Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, and Today’s Class

Recorded at the TST Big Event, industry trainers Eric Ziegler and Pete Meier dive into the growing challenges technicians and shop owners face in staying current with technology and why continuous education is no longer optional. The conversation highlights key issues including the liability risks of inadequate training, the double-edged sword of social media as an information source, and the power of peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. Eric and Pete also stress the importance of actively applying what’s learned, not just passively consuming information, and how networking with other professionals can accelerate growth.

Eric Ziegler, EZ Tech Mentors.  Eric’s previous episodes HERE.

Pete Meier, Training Manager, Dorman Products. Pete’s other episodes HERE

Show Notes:

• Watch Full Video Episode
• TST Big Event 2025: https://www.tstseminars.org/
• Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)
• Overview of Training Importance (00:01:03)
• Cultural Shift in Training (00:03:04)
• Incentivizing Training (00:04:08)
• Training Formats and Challenges (00:05:00)
• Technician Growth and Retention (00:06:55)
• Advocating for Continuing Education (00:07:40)
• Financial Commitment to Training (00:08:20)
• Cultural Commitment to Education (00:09:24)
• Awareness of Training Resources (00:10:09)
• Networking at Training Events (00:11:19)
• Building a Positive Training Culture (00:12:52)
• Value of Training Experiences (00:14:04)
• Networking Importance (00:14:38)
• Training Takeaways (00:14:59)
• Building a Training Culture (00:18:56)
• Mentorship in the Industry (00:19:05)
• Service Information Awareness (00:21:50)
• Consequences of Ignoring Updates (00:22:39)
• Importance of Accurate Training (00:26:02)
• Battery Maintenance and Diagnostics (00:28:17)
• Technician Homework (00:30:53)
• Social Media’s Role in the Industry (00:31:22)
• Generational Changes in Automotive Skills (00:33:30)
• Quality vs. Price in Automotive Services (00:36:40)
• Vetting Information Sources (00:38:24)
• Making Training Practical (00:41:19)
• The Forgetting Curve (00:42:19)
• Taking Action on Learning (00:43:05)
• Business Perspective on Training (00:43:43)
• Changing Technician Compensation (00:44:53)

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class

Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/

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The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix – Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O’Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/

Recorded Live at Vision 2023, Dave Hobbs, Scot Manna, and Eric Ziegler have an open discussion on the importance of training, leading to the question, “Does the public really know what we do?”

Watch Video Episode: HERE

Dave Hobbs, senior technical trainer and curriculum developer for Delphi Technologies. Dave’s previous episodes HERE.

Scot Manna, Trainer, ACDelco Technician of the Millennium. Scot’s previous episodes HERE.

Eric Ziegler, EZ Diagnostic Solutions.  Eric’s previous episodes HERE.

Show Notes

• “What scan tool should you buy?” Class at Vision 2023 with 6 trainers
• They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care
• The outside of class experience is just as important or maybe more important. You’re going to create connections that are going to serve you for almost your entire career
• As long as you continue learning, your mind stays young
• You must read the service information!
• The people that need the training, aren’t in the training classes.
• Some people don’t go to updated training, struggle to get out of their shop, and don’t network with other shops.
• How many vehicles are on the road that needs ADAS calibration? 70%?
• Critical thinking is root problem solving.
• The public does not know what it takes and the tireless amount of dedication to do this career.
• We’re all in this industry together. If you raise the lake, everybody’s boat floats higher. 
• Do the job. Do the job right. Everything else will take care of itself.

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX and NAPA TRACS.

Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2023. Mark your calendar now … October 31 – Nov 2, 2023, AAPEX – Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at AAPEXSHOW.COM

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com

Connect with the Podcast:

-Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider
-All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books
-Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom
-Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm
-The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com
-Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

There are business coaches for shop owners, service advisors, COO’s and managers. But what about technicians? Training events are critical for everyone in your shop, but one on one technician mentoring at your facility is unrivaled. Find out the benefits of bringing a trainer in specifically to teach your team.

Watch the Episode on YouTube

Eric Ziegler, EZ Diagnostic Solutions.  Eric’s previous episodes HERE.

Scott Shotton, The Driveability Guys. Scott’s previous episodes HERE.

