Confessions of a Shop Owner

In this bonus episode on Confessions of a Shop Owner, Charlie tells me his story of migrating from Greece to owning a multi-location repair shop. His story is what I think of what "American Dream" is mentioned, because this dude was a hard worker, would not take no for an answer, and found a way to find a way. We can all learn something from guys like Charlie. What is one ingredient he would say made him successful? Listen and find out!01:25 – Charlie’s Early Years: From Greece to Boston at 1703:20 – The First Jobs: Gas Stations, Chasing Work, and Learning English05:43 – Launching Pleasant Car Care: Starting with Almost Nothing08:11 – Naming the Shop & Choosing a New Standard for the Industry11:11 – How Coaching Helped Charlie Think Bigger12:15 – Meeting Todd & Bill: The Crucial Lessons of Early Coaching13:31 – “Customer Pays for Everything” – A Lesson That Changed It All15:09 – Moving from Technician to True Business Owner17:23 – Why Most Shop Owners Think Too Small19:24 – The Trap of Doing Owner Work Instead of CEO Work21:04 – Why Your Time as an Owner Is Your Most Valuable Asset23:14 – How One Decision Could Make Your Shop $6 Million More24:07 – Four-Day Work Weeks, Six-Day Service: Staffing & Customer Service Debate25:52 – Letting Your Staff Choose: Four, Five, or Six Days?26:25 – The Challenge & Opportunity of Sunday Operations27:17 – Saturdays, Sundays, and Putting Customer Convenience First28:22 – Why Small Shops Can Be Super Profitable29:36 – The Power of Efficiency in Small Shops30:13 – Outro & Final Thoughts from Charlie and Mike

Want to see growth at your shop? It's as simple as using Tekmetric. Learn more HERETurnkey Marketing has helped my shop's marketing in ways I could have never on my own. They can do the same for here. Try them out HEREElite Worldwide keeps me accountable and takes a look at how I run my buisness from an unbiased perspective. It's greatly helped my shop! Learn more about how they can help you too HERESunil Patel is the Founder and CEO of the best Shop Management Software in the industry - Tekmetric. PJ Leslie is a Miata lover like me and the Head of Business Development at Tekmetric. Today, Sunil tells me about the time when he owned a shop and an employee wrecked a customer's car. What happened next was CRAZY! 00:00 Don't Hate on Miata Lovers08:57 Building Tekmetric: From Challenges to Creation10:56 Industry Transformation and Shifting Demographics14:55 "Tekmetric Dominates Aftermarket Software"16:14 Strategic AI Integration Approach20:23 Enhancing Service with Detect Auto23:31 "Botched Car Lift Incident"26:10 Minor Damage, Customer Informed31:07 Transitioning from Trainual to Way We Do33:53 Streamlined Automotive Business Integration38:57 Empowering Leadership Approach40:28 "Smart Jobs Integration Needed"45:00 "Why-Based Training Benefits"47:35 Incremental Improvements Drive Success

Support the show by supporting our sponsors! Click/touch the sponsor name for more info.TekmetricTurnkey Marketing Detect AutoToday, Mike Allen and Bryan Pollock are joined by Brian Stolpa, owner of Brian’s Motor Works Euro shop. They talk challenges of hiring—especially the decision between training an apprentice versus bringing in an experienced tech—and the realities of scaling a shop in today’s market. And yes, things get heated at the end when Mike brings up flat rate vs salary. Who's right? We may never know. But Bryan thinks Mike is wrong. We'll leave it there.00:00 How Often Do You Buy Socks?08:32 Hiring Strategies for Small Businesses15:51 From NASCAR Aspirations to Mechanic19:18 "Training Challenges in Skilled Labor"24:42 "Finding the Right Team Fit"27:58 Kids Dream of YouTube Fame36:38 "Leasing vs. Owning Cars"41:32 "Successful Implementation at Raleigh Shops"43:34 Effective Communication with Customers50:18 Flat Rate vs. Salary Risks56:54 Unpaid Work Dilemmas01:02:32 Post-COVID Job Shift Dynamics

