Repair Shop Advice

Archive for April, 2019

The Technicians You Need: Building Your Team

April 16th, 2019

Hiring technicians is the largest challenge many auto repair shops face. For most other shops, it will become their largest problem as soon as they lose an employee.  This is the first post in a three-part series on building a strategy to recruit, retain and elevate your technicians.

Many shops are floored with the level of competition in recruiting service technicians.  If you’ve needed technicians in the last few months, you’ve probably seen just how difficult it can be to attract qualified, personable people to join your team.  The shortage is dire enough that staffing is an issue even for shops that don’t need technicians – because their best team members are being recruited by other shops desperate for help.

Unfortunately, it’s only going to get worse.  The technicians of today are being pulled in multiple directions by dealerships, independent shops and businesses that need technicians to service their fleets in-house.   The technicians of 2021-2025 are being pulled in many other directions.  They don’t even know that they’re interested in auto repair – and they may never find out.

High-school and technical school students with an interest in skilled trades are becoming exceedingly rare.  They are being recruited by every industry that could use their help, including the electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and even industrial mechanical industries.  Once they begin a skilled trade path, they will likely transition into that field and continue to develop their skills in that area without ever considering another one.

Most shops have a stated preference for candidates with a certain level of experience.  Managers can’t imagine themselves having to take on the added burden of training a first-time employee on the basics of employment on top of auto repair.  While they wait for a qualified candidate to come along, they settle for no employee at all, which can force them to turn away business and damage their reputation and their bottom line.

“Green” employees have advantages that employers don’t often consider.  While they need to be trained, they don’t need to be retrained, which is generally harder.  They don’t have expectations of what it’s like to be in the workforce, and as a result they will often mesh better with your team and have a less entitled attitude.  They are also appreciative of the opportunity to bolster their skills, and they’re sometimes more interested in mentorship and career trajectory than a higher starting salary.

Whether you’re having trouble hiring now, or you want to insulate yourself from this challenge in future years, it’s worth your time to explore building a “farm team” of apprentices and trainees that see your shop as a great way to enter the skilled trades workforce.  This could be as easy as taking on apprentices who are already going down the path of auto repair. It could also include offering training programs or career presentations through your local community or technical college, or even local high schools.

It’s true that this requires time, which is a valuable commodity for many repair shop owners and managers.  It’s also true that this approach may take months (or years, depending on your audience) to yield full-time technicians.  Becoming recognized as a top place to start a new career, however, could provide a steady stream of eager, affordable new recruits for years to come.  Shops that achieve this goal have one of the biggest competitive advantages in the auto repair industry – the people to get the job done.

To learn how Repair Shop Websites can help your shop earn more business, call us at 866-665-1605 or email us at Team_RSW@RepairShopWebsites.com.

RG Motorworks | Your Import Specialist in Las Vegas Valley

April 15th, 2019

The mission of RG Motorworks is to provide unparalleled service and workmanship. A comprehensive foreign and domestic repair facility, they specialize in import repair and maintenance. Family owned and operated for over 20 years, they are the dealership alternative in the Henderson/Las Vegas, NV area, and provide excellent service using quality parts. For computer diagnostics, engine and transmission maintenance and repair, heating and cooling services, and more call 702-655-6867 today to schedule your service or visit the shop located at 988 Empire Mesa Way, Henderson, NV 89011.

McCullough Service Center | Locally Owned & Operated in Evansville IN

April 12th, 2019

McCullough Service Center has been providing customers in Evansville, IN with high-quality automotive maintenance and repair services since the late 1950s. Our experienced mechanics will get your vehicle up and running again, and we’ll keep it in top operating condition. We handle everything from routine maintenance services, oil changes, brake services, alignments, tires, and engine & transmission repairs. To learn more about our services, call us at 812-423-8204 or stop at 3416 W Virginia St Evansville, IN 47712. We’re looking forward to earning your trust as a friendly, honest and reliable alternative for your auto maintenance and repair needs in Evansville.

Gene’s Auto & Truck | Making Sure You Are Fixed Up!

