The Panel:

John Bridgwater and his wife own Wright’s Automotive Service in San Leandro, CA. John started to earn his ASE certifications early on and began networking with other technicians and shop owners. John was honored among eleven others as an Auto Care/ASE World Technician in 2015. In order to be considered for this award, you must hold at least 22 ASE certifications. John currently has 49 certifications and he is working on the 50th. John Bridgwater has a very interesting story on his rise to shop ownership. He started in 1987 and became a shop owner in January 2015. John actually was recruited by a shop in the bay area that he and his wife eventually purchased. He waited a long time for the right opportunity. John is also a technical trainer for an aftermarket company. Listen to John’s previous episodes HERE.

Kevin Eckler, a Dad and a mentor along with wife Lisa, own Foreign Car Specialists, in Poughkeepsie, NY. Kevin has been named Albany, NY region’s ASE Tech of the Year 2019 and 2020. He was also voted Best mechanic in the Hudson Valley, which encompasses Westchester, Putnum, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster and Greene counties. Kevin is a 40 year veteran of the industry, and still has a love for it and simply cannot understand why anyone would tell a young person to get out while they can, instead of inspiring them to greatness! Kevin’s previous episodes HERE.

Richard Falco Jr. is an instructor for Carquest Technical Institute (CTI). He is an ASE Master Technician L1 with over 25 years in the auto repair industry. His technical experience includes Domestic, Asian, and European vehicles both at the dealership level and as a successful shop owner. He has instructed technicians and college students in all aspects of automotive repair and currently takes care of our customers, for CTI, throughout the southeastern U.S. Listen to Rich’s previous episodes HERE.

Paul Marquardt Started in this business in 1979 as a pump jockey and lube tech. Paul attended various training over the years, some of it daytime training 4 hours of travel time. He bought the business Northwoods Auto Techs, Rhinelander, WI, in 1990 and in 1995 expanded from 2 bays to 5 bays and became a NAPA Autocare center at the same time. He was the NAPA Stevens Point NAPA ASE Tech of the Year from 1999 through 2008 and was the National NAPA ASE Tech of the Year for 2010. Paul Joined the NAPA Autotech training team around 2011 as a contract trainer and have been doing that as well as keeping the business going. Learn of Paul’s Previous episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points

• Many technicians and shop owners started pumping gas ‘Pump Jockeys’ at full-service stationsPaul and Rich pumped gas when they started. Groomed into the shop
• 1986 Ford was fuel injected. The learning curve happened after that.You learned about new tech via trial by fire
• You could diagnose carburetors with your ears and vacuum Gauge
• Many had great mentors that were very instrumental in teaching them
• Kevin worked at the dealer because he thought it was the mecca of technician jobsHe graduated top of his class from Rhode Island Technical Institute
• The dealer was the place you worked because it was considered a careerIt may not apply today
• Chrysler Caravan debuted in the 80sHad a Mitsubishi motor
• It set the pace for the future of SUV’s and Crossovers
• IROC-Z debuted in the 80sRich owned one
• When the phone rang in the 80s you had a high potential that they would become a customerToday it can lean toward pricing
• Pricing of parts was from different color sheets
• They don’t miss paper catalogs or manuals
• Paychecks went into race cars
• Boomboxes with 12 D cell batteries were the norm
• Some starting pay rates today are not as strong as some were in the 80s. Rich Falco’s story.
• Safety is very important. Gloves, use proper equipment so you protect your body. Hearing protection. Years later these professionals would have done it differently to protect themselves
• So many warnings about the new tech – It Won’t Last. Who knew!!!
• Have a different hobby than what you do for a living

Resources:

• A special thanks to John Bridgwater, Kevin Eckler, Rich Falco, and Paul Marquadt 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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Mobile Listening APP’s HERE

Join the Ecosystem – Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.

Buy Carm a Cup of Coffee 

This episode is brought to you by Shop-Ware Shop Management. It’s time to run your business at its fullest potential with the industry’s leading technology. Shop-Ware Shop Management will increase your efficiency with lightning-fast workflows, help your staff capture more sales every day, and create very happy customers who promote your business. Shops running Shop-Ware have More Time and generate More Profit—join them! Schedule a free live demonstration and find out how 30 minutes can transform your shop at getshopware.com

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Brad Pellman first started working in the automotive industry at the age of 15 and over his career has held a wide variety of jobs at both dealerships and independent repair shops. In 1995 this dream of owning his own shop became a reality when he opened up Pellman’s Automotive in Boulder, CO with his wife, Lisa.

