Here are the two most recent episodes
Lost Keys, Found Revenue: Capitalize on Key Replacement with AutoProPAD G3 [RR 1025]
Explore the profitable opportunity of key cutting and programming for auto repair shops in the automotive aftermarket. With around 25 million keys sold each year, many vehicle owners lose at least one key within the first 15 years of ownership. Matt Fanslow and Scott Gompper highlight the Nitrous AutoProPad G3, simplifying key programming and emphasizing the significant revenue potential within this largely untapped market.
remarkableresults.biz/e1023
Start Simple: A Practical Approach to Implementing Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI) [THA 418]
This episode covers the practical benefits of digital vehicle inspections (DVIs) for shop owners. Learn how DVIs can boost Average Repair Orders (ARO) and improve customer communication. Industry professionals share real-world insights on overcoming cultural resistance, the role of leadership, and strategies for successful implementation. Plus, explore how AI enhances inspection reports and processes. Whether you’re new to DVIs or looking to optimize, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help your shop thrive.
remarkableresults.biz/a417
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THA 120: How Can We Provide Our Technicians a $100K Yearly Pay Package?
How Can We Provide Our Technicians a $100K Yearly Pay Package?
We covered a large swath of reasons to review technician pay and to create a fair and adequate compensation plan based on criteria that is a win, win, win for the tech, the owner and the customer.
Our panel consists of Seth Thorson, shop owner at Eurotech Auto Service New Brighton, MN, Jerry Kezhaya, shop owner at The Auto Shop in Plano, TX, Frank Scandura shop owner at Frank’s European, Las Vegas, NV and Matt Fanslow, Shop Manager/Lead Diagnostician at Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN.
You’ve heard of the struggles and have most likely had your own issues with losing and hiring technicians. Our discussion is not the scientific answer however it goes a long way to helping you make decisions to retain, create loyalty and ward off the loss of our smart and talented technicians to other shops and other industries.
RR 433: The Importance of Third Party Credentials | Creating a Learning Culture in Your Business
The Importance of Third Party Credentialing and Having a Learning Culture in Your Business.
You are a professional in the automotive service aftermarket. You know your stuff, you are smart, accomplished. You put your knowledge to use every day. Ever decide to have a third party provide you the professional credentials to verify your practical abilities? Twenty percent of our industry has their credentials so I’m talking to the eighty percent that don’t.
This episode with Trish Serratore, Senior Vice President of Communication at ASE and ASE and Jeff Peevy, President of AMi is a departure from what testing is and will help you understand the value in credentialing. Credentials are becoming more important than ever, and prove to customers and your shop owner you know what you’re doing.
FTR 046: Alan Symmes: When Your Community Needs Help to Afford Safe and Reliable Transportation
Alan Symmes: When Your Community Needs Help to Afford Safe and Reliable Transportation
RR 432: Shop Talk 11 – Important Aftermarket Partnership – Shop, Parts Supplier and Manufacturer
Shop Talk 11 – Important Partnership – Shop, Parts Supplier and Manufacturer
Welcome to Shop Talk 11. Our Shop Talk Panel guests are Monte Hamsher, a shop owner, technician and automotive teacher; Bob Pattengale- National Training Manager at Bosch; and John Marcum- Director of Marketing for Federated Auto Parts.
We discuss the challenges involved in running a shop and the shop’s relationship to its part supplier & Manufacturer. Learn about the importance of a well-trained service professional and the need for competent technicians as a whole. Also, we talked about the need for a stronger commitment to training from the industries technicians.
THA 119: Improving Employee Loyalty
Improving Employee Loyalty
Fuel your engine today with our discussion on Improving Employee Loyalty with my shop owner panel Donnie Hudson from Troy Auto Care in Troy, MI, Roy Foster from Roy Foster’s Automotive in Reno, NV and Steve Finzel from Finzel’s Master Tech in Terre Haute, IN They’ve built a family culture in their shops and you can too.
You’ll hear how they did it and understand why they created the programs that build loyalty and retention from their people. I know you’ve heard this adage before: “Take care of your people and they will take care of your customer.” This episode will give you a great idea on how to do that.
Prepare for many strong ideas coming at you so. Pick a few and start to implement them in your business. The panel admits, it did not happen overnight but was nurtured for years. So you need to start. Keep in mind that it is imperative you seize onto a new idea, own it, implement it and watch it transform your business.
