Podcasts about carquest technical institute

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, Diag on Demand, Instructor at Carquest Technical Institute. Listen to Rich's previous episodes HERE Zack and Tyler Falco, Diag on Demand. Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode 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. ...

Recorded Live at Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo, Rich Falco, and bilingual trainer Oscar Gomez, dive into the critical role of mentorship and training in the automotive industry. They discuss the rise of mechanical and technology specialists and the necessity for continuous education to keep pace with evolving technology. The conversation underscores the importance of experienced mentors guiding newcomers, advocating for a culture shift from traditional challenges to supportive mentorship. Rich Falco, Instructor at Carquest Technical Institute. Listen to Rich's previous episodes HERE Oscar Gomez, Master Automotive Training. Listen to Oscar's previous episodes HERE Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode The importance of education (00:00:01) Discusses the significance of education and professional development in the automotive industry. The impact of comfort (00:02:38) Explores the negative impact of seeking comfort and avoiding discomfort on professional development and business growth. The challenge of delegation (00:03:12) Discusses the difficulty of delegating responsibilities and the need for education and training in the process. The need for professional development (00:07:36) Emphasizes the importance of professional development and the lack of formal training in the automotive industry. Elevating and continuing education (00:12:44) Stresses the importance of ongoing education and elevation of employees, even after delegating responsibilities. Educate, Delegate, Elevate (00:16:44) Discussion on the importance of education, delegation, and elevation in business growth and leadership. Control Freaks and Coaching (00:18:03) Exploring the challenges of control freaks in business and the potential impact of coaching on their mindset. The Addiction to Problem Solving (00:19:35) The dangers of becoming addicted to problem-solving and the impact on business growth. The Challenges of Coaching (00:22:14) The stress and challenges coaches face in carrying the success or failures of their clients' businesses. Benefits to Retain Technicians (00:28:20) The importance of creating a positive culture and vision to retain talented technicians in the automotive industry. Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX and NAPA TRACS 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/ Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: 

This episode continues the previous discussion about learning environments and breaking the mold for both teachers and students. This group wants to revamp training (the lectures and presentation style) with smaller focus groups, that will allow the attendees to understand theories and concepts and have them apply them within a study group. This episode will push your think on the transfer of knowledge and maybe it's time to break the mold on training. Watch Episode on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiCgESjlJs4 (YouTube) Jim Cokonis, Sr Curriculum Developer, https://ctionline.com/ (Carquest Technical Institute ) Justin Morgan, LMV Bavarian Technical Support and Trainer, ASE-Wave Technical Ambassador, ASE Master, L1, CMAT  Anthony Williams, M.S. Ed. Special Project Manager, https://ctionline.com/ (Carquest Technical Institute) Key Talking Points Presentations vs class- presentations are a large group/gathering, listening to a concept/theory. Presenting ideas to engage the audience. You can still check for understanding in presentations. Pass the microphone. Classes are smaller, following a sequence of classes. They are not the same. Loud and boisterous personalities will push the conversations which can derail the discussion. You want to pull all voices in a classroom style. Reinvent ‘lecturing'- dial back the content in a presentation, an entire book isn't taught in 1 session, teach the concept Setting expectations for students going to training Challenging the status quo- 1 lead presenter and multiple trainers for breakout groups.  “Not here to herd the cattle, here to make burgers” You can't present a problem without a solution or a path to a solution 2nd-grade mentality- get up and move, different groups, when someone asks a question, you nurture it.  Handling wrong answers- ask for counter-opinion, ask what their process was, make it a safe place and a learning experience Virtual training- cameras on, breakout rooms Honesty- realize an idea and go back and master it What are you looking for? Be specific. You are either probing a conversation or probing to see where the understanding is Checking for understanding- you cannot use yes/no or true/false http://aftermarketradionetwork.com (Aftermarket Radio Network) http://youtube.com/carmcapriotto (Subscribe on YouTube) https://remarkableresults.biz/episodes (Visit us on the Web) https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsPodcast (Follow on Facebook) https://remarkableresults.biz/insider/ (Become an Insider) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm (Buy me a coffee) https://remarkableresults.biz/books/ (Important Books) Check out today's partners: More Time. More Profit. Shop-Ware Shop Management https://getshopware.com/ (getshopware.com) See how Broadly can help YOU grow your auto shop. http://getbroadly.com/chat (getbroadly.com/chat) https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ () https://remarkableresultsradio.captivate.fm/listen ()  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVQc5Abxi-U "G" Jerry Truglia is a ASE World Class Technician, ASE Triple Master Technician in: Automotive, Truck & School Bus, L1, L3, X1, CNG, and C1; as well as an ATTP Master Instructor in New York State, CT and New Jersey. "G" is recognized by the US Environmental Protection Agency as one of the foremost OBD II experts, technicians, and trainers in the country. He achieved National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification, won a golden wrench award, and is one of the 1900 ever to be certified as a "World Class Technician". He provides technical material, is an author and technical advisor for the New York automotive technology training program and has authored numerous books and magazine articles. "G" also provided automotive training to the United States Marine Corps in Okinawa, Japan. He has also worked for Peugeot in France, ATRA in Australia, ASA, ASACA (Instructor of the Year Award - 2 years), ASAKC, and many colleges/trade schools in addition to providing Train the Train to instructors for ATC, Lincoln Tech, UTI, Ohio Diesel, and others. G Jerry Truglia Previous Episodes https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22Truglia%22 (HERE) Scott Townsend ASE Certification(s): A1-A9 Master Certified L1 and L3 Advanced Level Certifications with 19 Years experience and Six Years as an Autotech Instructor. He is experienced in  Automotive Diagnostics, Programming, and Coding for Gas, Diesel, Hybrid, and E.V. Adam Robertson has 37 years and continues as an automotive technician/instructor, beginning his automotive career in the early 1980s. He has owned/operated his own automotive repair and training facilities since 1991. Beyond standard auto/truck diagnostics and repair, he has spent many years working with high-performance vehicles. Adam has enjoyed performing dyno tuning/programming and other auto racing support, competing in several types of “grassroots” style local motorsport racing events. Adam has been training for CARQUEST Technical Institute since 2000 and continues educating 23 full regions in the Western United States with nearly 800 hours of presentation material, while still squeezing in several “hands-on” training events, each year. A regular training fixture at many national automotive training events each year, Adam has also authored as an SME numerous pieces of the training curriculum. He has what has been considered a “contagious” teaching style with incredible amounts of energy and passion. Vin Waterhouse is the president and founder of The Waterhouse Group, (TWG), an automotive Accounting, Training and Coaching company. Vin has over thirty years of experience in the automotive aftermarket and has written several manuals on asset management. His specialty is working with auto repair shop owners. He has written magazine articles and authored private label courses for NAPA and others in the aftermarket. Vin has conducted hundreds of profit management seminars and workshops for auto repair shop owners, auto part store owners, and parts distribution management teams across the United States. He is a pioneer in his field and author of "The Labor Factory" and the "NAPA exclusive AutoCare Financial G.P.S." Listen to Vin's other episode's https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=Vin+Waterhouse (HERE.) Key Talking Points Replay virtual training classes up to 30 days Importance of management classes- owners need to understand business Shops are a team as one unit and everyone needs to be on board Why PAVE- top instructors, an opportunity for technicians to take classes and review management training. Teaching big think and multi approaches to vehicles to avoid tunnel vision Average shop profit 3%, sales increase 12%, labor rates Standard labor rates- based on different skill levels per technician, labor intensive rates (EV), diagnostic rates The best resource and tool is your brain Training doesn't cost, it pays...

