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Friends Tribute to Maylan Newton [CC115]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Sun, 25 May 2025 05:15:00 +0000

YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHno0gsX_YA

Maylan Newton’s family has set aside July 26, 2025, for a special gathering to honor his life and legacy. The event will take place in Southern California, with more details to come. You can find updates and information here.

I’d like to take a few moments to reflect on Maylan’s impact, both on our industry and on me personally.

Whether in a classroom, on a phone call, or standing in front of an audience, Maylan had a way of speaking that was steady, articulate, and always meaningful. His words inspired action, and his delivery made people listen.

He was what I like to call an “unselfish” volunteer—selfless in every way, but so dedicated, like helping others was his only priority. He generously donated his time, especially to SkillsUSA, and never hesitated to jump in when needed. If someone called, Maylan would drop everything to lend a hand, whether that meant covering a counter in a shop or stepping in last minute at a conference.

Over the past decade, we recorded countless podcast episodes together. He shared solo insights, joined panels, and we had many heart-to-heart conversations that reached thousands. His wisdom, energy, and authenticity were unmatched.

Maylan was also the first to nudge me to attend shows, speak on panels, and use my podcast platform to support the industry. He believed in building others up. It didn’t matter who got the credit; what mattered to Maylan was the impact.

He was a champion for everyone in the industry, especially for women. He supported the Amazing Women in Automotive group with enthusiasm, and you could always count on him to drop by their event dinners just to say hello and show his support.

We’re going to miss Maylan deeply. But I believe the true depth of that loss will only grow with time, when we find ourselves in need of guidance and asking, “What would Maylan have said?”

Rest peacefully, my friend.

Find other episodes with Maylan Newton HERE.

Guests joining in this episode to pay tribute to Maylan Newton:

Suni Osborn, Maylan’s Daughter
Jeff Knott
Melisa Patterson (Birdie)
Rick White
Cecil Bullard
Bill Haas
Vic Tarasik
Maryann Croce
Dave Schedin
Sara Fraser
Brian Gillis

Transforming Your Repair Shop to Professional Auto Service Center [THA 412]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching, and Today’s Class

The transition from a traditional repair shop to a professional auto service center requires a commitment to professionalism, continuous education, and a people first approach.

Join industry business coaches Cecil Bullard, Vic Tarasik, and Dave Schedin as they break down how to transform your auto repair shop into a professional service center that stands out and delivers exceptional value to your employees and clients.

Cecil Bullard, President of the Institute for Automotive Business Excellence. Cecil’s previous episodes HERE.

Vic Tarasik, CEO of Shop Owner Coach. Vic’s previous episodes HERE.

Dave Schedin, CompuTrek Automotive Management Systems. Dave’s previous episodes HERE

Show Notes

Watch Full Video Episode
Institute Summit, February 6th-8th, 2025, in Amelia Island, Florida: https://www.wearetheinstitute.com/summit
Significance of Professionalism (00:02:44)
Transitioning to a Professional Service Center (00:03:24)
Perception of Value in the Industry (00:04:11)
The Importance of Trust and Knowledge (00:06:16)
Subjectivity of Professionalism (00:08:15)
Circumstantial Professionalism (00:09:19)
Investing in Training (00:11:29)
The Role of Profitability (00:12:52)
Continuous Improvement (00:13:25)
Customer Expectations (00:14:39)
Self-Care for Service Providers (00:16:41)
Shop as a Living Entity (00:18:08)
Training for Automotive Teams (00:20:55)
Labor Rate Considerations (00:21:54)
Understanding Business Responsibilities (00:22:00)
Liability in the Automotive Industry (00:23:50)
Insurance and Certification Issues (00:25:06)
Employee Compensation and Profitability (00:26:09)
Generational Challenges in Workforce Management (00:26:30)
Professionalism in the Industry (00:27:17)
Government Regulation Predictions (00:28:58)
Self-Discovery Through Questions (00:29:36)
Reframing Expenses as Investments (00:30:33)
The Importance of Continuous Learning (00:35:40)
Perceptions of Professionalism (00:39:07)
Perspective on Growth (00:41:38)
Humility in Business (00:42:21)
Value of Professionalism (00:44:24)
Mindset Shifts in the Industry (00:47:08)
Abundance vs. Scarcity Mindset (00:48:28)
Addressing Technician Shortages (00:51:34)
Top Shops and Recruitment (00:54:14)

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, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching

Proven Auto Shop Coaching with Results. Over 61 Million in ROI with an Average ROI of 9x. Find Coach Chris Cotton at AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching on the Web at https://autoshopcoaching.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/

Connect with the Podcast:

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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/

Ways to Unify Your Team [THA 358]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 05:15:00 +0000

Rick White, Vic Tarasik, and Murray Voth discuss the importance of unifying a team within a business. They highlight the need for a common purpose beyond just making money, and the importance of involving the team in decision-making. They also share their personal experiences and strategies for setting goals, providing feedback, and fostering a culture of respect and empathy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clear communication, shared vision, and ongoing effort in maintaining team unity.

Rick White, President and Lead Coach for 180BIZ, Listen to Rick’s previous episodes HERE.

Vic Tarasik, CEO of Shop Owner Coach. Vic’s previous episodes HERE.

