Wrench Turners Podcast

Fireman? ...No, Foreman. "It was kind of an accident if I'm being honest." -Clinton This week on Wrench Turners Podcast Mechanic, Foreman, and Leader Sonic Automotive Group Clinton Cruz Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Unexpected events can lead to discovering a passion 2️⃣ Technicians need to take ownership of their training 3️⃣ Managing different personalities within the shop is challenging J. —- I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + 🔔 to get daily automotive service content. You can find Wrench Turners Merch here: https://lnkd.in/g9tR8ZcF Get into Riverside.fm, Freemium Edition (my recording software) https://lnkd.in/g6c9wKk2 Wrench Turners Website https://wrenchturners.online Episode Summary Clinton Cruz shares his journey into the automotive trade, starting with a car repair accident that led him to discover his passion for fixing cars. He worked at a gas station repair facility before moving to a Dodge dealership and eventually transitioning to a Toyota dealership. Clinton emphasizes the importance of following instructions and learning from mentors in order to become a good leader. He also discusses his love for working on Supras and reflects on the changes in the automotive industry over the years. In this conversation, Clinton Cruz and Joshua Taylor discuss the challenges of being a leader in a shop and the importance of communication and training in the automotive industry. Clinton emphasizes the need for technicians to take ownership of their training and to surround themselves with good people who can inspire and mentor them. They also discuss the importance of separating personal and professional feedback and the value of building relationships with other technicians. The conversation ends with Joshua sharing his plans for future podcast episodes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:29 Getting Into the Trade 05:15 Transition to a Dodge Dealer 07:36 Transition to a Toyota Dealer 11:35 Working at Toyota 24:10 The New Supra 24:36 Discussion on the high price of sports cars 27:12 Clinton's progression in the automotive industry 28:21 Challenges of being a leader in the shop 32:05 The importance of separating personal and professional 36:59 Clinton's advice for technicians 49:01 The value of surrounding yourself with good people 50:05 Closing remarks and upcoming episodes Keywords automotive trade, car repair, gas station, Dodge dealership, Toyota dealership, following instructions, mentors, leadership, Supra, automotive industry, automotive industry, leadership, communication, training, personal development, relationships

"Be true to you and let them talk." - Wendy This week on Wrench Turners Podcast BDC Specialist and Trainer Serial Student in Automotive and people Podcast Host of The Human Side of AI BDC Angels LLC owner, 😇🚐☎️ Wendy Reeves Wendy Reeves shares her journey in the automotive industry, starting as a title clerk and eventually running a successful BDC business that just hired 40 new agents to support the business growth. Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Building a supportive community is crucial for personal and professional growth. 2️⃣ Accountability and work ethic are important qualities for both sales and service professionals. 3️⃣ Open communication and feedback within the dealership are essential for improvement. You can find Wendy on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-reeves/ Or check her BDC Angels Website directly https://bdcangels.com/ Let’s get into it. J. —- I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + 🔔 to get daily automotive service content. You can find Wrench Turners Merch here: https://lnkd.in/g9tR8ZcF Get into Riverside.fm for FREE (my recording software) https://lnkd.in/g6c9wKk2 Summary In this episode of the Wrench Turners podcast, Joshua Taylor interviews Wendy Reeves, the founder of BDC Angels, a company focused on improving communication between guests and dealerships. Wendy shares her journey in the automotive industry, starting as a title clerk and eventually running a successful business. She discusses the importance of building a supportive community and the impact of COVID-19 on personal interactions. Wendy also highlights the growth of the SDL (Service Drive Live) community and the positive changes in the automotive industry. The conversation with BDC Wendy focused on the challenges and differences between building BDCs in the past and present. One of the biggest challenges today is the gap between sales and BDC, as well as the presence of too many hands in the BDC. Communication between departments, such as sales, BDC, and service, is crucial for success. The conversation also touched on the importance of accountability, work ethic, and effective communication in both sales and service. BDC Wendy advised mechanics to be true to themselves and not compromise their values, while also emphasizing the need for open communication and feedback within the dealership. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Mama Shark 03:00 The Power of Community 04:55 Early Automotive Career 08:51 First Year as a Title Clerk 13:14 Transition to BDC Angels 20:01 Challenges of Building a Service BDC 20:55 Evolution of BDCs and Challenges 22:07 Communication Gap between Sales and BDC 22:52 Too Many Hands in the BDC 23:23 Broken Culture in BDCs 24:03 The Importance of Communication 25:23 The Role of Technicians in the BDC 26:19 Different Sales Approaches in BDC 27:16 The Importance of Empathy in BDC 27:39 Selling Appointments, Not Cars 28:23 The Impact of Communication on Customer Experience 29:19 The Need for Improved Communication 30:22 The Role of High-Value Leaders in Improving Communication 31:12 The Challenges of Communication in the Automotive Industry 32:16 The Importance of Accountability and Communication in the Shop 34:07 The Impact of Communication on Work Ethic 35:29 The Power of Conversation and Communication 36:36 The Importance of Sharing Information and Feedback 37:46 The Consequences of Dirty Data and Poor Communication 39:06 The Importance of Accountability and Coaching 41:21 Being True to Yourself and Letting Others Talk 44:18 Taking Care of Yourself and Minding Your Own Business

