Want a real marketing plan that doesn’t live in your head or on a bunch of sticky notes?

There’s something powerful about experiencing world-class customer service firsthand and then turning around and asking, “How can I bring this level of intentionality into my shop?” That’s exactly what happened when Brian and Kim Walker took a dream trip to the British Virgin Islands with close friends. What started as a much-needed vacation quickly turned into a masterclass in customer experience, delivered by locals who clearly understood the value of creating moments worth remembering.

From the high-energy, fully branded Sweet Ice Willie who made them feel like family, to a rum-slinging boat captain with a loyal dog and a serious social media game, to a beach bar owner who somehow remembered names hours later in a crowd of 100 each story is a reminder that it’s not always the fanciest place that leaves the biggest impact. It’s the people. The vibe. The way you're made to feel.

This isn’t just vacation talk, it’s packed with real-life takeaways for shop owners who want to stand out in a sea of sameness. You’ll laugh, you’ll probably want to book a trip, but more importantly, you’ll walk away inspired to examine every touchpoint of your customer journey. Because at the end of the day, the experience is the marketing.

Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you with this episode. RepairPal’s Certified Network of shops is trusted by millions of customers each month. Learn more at

RepairPal.com/shops.

Are you ready to convert clients to members? App Fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build client loyalty. Get started today with your customer loyalty app. Visit Appfueled.com

Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)

Buy Back Your Time

Sweet Ice Willie Taxi & Tours 

Rum Runner BVI

Plan with the Pros

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:01) The hosts welcome listeners to the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast.
• Vacation Overview (00:01:05) Brian and Kim share their dream vacation in the British Virgin Islands with friends.
• Perception of Vacation Costs (00:01:33) Brian discusses misconceptions about the affordability of chartering a catamaran compared to other vacations.
• Customer Experience as Marketing (00:02:08) The hosts emphasize that customer experience is a crucial aspect of marketing for businesses.
• YouTube Inspiration (00:03:38) Brian shares his YouTube discovery of "The Wandering Hillbilly" and his recommendations for the trip.
• Sweet Ice Willy Introduction (00:04:25) The hosts discuss their anticipation of meeting Sweet Ice Willy based on recommendations.
• Arrival of Sweet Ice Willy (00:05:20) Kim describes the energetic and unique arrival of Sweet Ice Willy in his custom truck.
• Sweet Ice Willy's Branding (00:06:13) The hosts highlight Sweet Ice Willy's effective branding and his engaging personality.
• Customer Experience with Sweet Ice Willy (00:07:32) They recount their enjoyable ride with Sweet Ice Willy, filled with music and local insights.
• Social Media Presence (00:08:41) Discussion about Sweet Ice Willy's strong social media presence and marketing strategies.
• Hog Heaven Restaurant Experience (00:09:29) The hosts mention their visit to Hog Heaven, where Sweet Ice Willy promoted his merchandise.
• Expansion of Sweet Ice Willy’s Business (00:10:12) They note Sweet Ice Willy's successful business expansion with multiple trucks.
• Tipsy Bar Experience (00:11:17) The hosts describe their experience at Tipsy Bar, highlighting Ann's entrepreneurial spirit and atmosphere.
• Personalized Service at Tipsy Bar (00:12:36) Kim shares how Ann remembered Brian's name, showcasing exceptional customer service.
• Recognition by Rinaldo (00:13:43) They recount another instance of personalized service from Rinaldo at Sydney's Peace and Love.
• Connection and Community Feel (00:14:41) The hosts reflect on the warm, family-like atmosphere created by local businesses during their trip.
• RepairPal's Pricing Insights (00:14:58) Discusses the importance of transparent pricing and how RepairPal helps build trust with consumers.
• App Fueled Customer Loyalty (00:15:51) Highlights the benefits of a custom loyalty app for auto service shops to enhance customer retention.
• Problem Solving in Paradise (00:16:59) Kim shares insights on local businesses creatively solving problems while providing unique experiences.
• The Rum Runner Experience (00:17:31) Describes a memorable encounter with a local boat vendor serving drinks, emphasizing the joy of the experience.
• Willingness to Pay for Experience (00:19:05) Discusses how customers often prioritize experiences over costs during their vacation.
• Local Business Adaptability (00:20:05) Shares examples of locals providing services like trash collection and food delivery to thrive in tourism.
• The Importance of Positive Interactions (00:21:10) Contrasts positive service experiences with negative ones, stressing the impact on customer satisfaction.
• Taxi Driver Experience (00:22:05) Recounts differing experiences with a taxi driver, illustrating the significance of consistent service quality.
• Hiring for Happiness (00:24:21) Emphasizes the importance of hiring happy employees to enhance customer experiences in businesses.
• First Impressions Matter (00:25:57) Highlights how initial customer interactions can significantly affect their overall experience and perception.
• Customer Journey Reflection (00:27:03) Encourages business owners to evaluate their service environment from the customer's perspective.
• First Impressions Checklist (00:28:52) offers a resource for businesses to assess and improve their customer interactions from the first contact.
• Plan with the Pros Conference (00:29:44) Promotes an upcoming conference aimed at helping businesses strategize their marketing for the coming year.

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