Murray Voth, RPM Training. Listen to Murray’s previous episodes HERE

Show Notes:

Watch Full Video
The importance of team unity (00:02:14) Discussion on the significance of having a common destination and purpose to unite the team.
Dealing with toxic employees (00:03:07) Exploring the challenges of firing toxic top performers and the need to protect the team’s culture.
Starting with purpose and orientation (00:06:24) Highlighting the importance of discussing basic expectations, goals, and the bigger purpose with new employees during orientation.
Finding your why? (00:09:40) Exploring how shop owners can identify their personal values and use them to create a shared vision with their team.
Keeping customers in their vehicles (00:11:19) Highlighting the financial benefits of helping customers maintain their current vehicles instead of replacing them, and the role of debt in vehicle ownership.
The Value We Bring to the Table (00:18:47) Discussion on the tendency to teach employees to rely on the owner for answers and the importance of understanding the different responsibilities of a business owner.
Becoming the Brain of the Shop (00:19:11) Exploration of the discomfort and stress owners may feel when transitioning to office work and the need to embrace the role of the brain in running the business.
Setting Vision and Leading Meetings (00:20:50) Tips for owners on setting vision and leading meetings effectively, including the importance of being the one speaking at the front of the room and setting a consistent meeting schedule.
Setting Quarterly Goals and Assessments (00:27:56) Discussion about setting business and personal goals every quarter, and conducting assessments every 90 days.
Alternative Review Process (00:28:53) Exploration of a more modern and less stressful approach to employee reviews, including asking three simple questions to team members.
Boundaries and Professionalism (00:33:30) Importance of setting boundaries and maintaining professionalism while still being open, caring, and supportive as a leader.
The world in 1492 (00:37:18) Discussion about what people believed about the world in 1492, whether it was round or flat, and the fears associated with sailing too far.
Importance of leadership role (00:38:29) Emphasis on the role of leaders in businesses and the need for them to focus on decision-making, tracking numbers, and steering the company in the right direction.
Clarity, communication, and celebration (00:40:45) The importance of clarity, communication, and celebrating achievements in unifying a team and creating a positive work environment.

Thanks to our Partners Shop-Ware and Delphi Technologies

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

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

Connect with the Podcast

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

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

Employee Fraud: Tips to Prevent Fraud and Profit Leaks [RR 890]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 05:15:00 +0000

Vic Tarasik is eager to share his insights and personal experiences with fraud, a subject that’s not always pleasant but is crucial to address. As Ronald Reagan famously said, “Trust but verify.” Trust is vital in business relationships, but so is verification. Vic highlights the need for proper documentation, procedures, systems in place to prevent fraud, cash management and the potential for fraud in parts purchases. He advises shop owners not to assume they are immune to fraud.

Vic Tarasik, CEO of Shop Owner Coach. Vic’s previous episodes HERE.

Show Notes

Watch Full Video
The importance of trust and verification (00:01:49) Discussion on the importance of trust but verify in business relationships and the need for systems to keep people accountable.
Personal experience with fraud in shop ownership (00:02:47) Vic shares his personal experience with fraud in his first four years of shop ownership and the consequences of not having verification systems in place.
Managing cash and verifying deposits (00:06:14) The importance of managing cash, verifying bank deposits, and the responsibility of shop owners to ensure every dime and penny is accounted for.
Fraud by an employee (00:09:34) Vic reveals how one of his employees committed fraud by zeroing out an invoice and pocketing the money, highlighting the need for trust and verification in business.
Importance of consequences (00:16:34) Carm and Vic discuss the importance of having serious consequences, such as jail time or termination, for employees who commit fraud or theft in a company.
The importance of trust and verification (00:17:46) Discussion on the need for employees to sign documents and the importance of trust and verification in business.
The need for a restitution or fraud clause (00:18:31) Importance of having a restitution or fraud clause in the hiring package and the need to act on it if fraud occurs.
The importance of purchase orders (00:26:36) The value of implementing a system that requires purchase orders for all sales transactions to ensure accountability.
Returning unopened rolls of stamps (00:28:01) The story of a young employee who stole unopened rolls of stamps from the shop and how the lack of systems and accountability contributed to the situation.
The importance of controlling losses (00:34:55) Discussion on how shop owners can control losses and the impact of not doing so.
Taking action to prevent fraud (00:36:20) Encouragement to take proactive measures to prevent fraud and the importance of discussing the topic openly.

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/

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

Developing Our Future: The Training Bay at Joe’s Garage at AAPEX [RR 878]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 05:15:00 +0000

Carm Capriotto introduces a special edition of Remarkable Results Radio featuring the Joe’s Garage training bay at AAPEX that provides training and career opportunities this fall. Our panel discusses the unique opportunity at Joe’s Garage, where they will bring together people from distribution, trainers, shop owners, and lead technicians to work on vehicles in real time. They also discuss the importance of quality parts, attracting the youth to the industry, professionalism, continuous learning, and the impact of attending AAPEX. They are passionate about the future of the automotive industry and encourage young talent to join.

Jason Rainey, Vice President, NAPA Auto Care. Jason’s previous episodes HERE

Dwayne Myers, Dynamic Automotive, 6 locations, Maryland. Dwayne’s previous episodes HERE.

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

Bill Nalu, Interstate Auto Care, Madison Heights, MI. Listen to Bill’s previous episodes HERE.

Andy Bizub, Midwest Performance Cars, Chicago and Northbrook, IL. Andy’s previous episodes HERE.

Vic Tarasik, CEO of Shop Owner Coach. Vic’s previous episodes HERE.

