Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz Aftermarket Radio Network

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/
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In this podcast episode, Chris Cotton, an auto repair business coach, talks with Mark, owner of an independent European auto repair shop in Rochester, New York, that also does sales and bodywork. They discuss Mark's family history, including his father's move from Germany to the U.S. and his transition from diamond cutting to car sales. Mark recounts his own path in the family business, from washing cars to his current role, and the lessons learned along the way. They also delve into succession planning, with Mark's son Hunter potentially taking over in the future. Mark highlights the benefits of working with Chris implementation of a new service management system, and the positive changes in business performance and staff engagement. The episode touches on the importance of regular staff meetings, understanding daily business metrics, and the joy of family involvement in the business. It concludes with personal anecdotes about family meals and the cultural heritage that enriches their lives.

The background of Mark's family (00:00:05) Mark talks about his father's journey from Germany to the United States and their family background.Mark's family's journey in the auto repair business (00:02:05) Mark shares the story of his family's involvement in the auto repair business, including their transition from sales to service.Mark's father's journey in the auto industry (00:04:08) Mark details his father's experiences in the car industry, from working at a BMW dealership to starting his own car sales business.Mark's connection to European cars (00:10:52) Mark discusses his family's deep connection to European cars, particularly Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen.Mark's journey in the auto repair business (00:14:48) Mark reflects on his journey in the auto repair business, from washing cars to becoming a service advisor and learning to buy cars at auctions.Car Sales and Sunroof Surprise (00:19:22) Mark recalls a car sales experience and his father's tough love and succession plan.Auto Auction and Nostalgia (00:21:29) Chris shares his experience working at an auto auction, and both speakers reminisce about the excitement of auctions.Transition and Succession Plan (00:23:16) Mark discusses his role in the business and the prolonged transition plan from his father.Family Involvement and Future Plans (00:25:43) Mark talks about family members' roles in the business and his son's potential as a service manager.Succession Planning and Family Dynamics (00:29:31) Mark emphasizes the importance of communication and close relationships in succession planning.Future of the Business and Retirement (00:34:14) Mark discusses his long-term plans for the business and his reluctance to fully retire.Family Living Arrangements (00:36:40) Mark shares that his mother still lives in the family home, and he and his wife live next door.Each timestamp is followed by a short description of the topics covered in the corresponding segment of the podcast episode.Family and Business History (00:37:29) Discussion about family's daily routine and plans for creating a slideshow of old pictures for the website.Transition to New Location and Succession Plan (00:38:19) Mark mentions the upcoming 40th anniversary at the new location and transitions to...

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, Kimberly and Chris Cotton reflect on Kimberly's kidney donation to her brother. They delve into her recovery, the physical and emotional challenges she faced, and the importance of a compression belt post-surgery. Chris shares his concerns for Kimberly's well-being and discusses the adjustments her brother had to make due to the kidney size difference. They also cover her brother's recovery, the medical procedures he underwent, and the impact on his mental health. The episode concludes with a call to consider organ donation, and Chris thanks Kimberly for sharing her story, highlighting the significance of organ donor registration.
Chris Cotton (00:00:09) - Are you ready to supercharge your auto repair business? This is coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto shop coaching. The weekly blitz is where industry expertise and business innovation collide. Revenue engines for the week ahead. Every episode has game changing insights, up to the minute industry updates and practical tips to shift your business into high gear. We're talking about stuff you didn't even know. You didn't know people. Make sure to check out one of the other great podcasts on the aftermarket radio network. Big shout out to our awesome sponsor shop Marketing pros. Top tier marketing for not just any audience, but the right audience. Shop marketing Pros connects your European or diesel repair shop with car enthusiasts who value expertise, the auto repair experience and a great relationship. Go pro with Shop marketing Pros your ticket to top tier results. Find out how they can feel your success at shop marketing pros.com/chris. So here we are. Kimberly, we're. This is episode 160, and the original cut we did was episode 150. So if you haven't gone back and listen and listen to that, you can,, if you want to catch up where we're at.

