26 APR 2024 · Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Recorded at the 21st annual TST Big Event, Robert Kenny Jr shares his journey from technician to mobile diagnostician and educator. Discussions cover the challenges of technician retention, fair compensation, and the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). Robert Kenney Jr., Ampd Auto Diagnostic Solutions, and instructor at Hudson Valley Community College. Show Notes - Robert Kenny Jr.'s Career (00:01:03) Overview of Kenny's career and his transition to entrepreneurship. - Starting a Shop (00:02:24) Kenny's journey to opening his shop and the obstacles he encountered. - Technician Training (00:03:20) The significance of training for technicians and its industry effects. - Education and Industry Development (00:03:59) Kenny's role in automotive industry education and growth. - Mobile Diagnostic Business Growth (00:06:43) The development of Kenny's mobile diagnostic service and its influence on small shops. - Balancing Roles (00:08:00) The challenge of juggling teaching, diagnostics, and shop management. - Technician Pay Issues (00:10:03) The problem of technician compensation and its effect on new talent. - Accountability and Mentorship (00:11:17) The role of accountability and guidance in business growth. - Admitting Failure (00:12:31) The difficulty of acknowledging mistakes and seeking assistance in the field. - Mobile Diagnostician Benefits (00:14:16) Advantages of working as a traveling mobile diagnostician. - Labor Rate Comparison (00:16:09) Analyzing labor rates and their significance in the industry. - Flat Rate System Comparison (00:22:51) Contrasting flat rate systems in various shop types and their technician impact. - EV Standards Development (00:24:19) Participation in setting electric vehicle charging standards and curriculum updates. - EV Technology Importance (00:25:44) The significance and progress of electric vehicle technology in the sector. - Training Importance (00:27:05) The consequences of inadequate training on businesses and the demand for specialists. - Robert's Mobile Diagnostic Experience (00:32:12) Kenney shares his enjoyment and insights from his mobile diagnostic venture and time at Gill's Garage. - Educational Programs and EV Training (00:32:17) Discussion on Hudson Valley Community College's programs and Bronx Community College's EV class development. 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

25 APR 2024 · Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveDid you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at https://my.captivate.fm/NAPATRACS.comIt’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Great news, you don’t have to go it alone. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visithttp://www.gopromotive.com/. Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive RepairVisit us Online: http://www.paarmelis.com/Email Hunt: https://paarmelis.comGet a copy of my Book:https://paarmelis.com/your-perfect-shop-book-download/https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

25 APR 2024 · Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS and AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching Industry shop owners discuss the challenges and strategies of opening and managing a second location. They explore the motivations behind opening additional shops, touching on wealth building, seeking new challenges, and planning for retirement. Carl Hutchinson emphasizes the importance of providing a growth path and career opportunities to attract and train the next generation of industry professionals. The conversation highlights the complexities of scaling a business and the need for strong leadership, financial planning, and a commitment to developing talent within the industry. Carl Hutchinson, https://completeautomotive417.com/, 2 locations, Springfield, MO. Listen to Carl’s previous episodes https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22carl+hutchinson%22 Kim Auernheimer, https://mycsauto.com/, 2 locations, TN. Listen to Kim’s Episodes https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=kim+auernheimer. Jim Fleischman, https://www.facebook.com/automotivealley/, 2 locations, Arcade and Marilla, NY. Listen to Jim’s previous episodes https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=Jim+Fleischman. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1D3DCiw2ylc - https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/cc097/ - Store two considerations (00:01:01) Discussion on the importance and reasons for opening a second store, including financing and marketing efforts. - Finding the second location (00:02:52) Panelists share their experiences in finding and choosing the location for their second store. - Preparation and challenges (00:09:33) Challenges and preparations for operating a second location, including policies, procedures, and staffing. - Systemizing and structuring (00:12:29) The importance of systemizing and structuring operations for a second location, as well as the challenges and preparations involved. - Transition and training (00:15:14) Discussion on transitioning and training staff for a new location, including the use of a shop management system. - Reflection and passion (00:17:32) Reflecting on the passion and effort required to start and grow a business, including the challenges of expanding to multiple locations. - Store Number Two Challenges (00:17:56) Challenges of opening a second store, losing customers, ordering parts, and managing separate entities. - Inventory and Supplies (00:20:14) Challenges in stocking inventory and supplies for a new store, unexpected expenses, and the importance of thorough planning. - Financing and Cash Flow (00:24:43) Discussion on financing options, including seller financing, bank loans, and personal investment, and the impact of COVID-19. - People Problems and Leadership (00:29:17) Dealing with turnover, hiring challenges, and the importance of finding the right people for leadership roles. - Grooming and Growing Store Two (00:32:45) Balancing time and effort between store two and store one, empowering vice presidents, and the changing role of the company president. - Building an MSO...