Show Notes

Watch Full Video Episode
The Training Bay at AAPEX (00:00:01) Discussion about Joe’s Garage, a teaching and repairing opportunity at AAPEX, and the upcoming service awards.
Bringing Industry Professionals Together (00:02:11) Explaining the unique opportunity at Joe’s Garage to bring together people from distribution, teachers, shop owners, and lead technicians to work on vehicles.
Benefits and Opportunities (00:04:15) Discussion about the benefits of attending AAPEX, including exposure for products, software demonstrations, and the opportunity to help veterans and educate the next generation.
The push for skilled trades (00:08:48) Discussion about the opportunity and importance of skilled trades in the industry, and the potential career path for students.
The bridge between generations (00:09:49) Exploring the role of experienced technicians and shop owners in mentoring and fostering the younger generation in the industry.
Challenges of organizing the event (00:11:46) Discussion about the challenges faced in bringing together various industry stakeholders and working towards a common vision for the event.
The importance of quality parts (00:16:47) Encouraging suppliers to make better parts to avoid returns and ensure customer satisfaction.
The role of NAPA in the industry (00:17:20) Acknowledging NAPA’s support and their understanding of the importance of selling good parts for good money.
Promoting career opportunities in the automotive industry (00:18:40) Highlighting the various career paths available in the industry and the need to attract and retain young talent.
The importance of introducing young talent to the automotive industry (00:24:56) Discussion on the value of encouraging young individuals, particularly sons, to pursue a career in the automotive industry.
The professionalism and growth of the industry (00:26:36) Emphasis on the need for professionalism and growth within the automotive industry, and the role of events like Joe’s Garage in promoting these values.
The transformative impact of attending AAPEX (00:29:36) Personal testimonies on the transformative impact of attending AAPEX, including gaining knowledge, improving oneself, and discovering opportunities within the industry.

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX and 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/

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

Are You Really Overbooked? [THA 339]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 05:15:00 +0000

Being overbooked doesn’t necessarily equate to higher productivity or profitability. In this episode, our panel discusses the challenges and impact of being overbooked in the automotive repair industry. They emphasize the importance of understanding productivity numbers, managing customer expectations, avoiding burnout for the team, optimizing scheduling, and utilizing technicians’ strengths. Think twice before you boast about being overbooked!

Murray Voth, RPM Training. Listen to Murray’s previous episodes HERE

Rick White, President and Lead Coach for 180BIZ, Listen to Rick’s previous episodes HERE.

Vic Tarasik, CEO of Shop Owner Coach. Vic’s previous episodes HERE.

Chris Cotton, AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching, Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz Podcast. Listen to Chris’ previous episodes HERE

Show Notes:

Watch Video Episode
Understanding Overbooking (00:00:01) Discussion on the meaning of being overbooked and the importance of understanding productivity numbers.
Avoiding Burnout for the Team (00:01:08) Exploration of the impact of being overbooked on the team and strategies to avoid burnout.
Charging for Inspections (00:05:22) Highlighting the importance of charging for inspections and not undervaluing the work done.
Customer Expectations and Scheduling (00:09:24) Discussion on the difference between shop expectations and customer expectations regarding scheduling and timelines.
Under Promising and Over Delivering (00:12:09) Setting realistic timelines and managing customer expectations to avoid overpromising and underdelivering.
The need to close open tickets and manage invoices (00:19:06) Encouragement to close open tickets and start new ones to avoid losing money and track customer follow-through.
Shortening the timeline through effective dispatch (00:21:47) Suggestion to improve dispatch processes to maximize assets and shorten the timeline for completing jobs.
The importance of understanding productivity numbers (00:21:54) Discussion on the need to focus on productivity rather than just increasing the number of cars in the shop.
Managing customer expectations and avoiding burnout (00:22:40) The importance of having a comfortable booking schedule and avoiding sudden drops in workload.
Dispatching and scheduling to strengths (00:26:46) Discussion on the need to assign jobs to technicians based on their strengths and expertise to maximize efficiency and productivity.
The importance of managing stops and starts (00:30:25) Discussion on how interruptions in a technician’s work can decrease productivity and the need for proper management of technician schedules.
Facility utilization and bay management (00:31:39) The impact of adding more bays to a shop and the importance of considering facility utilization when expanding.
Moving away from standalone oil changes (00:34:51) The benefits of booking cars for comprehensive services instead of just oil changes, and the need for better training for general service technicians.
The importance of proactive inspections (00:37:39) The benefits of conducting thorough inspections and identifying potential work to be done during a customer’s visit.
Managing customer expectations (00:39:20) Exploring the concept of honoring the customer’s time and offering them the option to have additional work done while their vehicle is in the shop.
Taking control and guiding the customer (00:40:14) Emphasizing the need for shop owners to guide customers through the repair process and not assume they have the same knowledge, in order to provide better service and avoid potential issues in the future.
The ethical and moral standards in auto repair (00:45:12) The ethical dilemma faced by shop owners in balancing customer service and avoiding unnecessary repairs.

Thanks to our Partners Shop-Ware and Delphi Technologies

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

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

Why Dressing Professionally Matters in the Shop and Beyond [THA 324]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 05:15:00 +0000

As a customer, have you ever walked into a business and been put off by the unkempt appearance of the employees or the disarray of the business? If so, you’re not alone. Join our panel as they discuss the importance of professionalism in the automotive industry and how it can impact customer trust, employee morale, and overall success. We should expect nothing less than a professional appearance and attitude from those in the automotive industry, and we should continue to project that image to the public.

Kevin and Renae Oswald, Oswald’s Service, Idaho Falls and Rexburg, Idaho.

Vic Tarasik, CEO of Shop Owner Coach. Vic’s previous episodes HERE.

Show Notes:

Watch Video Episode HERE
(00:03:19) The panel discusses the importance of dressing professionally in the automotive industry, both at conferences and in the shop, and the impact of a professional image on customers and the public in terms of the Importance of Professional Image.
(00:05:07) Kevin Oswald talks about having all employees in uniform, including technicians, service advisors, and managers, and the importance of maintaining a professional look
(00:00:01) Carm Capriotto introduces the topic of dressing for success and the importance of representing your brand professionally, both at conferences and in the public eye
(00:09:21) The panel talks about the importance of dressing professionally to be treated professionally and the impact of a professional appearance on customers i
(00:11:28) The panel discusses how a professional appearance impacts customer perception of the quality of work and the importance of having a professional-looking shop to attract customers in Customer Perception.
(00:19:28) The benefits of participating in networking groups outside of the automotive industry
(00:21:40) The importance of having a dress code policy and maintaining a professional appearance, including facial hair.
(00:29:05) The importance of dressing for success by creating a brand through uniforms
(00:39:05) Renae Oswald encourages more women to be involved in the industry and to give their perspective, especially as consumers and owners

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

Advice For New Shop Owners [THA 311]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 05:15:00 +0000

If you’re thinking about transitioning from employee to shop owner, this episode is for you. Instead of guessing your way through the transition, let the Aftermarket Radio Network be your free library of industry peers across the country help you get started the right way.

