FTR 056: Justin Barrett – Hard Talk on Areas of Improvement for Independents

Justin Barrett is the owner and operator of Barrett Automotive, Cornelia, GA. He is excited about the future of this industry with autonomous vehicles and the role the independent repair shop will play in that arena, and with the changing landscape how we are going to have to be nimble and adapt to stay relevant.

Leadership is something that is extremely challenging to him but rewarding when done right. He had some leadership failures and wins which are adding to his growth in that area. His biggest challenge right now is the same thing that he is working on and that is building a great team. In the last 18 months, he had gone from leading himself and one other to leading 6 and still adding to keep up with growth.  Find out more about Justin’s episodes HERE.

Barrett Automotive Website HERE.

Key Talking Points

  • What does your customer expect from you?
  • Clean and Organized should be the rule  
  • Dirty and cigarette smoke doesn’t make it today
    • What would be the customer expectations of this environment?
  • Your shop needs to be intentional on how it looks and smells to the customer
  • This develops trust and it starts in the lobby
  • Your customer will realize how much you care about their vehicle if you don’t care about your facility
  • Your ‘internal’ customers also want a clean and organized facility
    • How will you attract top talent
  • Clean and organization is on purpose
    • Tech clean their bay at lunchtime and at the end of the day
  • The appearance of our technicians is also important
  • Our technicians are critical to the overall success of the company
    • Minimum hours of training for Justin’s shop is 40 hours per year with 80 being a goal
  • Why aren’t every training venue maxed out with 50,000 technicians getting training?
  • We close the shop to get the training required
  • Put a line item in your budget
  • Inspections are required for every customer
    • Customers appreciate this service
    • Helps minimize the visit of a tow truck to his shop with his customer’s  car
    • When you start DVI you’ll find so much wrong with the vehicle and you’ll be nervous about quoting the most critical service needed

 


  • A special thanks to Justin Barrett for sharing his passion – For The Record.
  • Books mentioned in the content library HERE
  • Leave me an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one of them.
  • Email Carm HERE.

 

 

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This episode is brought to you by FlexCheck Auto Digital Vehicle Inspection Software.

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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!