161 episodes

Weekly inspiration from automotive service business coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. www.autoshopcoaching.com Run Your Shop. Don't Let It Run You.

Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz Aftermarket Radio Network

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 4 Ratings

Weekly inspiration from automotive service business coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. www.autoshopcoaching.com Run Your Shop. Don't Let It Run You.

    Understanding Transition Leaks - The Hidden Drain on Auto Repair Shop Productivity

    Understanding Transition Leaks - The Hidden Drain on Auto Repair Shop Productivity

    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, Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching explores the issue of transition leaks in auto repair shops. He explains how frequent task-switching hampers productivity and energy levels for shop owners, service advisors, and technicians. Chris advocates for batch processing to consolidate similar tasks, thereby reducing transition leaks and increasing efficiency. He advises reorganizing work schedules to minimize cognitive load and suggests that while flexibility is necessary, intentional planning can greatly enhance productivity. The episode wraps up with Chris encouraging listeners to embrace growth and efficiency, thanking the sponsor, and promoting a positive work ethic.

    Transition Leaks (00:00:06) Explanation of the concept and its impact on auto repair shop owners, service advisors, and technicians.

    Impact on Efficiency (00:02:27) Discussion on how transition leaks lead to lost efficiency and diminished capacity for delivering high-quality service.

    Batch Processing Strategy (00:04:48) Explanation of the batch processing strategy to combat transition leaks and improve productivity.

    Applying the Concept (00:07:03) Guidance on analyzing and reorganizing schedules to minimize transition leaks and increase efficiency.

    Embracing Change (00:09:11) Encouragement to prioritize efficiency and quality by embracing a new way of organizing work schedules.

    Connect with Chris:

    chris@autofixsos.com
    Phone: 940.400.1008
    www.autoshopcoaching.com
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
    AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae

    #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros

    • 9 min
    Mindset Matters - The Ripple Effect in YOUR Auto Repair Shop

    Mindset Matters - The Ripple Effect in YOUR Auto Repair Shop

    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, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching addresses auto repair business owners, focusing on revitalizing February's sluggish pace. He emphasizes the power of a goal-oriented mindset, offering actionable advice on setting objectives and adopting proactive strategies. Cotton's insights aim to help listeners transform typically slow periods into opportunities for profit and success, underscoring the significance of attitude and planning in business.

    The importance of mindset (00:00:04) Discussion on the significance of a goal-driven mindset to turn February around for auto repair business owners.

    Challenging the negative mindset (00:02:23) Encouraging shop owners to shift from a negative mindset about February and its impact on business performance.

    Analyzing February sales data (00:04:30) Reviewing sales data from February and questioning the mindset of shop owners who did not experience significant growth.

    Preparing for slow periods (00:08:05) Emphasizing the importance of long-term planning and preparation for slow months, such as February, to achieve success.

    Overcoming negative mindset trap (00:09:07) Discussing the negative mindset trap and how it affects the performance and attitude of the team.

    Adopting a positive mindset (00:10:16) Exploring the power of a positive mindset and proactive approach to transform slow periods into successful and profitable times.

    Setting ambitious goals (00:11:11) Encouraging shop owners to set ambitious but achievable goals and involve the team in brainstorming strategies to attract more business.

    Reinforcing the impact of mindset and goals (00:13:20) Highlighting the impact of mindset and goal setting on team performance and attitude, and its role in breaking the cycle of slow periods.

    Driving the shop to new heights (00:15:34) Empowering shop owners to use their mindset and leadership to transform challenges into opportunities and drive their shop to new heights.

    Coach Chris Cotton', '00:02:23', "I heard it like, 'Oh woe is me, February sucks, January sucks, it's always going to suck and there's nothing we can do about it.'" 'Coach Chris Cotton', '00:03:24', "If you tell all the employees, 'Hey, this is going to be the best month ever,' and you put your efforts towards that, then guess what? It will be the best month ever." 'Coach Chris Cotton', '00:09:07', "What would $25,000 have done for your shop? What would $50,000 have done for your shop in January, February, March moving forward?"