RR 431: Sara Fraser – The Power of Social Media for Automotive Professionals
Sara Fraser – The Power of Social Media for Automotive Professionals
There are a lot of trends happening on social media in the past couple of years. Understanding these trends can give us a competitive advantage and hashtags plays an important role especially on Facebook and Instagram. This episode will help you better understand the power of social media and some of the tricks that will make it work for you.
Sara Fraser has over 15 years of retail management experience, the last 6 of them as an office manager for a used car sales and service center. To bring her customer service, marketing, and business knowledge to the automotive industry she has recently joined the team at Haas Performance Consulting.
FTR 045: Brian Walker – Foundational Marketing Techniques – There Are No Silver Bullets
FTR 045 Brian Walker – Foundational Marketing Techniques – There Are No Silver Bullets
Brian Walker co-owner of Shop Marketing Pros explains that there is no silver bullet to marketing. He shares thirteen Foundational Marketing Tactics and is determined that your marketing is consistent and when business is good, keep marketing and when it is bad, keep marketing. Marketing requires patience. It takes times to build momentum
RR 430: Jennifer Filzen- What Dancing Taught Me About Running a Successful Business
Jennifer Filzen- What Dancing Taught Me About Running a Successful Business
A very interesting discipline that incorporates how you lead and how you strategize your life and business as a whole. Imagine learning the principles of dancing to improve your aftermarket success
Jennifer Filzen, from Rock Star Marketing, is here talking about her new book ‘What Dancing Taught Me About Running A Successful Business”. I was fascinated to hear how she connected dancing to being a strong leader and entrepreneur. I think she nailed it. So if you would like some self-help introspective don’t go anywhere.
We are talking about Clarity, confidence, certainty, teamwork, timing, and technique. Do you want your team, at the shop to move like poetry in motion? You’ve come to the right place.
THA 118 Recruiting Students to Discover a Career in Automotive
THA 118 Recruiting Students to Discover a Career in Automotive
Enjoy some great new ideas and real-world issues as I welcome Seth Thorson, shop owner, Eurotech, Brighton, MN. Seth created a $25,000 endowment for automotive careers. We discussed in episode 340, David Macholz, Academic Chair of Suffolk County College – Automotive Technology and Aaron Dalton, Coordinator- School to Career Programming at the North Kansas City Schools.
On the podcast, we’ve not shied away from big issues in the industry. The only way our investment in this great dialogue actually gets traction is if you do your part. I can relate the discussion we are having today with a thought on philanthropy. Hats off to what you do for your community. Honorable. However, the future of our industry is dependent on recruiting, training and retaining technicians. Call it an investment in your own personal philanthropy.
Getting involved in local education at all levels to share our hi-tech industry with administration and to support the educators that are teaching young students on the automotive is a very important role you have. Especially as an independent. If you don’t then who? You will have less to give to your community if you don’t invest in your future.
RR 429: Family Succession Part 2 – Parents on their Daughters Succession Plan
Family Succession Part 2 – Parents on their Daughters Succession Plan
Welcome to the second installment of Family Succession. Learn how parents mold and develop their children to take the helm of the company after they retire. Hear the discipline, methods and strategy each owner is using as they embark on this important journey of succession.
I’m with Judy Zimmerman Walter, a second generation owner of Zimmerman’s Automotive; Jim Paiva, Owner of Elite Auto Repair; and Jeff Matt, owner of Victory Auto Service and Glass. They are the proud parents of Jacqui Hower, Carly Paiva, and Lauren Anderson of Family Succession Part 1, Episode 401.
FTR 044: Murray Voth – Your Opportunity is Huge; Find the River Where the Money Is
FTR 044 Murray Voth – Your Opportunity is Huge; Find the River Where the Money Is
RR 428: Tech Talk – ADAS | Support Vendors That Support Training | Fundamental Training
Technical Talk – ADAS | Support Vendors That Support Training | Fundamental Training
Tech talk with Kevin Fitzpatrick, Vice President Autologic; Steven Zack, Automotive Technical Instructor for Bosch; and Matt Fanslow, Shop Manager/Diagnostician of Riverside Auto Repair. Our episode reiterates the importance of training, we get into ADAS Calibration, adapting to tech changes, and the amount of good training available among others.