24 APR 2024 · Matt Fanslow discusses the importance of automotive repair shops setting a barometer for the value they provide. He compares this to consumer and professional products in other industries, like lawnmowers and chainsaws, to illustrate differences in quality.Show Notes - Comparing lawnmowers and chainsaws (00:01:14)  - Demonstrating value in automotive repair (00:10:46)  - Marketing and communication strategy (00:12:57)  - Setting the barometer through demonstration (00:15:22)  - Utilizing social media and radio for marketing (00:17:34)  - Comparing Products (00:19:44)  - Demonstrating Value (00:20:51)  Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech https://bit.ly/3ZLInXfEmail Matt: https://gmail.comDiagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel https://bit.ly/32QIkRAhttps://aftermarketradionetwork.com/: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

24 APR 2024 · Can Marketing "Even Out" The Workload?Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes - We often hear people say their marketing should “even out the workload,” but can it do that? - There are peaks and valleys throughout the year. That’s just life. - It’s hard to market to make a specific time busy - Marketing lifts the peaks and the valleys, but it can easily lift the peaks higher and the valleys not quite as much - SCHEDULING can even out the workload, or fill in the slow times - Scheduling long-time clients for the slow times - Scheduling the next visit like a dentist does - Can you do time specific campaigns?  - State fair campaign - Back-to-school campaign - Pre-trip inspections before summer and the holidays How To Get In TouchGroup - https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindWebsite - https://shopmarketingpros.com/meet-the-pros/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/shopmarketingpros/ Get the Book - http://shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - https://shopmarketingpros.com Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc) - https://www.canva.com/create/mood-boards/

23 APR 2024 · Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Andy Bizub explores the influential book "Driving Force: Extraordinary Results with Ordinary People" by Peter Schultz. Dive into the pivotal role of culture in business success with personal insights on maintaining a positive work environment. This episode is packed with wisdom for business owners and leaders seeking to improve their operations and team dynamics. Andy Bizub, https://www.midwestperformancecars.com/, Chicago and Northbrook, IL.  Andy’s previous episodes https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22bizub%22. Show Notes - https://youtu.be/me22svjbtkU - Email Lori Schutz for your copy of "The Driving Force: Extraordinary Results with Ordinary People": https://earthlink.net - Leadership Book Insights (00:02:07 ) Exploring 'The Driving Force by Peter Schutz's' perspectives on leadership and empowerment. - Book's Business Influence (00:03:04) The book's influence on leadership strategies and business operations. - Book Discussion (00:05:35) Diving into the book's content and its effects on businesses. - Cultural Preservation (00:06:34) The role of culture in maintaining successful business practices. - Toxic Employees (00:10:41) Addressing the challenges of toxic employees in the workplace. - Empowering Leadership (00:12:14) How leaders can empower their employees to achieve excellence. - Employee Growth (00:13:27) Encouraging employees to grow and potentially outperform their leaders. - Team Diversity (00:15:27) The benefits of having a diverse and skilled team. - Overcoming Barriers (00:18:39) Sharing a story about overcoming barriers at Cummins Engine and its relevance to shop communication. - Communication Barriers (00:20:04) The effects of cultural and physical barriers on shop communication. - Slack for Shop Communication (00:22:31) Using Slack to improve communication and reduce barriers in the shop. - Customer Quality (00:23:42) The impact of customer quality on business success. - Customer Vetting (00:29:58) Identifying red flags and conveying service value to potential customers. Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter:

