Career Paths – Technician to Manager [THA 229]
Todd Zimmerman, Dynamic Automotive’s Location Leader. He developed a passion for automobiles at a young age and turned it into a career 28 years ago. Todd’s early years were spent in Ford and Lincoln dealerships and the last 14 years working with Dynamic Automotive. He started as a technician and then a shop foreman and currently as a location leader. He’s an ASE certified master technician, Maryland State Inspector and registered Maryland State emissions repair technician. Todd has worked with ASE as a subject matter expert and to develop the recertification mobile app. He also enjoys mentoring the next generations of technicians. Previous episodes HERE.
Adam Trawick, Dynamic Automotive’s Location Leader
Paul Foster, Dynamic Automotive’s Location Leader and Safety Committee Chairman. He has been in the auto repair industry for 28 years and with Dynamic for 13 years. Paul is a MD state inspector, ASE certified Master Tech with L1, L2 and L3 certifications. Worked in the shop for 23 years and have been the leader at Urbana for 5 years now with his sights set on the General Manager role with Dynamic Automotive.
Key Talking Points
- Location leader (manager)
- Paul- technician at a different independent location for 5 years, left, became shop foreman and then manager
- Todd- 13 years in dealership world, wanted to look for something else and be more a part of the business and customers experience
- Adam- worked at independent shop 18 years and plateaued, hired and within 6 months became manager of new location
- Growing sales for new locations- marketing with mailers
- Dynamic Automotive- one of the biggest business in the area and well known, everyone is willing to help each other and there is growth potential
- Growth expansion to 5 stores- giving more people opportunities, the learning curve can be steep and fail forward. Letting your employees make their own mistakes and learn.
- Future positions- district manager, location development role
- Road map reviews- gives employees the opportunity to list goals and expectations
- Training/mentorship- investment into employees and guides them on their career path, keep training resume on each employee. Also creates a networking outlet.
- Advice- take time to think before you speak (filters), be thorough and don’t rush, train your replacement and make sure they’re aware
- A special thanks to Todd Zimmerman, Adam Trawick and Paul Foster 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!