Key Talking Points

• Thoughts that daughters bring to the table- being an employee, not a ‘favorite,’ earn respect from peers (testing period), don’t be reactionary
• Learning to keep the status quo of the business and community while continuing to make improvements and grow
• Pop By Marketing- popcorn and coupon to local businesses
• Role definition prior to transition
• Transitional period and length- be prepared
• Encouraging respect
• Making the business your own- bringing a different perspective
• Transitioning daughter to be the face of the business- 60% of repairs are purchased by females
• Fluid trust- with customers and between father/daughter team, trusting employees to decide
• Be open to asking questions and have thick skin
• Lauren attended peer group meeting with her father which opened her perspective and realized she wanted to join the industry
• Be a learner. Everything is figure-out-able!

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Important Books

Check out today’s partners:

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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The Panel

Ashlan Kaplan, General Manager, Cannon Auto Repair, Cannon Falls, MN. Ashlan is Rich’s daughter and has been around the shop since she was a kid. She enjoys continuing to learn all about the automotive business and looks forward to helping it grow and serve our local community for years to come! Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband, two kids: Lincoln and Sophie and two fur babies Simba and Nala. Listen to Ashlan’s previous episodes HERE

Rich Udenberg, Owner, Cannon Auto Repair, Cannon Falls, MN.  Rich Udenberg brings 45 years of experience to the trade and our service personnel has over 45 years of experience in the industry.

Lauren Anderson, Executive Assistant, Victory Auto Service, 9 Locations, MN. Listen to Lauren’s previous episodes HERE

Jeff Matt, Owner, Victory Auto Service, 9 Locations, MN. Jeff founded Victory Auto Service & Glass with a commitment to providing exceptional service to those in need of automotive repair and maintenance. Growing up in Minnesota, Jeff worked as an automotive technician before opening Victory Auto Service & Glass. Jeff had always dreamed of opening a shop where the customer always felt cared for, never felt taken advantage of, and always received the highest quality service at the best price. Victory Auto Service & Glass first opened our doors in 1997 with a small, one-bay shop in Spring Lake Park. We have been growing ever since, thanks to our loyal and supportive customers like you. Listen to Jeff’s previous episodes HERE

Key Talking Points

Ashlan Kaplan, Cannon Auto Repair, Cannon Falls, MN

• Taking over the shop from dad
• Must have solid team behind you to rely on- if you’re not there one day it will continue to run properly?
• Husband is a financial advisor and is the team player at home
• Ashlan started working at shop once a week as trial to see if she would want to work in business
• Earning respect from others as a female
• “Your never making changes, you’re making improvements”
• Business mindset- growth
• Has business coach and leadership coach
• Biggest learning curve- learning how all the numbers work and understanding financials
• Short term plan- find 3rd technician in order to grow

Connect with the show:

Aftermarket Radio Network

Subscribe on YouTube

Visit us on the Web

Follow on Facebook

Become an Insider

Buy me a coffee

Important Books

Check out today’s partner:

Dorman gives people greater freedom to fix vehicles by constantly developing new repair solutions that put owners and technicians first. By always innovating, Dorman has led the way in growing the aftermarket. Here you will see a few examples of a Dorman OE Fix. An OE FIX is a Dorman repair solution you can’t get from the original equipment manufacturer. It means they found a situation where they believe the OEM wasn’t giving repair professionals what they wanted, so we fixed it. Everything Dorman does is centered around providing customer value, both in the quality of products, and the creativity of solutions. Our engineers and designers go out of their way to save repair technicians time and save vehicle owners money. Want to really go under the hood? Take the Dorman Virtual Tour at www.DormanProducts.com/Tour