Watch Episode HERE

Maylan Newton, ESI- Educational Seminars Institute, is a business coach, trainer and industry speaker. Maylan’s previous Episodes HERE

Vic Tarasik, CEO of Shop Owner Coach. Vic’s previous episodes HERE.

Show Notes:

A good technician only makes a good business owner with proper training, guidance, and accountability.
You need these 5 professionals- business coach, accountant, financial planner, insurance advisor, attorney
Build the business that survives you and provides a legacy to your family the business is not about you is about all the people that depend on the business for their survival, family employees vendors
Most importantly, do not treat your business as a hobby you not fixing cars running a business
The business owner is the leader, not to fix cars/writing service
“People are so afraid of success, that when they reach success they self-destruct.”
Not paying yourself opens the door to resenting the business.
What is YOUR cost of doing business?
Don’t let the high level of confidence in fixing cars create a false sense of security in solving all things in business.
Ask questions of the right individuals- someone with experience who’ve successfully overcome what you have in front of you
“Implementation of knowledge is power.”
Focus on the fundamentals from the beginning
“Begin with the end in mind” (Covey)- Now that your journey has begun, what is your endgame?
“Life begins and ends at the edge of your comfort zone”
Pay your taxes- set up a system where deductions from

Connect with the Podcast

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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

Our Industry Needs a Change [THA 226]

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 05:15:00 +0000

Bill Haas, AAM, is the owner of Haas performance consulting LLC, with 40 years of experience in the automotive service and repair industry. Clients have access to Bill’s solution-based focus, expertise, unique perspectives and in-depth knowledge of the industry.

Bill began his career working part-time at a full-service gasoline station in Appleton, Wisconsin. His career includes time as a technician, shop owner, technical trainer and on the staff of the automotive industry’s oldest and largest association representing automotive service and collision repair businesses. While at the association Bill had the opportunity to work with all segments of the industry.

His knowledge of the industry has been shared on many occasions as he has been invited to speak at numerous industry events as well as providing testimony at hearings of the US Congress and several state legislatures on important legislation and regulation affecting the automotive industry.

Bill received the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) credential from the automotive management institute in 1996 and has been a member of the automotive management institute’s faculty since 2002.

Bill is also the business manager for NACAT, the North American Council of Automotive Teachers. His services include business management seminar development and delivery, keynote presentations, business consulting, performance coaching, and strategic planning facilitation. Listen to Bill’s previous episodes HERE.

Vic Tarasik is currently the Major Accounts Director with RLO Training. Public speaking, business management, finance, and leadership skills are some talents he acquired as a service professional that made this position perfect for him. He was a member of RLO Training’s Bottom-Line Impact Group and was twice awarded the Member Excellence Award for being the top shop in his group.

Vic took an interest in all things mechanical at a young age. He worked on a variety of vehicles for friends and family. His interests grew into racing at local drag strips driving his 55 Chevy, which he still owns.

In 1986, he returned to his roots and launched Vic’s Precision Automotive from his two-car garage. The heart of Vic’s Precision Automotive was galvanized for Vic as a boy; he watched his single mom struggle with service providers over the years. When he opened his shop, he was determined to make it a place where female customers felt comfortable. Listen to Vic’s previous episodes HERE.

Cecil Bullard is President of the Institute for Automotive Business Excellence. He is a trainer and business coach in the automotive aftermarket working closely with service professionals.

Previous episodes featuring or mentioning Cecil, click HERE.

Institute for Automotive Business Excellence website.

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.

Key Talking Points

Professionalism- How do you answer the phone? How do you interact with customers? What is the image of the business? How do your technicians look? What does the shop look like from the front? There needs to be a process for everything. Do we see ourselves as professionals and on the same level as doctors/lawyers? Starts with the owner and leads to the industry as a whole. If you don’t have a professional shop how do you expect someone to want to come to work for you? Why arent the best technicians working in your shop? Why are people leaving the industry?
Why is the average technician’s pay still only 50K?
85% of the industry isn’t paying attention, not thriving and not being successful
You don’t need to be cheap to be busy and fill shop- a busy shop often isn’t a profitable shop
2nd largest investment for customers is their vehicle – duty and responsibility to give them choice for repairs. We provide transportation and safety.
Labor rates should reflect your competency and based on profit strategy
Culture of business- strive for a career mindset instead of job mindset culture, employees want to be a part of business and move it forward
Solution? Professional association to abide by, standards, certification process to open a shop?
What can you do right now? Define your target customer. Market to them and learn how to say no to the others
Raise your prices now not later- stop having the fear that your customers won’t pay higher prices. Not everyone can afford to be your customer and that’s okay. $10 increase you can afford to lose 25% of clients and still make more.
Don’t look at saving money to be profitable
Pay increase for employees- staff should know how revenue works, expenses etc. Net profit isn’t a dirty word. Need to be profitable on the bottom line to increase pay. Be successful as a team. Increased pay could be in form of vacation days, 401K, incentives, benefits.
A special thanks to Bill Haas, Vic Tarasik, Cecil Bullard and Bob Greenwood 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

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

CarmCast 078- Why You Need To Register Now for Virtual AAPEX – Meet Trainers and Exhibitors

Carman Cappriotto — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 16:55:28 +0000

Why You Need To Register Now for Virtual AAPEX WebCast: Meet Trainers and Exhibitors. Learn about the world-class training and exhibits November 3 – 5th 2020. Go behind the scenes at Virtual AAPEX

