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Turning Data Overload Into Actionable Insights [RR 1007]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 05:15:00 +0000

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network

Anders Gustafson explores the complexities of managing an automotive repair shop, focusing on the critical role of data and financial models. He emphasizes the importance of understanding numbers, pricing strategies, and customer experience for business success. The discussion highlights the need for shop owners to view their operations as financial models, not just repair centers, and to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset.

Anders Gustafson, ShopLevers

Show Notes

Watch Full Video Episode
Importance of Numbers in Business (00:03:03)
Understanding the ‘Why’ (00:03:40)
Motivation for Entering Automotive (00:04:49)
Distinction Between Product and Business (00:05:32)
Customer Experience as a Priority (00:06:44)
Understanding Financial Models (00:08:02)
Linking Goals to Actions (00:10:23)
Identifying Key Metrics (00:12:11)
Pricing Challenges (00:10:07)
Push vs. Pull Concept (00:14:29)
Revenue Problems Analysis (00:15:31)
Conclusion on Data Utilization (00:16:30)
Coaching and Discovery in Business (00:19:39)
Creating Action Plans for Clients (00:20:19)
Understanding Customer Experience (00:21:24)
Flat Rate Pay Discussion (00:23:17)
Entrepreneurship vs. Shop Ownership (00:24:18)
Lessons from Selling a Business (00:27:24)
Decision-Making Towards Business Success (00:29:33)
Creating Incentive Plans for Employees (00:32:30)
Combination of Individual and Team Incentives (00:34:31)

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network

Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX – Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR

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/

Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com

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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/

Creating a Culture of Accountability for Internal Succession [RR 983]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 05:15:00 +0000

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network

This episode centers on John Gustafson’s journey managing his automotive repair business, focusing on internal succession planning and implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). John shares his experience developing an internal succession plan, emphasizing the importance of nurturing leadership within his team. He explains how EOS has enhanced meeting structures, accountability, and strategic vision, fostering a motivated workforce.

John Gustafson, Gustafson Brothers, Huntington Beach, CA. John’s previous episodes HERE

Show Notes

Watch Full Video Episode
Succession Planning Discussion (00:02:30) John shares his challenges with succession planning, emphasizing internal leadership development.
Implementing EOS (00:03:20) John discusses how he started implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in his business.
Team Involvement in EOS (00:04:20) John explains how he engaged his team in the EOS process and its benefits.
Vision and Leadership Transition (00:05:15) John outlines the importance of leadership transition in their three and ten-year plans.
Weekly Meetings and Accountability (00:06:47) Discussion on the structure of weekly meetings and the accountability fostered through EOS.
Shop Scale and Success (00:08:04) John shares his shop’s sales goals and emphasizes that size doesn’t determine success.
EOS and Business Discipline (00:08:57) John highlights how EOS has helped instill discipline in their operations.
Opportunities in Issues (00:11:13) John elaborates on how issues are viewed as opportunities for improvement in their meetings.
Engaging Team Ideas (00:12:21) Carm and John discuss the importance of team input in generating new ideas.
Profitability vs. Sales Goals (00:12:47) John emphasizes the significance of profitability over merely hitting sales targets.
Structured Meeting Agendas (00:13:12) John describes the tight agenda structure for their meetings to ensure efficiency.
Remote Meeting Dynamics (00:14:44) Discussion on how John conducts meetings remotely while managing from different locations.
Starting EOS Implementation (00:14:57) John advises listeners on how to begin implementing EOS in their businesses.
Leadership Recognition and Ownership (00:15:11) John shares examples of leaders stepping up to embrace ownership opportunities.
Bonus Structure Discussion (00:16:01) John explains the current bonus structure and its relation to future ownership.
Future Ownership Plans (00:17:12) John discusses potential plans for selling the company to the next generation.
Profit Distribution Strategy (00:18:29) John outlines how profits are reinvested into employees rather than external spending.
Selling the Company on Credit (00:21:55) John discusses his plan to sell the company to his team on credit.
Team Accountability and Profitability (00:22:12) The importance of team accountability for ongoing profitability is highlighted.
Difficult Decisions in Structuring (00:22:31) John reflects on the challenges of formulating his business structure over the years.
Undercover Boss Experience (00:22:49) John shares his experiences driving the courtesy shuttle and engaging with customers.
Customer Feedback and Interaction (00:23:35) John explains how he interacts with customers to gather feedback on their experience.
Intro to Auto Boot Camp (00:24:25) The summer program for young people to learn automotive skills is introduced.
Engaging Young People in Auto Training (00:26:11) Details about the boot camp’s curriculum and hands-on learning experiences are shared.
Importance of Skilled Trades (00:26:57) Discussion on the need to expose young people to skilled trades and automotive careers.
Social Media for Recruitment (00:29:02) John explains how social media helps attract young participants to the boot camp.
High School Shop Collaboration (00:30:12) The partnership with local high schools for automotive training is discussed.
Future Industrial Arts Complex (00:31:09) Plans for a new facility to expand training opportunities for various trades are shared.
Entrepreneurial Mindset (00:33:22) John reflects on the entrepreneurial mindset and the drive for continuous improvement.
Coaching and Business Growth (00:34:21) The role of coaching in expanding business potential and overcoming limitations is emphasized.