Tara Topel, Topel’s Service Center Inc. Tara’s previous episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points

• After Covid, techs were a bit burnt out on webinars and sitting behind computer screens-they appreciated being able to be hands-on again and in person without having to drive and take up their personal time after hours.
• Pick an area to focus on- like a business coach for your technicians. Start from the ground floor 
• Similar to case studies- using cars to teach and diagnose at the same time
• Training- collective education on a subject matter
• Trainer and technician bond when you’re in the shop
• Logistically easier having in house than traveling for training
• Assessments of every technician with 1 trainer
• Fosters open and receptive culture
• The relationship between techs and Scott and owners and Scott is valued and appreciated.  He gets to know them and can determine strengths and areas for growth.  The collaboration as a team is increased as well. 
• Documenting/journaling for technicians to reference past jobs

Connect with the Podcast

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Important Books

Check out today’s partners:

More Time. More Profit. Shop-Ware Shop Management getshopware.com

Dive into the minds of three incredible industry trainers in the studio of the 2022 Vision KC Hi Tech Training & Expo.  We had no agenda, just some friends chatting with a special dynamic and their passion for the advancement of the aftermarket. Some of what we covered: what are their perspectives on electrical theory, becoming a trainer, and training in general, you’ll also hear talk about business culture, mentoring and so much more. Profound fun awaits you.

Gary Smith, DiagNation. Listen to Gary’s previous episodes HERE

Eric Ziegler, EZ Diagnostic Solutions.  Eric’s previous episodes HERE.

Scott Shotton, The Driveability Guys. Scott’s previous episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points

• “Coming to Vision was life-altering” Eric Ziegler
• Electrical theory- 85% of high tech deep study cases have simple fixes routed in basic electricity. High resistance in the wire, missing fuse, broken wire, band ground. Don’t ‘out tech’ yourself.
• Becoming a trainer makes you better- when you teach you learn, and it forces you to research. Get what you give. Be humble and be present in the moment and be engaged. Using case studies and processes to train.
• “Automotive Elmers”
• Installing a culture of learning in your business- continuous training (with a blend of in-person and online/remote connect).
• Tech mentoring/group of local shops hiring training together- the same top shops that want to train continue to train, where are the other shops? 
• Is it just a job? Or is it your career and passion? Reaching the ‘master craftsman’’ in any position takes 68,000 hours, it’s a journey
• We Are Signal Intelligence Specialists with Gary Smith [RR 685] 
• Eric Ziegler EZ Diagnostic Solutions and Trainer [RR 192] The Story of Stormi

Connect with the Podcast:

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Important Books

Check out today’s partner:

Learn more about NAPA AutoCare and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting www.NAPAAutoCare.com

Are you ready for an inspiring story that will leave you with goosebumps? I’m with Eric Dallas at Vision 2022, one of the Technician of Tomorrow scholarship winners, who shares his story about taking a pay cut from a dealership to work for ChangingGears. Their mission is to empower people who are working their way out of poverty by providing affordable transportation. Listen and be inspired and realize the good that scholarship programs are doing to invest in our future.

Eric Dallas, ASE Certified Master Technician, ChangingGears, Cincinnati, OH.

Key Talking Points

• ChangingGears in Cincinnati- provide transportation for people breaking out of poverty. Providing freedom by leaving bus lines/public transportation. Volunteer with habitat for humanity with clients. Doner will get the maximum donation possible instead of the vehicle going to auction
• Won Vision 4 day all training classes access/meals/hotel scholarship, is ASE mastered certified
• Eric Ziegler was providing training in Cincinnati, told him about Vision
• The deadline for the scholarship had expired- applied anyway, received an email that he won 3-4 weeks later
• In 2009 started working at a dealership- no mentor, new people were “shunned” at first. Didn’t have fulfillment/purpose working at the dealership. Found Craigslist ad looking for entry-level technician, applied, and realized it wasn’t located in the ideal place but was warmly greeted, learned about the mission, and was fully on board. Took a pay cut.
• Eric provides 1 on 1 dialogue and education with clients about their vehicle 
• Funding- vehicles not suitable for clients will sell at auction and that money goes to overhead, fundraising, doners
• Changing-gears.org

Connect with the Podcast:

Aftermarket Radio Network

Subscribe on YouTube

Visit us on the Web

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Become an Insider

Buy me a coffee

Important Books

Check out today’s partner:

Learn more about NAPA AutoCare and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting www.NAPAAutoCare.com

Key Talking Points

• Joe’s Garage- a real-world shop setup with eight service bays, provides a platform for exhibiting brands to demo their equipment. Includes Shop management software, Customer relationship management, Digital inspection software, Website designers, Digital signage and menu boards, Integrated and text-to-pay solutions
• Rick White, 180 Biz “Service Advisors – The Key to Business Success”  Tuesday, November 2nd from 2 PM – 4:30 PM
• Eric Ziegler, EZ Diagnostic Solutions/EZ Tech Mentors & EZ Diagnostic Solutions. Working with Automotive Seminars and the Driveability Guys. Classes: Wednesday Scan Data Analysis 9:30- 12:00, Network Diag  2:30- 4:00 PM, Thurs VVT Fundamentals  9:30 – 12:00 and Misfire class from 2:30 – 4:00 PM.
• Bill Haas, Haas Performance Consulting, Advanced Financial Strategies for Peace of Mind, on Thursday 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM 
• Rich Cregar, Automotive Training Authority (ATA), Selling and Servicing Hybrid and Battery Electric Vehicles
• AAPEXSHOW.COM

Connect with the show:

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Important Books

Aftermarket Radio Network

Your weekly broadcast production with wisdom shared by our guest host and a virtual shop tour. There is a trivia challenge and a special fortune cookie wisdom shared. 

