"Be more concerned about the job you're getting paid for than getting paid for the job you're doing" - Christopher

This week on Wrench Turners Podcast

Master Technician, Race Car Mechanic, and Shop Foreman

Cobourg Mazda

Christopher Johnson

Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Christopher's passion for racing sparked his career in automotive. "Personal Interests" can drive a long career in automotive.

2️⃣ Bringing outside experiences into a dealership can help provide a perspective that the team and business may have never experienced before.

3️⃣ Accountability and a willingness to learn from mistakes are key to professional development and respect in the automotive industry.

Let’s get into it.

J.

—-

I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + 🔔 to get daily automotive service content.

You can find Wrench Turners Merch here:

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Summary

In this episode, Christopher Johnson shares his journey in the automotive industry, from his early fascination with racing to his experiences working at race shops and dealerships. He emphasizes the importance of holding oneself accountable and taking pride in the work being done. Christopher's advice for mechanics is to focus on doing the job they are getting paid for, rather than worrying about how much they are getting paid for the job. Overall, his story highlights the passion and dedication required to succeed in the automotive industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:36 Getting into Automotive

02:23 Early Racing Experiences

04:42 First Year Working on Cars

06:04 Apprenticeship Experience

07:57 Working at a Race Shop

08:54 Transition to a Dealership

12:04 Working on Race Cars

16:57 Transition to Mazda Dealership

19:27 Moving Back to Coburg

23:33 Advice for Mechanics

26:19 Conclusion

Retaining Knowledge - 10 Mill Mastery - Series 9 - Episode 2

The Lads:

Summary

The conversation revolves around the topic of how to remember and retain knowledge in the field of automotive repair. The participants discuss various strategies, including teaching others, writing things down, creating Google Docs, and sharing information with colleagues. They also mention the importance of accessing stored bulletins and notes, as well as the value of hands-on experience and learning from the school of hard knocks. The conversation highlights the need for continuous learning and the challenges of staying up-to-date in a rapidly evolving industry.

Takeaways

J.

"We have to invest in them for there to be hope" - Michael

This week on Wrench Turners Podcast

Nissan Master Technician, EV, GT-R, and CVT Specialist

Royal Oak Nissan

Michael Hillsden

Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Invest in personal and professional development through training, mentorship, and engaging in healthy competition to enhance skills, income potential, and career growth.

2️⃣ Value and fairly compensate work, pursue passions outside of work, and foster a supportive community by acknowledging contributions and providing guidance to the next generation.

3️⃣ Adapt to industry changes by innovating in mentorship, compensation structures, and leveraging brand training, to foster team building and leadership development for both personal and financial success.

Let’s get into it.

Find the episode:

Spotify:

YouTube:

J.

—-

I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + 🔔 to get daily automotive service content.

You can find Wrench Turners Merch here:

https://lnkd.in/g9tR8ZcF

Get into Riverside.fm for FREE (my recording software)

https://lnkd.in/g6c9wKk2

SummaryIn this conversation, Michael Hillsden and Joshua Taylor discuss various topics related to the automotive industry and personal growth as a technician. They talk about the benefits of professional development programs, the value of being paid for your work, and the time commitment required to pursue passions. They also emphasize the importance of acknowledging and appreciating others, as well as the significance of introductions and outros in a podcast. Michael shares his journey into the automotive industry and his love for Nissan cars. They discuss the role of education and personal experience in becoming a skilled technician. They also touch on the challenges and growth in the first year of an apprenticeship and the changing landscape of apprenticeships in the industry. The conversation highlights the need for shop foremen and mentors and the importance of compensating them for their mentorship and leadership. They discuss the benefits of competitions and investing in young technicians, as well as the impact of competitions on personal growth. The conversation concludes with Michael offering one piece of advice for technicians to be happy, healthier, and more productive tomorrow. The conversation highlights the importance of investing in oneself and honing one's craft in the automotive industry. It emphasizes the significant impact of brand training on income and career progression. Additionally, it emphasizes the role of finding a high-value leader in personal development and financial success.

Chapters

01:14 Benefits of Professional Development Programs

02:01 The Value of Being Paid for Your Work

03:27 The Time Commitment of Pursuing Passions

04:09 Acknowledging and Appreciating Others

05:05 The Importance of Introductions and Outros

06:42 The Excitement of Being a Part of a Podcast

08:57 What Got Michael Into the Automotive Industry1

0:52 The Love for Nissan Cars

13:19 The Role of Education and Personal Experience

15:36 The Challenges and Growth in the First Year

18:07 The Changing Landscape of Apprenticeships

21:39 The Need for Shop Foremen and Mentors

25:06 The Personal and Professional Impact of Mentors

29:18 Compensation for Mentorship and Leadership

36:19 The Benefits of Competitions and Investing in Young Technicians

44:05 The Impact of Competitions on Personal Growth

46:21 The Importance of Healthy Competition and Team Building

48:12 One Piece of Advice for Technicians

48:24 Investing in Yourself and Your Craft

51:42 The Impact of Brand Training on Income

53:35 Finding a High-Value Leader

"Don't make long-term decisions on short-term emotions" - Kevin

This week on Wrench Turners Podcast

Technician, Professor, Consultant, and Entrepreneur

WholeFleet Diagnostics and VieTech Training & Consulting Inc.

