Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz

This episode is sponsored by AutoLeap. AutoLeap is a cloud-based all-in-one automotive invoice software that helps you supercharge your mechanic shop. Their customers have experienced:

30% increase in revenue by improving transparency and trust

50% reduction in time spent researching and ordering parts

10% increase in profit margins through robust reporting

Click here to learn more about AutoLeap and schedule a demo:

AutoLeap Link: http://bit.ly/3GRgO88

In this podcast episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Autofix Auto Shop Coaching interviews Craig O'Neill from Autoflow, formerly known as Autotext.me, about the company's name change and their personal experiences.

They discuss their favorite superheroes, morning routines, and reading habits. Craig talks about his job at Autoflow and how the company is helping auto repair shops streamline their operations and increase profits. They also discuss the challenges technicians face in digital vehicle inspections and the lack of universal language in the automotive industry. Autoflow's reporting and marketing systems are highlighted as key tools in helping auto shops maximize their productivity and efficiency.

Introduction [00:00:03] Coach Chris introduces the podcast and thanks AutoLeap for their support.

Autoflow name change [00:01:21] Coach Chris and Craig O'Neill discuss the name change from Autotext.me to Autoflow and share their experiences with the company.

Autoflow merch [00:02:03] Coach Chris and Craig O'Neill talk about the first-ever Autoflow business card and the company's pens.

Childhood memories [00:02:25] Coach Chris asks Craig O'Neill about his favorite superhero growing up and what he wanted to be when he grew up.

Reading habits [00:04:25] Coach Chris asks Craig O'Neill about his favorite way to unwind and what book he is currently reading.

Morning routine [00:05:29] Coach Chris asks Craig O'Neill about his morning routine and what he does first thing in the morning.

Craig O'Neill's job at Autoflow [00:06:58] Craig O'Neill talks about his job at Autoflow and why the company changed its name from Autotext.me.

AutoFlow's focus and brand transition [00:07:22] AutoFlow's communication platform for auto repair shops, workflow efficiency, and digital vehicle inspections. The reason for the brand transition from Autotechme.

VP of Training at AutoFlow [00:09:29] Craig O'Neill's role as VP of Training at AutoFlow, the importance of client success, and the challenges of introducing new technology to busy auto repair shops.

Opportunities in the auto industry [00:12:20] The limitless opportunities in the auto industry, the need to attract talent, and the misconception that it's a dead-end industry.

Dealership model [00:15:09] Discussion on the dealership model and its flaws, including the focus on selling new cars and the need for a middleman between the manufacturer and the client.

Industry goals [00:19:08] Craig O'Neill's goals for the industry, including the need to value knowledge and expertise, and the importance of separating the customer from their vehicle during assessments.

Digital Vehicle Inspections [00:22:48] The challenges of introducing digital vehicle inspections and how to value technicians' time and knowledge.

Transitioning from Free to Profitable Inspections [00:23:56] How Autoflow empowers shops to turn inspections into a part of their profit center and the importance of sharing knowledge.

Industry's Bad Self-Image [00:25:08] The negative self-image of the auto repair industry and how it affected pricing strategies and customer relationships.

Struggles of Independent Auto Repair Shops [00:26:24] The lack of technological advancement and coaching in the industry, leading to the closure of many independent auto repair shops.

Autoflow's Workflow and Status Updates [00:29:58] An overview of Autoflow's suite of products, with a focus on workflow and status updates via text message.

Workflow Status Updates [00:30:54] Discussion on how workflow status updates can reduce disruptions and improve communication with customers.

Digital Inspection Suite [00:32:11] Autoflow's digital inspection suite and how it can make inspections more efficient and effective.

Pre-Purchase Inspections [00:34:59] The importance of pre-purchase inspections and how shops can market them to customers.

Specialty Shops [00:36:08] The benefits of specialty shops and how they can improve their operations.

Comprehensive Pre-Purchase Inspections [00:37:22] Examples of comprehensive pre-purchase inspections and how they can benefit both customers and shops.

Inspection Standards [00:38:22] Discussion on the need for universal language and defined standards for inspections in the automotive industry.

Licensing Requirements [00:39:09] Comparison of licensing requirements for cutting hair versus working on cars in different states.

Michigan Certification Test [00:39:28] Craig's experience with the outdated Michigan certification test for brakes and the need for up-to-date testing.

ASE Test [00:40:56] Comparison of the Michigan certification test and the up-to-date ASE test.