Jim Morton has recently retired as an Advanced Engine Performance instructor at Automotive Training Center in Exton and Warminster, PA. He and his wife Mary own and operate Morton's Automotive Technical Services (MATS), which offers training for working technicians. Jim was selected by Import Service Magazine as one of the top independent trainers. With more than 45 years in the industry as a technician, shop owner and trainer, Morton has been a requested presenter at National Training expos around the country including NACAT, CARS, TST Big Event, VISION KC and ASA. Jim has written diagnostic procedure articles for MotorAge, Import Service and ASA Auto Inc magazines. Listen to Jim's previous episodes https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22Jim+morton%22 (HERE) Brandon Steckler began his career in Northampton County Community College in Bethlehem, PA. There, he was a student of GM's Automotive Service Educational program. In 2001, he graduated top of his class and earned the GM Leadership award for his efforts. He later began working as a technician at a Saturn dealership in Reading, PA where he quickly attained Master Technician status. He later transitioned to working with Hondas where he aggressively worked to attain another Master Technician status. Always having a passion for a full understanding of system/component functionality, he rapidly earned a reputation for deciphering strange failures at an efficient pace and became known as an information specialist amongst the staff and peers at the dealership. In search of new challenges, he once again transitioned away from the dealership and to the independent world, where he specializes in diagnostics and drivability. Today, he is a working technician at a large facility near the NE side of Philadelphia, PA. Along with beta testing for Automotive Test Solutions, he writes for MotorAGE Magazine, teaches for CARQUEST Technical Institute as well as WORLDPAC, INC. and develops curriculum/submits case studies for other training companies. Brandon contributes weekly to Facebook Automotive Chat groups and truly enjoys helping others to attain a level of understanding that will serve them well throughout their careers. Listen to Brandon's previous episodes https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22brandon+steckler%22 (HERE) Key Talking Points Being a lifelong mentor- you can't mentor something you don't know. Answer questions with more questions as a mentor. Guide, don't push.    Let your ego go- ask for help, no one knows everything  Know the basics as a diagnostician- common sense and foundation should be 85% and the last 15% you should know where to find it. Developing mentees- looking inside industry and outside of the industry. Excite the individuals that have a passion for electronics and programming. Teach at a deeper level besides just passing tests. Retention is key. Case studies- live examples  Are you finding the problem or the effect of the problem? Being a mentor/teacher- showing what worked for you  Know your opponent- stop every 5 minutes and ask yourself if you are further along than you were 5 minutes ago   Proper interview with the customer Connect with the show: http://youtube.com/carmcapriotto (Subscribe on YouTube) https://remarkableresults.biz/episodes (Visit us on the Web) https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsPodcast (Follow on Facebook) https://remarkableresults.biz/insider/ (Become an Insider) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm (Buy me a coffee) https://remarkableresults.biz/books/ (Important Books) Check out today's partners: This episode is brought to you by AAPEX, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo. AAPEX represents the $740 billion global automotive aftermarket industry and has everything you need to stay ahead of the curve.  The Virtual AAPEX Experience 2020 is in the record books. Virtual AAPEX lived up to presenting leading-technical and business management...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy-g7JKTihI Chris Chesney is the former director of Customer Training for Carquest Technical Institute. He is also a NASTF Board Member. Visit Chris's previous episodes https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22chesney%22 (HERE). Jay Huh, CarMedix, Durham, NC. Jay started his business in his home garage in 2015. He didn't have any mechanical experience but felt there was a need for an honest affordable mechanic shop. Fast forward to 2021, CarMedix has grown into a 10 bay facility and did over $1 million in sales last yr and tracking over $1.5 million this year Brad Pellman, Pellman's Automotive, Boulder, CO. Brad first started working in the automotive industry at the age of 15 and over his career has held a wide variety of jobs at both dealerships and independent repair shops. In 1995 this dream of owning his own shop became a reality when he opened up Pellman's Automotive in Boulder, CO with his wife, Lisa. Brad is ASE master certified and AAM designated as well. He is currently on the Board of Directors for ASE and ASA Colorado, with past board involvement with CCPN and the TECHNET Automotive Council. He has had the added privilege of being designated as one of the Motor Age Top shops in the country. And hopes to continue to raise the awareness and importance of Independent automotive repair across the country. Brad's previous episodes https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=Brad+Pellman (HERE). Scott Brown, Cardinal Plaza Shell, Springfield, VA. The second-generation owner of Cardinal Plaza Shell, a 2,700 square feet, 5 bay independent repair shop and LEVEL 5 Solutions, an automotive technology company. Celebrated 50 years in business during 2019. Scott is a Member & Past President of Virginia Automotive Association, Member of Car Care Professional Network through the ACA. and founding partner of the Blue Ocean Buying Group for independent repair shops. Listen to Scott's previous episodes https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22scott+brown%22 (HERE) Key Talking Points What was the most rewarding experience in your career? Had already started scaling a virtual studio prior to COVID 19 shutdown and was able to launch virtual classrooms. How did you start your Allstar network of surrounding people? Connected with people through internet groups at first. Listened intently to people's attitudes and passions.  Advice- pay it forward, remember the basics, be servants in the industry for others  How important is it to have personal relationships? Businesses grow through personal relationships. Don't be worried about hurting someone's feelings or being transparent when times are tough. Technology changes but you always have 24 hours in a day. Do the right things at the right time- manage that time well.  Do you have any regrets? Ideas that weren't put into action but if you sit long enough you'll find regrets, don't sit on them. Service ready shop- specialization is necessary for the future. The challenge is the critical need to ensure the technicians have the skills to be able to solve problems. Competency. Technician shortage- creating a specialist/career path for the younger generation. Hold people to standard with training. Create a personal relationship with vocational school instructors and offer support. Offer to tell your story of how you started in the industry. Invest in the people you already have- growing with skills that meet your business model. Erosion of technicians- is this all there is? Is this all I'll ever do and be? Are you charging enough so you can pay your employees what they are worth? Full EV disruption- CTI has created EV content for training (virtual and hands on), EV is a disruptor but where? Market location, and how you prepared prior (first Prius is 20 years old). Challenges- EV doesn't only mean battery electric vehicles, most will be hybrid. Infrastructure issues for charging and hydrogen. What's next for...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-bcUlTneUE Your weekly broadcast production with wisdom shared by our guest host and a virtual shop tour. There is a trivia challenge.  Guest host, Chris Chesney, Sr. Director Customer Training, Carquest Technical Institute. Chris's previous episodes https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=chris+chesney (HERE) Virtual Shop Tour with Judi Haglin, Haglin Motors. Denver, CO. Judi's previous episodes https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=judi+haglin (HERE) Trivia Challenge: What Brand on April 29, 2004 Closed its Doors? It was the Oldest Automaker.   Dorman gives people greater freedom to fix vehicles by constantly developing new repair solutions that put owners and technicians first. By always innovating, Dorman has led the way in growing the aftermarket. Here you will see a few examples of a Dorman OE Fix. An OE FIX is a Dorman repair solution you can’t get from the original equipment manufacturer. It means they found a situation where they believe the OEM wasn’t giving repair professionals what they wanted, so we fixed it. Everything Dorman does is centered around providing customer value, both in the quality of products, and the creativity of solutions. Our engineers and designers go out of their way to save repair technicians time and save vehicle owners money. Want to really go under the hood? Take the Dorman Virtual Tour athttp://www.dormanproducts.com/Tour ( www.DormanProducts.com/Tour)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxq2mp3E0fI&t=11s Kenneth Greffin-28 years in the automotive industry. President of Aspen Auto Clinic with 5 locations. He's done a bit of everything; tire buster, oil changer, Shop Owner, Franchise Consultant and Big Box Automotive Retail Executive. Sam Craven- Owner of The Garagisti, Houstin, TX. Following an established career in business and real-estate, native Houstonian Sam Craven has brought his passion for business and racing together with a return to his roots within the world of cars and motorsports. A graduate of Texas A&M’s Mechanical Engineering school, Sam was a busy student. While some headed to the bars on the weekend, Sam headed out all over the country between classes (and sometimes during classes…) to work as a mechanic and run data systems for Ferrari, Porsche and open wheel race cars. Sam created The Garagisti to be a space for both the hardcore enthusiasts and people who simply desire trusted, quality work combined with an excellent client experience. The Garagisti was made for the people that appreciate their car and expect a dealer level experience. 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 https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=Greg+Bunch (HERE). Transformers Institute https://www.transformersinstitute.com/ (HERE). Key Talking Points Build a culture where technicians meet owners of vehicles- brings more relationship and effort to repair.  Break down the wall of what technician knows and what customer understands- if the customer doesn’t understand, they don’t feel comfortable buying Build trust at every touchpoint- mailer, curb appeal, roads on way to location (are mom and kids comfortable driving there?) marketing, follow up after the customer has left, answering the phone, how does the shop look? How do technicians look and speak to customers? Make it a point that technicians should say “hello” to customers when walking by.  Little things lead to big things- both positive and negative “I need my car towed to your shop” - set it up yourself instead of giving them the tow truck phone number “No update update” -keeping customers in the loop Phone etiquette- beginning of first human interaction, the customer is calling because they are looking for help. Take the stress level of customers down. Building trust and making them feel like they called the right place. Tonality, customers can’t see your face, your only tool is your voice. Record and listen to your phone calls. Get the basics done. Make it personal- use pictures of owner/employees Collaborative interaction with customers- make them a part of the process. Show them the DVI. The choice is their own, how you relay the message and repairs makes the difference.  Collaborative interaction with employees- everyone needs to hold each other accountable, share ideas, support, offer feedback  Transparency- no one makes decisions unless they 100% understand, consider showing the customer their fluid sample colors “Test procedures” can help customers understand diagnostic work 

https://youtu.be/oiGN2tw68h0 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 https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=Greg+Bunch (HERE). Transformers Institute https://www.transformersinstitute.com/ (HERE). Austin Miller. Tire Star opened the doors in 2011 in the back part of a grain elevator warehouse. Austin Miller started the business with the goal of providing trustworthy automotive repair at a fair price and timely manner. Since then Tire Star has grown to 3 locations and 40+ employees. This growth was made possible by employees willing to go the extra mile to provide a great customer experience. Austin is an ASE L1 Master Certified Technician and has received an ASE technician of the year award. Although he is not turning a wrench most days Austin is still very involved in learning about new technology and ensuring his staff gets the training they need to be successful. Listen to Austin’s previous episodes https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=Austin+Miller (HERE). John Manelas and wife, Karen Manelas,purchased their first location in April 2004. They expanded into their 2nd location in 2011. They bought out a former 20 group member in Maine in 2013 as their 3rd location. They purchased a former Chevy/Chrysler 14 bay dealership in 2014. In 2016, they purchased an import auto service business and converted it to an Auto Care Plus (store #5). In 2017, they purchased a Volvo Specialty Repair Shop which they decided to then re-brand and create a new brand for us calling it Euro Care Plus. In 2019, we did our first non-acquisition “build to suit” venture erecting an 8 bay facility with upstairs offices for their Corporate headquarters. They also decided to lease the rest of that building where we are preparing to open a Hybrid/EV specialty division to be named Electrified Auto Care. They now have 7 locations (5 of which they own the dirt). 6 Locations in NH and one in ME. Listen to John’s previous episodes https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=John+Manelas (HERE). Key Talking Points: I think I’m successful, I think I wanna grow, but am I ready for this?Not for money, not for ego, but for a challenge Personal reasons for why Some peoples why is to build wealthThe challenge of it People are only happy when they are growing Private equity Add another location to justify the management teamGoing from 2 to 3 locations made you focus in on your process Day you realized to lock your processes downEstablish SOPs Use other people’s money to expandBuild to suit Pay it back in a lease arrangement Lean towards acquisitions Newer growing areas are better for build to suit Own the dirt whenever possible The creativity of doing a dealYou do need capital not just the paper Leverage other people’s money to make it happen What Covid has done to our industryAbsorption is an option If you’re gonna grow and acquire, you have to have the right peopleNot everyone fits your model Not every size fits your model Anticipate losing 10% of customer base Anticipate losing 90% of your employees During an acquisitionBuild an avatar of what the perfect...

