Talking Shop with Shop Owner magazine

Everyone talks about the technician shortage but does anyone do anything about it? Well, yes. From educators to manufacturers to shop owners to industry advocates, people have been working for decades to promote the automotive industry as an attractive and profitable career option. Unfortunately, the shortage tsunami is real and has real implications for the independent repair market.Jennifer Maher, CEO and Executive Director of TechForce Foundation, explains the resources that are available to help potential repair technicians transition into this industry and how we can work together to solve the shortage one tech at a time.

If you're a shop owner you've heard from your coaches and your industry suppliers that your labor rate is probably too low. Of course, you've heard from your customers that it's far too high! Who do you believe? As long as you're competitive to the shop down the street, there's not much more you need to know, right?Knowing your numbers will make your shop more profitable, more competitive and more attractive - and doesn't have to be any additional burden to your customer base. You've worked too hard to build your shop – don't give it away because of outdated perceptions of how important an accurate labor rate is or because of uncertainty of how to set yours.Doug Kaufman from ShopOwner magazine interviews Vic Tarasik from Shop Owner Coach. Talking Shop with ShopOwner is presented by AAPEX 2021, the premiere automotive business, networking and educational event in the industry. AAPEX will be held in person Nov 2-4 in Las Vegas. For more information about the show or to register for the event visit AAPEXSHOW.com

There are only two ways a manager can impact an employee’s output,” said Andy Grove, who was CEO of Intel. “Motivation and Training. If you’re not training, you’re only doing half your job.” Talking Shop With Shop Owner - sponsored by AAPEX 2021 - is here to help you do the WHOLE job.With all of the technological changes in the shop and under the hood, not to mention the changes in marketing, communication and business management, how important is training to today’s shop owner? Doug Kaufman asks Vic Tarasik what's needed, what's available and what's next.

The global microchip shortage has the power to disrupt nearly every consumer purchase, from computers to TVs to refrigerators. But the automotive industry may be the most visible victim of the chip shortage. Drive by any new car lot and you'll see that supply just hasn't been able to keep up with demand. ShopOwner editor Doug Kaufman and Laura Tierney from ShopLoaner.com discuss reasons for the chip shortage, implications to the world and why the automotive aftermarket has significant opportunity for success over the next two years.

Hey, what’s new? Ask that question these days any you’re likely to get a wide assortment of answers. Business continues to change at a dizzying pace – from technology in the car to technology in the shop. It may be no surprise that some shop owners and service advisors find it difficult to keep up. Bob Greenwood, president and CEO of Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Center has made a career out of doing just that. With more than 40 years of business management experience in the aftermarket and nearly 20 years running his own consulting and accounting firm, Bob talks with Doug Kaufman, editor of ShopOwner, about what it takes to help businesses thrive in today’s aftermarket. This episode is presented by AAPEX 2021 and was recorded in August of 2021. ShopOwner extends its sympathies to Bob’s family and the staff at Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre Ltd. on Bob’s untimely passing.

From advanced technology under the hood to robotic devices keeping us between the lines, today’s cars are definitely NOT your grandfather’s Oldsmobile. And with all of the changes affecting business, this is probably not his independent repair shop either. Independent repair facilities deal with cutting edge technology and vehicle systems every day – but many of them are still running their business the old fashioned way. ShopOwner editor Doug Kaufman and fourth-generation small business owner Tom Shay discuss what shops need to do to make tomorrow's shop successful.

Right to Repair promises unprecedented access to vehicle data, but that may not mean what you or your customers think it does. Joe Register, VP of Emerging Technology with the AutoCare Association tells ShopOwner editor Doug Kaufman accessing the data stream and interpreting the information contained within are only some of the challenges facing the industry today.

NHRA Top Fuel Champ Clay Millican loves the crowds at a racetrack and, now that events are being held live again, he can't wait to go to work each week. He shares his thoughts on learning that he's a Hall of Famer, how fans have made his job even more rewarding and how excited he is for the upcoming AAPEX Show with ShopOwner's Joe Keene.

Despite an incredibly tough year, things aren't all doom and gloom in the automotive industry. In fact, there are some real bright spots you may be overlooking. ShopOwner editor Doug Kaufman and industry analyst Steve Shannon discuss some of the trends that are keeping cars and people moving. This episode is sponsored by AAPEX 2021.

2020 brought unprecedented difficulties to shop owners – but in many cases there were significant opportunities as well. From customer service to employee training to supplier relationships, modern technology has helped solve some of the industry’s oldest challenges. Doug Kaufman speaks with Chris Boshaw, president and CEO of Shop Boss and Cavan Robinson, general manager of Shop Boss.

It's been a crazy year, but we've all learned something. One of those things is that training matters now more than ever. Even though the methods may be changing the need for solid technical and management training remains acute. Vic Tarasik explains to ShopOwner editor Doug Kaufman that virtual training can offer many of the same benefits of in-person education - at less cost.

Offering loaner vehicles is key to maximizing your shop's revenue. However, shops often struggle with managing their fleet and understanding the pitfalls. Laura Tierney, national sales manager for ARS ShopLoaner explains that insurance has two different - and equally important connotations. Doug Kaufman, editor of ShopOwner hosts this important topic.

Shops do a lot to maximize the customer experience, including offering loaner cars or rental cars in many circumstances. How can shop owners feel confident their cars won't be abused by customers? Laura Tierney, from ShopLoaner.com, talks with ShopOwner editor Doug Kaufman about ways to make the loaner car process less stressful for all involved.

Customer service comes in many different styles, but one thing is always in fashion - good communication. Doug Kaufman, editor of ShopOwner, talks with Tim Allbritten from BG Products and Jesse Meddaugh from 360 Payments about how their very different products foster very similar conversations.

AAPEX's annual in-person gathering has gone virtual in 2020. While some mourn the disruption to the industry, Vic Tarasik from Shop Owner Coach says there is real value to be captured from the virtual gathering. Together with ShopOwner editor Doug Kaufman, Vic provides a to-do list for making the most of the technical training sessions and product introductions scheduled for Nov. 3rd-5th. Go to aapexshow.com for more information.

Although AAPEX had to cancel its in person event this year, the Virtual AAPEX Experience will take place from Nov. 3rd-5th. With a focus on the Service Professional, the experience will feature dozens of training sessions and the opportunity for shop owners, service advisors and technicians to meet with exhibitors to learn more about the products and services for their shops. Go to aapexshow.com for more information.Doug Kaufman, editor of ShopOwner, talks with Vic Tarasik from Shop Owner Coach about the benefits and opportunities presented at this year's Show..

Offering loaner vehicles is key to maximizing your shop's revenue. However, shops often struggle with managing their fleet, especially as the fleet grows. Doug Kaufman talks with experts from ShopLoaner and ARSLoaner about options.

Episode 2 of Talking Shop with Shop Owner magazine explores how one shop is tackling the technician shortage head on. Dwayne Myers, president and CEO of Dynamic Automotive shares how his shop’s apprentice programs work. Sponsored by Snap Finance.

Episode 1 of Talking Shop with Shop Owner magazine explores what it takes to host a successful car care clinic. Bill Hill, owner of Mighty Auto Pro in Medina, Ohio, and Leigh Anne Best, the shop’s marketing director join us in studio. Sponsored by SNAP Finance.