Bay Watcher [00:42:17] Explanation of Bay Watcher, a camera system that tracks vehicles in and out of bays and provides metrics for bay efficiency.

Reporting and Bay Capacity [00:45:01] Discussion on the importance of reporting and how it helps identify bay capacity and technician productivity.

Diagnostic Time and Alarming [00:46:06] The issue of losing diagnostic time and how Autoflow alerts service advisors and technicians when work orders go over the build time.

Marketing Module [00:49:20] Autoflow's upcoming marketing module that allows for drip campaigns, text blasts, and review management.

Smart DVI [00:50:30] Autoflow's plan to introduce a smart DVI later this year that will make it more intuitive for technicians.

Upcoming Events [00:51:23] Autoflow's plans to attend upcoming events such as ASTE and Worldpac, and the presence of their sales reps at the ATE show.

Regional Training and Expo [00:51:46] Craig and Chris discuss upcoming regional training and the Sunrise Expo in Phoenix.

Final Thoughts on the Industry [00:52:34] Craig shares his thoughts on the importance of understanding the "why" behind working in the auto industry.

Autoflow Contact Information [00:53:47] Craig shares how to reach Autoflow for more information and training sessions.

Closing Remarks [00:54:09] Chris thanks Craig for being on the show and reminds listeners to keep working towards their goals.

To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.

Don't forget to rate and review us!

Connect with Chris:

AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching

www.autoshopcoaching.com

www.aftermarketradionetwork.com

940-400-1008

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae

Email Chris: [email protected]

This episode is sponsored by AutoLeap. AutoLeap is a cloud-based all-in-one automotive invoice software that helps you supercharge your mechanic shop. Their customers have experienced:

30% increase in revenue by improving transparency and trust

50% reduction in time spent researching and ordering parts

10% increase in profit margins through robust reporting

Click here to learn more about AutoLeap and schedule a demo:

AutoLeap Link: http://bit.ly/3GRgO88

This episode is sponsored by AutoLeap. AutoLeap is a cloud-based all-in-one automotive invoice software that helps you supercharge your mechanic shop. Their customers have experienced:

30% increase in revenue by improving transparency and trust

50% reduction in time spent researching and ordering parts

10% increase in profit margins through robust reporting

In this podcast episode, Coach Chris Cotton and Hunt Demarest of Paar Melis (https://paarmelis.com/) discuss what to do with surplus money when a shop owner is not interested in buying more shops. They emphasize the importance of investing wisely and aligning investments with personal goals, as well as considering the time commitment involved in different investment opportunities. They suggest that investing in commercial real estate, such as buying the building that the shop already occupies, can be a good option for generating passive income. They also stress the importance of having reserves and not putting all of one's investments into speculative ventures. Overall, the speakers stress the importance of investing surplus money in a way that aligns with one's goals and values, and that can generate passive income for the future.

Introduction [00:00:02] Coach Chris Cotton introduces himself and the podcast episode topic.

Investing Surplus Money [00:00:59] The speakers discuss the importance of investing surplus money and the tendency of some shop owners to spend all their profits on personal expenses rather than investing in their business or other opportunities.

Different Investment Opportunities [00:02:50] The speakers discuss different investment opportunities and the importance of considering the time commitment involved in each opportunity.

Auto Repair Shop Investment [00:06:10] The speakers discuss the profitability of auto repair shops as an investment opportunity and the time commitment involved in owning a repair shop.

Investing with Time and Money [00:06:54] The speakers discuss the importance of investing in a way that aligns with one's goals and the value of considering the time commitment involved in different investment opportunities.

Real Estate Investing [00:08:29] The speakers discuss the benefits of real estate investing, particularly in owner-occupied properties, and how it can provide both monthly cash flow and long-term appreciation.

Self-Rentals and Fair Market Value [00:11:43] The speakers discuss the potential tax benefits and pitfalls of self-rentals, and the importance of considering fair market value when setting rental rates to avoid devaluing the business.

Investing surplus money [00:14:47] The importance of investing surplus money in a way that aligns with one's goals and the value of considering the time commitment involved in different investment opportunities.

Shifting mindset of business [00:16:07] Shifting the mindset of a business from generating money for personal use to generating money for investment, using the business to generate cash for investing.

Matching return on investment [00:19:15] Matching up return on investment with investment goals and being mindful of risks, making sure investment strategies and risks match up to timeline and how much money is needed.

Common investment opportunities [00:21:03] Common investment opportunities for shop owners, including buying commercial real estate, multi-family rentals, and storage units.