Trainings and Big Events are available for technicians whether it is in the classroom or online. Our guests elaborate and advise on the challenges and the steps to advancement. They say there is no shortage of good training.
THA 117: Creative Brainstorming: How To Build an Idea Factory
Creative Brainstorming: How To Build an Idea Factory
Some people just bubble with ideas; they are visionaries. You’ve got team members who are great at seeing new and better ways to improve systems and processes, serve customers and create great marketing. What are you doing to create an idea factory in your business? Are you actively listening? Are you creating a culture to create ideas and change? Lately, have you implemented a new idea lately in your business or are you just talking about them?
With me is Shari Pheasant co-owner of A Master Mechanic, in Reno, NV and business coach and consultant known as the Queen of Horsepower, Barry Barrett is here from Business with a Purpose and a Professional EOS Implementer and David Eschbach from the Clutch Performance Group
In this episode, ideas are flying around abundantly for you as we help you grab on to the value of Creative Brainstorming and getting your idea factory churning to help improve your business. Once you listen you’ll be ready to jump into using the power of ideas to improve your business.
RR 427: Vin Waterhouse – You Should Have the Highest Payroll in Town, Not the Lowest
You should have the highest payroll in town, not the lowest.
A generation ago the shop owner didn’t need to know the numbers. How the world has changed and in this episode with Vin Waterhouse, as with all my discussions with business consultants and coaches, will push you to make the important changes that will catapult you from having a hobby or job into a career that rewards you for your hard work
Vincent Waterhouse, President and Founder of The Waterhouse Group, an automotive Accounting, Training, and Coaching company shares his strategy for business climate based on today’s changing business models.
Vin has over thirty years of experience in the automotive aftermarket. His specialty is working with auto repair shop owners to help them earn the profits they deserve.
FTR 043: Dave Hobbs – Find The Time and Make the Sacrifice to Attend Training. Trainers Do!
Dave Hobbs – Find The Time and Make the Sacrifice to Attend Training. Trainers Do!
Dave Hobbs travels the country training technicians for Delphi Technologies. His participation in the industry is without rival. He has a strong message for you about training venues, hands-on and the sacrifice that all aftermarket trainers make in their lives to bring you training. All he wants is to have you come to class when the trainers come to your town.
Find Dave’s talking points and links to his previous episodes on the show notes page at remarkableresults.biz/f043
RR 426: Supporting Technician Training with Technology and Partnerships – Paul Louwers – AVI On Demand
Supporting Technician Training with Technology and Partnerships – Paul Louwers – AVI On-Demand
Paul Louwers, CEO and CO-founder of the Automotive Video Innovations and the driving force behind the concept and execution of AVI. He has been in the training business for over 25 years.
Paul explains that on-demand training is just one tool for a shop owner and technician in their training arsenal. Because of the online learning management system, and I can’t stress that enough, when you add in leader-led training, and hands-on, the power of networking; the learning is compounded. Find your learning combination.
AVI is a technology company that excels at creating training for the automotive industry. They are producing relevant content for, Service and Repair Centers, Parts Manufacturers, Parts Distributors, and Automotive Schools.
THA 116: Business Coaches Lab – Improving Shop Efficiency
THA 116 Business Coaches Lab – Improving Shop Efficiency
Look forward to tactics like knowing your techs gifts or strengths, remove obstacles, make process improvement a rule, minimize interruptions, if your techs aren’t efficient find out why. There are so many factors and our coaches do a great job of exposing some key components for improving efficiency in your bays.
The Academy panel includes Murray Voth, RPM Training, Rick White 180 Biz, Jude Larson ACT Group, Cecil Bullard, The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence and Bob Greenwood, Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Center.
RR 425: Ray Fisher – Networking Just May Be Your Secret Weapon
A Convo with ASA’s new Executive Director, Ray Fisher.
We have an aging workforce that is driving the industry to make some difficult decisions. The demands to adapt to the rapid growth of technology and advancement are factors that 10 years ago were non-issues. Training and personal networking are the norms today. Ray Fisher shares his years of association experience and his plans for ASA to help in those areas and plans to reach out to more shops and industry professionals to raise awareness and involvement.
Ray Fisher, executive director of the Automotive Service Association. Ray started his new responsibilities on January 2, 2019.
With a formal education in business administration, Fisher is an Accredited Master Automotive Manager (AMAM). He has extensive legislative experience, driving key issues for ASA-Michigan members on sales tax issues and shop licensing.