    Connect with Chris:

    chris@autofixsos.com
    Phone: 940.400.1008
    www.autoshopcoaching.com
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
    AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae

    #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook

    • 14 min
    The Struggle of Succession: A Journey from Family Auto Repair to Independence [E154]

    The Struggle of Succession: A Journey from Family Auto Repair to Independence [E154]

    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 podcast episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching talks with Josh Then of Unified Automotive about Josh's transition from working in his family's auto repair business to starting his own shop.
    They discuss the difficulties of succession planning, generational differences, and the challenges of modernizing a family business. Josh shares his personal struggles with work-life balance and the toxic work environment created by his father's resistance to change. Despite good pay, Josh felt compelled to leave and set up his own garage, facing the hardships of establishing a new business and a strained relationship with his father.
    He also highlights the support he received from industry groups and the importance of utilizing resources like Facebook groups and YouTube for guidance. The episode emphasizes the value of seeking help and the continuous learning necessary for success in the auto repair industry.

    Introduction (00:00:00) Setting up the podcast and introducing the topic of succession planning in a family auto repair business.Background and Early Work Experience (00:02:08) Josh's early experience in the family auto repair business, starting from a young age and progressing through high school and college.Generational Differences in Work Ethic (00:09:29) Discussion about the generational differences in work ethic and work-life balance, comparing the speaker's experience with his father's dedication to work.Motivation for Succession Planning (00:12:52) Josh's motivation for pushing the succession plan, focusing on the impact of having a daughter and the desire for a better work-life balance.Challenges in Implementing Changes (00:16:25) The challenges faced by Josh in implementing changes and improvements in the family business, including resistance from his father.Lack of Formal Succession Plan (00:18:45) The absence of a formal succession plan and the difficulties faced in getting his father to agree to a plan, leading to the speaker considering other business opportunities.Succession Plan Backing Out (00:21:50) Josh discusses the shop owner backing out of their succession plan, leading to his decision to leave.Starting a Business (00:23:22) Josh explains how he started working on his own business in the background while still at his father's shop.Leaving the Father's Shop (00:26:59) Josh describes the process of leaving his father's shop and starting his own business in his garage.Father-Son Relationship (00:28:40) Josh discusses the evolving relationship with his father after leaving the shop and the tension between them.Conflict with Father (00:31:12) Josh recounts the conflict with his father after starting his own business and the subsequent fallout.Working with Family (00:33:11) Josh reflects on the challenges of working with a stubborn family member and offers advice for others in similar situations.Regrets and Lessons (00:37:07) Josh discusses what he could have done differently and the lessons he learned from the experience.Influence of Support Groups (00:39:14) Josh shares the impact of support groups like ASA and Shop Marketing Pros on his business decisions and growth.The helpful auto repair group (00:43:41) Discussion about a helpful online group for...

    • 38 min
    The Most Important Rule for Auto Repair Shops: Always Say Yes to Customers

    The Most Important Rule for Auto Repair Shops: Always Say Yes to Customers

    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 podcast episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching highlights the significance of always saying yes to customers in the auto repair industry. He recounts two examples where service advisors faced challenges in agreeing to customer requests. Cotton stresses the importance of customer satisfaction and the delicate balance of agreeing to customer demands without making unrealistic promises.
    Saying Yes to Customers (00:02:36) Importance of prioritizing customer satisfaction and finding ways to say yes instead of no.
    Handling Customer Requests (00:03:45) Addressing an instance where a service advisor struggled to manage customer expectations and deliver on promises.
    Customer Service Skills (00:05:54) Emphasizing the need to take care of the customer, manage expectations, and avoid overpromising while saying yes.
    Saying Yes and Managing Expectations (00:10:11) Discussing the importance of saying yes to customers while managing expectations and not overpromising.
    1. Importance of not saying no to customers in the auto repair business
    2. Instances of a service advisor struggling to say yes to customers
    3. Emphasizing the need to prioritize customer satisfaction
    4.Managing expectations while saying yes to customers
    5.Not overpromising to customers
    Quotes:
    Coach Chris Cotton', '00:06:54', "How would you like it if you were leaving town in 24 hours and somebody said, 'Oh, you can't take your car because we can't finish it up'? It's just not the right place to be in."
    'Coach Chris Cotton', '00:09:14', "The customer doesn't care about any of that; the customer just wants to know if you can help them or not."
    'Coach Chris Cotton', '00:12:16', "If they're in front of you unexpectedly, say yes, smile, and be like, 'Oh, I'm so glad, Mrs. Johnson, that you're here today. I haven't seen you in a while. Absolutely, we'll take care of your crisis for you.'"