In our previous episode, David & Lucas were joined by Jim Cokonis, a Senior Curriculum Developer at Carquest Technical Institute. We discussed the principles behind six sigma and the Toyota way and we found the conversation to be one of the most important we’ve ever had on the podcast. Typically the second portion of the conversation is reserved for All-Access Patrons, but some of the things Jim had to say were too important to keep from everyone. If you haven’t listened to episode 14, stop and listen to that first, then come back to this episode for the second half. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/AutoShopOwnersGroup)

In this episode, David & Lucas are joined by Jim Cokonis a Senior Curriculum Developer at Carquest Technical Institute. They discuss some of the principles behind six sigma and the Toyota way. These are methodologies that allow you to dissect problems at hand, find solutions using the talent of those around you, as well as ensure that there is continuous improvement to prevent future issues. These principles can be applied to everything from diagnosing a vehicle to diagnosing your own business. If you're going to listen to the bonus content of only one episode, this is the one. Just head over to http://asog.site and click on the “become a patron now” button. All proceeds go to funding ASOG a 501c3 educational charity. So, your contribution is tax-deductible. Becoming an all-access Patron is only $6 a month. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/AutoShopOwnersGroup)

https://youtu.be/vcZAi4m3ZpM Chris Chesney is theDirector of Customer Training for Carquest Technical Institute. He is also a NASTF Board Member. Visit Chris’s previous episodes  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22chesney%22). Mitch Schneider is a fourth-generation “mechanic/technician” recognized as a champion of service dealer and technician causes. Mitch is an award-winning journalist, former shop owner, and published novelist. For more than 37 years, Mitch operated Schneider’s Automotive — a successful 6-bay, family-owned and operated service facility in Simi Valley, Calif. Mitch has recent great news on the biggest challenge in his life as he has taken on Primary Myelofibrosis, a rare bone cancer, head-on. He is in his recovery after a successful stem cell /bone marrow transplant in April 2019. I’m so glad to have him back to discuss his novel Misfire: What to Do When Things Aren’t Running on All Cylinders. Look for Mitch’s other episodes (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=mitch+schneider). Maylan Newton from ESI – Educational Seminars Institute is a business coach, trainer and industry speaker. Maylan is no stranger to the podcast having paid it forward many times. He is a much sought our speaker at industry events in the US. Find Maylan’s previous episodes  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=Maylan+Newton). Bob Pulverenti is the Executive Director of the Independent Garage Owners of North Carolina and show chairman of ASTE (Automotive Service & Technology Expo), prior to working for IGO Bob worked as the Executive Director of SSRSOUNY in Syracuse NY. He had also operated automotive shops in Central NY for 25 years, as a shop owner he was triple certified with ASE & a nine time NAPA/ASE Technician of the year award winner. He holds the AMI Accredited Automotive Manager certification. He sits on the AASP National Board of Directors and is a registered lobbyist. Previous Episodes (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22bob+pulverenti%22). Jerry Kezhaya from The Auto Shop in Plano Texas has been in business since 1981. Plano is a northern suburb of Dallas with a population on 280,000. According to Jerry, it is the top growing county in the US. His 35,000 sq ft shop has 21 lifts with two flats per lift. Jerry is a business coach and prides himself for getting out of the shop between 80 and 120 days a year to work with clients, attends seminars and enjoys wine. Listen to Jerry previous episodes  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=jerry+kezhaya). Key Talking Points: Some big work done in this decade was carburetors    Maylan was a Snap on Dealer and Mitch was a customer Chris Chesney was also a Snap On Dealer. They kept you in debt so you got up everyday and went to workYou had to pay so you collected from your customer everyday New Tech: Chrysler Electronic Ignition. No points and condensers. “Space Age Tech!!” If you did not have a feeler gauge you used a match book cover Sun engine analyzer. These guys are still waiting to learn how to use it As is typical with each decade or new advances in technology many did not believe it would last Bear static balancer and BADA Bubble Balancer to balance tires New electronic balancer was about $6,000 at that timeTook forever to sell one and to get a shop to buy one These guys pumped a lot of gas. Most shops sold gas. Learning how it works was an incurable passion for these guys Chris Chesney loved the new tech  The more cars at the pumps the more cars came into the bays. The gas pumps was ‘social media’ back in the day  Mitch won a bet if he could field strip a carburetor, $100It took skill to rebuild a carburetor Electrical and carburetor shops were specialists in the dayThey used a growler to grind the armature Curiosity drove the technician of the day To the consumer nothing has changed.My car is broke, fix it Training was big at dealerships back in the 70's General...

https://youtu.be/VTp_2k2_Cuc 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  (https://www.transformersinstitute.com/) . Dwayne Myers is a partner in Dynamic Automotive in the greater Maryland area. Dwayne invests time in the industry with the Auto Care Association and serves on the education committee with CCPN (Car Care Professional Network). Dwayne was recently honored as one of only 17 outstanding individuals that qualified for the prestigious 2017 World Class Technician Award presented by The Auto Care Association and ASE. He is very passionate about hiring and sustaining a strong and engaged team. Listen to Dwayne’s previous episodes  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22Dwayne%20Myers%22) . Doug Grills from AutoStream Car Care Center is a chain of FIVE family-owned, automotive service facilities that deliver honest and professional automotive repair and maintenance services to customers in the Greater Baltimore/Washington, DC area. Doug along with his partner Rick Levitan has been around the service station business for over 25 years and have built their reputation by offering best-in-class service to their customers. All AutoStrem Car Care technicians are ASE Certified and the shops are AAA approved. Listen to Doug’s previous episodes (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22Doug%20Grills%22) . Key Talking Points: Don’t fall in love with an opportunityA magazine survey a few years ago: 56% of shop owners wanted to be out of business by 2020. They are shopping their business Disciplines to haveLocation, Location, LocationDo your research, internet search on demographics, traffic count Cash is King Team, People If you don’t have strong systems and processes don’t even consider growing to another location Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are required to scaleWritten and documentedWriting it down forces you to understand it and know how it works. Perpetually tweaked Each operation should engage with the customer the same way and operate the same way Watch the movie ‘The Founder’ all about Ray Kroc from McDonald’s Watch the TV show ‘The Profit’ all about People, Process and Product A diamond in the rough could entice youLong time business You feel strongly you can turn it around. The Potential with new energy and perspective Strong location and business that is not keeping up You know your strategy, systems, processes and people will work in the marketplace If the owner is the reason for the business and he/she leaves this could impact your diamond Everyone wants $1,000,000 for their business but the numbers must substantiate it. It is an emotional life work valueThe seller needs to show you how they came up with $1MAn emotional issue What is your cash flow Strenght in the fundamentals of the business Come to common ground Understand the multiple or blue sky value (premium above cash flow) You must have good financial statements Make sure your business can function without you and be profitableNo vacation...