• Guest Host Eric Ziegler. Eric will talk about the ‘Training in the technological revolution of our industry’. Eric’s previous episodes HERE.
• Virtual Shop Tour by Carlo Sabucco from Sil’s Complete Auto Care, Oakville, ON Carlo’s previous episodes HERE.
• Trivia Challenge: Which car did the Cunninghams from Happy Days Drive? Listen for the fortune cookie wisdom of the week

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

Bob Greenwood, AMAM (Accredited Master Automotive Manager) is President and C.E.O. of Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre Ltd. (AAEC). AAEC is a company focused on providing Business Management Resources and Development for the Independent Sector of the aftermarket industry. AAEC content and technology is recognized as part of the curriculum of the Fixed Operations Diploma and the Aftermarket Degree courses taken at the Automotive Business School of Canada at Georgian College located in Barrie Ontario Canada. This school is the leader and only college in Canada that offers an automotive business education. AAEC is also recognized by the Automotive Management Institute (AMI), located in North Richland Hills, Texas USA, allowing 80 credits for successful completion of the AAEC E-Learning portion of the site towards the 120 credits required to obtain the reputable Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation.

Bob has over 40 years of Business Management experience within the Independent sector of the automotive aftermarket industry in North America, consulting Independent retail shops on all facets of their business operations. His 18 years of running his own local consulting and accounting firm in Ottawa, Ontario Canada created some of the most productive and financially successful entrepreneurs within the Independent sector today.

Bob is one of 150 Worldwide AMI approved instructors. He has created Business Management development courses for aftermarket shop employers/managers, Jobbers and Jobber Sales representatives which are recognized as being the most comprehensive, industry-specific courses of their kind in North America. His courses address the creation of measurable bottom-line profitability and not just developing activity to keep busy, by covering the very detailed nuts and bolts issues that are required to be clearly understood by every level of the industry if an independent shop is going to financially prosper and enjoy a professional future. Bob’s previous episodes are HERE.

Link to Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre Ltd. (AAEC) HERE.

• greenwood@aaec.ca – email for the full list1-800-267-5497 to discuss any questions

Classic Episodes

• Episode 571– Bob Greenwood with Chris Cloutier: Industry terminology, time to change it 
• Episode 387– Bob Greenwood Eric Ziegler

Key Talking Points:

• We need to better understand our target clients. Who are they? Why do they buy? What do they really want? What is our internal gameplan as a company to build a long-lasting trustworthy relationship?Building client base business vs customer base business- clients have relationships and trust with the business. Building relationships takes time, you can’t do it while understaffed. One service advisor for every 2 licensed technicians. Educating the client takes full conversations- manage their vehicle based on how they use it and expectations of vehicle.  
• There’s a need to improve focus and productivity, we need to create a culture of commitment and accountability and we must deal more effectively with non-performance. Do we believe in accountability as an important part of the business culture?Business culture- what do you stand for? Team concept in business that everyone wants to be a part of, everyone’s opinion counts including feedback. Employees are working on their career instead of working their ‘job’ because they want to be a part of the business. Committed and accountable to each other. Accountable- what are we doing on behalf of the clients and how do we measure that? Measure it in billed hours per repair order. Are we producing the right billed hours as a team daily, weekly monthly?
• We need more clarity and consistency from the top- is management fully accountable to the business?Leader of the discussion for team- clarity, and consistency in message, explain it properly, have a discussion on how you see it and how the team sees it. Daily discussion 5-8 minutes keeps the team engaged 
• We need to create true two-way communication throughout our organizationOwners often use generalities instead of specifics when engaging with the team. Don’t be afraid of discussing numbers- only confidential numbers are on your balance sheet. Let your team understand how income works and how they each affect it. Educate your team on the business in every aspect
• Ask about your employees- mutual respect and care about their life outside of the business
• Our industry is changing quickly- redefine and reinvent some aspects of the business. Are there specific courses we must take to clarify our industry and business knowledge?Education is everything- technical, business, front counter, etc. Has to be ongoing. Technician minimum 100 hours a year of training, management 6-8 days a year of training. You need to plan out courses/training for the year ahead of time. 

Resources:

• Thanks to Bob Greenwood for his contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
• Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
• Find every podcast episode HERE.
• Every episode segmented by Series HERE.
• Key Word Search HERE.