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network

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/

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Unlocking Higher Levels of Learning [896]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 05:15:00 +0000

Recorded Live at ASTE 2023, Jim Cokonis kicks off the conversation with a mention of the late Anthony Williams and his innovative concept of “the Sage on the Stage” in training and education. This approach emphasizes the importance of learners discovering knowledge on their own, rather than being passive recipients of information. Jim also discusses his role as the Executive Director of the Auto Talent Co-Op led by John Gustafson in California, a non-profit organization aimed to solve the talent gap and technician shortage in the industry.

Jim Cokonis, Executive Director, Auto Talent Co-Op

Show Notes

Watch Full Video
The stage on the stage (00:04:44) Discussion on the traditional teaching method of standing in front of a room and delivering content.
Engaging learners at a deeper level (00:05:43) Exploration of different learning styles and the importance of engaging learners in activities for better understanding.
Teach to learn (00:06:33) The concept of teaching as a way to deepen one’s own understanding and become an expert in a specific area.
Developing a learning environment in the shop (00:08:33) Discussion about tools and techniques to foster a learning environment in the shop.
Constantly refining content in training (00:09:42) The commitment to continuously update and improve training content, including peer review and addressing technical accuracy.
The importance of engaging learners (00:17:57) Discussion about the value of actively listening and taking notes while learning from a podcast.
Anthony Williams’ impact (00:18:28) Reflection on the influence of Anthony Williams and his passionate approach to education.
The Auto Talent Co-Op and technician shortage (00:19:21) Exploration of the Auto Talent Co-Op and its mission to address the ongoing technician shortage in the automotive industry.
The importance of mentorship (00:28:48) Discussion about the qualities and skills required to be a good mentor, and the need for mentorship training.
The value of certifications (00:31:33) Exploring the significance of certifications in verifying technicians’ abilities and the need for businesses to qualify to employ certified technicians.
Assessing the worthiness of a business (00:33:29) Examining whether a business is doing all the right things to attract and retain talented individuals, and the importance of creating a sticky organizational culture.
The importance of tracking expenses (00:35:03) Discussion about the significance of understanding cost increases over time and its impact on income.
The value of follow-up and assessment in training (00:37:04) Emphasis on the need for continuous learning and evaluation after attending training events.
The evolution of opinions and the importance of being open-minded (00:38:19) Exploration of the concept of evolving opinions and the need to remain open to reforming and reshaping one’s perspective.

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 http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR

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/

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One Location $2.5M: How We Do It [THA 334]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 05:15:00 +0000

Shop owners Jimmy Alauria, Joe Hanson, and John Gustafson share their strategies and tactics for achieving exceptional success. The most valuable lesson? The importance of having a strong team, setting goals, and monitoring key performance indicators to achieve success. They emphasize the need for attention to detail, accountability, and hiring the right people, empowering them to lead and demonstrating commitment to the purpose and core values of the business. Tune in to learn more about how to achieve success in this industry!

Joe Hanson, Gordie’s Garage, Roseville, MI. Listen to Joe’s previous episodes HERE.