Hear from:

Carm Capriotto, Remarkable Results Radio Podcast
Vic Tarasik, Shop Owner Coach
Mark Bogdansky, Auto Care Association
Sara Fraser, Haas Performance Consulting
Jason Rainey, NAPA
John Burkhauser, Bolt-On Technologies
Jim Wilson, Auto Dynamics Ltd.
Bill Haas, Haas Performance Consulting

THA 145: The Extreme Value of Shop Tours Part 2

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 10:30:22 +0000

In the photo, left to right: John Long, Frank Scandura, Jennifer Wiens, Vic Tarasik, Jeannie and David Light, Jammie and Eric Carlson, Carm Capriotto

You’ll learn the value of shop tours from this Remarkable Panel:

Our host, Jennifer Wien, Ted Wiens Tire and Auto, Host, Las Vegas, NV
John Long, Shertz Automotive, Shertz, TX
David and Jeannie Light
Eric and Jammie Carlson, Ervine’s Auto Repair and Grand Rapids Hybrid
Frank Scandura, Franks European, Las Vegas.
Vic Tarasik, Shop Owner and Coach. Vic’s Previous Episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points

Take care of our business so we can take care of you
We are too close to see what is wrong or out of place or even not working
R & D does not mean Research and Development it means RIP-OFF AND DUPLICATE
- Some of your best ideas will come from peers. Make them your own and design them to fit your world
Best way to participate in shop tour is via a twenty-group
Shop tours can provide you good constructive criticism that great opportunities for change
Some shop tours will have you interview their people to gain knowledge for the owner who is hosting the tour
When you do a tour you can provide
Jennifer Wiens discovered, on a shop tour, a baby changing table. She implemented.
When you travel consider calling ahead and asking a shop owner if you could stop by and get a shop tour
John Long has had 30 shop owners at his shop this year so far
Learn from the observations of ideas of others
Top three strategies to improve your company
- Coaching
- Twenty-Group (networking group)
- Shop Tours
Components of Shop Tours an Excellent Peer Review
- Repair Order Review/Audit
- Employee Interviews
  - Amazing discovery for the shop owner
  - The premise is to make the company better
  - The owner picks the people in advance and tells them we are looking for way to improve the company. A casual talk. Some people do not want to talk to their bosses
  - Ask about expectations, if they like working there, know about the process, do you have the opportunity in the company, what things would you change
- Work Flow (shop)
- Curb Appeal
- Show Room
- Vehicle Re-Inspection
Bring your power of observation to every shop tour
An outcome of doing shop tours can be the improvement of your facility by learning from others. It can be remodeling, process improvement, additional bays, different software and marketing ideas to grow the business
- Invest in your appearance

Resources:

A special thanks to Jennifer Wien, John Long, Frank Scandura, Vic Tarasik, David and Jeanie Light, and Eric and Jammie Carlson for their contribution to the aftermarket.
Shop Tours Part One HERE.
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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Subscribe to a mobile listening app HERE.

This episode is brought to you by Jasper Engines & Transmissions. When a car’s engine or transmission fails, it’s not the end of the road. A re-manufactured drive-train product from Jasper Engines & Transmissions will give your car a new lease on life. JASPER has over 2000 Associates, three manufacturing facilities, two distribution centers, and 45 branch offices across the country. They’re all working to produce, transport and deliver the perfect product. That’s what they do best… keep customers happy. Visit jasperengines.com

THA 100: Up Your Game: Become a Level Five Leader and Improve, You, Your Business and the Aftermarket

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 10:47:00 +0000

Your Learning Curve Never Sounded So Good

This episode is not intended to give advice on the tax law or accounting principles. Please check with a professional for all your tax or accounting requirements.

The Panel:

Vic Tarasik is the Founder and Managing Partner at Shop Owner Coach. A business management consultant to shops across North America that assists shop owners in achieving their dreams through the intentional application of best practices and personal development. Previous Episodes HERE.
Maryann Croce of Croce Transmissions in Norwalk, CT and business adviser at smallbizvantage.com. Previous Episodes HERE.
Bob Greenwood, AMAM, is President and CEO of Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre. Previous Episodes HERE.
Greg Buckley is the CEO Buckley’s Personalized Auto Care in Wilmington, DE. Previous Episodes HERE.
Shari Pheasant and her husband Jeff own A Master Mechanic, and she is known as the Queen of Horsepower. Previous Episodes HERE.
Chris Cloutier is co-owner of Golden Rule Auto Care and CEO of AutoText ME. Previous Episodes HERE.
Brian Walker is the founder and CEO of 5 Stones, a marketing agency in Hammond, Louisiana and former shop owner. Previous Episodes HERE.
Bill Hill owner of Mighty Auto Pro from Medina, OH. Previous Episodes HERE.
Brett Bohlmann of HWY 7 Service Center, Newel, IA. Previous Episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points:

Listening: Vic Tarasik

Have we earned the right to be heard because we take time to listen?
If the leader shows they care then they earn the right.
The leaders care about their people and demonstrate that they can be trusted.
Listen first then speak.
Listen for solutions and answers.
Stephen Covey habit #5. See First to Understand then to Be Understood.

Resilience: Maryann Croce

A leader sets the direction and empowers productivity.
Leaders are not born they are made.
Be curious.
Don’t focus on the obstacles but take what we can learn from them.
It helps us become the best version of ourselves and it builds competence.
Resilience helps to build a healthy relationship.
As the five closest people to you what are your biggest challenges. Have them be brutally honest.
Stop comparing yourself to other shop owners. Focus on your wins and your accomplishments.
Don’t take things personally.
Align your team to your values.
At the end of the day know you made a difference.

