On Deck with Chris Herman

Chris Herman

The On Deck podcast is hosted by Chris Herman, Owner of The Herman Agency. Join Chris as he leads guests in free-form conversations. From entrepreneurs and social media strategists to creatives in music, design, and broadcast, each episode is a spirited discussion about the creative process and its role in branding, marketing, and advertising. Get new episodes on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

  1. 3d ago

    Stopping Technician Turnover: How to Fix Service Department Pay Plans | Dealership Playbook Ep. 2

    Welcome to Part 2 of The Dealership Playbook, a special 5-part series on On Deck with Chris Herman. In this deep dive, Chris is joined by operations expert Keith Monnin to decode the true mechanics of running a profitable store.   Are improper pay plans causing chaos in your dealership's service department? In this episode, Chris and Keith break down the history and mechanics of auto technician pay, from old-school 50/50 split models to modern flat-rate pay plans, and reveal how poor compensation structures hurt dealership retention and profitability. Discover how implementing a clear, evaluation-based career path for body shop and service technicians can eliminate hostage negotiations over raises, build job value, and create a culture of predictability that protects your entire dealership's bottom line.   In this episode, we cover:   The Evolution of Technician Pay: From 50/50 split labor to flat-rate hours. Flat-Rate Flaws: How flat-rate book times are determined and the hidden traps within them. Breaking the Cycle: Why technicians quit just to get a raise and how to stop it. Structured Career Paths: How to implement a performance-based evaluation system. The Ripple Effect: How service department compensation impacts overall sales and dealership success.   Catch up on Episode 1 and subscribe to follow the rest of The Dealership Playbook series!   Follow On Deck: https://www.instagram.com/ondeckwithchrisherman https://www.facebook.com/ondeckwithchrisherman https://x.com/odwchrisherman https://www.tiktok.com/@ondeckwithchrisherman Web Links: https://www.ondeckwithchrisherman.com https://www.thehermanagency.com https://www.12groveproductions.com For more On Deck be sure to like and subscribe!

    Stopping Technician Turnover: How to Fix Service Department Pay Plans | Dealership Playbook Ep. 2
  2. Oct 14

    The GM's Blind Spots: Managing 7 Businesses Under One Roof | Dealership Playbook Ep. 1

    Welcome to Part 1 of The Dealership Playbook, a special 5-part series on On Deck with Chris Herman. In this deep dive, Chris is joined by operations expert Keith Monnin to decode the true mechanics of running a profitable store.   Why do so many dealership general managers struggle to succeed, even after decades in the automotive industry? In this kickoff episode, Chris and Keith break down the biggest blind spots GMs face when stepping up to lead a store. Running a dealership isn't just about making sales deals; it's about managing seven different businesses under one roof.   In this episode, we cover:   The GM Progression Problem: Why lack of formal leadership training leaves GMs operating reactively instead of proactively. The Power of "Save a Deal" Meetings: Why structured daily morning meetings are critical for recovering unsold opportunities and driving additional sales. Fixed Operations & Parts Inventory: How GMs can prevent hidden profit drains in the parts department and body shop. The Truth About BDC & Lead Generation: Why process and follow-up matter more than just driving walk-in traffic or blaming the ad agency. Bridging the Accounting Gap: How building cross-departmental understanding between sales, fixed ops, and the accounting office creates an aligned leadership team.   Whether you're a general manager, general sales manager, or dealership operator looking to refine your daily routine and protect your bottom line, this discussion offers actionable insights into real dealership management. Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss the rest of The Dealership Playbook series.   Follow On Deck: https://www.instagram.com/ondeckwithchrisherman https://www.facebook.com/ondeckwithchrisherman https://x.com/odwchrisherman https://www.tiktok.com/@ondeckwithchrisherman   Web Links: https://www.ondeckwithchrisherman.com https://www.thehermanagency.com https://www.12groveproductions.com For more On Deck be sure to like and subscribe!

    The GM's Blind Spots: Managing 7 Businesses Under One Roof | Dealership Playbook Ep. 1
  3. Apr 28

    On Deck with Chris Herman Episode #104: John Saunders

    In this episode of "On Deck," Chris Herman welcomes back John Saunders, the Founder & Creative Director of 5Four Digital. With nearly two decades in the industry, John shares his remarkable journey from working in banking to building a successful digital agency from the ground up.   John provides a raw look into the early days of entrepreneurship, discussing how he balanced a part-time job while landing his first clients and "shouting into the void" of social media to build organic growth. The conversation also tackles the future of the creative industry, specifically the "canon event" of AI and how it will reshape branding, technology, and the value of the human element.   Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this discussion offers valuable insights on:   Transitioning from a corporate career to business ownership. The grit required to scale an agency. Leveraging AI to enhance creative workflows while maintaining a premium human touch. John's passion projects, including his diverse illustration library and a new video game studio co-founded with his son.     Learn more about 5Four Digital: Website: https://www.5fourdigital.com   Follow On Deck: https://www.instagram.com/ondeckwithchrisherman https://www.facebook.com/ondeckwithchrisherman https://x.com/odwchrisherman https://www.tiktok.com/@ondeckwithchrisherman   Web Links: https://www.ondeckwithchrisherman.com https://www.thehermanagency.com https://www.12groveproductions.com   For more On Deck be sure to like and subscribe!

    On Deck with Chris Herman Episode #104: John Saunders

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The On Deck podcast is hosted by Chris Herman, Owner of The Herman Agency. Join Chris as he leads guests in free-form conversations. From entrepreneurs and social media strategists to creatives in music, design, and broadcast, each episode is a spirited discussion about the creative process and its role in branding, marketing, and advertising. Get new episodes on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.