John Gustafson, Gustafson Brothers, Huntington Beach, CA. John’s previous episodes HERE

Jimmy Alauria, 3A Automotive and Diesel Repair, Phoenix, AZ. Jimmy’s previous episodes HERE

Show Notes:

Watch Video Episode HERE
The Importance of Staffing (00:03:04) Jimmy and Joe discuss the importance of having a full team to run the operation and how adding key pieces to the office, such as a parts manager and a service manager, helped them grow their business.
The Role of Culture in Business Success (00:05:30) The importance of having a top culture and how it is the umbrella that everything works under. They emphasize the need for a competitive, positive, and teamwork-oriented culture.
Managing by Statistics (00:07:11) Jimmy explains the importance of managing by statistics and how posting graphs and statistics can help motivate the team to improve and keep score. He emphasizes the need for a competitive nature in the team and the importance of keeping track of personal sales, efficiencies, and hours.
Weekly meetings and KPIs (00:08:38) The importance of weekly meetings and key performance indicators (KPIs) in tracking trends and setting goals for their shops.
Leadership and accountability (00:09:46) Holding both employees and owners accountable for meeting goals and contributing to the success of the shop.
Selecting leaders (00:13:16) How leaders in their shops are selected based on their demonstration of the company’s purpose and core values, as well as their ability to gain the respect of their peers. They also draw parallels to their experiences with leadership in sports.
Training and Self-Discipline (00:17:01) Jimmy and Joe discuss the importance of training and self-discipline in leadership and management roles.
Marketing Strategy (00:20:11) The importance of having a marketing strategy and investing in it to grow the business.
Numbers Game (00:22:47) Joe explains how having a plan and using math to calculate the number of customers needed to hit revenue goals is crucial for success.
Building Customer Base (00:24:38) Importance of growing customer base and hiring a support consultant for social marketing.
Financial Disciplines (00:27:10) The importance of pro forma and daily reports in achieving financial success, with examples from successful shops.
Big Business Attitude (00:33:23) Discussion on how to run a much bigger business and all-inclusive with people, backing oneself out and putting other people in charge mentality.
Creating Groups within Our Group (00:34:20) Creating teams within the organization, with a production team and a manager over that production team, and a sales team with a service advisor and a customer service rep.
Unleashing Responsibility to the Team (00:36:16) The importance of being the visionary of the company, where to go and how to get there, and unleashing the responsibility to the team.

Thanks to our Partners Shop-Ware and Delphi Technologies

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

Delphi Technologies: Keeping current on the latest vehicle systems and how to repair them is a must for today’s technicians. DelphiAftermarket.com

Connect with the Podcast

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-Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm

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

-Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

Going Electric in California [THA 320]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 05:15:00 +0000

California is mandating 100% of new cars and light trucks sold will be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. How will electric vehicles change the composition of our industry? What are the service opportunities? Should you start working on hybrids if you haven’t already? Hear from the perspectives of 3 California shop owners that are ready and prepared for the future.

Watch Video Episode HERE

John Gustafson, Gustafson Brothers, Huntington Beach, CA. John’s previous episodes HERE

Dave Kusa, AutoTrend Diagnostics in Campbell, CA. Listen to Dave’s other episodes HERE

John Eppstein, John’s Automotive Care, San Diego, CA. Listen to John’s other episodes HERE

Show Notes:

California non pretrolium zero emission no sales 2035
Start working on hybrids- EV is a hybrid without a gas motor
What are the service opportunities on EVs? Preventative maintenance package, component replacement, and programming.
Where will you plug your car in? At home? Infrastructure?
Staying in contact with customers on a consistent basis will be more important than it is now- visit per customer dropping but ARO going up
Range anxiety
Fleet average age 12 years old
Train service advisors- learn the language, get the trust of the EV customers
As a shop, if you’re not working on hybrids now, you need to start. You need to learn it. You need to get that training because an EV is simply a hybrid without a gas motor for all intents and purposes. If you understand and have experience with the hybrid aspects, the electric side of hybrid vehicles, EVs will just come naturally.

