Let's do an exercise first before we start with the topic, shall we? Here it goes: How do you feel about your present? Are you content with where you are in life and what you have? Are you disappointed that you could have done better? Whether you are happy with your present or wish [...]
A lot of shop owners have reached out to me recently inquiring about ways to create a better incentive program. When asked what they are hoping to accomplish by unveiling a new incentive or “bonus” system, they respond that they want to get their people more motivated. Many shops are wising up and moving [...]
During a time of economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever for small business owners to understand their financial key performance indicators and use these KPI’s to make proactive adjustments to remain profitable. In the collision industry, far too many shop owners do not have a grasp on the financial side of their [...]
Well, 2020 is more than half over and I think it’s safe to say most collision repairers are not exactly on track for their annual goals. Heck, that is probably an understatement! Due to COVID-19, a lot of shop owners don’t even know where the track is! If that describes your situation, let me [...]
What does a large multi-store body shop operator have in common with a small, single store operator? One thing for sure: they both started with a single location. What happens next is a topic that has fascinated me for as long as I can remember. There are a multitude of reasons for super-success including [...]
According to a Gallup poll I recently discovered, the U.S. economy suffers from between $450 - $550 Billion dollars annually in lost productivity. The cause? 66% of the workforce are un-engaged at work. For you readers outside of the U.S., you are not off the hook by any means. Worldwide, the Gallup poll indicates [...]
In Part 1 of the Power of SOPs, I wrote about how business owners and managers can – and should – use standard operating procedures to build a systems-driven business that prevents the business from running them. (See that article here.) In this article, I am going to provide specific tips on how shops [...]
You’re probably wondering, ‘Dave, what does ham have to do with an auto body shop much less mindset and culture?’ Let me tell you a story. The Story of Grandma’s Ham A young wife wanted to make a special dinner for her husband on their first anniversary and chose a favorite family recipe: ham. [...]
I often ask shop owners, “Do you feel as though you own your business, or does your business own you?” I’ll bet you can guess which answer I typically receive. As a technician-turned-business-owner myself, I too know the pain very well. For many it is a feeling that working harder does not yield the [...]
It’s time to get real – not that I am not always ‘real’ with my readers, but I need shop leaders to embrace the importance of this message! Collision customers don’t need an estimate; they need their vehicles repaired properly and without a lot of fuss. The only remaining question is the best way [...]