Scott Brown is an ASE Master Certified Automobile Technician with over three and a half decades of professional service industry experience. He and his wife own Connie & Dick’s Service Center Inc., a 57-year-old independent shop in Southern California. With a strong focus on engine performance and electronics, Scott began collaborating with other industry professionals, online, beginning in the early 90’s. Since 1995, he has been an instrumental resource in the development of the largest online community of automotive service professionals, the International Automotive Technicians Network — iATN where he once served as company president. Additionally, he serves on the NASTF Board of Directors and is a member of the following associations: ASCCA, CAT, ETI, I-CAR, & SAE. Scott is the founder of diag.net. Find other episodes that have featured Scott  (https://diag.net/) Chris Chesney is theDirector of Customer Training for Carquest Technical Institute. He is also a NASTF Board Member. Visit Chris’s previous episodes  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22chesney%22) . Dwayne Myers is a partner in Dynamic Automotive in the greater Maryland area. Dwayne invests time in the industry with the Auto Care Association and serves on the education committee with CCPN (Car Care Professional Network). Dwayne was recently honored as one of only 17 outstanding individuals that qualified for the prestigious 2017 World Class Technician Award presented by The Auto Care Association and ASE. He is very passionate about hiring and sustaining a strong and engaged team. Listen to Dwayne’s previous episodes  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22Dwayne%20Myers%22) . Key Talking Points: How autonomous vehicles impact traffic flow/infrastructure as they are introducedData is mined and used with A.I. can mitigate traffic problems, increase fuel economy and provide more safety- the vehicle isn’t changing much, leveraging data Tracking braking/accelerating/cruise control- adding autonomous vehicles with regular driver vehicles can improve fuel economy. Could save adding lanes to highways Software and camera can project and predict where the walker is going while texting Cameras need to eventually learn and decipher between the truck and school bus or car and police car- pattern recognition  Tesla Model 3- camera in the center on inside to monitor passengers in future Reducing demand on the driver- the driver can be more productive doing other things during commute DSRC-Digital short-range communication faster than 5G, proven and consistent, non-cellular  Southwest Research Institute- complex of buildings working on technology Started in 1947 39% NASA 19-20% Military or transportation Resources: Thanks to Scott Brown, Chris Chesney, and Dwayne Myers for their contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast. Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library  (https://remarkableresults.biz/books/) . Leaders are readers. Love what we do, buy a cup of coffee (https://remarkableresults.biz/coffee/) . Be socially involved and in touch with the show: Email (mailto:carm@remarkableresults.biz) Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Podchaser and many more. Mobile Listening APP's HERE (https://remarkableresults.biz/listen/) Join the Ecosystem - Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE. (https://remarkableresults.biz/insider/) Buy Carm a Cup of Coffee  (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm) This episode is brought to you by AAPEX, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo. AAPEX represents the $740 billion global automotive aftermarket industry and has everything you need to stay ahead of the curve. With 2,500 exhibiting companies, you’ll see the latest products, parts, and technologies for your business. As a result,

Rick Schwartz is co-founder and CEO of Schwartz Advisors LLC, a mergers and acquisition advisor and management consulting firm to the automotive and heavy-duty transportation industry. Prior to forming Schwartz Advisors, Rick's career included senior executive leadership positions in sales, marketing, and finance. At Schwartz Advisors, Rick has advised private equity firms, aftermarket management teams and boards of directors on growth strategy, M&A strategy and due diligence projects. Rick oversees operations of Schwartz Advisors buy-side, sell-side and strategic planning consulting practices. Rick is a former member of the Auto Care Association Board of Directors, and he received the prestigious Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award. Prior to starting Schwartz Advisors, Rick held various senior-level positions at Nestle, Macy’s and The Upper Deck Company. Rick received an MBA from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business and a BA in International Relations from USC. Listen to Rick's previous episodes (http://bit.ly/2VkeeAb) . Jason Rainey is the Vice President of NAPA AutoCare; a program of more than 17,000 independently owned automotive repair facilities that have chosen to partner with NAPA. He currently sits on the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Board as well as the Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association Board where he works to keep the best interest of independent repair facilities in mind. Before taking the reins of the industry's leading banner program, Jason spent 13 years in the NAPA Product Department. He worked with vendors on managing, sourcing and marketing in the Tool & Equipment, Batteries/Electrical, Brakes and Under Car categories on behalf of NAPA AUTO PARTS. Jason came to NAPA Headquarters after a successful career in Grand Rapids, Michigan where he worked in several NAPA Store and Distribution Center roles as well as working as a Territory Sales Manager and a Tool & Equipment District Manager. Prior to Jason joining NAPA he served in the United States Marine Corps. Listen to Jason's previous episodes (http://bit.ly/3c3hSnU) . 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  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=Greg+Bunch) Key Talking Points: Investors are looking for a good investment return Looking for efficiencies in buying multiple shops There is big M & A (Mergers and Acquisitions)in the entire industry and continue to look at repair and service There is capital available 280M VIO (Vehicles In Operation) is attractive to investors There is a lot of M & A in collision Repair and Service shop is touching the consumer and is attractive   A study by 2020 56% of mom and pop shop owners wanted to be out of their businessMaking less money each year Keeping employees They are tired Too much change needs to happen Locations can be a challenge They never built a brand If you are looking...

https://youtu.be/2TsUdp6UpZI 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  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22greenwood%22) . Link to Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre Ltd. (AAEC)  (http://www.aaec.ca/) . 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 (https://www.transformersinstitute.com/) . Jeremy O’Neal President and lead sales trainer for Advisorfix, began his career as a Service Advisor and moved into Service Management at the dealership level for VW, Audi, and Porsche. He consistently placed in the top 3% of Service Advisors across the nation. With a passion for helping others, Jeremy started coaching Service Advisors in 2007. Jeremy also owns an independent auto repair shop Freedom Auto Repair in Hesperia, CA. Previous episodes (http://www.advisorfix.com) . Key Talking Points:More businesses go out of business from lack of cash instead of a lack of profit. Too many run their business out of their checkbook  Undercapitalized, underinsured and lack of cash are indicators when things are not right in OZ You

Academy Panel: Bob Ward Bob Ward is the President of Wardden LLC, Bob began his business career at a franchised car dealership, overcoming obstacles to learn and earn the required skills to become Controller, General Manager and then, a minority owner of Tacoma Dodge in Washington. A native of Seattle, Bob serves as a financial advisor and consultant to small business owners throughout the United States.  He believes that your business should always be ready for expansion or sale, you should get paid for what you built and, when you decide to leave it, your company should continue to prosper. He believes in a Perpetual Business where there is Value, Continuity and Legacy. Look for Bob’s Previous Episode (https://www.wardden.com/#/home) . Joel Zaleski Joel started his career at PriceWaterhouseCoopers before joining Monro, Inc. as the Vice President of Acquisitions and Operations Support, responsible for leading the company’s acquisition strategy and supporting the operations of Monro’s nearly 1,200 auto service and tire locations.  During his time at Monro, Joel oversaw the company’s commercial and wholesale operations, as well as various corporate support functions including, pricing, customer service, facilities, and training. Joel’s experience in leading the acquisition strategy at the tire and automotive service industry’s largest strategic buyer, Monro, Inc., gives him the credibility and expertise to represent sellers during the sale process. Joel is a CPA and member of the International Business Brokers Association. Listen to Joel’s previous episodes (https://cardinalbrokers.com/) Greg Bunch 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 (https://www.transformersinstitute.com/) .   Key Talking Points: Resources: A special thanks to Bob Ward, Joel Zaleski, and Greg Bunch for their contribution to the aftermarket. Books Page (https://remarkableresults.biz/books/) Leave me an honest review on iTunes (https://airtable.com/tblOgQmbnkHekpl0L/viwSbPkieMNhLOmtK/recQNomCKr1D5I9x4) . Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one of them. Email (mailto:carm@remarkableresults.biz) (https://remarkableresults.biz/coffee/) (http://eepurl.com/bhqME9) Subscribe to a mobile listening app (https://remarkableresults.biz/app/) . (https://www.spotify.com/us/) (http://eepurl.com/bhqME9) 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 (http://jasperengines.com)

DN Interactive guest Chris Chesney, Senior Director of Customer Training for Advance Auto Parts & the Carquest Technical Institute spotlights the margin of technology advancements that he envisions as defining “hands-on” success for the technician of 2020 and beyond. Specifically, he points to at least “three” technician learning curves the service industry has had to encounter and embrace in the past half century. Chesney explains that we are entering the third curve: Multiple systems of propulsion, microprocessor and network system integration, along with the plethora of “automated driver assist” systems that pre-stage advancement to the “Autonomous Car.”

Chris Chesney is theDirector of Customer Training for Carquest Technical Institute. He is also a NASTF Board Member. Visit Chris’s previous episodes  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22chesney%22) . Anthony Williams is a Special Projects Manager at Advance Auto Parts, Colorado Springs, Colorado.   This episode recorded at Vision 2019 in KC brings you into the loop on Automotive Institute of Science and Technology (AIST) in Colorado Springs, CO. This new ‘non-traditional’ public charter school that will use the P-TECH model (Pathways in Technology Early College High School), designed to provide students the foundation they need to be successful in the automotive aftermarket industry when they graduate. Students will be able to enroll in a 4- or 6-year program, starting their freshman year of high school through their second year of college and all publicly funded. AIST will offer students three pathways: Automotive Technology, Business, or Engineering (mechanical and electrical) and will be project based. Key Talking Points: All-encompassing school- reinventing automotive education Create stand-alone STEM programs All education is for career preparation Broke apart automotive program and spread out over everything No more English or math classes- have project instead than inside of project your English lessons will be taught Example: CSI project Work with police and fire department- showcase car accidents (texting and driving) Recreate accidents on the property, have students figure out what happened- redraw skidmarks, staging dummies, etc Learn safety contexts of cars- have questions  and ask the teacher Instead of telling students what they need to know you show them a problem and have students ask the questions Creating critical thinkers and problem solvers- gather data and ask the right questions Exploring other avenues besides having a career as a technician (business/technical trades/ engineering pathways)- equal desire for systems and parts counter Prepare the workforce with zero debt AIST independent public school- funding from the school district Need industry support- vendor suppliers and partners, competitors   Resources: Thanks to Chris Chesney and Anthony Williams for their contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast. Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library  (https://remarkableresults.biz/books/) . Leaders are readers. Automotive Institute of Science and technology Website (https://www.automotiveinstitute.org/) What is AIST all about (https://www.autoinstitute.org) Wheatridge High School STEM Program (https://remarkableresults.biz/e279/) Leave me an honest review on iTunes (https://airtable.com/tblOgQmbnkHekpl0L/viwSbPkieMNhLOmtK/recQNomCKr1D5I9x4) . Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one of them. (http://eepurl.com/bhqME9) Be socially involved and in touch with the show: Speaking (https://remarkableresults.biz/speaking)   Subscribe to a mobile listening app (https://remarkableresults.biz/app/) . (https://remarkableresults.biz/app/)   This episode is brought to you by AAPEX, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo. AAPEX represents the $740 billion global automotive aftermarket industry and has everything you need to stay ahead of the curve. With 2,500 exhibiting companies, you’ll see the latest products, parts, and technologies for your business. The event also offers advanced training for shop owners, technicians, warehouse distributors (WDs) and auto parts retailers, as well as networking opportunities to grow your business. AAPEX 2019 will take place Tuesday, Nov. 5 through Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas. More than 48,000 targeted buyers are expected to attend, and approximately 162,000 automotive aftermarket...