Become the CEO of your company: Bob Greenwood

You can ‘t learn to be a CEO if you work in your business, you must be working on it.
You need to use a telescope and a microscope as a CEO
Look at facts to make discussions about your future.
Gather facts. It takes 3 to 4 years to develop cultural change.
Look at all opportunities for revenue in the future.
Your microscope if your business.Set deadlines and goals with timeline and responsibilities to an owner.
Hire remarkable people. Do they have the desire and belief in the business or are they just bought in to have a job?
Bring out the best in your people.
It is your responsibility for your success. You are responsible for every family who works for you; this is a huge weight on your shoulders.

Perseverance: Greg Buckley

Rely on your convictions so you can move forward.
Perseverance gets you over when things are not perfect. It helps you adjust accordingly.
The Genius/Idiot Quotient. The number of days you feel like a Genius and divide by the number of days you feel like an idiot. Seek help from people to get the next goal.
Walls to climb and rivers to swim to reach out goals.
You need a great core of yourself, a strong moral compass if you are going to be successful.
When a leader walks into the room people can see them.
Look at your horizon and make sure it is not a mirage.

Invest in your staff: Shari Pheasant

Jim Collins book Good To Great. Go to Books Page Here.
The word discipline is good to know and understand. It is a good word.
Training opportunities increase employee retention.
Training costs less than turnover.
Build people first and they will build the business. Zig Ziglar
It is easy to get training today.
You should spend 3 to 5% of your payroll costs on training.
Employees need to learn at their own pace.
The Missed Effect:Miscommunication (90% of the breakdown of a cohesive team)
Miss understanding
Miss directed teams
Missed opportunity
Invest in training so you can attract the right people.
Training involves forward thinking.
Untrained employees are unhappy employees.
Invest in training for yourself to be a better leader.

Delegate and get out of the way: Chris Cloutier

Are you running your business or is the business running you.
There are many reasons we do not delegateWe are Type ‘A’ ‘Doer’ people. We want to know things are done. Others don’t do it as good as us or are as smart as us. Get out of the way and let me do it.
We don’t want to fail.
We need to look beyond our fear and delegate.
We are heroes in our business. We are the key people. We need our customer to tell us how great we are. You may not feel you are providing value so you don’t delegate.
If you are asked, you never say you are a leader. You are an owner. Train yourself to become a great leader or hire someone to be the leader in your company.
Set a goal to replace yourself. Don’t reply to text messages for help. Let them figure it out.
Stop giving the answer, let them fail forward as you did. Don’t fear failure.

Be Your Word: Brian Walker

Brian’s coach told him to stop lying.
The lie you tell that you don’t realize you are.
You tell yourself lies and others.Like: ‘We’ll buy a new alignment machine soon’ and you’ve been saying that for the last three years.
You need to become a person of your word. Your wife family and your work team.
There is a point when people will not believe you at all.
Don’t lie to yourself.We use stories as crutches.
You must become a man or women of your word.
Conscious self-creation. Affirmations.Create them and repeat them every day.
Show through your actions that your Word

High Expectations of your Staff Building A powerhouse team. Bill Hill.

Find the weakness in the people you’ve hired in the past and then look to overcome them in your new hires and your current team.
Your people are the most important part of your business.
Overachievers love to train, they love to have responsibility (power)
Hire people who can be better than you.
Be involved in your community.
Create a strong culture. Have fun.

Train and Develop Within- Brett Bohlmann

We are responsible for our people and their family.
We can have human waste around us if we are developing our people.
We have to have core values and match new hires to them and match your team’s behavior to your core values.
RATE: Relationship + Attitude * Talent + Expectation = Production
He doesn’t believe in the technician shortage.
Our biggest shortage is in leadership.
We need to get in the classrooms and get involved early.
We need to invest, develop and train our people. (new or established)
Training within is not easy.
When times get tough that is when we get good.
Developing never ends. Training has a start and a stop. Keep developing.
Be in the people building business.
Success is not measured in dollars, it will be measured by what you become.

Resources:

A special thanks to Vic Tarasik, Maryann Croce, Bob Greenwood, Greg Buckley, Shari Pheasant, Chris Cloutier, Brian Walker, Bill Hill and Brett Bohlmann and 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.

Facebook Twitter Linked In Email

This episode is brought to you by Jasper Engines & Transmissions. When a car’s engine or transmission fails, it’s not the end of the road. A remanufactured drivetrain product from Jasper Engines & Transmissions will give your car a new lease on life. JASPER has over 2000 Associates, three manufacturing facilities, two distribution centers, and 45 branch offices across the country. They’re all working to produce, transport and deliver the perfect product. That’s what they do best… keep customers happy. Visit jasperengines.com

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.

THA 092: The Extreme Value of Shop Tours

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 10:16:00 +0000

Your Learning Curve Never Sounded So Good

The Extreme Value of Shop Tours Panel:

Frank Scandura from Franks European in Las Vegas, NV started working on cars as a teenager in upstate New York and moved to Las Vegas in 1988. After years writing service for Mercedes, he opened Frank’s European service in 2001 and grew to a 12,000-square foot, 10 bay shop in the northwest part of Las Vegas, not far from the famous Strip!

Photo courtesy of Shari Pheasant

He has 15 team members and is partnered with his wife Deborah. From his first immersion, in the business, pumping gas at 15 years old in Orange County New York, to writing service at a Mercedes dealer in Las Vegas Frank Scandura shares his business acumen and offers insights and trends on leadership as a business coach. Frank’s previous episodes HERE.

Vinnie Lucido has had his hands in the automotive industry since 1996, starting in High school as a CSR at one of the last 76 Full-Service Gas stations in Reno. He found a passion for helping people through their most prized possessions, their automobile. Vinnie and his brother Anthony partnered together & opened CoAuto in 2014 and have been nothing but success in their new undertaking. Vinnie is ASE certified and has operated in every capacity of the automotive repair field. Throughout his career, he has been a customer service representative, a service writer, a technician, a manager and now an owner. Ultimately, he finds he is happiest when he is in communication with his clients and gets the opportunity to get to know his guests. Vinnie spends his time building relationships and networking and in turn, the shop continues to grow. Listen to Vinnie’s previous episodes HERE.