"I'm not a desk person. There's no way I could sit at a desk and sit there all day and do nothing." - Madison This week on Wrench Turners Podcast RSE Mechanic Madison Wheeler Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Stable routines lead to success. 2️⃣ Old vs New; not the same diagnostic steps. 3️⃣ Having faith in yourself can change outcomes. Let’s get into it. J. —- I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + 🔔 to get daily automotive service content. You can find Wrench Turners Merch here: https://lnkd.in/g9tR8ZcF Get into Riverside.fm for FREE (my recording software) https://lnkd.in/g6c9wKk2 Summary In this conversation, Joshua Taylor interviews Madison Wheeler, a female mechanic, about her journey into the automotive industry. Madison shares how her interest in trucks and a desire for a more stable routine led her to pursue a career as a mechanic. She started in heavy-duty vehicles and then transitioned to working at a Toyota dealership before moving to a Nissan dealership. Madison discusses the differences between working on Toyota and Nissan vehicles, highlighting the engineering and manufacturing variances. She also mentions the challenges of diagnosing and repairing custom and classic cars at an independent shop. In this conversation, Madison discusses the challenges of transitioning from working on old cars to new cars within the same day. She also shares her experiences working at a Toyota dealership, Nissan dealership, and an independent shop. Madison highlights the importance of leadership and how it can impact a mechanic's happiness and productivity. She advises mechanics to have faith in themselves, work smarter not harder, and appreciate the support and guidance of their leaders. 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties 01:32 Getting Into the Automotive Industry 06:03 First Year as a Mechanic 08:43 Transition to Nissan and Meeting Richard Mueller 11:19 Difference Between Toyota and Nissan 12:40 Different Car Brands and Models 13:16 Simplicity in Manufacturing 14:08 Working on German Cars 14:53 Challenging Repairs and Diagnostics 16:28 Switching Between Old and New Cars 17:04 Advancements in Diagnostic Tools 18:01 Working on Different Car Models 19:00 Importance of Leadership in the Workplace 20:00 Advice for Mechanics 21:42 Appreciating Good Leadership 24:55 Overcoming Challenges as a Female Mechanic 31:03 Importance of Appreciation and Respect

"Be more concerned about the job you're getting paid for than getting paid for the job you're doing" - Christopher This week on Wrench Turners Podcast Master Technician, Race Car Mechanic, and Shop Foreman Cobourg Mazda Christopher Johnson Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Christopher's passion for racing sparked his career in automotive. "Personal Interests" can drive a long career in automotive. 2️⃣ Bringing outside experiences into a dealership can help provide a perspective that the team and business may have never experienced before. 3️⃣ Accountability and a willingness to learn from mistakes are key to professional development and respect in the automotive industry. Let’s get into it. J. —- I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + 🔔 to get daily automotive service content. You can find Wrench Turners Merch here: https://lnkd.in/g9tR8ZcF Get into Riverside.fm for FREE (my recording software) https://lnkd.in/g6c9wKk2 Summary In this episode, Christopher Johnson shares his journey in the automotive industry, from his early fascination with racing to his experiences working at race shops and dealerships. He emphasizes the importance of holding oneself accountable and taking pride in the work being done. Christopher's advice for mechanics is to focus on doing the job they are getting paid for, rather than worrying about how much they are getting paid for the job. Overall, his story highlights the passion and dedication required to succeed in the automotive industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:36 Getting into Automotive 02:23 Early Racing Experiences 04:42 First Year Working on Cars 06:04 Apprenticeship Experience 07:57 Working at a Race Shop 08:54 Transition to a Dealership 12:04 Working on Race Cars 16:57 Transition to Mazda Dealership 19:27 Moving Back to Coburg 23:33 Advice for Mechanics 26:19 Conclusion