    Connect with Chris:

    chris@autofixsos.com
    Phone: 940.400.1008
    www.autoshopcoaching.com
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
    AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae

    #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook

    • 10 min
    Help Me Fix My Procrastination: Get Your Auto Repair Shop Book Done![E152]

    Help Me Fix My Procrastination: Get Your Auto Repair Shop Book Done![E152]

    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 podcast episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching introduces his upcoming book designed to help auto repair shop owners enhance their businesses. The book, tentatively titled "The Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching Owner's Guide to Everything You Didn't Know About Running a Successful Auto Repair Shop," covers topics like goal setting, financial management, staffing, and adapting to future technologies. Cotton invites shop owners to contribute suggestions and request a free copy. The episode, sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, aims to motivate the bottom 50% of shop owners to grow and succeed in their industry.
    Chapter 1: What Do You Want as a Shop Owner? (00:02:13) Discusses the different goals and aspirations of shop owners and the importance of defining personal success.
    Chapter 2: Define Your Goals (00:03:08) Highlights the process of setting smart goals, understanding business variables, and keeping an eye on market trends.
    Chapter 3: Barriers to Coaching (00:04:13) Explores the common barriers that prevent shop owners from seeking coaching and offers solutions.
    Chapter 4: Essentials of Being a Successful Auto Repair Shop (00:05:20) Covers the foundational aspects of running a successful auto repair shop, including meeting customer needs and financial stability.
    Chapter 5: The Importance of a Good Chart of Accounts (00:06:18) Emphasizes the significance of a well-maintained chart of accounts for financial management and streamlining.
    Chapter 6: The Vital Role of the Income Statement (00:07:26) Focuses on the income statement and its importance in financial review and standardization.
    Chapter 7: Determining the Right Car Count for Success (00:08:30) Addresses the misconception of needing more cars for sales goals and the importance of optimizing existing processes.
    Chapter 8: The Heartbeat of Auto Repair Businesses (00:09:33) Explores profit centers, margins, and the road to financial health in auto repair businesses.
    Chapter 9: Guest Chapter on Car Count and Marketing (00:10:38) Features insights from a guest expert on car count, marketing, and branding for auto repair shops.
    Chapter 10: Profit Margins and Parts Matrix (00:11:43) Delves into profit margins, parts matrixes, and strategies for maximizing profits in auto repair.
    Chapter 11: Cash Flow (00:12:32) Discusses the unique challenges of cash flow management in auto repair businesses and offers solutions for improving profitability.

    Connect with Chris:
    chris@autofixsos.com
    Phone: 940.400.1008
    www.autoshopcoaching.com
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
    AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae

    #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook

    • 11 min
    Navigating the Impact of Technician Shortages on Auto Repair Shop Productivity and Revenue [E151]

    Navigating the Impact of Technician Shortages on Auto Repair Shop Productivity and Revenue [E151]

    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 podcast episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching addresses the critical issue of technician shortages in the auto repair industry. He discusses how this shortage affects shop productivity and revenue, with shops struggling to keep up with the demand due to a lack of skilled technicians. Cotton cites a Tech Force Foundation report predicting a significant need for technicians by 2024. He explores reasons behind the shortage, such as retirements, low female representation, high turnover among young workers, and fewer automotive program graduates. Cotton concludes with strategies for attracting and retaining talent, including better work schedules, compensation, career development, and education.
    Productivity (00:01:11) Discussion on the impact of technician shortage on shop productivity and revenue.Vehicles per Bay (00:02:33) Explanation of the increase in vehicles per bay and its impact on repair orders.Attracting Technicians (00:03:52) Importance of attracting and retaining technicians to maximize shop capacity and revenue.Technician Supply and Demand (00:05:52) Insights from the 2022 Tech Force Foundation report on the shortage of technicians and its impact on the industry.Impact of Technician Shortage (00:08:15) Calculation of revenue loss due to technician shortage and its impact on service capacity.Challenges in Attracting Technicians (00:11:43) Discussion on the reasons for the shortage of technicians and the challenges in attracting new talent to the industry.Remedies for Technician Shortage (00:16:34) Suggestions for addressing the barriers in attracting and retaining technicians, including training and career development.Technicians' Work Schedule (00:20:59) Discussion about adjusting technicians' work schedules to attract and retain them.Outdated Mindset (00:21:30) Encouragement to adapt to the changing times and make necessary adjustments in the auto repair industry.Acknowledgment of Listeners and Sponsor (00:22:20) Expressing gratitude to the listeners and acknowledging the sponsor, Shop Marketing Pros, for their support.

    Connect with Chris:
    chris@autofixsos.com
    Phone: 940.400.1008
    www.autoshopcoaching.com
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
    AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae

    #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros

    • 18 min

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