Deb Van Batenburg is the vice president of Automotive Career Development Center [ACDC] and a former repair shop owner with his husband Craig. She and her husband engaged full time in the understanding of the technology used in hybrid and electric cars. Students worldwide attend their comprehensive six-day trading class called ‘Up Your Voltage’. Deb also writes human interest ideas, business trends and critical thinking for Auto Inc and AASP magazines. Listen to Deb’s previous episodes HERE.

Andy Bizub is a native of Chicago. His first career was 25 years as a commodity trader. He entered the professional auto industry in 2014 by acquiring a failing shop in downtown Chicago that he was a customer of and start a turnaround. At bought his first car at age 19, a 1972 Triumph Spitfire, which was the start of his gas, oil, and automobile obsession. Listen to Andy’s previous episodes HERE.

Greg Bunch is the owner of Aspen Auto Clinic, a five-location automotive and service business in Colorado. Greg started his passion for cars at 15 when he began rebuilding a 1966 Volkswagen Bug. Greg has moved from a Volkswagen mechanic to ASE Master Technician, to Management, to starting his shop 18 years ago in his garage, to an award-winning multi-location business.

Greg is currently a board member for the STEM-based charter school call “Automotive Institute of Science & Technology” and on the Advisory board of Ratchet and Wrench Magazine. Greg is also a board member of the Autocare organization and a certified instructor for the Worldpac Training Institute and Carquest Technical Institute. Greg’s unwavering passion for the industry has also led him to form a company called Transformers Institute, a coaching and training company dedicated to transforming the automotive industry. Listen to Greg’s previous episodes HERE. Transformers Institute HERE.

Bill Nalu is President of Interstate Auto Care in Madison Heights, Michigan and has been in business for 30 years. Bill collaborates with industry professionals, in building today’s “high-tech/old-fashioned” customer service system. Bill has been a big contributor to the podcast and he currently serves on several industries and educational advisory councils including AutoValue/Bumper to Bumper, Dorman Industries, and Cardone. Listen to Bill’s previous episodes HERE.

Shari Pheasant, the Queen of Horsepower, believes in building people first and uses her own brand of horsepower to drive people from the inside out. She is a dynamic speaker, multi-award-winning business innovator and president of the Reno-Sparks NAPA Elite Business Development Group. Shari owns A Master Mechanic, with her husband Jeff, and transitioned to an “out of the shop owner” in 2014.

Shari has over thirty-five years of business management, team building, project management, operational development, marketing/branding and sales experience building scalable, sustainable models. Her strategies strengthen the value of your company brand, improve relations and motivate your team to bring in greater profits naturally, confidently and with ease. She has worked successfully with small businesses and companies to create thriving, sustainable cultures that build profit and wealth through accountable, responsible actions. Find other episodes that feature Shari HERE.

Vic Tarasik is the Founder and Managing Partner at Shop Owner Coach. A business management consultant to shops across North America that assists shop owners in achieving their dreams through the intentional application of best practices and personal development.

Shop ownership, public speaking, business management, finance, and leadership skills are some talents he acquired as a service professional that made this position perfect for him.

A recipient of Montgomery County TX business of the Year and a congressional commendation are a couple of achievements Vic is proud of.

Jimmy Lea is the Regional Sales Director at Kukui Corporation. Kukui enables success. The Kukui All in One Success Platform® empowers Independent automotive shops with quantitative data showing their return on investment, the number of new clients based on their POS system, statistics revealing their customer retention rate, and areas to improve their business through the tracking of phone calls, appointment forms, digital inspection results, and feedback from customer reviews.

Key Talking Points:

Understanding the client experience. This allows you to walk into a new shop and have a clean slate & an unbiased perspective of what the client is experiencing. Its too hard to analyze your own tornado, as your in it. It’s much easier to see issues with other shops from an outsiders perspective.
Gaining a new perspective into your own shop by visualizing & feeling what other shops are doing then noticing where you can Improve your space. The end result may be taking some of those good ideas and implementing them in your own shop. I do not consider this stealing as if we better our services then our industry as a whole will be lifted.
Establishing relationships with other shop owners. No one understands a shop owner like another shop owner. Visiting other shops allows you to converse with the owners and staff about what’s working and what’s not working. In the Independent automotive industry its all to common to keep things to ourselves and not share with other shop owners. Sharing our struggles and triumphs can be very helpful and positive to our fellow shop owners and our industry as a whole.
Learned not to work on pre-1995 and older vehicles
Reach out when you visit a city and tour a great shop.
You will find ideas to compare what you are doing.
Willing to share your ideas and success will help elevate the entire industry.
Share facility ideas. Both can learn.
Ask questions to find out why ‘things’ are what they are.
Work hard to build the comfort level of your clients. Vinnie Lucido.
R & D: Rip off and Duplicate and make ideas your own.
When you are in your tornado you cannot see what is wrong or analyze an issue because you are in it too deep. It may take a visit from another shop owner to ask a question to get you to re-think what you are doing.
Start locally. Call up a friend across town.
When you travel to look up a top shop and call to get an appointment to visit.
Use social media to search for or request a shop tour in a city you are going to be in.
Shop tours help build your network.
Twenty groups by rule do shop tours and benefit their business through this learning mode.
Be honored if you get asked to offer your shop for a tour.
On shop tours:Andy learned a lot about intercommunication among your team.
Vinnie looks for what makes shops unique.
Frank says: Don’t be afraid to make a decision and don’t let analysis paralysis cloud action.
Greg Bunch: Visited a shop in Ireland. Challenges on tariffs to buy equipment. They use forklift type lifts. No waiting room. They have a four-year program for technicians with six months doing apprenticing. The real diag guys run around in their vans. There is a higher respect for technicians and the industry in Europe better than the US.
Shari hears the excuse, ‘It’s different here’ (overused)
Deb says that if your webpage and physical presence do not match you will get a big disconnect with your brand.
Jimmie Lea says that ‘curb’ appeal is critical.There is no tech shortage at shops that are involved in education either high school or post-secondary.
Vic recommends that you listen to everyone while you are in the shop. Listen to the Advisors, Technicians, and all the staff. They see a lot more than we think and might have valuable ideas we might not have considered.
When on a shop tour ask a lot of questions to the entire team and share with the owner.