Brad is ASE master certified and AAM designated as well. He is currently on the Board of Directors for ASE and ASA Colorado, with past board involvement with CCPN and the TECHNET Automotive Council. He has had the added privilege of being designated as one of the Motor Age Top shops in the country. And hopes to continue to raise the awareness and importance of Independent automotive repair across the country. Brad’s previous episodes HERE.

Peter Foreman from Integra Tire, Second Generation Shop Owner, 39 Years old from Langley, BC. Peter literally grew up in the shop. As a baby, there was a cot in the office while his mom Cheryl did the books! Taking his Dad Dave’s beliefs and expanding on them, Peter went out and made a career on his own in the auto parts industry before deciding to come back and help his family bring the shop into the next age of auto service and repair in 2005. Peter is happily married with two children. His children love to visit the shop as well. Maybe there will be a third-generation one day! Learn of Peter’s Previous episodes HERE.

Paul Marquardt Started in this business in 1979 as a pump jockey and lube tech. Paul attended various training over the years, some of it daytime training 4 hours of travel time. He bought the business Northwoods Auto Techs, Rhinelander, WI, in 1990 and in 1995 expanded from 2 bays to 5 bays and became a NAPA Autocare center at the same time. He was the NAPA Stevens Point NAPA ASE Tech of the Year from 1999 through 2008 and was the National NAPA ASE Tech of the Year for 2010. Paul Joined the NAPA Autotech training team around 2011 as a contract trainer and have been doing that as well as keeping the business going. Learn of Paul’s Previous episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points: 

• Big reality is that there is enough business for everyone.
• You cannot work on all the cars that drive by your shop
• Problem is not the shop across the street or down the road
• Many shop owners have learned from their peers
• Smart shop owners are in a network and talk weekly
• There is no reason to create from scratch. Get ideas from colleagues, tweak to make them yours and implement. It is called R & D. Ripoff and Duplicate
• It is better to have friends than enemiesCall for support from a local team or network can help you solve a problem
• If you get along they can be there to help you
• You see strong comradery at events like Vision. Why can’t that get down to the very local level?
• You solve problems by having resources. Friends in your market can help you
• In Peter’s group, they used to have a Google sheet that listed all their tools so they knew what they could borrow
• If you borrow a tool twice you should own it
• You can also share business challenges and marketing ideasSome have even helped with a tech
• If you share marketing ideas use different companies to keep your identities separate
• Visit every new shop in your area. Just stop in.Ask for their opinion on things. Tools, training, etc
• Encourage the shop down the road to visit aftermarket events including social events and training
• No secret sauce exists. Don’t worry about someone taking ideas. That is the point. Make it your own and grow your business
• Don’t ever talk negatively about another shop. It does not make you look good. It makes you look small
• Always defend shops in your town
• You may discover a customer who is never happyFriends share that information
• We are all in the business for the same thing and we cannot work on every carWorking together insures your own success
• Fighting one another never grows a great industry
• “You’re the average of the five people you spend most of your time with.” Jim Rohn
• Friends help you. Make your competitor your friend. It is not a bad thing. It will help you grow your business
• Help each other with tools and similar software systems. 
• Small Shops … Big Egos. It is real not to share and have your Ego get in front of important decisions.
• You’ll never get better if your ego rules
• If your customer ends up at the shop up the street. Then you screwed up.
• Friendships enable your success

Resources:

• A special thanks to Brad Pellman, Paul Marquardt, and Peter Foreman for their contribution to the aftermarket.
• Books Page HERE
• Listen to all Remarkable Results Radio, For The Record and Town Hall Academy episodes.

Facebook   Twitter   Linked In   Email

Mobile Listening APP’s HERE

Join the Ecosystem – Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.

