Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz

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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.

5d ago

Your Service Advisor Has One Job on the Phone: Get the Appointment [E266]

Most service advisors think their job on the phone is to answer questions. They're wrong. In this episode, Coach Chris Cotton explains why the only objective of every incoming phone call is to secure the appointment and how that one mindset shift can dramatically improve your closing ratio, increase car count, and create a better customer experience. Chris dives into why shop owners should be listening to phone calls every week, how to score calls using a simple pass/fail system, and why service advisors must confidently guide customers through the scheduling process instead of simply providing information. You'll also learn why appointment times don't mean what customers think they mean, how to properly set expectations before a customer arrives, and why successful shops intentionally overbook based on historical no-show rates. If you want more cars showing up, fewer scheduling headaches, and service advisors who sound like trusted professionals, this episode is for you. In This Episode ✔ Why every phone call should be scored Pass or Fail ✔ The only purpose of answering the phone ✔ Why service advisors should lead—not simply answer questions ✔ Setting expectations before customers arrive ✔ Why appointment times are actually arrival times ✔ Creating a smooth customer check-in process ✔ Scheduling based on probabilities instead of hope ✔ Why your phone process is actually part of your marketing Key Takeaways "The purpose of answering the phone isn't to answer questions. It's to secure the appointment.""Customers don't need another information desk. They need someone willing to guide them.""Every phone call is a sales opportunity long before an estimate is ever written.""Appointment time isn't when the repair starts. It's when the relationship starts.""Don't schedule perfection. Schedule reality." Memorable Quotes "If the appointment wasn't scheduled, the phone call failed.""The best service advisors don't wait for customers to lead—they confidently guide them.""Confusion creates frustration. Expectations create confidence.""Your service advisor is one of the most important salespeople in your business.""Hope is not a scheduling strategy." 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 Connect with Chris: AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching www.autoshopcoaching.com www.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae Email Chris: chris@autofixsos.com The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. 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. The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
Jul 13

Build a Business Worth Owning... and Worth Buying [E265]

Build a Business Worth Owning... and Worth Buying What is your business actually worth? If you don't know the answer, you're not alone—but it's one of the most important questions every shop owner should be asking. In this episode of The Weekly Blitz, Coach Chris Cotton introduces AutoFix Coaching's new Coaching to Valuation philosophy. Instead of focusing only on monthly KPIs, this approach starts by understanding your current business value and building a customized coaching roadmap that increases enterprise value over time. Whether you plan to sell your shop someday or keep it for the next generation, every leadership decision should make your business stronger, healthier, and more valuable. In This Episode Why valuation matters—even if you never plan to sellThe difference between building income and building enterprise valueIntroducing AutoFix Coaching's Coaching to Valuation philosophyWhy every KPI should connect to business valueThe importance of income statements and balance sheetsHow a customized coaching roadmap helps build a stronger business 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 Connect with Chris: AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching www.autoshopcoaching.com www.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae Email Chris: chris@autofixsos.com The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. 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. The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
Jul 6

5 Lessons Every Shop Owner Should Steal from the Top 10% What the 2026 PMA Benchmark Report ReallyTells Us [E264]

5 Lessons Every Shop Owner Should Steal from the Top 10% The 2026 PMA Benchmark Report is packed with data—but numbers only matter if you know how to apply them. In this episode, Coach Chris Cotton breaks down the five biggest lessons hidden inside the report and explains why leadership, productivity, systems, and accountability consistently separate the best repair shops from everyone else. If you've ever wondered what elite-performing shops actually do differently, this episode provides practical, actionable answers backed by industry data and real-world coaching experience. In This Episode Why labor rate isn't the biggest profit driverThe real reason productivity mattersHow top shops build repeatable systemsWhy owners become the growth ceilingWhat winning shops do to retain great employeesPractical action items you can implement immediatelyThe numbers don't lie—and this report proves that great leadership always wins. 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 Connect with Chris: AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching www.autoshopcoaching.com www.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae Email Chris: chris@autofixsos.com The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. 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. The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
Jun 29

