Misc

Does your shop have a customer first mindset? Are you practicing what you advertise?... Is your customer really #1?... Are you serving the “right” customer? (DRPs/Insurance carriers or vehicle owners) From what I see out there, although we may talk a great game, sometimes we overlook the concept of providing a “customer-first” business model or culture. It seems many shops focus on pleasing the insurance carriers or DRP “partnerships” (and I use that word fictitiously) they serve, over the actual vehicle owners. I’ve also witnessed more...

Attracting & retaining Great employees!

This may not surprise you, but not a single day goes by in my role within this industry, that I’ve been a part of over 40 years, that I don’t hear a shop manager, fixed operation director, independent owner or even dealership principle, voice a complaint, bellyache, dissatisfaction with or feeling of despair, with our auto or collision repair industry. These complaints vary widely, are described uniquely, with multiple ranges of intensity, spicy language or what I’ll call “enthusiasm” … but...

5 Keys to less distractions!

I know everyone of us (including YOU) have been there. Even with the best of intentions to stay on task, finish a job, complete an important project or get some shit done we promised ourselves or someone else, we would absolutely complete today… for sure!... yet we still find ourselves stopping and scrolling through social media for “just a minute” (which turns into an hour), when we should be working on a project. Or we get up and go look for...

Empathy, don’t leave home without it!

    Is it just me, or does it seem like people in traffic are at their absolute worst, riding your rear-end no matter how far over the speed limit your already driving, cutting lane-to-lane without signals, weaving in & out of traffic at 80 or 90 mph, finally getting in front of you and giving you the one-finger salute?... and that’s just in the school-zone, right?... ok, ok, just kidding about the school zone, but you know what I’m saying.   Or how...

Time to take the wheel, and steer your own ship!

While I’m not an expert on boats, by any stretch of the imagination, but I do like them… they are cool to travel on, and can take you pIaces that can only be reached by water or by boat. And… I do know a few basics, like they come in many shapes and sizes, they can transport you any amount of distance you need to cover... from one end of a little lake to the other, or all the way around...

5 Quick Tips to reduce stress IMMEDIATELY!

I know I don’t need to tell you, but we are all currently living one of the most stressful times in the past 20 years! Sometimes there are so many thoughts, events, emotions and situations that are creating stress in our everyday lives… and it seems to be at an increasingly faster rate than ever before, that most of us feel helpless to stop it… or to even slow it down, am I right? Did you realize over 75% of adults feel...

Do I need, a coach or a mentor?

Today I want to dive a little deeper on a subject, really more of a culture-shift or trend…If you listened to the last couple week’s episodes (hopefully you did, but if not, go back and listen to #42 & #43) I highlighted the critical need for mentorship in the collision & auto repair industry…. And also provided some great insight & advice from one of my mentors, Tony Robbins. This week, I want to explore what it means to have a...

Start your morning with these 3 easy wins!!

Two things I’ve noticed in my half-century of dealing with people, in many walks of life is: #1- Everybody is uniquely different from everyone else; no two individuals are alike and #2 – everybody likes to win, no exceptions, given the option to win or lose, everyone wants to win, right?... I mean it makes sense; nobody likes to lose… nobody…. Regardless if it’s a game, or at any kind of sport, an argument, debate or disagreement, getting the favor of a...

Money… the most powerful tool in your toolbox!

Today I want to talk about a subject that we ALL have struggled with throughout our lives, some more than others, but I can guarantee… we have all struggled with and will continue to do so at some level, but hopefully I can share my insights and understanding of this tool, and that sharing may help YOU struggle less going forward. Yes, I did say TOOL…. The more I understand money, the more I realize it is nothing more than just a tool. No matter what position you...

Stop focusing on the DESTINATION, and enjoy the JOURNEY!

I don’t know about you, but when I finally start shaking off the cold of yet another long winter here in the Midwest, and the sun shines down through my windshield for more than 2 days in a row, my thoughts start zoning-in on only one thing, and only one thing … the visions in my mind start becoming crystal-clear, as the first two feet of water on a warm Gulf-of-Mexico beach… get’n my toes in the sand & a...