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This episode is brought to you by AAPEX, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo. AAPEX represents the $740 billion global automotive aftermarket industry and has everything you need to stay ahead of the curve.  The Virtual AAPEX Experience 2020 is in the record books. Virtual AAPEX lived up to presenting leading-technical and business management training from some of the industry’s best and brightest. Now set your sights on the homecoming in Las Vegas in 2021. Mark your calendar now … November 2-4, 2021, AAPEX // Now more than ever.

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/carm

Scott Shotton has over 25 years of technical experience in automotive repair shops. As the owner of The Driveability Guys, Scott performs mobile diagnostics and reprogramming for local repair shops in the DeKalb, Illinois area as well as industry training around the United States and Canada. He was also one of the four trainers for the Illinois EPA’s vehicle emissions testing program.

Scott is a former automotive instructor at Kishwaukee College. Prior to Kishwaukee College, Scott was adjunct faculty at the College of DuPage for 7 years. He has a degree in Automotive Service Technology as well as many hours of training by manufacturers and independent training entities.

Scott is also recognized as an Illinois state emissions repair technician. He was also a technical trainer during his 8 year Army career. Scott has written many technical articles for Motor Age and Gears magazines. Scott became an ASE Subject Matter Expert (SME) in 2017.

Scott currently maintains 21 ASE certifications including Master Automotive Technician, Master Truck Technician, A9, L1, L2, L3, Alternate Fuels and more. Scott’s previous episodes HERE.

Jon Bockman owns two locations; Bockman’s Auto Care in Sycamore, IL and the newly opened Bockman’s Truck & Fleet in DeKalb, IL. Jon is a second-generation owner of a business that has been around since 1964. He is a member of ASA and sits on the local college advisory board. He is the treasurer of a NAPA Business Development Group and is the winner of the 2019 NAPA AutoCare’s Shop of the Year. Jon’s previous episodes HERE.

Eric Ziegler, a Mobile Diagnostician owner of EZ Diagnostic Solutions Inc in Peoria, IL. Also, an instructor for Automotive Seminars and The Driveability Guys. Eric’s previous episodes HERE.

Dave Denmon founded Dave’s Car Care (formerly known as Dave’s Tire and Auto Corral) in 1980. He has been very active in the community, sponsoring Food for the Hungry, the Phoenix Women’s Shelter, Little League, girls’ softball teams, and established Sunny slope Ministers of Hope to feed local homeless. Dave’s previous episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points:

• As a test on ‘how is business’ in the face of the pandemic, both Dave and Jon are doing well
• Conceptually,Specific and focused on exactly what you need
• Theory and hands-on
• One on one because of the smaller class
• Defray cost by inviting local shops to participate
• AdvantageLooking for a specialized type of training. Customize to your needsPico Scope as an example
• Develop a core group of technicians to do this type of training
• Save travel, hotel and some food costs
• Shared training among your peers in your market
• More intimate.
• Instead of many generalized classes, you can pinpoint
• Move from basic training quicker because of a small group
• Use your shops’ equipment
• In today’s culture, you need a commitment from your technicians that are willing to learn every day
• You may hire a technician that has never used the equipment you use in your shop. Hire for this specific training
• Repetition if the mother of learning. Dave Denmon
• Dave has a contract with his techniciansWill get a monthly credit against a total he is investing in them with training
• Download Form  HERE.
• This builds training buy-in and a training bond
• You have to train your people
• Technology explosion in the next five years
• Flat Rate vs Hourly/Incentive (hybrid)
• Eric: Average technician pay in US $38. That is average.
• Eric does technician mentoring
• Navy Seals: They all have their role
• Dave is not going to run ads for technicians he will be drafting them from previous
• This type of specific train is fluid. At this time just about anything goes
• Dave: You need a structured training commitment and a budget between $25K – $50K per year if you want to survive in the next 3 – 5 years
• Major corporations will control the quick services for vehicles but fixing cars that have drivability problems will become a real need in the future
• Flat rate is irrelevant if you can’t fix cars
• Dave instituted a technology service access fee on invoices to help fund subscriptions and toolsIn 5 years he collected $77K
• Dave: Covid-19 has opened up the job market. There are many talented technicians available. We were always held hostage by the technician shortage   
• You must give exceptional customer experience if you want to have the highest labor rate
• Connect with your favorite trainer to come to your place to create specific training for your team
• Connect with Scott or Eric:
• Scott Shotton (scott@driveabilityguys.com)
• Eric Ziegler (eric@ezdiagnosticsolutions.com)

LINK TO AAPEXSHOW.COM/SERVICEAWARDS

Resources:

• A special thanks to Scott Shotton, Jon Bockman, Eric Ziegler, and Dave Denmon 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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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

• Trainers John Thorton and Eric Ziegler
• They help technicians succeed in their career
• How they pick their topics
• Six new seminars each year
• On-Line training events
• Many new technicians begin their training journey with Automotive Seminars

www.automotiveseminars.com

WATCH HERE

Scott Shotton has over 25 years of technical experience in automotive repair shops. As the owner of The Driveability Guys, Scott performs mobile diagnostics and reprogramming for local repair shops in the DeKalb Illinois area as well as industry training around the United States and Canada. He was also one of the four trainers for the Illinois EPA’s vehicle emissions testing program.