When Coaching Falls Apart: The PMA Report, ATI's Shake-Up, and Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever [E263]

The latest PMA Benchmark Report confirmed something we've been teaching at AutoFix Coaching for years: the biggest problem facing most independent repair shops isn't labor rates, marketing, or even the technician shortage—it's leadership. In this episode, Coach Chris Cotton breaks down the coaching-related findings from the PMA report and explains why top-performing shops consistently outperform the rest through better systems, stronger leadership, improved productivity, and disciplined execution. Chris also discusses the recent leadership changes at Automotive Training Institute (ATI), what those changes may mean for current coaching clients, and why shop owners should evaluate coaching based on the people, accountability, and results—not just the company name. If you've ever wondered why some shops continue to grow while others stay stuck despite charging higher labor rates or spending more on marketing, this episode will challenge your thinking. In this episode, you'll learn: Why higher labor rates don't guarantee higher profitsThe real reason productivity is a leadership metricWhat the PMA report reveals about elite-performing shopsWhy many owners become their own growth bottleneckWhat ATI's recent organizational changes could mean for coaching clientsHow to evaluate whether your current coaching relationship is helping your business growLeadership changes everything. The numbers prove it. Sponsored By Shop Marketing Pros Shop Marketing Pros helps independent auto repair shops dominate their markets through SEO, website design, Google Ads, and digital marketing strategies built specifically for the automotive industry. Learn more at: https://shopmarketingpros.com Need Help Understanding Your Numbers? Schedule a discovery session with AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching today. https://autoshopcoaching.com 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 Connect with Chris: AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching www.autoshopcoaching.com www.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae Email Chris: chris@autofixsos.com The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. 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. The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
Jun 15

The Hidden Cash Flow Killer: Owner Draws Nobody Is Talking About [E262]

Many auto repair shop owners struggle with cash flow despite having decent sales and respectable margins. Why? Sometimes the answer isn't on the Income Statement. In this Weekly Blitz episode, I discuss why owner draws can become one of the most overlooked causes of cash flow problems inside an auto repair business. After reviewing a shop's financials, I discovered multiple family members were taking approximately $15,000 per week in draws from the company. The withdrawals were sitting on the Balance Sheet, making it easy to overlook their impact on operational performance and cash flow. In this episode you'll learn: Why owner draws deserve more visibilityThe difference between tax accounting and management accountingHow hidden withdrawals impact cash flowWhy businesses should determine what they can afford to distributeThe two solutions available when draws exceed profitabilityWhy numbers can hide even when they don't lie Sponsored By Shop Marketing Pros Shop Marketing Pros helps independent auto repair shops dominate their markets through SEO, website design, Google Ads, and digital marketing strategies built specifically for the automotive industry. Learn more at: https://shopmarketingpros.com Need Help Understanding Your Numbers? Schedule a discovery session with AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching today. https://autoshopcoaching.com 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 Connect with Chris: AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching www.autoshopcoaching.com www.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae Email Chris: chris@autofixsos.com The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. 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. The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
Jun 8

The Parking Lot Never Lies [E261]

Want to know one of the fastest ways to determine if an auto repair shop is struggling? Look at the parking lot. If the same vehicles are sitting in the same spots for two weeks or longer, there is a good chance the shop has serious operational problems hiding beneath the surface. In this Weekly Blitz episode, I share one of the biggest warning signs I learned from my own experience as an absentee owner. The unfinished cars weren't the problem—they were the symptom of deeper issues involving leadership, workflow, communication, estimating, approvals, and accountability. We'll discuss: Why unfinished vehicles are trapped revenueHow stagnant parking lots signal operational bottlenecksThe hidden costs of delayed repairsWhy movement matters more than volumeQuestions every shop owner should ask about aging vehiclesHow high-performing shops manage workflow differentlyIf your lot looks more like vehicle storage than an active repair facility, this episode is for you. Sponsored By Shop Marketing Pros Need more of the right customers finding your shop online? Shop Marketing Pros helps independent auto repair shops dominate local search results through automotive-specific websites, SEO, digital advertising, and proven marketing systems. Learn more at: https://shopmarketingpros.com Ready to Improve Shop Performance? Visit AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching and schedule a discovery call today. https://autoSHOPCOACHING.com 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 Connect with Chris: AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching www.autoshopcoaching.com www.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae Email Chris: chris@autofixsos.com The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. 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. The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
Jun 1