April 11th, 2019

Green Bay, Wisconsin has an auto shop called Gene’s Auto & Truck.  Mitch and his team are able to complete most auto repairs but specialize in transmissions, tires, alignments, and check engine lights and small trailer work. So when your vehicle is making some unexpected noise or just needs a routine maintenance, stop by the shop at 1721 Fire Lane Dr or call them at (920) 469-0780!

Franklin Auto Service | Your Dealership Alternative in Franklin, MI!

April 10th, 2019

You won’t trust your vehicles to anyone else after one service at Franklin Auto Service located at 32725 Franklin Rd, Franklin, MI 48025. These honest and knowledgeable mechanics have provided the community with auto repair and maintenance services such as brakes, engine diagnostics, wheel alignments, tires, tune ups, emission repair, and A/C repairs for over 30 years. Don’t underestimate the value this business can provide! Call these great folks at 248-626-2080 to schedule your auto maintenance and repair.

Family Owned & Operated For Over 30 years ~ Darrell’s Firestone | Farmington, MI

April 9th, 2019

For over 30 years Darrell’s Firestone has provided their valued customers in the Farmington, MI community with excellent service and affordable auto repair and maintenance services including: Tires, Alignment, Brakes, Diagnostics, A/C Repair, Tune Ups, Oil Changes, and much more. Call the friendly staff at 248-477-9090 to schedule your service today, or drop by to talk with the trustworthy technicians about your repair in person at 23534 Farmington Rd, Farmington, MI 48336.

Quality, Honesty, and Knowledgeable Service | Pete’s Foreign Auto Repair in Fremont

April 9th, 2019

Pete’s Foreign Auto Repair has been a staple of the Fremont automotive scene since 1986. We’ve spent this time proudly serving the Fremont area and have become a valued part of the community. Whether you need general upkeep and maintenance or a complete vehicle overhaul, Pete’s Foreign Auto Repair will be there to provide excellent service and trustworthy advice, stop by the shop at 43203 Osgood Rd. Fremont, CA 94539 or call 510.656.4933 with any questions. To keep your vehicle running properly at all times, we offer a number of services including: Oil Changes, Brake Services, Collision Repairs, Engine Maintenance & Repairs, Transmission Repairs, and A/C & Heating Services.

Fort Walton Radiator Auto Air & Repair | The Job done right the first time, on time, at or below estimate.

April 9th, 2019

At Fort Walton Radiator Auto Air & Repair, we have experience servicing all makes and models of domestic and import vehicles, and we’re honored to keep vehicles throughout the Fort Walton Beach area reliable and well-maintained. We get the job done right the first time, on time, at or below estimate. Call us at 850.243.6788 or stop by the shop at 39 Perry Ave SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 to schedule your vehicle’s next service. We can handle everything from Oil Changes, Factory Recommended Maintenance, Brake Services, Engine Repairs, Transmission Services, and Vehicle Diagnostic Services.

North Hollywood & Burbank’s Fleet Specialists | Advance Auto-Tech Center

April 9th, 2019

Trust your commercial fleet to the experts at Advance Auto-Tech Center located at 7923 Lankershim Blvd, Suite A, North Hollywood, CA 91605. They offer fleet customers free estimates and courtesy inspections. Walk-in customers are always welcome. From preventive maintenance services to brakes, wheel alignments, and computer diagnostics, you receive excellent service from ASE certified technicians at this shop. Call 818-503-0203 to schedule your maintenance today, or drop by the shop at your convenience.

Exhaust Plus | Don’t let the name fool you, we do COMPLETE Auto Care, NOT just exhaust.

April 8th, 2019

Exhaust Plus is a full-service preventive maintenance and auto repairs center in the West Salem, WI 54669 area. Our experts have the knowledge to service and repair even the most challenging auto problems on all makes and models of domestic and import vehicles. We specialize in BrakesCar & Truck CareDomestic Cars & TrucksElectronic ServicesEngine & TransmissionEngine MaintenanceMiscellaneous Services, and more since 1992.