Scott has been an automotive instructor at Kishwaukee College since 2009. Prior to Kishwaukee College, Scott was adjunct faculty at the College of DuPage for 7 years. He has a degree in Automotive Service Technology as well as many hours of training by manufacturers and independent training entities.

Scott is also recognized as an Illinois state emissions repair technician. He was also a technical trainer during his 8 year Army career. Scott has written many technical articles for MotorAge and Gears magazines. Scott became an ASE Subject Matter Expert (SME) in 2017.

Scott currently maintains 21 ASE certifications including Master Automotive Technician, Master Truck Technician, A9, L1, L2, L3, Alternate Fuels and more. Look for Scott’s other episodes HERE.

Eric Ziegler owns and operates EZ Diagnostic Solutions Inc in Peoria, IL. Eric specializes in module programming, driveability, electrical and network systems diagnostics. Eric has over 30 years of experience as a technician with an extensive diagnostics background.

Eric supports collision centers and auto repair shops and has one tech in his mobile diagnostic business.

Eric Ziegler is an ASE Certified Master Tech • L1 Advanced Level Diagnostic Specialist • L2 Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnostic Specialist • L3 Light-Duty Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Specialist • ASE Certified Medium Duty Truck Technician.

Eric is an ASE Recertified Advance Level L1 Master Technician who has spent a great deal of his career focusing on automotive electronics, engine management diagnostics, module programming, and network communication.

In addition to owning and operating EZDS, Eric is an accomplished automotive trainer working for Automotive Seminars and the Driveability Guys training technicians in the latest diagnostic techniques and technologies throughout the Midwest and US.  He regularly attends and trains at some of the automotive industries top training events like Vision KC, ASA ATE, Automechanika, NESSARA, AV Tech Expos, KOI, Indiana ASA and the CAN Conference. Eric’s previous episodes are HERE.

Dave Denmon founded Dave’s Car Care (formerly known as Dave’s Tire and Auto Corral) in 1980. He has been very active in the community, sponsoring Food for the Hungry, the Phoenix Women’s Shelter, Little League, girls’ softball teams, and established Sunnyslope Ministers of Hope to feed local homeless.

Gerson Carcache is an ASE Certified Tech at Dave’s Car Care.

EZ Tech Mentors

We would like to assist shops in developing exceptional technicians, improving shop culture, increasing the effectiveness of communication and improving the bottom line for everyone involved. The technicians we train will become better technicians and improve their self-confidence. This higher level of skill will contribute to the bottom line of your business. At the same time, we will promote effective communication between technicians, service writers and shop owners. All of these aspects contribute to a positive shop environment, or culture, which will allow all of the parties involved to be happier and more profitable. Through hands-on technical training, technician assessments, business assessments and meetings with all of the individuals involved we will change your way of thinking and facilitate the advancement of our industry.

What is technician mentoring? Technician mentoring is a training program that is focused on technical proficiency. However, it goes beyond technical training. Technician mentoring promotes effective communication, positive attitudes, effective teamwork, positive shop culture and a higher bottom line for everyone. Passionate technicians, in the appropriate environment, produce quality work and contribute to the business as a whole. As a result, everyone involved in your business team is happy and enjoys the spoils. The key word in the last sentence was “Team.” Although technician mentoring strives toward making technicians better at their jobs, we also encourage the team aspect to benefit everyone involved.   EZ Tech Mentors website HERE.

Key Talking Points:

• EZtechmentors.com  
  • Came out of a conversation with Craig O’Neil
  • Need technicians to fix cars- need technician mentoring
  • Assessment of shop and level each technician is at- hands-on corrections
  • Logical based training- common sense approach
  • Web meetings to stay in touch and reinforce training  
  • Create a culture of learning
  • Help with communication between techs and service advisors
• Mentor program from technician perspective
  • Sense of camaraderie
  • Appreciate mentor taking time out of the day to teach and train
  • Mentor passing along knowledge step by step
• Mechanic to technician transition
  • A mechanic can do anything, the technician finesses the job
• Future of industry is technology
  • Train for and present to the consumer
  • Impact of repaired cars

Resources:

• Thanks to Scott Shotton, Eric Ziegler, Dave Denmon and Gerson Carcache for their contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
• EZ Tech Mentors website HERE.
• Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
• Leave me an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one of them.