Investing in another shop [00:21:52] Discussion on why investing in another shop may not be the best option and the benefits of having an investment portfolio.

Importance of having reserves [00:23:02] The importance of having reserves in case of unexpected expenses or downturns in the market.

Risk vs reward in investing [00:24:30] Discussion on the risk and reward of investing in real estate and the importance of having liquid investments.

Peace of mind in investing [00:27:01] The value of having peace of mind in investing and the benefits of having a financial advisor.

Benefits of investing in the market [00:27:33] Discussion on the benefits of investing in the market and the power of compound interest.

Investing in alignment with goals [00:28:55] Importance of considering goals before investing, whether it's for more time or money, and how to calculate the necessary investment.

ROI and time commitment [00:30:40] ROI breakdown and the importance of considering time and tax benefits when investing.

Different investment strategies for different goals [00:32:23] The importance of creating a personalized investment plan that aligns with individual goals and objectives.

To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.

Don't forget to rate and review us!

Connect with Chris:

AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching

www.autoshopcoaching.com

www.aftermarketradionetwork.com

940-400-1008

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae

Email Chris: [email protected]

This episode is sponsored by AutoLeap. AutoLeap is a cloud-based all-in-one automotive invoice software that helps you supercharge your mechanic shop. Their customers have experienced:

30% increase in revenue by improving transparency and trust

50% reduction in time spent researching and ordering parts

10% increase in profit margins through robust reporting

Click here to learn more about AutoLeap and schedule a demo:

AutoLeap Link: http://bit.ly/3GRgO88

During Today's episode #107 Marijuana In Your Auto Repair Shop I talk about:

• What’s the challenge?
• Understanding Legalization
• What You Can Do As A shop owner
• Developing Effective Systems

This episode is sponsored by AutoLeap. AutoLeap is a cloud-based all-in-one automotive invoice software that helps you supercharge your mechanic shop. Their customers have experienced:

• 30% increase in revenue by improving transparency and trust
• 50% reduction in time spent researching and ordering parts
• 10% increase in profit margins through robust reporting

Click here to learn more about AutoLeap and schedule a demo: http://bit.ly/3GRgO88

Don't forget to rate and review us!

Connect with Chris:

[email protected]

940.400.1008

www.autoshopcoaching.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching

Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae

During Today's episode #106 Work Flow for Auto Repair Shops We Talk About:

• What’s the Problem
• What’s the fix
• Steps to correct the issue

This episode is sponsored by AutoLeap. AutoLeap is a cloud-based all-in-one automotive invoice software that helps you supercharge your mechanic shop. Their customers have experienced:

• 30% increase in revenue by improving transparency and trust
• 50% reduction in time spent researching and ordering parts
• 10% increase in profit margins through robust reporting

In this podcast episode, Coach Chris Cotton Owner and Lead Coach from Autofix Auto Shop Coaching hosts Rodney, an automotive shop owner with 25 years of experience with two shops, to discuss workflow for auto repair shops.

Brent, another coach from Autofix Auto Shop Coaching, also joins the conversation. The speakers discuss challenges in managing workflow, improving efficiency, and attracting and retaining qualified technicians.

They suggest implementing digital processes, hiring more service advisors and technicians, and separating the shops to focus on specific services. The episode provides practical advice and suggestions for improving shop workflow and emphasizes the importance of going digital and improving parts-receiving processes.

Click here to learn more about AutoLeap and schedule a demo: http://bit.ly/3GRgO88

Don't forget to rate and review us!

Connect with Chris:

[email protected]

940.400.1008

www.autoshopcoaching.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching

Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae

**Introduction [00:00:02]**

Coach Chris Cotton introduces himself and Coach Brent and Autofix Auto Shop Coaching, thanks to AutoLeap for their support, and previews the episode.

**Rodney's background [00:01:48]**

Rodney introduces himself as an automotive shop owner with 25 years of experience and two shops, and explains his interest in improving shop workflow.

**Softball questions [00:03:09]**

Chris asks Rodney about his favorite superhero growing up and what he wanted to be when he grew up.

**Rodney's career progression [00:04:19]**

Rodney talks about growing up in Florence, South Carolina, transferring schools to study auto mechanics, and starting his own business at 19 years old.

**Brent's question [00:06:21]**

Brent asks Rodney about his shop's current processes for intake and creating shop flow.

**Workflow and Customer Service [00:07:13]**

Rodney explains the workflow and customer service model in his two auto repair shops.

