Four Corner – Four Wall Shop Inspection [THA 198]
Seth Thorson has specialized in the service of European automobiles since 1999. First, in Michigan and now at his current location in New Brighton, MN. He just started to build a brand new shop and experts to be in by June 2021.
Seth was educated at a UTI in Chicago, where he was at the top of his class. He then went to BMW Step to finish the master’s program. Thorson was hired in at a BMW dealership in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. From there he moved to an independent shop in Waterford Michigan and learned VW Audi. Seth’s passion remained with BMW and he was offered a chance to buy an existing shop in New Brighton, Minnesota near where he grew up.
He is the owner of Eurotech, which specializes in BMW, Mercedes, and Audi cars. He is a firm believer in using factory tools to ensure proper repairs and coding. His team of highly trained and certified technicians is able to diagnose today’s complex vehicle systems! His second location, Green Garage, works on all makes and models.
Seth also owns and runs a BMW tech support company called LMV Bavarian that provides support and programming to a growing network of over 200 shops via remote diagnostics. He also teaches national seminars on BMW diagnostics. Seth has also partnered with SSF auto parts in their unique ‘hands-on’ training program.
Seth belongs to AASP in MN, BIMRS as well as NASTEF. He is also a member of Cecil Bullards (Institute for Automotive Business Excellence) 20 group. He believes idea sharing and networking with other shop owners have helped grow his business. Listen to Seth’s previous episodes HERE.
Daniel Gravely is the District Manager, EuroTech Auto Service. Check Daniel’s Episode HERE.
Key Talking Points:
- Four corners of the Property to the Four Walls of the buildingThe store is audited by another location
- Monthly Leadership meeting
- The devil is in the details
- Why is this important from a customer perspective?Reviews, compliments, appearance, safety
- Capital Improvements such as structural damage discovered
- Audit Formto set a plan of improvements
- budgeting for improvements
- Deadlines
- accountability
- Four Corner Four Wall – it is more important to employees or customers?
- How do you pick who goes to the Leadership Meetings?
- The leadership team is shop foreman from each location
- I wanna do this at my shop, how do I do this? Where do I start?what are you trying to accomplish
- outline of plan
- put a plan in place
- No shortage of ideas, just a shortage of execution
- Remember The Milk app to help with to-do lists (used by Daniel)
- Final ThoughtsYour Four Corner Four Wall Inspection is a quick view from your leadership team
- In-depth responsibility for each manager to conform to
- Safe and clean place for customers and employees to come to
- Be critical with a fresh set of eyes
Resources:
- A special thanks to Seth Thorson, and Daniel Gravely for their contribution to the aftermarket.
- Books Page HERE
- Listen to all Remarkable Results Radio, For The Record and Town Hall Academy episodes.
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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!