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The auto care industry is revving up.  New technologies are changing cars and the way people use them. To stay in the driver’s seat of all these advancements, you need to take charge of your learning, your business, and your legacy. That’s where the 2020 NAPA EXPO comes in. With help from industry experts and the best suppliers and manufacturers, the 2020 NAPA EXPO will provide the innovations and answers you need to charge forward into the future.

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• What was your best take-a-way from Vision
• Did you get your Vision shirt that supports scholarships
• Thanks:
• • Thanks to Sheri Hamilton, Jerry Holcom, Joe Severt and Ron Haugen for such a great event and for having me lead the Power Panel.
  • Look for an upcoming episode with
    • Tyler Hubbard, Chris Cheney, Greg Buckley, Aaron Stokes and Brian Bates
• Many great interviews were done at Vision along with recording some For The Record Rants
  • Let me drop a few names on you:
    • Rob Morrell
    • Mark Warren
    • Rob Rowsell
    • Anthony Williams
    • Chris Chesney
    • Jorge Menchu
    • Scott Brown
    • Matt Fanslow
    • Justin Morgan
    • Scott Shotton
    • Dave Denman
    • Eric Ziegler
    • Brian Bates
    • Tyler Hubbard
    • Aaron Stokes
    • Greg Buckley
    • Jennifer Filzen
    • Keith Williamson
    • Kim Walker
• So we can keep the energy up, I need you to share the podcast with your peers. Don’t hold it back. Rising tide lift all ships. We are in a renaissance to improve our industry like never before. Networking, business coaches, twenty groups and the RRR podcasts are important tools for business and personal improvement.
• Always looking to hear from you about topics, interview, your opinions or maybe it is your time to be on the podcast …. carm@remarkableresults.biz



Your Learning Curve Never Sounded So Good

The Panel:

• Matt Fanslow is the diagnostic tech/shop manager at Riverside Automotive in Red Wing, MN
• Eric Ziegler a Mobile Diagnostician owner of  EZ Diagnostic Solutions Inc in Peoria, IL. Also, an instructor for Automotive Seminars and The Driveability Guys
  
• Rob Rowsell, shop owner, owner of Family Auto Service a four shop group in the La Mesa, CA area. Author of the book ‘Addicted To Life’, How I Went from Homeless to Extraordinary Success and Happiness in a Short Period of Time. Find a link to Rob’s book on the book page on the website HERE.
  
• Tanner Brandt, owner Tanner’s auto Clinic LLC, Mobile diagnostics and programming as well as teach for CTI

Key Talking Points

• The panel consists of two former addict and two ‘normies’. The ‘normies’ have a close friend or family member that is in recovery and has had an impact on them.
• Myth: People who struggle with addition come from a bad or broken home and have no support.
• Truth: Until an addict says ‘Done’ no one can help them. Your heart may say you are done but your actions must demonstrate it.
• Addiction can come in many forms:
  • Caffeine
  • Sex
  • Germaphobe
  • Gambling
  • Video Games
• We worry about it when it becomes difficult to perform our daily functions.
• Look at science. It starts uniting things.
  • How you are wired
• Drug testing for your people or new recruits is dependent on state laws.
  • Gray areas in states where marijuana is legal.
• You can put up a sign that says ‘We are a drug-free workplace.’
• An addict’s descent into relapse occurs long before they take in the substance or activity. Talk to people to learn the signals of relapse.
  • Usually, performance at work suffers and that is a signal.
  • You must call them on it. If you ignore it will not go away. It is their addiction.
  • You must protect the business.
  • The success rate for addicts beyond the first time is not good. The success rate can be less than 10%.
  • Faith-based success rate is over 80%.     
  • There is a 12 step program at Vision KC.
• There are many programs out there to help. If an addict plays the denial card there is no hope.
• Having the right culture in the company will help a recovering addict.
  • The Christmas party is not at a bar.
  • Do not ridicule the addict
• Opioid addiction can start with a prescription for pain because of an accident or the like
  • If you are wired for an addition your pain killer can set you off.
  • We are in an opioid epidemic in our country.
  • Opioid addicts have treatment that others don’t. They can go on an alternative drug to get their life back, their job back, their family back.
• Our reward system is designed, in our brains, to give us big rewards, a dose of dopamine. We can find ourselves finding alternative ways to provide us the dose of dopamine.
• If you expose yourself you will become; In Rob’s book he talks about ‘The Law of Exposure’. It is as reliable as the Law of Gravity
  • If you hang around bank robbers you will become a bank robber. If you hang around God-fearing men, you’ll become a god fearing man.
  • Don’t risk a relapse by hanging out in the wrong environment.
• The way out is you need to believe in yourself.
  • Myth: People believe that there is a moral shortcoming because you are an addict.
  • Addiction is a family disease.
  • The negative energy that destroys an addict’s life can be used to focus on recovery.
  • By healing the addict the family heals.
  • There is more going on than just a lack of willpower or corruption of a person.
• If you had an employee leave work to go for cancer treatment would your perception of the person going for addiction treatment be the same?
• The hard part of an addict is living life without.
  • 10% is the drinking – 90% is the thinking.
• Mental illness, driving people to self medicate.    