Retaining Knowledge - 10 Mill Mastery - Series 9 - Episode 2 The Lads: Marshall Sheldon Stephan Dos Santos Richard Mueller Russell Wickham Summary The conversation revolves around the topic of how to remember and retain knowledge in the field of automotive repair. The participants discuss various strategies, including teaching others, writing things down, creating Google Docs, and sharing information with colleagues. They also mention the importance of accessing stored bulletins and notes, as well as the value of hands-on experience and learning from the school of hard knocks. The conversation highlights the need for continuous learning and the challenges of staying up-to-date in a rapidly evolving industry. Takeaways J. — I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + 🔔 to get daily automotive service content. You can find Wrench Turners Merch here: https://lnkd.in/g9tR8ZcF Check out the Website here: www.wrenchturners.online

"We have to invest in them for there to be hope" - Michael This week on Wrench Turners Podcast Nissan Master Technician, EV, GT-R, and CVT Specialist Royal Oak Nissan Michael Hillsden Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Invest in personal and professional development through training, mentorship, and engaging in healthy competition to enhance skills, income potential, and career growth. 2️⃣ Value and fairly compensate work, pursue passions outside of work, and foster a supportive community by acknowledging contributions and providing guidance to the next generation. 3️⃣ Adapt to industry changes by innovating in mentorship, compensation structures, and leveraging brand training, to foster team building and leadership development for both personal and financial success. Let’s get into it. Find the episode: Spotify: YouTube: J. —- I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + 🔔 to get daily automotive service content. You can find Wrench Turners Merch here: https://lnkd.in/g9tR8ZcF Get into Riverside.fm for FREE (my recording software) https://lnkd.in/g6c9wKk2 SummaryIn this conversation, Michael Hillsden and Joshua Taylor discuss various topics related to the automotive industry and personal growth as a technician. They talk about the benefits of professional development programs, the value of being paid for your work, and the time commitment required to pursue passions. They also emphasize the importance of acknowledging and appreciating others, as well as the significance of introductions and outros in a podcast. Michael shares his journey into the automotive industry and his love for Nissan cars. They discuss the role of education and personal experience in becoming a skilled technician. They also touch on the challenges and growth in the first year of an apprenticeship and the changing landscape of apprenticeships in the industry. The conversation highlights the need for shop foremen and mentors and the importance of compensating them for their mentorship and leadership. They discuss the benefits of competitions and investing in young technicians, as well as the impact of competitions on personal growth. The conversation concludes with Michael offering one piece of advice for technicians to be happy, healthier, and more productive tomorrow. The conversation highlights the importance of investing in oneself and honing one's craft in the automotive industry. It emphasizes the significant impact of brand training on income and career progression. Additionally, it emphasizes the role of finding a high-value leader in personal development and financial success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Getting to Know Each Other 01:14 Benefits of Professional Development Programs 02:01 The Value of Being Paid for Your Work 03:27 The Time Commitment of Pursuing Passions 04:09 Acknowledging and Appreciating Others 05:05 The Importance of Introductions and Outros 06:42 The Excitement of Being a Part of a Podcast 08:57 What Got Michael Into the Automotive Industry1 0:52 The Love for Nissan Cars 13:19 The Role of Education and Personal Experience 15:36 The Challenges and Growth in the First Year 18:07 The Changing Landscape of Apprenticeships 21:39 The Need for Shop Foremen and Mentors 25:06 The Personal and Professional Impact of Mentors 29:18 Compensation for Mentorship and Leadership 36:19 The Benefits of Competitions and Investing in Young Technicians 44:05 The Impact of Competitions on Personal Growth 46:21 The Importance of Healthy Competition and Team Building 48:12 One Piece of Advice for Technicians 48:24 Investing in Yourself and Your Craft 51:42 The Impact of Brand Training on Income 53:35 Finding a High-Value Leader