22 APR 2024 · The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops. Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo:https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindIn this podcast episode, Chris Cotton, an auto repair business coach, talks with Mark, owner of an independent European auto repair shop in Rochester, New York, that also does sales and bodywork. They discuss Mark's family history, including his father's move from Germany to the U.S. and his transition from diamond cutting to car sales. Mark recounts his own path in the family business, from washing cars to his current role, and the lessons learned along the way. They also delve into succession planning, with Mark's son Hunter potentially taking over in the future. Mark highlights the benefits of working with Chris implementation of a new service management system, and the positive changes in business performance and staff engagement. The episode touches on the importance of regular staff meetings, understanding daily business metrics, and the joy of family involvement in the business. It concludes with personal anecdotes about family meals and the cultural heritage that enriches their lives. - The background of Mark's family (00:00:05) Mark talks about his father's journey from Germany to the United States and their family background. - Mark's family's journey in the auto repair business (00:02:05) Mark shares the story of his family's involvement in the auto repair business, including their transition from sales to service. - Mark's father's journey in the auto industry (00:04:08) Mark details his father's experiences in the car industry, from working at a BMW dealership to starting his own car sales business. - Mark's connection to European cars (00:10:52) Mark discusses his family's deep connection to European cars, particularly Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen. - Mark's journey in the auto repair business (00:14:48) Mark reflects on his journey in the auto repair business, from washing cars to becoming a service advisor and learning to buy cars at auctions. - Car Sales and Sunroof Surprise (00:19:22) Mark recalls a car sales experience and his father's tough love and succession plan. - Auto Auction and Nostalgia (00:21:29) Chris shares his experience working at an auto auction, and both speakers reminisce about the excitement of auctions. - Transition and Succession Plan (00:23:16) Mark discusses his role in the business and the prolonged transition plan from his father. - Family Involvement and Future Plans (00:25:43) Mark talks about family members' roles in the business and his son's potential as a service manager. - Succession Planning and Family Dynamics (00:29:31) Mark emphasizes the importance of communication and close relationships in succession planning. - Future of the Business and Retirement (00:34:14) Mark discusses his long-term plans for the business and his reluctance to fully retire. - Family Living Arrangements (00:36:40) Mark shares that his mother still lives in the family home, and he and his wife live next door. - Each timestamp is followed by a short description of the topics covered in the corresponding segment of the podcast episode. - Family and Business History (00:37:29) Discussion about family's daily routine and plans for creating a slideshow of old pictures for the website. - Transition to New Location and Succession Plan (00:38:19) Mark mentions the upcoming 40th anniversary at the new location and transitions to...

19 APR 2024 · Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Rich Falco and his twin sons, Zack and Tyler, discuss the intricacies of family business succession in the automotive industry. The Falco's share their personal experiences, emphasizing the value of learning through challenges and the significance of understanding both the technical and business aspects of the industry. They explore the dynamics of customer interaction, continuous professional development, and the evolving nature of automotive technology. Rich Falco, https://diagondemand.com/, Instructor at Carquest Technical Institute. Listen to Rich’s previous episodes https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=falco Zack and Tyler Falco, https://diagondemand.com/ Show Notes - https://youtu.be/zfIg9fBaEDQ - Succession and grooming (00:00:51) Discussion about succession, grooming, and growing young talent in the automotive industry. - Training and learning experiences (00:01:34) Rich discusses letting his sons fail and learn while working together in the business. - Challenges of being a mobile technology specialist (00:04:10) Zack talks about the challenges of being a mobile technology specialist and learning to interact with customers. - Learning from experience (00:05:29) Zack and Tyler discuss their learning experiences and the importance of admitting when they don't know something. - Future of the business (00:09:04) Rich discusses the challenges in generating revenue and the potential changes in the industry for mobile work. - Working together as a family (00:15:10) Tyler shares his experience of working with his dad and brother, highlighting the dynamics of their working relationship. - Learning from Job Experiences (00:16:05) The speakers discuss the continuous learning experience and the value of mistakes in their work. - Passion for Working with Hands (00:19:00) Zack expresses his enjoyment of working with hands and the satisfaction in understanding the technical aspects of his work. - Diagnostics and Gray Areas (00:19:47) The conversation delves into the complexities of diagnostics, the gray areas in the auto repair industry, and the appeal of clear-cut logic in technical work. - Changing the Perception of Technicians (00:22:18) Challenge the traditional perception of technicians and advocate for a shift towards recognizing them as technology specialists. - Transition to Advanced Technology (00:23:44) The conversation highlights the transition to advanced technology, including the need for specialized equipment and the future of automotive technology. - Business Education and Succession Planning (00:25:40) The importance of business education, succession planning, and the need for understanding the financial aspects of the business are discussed. - Client Experience and Problem-Solving (00:29:34) The significance of following up with clients and the emphasis on problem-solving to build strong relationships with customers is highlighted. - Succession and Family Business (00:32:39) Discussion about the succession and future of the family business with Rich, Zach, and Tyler Falco. ...

