The Shop Management Show, AutoLeap’s new podcast, is up and running!
In each episode, we will speak with AutoLeap customers and partners about their shop management experiences. Discussion topics will cover everything from the technician shortage to the emergence of electric vehicles and ADAS.
Our latest episode involved an in-depth conversation on a pressing industry topic: the technician shortage.
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Recap from episode two
In The Shop Management Show’s second episode, I was thrilled to be joined by Syed Kazmi, owner of CarTronics Auto and Truck Repair in Elgin, IL.
Syed and I discussed:
- Industry report data on the technician shortage
- Developing an apprenticeship program
- Providing training courses for your team
- Bridging the gap between tech schools and shops
- And much more!
Let’s dig into some key takeaways from the conversation.
On promoting professional growth in your shop
Team empowerment was a big theme of our conversation with Syed. It’s a thoughtful approach that has helped him build trust and retain quality mechanics in his shop.
Employee pay is a great example. After hitting the one-year mark, Syed asks his employees about their salary expectations. And while he may not agree to their number, meeting in the quarter or middle proves their professional growth is on his mind.
From there, his mechanics receive evaluations every six months with the opportunity to increase their salary based on individual performance and the shop’s success. “If they see more and more business coming in, they understand they will get a raise at the end of their six-month review,” adds Syed.
It’s a win-win arrangement: they work hard to achieve salary growth and the business increases productivity.
On establishing expectations for your team
Syed believes in setting firm but fair expectations with his team. They appreciate this structure. It also creates a winning shop culture.
Syed sets these standards for shop apprentices to determine whether they fit. Specifically, Syed encourages his prospective mechanics to:
- Show up on time: “My shop opens at 8:00 am every morning. If they don’t adhere to being on time, then I know it’s over.”
- Have a positive attitude: “When you are here, you must be here 100%.”
- Maintain your precision: “If you have a vehicle in hand and aren’t noticing a wiper blade with plastic hanging off the bottom and don’t make the replacement recommendation … little things like that matter.”
- Keep the shop clean: “Nobody has to be asked to take the garbage out or clean up that spill. It’s second nature for them.”
- Adopt a growth mindset: “Individuals that succeed with me are go-getters.”
» Want to grow your auto repair business? Click here to schedule a demo.
Closing thoughts
Subscribe to the Shop Management Show today for this full episode with Syed and insightful conversations with other shop leaders. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and most popular streaming services.
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