"Don't make long-term decisions on short-term emotions" - Kevin This week on Wrench Turners Podcast Technician, Professor, Consultant, and Entrepreneur WholeFleet Diagnostics and VieTech Training & Consulting Inc. Kevin Vieth Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ The early years in the automotive industry emphasize mastering basic tasks and the necessity of investing in advanced equipment and training to stay competitive, especially with evolving technologies like EVs. 2️⃣ Addressing the educational gap with updated training that includes technical skills, soft skills, and leadership development is vital due to the loss of experienced leaders and the need for a positive work culture. 3️⃣ Encouraging continuous self-development and structured, comprehensive training is essential for filling the mentorship void, ensuring technicians stay updated and motivated, thereby fostering the growth of well-rounded professionals in the automotive industry. Let’s get into it. J. —- I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + 🔔 to get daily automotive service content. You can find Wrench Turners Merch here: https://lnkd.in/g9tR8ZcF Get into Riverside.fm for FREE (my recording software) https://lnkd.in/g6c9wKk2 WholeFleet Diagnostics www.wholefleet.ca VieTech Training & Consulting Inc. https://vietech.ca/ Summary In this conversation, Kevin Vieth and Joshua Taylor discuss various aspects of the automotive trade. They cover topics such as the challenges faced in the early years of the trade, the cost of equipment, struggles in small shops, the challenges of EV equipment, the importance of investing in equipment and training, the need for genuine content for technicians, and the importance of teaching respect and discipline to younger generations. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities and evolving nature of the automotive trade. The conversation explores the challenges faced by the automotive industry in terms of the loss of experienced leaders, the lack of compulsory training, and the need for ongoing education. It highlights the importance of leadership in the shop and the impact of training on technician satisfaction and productivity. The conversation also emphasizes the need for mechanics to take care of their physical and mental health and to focus on self-development. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Clip Marking 03:13 Getting into the Trade 04:23 Challenges in the Early Years 07:26 Monotony and Making Money 09:42 The Cost of Equipment 11:07 Struggles in Small Shops 12:06 Challenges with EV Equipment 13:11 Investing in Equipment and Training 15:08 The Importance of Service Advisor Education 16:08 The Lack of Technician Training 18:03 The First Year in the Trade 19:14 Building Relationships with Experienced Technicians 21:37 Understanding the Challenges of Younger Generations 23:28 Teaching Respect and Discipline 25:54 Loss of Experienced Leaders 26:24 Average Time in Trade 27:43 Lack of Experienced Veterans 28:16 Importance of Leadership in the Shop 30:13 Lack of Compulsory Training 31:04 Training Requirements in Canada vs. US 32:28 Lack of Ongoing Training 33:06 Mandatory Yearly or Bi-Yearly Updates 37:39 Challenges of Training in a Shop 41:25 Investing in Employees 45:37 Advice for Mechanics