Thanks to our Partners Shop-Ware and Delphi Technologies

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

Delphi Technologies: Keeping current on the latest vehicle systems and how to repair them is a must for today’s technicians. DelphiAftermarket.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

Support our partners:

Dave Ramsey Financial Program [THA 300]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 05:15:00 +0000

Hear from 3 shop owners that provide financial education for their employees. Setting our employees up for success in life goes beyond signing paychecks.

Watch the Episode on YouTube

John Gustafson, Gustafson Brothers, Huntington Beach, CA. John’s previous episodes HERE

Russell Crosby, Russ’s Wrench Auto Repair, Clinton, NJ. Russ’s previous episodes HERE

Shawn Gilfillan, Automotive Magic, Kenvil and Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Listen to Shawn’s previous episodes HERE

Key Talking Points

Orientation at John’s shop- offer to sponsor each team member’s membership in the Dave Ramsey personal financial series if they choose to participate. John also offers whiteboard sessions to team members or groups of team members on Business Math and another session on Personal Math. The personal math includes the team member on the whiteboard listing their assets, liabilities, after-tax spendable income, expenses, cash flow either pos or neg, 6-month reserve, and investment savings buckets.
Mentor/mentee thought process- the owner is the mentor
Lunch and learn with financial advisors, mortgage broker etc
$100 a month invested at 25 years old, by the time you retire it will be about 1,000,000
Getting the partner/spouse involved is key
Transparency with business financial numbers
Employees sharing with others how the Dave Ramsey Progam has helped
The stress that is lifted when you can create your budget to be workable
Social media impact- keeping up with the jones’
Getting ahead of debt with the debt snowball- paying off debt in order of smallest to largest. When the small debt is paid in full, you roll the minimum payment you were making on that debt into the next smallest debt payment
Educating the younger generation- setting their future in a positive direction

Connect with the Podcast

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 partners:

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

Delphi Technologies: Keeping current on the latest vehicle systems and how to repair them is a must for today’s technicians. DelphiAftermarket.com

Financial Help For Your Team [THA 262]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 05:15:00 +0000

Where did you learn about finances? Did you learn it from your parents? Finances are one of the most important elements in our lives, yet most of us never really understand it or discuss it with our spouses or employees. Listen to 3 shop owners that make finances a part of the conversation in their business and for their people.

Watch Episode on YouTube

Frank Scandura, Frank’s European, Las Vegas, NV. Frank’s previous episodes HERE.

John Gustafson, Gustafson Brothers, Huntington Beach, CA. John’s previous episodes HERE

Russell Crosby, Russ’s Wrench Auto Repair, Clinton, NJ. Russ’s previous episodes HERE

Key Talking Points

Finances aren’t taught when growing up from parents or school
Most don’t have income problems, it’s a spending problem
What are your payments?
Freedom and being in charge when you’re debt-free and sitting on cash
Credit scores will go down as you have cards paid off and stop using as much-
Buyers remorse and financial stress with a spouse
People are twice as likely to get divorced with 10k in debt and zero dollars in savings
We need to teach our team that we can’t outrun debt with higher salaries.
Finances aren’t a 1 conversation session
Little debt leads to a lot of debt
Never intermingle personal and business funds together
For those of us who have financial planners, invite them to host a lunch and learn about the positive impacts of investing. Host a book club and read books about finances and investing.
John offers business math and personal math courses and Dave Ramsey course
- Second round they are welcome to bring their spouse or partner.
- They are not required to bring exact numbers but should know what they own and what they owe.
- They should know what they take home from all sources and what their housing, food, credit card payments etc are.
- They do a net worth calculation, an income, and an expense list to determine cash flow (either positive or negative) then fund reserve and investments.
- They recommend a 6-month reserve for critical expenses and an investment piggy bank. Investing is in round 3 when they have money to invest.

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 partners:

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

See how Broadly can help YOU grow your auto shop. getbroadly.com/chat

Succession Strategies – A Real World Example [THA 233]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 05:15:00 +0000

Fresh out of High School, John Gustafson and his brother, Frank, took their passion for fixing cars and made it a career. In 1971 the brothers specialized in Volkswagen which were very popular in that era, since then the shop has flourished. John is the president and CEO of Gustafson Brothers, Inc. an auto service center in Huntington Beach, California. The company specializes in customer service and performs auto service work, collision repair, and paintwork along with other auto-related services for the community.

