RR 280: Eric Svedberg and Rex Cate from Automotive Specialists
In the photo above Eric Svedberg and Rex Cate.
Eric Svedberg from Automotive Specialists in Virginia Beach, VA joined Rex Cate, his ‘Grow Your Own‘ millennial technician, in the AAPEX 17 Studio. This is a wide-ranging interview on Eric’s training for Rex to bring him the support and education he needs to be a high-level diagnostician.
This was a fun interview as we debunked the millennial stereotype and provide a blueprint for your own grow-your-own technician integration program.
Eric is adding another shop and Rex will get more opportunities to expand his knowledge and experience.
Talking points:
- Rex had started to work for a Dealership right after he worked for Panera.
- When Rex interviewed, he was impressed with Eric’s shop.
- Eric set out to find a tech he can grow.
- He found Rex in an unusual circumstance. You may never know when opportunity calls.
- Rex is 24 years-old and has been with Eric for four years.
- Eric says Rex is solid with brakes and mechanical
- Working on drivability as his next frontier of training.
- Eric looks at the big picture of the shop when it comes to a job he is qualified for.
- Rex is training via videos, a minimum four hours a month, and most months he exceeds it. He does his training at home.
- The shop’s “A” Tech is willing to show Rex how instead of just doing.
- Eric believes you need to show your young technician a vision for their opportunities in your shop.
- Rex is always looking at the big picture and thinking like a business owner.
- Young people need to find their passion, their why and pursue what they love to do. Your intended career may not be what other people want for you.
- To all millennials: Seek an interview. Your resume may not be strong but you need to get in front of the shop owner and show your maturity, drive, and passion to work in the industry.
Eric Svedberg was featured in episode 167 HERE.
| Number of locations: | 1 |
| Years in industry: | 30 |
| Years business ownership: | 24 |
| Number of technicians: | 3 |
| Number of service advisers: | 1 |
| Number of lifts: | 3 |
| Number of bays: | 3 |
| Days open: | Mon – Fri |
| Annual estimated volume: | $1,050M |
| Percent Repair vs Maintenance vs Other: | 50-40-10 |
| Technician training hours per year: | 48 |
| Service adviser training hours per year: | 12 |
| Specialty: | We operate on a high efficiency based model |
| Speialization: | Asian and Domestic |
| Association memberships: | iATN |
| ASE Certifications: | ASE Master Tech |
| SMS: | Mitchell 1 |
| Paperless: | No |
| DVI: | Bolt On |
| Other Market Software: | Service Intelligence |
| Website provider: | Kukui |
| Primary supplier: | World Pac |
| Supplier marketing program: | ACDelco |
| Performing hybrid repairs: | Yes |
| Succession plan: | Yes working on |
| Biggest challenges: | Tech shortage |
| Business coach: | Cecil Bullard, The Institute |
| Entrepreneur hack: | Spend as little time as possible discussing the repair and as much time as possible getting to know your customer and their life. |
| Philanthropy: | Local Childrens Hospital |
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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
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!