The Gearbox Podcast Jimmy Purdy

Is social media important in the automotive industry? In this episode, Jimmy Purdy and Parker Branch, share insights on maintaining a positive shop culture amid employee turnover. Parker emphasizes proactive engagement with employees to retain talented staff, including regular performance evaluations and open discussions. Additionally, they delve into the benefits of using social media platforms to market the shop and attract both customers and potential employees.
00:00 Importance of accountability in business discussions.04:57 Mechanic's journey from high school to entrepreneur.09:53 Positive changes, initial concerns addressed, overall satisfaction.13:44 Challenges and successes are temporary in business.15:45 Gratitude for key employee's extended dedication.19:13 Quarterly performance evaluations and team bonding at lunch.20:47 Listening to what others want, setting expectations.26:35 Stay vigilant and adapt to prevent mistakes.30:03 Using tactics to cope with past struggles.32:22 Marketing dollars attract potential employees through social media.34:27 Build trust by making your shop fun.

Thanks to our sponsor, Shop Boss! See how they can simplify your auto shop HERE

In this episode, Jimmy Purdy is joined by Josh Flat, owner of Flat Out Automotive in Sally County, West Jordan, Utah. Josh talks about the motivation he receives from a friend's doubts, sparking his journey to business ownership. Jimmy and Josh also discuss the importance of raising rates and building client relationships, providing insights into maintaining quality service and customer satisfaction. Josh shares his personal struggle with health challenges and the impact of business stress, emphasizing the need for self-care and seeking support in the industry.
00:00 Enjoyed unexpected trip to Utah for work.06:35 Struggling with shop's financial expectations after partnership.07:49 Tough transition, low prices, focus on marketing.13:18 Confidence and reducing anxiety are crucial. Coaching helps.14:41 Pressure to not disappoint; physical pain acknowledged.19:28 Outsourcing marketing, but lacking insights and control.21:21 Self-reflection leads to better leadership and growth.26:01 Prefer slow days over working for no pay.29:35 Embrace challenges, double down, and stand resilient.32:24 Technicians work hard, fix cars, and grumble.33:50 A Complex industry requires mental agility and client advocacy.37:58 Seek support from others who understand.40:14 Learning from each other to improve skills.43:11 Fear of imperfection hinders repair progress.

Thanks to our sponsor, Shop Boss! See how they can simplify your auto shop HERE

In this episode, Jimmy Purdy and guest Gilbert Khoshaba discuss how attending ASD transformed his customer interactions and business growth. He shares the challenges of transitioning from an employee to a business owner, setting ambitious goals like expanding to four shops by age 45. They explore the struggles and opportunities in marketing, underscoring the importance of social media, coaching, and effective marketing strategies. 
00:00 Transitioned from various jobs to car mechanic.05:23 Self-taught technician becomes BMW specialist.09:40 Watching a German guy restore and work on BMWs.12:03 Average repair order is $1800, mastermind group.15:52 Feeling lost in shop expansion and planning.17:58 Setting goals drives motivation and productivity.22:58 Flexibility and perseverance are key to success.23:19 Shop owners focus on fixing cars, turning a profit.28:21 Considering shop Genie or Steer for business, seeking advice.29:53 Online networking platform for connecting various industries.33:08 Hollis Brothers Autoworks: Auto service by KZ Hollis

Thanks to our sponsor, Shop Boss! See how they can simplify your auto shop HERE

In this episode, Jimmy Purdy welcomes Jessa Boyd and Tilly Corser from George's Friendly Auto Service in Lincoln, CA. Jessa shares her experience of classes not aligning with her goals, emphasizing the value of researching instructors and reaching out to experienced individuals. The trio also talk through the ethical considerations of offering free diagnostics and the importance of building trust with customers through transparent communication. Also, listen and learn about the innovative dispatching system at George's Friendly Auto Service, which has boosted efficiency by matching work to technicians' strengths.
00:00 Building relationships with customers is key.09:00 Thorough inspections are essential to avoid misunderstandings.11:16 Rechecking inspection for thorough and accurate results.21:15 Dispatch based on strengths for the efficient shop.24:55 Embracing growth and learning in the industry.29:59 Using different concepts in the real world.37:58 Simplifying complex information to gain customer trust.41:03 Reevaluate approach, avoid over-analyzing, trust intuition.44:00 Over the phone, build rapport, create doubt, explain complex.50:04 "Goal determines direction; quick vs comprehensive service."58:59 Seeing diverse opinions, learning, and respecting differences.01:04:19 Controversial topic of paying for coaching was discussed.01:07:33 Misaligned goals with instructor, seek prior advice.01:10:33 Secretly invited Tilly to join last minute.

Thanks to our sponsor, Shop Boss! See how they can simplify your auto shop HERE

In this episode, Jimmy Purdy and Dave Krukowski discuss ways to navigate the complexities of marketing and customer retention in the automotive industry. Dave talks about the effectiveness and challenges of direct mail and retention marketing, emphasizing the necessity of regular service reminders. Together, they talk about the issues surrounding customer service, highlighting the importance of setting clear expectations and personal interactions, particularly around handling transmission work. Their discussion provides a wealth of strategies for auto shop owners aiming to enhance their customer experience and operational efficiencies. 
00:00 Finding purpose, navigating change, and setting direction.07:23 Eight years in golf provided valuable customer service.14:38 Efficient management ensures a successful customer experience.19:02 Self-taught in asking critical qualifying questions.23:58 Loyalty program and personal touch in service.29:46 Efficient customer appointment process in auto service.34:41 Evolved inspection process ensures vehicle maintenance compliance.41:57 Encouraging customers to trust and spend less.48:13 Summary: Predictive maintenance services for transient area population.49:19 Decline in service, less customer engagement, reminders.59:05 Feedback shapes recommendations for vehicle maintenance.01:00:32 Efficient process ensures consistent client satisfaction and success.01:10:41 Navigating the middle ground, adapting to change.01:14:30 Maximizing marketing returns through targeted customer acquisition.01:16:39 Promoting business, seeking support from friends.01:24:19 Struggling with technicians' preconceived notions and bad data.01:28:46 Interview process is vital to maintain data integrity.01:33:39 Concise communication and sticking to the process.

Thanks to our sponsor, Shop Boss! See how they can simplify your auto shop HERE

In this episode, Jimmy Purdy welcomes Scott Pelava, a seasoned shop owner and community figure, on The Gearbox podcast. The conversation dives deep into the real challenges and personal costs of owning and operating an automotive repair shop. Scott shares his early struggles transitioning from technician to owner, highlighting the steep learning curve in mastering the business aspects to ensure growth and success. Both Jimmy and Scott discuss the critical balance between work and family life, revealing the personal sacrifices often made by business owners. 
00:00 Seeking help from old coaching company to resolve issue.06:04 Scott created a social media group and it grew rapidly worldwide.15:53 Discovering marketing failures leads to business reflection.19:26 Skilled technician seeks new opportunities due to disrespect.22:40 Self-improvement and pushing others to excel.27:34 Technicians seek solutions from various sources for problems.35:11 Unending work stress, missed family time, neglect.38:27 Reflecting on past client appeasement efforts.43:12 Techs becoming owners, diminishing productivity and impact.50:52 Networking led to finding new CRM options.58:08 Positive feedback on classes, with minor issues.01:01:28 Different customers, different needs, different services offered.01:07:33 Coordinating ASOG scholarship for struggling shop owners.01:09:45 Overdoing trade shows, scheduling classes, research.

Thanks to our sponsor, Shop Boss! See how they can simplify your auto shop HERE