Link to National Drug-Free Workplace

Resources:

• A special thanks to  Matt Fanslow, Rob Rowsell, Tanner Brandt and Eric Ziegler 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.

RepairPal. Many of our industry’s high-quality shops have gone through an evaluation with an independent automotive team to ensure their techs are trained, they use the right tools, and their customers are happy. In fact, over 2,200 repair shops have met these requirements, have become RepairPal Certified and are getting new customers every month.

Why has the number of RepairPal Certified shops grown so much? These shops are proud to have passed the certification and value the new customers they’re getting, both from the 5 million monthly visitors to RepairPal.com and their partnerships with CarMax and USAA. Certified shops can cancel at any time, so RepairPal works hard to produce value for them. Learn more at repairpal.com/shops to learn more.

Subscribe to a mobile listening app HERE.

Bob Greenwood, AMAM, is President and CEO of Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre Ltd and has over 40 years’ experience working with Independent shops developing their business to maximize business net income.

Bob writes management articles for ASA’s magazine AutoInc and has developed live business management classes for ASA. He writes monthly management articles for Motor Age magazine in the USA and writes semi-monthly shop management articles for CARS Magazine. Bob’s previous episodes are HERE.

Eric Ziegler owns and operates EZ Diagnostic Solutions Inc in Peoria, IL. Eric specializes in module programming, driveability, electrical and network systems diagnostics. Eric has over 30 years of experience as a technician with an extensive diagnostics background.

Eric supports collision centers and auto repair shops and has one tech in his mobile diagnostic business.

Eric Ziegler is an ASE Certified Master Tech • L1 Advanced Level Diagnostic Specialist • L2 Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnostic Specialist • L3 Light-Duty Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Specialist • ASE Certified Medium Duty Truck Technician.

Eric is an ASE Recertified Advance Level L1 Master Technician who has spent a great deal of his career focusing on automotive electronics, engine management diagnostics, module programming, and network communication.

In addition to owning and operating EZDS, Eric is an accomplished automotive trainer working for Automotive Seminars and the Driveability Guys training technicians in the latest diagnostic techniques and technologies throughout the Midwest and US. He regularly attends and trains at some of the automotive industries top training events like Vision KC, ASA ATE, Automechanika, NESSARA, AV Tech Expos, KOI, Indiana ASA and the CAN Conference. Eric’s previous episodes are HERE.

Key Talking Points:

• Being business developers.Owners need to take inventory of the staff’s knowledge- where they are at, where they should be.
• Need to be a well-rounded team that trusts each other- employees having knowledge of both business and technical aspects of shop.
• “If you don’t believe in your people, why did you hire them?”   
• Having a passion for the industry.Are you living your dream?
• Share your knowledge and develop others, become a mentor to the next generation.
• A passion for being a trainer can become a mentor figure when it comes from the heart.
• Who are the replacements for the current top-level industry trainers?We must start to pass this on and help the new generation.
• Eric’s story from his dad, a Caterpillar add:“In business as in life, there are no simple solutions, just intelligent choices”. -Caterpillar
• TrainingAttendance rates are down.
• Daytime training should rule so the trainer can have a life.
• One-day class should be $395-495 per person, minimum 20 per class and maximum limit.
• Some shops do not want to spend money on training, the younger generation would rather take an online class.
• People that need training the most are not at training seminars.
• Training is not an expense, it is an investment in business and investment in your future.
• Getting the most out of training classes.Study agenda ahead of time.
• Are the topics covered beneficial to your business? Confirm with the instructor.
• Great Idea! Twenty Style Group for Technicians “A Ten Group”Use Warranty Labor as a metric
• Hands-on
• Theory
• Lead my an industry instructor.

Resources:

• Thanks to Bob Greenwood and Eric Ziegler for their contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
• Link to Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre Ltd. HERE.
• Link to EZ Diagnostic Solutions HERE.
• Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
• Leave me an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one of them.