"I think that's my favourite part, talking to customers" - Hunter This week on Wrench Turners Podcast RSE Mechanic, Solo Shop Owner, and Content Creator Hunter Layton aka "Motorcycle Guy" https://www.youtube.com/@motomedicyyc Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Transitioning to mobile repair, mechanics need to acquire new business skills such as customer relations and sales. 2️⃣ Building trust with customers is key and requires understanding their needs, effective communication, and consistent quality service, even though not every interaction will result in satisfaction. 3️⃣ Health and fitness are crucial in demanding jobs like automotive and motorcycle repair, so technicians should prioritize their well-being for long-term career success. Let’s get into it. J. —- I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + 🔔 to get daily automotive service content. You can find Wrench Turners Merch here: https://lnkd.in/g9tR8ZcF Wrench Turners Website https://www.wrenchturners.online Riverside FM https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_1&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=joshua-taylor Hunters YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@motomedicyyc Hunters Inst: https://www.instagram.com/motomedicyyc Hunters TT: https://www.tiktok.com/ @motomedicyyc Summary In this conversation, Joshua Taylor interviews Hunter Layton, also known as Motorcycle Guy, about his experience as a mobile motorcycle mechanic. They discuss Hunter's tool collection, how he got into the trade, his transition to being a mobile mechanic, and the challenges and lessons he has learned as an entrepreneur. They also explore the importance of communication with customers and how to get them excited about the repair and maintenance process. The conversation covers various topics related to the automotive and motorcycle industry, including shopping for parts, pay and work structure, building trust, taking care of your body, diet, and health, the importance of health in the industry, advice for technicians, future plans and collaboration, and appreciation for positive content. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:46 Hunter's Tool Collection 03:28 Getting Into the Trade 06:08 Motorcycle Apprenticeship 10:07 Hunter's Motorcycles 11:44 Changing Bikes 12:44 Value of Motorcycles 15:06 First Year as an Apprentice 19:05 Transition to Mobile Mechanic 21:39 Benefits of Being Mobile 25:09 Challenges of Being an Entrepreneur 26:34 Dealing with Difficult Customers 29:05 Lessons Learned 34:39 Communicating with Customers 36:30 Getting Customers Excited 38:26 Shopping for Parts 39:41 Pay and Work Structure 40:58 Building Trust 41:33 Taking Care of Your Body 45:06 Diet and Health 47:34 The Importance of Health in the Industry 48:46 Advice for Technicians 49:12 Future Plans and Collaboration 51:32 Appreciation for Positive Content 52:43 Closing Remarks

In this episode of Series 9 of 10 Mill Mastery, we discuss improving Mechanic communication with Service Advisors and Customers. The Lads: Marshall Sheldon Stephan Dos Santos Richard Mueller Russell Wickham J. — I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + 🔔 to get daily automotive service content. You can find Wrench Turners Merch here: https://lnkd.in/g9tR8ZcF Check out the Website here: www.wrenchturners.online Summary Confidence in their knowledge and skills helps technicians communicate more effectively with advisors, leading to better sales outcomes. Building trust, particularly for newer or younger technicians, can be bolstered by involving more experienced staff. It's vital to clearly explain technical issues in layman's terms and prioritize repairs to prevent overwhelming customers with choices. Emphasizing empathy, honesty, and simplicity in communication strategies leads to successful interactions and transactions. Key Takeaways Communication with advisors is improved by confidence in the technician's knowledge and clarity in explanations. Building trust is key, especially for younger, less experienced technicians. Sometimes, bringing in a senior technician to confirm the younger technician's assessment can help build trust. Learning the systems thoroughly, potentially through training, enhances confidence. Communication skills like tone, inflection, and not being overwhelmed with technical jargon are crucial. Understanding how to prioritize repairs and explain them to customers is important. It's essential to have a good relationship between advisors and technicians, avoiding undermining each other. Having an empathetic approach and being direct with customers can be effective. Presenting a few clear options, rather than overwhelming with many, can help close deals. Honesty and prioritization in communication with advisors assist in building trust and selling services effectively. Chapters 00:00 Improving Communication with Advisors 02:36 Building Confidence and Trust 06:56 Effective Communication with Advisors and Customers 17:42 Remembering and Sharing Knowledge

"Patience is the weapon against deception" -Aaron This week on Wrench Turners Podcast Experienced Service Leader Aaron Bratcher Key Takeaways: 👉 Understanding personal motivations can help drive career development ☝ Holding oneself accountable is crucial for effective leadership 🤙 Personal experiences can be applied to prevent similar mistakes Let’s get into it. J. — I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + 🔔 to get daily automotive service content. You can find Wrench Turners Merch here:https://lnkd.in/g9tR8ZcF Check out the Website here: www.wrenchturners.online 03:04 Starting in the Automotive Industry 08:57 Lack of Opportunities and Training 15:00 The Importance of Training and Certification 26:02 Motivation and Personal Drive 26:35 The Impact of Irresponsible Financial Behavior 27:14 Lessons Learned from Personal Experiences 28:38 Overcoming Challenges in the Last Five Years 36:02 The Importance of Decision-Making and Accountability 41:19 The Power of Patience 47:58 The Future of Alternative Fuels 50:24 Upcoming Episodes and Merchandise