Chris Cotton (00:01:16) - So we are titling this Loosely Catching Up with Kimberly or follow up, and this is the follow up episode to The Kidney Donation. So in the previous episode, we talked about everything that we did running up to it. We've had the,, actual donation and what are we, six weeks past now?Kimberly Cotton (00:01:41) - It'll be seven weeks on Thursday.Chris Cotton (00:01:43) - Seven weeks on Thursday. I don't even know where all the time went. I don't even know how 1010 episodes elapsed either. But,, but this is amazing. So. Even even people that talked to me last week still ask me this week how she's doing. So who better than than my lovely wife Kimberly, to come in here and talk a little bit, talk about the donation and,, and kind of catch us up. So,, how are you doing?Kimberly Cotton (00:02:14) - I'm doing physically. I'm doing really well. Mentally, I'm doing really well., but I have started to notice,, I do have limitations still., I want to get back.Kimberly Cotton (00:02:28) - I want to be like I was before surgery. I could just go and do anything at the gym I wanted to, and now I have to really be careful on how much weight I'm lifting. I have to be careful the classes I'm taking because I am still feeling throughout the day. In the morning I'm great. It's usually in the afternoon and it's my back and strangely enough, it just starts to ache. It doesn't really hurt, it just takes a little bit. And so I just have to remind myself, you're only,...

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, Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching examines the JD Power 2024 US Customer Service Index Study. He offers strategies for auto repair shops to outperform dealerships by focusing on immediate service, convenience, and the smart use of technology. Cotton emphasizes the need for shops to educate customers and offer value through quality service rather than just competing on price. He advises shops to enhance their online presence and local advertising to attract customers. The episode is a guide for auto repair businesses to improve service and capitalize on dealership shortcomings to gain customer loyalty.
The JD Power 2024 US Customer Service Index Study (00:01:10) Insights from the study on dealership customer service, wait times, and technician retention.
Dealership Wait Times and Technician Retention (00:02:14) Discussion on the impact of wait times, technician retention, and the influence on customer satisfaction.
Customer Preferences and Technology (00:06:25) Customer preferences for immediate service, convenience, and the importance of technology in service updates.
Rising Costs and Customer Satisfaction (00:09:02) Increase in the average amount spent on dealer visits, the impact of inflation, and customer satisfaction.
Adapting to Market Landscape (00:13:18) The need to embrace technology, improve communication, and address wait times and cost concerns.
Advertising Strategies for Auto Repair Shops (00:14:22) Tactical approaches to leverage speed, convenience, technology, cost-effectiveness, education, and tailored promotions in advertising.
Implementing the Marketing Strategy (00:19:05) Guidance on assessing current advertising channels, revamping content, and staying responsive to market changes.
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

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
Setting up the story (00:01:07) Chris explains a shocking letter received from a potential client and the emotional impact it had on him.
Discovery of theft (00:02:13) Chris recounts how he discovered theft in the client's business through inspection tickets and the importance of monitoring business activities.
Theft details revealed (00:05:20) The client's email reveals elaborate theft involving stealing money, parts, and unauthorized vendor orders, leading to a shocking discovery.
Impact and response (00:08:09) Chris reflects on the magnitude of the theft and emphasizes the importance of monitoring business activities and taking necessary actions.
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

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, auto shop coach Chris Cotton advises auto repair shop owners on financial management. He underscores the importance of maintaining an income statement and organizing a chart of accounts for business health assessment and decision-making. Chris explains how these tools help monitor profitability, manage expenses, and comply with regulations. He also reviews a real income statement, showing how to interpret financial data for improved business outcomes. Chris advocates for the diligent use of these financial instruments to drive growth and success in the auto repair industry.
The importance of income statement (00:01:09) Emphasizing the necessity of an income statement and its role in understanding business health and performance.
Understanding the income statement (00:02:22) Explanation of the components of an income statement and its significance in financial management.
Purpose and benefits of income statement (00:04:24) Highlighting the importance of income statement in analyzing profitability, trend identification, and expense management.

The significance of chart of accounts (00:06:42) Exploring the role of chart of accounts in financial reporting and decision-making.

Integrating income statement and chart of accounts (00:08:58) Explaining how aligning income statement and chart of accounts streamlines financial management and supports decision-making.

Analyzing an income statement (00:10:17) A detailed breakdown of an income statement, including identifying areas for improvement and understanding discrepancies.

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

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