Buy Carm a Cup of Coffee 

This episode is brought to you by Shop-Ware Shop Management. It’s time to run your business at its fullest potential with the industry’s leading technology. Shop-Ware Shop Management will increase your efficiency with lightning-fast workflows, help your staff capture more sales every day, and create very happy customers who promote your business. Shops running Shop-Ware have More Time and generate More Profit—join them! Schedule a free live demonstration and find out how 30 minutes can transform your shop at shop-ware.com



Chris Chesney is the Senior Director of Customer Training, CARQUEST Technical Institute, and a NASTF board member and a member of the ‘Road To Great Technician’ project.  Listen to Chris’s previous episodes HERE.

Lucas Underwood is an Automotive diagnostic specialist, shop owner, and foreman. He owns L & N Performance Auto Repair, Blowing Rock, NC  was Founded In 2008 As A Diesel Performance Shop – Over The Past 10 Years, The Facility Has Transformed Into A Full-Service Automotive Repair Facility. Offering Repairs On All Makes & Models, Gas And Diesel.

Carlo Sabucco started in 1994 after attending several years at Ryerson University for business. Thereafter graduated Mohawk college Automotive Tech Program.  Carlo has devoted a great amount of time surrounding himself with some of the greatest shop owners in the market. Over the years, Carlo attended training from Bob Greenwood to Cecil Bullard, Dave Schedin, Elite and group process with Jim Murphy, thru to Kelly Bennett, now he is with ShopPros. Today Carlo operates Sils Complete Auto Care Centre, a successful 8 bay facility, approx 7,000 square feet on the east side of Oakville, Ontario. Listen to Carl’s previous episodes HERE.

Paul Marquardt Started in this business in 1979 as a pump jockey and lube tech. Paul attended various training over the years, some of it daytime training 4 hours travel time. He bought the business Northwoods Auto Techs, Rhinelander, WI, in 1990 and in 1995 expanded from 2 bays to 5 bays and became a NAPA Autocare center at the same time. He was the NAPA Stevens Point NAPA ASE Tech of the Year from 1999 through 2008 and was the National NAPA ASE Tech of the Year for 2010. Paul Joined the NAPA Autotech training team around 2011 as a contract trainer and have been doing that as well as keeping the business going. 

Key Talking Points:

• Daytime training model
  • A fresh set of eyes, after a nights rest, delivers better knowledge transfer.
  • Dealerships are doing daytime.
  • Young technicians want to know what your training commitment is.
    • They want to know if they’ll be paid to go to training.
    • They want work-life balance. They don’t live to work they work to live.
  • We need to schedule effectively when we lose a technician to daytime training
  • If the shop owners commit to daytime training the training companies will be there to meet that demand.
• Night Time Training
  • We need to change the culture of training. Night time is not working.
    • So many in the class have half mast eyelids. How much training are they getting.
• Overall message
  • We need to move to a competency training model
  • Training costs too much. Some shops don’t budget for training
  • Technicians need to be compensated for attending training no matter what time of day.
  • Training is a differentiator when hiring and keeping technicians
  • Training is an investment not an expense
  • Schedule around daytime training. Don’t put your shop in a hole when a technician is at training. No different than the sudden sick day.
  • Private training is being done in local markets
    • A group of owners are pooling their money and hiring a top training.
    • Get about 10 shops in the market to split the cost
    • Requiring hands on training, as this become a trend.
    • Smaller groups get a better experience
  • You need a learning plan for your team
    • It must be based on need
    • In small bite size segments
  • Training must be attacked with a strategy and a plan
  • Having a strong training culture can bring potential techs who want to work for you to your business
  • Do your techs know why they are going to training?
  • We need to challenge ourselves and the industry trainers to bring more daytime and hands-on training
  • Hands on is critical after a class. Owner needs to ask their tech to perform some of the tasks that were taught in class. Without hands on the knowledge transfer is minimized. Follow up and follow through
    • Teaching the principles of the class to the rest of the team will benefit the ROI of the training  
    • Carlo Sabucco is taking is team to Vision KC 2019. He will close his shop. The value he sees:
      • Knowledge
      • Networking
      • Training culture commitment
      • Socializing
      • Expose your team to the best trainers in the industry
  • Involve your high-school and college instructors in your classes.  

Resources:

• A special thanks to Chris, Lucas, Carlo, and  Paul for their contribution to the aftermarket.
• Books Page HERE
• Leave me an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one of them.

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