**Shop Management System [00:09:08]**

Rodney shares that he uses Mitchell in both shops and Brent asks about the digitalization of the process.

**Estimate Presentation [00:12:55]**

Brent asks about how estimates are presented to customers and suggests using text messages with links to the estimate.

**Ordering Parts [00:14:08]**

Brent asks about who orders parts and Rodney explains that the service advisor orders them electronically.

**Technicians writing up parts list [00:14:47]**

Coach Chris suggests having technicians write up their parts list and labor times to avoid parts ordering and receiving issues.

**Adding another service advisor [00:15:47]**

Coach Chris recommends adding another service advisor to increase car count and build better customer relationships.

**Receiving parts efficiently [00:16:41]**

Coach Brent suggests having a good process for receiving parts to avoid inefficiencies and roadblocks.

**Verifying parts before scheduling [00:18:15]**

Rodney explains how they verify all parts are received before scheduling a job.

**Tracking technician productivity [00:19:42]**

Coach Chris asks about tracking technician productivity and Rodney admits they are not 100% productive.

**Feeling overwhelmed [00:20:58]**

Rodney shares how his technicians feel overwhelmed and he is considering slowing down the car count to avoid burnout.

**Hiring more technicians [00:22:46]**

Coach Brent asks about the number of technicians and bays in Rodney's shop, suggesting he has room to hire more technicians.

**Workflow and Technician Productivity [00:23:08]**

Discussion on how to improve workflow and productivity by hiring more technicians or production apprentices and leaving technicians on a job.

**Recruiting Qualified Technicians [00:24:14]**

Difficulty in recruiting qualified technicians in the area and efforts to improve the quality of the tech school.

**Individualizing the Shop [00:25:27]**

Efforts to separate the shop and individualize it by putting it in different sections and shifting tasks to technicians based on their strengths and weaknesses.

**Recruiting Technicians from Other Areas [00:27:15]**

Suggestion to recruit technicians from other areas by raising the labor rate, offering more benefits, and using recruiting platforms like Indeed or a new company that guarantees a hire.

**Digital and Paperless System [00:30:54]**

The speakers discuss the benefits of using digital and paperless systems to speed up the workflow in auto repair shops.

**Efficiency in the Shop [00:31:51]**

The speakers talk about the importance of efficiency in the shop and suggest small changes that can make a big difference in reducing the number of steps technicians take.

**Segmenting the Business [00:33:33]**

The speakers discuss the possibility of segmenting the business into two different shops, one for auto repair and one for transmission, to better track and manage profitability. They also discuss the challenges of parts availability and time constraints in the transmission business.

**Transmission Shop Profit Margin [00:38:38]**

Discussion on the profit margin of a transmission shop and the potential for increased profits through additional repairs and maintenance.

**Workflow for Transmission Shop [00:39:46]**

Discussion on the number of R&R techs and builders needed for a transmission shop, as well as the use of remanufactured parts.

**Separating Auto Repair and Transmission Shops [00:43:37]**

Discussion on the potential benefits of separating auto repair and transmission shops, including improved workflow and the need for a new marketing strategy.

**Workflow Improvement Ideas [00:46:18]**

Discussion on improving workflow by having a call center, cloud-based system, and separating shops.

**Mitchell System [00:47:01]**

Discussion on the use of Mitchell system and its limitations.

**Cloud-Based System [00:50:15]**

Discussion on the benefits of a cloud-based system and the possibility of switching to one.

**Summary of Improvement Ideas [00:52:34]**

Summary of the discussed improvement ideas, including going digital, hiring more technicians, and improving parts receiving process.

Don't forget to rate and review us!

During Today's episode #105 Brent and I Talk About:

• Brent’s Favorite Super Hero
• Brent’s Shop
• Brent’s Coaching Style
• Brent’s Ideal Client

This episode is sponsored by AutoLeap. AutoLeap is a cloud-based all-in-one automotive invoice software that helps you supercharge your mechanic shop. Their customers have experienced:

• 30% increase in revenue by improving transparency and trust
• 50% reduction in time spent researching and ordering parts
• 10% increase in profit margins through robust reporting

Click here to learn more about AutoLeap and schedule a demo: http://bit.ly/3GRgO88

Don't forget to rate and review us!

Connect with Chris:

[email protected]

940.400.1008

www.autoshopcoaching.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching

Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae

During Today's episode #104 The crew from SMP and I Talk About:

• What is a Chicken Flicker?
• Behind-the-scenes dirt on Kim & Brian from SMP
• What's the best part of your work day?
• What's the difference between a successful client and one that isn't?
• What would your advice be for a shop starting out that isn't able to hire someone like SMP?
• How cute is Dutton?
• Favorite Cartoon Character?
• What did you want to be when you grew up?
• What book are you reading now, if any?