John is a Certified ASE Master Technical, Bureau of Automotive Repair Certified Instructor, Continuing Education Insurance Instructor licensed by the State of California, and a certified I-CAR instructor.

In addition to growing a shop from two employees to the 60+ strong it is today, John has been recognized with the Alumni Pillar of Achievement Award from Golden West College for his contributions in the automotive industry. Listen to John’s previous episodes HERE

Hunt Demarest, CPA Paar-Melis. Hunt is Accredited in Business Valuation and a licensed Certified Public Accountant that has been with the firm since 2006. He specializes in business taxes, valuations, and does consult work with our clients all across the country. When he’s not in the office, Hunt enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, working on and racing his cars. Look for Hunt’s other episodes HERE.

Bob Ward is the President of Wardden LLC, Bob began his business career at a franchised car dealership, overcoming obstacles to learn and earn the required skills to become Controller, General Manager and then, a minority owner of Tacoma Dodge in Washington.

A native of Seattle, Bob serves as a financial advisor and consultant to small business owners throughout the United States. He believes that your business should always be ready for expansion or sale, you should get paid for what you built and, when you decide to leave it, your company should continue to prosper. He believes in a Perpetual Business where there is Value, Continuity and Legacy. Look for Bob’s Previous Episode HERE. Warden LLC website HERE.

Key Talking Points

John Gustafson. 50-year business- what are the options for successions with no heirs in the family? 3 entities (mechanical, collision, satellite) produce $11.5 million per year
What does the owner want the legacy to be? Zero in on what’s most important, oftentimes it’s not about the money. John’s answer- 2 scenarios: a gross amount of money and hand keys and walk or process to shift business to select employees
When do you want to do this? 5-6 years? 20 year? Right now?
Who will it get sold to? Internal (family or employee) How many employees actually want to be a business owner? Narrow down to a small inside pool. Stockholder potential, shareholders, multiple owners?
How many internal employees want to be business owners?
What are you selling? Real estate? What piece?
Value business or gift to a relative?
Partnership reality- akin to marriage, can be difficult with separate forces to combine on same path. Potential successful partnerships can be service advisor and lead technician- powerful synergy together
Surviving shops with land ownership- in many cities you can’t go and buy locations because they arent available
Owner partnership in practice on paper as a trial- all owner responsibilities except asset ownership and liability
What you can do right now- how do you want to personally leave, how do you want to leave the business? Have conversations with employees.
A special thanks to John Gustafson, Hunt Demarest and Bob Ward for their contribution to the aftermarket.

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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

This episode is brought to you by Shop Marketing Pros. Your guides are Kim and Brian Walker with a rich history as shop owners and industry veterans. When someone searches for a shop, who are they finding? Your competitors? It should be you! The good people over at Shop Marketing Pros know how to drive website traffic and make Google work for you! www.shopmarketingpros.com

Bill Nalu and Virtual Tour with John Gustafson [AW 56]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 03:00:00 +0000

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

Guest host, Bill Nalu, Owner, Interstate Auto Care, Madison Heights, MI. Bill’s previous episodes HERE
Virtual Shop Tour with John Gustafson owner, Gustafson Brothers, Huntington Beach, CA. John’s previous episodes HERE
Trivia Challenge: In Christopher Nolan’s film Batman, Bruce Wayne drives a Lamborghini Murcielago. In Spanish What does Murcielago mean?

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

THA 096: Engaging Kids in the Automotive

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 10:20:15 +0000

Your Learning Curve Never Sounded So Good

The Panel:

Frank Luetz from Desert Car Care in Chandler, AZ. Frank has a weekly radio ‘call in show’ called ‘Wrench Nation’. . Frank also does a video feature called ‘Inside the Garage’ where he discusses vehicle failures and cures. Listen to Frank’s previous episodes HERE.

Patrick McHugh always tinkered with ‘stuff.’ His dad bought an ’85 BMW when he was 14 when he noticed Patrick was running out of things to tinker with. A friend, Eric, had a lift and was a BMW person who helped Patrick and his dad learn everything about the car. Listen to Patrick’s previous episodes HERE.

