• Watch Full Video Episode
• Advanced Fundamentals of Krispy Kreme Waffles with Isaac Rodell Video: https://youtu.be/7v1PwWYHPFA?si=cA-Ldx794hfOALLz
• Industry Connectivity (00:02:21)
• Client Communication During Events (00:03:51)
• Impact of Competition (00:04:31)
• Industry Support After Disasters (00:05:56)
• Community Response to Hurricane Damage (00:08:12)
• Teaching Experiences at the Conference (00:09:50)
• Influencer Dynamics at Conferences (00:12:05)
• Influence Beyond Fame (00:15:01)
• Tools Shaping the Industry (00:15:51)
• Development of New Tools (00:19:09)
• Krispy Kreme Waffle Donuts (00:24:38)
• Cooking with Waffle Irons (00:31:08)
• Networking Importance (00:38:29)
• Staying Current in the Industry (00:43:37)
• Mobile Business Insights (00:44:12)
• Diagnosing a New Vehicle Issue (00:45:02)
• Access to Star Cases (00:46:54)
• Importance of Continuous Learning (00:49:26)
• Training Engagement Recommendations (00:50:32)
• Challenges in Attending Training (00:52:14)
• Understanding New Technologies (00:54:11)
• Curiosity and Commitment to Learning (00:56:49)
• After-Hours Learning (01:00:07)
• Legacy and Mentorship (01:00:26)
• Focus and Technology (01:05:08)
• Honor and Code in Professionalism...

• Watch Full Video Episode
• Equipment Upgrade Discussion (00:02:02)
• Austin's Racing Background (00:02:33)
• Evaluating Equipment Upgrades (00:03:58)
• Reasons for Upgrading Equipment (00:07:01)
• Road Force Balancers in Schools (00:09:05)
• Importance of Continuing Education (00:10:34)
• Learning About New Equipment (00:11:13)
• Online Information for Equipment Purchases (00:13:38)
• Risks of Buying Equipment Online (00:15:29)
• Wheel Alignment and Tire Business (00:19:18)
• ADAS Concerns in Alignments (00:20:33)
• Combining Alignment with ADAS Reset (00:22:46)
• Journalism Experience (00:25:20)
• Career Path to Hunter Engineering (00:25:58)
• Consultative Sales Approach (00:27:37)
• Challenges and Rewards of Consulting (00:28:13)

Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive.

End-of-year tax planning is in full swing, and retirement accounts are a key piece of the puzzle. In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest breaks down IRAs, Simple IRAs, and 401(k)s to help you understand how to maximize savings and minimize taxes. Get actionable tips and insights to make the most of your retirement planning before the year ends.

-The differences between Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, Simple IRAs, and 401(k)s.

-Tax-saving benefits of contributing to retirement accounts before the end of the year.

Insights into contribution limits for 2024 and strategies for funding accounts.

-Key considerations for business owners when choosing between retirement plans.

-Why starting small and consistent contributions outweigh one-time large deposits.

Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS

Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?

It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it. After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.

Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com

Thanks to our partner, Promotive

It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.

Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair

Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com

Email Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.com

Download a Copy of My Books Here:

• Wrenches to Write-Offs
• Your Perfect Shop

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

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech

Matt Fanslow explores the themes of branding and employee culture, inspired by the TV show "Yellowstone." Matt emphasizes the importance of a culture where team members support each other, continuous skill improvement through training and the significance of mentorship.

Show Notes

• Discussion on "Yellowstone" (00:01:11)
• Branding in the Context of the Show (00:03:43)
• Employee Branding and Culture (00:05:15)
• Uniforms as Symbols of Value (00:06:34)
• Importance of Team Support (00:07:55)
• Continuous Improvement in the Workplace (00:10:35)
• Character Growth and Skill Development (00:12:52)
• Setting Expectations for Employees (00:14:13)
• Valuing Employee Contributions (00:16:55)

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech

NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.

Contact Information

• Email Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com
• Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel

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

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size....

Looking to unlock the true potential of your business? Discover how taking time to think can reveal new opportunities, boost creativity, and tackle challenges head-on. Learn how clarity breaks can help you refine your vision, focus on what truly matters, and transform your marketing strategy for better results.

Get practical tips on clearing distractions, setting the right direction, and making the most of your time away from the daily grind. Ready to take your business to the next level?

Tune in now and see how a little time to think can make all the difference!

Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops

Are you ready to convert clients to members? App Fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for professional auto repair businesses. Visit Appfueled.com to get started today. Keep your shop top of mind on the mobile device they love.

Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)

https://shopmarketingpros.com/125

https://www.eosworldwide.com/blog/101893-eos-take-clarity-break - EOS Clarity Break

Clarity Break Starter Questions

Sometimes it is highly effective to have no plan, no questions while sometimes you need some starter questions to get your mind rolling (example questions below)

• What would I do if I wasn’t afraid?
• Today, I am dreaming about….
• What’s draining my energy right now?
• Who do you admire and why? What are they doing that you can do also?
• How do you practice caring for yourself?
• What are you most proud of?
• What can you de-clutter physically or emotionally today/this weekend?
• What are your self-affirmations? Make a list of statements to remind yourself who you are, what your talents/skills are, and what you believe about yourself.