FTR 042: Vinnie Lucido – Find a Balance to Your Ego
Find a Balance For Your Ego
Vinnie Lucido from Co-Auto in Reno Nevada says we need to find a balance in our Ego’s. His rant brings in the value of Yoga to your well being. He is a Yoga teacher so he should know about the value of Yoga in one’s life. His message has a three-pronged approach; put your ego in check, let’s stop judging each other and check out the power of Yoga.
RR 424: New Aftermarket Measurement – Cost Per Billed Hour – Will Drive Your Profitability
New Aftermarket Measurement – Cost Per Billed Hour
I’m with Bob Greenwood, President, and C.E.O. of Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre Ltd. We are discussing how cost per billed hour affects the site’s total efficiency in maximizing net profits.
This episode tackles measuring your site’s efficiency with cost per billed hour as a new aftermarket measurement to maximize your net profits. The calculation reflects on all aspects of your labor rate, workflow, charging for diag time, and other critical performance metrics.
Important note for this episode. Since Bob is demonstrating his strategy and findings through formulas we decided to record the video of this episode so you can see how Bob arrives at the conclusion to his formulas. You can find the video version on the show notes page at remarkableresultsradio.com/e424 or on my Carm Capriotto youtube channel.
THA 115: Who Says You Need an Automotive Background to Run a Successful Shop
THA 115 Who Says You Need an Automotive Background to Run a Successful Shop
Now visit with Brian Sump from Avalon Motorsports and Andy Bizub from Midwest Performance Cars as they share their strategy for growing their business. This is an interview like no other you’ve heard here on Remarkable Results or the Town Hall Academy for that matter. This interview should open your eyes because Brian and Andy did not grow up in the business. They were not technicians with a dream of owning their own shop. Brian was a professional football player and Andy was a commodity trader.
They grew their business without the knowledge of the industry. They share their strategies and tactics that have shaped their continuing success. Brian and Andy basically became the CEO of their business. We talk about that a lot on the podcast. They used their people, network and training to learn, lead and grow their business.
So there’s the rub. Why are there so many legacy aftermarket professionals in the industry struggling when these ‘outsiders’ who acquired going shops are at the top of their game? Find out.
RR 423: Shop Talk 10 – Sold My Business – What’s Next?
Shop Talk 10 – Sold My Business – What’s Next?
Listen to former shop owners talk about their decisions and what they are doing now. Most importantly they suggest that you plan ahead for your future. We also get into the future as they see it.
My guests for Shop Talk 10 are veterans and influencers in our industry. Ron Haugen, a consultant, a teacher and a former shop owner from Westside Auto Pros in Des Moines; Dick Jobe, owns machine head, a metal art maker and a former shop owner of Downtown Import Service popularly known as Dr. Volvo; Doug Stoll, former owner of Susquehanna Auto Clinic and The Auto Clinic and co-founder of Vision, a part-time business coach and Jerry Holcom, co-founder of Vision, president of Midwest Auto Care Alliance and owner of S & S Service in Kansas. Our only non-retiree!
Remember the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination and wisdom is the very definition of what we aim not just for business but for our professional growth as well. What’s next for you!
FTR 041: Keith Williamson – Change or Be Changed and Commit to be a Forever Student
Change or Be Changed and Commit to be a Forever Student
RR 422: A Case for Shop Specialization
A case for shop specialization
We are discussing in a bird’s eye view of Shop Specialization and training.
I’m with Rob Morrell, Sr. Director of Management and Technical Training at WorldPac Technical Institute and Mark Warren, training manager at WTI. So glad to share Rob and Mark’s interview with you as we are going to have a very open discussion on specialization and, as you would expect, the ‘T’ word comes up. Training!
This episode tackles the challenge of what makes a specialty shop. Mark and Rob share their personal perspectives on one approach to specialization. You’ll also hear of their support for FREE education for post-secondary automotive students.
THA 114: Taking Community Involvement to the Next Level – CarFest – Philanthropy on Steroids
Taking Community Involvement to the Next Level – CarFest – Philanthropy on Steroids
CarFest is an event unlike any others in the US that connect the independent service provider together with the community. All the while you are listening think how you can start, on a small scale, to do more in your community. CarFest is aptly subtitled: “Unity in the Community”.