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 (https://www.transformersinstitute.com/) . David Roman began his automotive career in 1999, attending an automotive technical school at a local community college. While attending college, he took a part-time job at a large parts retailer, hoping to gain some experience in the field. This part-time job turned into full-time employment, as he was promoted to management, culminating in placement as a store manager in East Central Illinois. David discovered a passion for helping people and sharing his automotive knowledge. This passion for serving others allowed him the opportunity to successfully manage multi-million dollar operations in Illinois, the St. Louis area, and eventually Kansas City. His approach to customer service garnered him several accolades and awards, something he eventually wanted to bring to automotive repair and service. In 2012, he opened Done With Care Auto Repair with the goal of bringing exceptional customer service, transparency, and honest work to his clients. The business was started with only some savings, no prior clients, and no history. Over the last six years, David has been able to bring a servant’s mentality to helping his clients with their automotive needs resulting in loyal customers, excellent reviews, and a solid reputation.  Find other episodes that feature David  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22David+Roman%22) .   Key Talking Points: David Roman New customers come at a price (sweat equity or dollars and cents). “Word of mouth” is a cop-out. It’s easier to say then, “I don’t know anything about marketing, even though it’s the most important thing I do and I don’t want to bother learning.” Unless you have some type of system that’s measurable and can be articulated, you’re not doing any type of “word of mouth” marketing. You’re most likely doing nothing. Attracting new customers requires an understanding of your business model, end goal with said customer, and then deploying an appropriate campaign that reflects that business model. Quit spending money on branding.  You own a single shop in the sticks of Georgia. You’re not Nike. You’re not Starbucks. Stop trying to market like them. The image you present to the community and your customer is branding A big deception in opening a business; you think you are going to do what you are good at doing, however, you must be good at marketing – to make the phone ring. With today’s modern marketing method you can go after niche customers. Example a shop owner who is a dog lover can focus on customers who also love dogs. Conversations move from the car to their dog. The niche like dog lovers is a long tail opportunity. A must read for great marketers. This is Marketing -Seth Godin. It is up on the books page on the website. (http://www.remarkableresults.biz/books/) David follows up, through CRM  automation, with his customers. Chiropractor...

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 (https://www.transformersinstitute.com/) . Key Talking Points: We’ve all had to learn to run a business the hard way. Read books and going to classes He realized that he could no longer be an automotive man in business, but a businessman in the automotive Take your toolbox home. He had to transform his mentality. He stopped filling his brain with all the tech of automotive repair and fill his head with leadership and business principles. You cannot be in the center of your business to solve every problem. You’ve got to become the CEO of your business by educating your team, then delegate to do it and solve problems on their own. Careful not to delegate too quickly. Too many will shut their shop down so they can go on vacation. You should never have to do this. Get out of your business to run it. Consolidation is upon us and you’ll never be prepared for it without these disciplines. A special thanks to Greg Bunch for sharing his passion – For The Record. Books mentioned in the content library  (https://remarkableresults.biz/books/) Leave me an honest review on iTunes (https://airtable.com/tblOgQmbnkHekpl0L/viwSbPkieMNhLOmtK/recQNomCKr1D5I9x4) . Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one of them. Email Carm HERE (mailto:carm@remarkableresults.biz) . (mailto:carm@remarkableresults.biz)       Be socially involved and in touch with the show: Speaking (https://remarkableresults.biz/speaking) This episode is brought to you by FlexCheck Auto Digital Vehicle Inspection Software. Savvy shop owners use vehicle inspections to find additional work on a vehicle that the vehicle owner may not know is needed. The most successful shop owners fully inspect every car, every time. It benefits the vehicle owner more than the shop because most vehicle owners want their autos to be reliable. FlexCheck Auto takes the power of a shop’s inspection process and puts it in the palm of your technician’s hand so that pictures, video and vehicle specific notes about a vehicle’s condition can be shared quickly with vehicle owners. This simple, fully customizable system is designed to operate on any Android device. It improves technician efficiency in the bays, service writer efficiency at the counter, increases average repair order and builds trust with vehicle owners. Today’s vehicle owners want to receive their vehicles health status electronically, this makes FlexCheck Auto the most transparent way to do sell auto repair. Try it for free for 30 days! Go to (http://www.flexcheckauto.com) to learn more. (http://eepurl.com/bhqME9) Download the Remarkable Results Radio listening APP for your smart device: (https://itunes.apple.com/app/id1188757689)        

Your Learning Curve Never Sounded So Good   Chris Chesney is the Senior Director of Customer Training, CARQUEST Technical Institute, and a NASTF board member and a member of the ‘Road To Great Technician’ project.  Listen to Chris’s previous episodes  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22Chris+Chesney%22) . Lucas Underwood is an Automotive diagnostic specialist, shop owner, and foreman. He owns L & N Performance Auto Repair, Blowing Rock, NC  was Founded In 2008 As A Diesel Performance Shop – Over The Past 10 Years, The Facility Has Transformed Into A Full-Service Automotive Repair Facility. Offering Repairs On All Makes & Models, Gas And Diesel. Carlo Sabucco started in 1994 after attending several years at Ryerson University for business. Thereafter graduated Mohawk college Automotive Tech Program.  Carlo has devoted a great amount of time surrounding himself with some of the greatest shop owners in the market. Over the years, Carlo attended training from Bob Greenwood to Cecil Bullard, Dave Schedin, Elite and group process with Jim Murphy, thru to Kelly Bennett, now he is with ShopPros. Today Carlo operates Sils Complete Auto Care Centre, a successful 8 bay facility, approx 7,000 square feet on the east side of Oakville, Ontario. Listen to Carl’s previous episodes  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22Carlo+Sabucco%22) . Paul Marquardt Started in this business in 1979 as a pump jockey and lube tech. Paul attended various training over the years, some of it daytime training 4 hours travel time. He bought the business Northwoods Auto Techs, Rhinelander, WI, in 1990 and in 1995 expanded from 2 bays to 5 bays and became a NAPA Autocare center at the same time. He was the NAPA Stevens Point NAPA ASE Tech of the Year from 1999 through 2008 and was the National NAPA ASE Tech of the Year for 2010. Paul Joined the NAPA Autotech training team around 2011 as a contract trainer and have been doing that as well as keeping the business going.  Key Talking Points: Daytime training model A fresh set of eyes, after a nights rest, delivers better knowledge transfer. Dealerships are doing daytime. Young technicians want to know what your training commitment is. They want to know if they’ll be paid to go to training. They want work-life balance. They don’t live to work they work to live. We need to schedule effectively when we lose a technician to daytime training If the shop owners commit to daytime training the training companies will be there to meet that demand. Night Time Training We need to change the culture of training. Night time is not working. So many in the class have half mast eyelids. How much training are they getting. Overall message We need to move to a competency training model Training costs too much. Some shops don’t budget for training Technicians need to be compensated for attending training no matter what time of day. Training is a differentiator when hiring and keeping technicians Training is an investment not an expense Schedule around daytime training. Don’t put your shop in a hole when a technician is at training. No different than the sudden sick day. Private training is being done in local markets A group of owners are pooling their money and hiring a top training. Get about 10 shops in the market to split the cost Requiring hands on training, as this become a trend. Smaller groups get a better experience You need a learning plan for your team It must be based on need In small bite size segments Training must be attacked with a strategy and a plan Having a strong training culture can bring potential techs who want to work for you to your business Do your techs know why they are going to training? We need to challenge ourselves and the industry trainers to bring more daytime and hands-on training Hands on is critical after a class. Owner needs to ask