Show Notes with Timestamps

How To Get In Touch

Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind

Website - shopmarketingpros.com

Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros

Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book

Instagram - @shopmarketingpros

Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com

• Watch Full Video Episode
• Systematizing Labor (00:02:46)
• Core Labors in Auto Repair (00:03:10)
• Preventative Maintenance Importance (00:04:21)
• Understanding Labor Ratios (00:05:14)
• Challenges with Diagnostics (00:08:27)
• Manufacturer Maintenance Plans (00:09:42)
• Efficiency in Services (00:14:34)
• Selling the Value of Services (00:15:35)
• Relating Value to Customers (00:16:51)
• Real-Life Diagnostic Example (00:17:07)
• Importance of Preventative Maintenance (00:18:51)
• Trust Issues in Auto Repair (00:21:17)
• Misconceptions about Vehicle Maintenance (00:22:16)
• Understanding Maintenance-Free Claims (00:23:50)
• Diagnostic Labor Rate Insights (00:26:02)
• Efficiency in Repair Labor (00:27:53)
• Labor Time Study Methodology (00:30:05)
• Communication in Service Levels (00:32:21)
• Canned Job Packages Explained (00:33:56)
• Efficiency Through Documentation (00:34:51)
• Improving Labor Time Estimates (00:35:33)
• Customer Interaction and Service (00:38:16)
• Identifying the Zone of Opportunity (00:39:28)
• Proactive Customer Engagement (00:40:19)
• Adjusting Maintenance Plans for Older Vehicles (00:43:54)
• Leadership and Its Challenges (00:44:51)

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.

Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo:https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/

Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind

In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," host Coach Chris Cotton offers auto repair shop owners a wealth of valuable insights aimed at enhancing their businesses. He begins by emphasizing the critical importance of conducting thorough repair order audits. These audits are essential for ensuring accurate record-keeping, which in turn fosters customer trust and satisfaction. By maintaining precise records, shop owners can avoid potential disputes and demonstrate transparency to their clients.

Chris then shifts the focus to improving service advisor phone interactions. He underscores the significance of active listening and empathy in these exchanges. By truly understanding and addressing customer concerns, service advisors can enhance the overall customer experience, leading to increased loyalty and repeat business.

As the year draws to a close, Chris provides strategic advice on finishing 2024 strong. He encourages shop owners to maintain their momentum and begin planning for 2025 with clear, measurable goals. By setting specific objectives, businesses can chart a course for sustained growth and success in the coming year.

Throughout the episode, Chris highlights the significance of cultivating a positive work culture. He explains how a supportive and motivating environment can lead to increased employee satisfaction and productivity. Additionally, he discusses the numerous benefits of coaching, which can provide shop owners with the guidance and support needed to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

The episode concludes with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the listeners for their continued support. Chris also extends his thanks to the episode's sponsor, Shop Marketing Pros, for their partnership and contribution to the show's success.

Election Update (00:02:07)

• Discussion on the recent elections and its impact on the business environment.

Importance of Repair Order Audits (00:03:08)

• Emphasis on maintaining accurate records and conducting repair order audits for business health.

Customer Experience and Transparency (00:04:10)

• The need for transparency with customers and sharing inspection results to build trust.

Technician Productivity Issues (00:05:15)

• Challenges with ticket assignments affecting technician productivity and customer service.

Service Advisor Phone Calls (00:07:31)

• The significance of mastering service advisor phone calls for customer relationships.

Finishing Strong in 2024 (00:09:47)

• Encouragement to maintain momentum and finish the year strong despite holiday distractions.

Planning for 2025 (00:11:55)

• Advice on setting goals and priorities for the upcoming year to ensure proactive growth.

Measuring Success (00:12:55)

• The importance of setting measurable goals and tracking progress for accountability.

Closing Remarks (00:14:03)

• Final thoughts on support for shop owners and the importance of a positive mindset moving forward.

Connect with...

With slower days becoming common, many shops have turned to short-term fixes. Our host Craig O’Neill advocates for a long-term retention strategy that emphasizes relationships.

In this episode, Craig breaks things down in three parts. First he explains how he came to embrace the term “Client Relating Capability,” and the influencers who’s lessons helped him solidify his feelings on this point into more easily articulated thoughts and beliefs. Next, he introduces the concepts from an old article from 2003 (which is still surprisingly relevant today). Lastly - this episode introduces the term and breaks down three essential components of Client Relating Capability:

1. Orientation – Creating a business structure that prioritizes meaningful client relationships.
2. Configuration – Designing workflows and incentives that facilitate connection.
3. Use of Information – Utilizing CRM and data wisely to support, not replace, genuine relationships.

Craig highlights common industry pitfalls, including overreliance on technology and CRM tools that often fail without proper leverage. He also addresses the latest trend of AI in client management, exploring its limits and the importance of human connection.

Listeners are invited to rethink their relationship-building strategies and consider how to truly cultivate loyalty. Craig emphasizes that technology can support but should never replace the human element in client relationships.

This term - Craig hopes, becomes a familiar and foundational principle that will guide many more topics aimed at improving how we communicate as an industry.

• Watch the YouTube Video

Join Our Virtual Toastmasters: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

Thank You To Our Partners:

The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.

AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com

AutoLeap at AutoLeap.com. Are you tired of juggling multiple tools to manage your auto repair shop? Say hello to the streamlined efficiency of AutoLeap, the #1 all-in-one Auto Repair Shop Management Software!

Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.

In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.

Contact Information

• Email Craig O'Neill: speakup@craigoneill.net
• Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

The Aftermarket Radio Network: