RR 234: Vic Tarasik – Major Accounts Director at RLO

After nearly 30 years of successfully operating Vic’s Precision Automotive, a fourteen bay automotive repair facility located in The Woodlands, TX, Vic Tarasik sold his beloved shop. He remains in the industry he loves.

Vic is currently the Major Accounts Director with RLO Training. Public speaking, business management, finance and leadership skills are some talents he  acquired as a service professional that make this position perfect for him. He was a member of RLO Training’s Bottom-Line Impact Group and was twice awarded the Member Excellence Award for being the top shop in his group.

Like many in the auto care industry, Vic took an interest in all things mechanical at a young age. He worked on a variety of vehicles for friends and family. His interests grew into racing at local drag strips driving his 55 Chevy, which he still owns.

In 1986 he returned to his roots and launched Vic’s Precision Automotive from his two-car garage. The heart of Vic’s Precision Automotive was galvanized for Vic as a boy; he watched his single mom struggle with service providers over the years. When he opened his shop, he was determined to make it a place where female customers felt comfortable.

Vic remains involved with his community. He is a recipient of The Montgomery County Small Business of the Year; he serves on the Advisory Council of Spring High & Lone Star College. He currently serves on the Board of Directors at Greater Conroe Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Directors of Leadership Montgomery County.

Nationally, Vic is very involved in the Auto Care industry. He served as the Chairman of the AutoCare Association’s Car Care Professionals Network (CCPN) and served on the Auto Care Association Show Committee for AAPEX, the largest automotive event in the US. He currently serves on the Government Affair committee for the Auto Care Association.

His interests include photography, classic cars, contributing author to Shop Owner magazine and traveling with his spouse. A strong spiritual life is extremely important to him and he has been a member of the Ark Church since 1996.

Vic currently resides in Conroe, TX with his wife, Marlene.

Talking Points:

• Knew what a 9/16” wrench was but had no understanding of gross margin.
• Service professionals must have a business coach ‘on staff.’ That person is your least expensive team member.
• When he joined his 20 group it was a big eye opener and he learned what he didn’t know. A community of shop owners willing to help.
• He was willing to learn. His biggest strength.
• Owned his shop for 29 ½ years that was on two acres.
• You’re going to sell your business at one point in your life.
• He was told that he needed to own his real-estate. That paid off for him.
• Life Lessons:
  • Get Training. Especially business training.
    • He joined Toastmaster to be a better public speaker.
      • Speak to your local community on our industry. Subjects like safety systems and data.
  • Know when to ask for help.
    • A business coach will not ask you to change everything.
    • They will offer suggestions. You make the final decisions.
  • Bring someone with you on your journey.
    • Get a mentor or mentee.
      • Another shop owner or a competitor.
  • It is a journey, not a sprint.
    • You’re an overnight success; thirty years in the making.
    • Great to have a great spouse to bounce stuff off.
    • You need a good support team.
      • Helps you stay out of the ditch because you asked for help.
      • Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.
  • Give back along the way
    • Get involved and be engaged in a cause.

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:
Facebook   Twitter   Linked In   Email

This episode is brought to you by Federal-Mogul Motorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake, Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust.  For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at fmmotorparts.com  and fmgaragegurus.com