In this episode, Matt challenges Mike to maximize his top-performing store without neglecting the fundamentals, like building stronger staff relationships. Ouch. That's what shop coaching is for, though! Sometimes, the toes need to get stepped on. Learn more about how Tekmetric can change your shop HERETouch HERE to see what Turnkey Marketing can do for you and your shopWant shop coaching like this from Elite Worldwide? Reach out to learn more HERE00:00 Self-Reflection and Accountability05:10 Streamlining Shop Management with Tekmetric08:59 Streamlined Estimate Notification Service10:11 Boosting Tire Sales Strategy14:21 Manual Process Checklists внедрение18:11 Professionalizing Customer Experience22:00 Improving Listening in Relationships23:12 "Balancing Work and Family"28:54 Tekmetric Sales Tracking Insight32:03 Understanding Sales Cycle Timing36:01 Increasing Sales Through Advisor Practice38:28 Efficient Client Follow-Up Strategy42:58 "Enhancing Phone Skills for Sales"44:28 "Never Write NVH Without Test Drive"47:44 Revenue Goals and Projections53:00 Understanding Business Break-Even Points55:19 "Broadening Perspectives at Events"57:41 "Reconsidering My Words"

Got a confession you'd like to make? Call 704-CONFESS (704-266-3377)Learn more about Autoshop Answers HEREToday, Mike and Todd Westerlund talk about setbacks, success, and Todd makes a pretty crazy Confession.  Todd also talks about what it takes to find real success in business, and that it comes down to dedication and drive.00:00 Mindset's Role in Business Success05:08 "Pursue Passion, Seek Mentorship"07:05 Reevaluating Sales Techniques10:23 Tech Job Breakthrough in San Francisco15:53 "Embrace Self-Reinvention"18:16 "Trust Radar: Todd's Intuition"22:55 "Relentless Reminder of Aging"23:39 "Relentless Reminder Tattoo"29:29 Hospital Benefits Arrangement33:09 Perception of Success and Self-Reflection34:43 "Maximize Efficiency, Not Hours"

So, the more podcasts I do, the more people I meet who love Tekmetric as much as I do. I still meet shop owners who don't use it, though. Are you one of those people who are not using Tekmetric because you're stubborn? Don't let pride get in the way of improving your business. Try them today - CLICK HERETurnkey Marketing is making my life easier and my business better. Good thing they don't just help me. See for yourself how the can do the same at your shop HEREDetect Auto helps you catch the stuff you miss at the shop. If you don't think you're missing stuff, check again. It shocked me to know how much money I was missing when I got Detect Auto - find out for yourself today HEREEd Trevino owns Kanuga Tire & Auto in Hendersonville, NC. Ever since opening his shop, stuff seems to keep going wrong. From COVID-19, Hurricane Helene, and WNC wildfires, he's pushed through it all. So what would he do differently if he could do it over? Ed's response might surprise you. 00:00 Too much alcohol?05:31 "Tekmetric: Quick Learning, Strong Growth"12:10 Shoe Allotment Deduction Contemplation16:52 Pandemic-Era Valet Hysteria26:29 Seeking Advice: Joining a Mastermind28:24 Subconscious Self-Worth Limitations36:34 "Quality Services vs. Low Rates"39:12 Shop Errors and Repair Costs43:24 Navigating Storm Aftermath Challenges51:57 Agent's Reluctance to Visit Clients58:23 Rarely Carry Cash01:00:16 "Tree Damage Unbothered"

Tekmetric is the best and it makes shops the best they can be. Is your shop the best it can be? If not, then you need Tekmetric. Get it HERETurnkey Marketing may not be what Josh needs for his shop right now, but if you've got room to grow, believe me when I tell you, Turnkey Marketing will help you fill that room. See more HEREI talk about Elite Worldwide on these podcasts so much for a reason. Because when something works really well for you, you want to tell others about it. So here we are. Me telling you about Elite again. Because it's worth it, and I KNOW their one-on-one coaching will help your shop. Learn more HEREIn this episode, Bryan and I are joined by Josh Rainwater, a shop owner from Louisville, Kentucky. He, like many of us, has spent the night at his shop a time or two. We've all been there at some point. Today, Josh confesses that he realizes something needs to change because that is not healthy for him, his family, or his business to require that much of him. What did we tell him? Find out today. 00:00 Leadership Coaching at NASCAR Technical Institute03:47 Pandemic Job Loss to Uber07:45 Booming Business Opportunities11:37 HVAC Replacement: Charm and Decisions14:29 "Hotel Lobby Recording Session"17:06 Feet Pic Earnings Proposal19:38 Elite Worldwide Custom Coaching24:19 AI-Driven Appointment Bookings26:26 Small vs. Large Shop Challenges31:26 "QC Documentation Issue"33:23 Handling Tricky Situations Efficiently37:21 "Discount Demand After Order Error"40:21 Unsustainable Work Habits41:50 Balancing Commitments and Workload46:41 Optimizing Labor and Parts Margins50:44 "Planning to Hire Soon"

