Here’s a trap I see all the time: the shop is slammed, bays are full, the phone won’t stop ringing — and the owner still can’t figure out why there’s nothing left at the end of the month. Sound familiar? I wrote about this in my latest piece for Shop Owner Magazine, and I want … Read more
There’s a cost hiding in your shop that doesn’t show up on any invoice. You won’t find it in your parts spend or your payroll. But it’s real, and it’s eating into every job you do. It’s the time your team spends working on process instead of production. Death by a Thousand Clicks Trace a … Read more
The automotive industry is in serious transition. Technician shortages, rising costs, EVs, ADAS — for a lot of owners, selling the shop and cashing out has never looked more attractive. If that’s you, here’s the critical question: Are you treating your shop like an asset to build up, or a business in maintenance mode as … Read more
You already know which tech is your best producer. You already know which service writer closes the most sales. You already know which days are busiest. At least, you think you do. The Problem With “Knowing” Gut feelings are built on what you notice—and what you notice isn’t always what matters. You notice the big … Read more
Here’s a question for shop owners: Do your service writers know their gross profit on parts from yesterday? Not last week. Not “pretty good.” The actual number. If they don’t, how are they supposed to manage it? Doug Melton, owner of Melton’s Automotive, admitted something most owners won’t say out loud: “I wasn’t watching the … Read more
If you’re the proud owner of your very own auto repair business, you know that running your own operation is exciting but also challenging. One of the keys to success for any small business owner is understanding and using data to make smarter decisions. Analytics can provide incredibly helpful insights to give your auto repair … Read more
Trying to hit a KPI without proper education and mentorship can be dangerous to the health of the business. by David Rogers The three most misunderstood letters in shop management today are K, P, and I. (Not the definition, of course.) I’m positive no corner of the industry has escaped hearing about the latest key … Read more
It’s a common refrain from shop owners, especially during the summer. They feel like the only way to stay on top of higher summer car counts is to drop everything else so they can focus on working inside the business as an advisor or technician. The problem is that the shop has to keep operating, … Read more
By David Rogers What happens if you can’t find another tech to hire? The usual path to growing sales includes adding an additional tech so the shop can handle more cars and bill more hours. It’s such an ingrained idea that many owners have gone back into the bays to help create those additional sales … Read more
By David Rogers Make no mistake: you are in control. You can actively choose to make changes that grow your organization, reduce your stress, and increase opportunities for you and your employees. Or, you can choose inaction and carry over the same policies, procedures, and subscriptions that led to last year’s results. Although, there can … Read more