF, IASOA
ASE Certifications: ASE Master Certified Technician with Advanced Level L1 & L3 Certifications. Service Adviser C1
Industry accreditations: Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) from AMi
Primary supplier: World Pack
Supplier marketing program: Federated Car Care
Performing hybrid repairs: Yes

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About the author, Carm Capriotto, AAP

Carm is the founder and host of the Remarkable Results Radio Podcast and the pioneer of automotive aftermarket podcasts. Carm calls on his years of experience in the aftermarket to bring engaging stories from his guests.

Listen to raw, unfiltered, honest, and sincere stories that include insights, trends, best practices, and expertise. Each interview brings an opportunity to learn one new thing through the stories of personal achievement. Many podcast guests tell their story of transformation from working in their business to working on it.

As host of over 1,000 episodes, Carm uses his enthusiasm and passion for the aftermarket especially the service sector to take his listeners on a journey showcasing successful service professionals’ paths to Remarkable Results. He also enjoys interviews with aftermarket industry thought leaders who bring their industry perspectives to his listener.

Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast listening app and always listen to learn just one thing!