Learn more about how Tekmetric WILL change your business HERETurnkey Marketing does what I'm not good at...Marketing. Even if you know marketing, let Turnkey do it for you, freeing you up to run your business. Visit them HEREDetect Auto uses AI the RIGHT way. Use them and you won't have to worry of how to use AI anymore. Learn more HEREDarrin Barney is the President and CEO of Elite Worldwide, the coaching company I use. And after this conversation, it further confirmed why I love using them. He made me think in ways I haven't in years. I even teared up a few times in this conversation. Darrin gets it. I learned something from this conversation. You will too. 00:00 Bragging Rights in Tough Times03:22 "Effective Marketing Solutions for Growth"07:14 Balancing Gym and Bar Life12:07 "Elite Coaching Experience Overview"13:33 Partial Achievement, Constructive Feedback19:07 "Finding Inspiration from Bob"22:09 Optimizing Technician Efficiency24:43 "Enduring Automotive Friendships"26:28 Automotive Growth and Coaching29:58 Helping People: The Ultimate Goal34:10 Child's Emotional Upset Explained35:58 Balancing Passions and Family Time39:39 Be More Human45:50 Prank: Brake Cleaner Swap47:41 "Toastmasters: Overcoming Shyness Through Speech"52:18 Jimmy Page's Zeppelin Legacy Journals

You know what's crazy? I had my once-a-month coaching call with Matt Lofton the other day, and I was actually looking forward to it! It's crazy that once you start to see results from hard work, you look forward to the hard work. Do you need accountability in your shop? Reach out to Elite Worldwide and get it today. CLICK HERETekmetric is awesome. It's made my shop awesome. I could leave it there, but because it's changed my shops future, I want the same for you. Can you make your shop more awesomer than mine? Start HEREDid you see the videos from my conversation with Carrie-Lynn with Turnkey Marketing? She said some spicy things about marketing and how many shop owners SUCK at marketing. But, she was spot on. Man, she helps my shop online. She can and will for you too. Learn more HERETaylor Wilson is the President of Velocity Auto Care and today he and Mike talk about how having kids changes how you run your business. If done right, for the better. Also, how has he learned to manage his shop from afar? Learn today.00:00 "Decline in Car Count Observed"04:31 "Just Say Yes" Critique08:38 Morning Training for Exceptional Service10:18 Missed Events Due to Hunting15:19 Overcoming Focus Challenges17:28 Complacency Led to Business Decline22:38 "Photo Requirements Challenge Workflow"26:08 Technicians Willing to Work Saturdays27:23 Car Service Convenience Challenges31:24 Adapting to Change and Accessibility34:20 Open-Minded Business Approach

I use Tekmetric at my shop, and it's changed everything! It can do the same for you. CLICK HERE to learn how.I love launching helpful new technology at my shop! Especially when it makes my shop more efficient. That’s what Detect Auto has done for me. Want to learn how? Click HERECarrie-Lynn tells the story today of how and why she started working with repair shops. Because she believes in the industry! Let her help you make your marketing about the customer and not your ego today. Learn how HEREToday, Mike Allen sits down with guests Carrie-Lynn Rodenberg from Turnkey Marketing and Tyler Ellinson, a multi-store operator in the Pacific Northwest. They talk about the ups and downs of marketing and the failures shop owners make trying to do it themselves. Carrie-Lynn also shares the number one problem she sees shop owners make daily in their marketing.00:00 Dallas Recording at Elite Worldwide Event06:16 Ambivalence Towards Car Enthusiasm09:00 Contemplating Career Change Dilemma12:42 Transitioning Family Business Leadership15:33 "Discovering Small Business Marketing"17:13 "BNI Networking and Marketing Coaching"21:26 Auto Repair Shop Growth Partnership26:11 Avoid Bottom Feeders: Offer Value27:45 Pricing Communication in Service Industries30:11 Free Diagnostics to Attract Customers33:17 Building Rapport to Attract Customers39:03 Entrepreneurial Priorities and Pitfalls40:27 Proactive Problem-Solving Fix46:04 Training Focus for Team Growth49:07 Goal Setting and Succession Planning50:26 Delegating for Efficiency