Donny Seyfer the executive officer of NASTF  (National Automotive Service Task Force) and Partner in Seyfer Automotive in Wheatridge, CO. Listen to Donny’s previous episodes  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22Donny+Seyfer%22) . Chris Chesney is the Senior Director of Customer Training, CARQUEST Technical Institute, and a NASTF board member and a member of the ‘Road To Great Technician’ project.  Listen to Chris’s previous episodes  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22Chris+Chesney%22) . Jill Saunders is Curriculum Developer, Toyota Motor Sales, North America and a member of the ‘Road To Great Technicians’ project. Listen to Jill’s previous episodes  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22Jill+Saunders%22) . Kyle Holt is the President of S/P2 (sp2.org). S/P2 serves businesses and career tech schools in the automotive service, collision repair, heavy-duty/diesel, welding, construction, cosmetology, and culinary industries. S/P2 is used by over 175,000 students and employees every year across North America. Listen to Kyle’s previous episodes  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22kyle+holt%22) . Key Talking Points: “There is nothing like a crisis to pull everyone together.” Donny Seyfer The entire industry needs to participate in growing and keeping technicians. Dealers are having the same challenge. Churn is not good or acceptable to grow our industry. Losing a key technician can cause a big gap in revenue. Finding someone if you are behind the eightball is an expensive problem. Growing talent beforehand and on-going will Toyota needs 1400 technicians per year to keep their dealer network supplied. Aftermarket heeds this. Military veterans are a consideration for Toyota. It starts at the dinner table. We need to get the word out to everyone who wants to listen. When kids are involved in a STEM class and or a youth automotive program they will cross-pollinate their friends. We need to get them involved so we can gain that advantage. Just one tactic to build it from the entry level. There is a video game to work on cars now. We need to remodel how we educate our students (all trades) from an outcome-based education to a more competency-based or master of a skills-based education system. Give the student to move when they are ready not as a project group. Career pathing is to have all students to have the same competencies. All they would have to learn about their new employer is their culture. Industry and education need to be attached at the hip. Mentoring will be a big part of this plan. We’ll never find mentors if they don’t know how and are paid appropriately. Find a mentoring program at SP/2. Go to SP2.org, send an email and ask for the mentoring system. It is in beta. We need the structure from a mentoring program, but outlining a career path is as important to the next generation of technicians. Career-pathing is an industry problem. Entry level technicians need to know how to move up to B tech and A tech and what other directions, such as parts, service. Competencies must be identified across the entire industry. In the early ’70s, ASE helped keep the government at bay and to engage industry and to create a standard to gauge the knowledge-based of the technician. We need to get an electrical diagnosis as simple as righty tighty lefty loosey. The industry needs to take its rightful place to support ASE and education. The educators need the tools to teach the competency-based skills. NASTF’s goal is to connect everyone. There are multiple initiatives going on across the country. Mentoring, Apprentice programs everywhere. Service Quality Specialist is a new program being developed by Toyota Creating a new role. Their highest level is Toyota Master Technician (TMT) Make their TMT a salary position so they can mentor and coach technicians. This position will monitor the quality of work they...

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  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22Frank+Scandura%22) .   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 (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22vinnie+lucido%22) . 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 (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22deb+van+batenburg%22) . 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  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22bizub%22) . 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 (https://www.transformersinstitute.com/) . Bill Nalu is President of Interstate Auto Care in Madison Heights, Michigan and has been in business for 30 years.  Bill collaborates with...

Edwin Hazzard is a business owner, mobile diagnostic tech, automotive instructor and currently, a contributing writer for Motor Age magazine and automotive service professional magazine and has been an auto tech since 1984. Key Talking Points: We interviewed at ASTE 2018 in Cary, NC where Edwin taught a few classes. Sees a diverse age group in class. Refreshing to see the commitment to give up their time to educate. The techs who are coming to training want more of it.. 20 years as a mobile diagnostic tech in NY state and in South Carolina. Four years as a trainer for Carquest Technical Institute. Instructor for Ulster County in NY for high school Automotive Training. Moved down south, continued being mobile diagnostics tech. Also works part-time at a truck shop. Contributing writer to Motor Age. Spent a few years as an instructor for Carquest Technical Institute (CTI). Daytime training is a trend that must happen. ADAS is coming. Get in the know. Don’t ever discount the tech specs on vehicles. You’ve got to read to be able to diagnose. Passion for training. Need to enjoy what you do for a living. Sees diverse age group in classes. “Don’t update, you evaporate” – Tech’s responsibility to get trained. Need to stay ahead of new technology, improve career and increase pay. Cost of training is an investment. Mobile tech Needed because of lack of training/equipment in shops today. Techs are skipping steps. Will explain to tech after completed the fix on what was the problem was and how it got fixed- mini training session. Resources Mentioned: Thanks to Edwin Hazzard for his contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast. Link to the ‘BOOKS’ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library  (https://remarkableresults.biz/books/) . Leaders are readers. Leave me an honest review on iTunes (https://airtable.com/tblOgQmbnkHekpl0L/viwSbPkieMNhLOmtK/recQNomCKr1D5I9x4) . Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one of them. (http://eepurl.com/bhqME9) Be socially involved and in touch with the show: Speaking (https://remarkableresults.biz/speaking)   This episode is brought to you by Federal-MogulMotorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake, Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust.  For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at  fmgaragegurus.com (http://fmgaragegurus.com/)

Your Learning Curve Never Sounded So Good The Panel: 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 (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=Greg+Bunch) . Transformers Institute (https://www.transformersinstitute.com/) . Dwayne Myers is a partner in Dynamic Automotive in the greater Maryland area. Dwayne invests time in the industry with the Auto Care Association and serves on the education committee with CCPN (Car Care Professional Network). Dwayne was recently honored as one of only 17 outstanding individuals that qualified for the prestigious 2017 World Class Technician Award presented by The Auto Care Association and ASE. He is very passionate about hiring and sustaining a strong and engaged team. Listen to Dwayne’s previous episodes  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22Dwayne%20Myers%22) . Brian Sump is not your typical shop owner. A former professional athlete, Sump had never turned a wrench in a shop before starting Denver-based Avalon Motorsports in 2007.  But in the years since, he has used his business acumen and a detailed, process-based management philosophy to grow the German-specialty shop into what a number of industry consultants consider to be an industry leader. Listen to Brian’s previous episodes  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=Brian+sump) .   Key Talking Points: Team Building before you start your next branch is critical You need to build your team. Have your team train their replacements. Decide ahead of time who’s going to lead the new shop or old shop. You cannot run both at the same time. Develop some sop so you can open a new location quickly. Confidentiality Loose lips sink ship. The more people that know your plans the more expensive it will be! Keep your mouth SHUT! If you use a broker you will sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. (NDA) If people know you are in acquisition mode dollar signs get in people eyes. If you tell your key people you must have trust or have them sign a Non Disclosure Agreement (confidentiality). How do you get a lead? Tool trucks, parts reps, relationships built through local ASA or similar events, old school banging on doors, asking realtors or brokers. Brand your company that you want to grow. Tell people. Tell your team. Shop owners that are ready to sell will find you. Their realtors will find you. You may get a lead because of your reputation and culture in the community and industry, where you can offer an opportunity to the new employees over the big box acquirers. Another big factor is that the seller’s customers will be well taken care of and relationships will be valued. If you buy through a broker plan to pay more because they have a cut of the deal. Discussions with your accountant. Layers are paid to say no, however they must read every contract or agreement you sign. Accountants are uber conservative. You need to listen but they do not know your industry as well as you. Their advice is important but put it in context. Your set your books need to be straight up.  You need to...

  Your Learning Curve Never Sounded So Good The Panel: Greg Buckley is the CEO and the 50 + year young of  Buckley Personalized Auto Care in Wilmington, DE. He’s a member of ASA, an ATI Coach, a member of the Delaware Automotive Service Professionals, past member of the NAPA advisory board council, is vice-president of NAPA business development groups, and is involved as an advisory board member of Kukui, along with AutoVitals. Hear Greg’s previous episodes  HERE (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22greg+Buckley%22) . Chris Chesney is the Senior Director of Customer Training, CARQUEST Technical Institute, and a NASTF board member and a member of the ‘Road To Great Technician’ project.  Listen to Chris’s previous episodes  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=chris+chesney) . Jeremy O’Neal  President and lead sales trainer for Advisorfix, began his career as a Service Advisor and moved into Service Management at the dealership level for VW, Audi, and Porsche. He consistently placed in the top 3% of Service Advisors across the nation. With a passion for helping others, Jeremy started coaching Service Advisors in 2007. Jeremy also owns an independent auto repair shop, Freedom Automotive in Hesperia, CA. Jeremy’s previous episodes  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22Jeremy+O%27Neal%22) . Key Talking Points Chris Chesney: Exciting times to be in the industry. Niche vs Specialty With ADAS on the horizon a big opportunity Differentiate yourself by doing the job right the first time. Do the basics right. Niche Offer your service in a way that no one else does. A segment in your service that distinguishes yourself so the customer comes back for more. Get your act together in your core services before expanding into other services and specialties. Tough to give full service and to be the best serving all platforms in the future. Equipment investment and training are factors. Unless you have a specialist in each platform on your team. Greg Buckley’s shop is qualified as a child safety seat center and works with many hospitals, companies, and police services as a go-to as an authorized child seat fitment professional. Greg also started an up-fitting services division (specialty) working with fire rescue, police and commercial vehicles. He recently up-fitted a fire and rescue gator. He is an automotive services enterprise not just a repair shop and will invest in the right equipment and people, but will always research the opportunity before ever jumping in. Market research based on opportunity and investment is critical. Do not bring your hobby to your company. It is tough to make money with your hobby. There are very few exceptions. ADAS will be a specialty as we get to move through time. Very precise type of work that will require a large investment. You can serve the collision industry as a local ADAS expert. Five to ten years ADAS will be core. Many small business owners get stuck on what is working today. Your current market may get depleted. By looking at emerging market opportunities you can be first to market and dominant player in your market. Greg likes to look at the money trail. Apple will be in the mobility business. Europe says that may just have hit peak car sales! We have given up opportunities, as an industry, such as doing radio installs, tinting, and glass as examples. We just want to fix cars, why not everything automotive? Ask your customer. What can I do to help you? Establish the different service points that our clients want help with and to find what the market is telling us. Your comfort zone may be holding you back. Product based Niche vs. Service Based Niche – Huge Difference. Product Niche’s typically taking more capital and specialized labor Service Niche’s typically required less capital and is easier to shift. Examples:...