18 APR 2024 · Welcome to this episode of "Business by the Numbers," where we dive deep into the often controversial topic of tax fairness. Join Hunt, as he explores if the wealthiest among us are really shouldering their fair share of the tax burden.•Defining 'Rich': How income levels and perceptions of wealth vary across different regions and impact tax contributions.•The Progressive Tax System: A closer look at how the U.S. tax system scales with income and what that means for the top 1% of earners.•Real Figures: We break down recent statistics to understand the actual tax contributions made by high earners.•Beyond Income Tax: Examining other significant tax obligations faced by the wealthy, including sales tax, property tax, and surtaxes.•Debunking Myths: Addressing common misconceptions about tax evasion among the wealthy and what the data really shows.Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and PromotiveDid you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at https://my.captivate.fm/NAPATRACS.comIt’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Great news, you don’t have to go it alone. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visithttp://www.gopromotive.com/.Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive RepairVisit us Online: http://www.paarmelis.com/Email Hunt: https://paarmelis.comGet a copy of my Book:https://paarmelis.com/your-perfect-shop-book-download/https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

18 APR 2024 · Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS and AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching Dive into the intricate process behind the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exams. Sharing personal experiences as SMEs for the ASE exams, the panelists discussed the challenges and learning opportunities involved in the process. Matt Fanslow, https://www.riverside-automotive.com/, Red Wing, MN, https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Bryan Pollock, http://willcoautocare.com/wordpress/, Sanborn, NY and Lockport, NY Scot Manna, ACDelco Technician of the Millennium. Scot’s previous episodes https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22scot+manna%22 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP3D6dLRL-g - Another ASE Rant [E091]: https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/episode/091 - ASE Renewal App Rant [E105]: https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/episode/105 - The importance of ASE test questions (00:00:01) Discussion about the extensive work and expertise required to create high-quality test questions for ASE certification exams. - ASE's role in setting pass rates (00:02:07) Explanation of how ASE organizes workshops to determine pass rates and exam difficulty, with input from industry representatives. - Challenges of writing test questions (00:03:30) Discussion on the difficulty of creating distractors and the extensive effort required to write and vet test questions. - Role of subject matter experts (00:06:21) Insights into the qualities of a good subject matter expert and their importance in contributing to the test question writing process. - Educational opportunities of ASE exams (00:10:46) Explanation of how ASE exams provide educational opportunities for technicians to identify areas for improvement and further training. - Qualities of a good subject matter expert (00:15:36) Discussion about the qualities and skills needed for a subject matter expert, including formal education and practical experience. - Experience is Key (00:18:44) Importance of real-world experience in writing test questions and the value of subject matter experts. - Communication and Mix of Expertise (00:19:47) The importance of communication skills and the mix of engineering and field experience in test writing. - Ensuring Fair and Effective Questions (00:22:41) The process of discarding or refining questions to ensure fairness and effectiveness in testing. - Creating Plausible Answers (00:23:17) The challenge of creating plausible answers and the goal of not tricking test takers. - Different Philosophies in Testing (00:35:19) Contrasting philosophies between the ASE renewal app and traditional exams, focusing on education vs. pass/fail. - The process of taking tests (00:36:46) Discussion on the feedback provided after answering test questions and its educational value for technicians. - Importance of continuous learning (00:37:42) Emphasizing the value of taking tests as an opportunity for education and the need for continuous learning in the automotive industry. - Advancements in automotive technology...