John Gustafson is the president and CEO of Gustafson Brothers, Inc. an auto service center in Huntington Beach, California. The company specializes in customer service and performs auto service work, collision repair, and paintwork along with other auto-related services for the community. Listen to John’s previous episodes HERE.

Steve Ford – The Car Guy®, is a California-based lifetime car enthusiast and 35-year auto industry veteran n ongoing professional work as an award-winning broadcast journalist and educator today, he is a certified ASE Automotive Technician/Trainer. In volunteer work, he contributes to skilled trades and youth, careers outreach programs as an automotive technology instructor and career planning/motivational speaker to schools and at-risk youth programs. Listen to Steve’s previous episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points

ASCCA, Automotive Service Councils of California, has a power point presentation for download that you can use today for your next speech at career days or at any community event. We must become advocates and ambassadors for the automotive industry. Download the powerpoint HERE.
You must volunteer to speak at rotary, chambers, schools, PTA’s, career days all need speakers. Don’t wait for an invite, invite yourself.
Every automotive radio show must involve our youth.
We are heading fast in the opposite direction as automotive school programs are being disbanded. We must step up.
Kids yearn to be a part of a tribe.

Frank Leutz

Meeting youngsters where they are at —the importance of taking educational clinics to their “sandbox”.
Start your engines –why it is critical to go from show and tell to real-world active repair scenarios follow up in the garage.
How to DISENGAGE interest immediately–why the “ME” economy needs to be realized when engaging younger generations.
We need to mentor.
We are stretched for time so let’s help each other. We all can chime in LIVE at classes. Be a guest presenter through technology. Help your local instructors without leaving your business.
- Use technology and your smartphone or desktop to link up with the class and or students to do a Facebook Live
Get kids involved with data streams and identifying that cars have controlled area networks. Fluids are important but data and computers are exciting. The kids want to see technology, that is exciting to them.
Peer to peer sells. The language of their peer group helps engage. If one gets involved in automotive they have the power to influence a peer. We must start to engage our youth or we’ll never seed our future.

John Gustafson

Student ‘Boot Camp’ called “Intro To Auto”
Students from 13 to 18 years old.
The schools in his market are not teaching auto which was the drive for John to start this program.
Course outline starts with concept, engineering, manufacturing, distribution, sales, financing, Insurance, Service and Repair, collision repair and recycle.
Engagement with 13 years through 18-year-olds.
We hold them winter, spring, and summer during school breaks.
Discuss career paths used to attract youth to our profession.
Lifting local visibility of dignity of the “can-do” skilled trades world.
ATC: Auto Talent Co-op. Website HERE.
- Listen to the episode with John on ATC HERE.
John started this because in his community high schools do not teach automotive.
Email to John Gustafson:

Patrick McHugh: STEM Classes

His “Why”
- Growing up as a tinkerer
- From broken blenders to weed eaters, to lawn mowers, to tractors, to cars, to Cessnas, to Jets and Back to cars
- Girls are a solution to the tech shortage, focus on them, show them that they can do it if they are hard working and use their head.
- He has to do this because he is driven to help our youth appreciate the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) side of the automotive.
The nuts and bolts of running a STEM class
- Target age of 14 (+- 4 years) because that’s the age that he needed it.
- Separate boys and girls into separate classes.
- My “lazy” way of dealing with the hardest part… marketing the class, find advocates to help you recruit.
- David beats Goliath as long as he has enough leverage and brains! Brains over brawn, you don’t have to be strong!
- Safety is #1, the point of the class is to give the kids 1 or 2 skills and to reveal a career path.
- The incredibly thoughtful questions kids ask… The heat shield, the radiator, cooling fins, energy transfer, the fuse blows to protect the wires!
- Parents are required to come and be in the back of the class.
  - Speaking to kids and parents at the same time… The parents are listening when you talk.
- Download Patricks’ STEM outline HERE.
The benefits to your shop
- A chance to share your culture and get the best referrals
- The STEM class has opened up opportunities that he never imagined through the parents. He discovered a politician who loved the class and he offered his voice to her for the automotive. He also found a realtor to help him find his first building.
These classes make me feel good! How many kids have I helped?