I first want to congratulate every North American service professional for all that you do in your community. There are so many of you that support Veterans, battered women and many outreach non-for profits with your kindness.
CarFest takes it to a whole new level. This is a higher calling of community that I’ve ever seen. With me is CarFest Founder Mark Colaw from Seymour’s Garage, joining us is Gary Pundt from Alamo Heights Garage and Louie Sirianni from Sirianni Automotive.
They do share with you the events that are going on with this two day, free to the public event. CarFest will give away 13 vehicles, provide funds to area post-secondary education and donate automotive repair for 25 vehicle owners that need safe and reliable transportation.
Coordinating the logistics of this event is a monumental task and it has grown into utilizing 200,000 square feet of space. Get some of the details and listen to Mark, Gary and Louie share their passion for this event that has provided over $1,000,000 in service, vehicles and donations within their San Antonio community in the last three years
RR 421: Mike Michalowicz: Making Profitability a Habit – Inside his book ‘Profit First’
Mike Michalowicz – Making Your Profitability a Habit
What is profit? It is the difference between the amount earned and the amount spent. Mike Michalowicz tells you that you subtract profit from sales and then learn to manage your expenses. Therefore Sales – Profit = Expenses. We discuss Mike Michalowicz great book ‘Profit First’.
Mike will give you his innovative processes on profitability. He will provide insights on understanding the core principles and processes of financial gain. It will also shed light on cash flow management system, revenue, support network, profitability, efficiency, and the 5 core fundamental accounts you need to work your business from.
The episode is painting vivid pictures of how profitability works on the business canvas. It will open your mind to systems and processes to make profitability a habit. I urge you to read Mike’s Book Profit First, cover to cover. You can find it on the books page on the website.
FTR 040: Bob Greenwood – Our Suppliers Need to Better Understand the Service Professional
Our Suppliers Need to Better Understand the Service Professional. Bob Greenwood, President of Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Center points out that the supply side of our industry must find a higher level of understanding of the opportunities and challenges of the service professional. He says it’s not all about selling parts, but about how the suppliers can help the pro become more efficient, productive and profitable.
RR 420: Kim Walker – Building a StoryBrand
Kim Walker – Building a Story Brand
People are bombarded with 3,000 marketing messages every 24 hours. What does your message say?
Catch the power of ‘Story Brand’. Learn about the Guide, the Hero, the problem, and the plan among others. It is a perfect fit for growing your relationship with your client. This is a review of the book ‘Building A Story Brand’ by Donald Miller.
Kim Walker is an official Story Brand Guide and along with her husband, Brian are former shop owners who are taking their personal experience and helping shop owners with their ‘story’. Their company is Shop Marketing Pros and they are helping the service professional bring their story brand to their clients.
THA 113: Taking Care of Your Most Valuable Asset – YOU!
Taking Care of Your Most Valuable Asset – YOU
Are you looking to do something for you? Are you exercising? Are you taking care of you? This Town Hall Academy will help you learn how to find your personal motivation.
Get off the couch. It’s not OK to NOT be in shape. Many opportunities to be healthy. From exercise to eating. According to the World Health Organization — 80% of premature heart disease, stroke, and diabetes is self-inflicted. 40% of cancer is self-inflicted (Only 10% is hereditary and the rest is environmental).
It is a big responsibility to be and stay healthy as you take care of your family and your business family. Learn to like the results of healthy eating and exercising.
RR 419: Bringing Technician Proficiency to the Next Level Through Mentoring Programs
Bringing Technical Proficiency to the Next Level Through Tech Mentoring Programs
What is technician mentoring? It is a training program focused on technical proficiency. Helping our techs not just technical but also on effective communication, effective teamwork, positive shop culture and a higher bottom line for everyone. Encouraging a team aspect that benefits everyone involved and getting techs better at their jobs.
Ensuring our industry’s growth is our Vision 2019 power panel are veteran educators and trainers with years of expertise within the industry; Scott Shotton owner of the Driveability Guys, Eric Ziegler owner of E-Z Diagnostic Solutions and Trainer, Dave Denmon of Dave’s Car Care and Gerson Carcache Master Tech at Dave’s Car Care.
The episode is driving the discussion of technician mentoring and the need for assisting shops in developing their technicians. Not only keeping a seasoned technician current but in developing bench talent.
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