In this episode, Carm Capriotto talks with Lola Schmidt, co-owner of Schmidt’s Auto Care, about how shops can rise above the “ordinary” perception of auto repair through intentional event planning, meaningful community engagement, and a fully integrated branding strategy.

Key Topic Points

• Make the Shop an Experience: Auto repair isn’t naturally exciting, so shops must create memorable, in-person experiences that bring customers into the bays and build real connections.
• Community Events That Matter: Hosting hands-on events, like Girl Scout badge workshops and “Tiny Tech” days, creates lasting impressions and builds trust far beyond what social media can achieve.
• Differentiate with Purpose: Identify what makes your shop unique (4-day workweek, curbside service, in-house specialties, team talents) and turn those into consistent marketing stories.
• Branding is Everything: From clean visuals and a great-smelling shop to honest, pressure-free service, every touchpoint contributes to a 360 brand experience.
• Elevate the Customer Experience: Replace cheap swag with thoughtful, useful gifts that customers actually value, creating a lasting emotional connection.
• Create Memorable First Impressions: A curated “unboxing” experience for new customers sets the tone and reinforces your brand from the very first visit.
• Respect the Customer’s Time: Efficiency and convenience are key drivers of loyalty; customers will travel further for a shop that consistently delivers both.

Standing out in today’s automotive industry requires more than great repairs; it demands intentional experiences, clear differentiation, and a commitment to making every customer interaction memorable.

Lauralee/Lola Schmidt, Schmidt Auto Care, Springboro, OH, Listen to previous episodes HERE

• Visit the Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/
• Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto
• Follow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/
• Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/
• Follow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/
• Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
• Join Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976
• Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insider
• All books mentioned on our podcasts:https://remarkableresults.biz/books
• Our Classroom page for personal or team learning:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom
• Buy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm
• Special episode collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

• Remarkable Results Radio Podcastwith Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion.https://remarkableresults.biz/
• Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Zwith Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
• Business by the Numberswith Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
• The Auto Repair Marketing Podcastwith Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
• The Weekly Blitzwith Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
• Speak Up! Effective Communicationwith Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.https://craigoneill.captivate.fm