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:

Facebook  Twitter  Linked In  Email   Events   Speaking

This episode is brought to you by Federal-MogulMotorparts 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

[Pictured above Eric Ziegler, Chris Chesney, Donny Seyfer, Keith Williamson, Summer Guerrero, Carm Capriotto. Photo courtesy of Howard Pitkow]

Have you thought about how you will do business in the future? Well the mission of this panel was to stretch the boundaries and serve up plenty of thoughts, concepts and changes coming that you need to be fundamentally prepared for. Many great thoughts in this town hall that will help shape your future. There are many important action steps discussed that need your support and engagement. Listen carefully for those cues.

The team:

Summer Guerrero, and her husband Mark have been together since they were 16 yrs old, and opening a shop was Mark’s dream as a teenager. Summer was a female firefighter. On her days off she would attend small business classes to prepare for opening a shop. As a female firefighter, Summer worked with public and media throughout her 15 year career and saw the passion and gift Mark had to give to their community and his dream quickly became hers.  Summer is responsible for the Marketing, Management, and Public relations of the company. Their goal is be a leader in the industry for their customers, and other independent shop owners to help raise the standards of professionalism in the automotive industry. Their shop Affinity Automotive Services is in Wichita, KS. Listen to Summer’s previous episodes HERE.

Keith Williamson is the owner of Williamson’s Repair and Tire in Bondurant, IA for over 20 years. He is a member of ASA Midwest where he leads the Shop Owner Support Group (an amazing group of shops) in Iowa. He and his team focus on the customer experience, as well as Hybrid, Electric and emerging vehicle Technologies. He recently added a solar array to his building and uses a Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt as shuttle vehicles and plans to add more hybrid and electric vehicles as they continually update their loaner fleet. He is a member of RLO Training’s Bottom line impact group for 4 years. Listen to Keith’s previous episodes HERE.

Eric Ziegler owns and operates EZ Diagnostic Solutions Inc in Peoria, IL. Eric specializes in module programming, drivability, electrical and network systems diagnostics. Eric has over 30 years of experience as a technician with an extensive diagnostics background. Eric is an accomplished automotive trainer working for Automotive Seminars and the Drivability Guy. Eric Ziegler is an ASE Certified Master Tech • L1 Advanced Level Diagnostic Specialist • L2 Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnostic Specialist • L3 Light Duty Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Specialist • ASE Certified Medium Duty Truck Technician. Listen to Eric’s previous episodes HERE.

Donny Seyfer, AMAM,  is co-owner of Seyfer Automotive, in Wheat Ridge, CO and the Executive Officer of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF). Donny Seyfer, a 3rd generation owner, has over 30 years of automotive experience as a technician, manager and service consultant. His Dad started in 1961 and his grandfather was building race cars before that. Seyfer Automotive provides general repair, and maintenance with a special focus on diagnostic. Donny is past chairman of ASA and serves on many industry boards and committees. Listen to Donny’s previous episodes HERE.

Chris Chesney is the Senior Director, Customer Training at the CARQUEST Technical Institute. Chris has held every position from tire buster to master technician, from service adviser to shop owner. He has been training technicians and shop owners for 30 years. Chris started his training business, DTEC, in Denver in 1994 where he trained over a thousand techs in the art of transient emissions diagnostics.

Chris believes what all successful technicians and shop owners know …. that you must be committed to be a lifelong learner …. If not … you’re in the wrong profession. Chris was honored at Vision 2018 with the President’s award. Listen to Chris’s previous episodes HERE.

Talking points:

• Are work mix changes important considerations as we look to the future?
• When the self driving car pulls into your shop, someday in the future, will you know what to do?
• Will shops become specialists or excell in certain disciplines?
• How will shops communicate with their customers in the future?
• What type of training will techs need to have:  Leader led vs online or other?
• Are we doing enough to develop our people who will probably leave us?
• How will changing business models have an impact on the Shop of the Future?
• How do we extend to our customer the opportunity to service vehicles while it is not ‘in-duty’? Stats show that vehicles are ‘in-service’ only five percent of the time. Can you engage with the other 95%?
• Will digital inspections impact the industry?
• How should shop owners start to grow their own A techs?
• You’ve got to pay to retain and hire top technicians because they are going to be network specialist that will diagnose machines that will have 100 million lines of code that run them.
• Getting involved with high-school and college advisory councils will help the industry and your business.
• There is a technician defection rate of college graduates out of the industry. The number is 65% within two years. We need to get involved with the young people and show them a great lifelong career and pay them well and provide the benefits that set up a quality career. Technicians need to make a six-figure salary. Shops need to run a profitable shop, so they can pay top talent.
• NASTF is working to create a career path framework so we can provide a direction and career path to our youth.
  1. You need to give them challenging work.
  2. Our youth need to see a career path and see an opportunity to own their own shop someday. Help them, partner with them. Show the opportunity for a bright future.
• We will be learning about cars you may decide to not work on.

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

This episode is brought to you by Federal-MogulMotorparts 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

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