"Tick that off the list, breathe..." - Jade This week on Wrench Turners Podcast Mechanic, Content Creator, and Inspiring Woman in Automotive Jade Price Key Takeaways: 👉 Don't let the opinions of others hold you back from taking risks and pursuing what makes you happy. ☝ Learning and trusting yourself can be challenging, but it is essential for personal and professional development. 🤙 Mistakes are a part of the learning process, and building self-confidence is crucial in overcoming them. Summary: In this conversation, Jade Price shares her journey in the automotive industry, from her passion for cars to her experiences as a mechanic. She discusses her love for JDM cars and her desire to get into drifting. Jade also talks about the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated trade and how she overcame them. She shares funny stories and anecdotes from her time in the shop and emphasizes the importance of pursuing your passion and staying true to yourself. In this conversation, Jade and Joshua discuss the importance of taking risks and not letting the opinions of others hold you back. They also explore the detrimental effects of working in a toxic environment and the challenges of learning and trusting oneself. The conversation highlights the significance of dealing with mistakes and building self-confidence. They touch on the importance of seeking professional help when needed and finding therapeutic release in cars. The conversation concludes with the advice to just go for it and pursue what makes you happy. Let’s get into it. J. — I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + 🔔 to get daily automotive service content. You can support Wrench Turners by checking out the Merch here: https://lnkd.in/g9tR8ZcF Website: www.wrenchturners.online Chapters 03:04 Getting into the Trade and First-Year Experience 08:54 Passion for Cars and Love for JDM 13:55 Challenges and Funny Stories in the Automotive Industry 27:11 Overcoming Challenges and Pursuing Your Passion 29:51 Taking Risks and Overcoming Regret 31:07 The Detriment of Working in a Toxic Environment 32:05 Challenges in Learning and Trusting Yourself 34:41 Dealing with Mistakes and Building Self-Confidence 37:31 The Importance of Seeking Professional Help 47:57 Finding Therapeutic Release in Cars 56:13 Advice for Mechanics: Just Do It

"I'm going to go get back into it, and it has been the greatest thing that's happened." ...Steve This week on Wrench Turners Podcast Shop Foreman and Mechanic International Auto Group Steve Kill Key Takeaways: Let’s get into it. J. — I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + notification to get daily automotive service content. You can find Wrench Turners Merch here: https://mr-joshua-taylor.creator-spring.com/

"Listen and Silent are spelled with the same letters" - Chris This week on Wrench Turners Podcast TikTok and RockED Content Creator Experienced Service Advisor Chris Craig Key Takeaways: 🤝 Communication is key for technicians and service advisors to work effectively together. 🏫 Training and coaching are essential for service advisors to improve their skills and provide better service. ✊ Building strong relationships at work is essential for a positive work environment and personal well-being. Let's get into it. PS. you can find Chris's Book, The Service Advisors Starter Guide here: https://chrismfcraig.files.wordpress.com/2023/03/the-service-advisors-starter-guide-ebook-final-edit-1.pdf J. — I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + notification to get daily automotive service content.

"People repeat what you recognize them for" ...Ed This week on Wrench Turners Podcast Best Selling Author of Mile One: https://amzn.to/49pg4SX Chief Operating Officer of Bozard Ford Lincoln Ed Roberts In today’s short episode, recorded while at #nada2024, we talk about "How to KEEP technicians" Key Takeaways: 🤝 Nurturing and developing leadership skills in technicians is crucial for their growth and success. ✍ Creating an environment where technicians can thrive and feel valued is essential for retaining them. 🏫 Continuous learning and personal development are key to becoming a better leader and technician. 🗞 Having non-negotiables and prioritizing safety in the workplace is important for maintaining high standards. PS. Did anyone catch the easter egg? J. — I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + notification to get daily automotive service content. www.wrenchturners.online 00:00 - Introduction and Personal Updates 05:25 - The Challenge of Filling and Keeping Technicians 08:11 - Creating Intimate Knowledge of Technicians 09:08 - Nurturing and Developing Leadership Skills 10:06 - Balancing Team Growth and Individual Development 12:34 - The Importance of Leadership and Continuous Learning 14:10 - Dealing with Mistakes and Negative Situations 15:26 - Non-Negotiables and Safety in the Workplace 19:31 - The Value of Processes and Organization 23:38 - Asking for Personal and Professional Growth 25:06 - Advice for Technicians: Take Initiative and Work on Personal Development 28:00 - Conclusion and Book Recommendation