Your Learning Curve Never Sounded So Good The Panel: 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 (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=Greg+Bunch) . Dwayne Myers is a partner in Dynamic Automotive in the greater Maryland area. Dwayne invests time in the industry with the Auto Care Association and serves on the education committee with CCPN (Car Care Professional Network). Dwayne was recently honored as one of only 17 outstanding individuals that qualified for the prestigious 2017 World Class Technician Award presented by The Auto Care Association and ASE. He is very passionate about hiring and sustaining a strong and engaged team. Listen to Dwayne’s previous episodes  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22Dwayne%20Myers%22) . Brian Sump is not your typical shop owner. A former professional athlete, Sump had never turned a wrench in a shop before starting Denver-based Avalon Motorsports in 2007.  But in the years since, he has used his business acumen and a detailed, process-based management philosophy to grow the German-specialty shop into what a number of industry consultants consider to be an industry leader. Listen to Brian’s previous episodes  (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=Brian+sump) . Key Talking Points: Not many in our industry started out with an MBA, we started as a technician. Growing into multiple locations takes finance, leadership and strategic planning along with great people and a strong WHY. Best advice is to get advice! Use your business coach Transformers Institute (Greg Bunch) Another branch, no matter if your second or your sixth requires a major commitment of time, money and people. You need an acquisition strategy Do you want to grow your brand and your footprint? Do you want to make opportunities for your team so they keep growing and moving their career with you. One person cannot run everything. Team development is a high priority. Yet keeping your DNA inside of each branch and every team member is important. Your influence is necessary even if you don’t see them each and every day. There will be growing pains no matter how many stores or how good a leader you are. People development will be your number one priority. You must invest in training and the costs associated with it before the next location is open. Don’t open until the people are ready. They must understand your culture and SOPs. Cultivating a great team can help you or allow you to grow. If you have great people you may see a great opportunity to grow to allow great people opportunities to grow inside your company. Synthetic or phantom stock is a form of an ownership piece to consider for key team players. Contact your legal team or accountant. A way for a golden handcuff. Consider LOCATION is the single most important strategy of expansion. It can be the biggest make it or break it factor. A specialty shop may not necessarily need location as a factor. Such as Euro or Asian specialty shop. An acquisition is a preferred method to grow. Seller...

Brandon Steckler began his career in Northampton County Community College in Bethlehem, PA. There, he was a student of GM’s Automotive Service Educational program. In 2001, he graduated top of his class and earned the GM Leadership award for his efforts. He later began working as a technician at a Saturn dealership in Reading, PA where he quickly attained Master Technician status. He later transitioned to working with Hondas where he aggressively worked to attain another Mater Technician status. Always having a passion for a full understanding of system/component functionality, he rapidly earned a reputation for deciphering strange failures at an efficient pace and became known as an information specialist amongst the staff and peers at the dealership. In search of new challenges, he once again transitioned away from the dealership and to the independent world, where he specializes in diagnostics and drivability. Today, he is a working technician at a large facility near the NE side of Philadelphia, PA. Along with beta testing for Automotive Test Solutions, he writes for MotorAGE Magazine, teaches for CARQUEST Technical Institute as well as WORLDPAC, INC. and develops curriculum/submits case studies for other training companies. Brandon contributes weekly to Facebook Automotive Chat groups and truly enjoys helping others to attain a level of understanding that will serve them well throughout their careers. Professional Accomplishments GM ASEP certified Technician SATURN certified Master Technician Honda Factory Certified Master Technician Diagnostic technician in multiple shop locations Training instructor Training Curriculum Development Certifications ASE CMAT A1- A9 ASE C1 Service Consultant ASE L1, L2, L3 Advanced Level Specialist Personal Mission Statement To help maintain or improve the level of professionalism amongst today’s diagnosticians and to help grow the number of competent diagnosticians of tomorrow. Key Talking Points: Mentor: Jim Morton Aspires to be an instructor of the caliber of John Thorton Enjoys being an instructor and answering questions. Considers himself a ‘bridge gaper’ with relaying information in a relatable way for students to understand. Trainer for CTI (Carquest Technical Institute) and WTI ( WorldPac Technical Institute) “Knowledge begets new knowledge” When you share knowledge together you can make new discoveries Always seeking new challenges with work Worked at over 10 different shops and learned from all of them even the not so good experiences   Described as “information specialist” because enjoys branching out to different makes and models of vehicles Learned a lot in the early days by reading case studies 1.5 hour commute to work one way Still keeps fire and motivation because uses that time to think and collect thoughts His first article for Motorage is still his favorite piece Toughest challenge- Minivan with start problem that kept occurring Put pride aside and wrote about the difficulties he faced Training techs Daytime training- leaving work for training, shouldn’t cost tech money to do so Techs need to constantly be training to keep up with the changing industry Advice Try your best, ask questions, make mistakes and learn from it Don’t be afraid of not knowing something, career is up to you (http://eepurl.com/bhqME9) Be socially involved and in touch with the show: Speaking (https://remarkableresults.biz/speaking) This episode is brought to you by Federal-MogulMotorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake, Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust.  For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at fmgaragegurus.com (http://fmgaragegurus.com/)

In Episode #37 of Technician.Academy’s podcast series, host Richard Young and guest Brandon Steckler discuss technician training and how to reach the new generation of technicians entering the industry. Steckler is an experienced technician who writes for MotorAGE Magazine, conducts beta testing for Automotive Test Solutions, teaches for CarQuest Technical Institute and WORLDPAC, INC., and develops curriculum/submits case studies for other training companies. Steckler brings his industry expertise to the discussion and offers his opinions and solutions to various industry-specific problems, such as technician shortages, recruiting quality employees, training older technicians, and more. Tune in now. The post Brandon Steckler – Reaching the New Generation of Technicians appeared first on Technician.Academy.

The National Automotive Service Task Force, NASTF, is a cooperative effort among the automotive service industry, the equipment and tool industry and automotive manufacturers.  There is no cost to participate in NASTF. If you are a professional auto service technician, shop owner, OEM service employee or any other automotive industry professional supporting the mission of NASTF, please enroll here on our website. Click  (https://www.nastf.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3753) Mission & Vision Mission: The National Automotive Service Task Force will facilitate the identification and correction of gaps in the availability and accessibility of automotive service information, training, diagnostic tools and equipment, and communications to automotive service professionals. Vision: Driving a professional, well-resourced vehicle service industry by uniting competent and diverse teams to solve industry-wide problems and effectively communicate solutions. The panel: Chris Chesney is the Senior Director of Customer Training, CARQUEST Technical Institute and a NASTF board member and a member of the ‘Road To Great Technician’ project.  Listen to Chris’s previous episodes (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=chris+chesney) . Donny Seyfer is the Executive Officer of NASTF. Listen to Donny’s previous episodes (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=donny+seyfer) . Jill Saunders is Curriculum Developer, Toyota Motor Sales, North America and a member of the ‘Road To Great Technicians’ project. Link to the Road To Great Technicians project (https://www.nastf.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3869) . Talking Points: A stake in the ground to move this project ahead. The project is in the ‘Stop Talking – Start Doing’. Milestone for the industry in 2018: Mission and Vision for the program has been created. To framework a career path for the technician. They are excited to share the program and get the entire industry involved. NASTF attended a Tech Force Meeting recently in Phoenix, AZ in early 2018. PIPS: Parents and Influencers of Peripheral Student Once the student gets out of school there is no plan for a career path. That is the focus of this program. Mentor them and apprentice these students into the industry/shop. Create a framework of education. The college’s and OE can hang their curriculums on this program. Our current in-service technicians will come later. They want to start with new graduates of automotive technology courses either at secondary or post-secondary level. Key to the entire program is mentorship. Mentoring is a core skill and needs to be taught, learned and fostered year after year. Mentoring may not be a perfect match for the oldest or most senior person in the shop. The person selected must know how and want to be a mentor. There will be a program for Mentor and Mentee through SP2.org with ASE. The Road To Great Technicians is about lifelong learning all the way through your career. You can’t buy a master technician anymore. You need to build your own. Standards will be developed. Donny feels that the ASE will be a pre-cursor to your practical exam. It is the job of the industry to set the standards. Mark Saxonberg, “Regardless of where you work, you need to be at the same skill set.” The consumer expects a certain skill level and because they don’t receive it consistently, we have a poor reputation. As consolidation persists, the bigger corporations are process driven and career paths and requirements of skill will be necessary. Like the FAA process: The competency exam will be a two-part practicum. A verbal/oral and a practical exam; to show you can accomplish the skills to a standard. Chris Chesney feels that the oral exam will solve most of what we see today as a problem. For example, many techs could not explain a voltage drop. The...

