Garage Grit Podcast

#004 Retaining Top Talent: Strategies for Building a Strong Shop Culture


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About the Guests:

  • Brian Rooney: Owner of Rooney's Auto and Tire Center in Emmitsburg, Iowa. With three full-time technicians and a focus on tires and auto repair, Brian has been in the auto repair industry for over a decade. He started as a technician and eventually transitioned to shop ownership to have more control over operations and decision-making.

  • Sean Blockland: Owner of All American in Colorado, a mentoring shop that works with kids from alternative schools and foster homes. Sean and his wife run the shop together, and they prioritize creating a positive and supportive culture for their team. They focus on goal-setting, accountability, and personal growth for their employees.

  • Kendall Warnock: Owner of A1 in Nebraska, a shop that sees around 300 cars a month and specializes in all makes and models. Kendall emphasizes caring for his team and creating a culture of empathy and giving back. He works closely with his employees to help them achieve their personal goals and provides support both inside and outside of work.

  • Episode Summary:

    In this episode, the panel discusses strategies for retaining top talent in the auto repair industry. They emphasize the importance of creating a positive culture, involving employees in decision-making, and setting clear goals. The guests share their experiences with goal-setting, celebrating achievements, and helping employees with personal growth. They also discuss the challenges of finding the right fit for the team and the importance of being honest and setting boundaries. The episode highlights the significance of caring for employees, understanding their personal goals, and creating a supportive work environment.


    Key Takeaways:

    • Involving employees in decision-making and goal-setting can help them feel valued and motivated to achieve their targets.

    • Celebrating achievements and providing incentives can boost morale and create a positive work environment.

    • Understanding employees' personal goals and helping them achieve them can contribute to their overall happiness and job satisfaction.

    • Hiring the right people from the start is crucial for long-term retention and success.

    • Being a positive example and holding employees accountable can help them grow and improve their performance.

    • Notable Quotes:

      • "When people feel like they got to be part of making that decision, they work a lot harder towards achieving the goal." - Brian Rooney

      • "You got to hire the right people first, and without that, there's no need to retain talent if you didn't hire the right people." - Sean Blockland

      • "Helping them be the best versions of themselves, that's success to me." - Kendall Warnock

      • Resources:

        • Rooney's Auto and Tire Center: Website

        • All American: Website

        • A1: Website

        • Listen to the full episode [here](insert link) for more insights on retaining top talent in the auto repair industry. Stay tuned for future episodes of the Garage Grid Podcast for more valuable discussions and expert advice.

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          Garage Grit PodcastBy Brad Hurlock