Happy New Year! Cleaning and organizing files can be a fun task for the new year. I collected so much during my journey throughout the past 52 weeks of 2022. What a joy it is when I come across inspirational material that I may have forgotten about. I wanted to share a poem with you…
The default future is the place you end up when you decide not to make the necessary changes in a specific area. For instance, deciding not to invest in proactive recruiting efforts can cause you to end up working in the business instead of on your dreams. Let’s use shop owners Bill and Susan as…
If you follow investment news, the automotive sales industry is struggling. Early in the pandemic, the issue was supply — too few new cars were available for the number of people wanting them. The supply problem trickled down to the gently used car market. Used car and truck dealers began paying higher and higher prices…
One of the greatest skills for a leader to have is exceptional communication. The quality of the conversations and the frequency with which you have them will lead to a more engaged team that will deliver the performances you are looking for. There are four core conversations a leader must prepare to have consistently with…
What’s the future of the automotive service industry? Now is a great time to ponder this common question. Here’s a story of two CEOs from another industry: Reed and John. Reed was the founder of a small niche business that was losing money. John was the CEO of an established Fortune 500 organization. John was…
Let’s not blame “that time of the year” for not marketing properly and having no traffic in your shop. These days there are more than just a few automotive repair facilities claiming the slow-down in car count and lack of phones ringing is due to known slumps this time of year. The question now is,…
The Maine Secretary of State recently approved a petition for independent auto repair shops and parts stores to collect signatures to get a Right To Repair petition added to the 2023 ballot. In June, the New York state assembly unanimously voted for a Digital Fair Repair Act for the state of New York to be…
Management is something that is learned and reinforced through coaching and feedback. It is a partnership with your team that will require commitment and patience from all parties to develop and grow as a leader. Creating an environment where you work with your people, involving them in clear goals, and providing a positive workspace where…
Are you frustrated by your recent recruitment results? Heather, the owner of a European imports shop, felt the same way. She posted technician ads that consistently generated responses from the most talented, qualified, and experienced forklift drivers in New Hampshire! She decided to shift her focus from hiring someone skilled in diagnostics to bringing in…
Digital vehicle inspections (DVIs) are central to providing a 21st-century experience to your customers. Just as streaming revolutionized the entertainment industry, digital communication has drastically transformed all consumer service industries. Within auto repair, DVIs enable shops to upgrade their business to the next level. While shifting from paper to digital records can seem daunting in…