"Can it power a headlight?" ...Andrew This week on Wrench Turners Podcast Automotive Mechanic and Shop Foreman Bannister Automotive Group Bannister GP Honda Andrew King In today’s episode, we talk about: ✅ Plumbing a better option? ✅ Why haven’t you done that? ✅ Doctor of the house Let's get into it. Key Takeaways: Find an outlet outside of work to unwind and manage stress. Take pride in your work and hold yourself accountable. Look for opportunities to progress and build from within. Continuously improve your skills and knowledge. Properly booking engine jobs can be a complex process that requires time and attention to avoid chargebacks. Running shops with a small number of technicians (6-15) can be challenging due to the lack of revenue to support dedicated staff for tasks like warranty administration and service writing. Generating enough revenue is crucial to justify hiring additional staff and improving the overall efficiency of the shop. Finding healthy outlets to relieve stress is essential in the automotive industry, as resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms can worsen the situation. Recognizing the need for change and seeking help when needed is crucial for personal and professional growth in the industry. J. — Please consider sharing this and following me Joshua Taylor if you found the content to be helpful. www.wrenchturners.online Wrench Tuners Merch https://mr-joshua-taylor.creator-spring.com/

"They had the one old journeyman tech and they're like, just stay out of his way. Don't piss him off" ...Tristan Does that resonate with any of you?... I know it did for me. This week on Wrench Turners Podcast RSE BSE Automotive Mechanic and Shop Foreman Hyatt Infiniti Tristan Pelletier In today’s episode, we talk about: ✅ RAP not RAT ✅ Staying out of the way ✅ A complete screwdriver... Let's get into it. Takeaways: ➡ Ask questions and seek help when facing challenges in diagnostics ➡ Reduce time to question and avoid spending excessive time on a problem without seeking assistance ➡ Build camaraderie and respect in the shop by helping and supporting fellow technicians ➡ Maintain a positive attitude and willingness to learn and adapt in the ever-changing automotive industry ➡ Having a deep understanding of the product being worked on can significantly reduce diagnostic time. ➡ When working on a flat-rate pay system, it is important to look at hours by the pay period or month rather than by the day or job. ➡ Focusing on the overall pay period or month can help maintain motivation and prevent discouragement during challenging days. J. --- Please consider sharing this and following me Joshua Taylor if you found the content to be helpful.

"What did I get myself into?" - Daniel This week on Wrench Turners Podcast Shop Foreman and Mechanic Porsche of Monterey Daniel Lee In today’s episode, we talk about: ✅ Loud Emotional V8's ✅ Front vs Rear Engine ✅ Needing to do better. Rough Chapters 🤜 Getting Into the Trade 🤜 The Challenges of the First Year 🤜 The Importance of Passion and Purpose 🤜 The Role of High Value Leaders 🤜 Working at a Porsche Dealership 🤜 Following Process and Detaching from Car Value 🤜 Starting with the Basics 🤜 The Importance of Grounds 🤜 Taking a Step Back 🤜 The Power of Walking Away 🤜 Understanding How Things Work J.

"Money still had emotion attached to it, because I grew up with very little" - Jamie This week on Wrench Turners Podcast Re-Activated Mechanic Multi-rooftop Independent Franchise Owner (not the shop, the brand) Jamie Holmes In today’s episode, we talk about: ✅ Crusty guy remembers it all ✅ Noah's 40 days of rain is just summer in Ireland ✅ In order of declining importance... Let's get into it. j. Wrench Turners Merch: https://mr-joshua-taylor.creator-spring.com Wrench Turners Website: www.wrenchturners.online LinkedIn content: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor Show Takeaways: Opening a successful automotive repair shop requires a combination of technical skills, business acumen, and the ability to connect with customers. Starting a business can be challenging, and it may take time to find the right strategies and overcome obstacles. Building a strong team and creating a positive work environment are essential for the success of a business. Rough Chapters Jamie's Journey into the Trade Opening the First Master Mechanic Shop Struggles and Growth Taking Responsibility and Doing the Right Thing Time to Fix it Right Lessons from Jamie's Journey