As your shop grows, it's vital to implement a structured training program for your entire staff. On this month's Grow podcast, Rissy Sutherland discusses how to effectively set this program up with Chris Chesney, senior director of training at Carquest Technical Institute, and Brad Pellman, owner of Pellman's automotive in Boulder, Colorado. Brad lays out what you can do at the shop level, as far as training technicians, putting a pathway together and letting technicians control their own destiny. Chris details how everyone in the industry can make a difference and get involved with better training efforts.

[Pictured above Eric Ziegler, Chris Chesney, Donny Seyfer, Keith Williamson, Summer Guerrero, Carm Capriotto. Photo courtesy of Howard Pitkow] Have you thought about how you will do business in the future? Well the mission of this panel was to stretch the boundaries and serve up plenty of thoughts, concepts and changes coming that you need to be fundamentally prepared for. Many great thoughts in this town hall that will help shape your future. There are many important action steps discussed that need your support and engagement. Listen carefully for those cues. The team: Summer Guerrero, and her husband Mark have been together since they were 16 yrs old, and opening a shop was Mark’s dream as a teenager. Summer was a female firefighter. On her days off she would attend small business classes to prepare for opening a shop. As a female firefighter, Summer worked with public and media throughout her 15 year career and saw the passion and gift Mark had to give to their community and his dream quickly became hers.  Summer is responsible for the Marketing, Management, and Public relations of the company. Their goal is be a leader in the industry for their customers, and other independent shop owners to help raise the standards of professionalism in the automotive industry. Their shop Affinity Automotive Services is in Wichita, KS. Listen to Summer’s previous episodes (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22summer+Guerrero%22) . Keith Williamson is the owner of Williamson’s Repair and Tire in Bondurant, IA for over 20 years. He is a member of ASA Midwest where he leads the Shop Owner Support Group (an amazing group of shops) in Iowa. He and his team focus on the customer experience, as well as Hybrid, Electric and emerging vehicle Technologies. He recently added a solar array to his building and uses a Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt as shuttle vehicles and plans to add more hybrid and electric vehicles as they continually update their loaner fleet. He is a member of RLO Training’s Bottom line impact group for 4 years. Listen to Keith’s previous episodes (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22Keith+Williamson%22) . Eric Ziegler owns and operates EZ Diagnostic Solutions Inc in Peoria, IL. Eric specializes in module programming, drivability, electrical and network systems diagnostics. Eric has over 30 years of experience as a technician with an extensive diagnostics background. Eric is an accomplished automotive trainer working for Automotive Seminars and the Drivability Guy. Eric Ziegler is an ASE Certified Master Tech • L1 Advanced Level Diagnostic Specialist • L2 Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnostic Specialist • L3 Light Duty Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Specialist • ASE Certified Medium Duty Truck Technician. Listen to Eric’s previous episodes (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22Eric+Ziegler%22) . Donny Seyfer, AMAM,  is co-owner of Seyfer Automotive, in Wheat Ridge, CO and the Executive Officer of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF). Donny Seyfer, a 3rd generation owner, has over 30 years of automotive experience as a technician, manager and service consultant. His Dad started in 1961 and his grandfather was building race cars before that. Seyfer Automotive provides general repair, and maintenance with a special focus on diagnostic. Donny is past chairman of ASA and serves on many industry boards and committees. Listen to Donny’s previous episodes (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=%22Donny+Seyfer%22) . Chris Chesney is the Senior Director, Customer Training at the CARQUEST Technical Institute. Chris has held every position from tire buster to master technician, from service adviser to shop owner. He has been training technicians and shop owners for 30 years. Chris started his training business, DTEC, in Denver in 1994 where he trained over a thousand techs in the art of transient emissions diagnostics. Chris believes what all successful technicians

Are You Committed to Be A Lifetime Learner In The Automotive Aftermarket? Learn Why It Must Be Your Most Important Goal. Chris Chesney grew up on a farm in North Central KS and was immersed in mechanical things early in his life. His mother died when Chris was 5, so he was his father’s primary helper. Chris was driving a tractor while pulling a feed wagon next to a field cutter when he was 6. He couldn’t reach the pedals so his dad would put the tractor in low gear and then give him the sign to hit the starter button and off they would go. Chris would gauge the speed of the cutter to allow him to fill the wagon. At the end of the row, his Dad gave him the sign and Chris shut off the tractor. His Dad would then turn the whole mess around and they’d go again. That same year was the moment that tied Chris to this industry and he remembers it like it was yesterday. He was standing in a Ben Franklin store in Natoma, KS and saw a Road & Track magazine on the rack with a picture of Phil Hill in a Ferrari F1 car and his heart jumped! From that moment to today Chris has been in love with the automobile and as a result of his passion he has been a member of the service industry since his first job, other than working on the farm, at Shorty’s Amoco in Stockton KS. Chesney held every position from tire buster to master technician, from service advisor to shop owner. He has been training technicians and shop owners for 30 years. Chris started his training business, DTEC, in Denver in 1994 where he trained over a thousand techs in the art of transient emissions diagnostics. Chris was consulted early on at the beginning of CARQUEST Technical Institute (CTI) and ultimately sold his business and moved to Raleigh NC to lead CTI. He still gets up every morning with the same passion he’s had since that day in Natoma because he says, this industry is made up of some of the finest people on this planet. They work so hard every day to service their customers and communities. Many are very successful, but many are not. Our industry is rapidly changing, and all members of our industry are stressed with the onslaught of technology, the aging workforce and shortage of skilled labor. Chris’s passion today continues to be leading the very best team of instructors and developers as he helps bring education solutions to the market. Chris made a commitment to get involved in helping bring the industry together in an effort to find long-term solutions to the issues we all face. He currently serves as Board Chair of the ASE Training Managers Council and a board member of the National Automotive Service Task Force where he works with his peers to create real solutions that our industry needs. Key Talking Points and Take-A-Ways: In the early days, Chris had a design to be an engineer for one of the big three. But realized he loved working on cars. He has a passion for how things work. Chris would go to Indy with one of his mentors Harley Veers who served as the Bear team lead at the Indianapolis 500. He spent his days in gasoline alley with Harley. That was a big influence on Chris because he can’t get enough of technology. He went with Harley to the first ever ASE test and realized then that the industry wanted to keep the government out of our business by certifying as an industry. Chris was a Snap-On dealer and also worked for Sun Electric selling scopes. In some classrooms today we do myth busting to explain the ‘truth’ and how things really work to help technicians with diagnostics strategies and success. Getting to the truth today. Example. A tier one engineering company builds an ADAS system for an OEM the code and the OEM. The OEM may shortcut the system and does not implement the technology how the tier one supplier intended. The relationship breaks apart. The tier one supplier says they will not support it. They are at odds with each other. The...

Helping automotive aftermarket professionals improve; one lesson at a time. Academy Panel: Learn from your industry peers in a round-table forum. Get new ideas, perspectives, trends, insights, best-practices and expertise from aftermarket professionals. Watch like a DOCUMENTARY … Learn like a SEMINAR. The Academy Panel: 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 (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=Greg+Bunch) . Aspen Auto Clinic (https://www.aspenautoclinic.com/) Transformers Mastermind (https://www.transformersmastermind.com/)   Maryann Croce of Croce Transmissions in Norwalk, CT was opened 1999. Maryann was a banker turned business owner. Tony was technician turned shop owner.  A big transition on their parts and that extensive wisdom makes Maryann the perfect guest on the Academy series. Their 4 bays, 4 techs, and one service advisor shop is successful because as husband and wife Maryanne and Tony work at their roles and have abundant trust in each other. Maryann is also a member of Women in Auto Care and owns HERE (http://bit.ly/SWOT2xoXCIs) .   During high school and college Murray Voth, owner of Freedom Consulting and Training, learned to service and repair both motorcycles and airplanes while he finished his commercial pilot’s license. After college, Murray’s research skills were honed while doing a community research project; as a result, he was hired by a firm doing research and development in the service station industry. That led him to own and operate service stations for the next 20 years. After receiving extensive training from a major oil company in Canada, Murray worked in service station dealer development. His experience in training and development led to an interest in how people function. He began to think about what holds them back from learning and implementing new practices in their businesses. What causes people to change? Murray has done extensive research into human potential and has the ability to synthesize this material and make it practical to apply.  His favorite moment is when a client says, “I get it!” or “I did it!”  He is known as an implementation coach. For the last 10 years, he has been the senior trainer, coach, and facilitator for a major automotive training company in Canada, and worked part-time in the USA as his schedule allows.  Murray has worked with hundreds of shops and shop owners helping them to be more profitable and reduce their stress levels. Listen to Murray’s episodes HERE (https://remarkableresults.biz/?s=MURRAY+VOTH) . Freedom Consulting and Training (http://www.freedomconsultingandtraining.ca/)   (https://remarkableresults.biz/download/1638/) Talking points: Be honest and real. Be constructive while truth-telling. Put your feet in someone else’s shoes. Be open-minded and think outside the box. Learn to control the things you can control and not worry about the ones you can’t The owner should not lead a company SWOT with his team. Find a facilitator,...