This episode is sponsored by AutoLeap. AutoLeap is a cloud-based all-in-one automotive invoice software that helps you supercharge your mechanic shop. Their customers have experienced:

• 30% increase in revenue by improving transparency and trust
• 50% reduction in time spent researching and ordering parts
• 10% increase in profit margins through robust reporting

Click here to learn more about AutoLeap and schedule a demo: http://bit.ly/3GRgO88

Don't forget to rate and review us!

Connect with Chris:

[email protected]

940.400.1008

www.autoshopcoaching.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching

Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae

During Today's episode #103 Why Are You Leaving The Industry? I Talk About:

• What’s the Problem?
• Why Are They leaving?
• What do we do about it?

Link for the Survey: http://bit.ly/3EVVjSf

This episode is sponsored by AutoLeap. AutoLeap is a cloud-based all-in-one automotive invoice software that helps you supercharge your mechanic shop. Their customers have experienced:

• 30% increase in revenue by improving transparency and trust
• 50% reduction in time spent researching and ordering parts
• 10% increase in profit margins through robust reporting

Click here to learn more about AutoLeap and schedule a demo:

AutoLeap Link: http://bit.ly/3GRgO88

Connect with Chris:

AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching

www.autoshopcoaching.com

www.aftermarketradionetwork.com

940-400-1008

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae

Email Chris: [email protected]

This episode is sponsored by AutoLeap. AutoLeap is a cloud-based all-in-one automotive invoice software that helps you supercharge your mechanic shop. Their customers have experienced:

30% increase in revenue by improving transparency and trust

50% reduction in time spent researching and ordering parts

10% increase in profit margins through robust reporting

Click here to learn more about AutoLeap and schedule a demo:

AutoLeap Link: http://bit.ly/3GRgO88

During Today's episode #102 Leadership Gold Experience

• The Secret to a good meeting
• The Meeting Before the Meeting
• Don’t get blindsided in the meeting
• Who to meet with
• Are your meetings structured
• Have you connected with the key influencer
• What is your plan for the next big change

Don't forget to rate and review us!

Connect with Chris:

[email protected]

940.400.1008

www.autoshopcoaching.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching

Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae

This episode is sponsored by AutoLeap. AutoLeap is a cloud-based all-in-one automotive invoice software that helps you supercharge your mechanic shop. Their customers have experienced:

• 30% increase in revenue by improving transparency and trust
• 50% reduction in time spent researching and ordering parts
• 10% increase in profit margins through robust reporting
• Click here to learn more about AutoLeap and schedule a demo:

AutoLeap Link: http://bit.ly/3GRgO88

During Today's episode #101 Leadership Gold Experience Is Not The Best Teacher, I’m going to be talking about: How Will Experience Mark You, Gaining From Experience, How Often Do You Pause to Reflect on your experiences? How do you record what you’ve learned? How to Evaluate your year?

Don't forget to rate and review us!

Connect with Chris:

[email protected]

940.400.1008

www.autoshopcoaching.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching

Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae

To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.

Don't forget to rate and review us!

Connect with Chris:

AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching

www.autoshopcoaching.com

www.aftermarketradionetwork.com

940-400-1008

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae

Email Chris: [email protected]

During Today's episode #99 I’m going to be talking about: Tracking & Measuring, Different Levels of Both, What to Track

• Can’t Measure What You Don’t Track!
• Top to bottom
• SMS/POS System for a real time look
• Make sure it matches your Income Statement as closely as possible.
• The actual Income Statement/P or L
• Scorecard for Success
• Productivity for Technicians
• Your Bank Account!

To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.

Don't forget to rate and review us!

Connect with Chris:

AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching

www.autoshopcoaching.com

www.aftermarketradionetwork.com

940-400-1008

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae

Email Chris: [email protected]

This episode is sponsored by AutoLeap. AutoLeap is a cloud-based all-in-one automotive invoice software that helps you supercharge your mechanic shop. Their customers have experienced:

30% increase in revenue by improving transparency and trust

50% reduction in time spent researching and ordering parts

10% increase in profit margins through robust reporting

Click here to learn more about AutoLeap and schedule a demo:

AutoLeap Link: http://bit.ly/3GRgO88