Technology Isn’t the Problem - Lazy Leadership Is [E260]

Episode Overview Technology is moving fast in the automotive repair industry — and that’s not a bad thing. AI phone systems, automation tools, communication platforms, and workflow integrations all have the potential to improve efficiency, scalability, and customer experience. But here’s the hard truth discussed in this episode: Bad implementation creates bad customer experiences. Coach Chris Cotton shares recent experiences hearing AI answering systems from competing shops that sounded robotic, disconnected, confusing, and trust-breaking. The issue wasn’t the technology itself — it was the lack of leadership oversight behind it. This episode challenges shop owners to stop blindly automating customer interactions without personally auditing the experience their customers are actually receiving. Key Topics Discussed Technology Is Not the Enemy Chris makes it clear: He loves technology and innovation in the industry. Modern tools can improve: Workflow efficiencySchedulingCRM follow-upCustomer communicationCapacity managementShop productivityMarketing effectiveness But technology should enhance leadership — not replace it. “Technology amplifies leadership. It does not replace it.” The Danger of Poor AI Phone Systems Many shop owners are implementing AI answering systems to help with: Staffing shortagesOverloaded advisorsMissed callsOperational pressureBut if the system sounds:ColdRoboticConfusingSlowUntrustworthy It can quietly damage: Customer confidenceAppointment conversionFirst impressionsLong-term retentionBrand reputation Most customers won’t complain. They’ll simply call another shop. Memorable Quotes From This Episode “Answering the phone is not the objective. Creating trust is.”“Too many owners are trying to automate chaos instead of fixing chaos.”“Customers don’t announce lost trust. They just call someone else.”“Convenience cannot come at the expense of customer confidence.”“Good technology still requires leadership oversight.”“The market is becoming less forgiving of sloppy execution.” 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 Connect with Chris: AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching www.autoshopcoaching.com www.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae Email Chris: chris@autofixsos.com The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. 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. The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
May 25

Diesel Shops Should Be Printing Money… So Why Aren’t You? [E259]

“Volume without margin is just organized chaos.”“If your ARO doesn’t reflect the work, your process is broken.”“Busy is not a business model.”“Diesel shops don’t lack opportunity—they lack execution.”“If your pricing doesn’t match your capability, that’s a decision.”“Throughput—not car count—is what drives profit.”“Fleet work should support your business, not control it.”“You’re not running a schedule—you’re reacting to it.” In this episode of The Weekly Blitz, Coach Chris Cotton breaks down why diesel repair shops should be outperforming general repair shops—and why many aren’t. From underperforming ARO and mismanaged fleet accounts to scheduling inefficiencies and weak marketing strategies, this episode uncovers the operational and leadership gaps holding diesel shop owners back. Chris shares practical strategies to improve profitability, increase efficiency, and fully leverage the built-in advantages of diesel specialization. Diesel shops have a built-in advantage—higher ticket potential, specialized expertise, and strong demand. So why are so many still struggling with profitability? In this episode, Coach Chris Cotton breaks down the operational, pricing, scheduling, and marketing mistakes that are holding diesel shop owners back—and what to do about it. If your shop is busy but not producing the results it should, this episode will challenge how you’re thinking and give you clear actions to take. 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 Connect with Chris: AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching www.autoshopcoaching.com www.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae Email Chris: chris@autofixsos.com The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. 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. The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.

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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.