Resources:

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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The Town Hall Academy is supported by:

Jasper Engines & Transmissions. When a car’s engine or transmission fails, it’s not the end of the road. A remanufactured drivetrain product from Jasper Engines & Transmissions will give your car a new lease on life. JASPER has over 2000 Associates, three manufacturing facilities, two distribution centers, and 45 branch offices across the country. They’re all working to produce, transport and deliver the perfect product. That’s what they do best… keep customers happy. Visit jasperengines.com

RR 260: Vic Tarasik – Part 2 – Life’s Lessons

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 08:32:00 +0000

Vic Tarasik’s ‘Part 1’ episode is 234. We talked about his career as a service professional. He shares his story of selling his business and gave us the first five of his ten life’s lessons.

After nearly 30 years of successfully operating Vic’s Precision Automotive, a fourteen bay automotive repair facility located in The Woodlands, TX, Vic Tarasik sold his beloved shop. He remains in the industry he loves.

Vic is currently the Major Accounts Director with RLO Training. Public speaking, business management, finance and leadership skills are some talents he acquired as a service professional that made this position perfect for him. He was a member of RLO Training’s Bottom-Line Impact Group and was twice awarded the Member Excellence Award for being the top shop in his group.

Like many in the auto care industry, Vic took an interest in all things mechanical at a young age. He worked on a variety of vehicles for friends and family. His interests grew into racing at local drag strips driving his 55 Chevy, which he still owns.

Vic remains involved with his community. He is a recipient of The Montgomery County Small Business of the Year; he serves on the Advisory Council of Spring High & Lone Star College. He currently serves on the Board of Directors at Greater Conroe Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Directors of Leadership Montgomery County.

Nationally, Vic is very involved in the Auto Care industry. He served as the Chairman of the AutoCare Association’s Car Care Professionals Network (CCPN) and served on the Auto Care Association Show Committee for AAPEX, the largest automotive event in the US. He currently serves on the Government Affairs committee for the Auto Care Association.

His interests include photography, classic cars, contributing author to Shop Owner magazine and traveling with his spouse. A strong spiritual life is extremely important to him and he has been a member of the Ark Church since 1996.

Vic currently resides in Conroe, TX with his wife, Marlene.

Talking Points:

Integrity in action.
Change before it is too late.
Leaders read.
Must read anything from John Maxwell and Dale Carnegie’s book How To Win Friends and Influence People’
Vic observed a great leader and realized he needed to change and be like him.
You want to be teachable
Play to your strengths, hire to cover your weaknesses.
Strengths Finder 2.0. Buy the book. Take the test.

Vic’s Life’s Lessons:

Lessons 1-5 are covered in episode 234. Lessons 6-10 are covered in this episode.

Get Training. Especially business training.
Know when to ask for help.
Bring someone with you on your journey.
It is a journey, not a sprint.
Give back along the way.
Set an excellent example of integrity.
Develop your leadership skills.
Know your strengths.
Be well read.
Begin with the end in mind. From Stephen Covey. What is your exit strategy?

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This episode is brought to you by Federal-Mogul Motorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake, Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust. For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at fmmotorparts.com and fmgaragegurus.com

RR 234: Vic Tarasik – Major Accounts Director at RLO

Carm Capriotto, AAP — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 08:00:34 +0000

Vic is currently the Major Accounts Director with RLO Training. Public speaking, business management, finance and leadership skills are some talents he acquired as a service professional that make this position perfect for him. He was a member of RLO Training’s Bottom-Line Impact Group and was twice awarded the Member Excellence Award for being the top shop in his group.

In 1986 he returned to his roots and launched Vic’s Precision Automotive from his two-car garage. The heart of Vic’s Precision Automotive was galvanized for Vic as a boy; he watched his single mom struggle with service providers over the years. When he opened his shop, he was determined to make it a place where female customers felt comfortable.

Vic currently resides in Conroe, TX with his wife, Marlene.

Talking Points:

Knew what a 9/16” wrench was but had no understanding of gross margin.
Service professionals must have a business coach ‘on staff.’ That person is your least expensive team member.
When he joined his 20 group it was a big eye opener and he learned what he didn’t know. A community of shop owners willing to help.
He was willing to learn. His biggest strength.
Owned his shop for 29 ½ years that was on two acres.
You’re going to sell your business at one point in your life.
He was told that he needed to own his real-estate. That paid off for him.
Life Lessons:
- Get Training. Especially business training.
  - He joined Toastmaster to be a better public speaker.
    - Speak to your local community on our industry. Subjects like safety systems and data.
- Know when to ask for help.
  - A business coach will not ask you to change everything.
  - They will offer suggestions. You make the final decisions.
- Bring someone with you on your journey.
  - Get a mentor or mentee.
    - Another shop owner or a competitor.
- It is a journey, not a sprint.
  - You’re an overnight success; thirty years in the making.
  - Great to have a great spouse to bounce stuff off.
  - You need a good support team.
    - Helps you stay out of the ditch because you asked for help.
    - Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.
- Give back along the way
  - Get involved and be engaged in a cause.

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