Steve Ford

Be entrepreneurs for education
Volunteer and engage with a local car museum.
Tap into challenge and leverage opportunity of American societal concerns to address “loss of the nation’s hands-on celebration & culture”
Leverage and influence under-utilized capabilities of current and future auto enthusiast networks for “contagious collaboration” — engage car shows, cars & coffee events [all those “hoods up” just to ‘look at(?)]; address the “why” behind the “how” of American car culture for youth and teens; those who wouldn’t otherwise be “aware/exposed” to tools, techniques and careers.
- (Examples – local car museums, after-school programs [existing community centers (Boys & Girls Clubs, community non-profit youth centers, or we “start” them ourselves where space can be allowed, such as YMCAs, PTAs (Parent Teacher Associations)], and help local communities reach at-risk teens and youth, who are often those who are turned off or dropping out of school w/out hands-on connections.

Resources:

A special thanks to, Frank Leutz, Patrick McHugh, John Gustafson and Steve Ford 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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RR 358: John Gustafson – ATC: Synchronizing the Automotive Trades

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 09:13:00 +0000

John and brother Frank started the company out of the family garage in 1971 and have enjoyed continuous growth every year since inception.

The personnel count at Gustafson’s shops average 70 team members and guest demand (growth) requires that we recruit and hire more.

John is currently focusing on repairing the talent shortage that is crippling our industry and has formed a not for profit co-op to serve the needs of Gustafson Brothers and the rest of the aftermarket.

At 66 years young and with 47 years in the auto trades, John Gustafson is having a remarkable life and wishes to share his success with those who are interested and willing to make a difference.

The Auto Talent Co-Op is an independent non-profit organization whose vision is to effectively unite resources within the automotive industry, and establish clear career path standards for its users’.

ATC Mission

To build a synchronized and accessible platform, able to unite the automotive industry
Refill the talent pool for all automotive job-related positions
Fulfill the technician shortage, and improve technician retention
Streamline career paths, bridge technician skills gap and improve recruitment

ATC Values

Integrity & Honesty
Dedication & Commitment
Education & Imagination
Knowledge & Skill

The intent of ATC is to seek out and recognize the great work of all the existing groups and help synchronize the best practices in the industry to benefit all stakeholders.

This auto talent co-op is not a threat to what exists today in the universe of auto.

All existing & future associations, 20 groups, business development groups, vendors, shops and all other members that touch auto remain independent and autonomous. The fact is; all of these groups are essential to the success of the Co-Op and benefit their own group by volunteering a member or funding a member to an action pod.

The Auto Talent Co-Op is not to be led and managed by an individual but rather by a coalition of forward-thinking creative young people. Individuals are selected and sponsored by the industry manufacturers, distributors, vendors, trainers and association members of the Co-Op. The core mission of the coalition is to identify and document auto career paths, organize training and recruiting and to have trained, qualified employable people available to the auto trades industry.

Key Talking Points:

Auto talent coop:Non-profit program to improve industry
Sign up form on the website to participate and donation form
Needed to find talented techniciansAttract best companies willing to give 1 person from their staff for 1 hour a week to be in one of the 5 action pods on a weekly basisCareer path- a foundation for rest of the pods. Encompasses everything in auto care. Example of 6 level of tech training advancement for over 7 years. Earnings tied to performance.
Training- in order to move up in career path need documented training. Minimum 3-hour blocks per month.
Recruiting- occurs as young as grade school, but also for recruiting for any auto careers. Also for utilizing people ready to retire to train the future generation.
Must have- creating buzz for people to join
Sustainable- finding funding for coop, creating an app for phones
Allows current technicians, middle schoolers, or entry-level technicians to see a career path and stay motivated
Sponsors summer/winter camp when school is outIntro to auto camp- 13-18 years old participants. Parents pay $20 per day for class (5 days or 10 days), corporate sponsors that will pay student fee. Hands-on class shows full auto career path.

Other Resources:

Auto Talent Coop Website

Gustafson Brothers Auto Repair Website

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