"Don't bother me, I'm thinking..." Calling out all you Diag Techs This week on Wrench Turners Podcast RSE Mechanic Michael Robert Prce In today’s episode, we talk about: ✅ Noisey shops ✅ Getting that immediate interview ✅ Walking all over new hires... Let's get into it. j. Summary The conversation covers topics such as personal backgrounds, getting into the trade, first-year experiences, the importance of training and pay structure, challenges of team dynamics in the shop, the value of a mentor, leaving a dealership, working at an independent shop, and transitioning to a Chrysler dealership. Takeaways The value of a mentor in the shop cannot be overstated. A good mentor can provide guidance, teach efficient work habits, and contribute to a positive work environment. Training is crucial for career growth and increased earning potential. Technicians who invest in their training and continuously improve their skills are more likely to be successful and earn higher wages. Team dynamics in the shop can greatly impact productivity and job satisfaction. Effective leadership and a supportive work environment are essential for fostering teamwork and collaboration. Dealing with ineffective management and manipulative colleagues can be challenging. It is important to maintain professionalism and focus on personal growth and development. Open and honest communication is key in addressing issues in the workplace. It is important to voice concerns and seek resolution constructively. Know your worth and recognize when it's time to change your career. Consider the work mix in a shop and ensure that it aligns with your interests and skills. Document your actions and accomplishments to support your requests for raises or compensation. Don't settle for a negative work environment or a job that makes you unhappy. Prioritize your happiness and well-being in your career choices. ------- I'm Joshua Taylor I help Automotive Leaders and Mechanics understand each other. Click my name + follow + 🔔 for daily service department content. www.wrenchturners.online

The Tekion Corp Master bestows his wisdom upon us! This week on Wrench Turners Podcast Regional Fixed Operations Director Rohrman Automotive Group Austin Conroy In today’s episode, we talk about: ✅ Getting worn down ✅ Be comfortable with being held accountable ✅ Getting past 16% Let's get into it. j. ----- I'm Joshua Taylor I help Service Managers and Mechanics understand each other. Check us out online: www.wrenchturners.online Episode Summary: Austin Conroy shares his journey in the car business, from starting as a salesperson to becoming a fixed operations manager. He emphasizes the importance of networking and finding mentors to learn from. Austin also discusses the impact of customer experience and the need to balance appointments with walk-ins. He highlights the value of accountability and holding oneself and others to high standards. Austin's insights provide valuable lessons for anyone in the automotive industry. In this conversation, Joshua Taylor and Austin Conroy discuss various topics related to the automotive service industry. They explore the importance of upselling and profitability, the challenges of mobile service, the adoption of new services, and the seasonal workflow challenges faced by technicians. They also discuss the impact of seasonal changes on technicians' well-being and the importance of building relationships with customers. Additionally, they touch on the issues of sign-on bonuses and guarantees, as well as the need for technicians to analyze their performance and focus on communication and trust. Key Takeaways: Networking and finding mentors are crucial for personal and professional growth. Customer experience should be a top priority, and appointments should be balanced with walk-ins. Accountability and high standards are essential for success in the automotive industry. Continual learning and training are key to staying ahead in the industry. Upselling and profitability are important for automotive dealerships and service centers. The adoption of mobile service is still in its early stages and faces challenges from dealerships, manufacturers, and customers. Technicians should focus on building relationships with customers and removing barriers between themselves and the people they serve. Analyzing technician performance and focusing on communication and trust are key to technician happiness and success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 06:50 First Year in the Car Business 09:39 Career Progression and Key Moments 14:34 Current Role and Responsibilities 16:10 Effecting Flat Rate Hour Production 25:13 Importance of Networking and Mentors 30:03 Impactful Conference or Event 33:38 Moving Away from Appointments 38:32 Customer Experience and Accountability 41:22 Balancing Customer Experience and Appointments 44:08 The Future of Service Appointments 45:41 Upselling and Profitability 47:19 Challenges of Mobile Service 49:39 Adoption of New Services 50:30 Challenges in the Shop 51:52 Seasonal Workflow Challenges 53:19 The Impact of Seasonal Changes 55:24 Improving Technician Performance 56:48 Sign-on Bonuses and Guarantees 58:53 Building Relationships with Customers 01:01:00 Focusing on Communication and Trust 01:02:55 Analyzing Technician Performance