Kevin Vieth

Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ The early years in the automotive industry emphasize mastering basic tasks and the necessity of investing in advanced equipment and training to stay competitive, especially with evolving technologies like EVs.

2️⃣ Addressing the educational gap with updated training that includes technical skills, soft skills, and leadership development is vital due to the loss of experienced leaders and the need for a positive work culture.

3️⃣ Encouraging continuous self-development and structured, comprehensive training is essential for filling the mentorship void, ensuring technicians stay updated and motivated, thereby fostering the growth of well-rounded professionals in the automotive industry.

Let’s get into it.

J.

—-

I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + 🔔 to get daily automotive service content.

You can find Wrench Turners Merch here:

https://lnkd.in/g9tR8ZcF

Get into Riverside.fm for FREE (my recording software)

https://lnkd.in/g6c9wKk2

WholeFleet Diagnostics

www.wholefleet.ca

VieTech Training & Consulting Inc.

https://vietech.ca/

Summary

In this conversation, Kevin Vieth and Joshua Taylor discuss various aspects of the automotive trade. They cover topics such as the challenges faced in the early years of the trade, the cost of equipment, struggles in small shops, the challenges of EV equipment, the importance of investing in equipment and training, the need for genuine content for technicians, and the importance of teaching respect and discipline to younger generations. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities and evolving nature of the automotive trade. The conversation explores the challenges faced by the automotive industry in terms of the loss of experienced leaders, the lack of compulsory training, and the need for ongoing education. It highlights the importance of leadership in the shop and the impact of training on technician satisfaction and productivity. The conversation also emphasizes the need for mechanics to take care of their physical and mental health and to focus on self-development.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Clip Marking

03:13 Getting into the Trade

04:23 Challenges in the Early Years

07:26 Monotony and Making Money

09:42 The Cost of Equipment

11:07 Struggles in Small Shops

12:06 Challenges with EV Equipment

13:11 Investing in Equipment and Training

15:08 The Importance of Service Advisor Education

16:08 The Lack of Technician Training

18:03 The First Year in the Trade

19:14 Building Relationships with Experienced Technicians

21:37 Understanding the Challenges of Younger Generations

23:28 Teaching Respect and Discipline

25:54 Loss of Experienced Leaders

26:24 Average Time in Trade

27:43 Lack of Experienced Veterans

28:16 Importance of Leadership in the Shop

30:13 Lack of Compulsory Training

31:04 Training Requirements in Canada vs. US

32:28 Lack of Ongoing Training

33:06 Mandatory Yearly or Bi-Yearly Updates

37:39 Challenges of Training in a Shop

41:25 Investing in Employees

45:37 Advice for Mechanics

"I think that's my favourite part, talking to customers" - Hunter

This week on Wrench Turners Podcast

RSE Mechanic, Solo Shop Owner, and Content Creator

Hunter Layton aka "Motorcycle Guy"

https://www.youtube.com/@motomedicyyc

Key Takeaways:

1️⃣  Transitioning to mobile repair, mechanics need to acquire new business skills such as customer relations and sales.

2️⃣ Building trust with customers is key and requires understanding their needs, effective communication, and consistent quality service, even though not every interaction will result in satisfaction.

3️⃣ Health and fitness are crucial in demanding jobs like automotive and motorcycle repair, so technicians should prioritize their well-being for long-term career success.

Let’s get into it.

J.

—-

I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + 🔔 to get daily automotive service content.

You can find Wrench Turners Merch here:

https://lnkd.in/g9tR8ZcF

Wrench Turners Website

https://www.wrenchturners.online

Riverside FM

https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_1&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=joshua-taylor

Hunters YouTube: 

https://www.youtube.com/@motomedicyyc

Hunters Inst:

https://www.instagram.com/motomedicyyc

Hunters TT:

https://www.tiktok.com/ @motomedicyyc  

Summary

In this conversation, Joshua Taylor interviews Hunter Layton, also known as Motorcycle Guy, about his experience as a mobile motorcycle mechanic. They discuss Hunter's tool collection, how he got into the trade, his transition to being a mobile mechanic, and the challenges and lessons he has learned as an entrepreneur. They also explore the importance of communication with customers and how to get them excited about the repair and maintenance process. The conversation covers various topics related to the automotive and motorcycle industry, including shopping for parts, pay and work structure, building trust, taking care of your body, diet, and health, the importance of health in the industry, advice for technicians, future plans and collaboration, and appreciation for positive content.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:46 Hunter's Tool Collection

03:28 Getting Into the Trade

06:08 Motorcycle Apprenticeship

10:07 Hunter's Motorcycles

11:44 Changing Bikes

12:44 Value of Motorcycles

15:06 First Year as an Apprentice

19:05 Transition to Mobile Mechanic

21:39 Benefits of Being Mobile

25:09 Challenges of Being an Entrepreneur

26:34 Dealing with Difficult Customers

29:05 Lessons Learned

34:39 Communicating with Customers

36:30 Getting Customers Excited

38:26 Shopping for Parts

39:41 Pay and Work Structure

40:58 Building Trust

41:33 Taking Care of Your Body

45:06 Diet and Health

47:34 The Importance of Health in the Industry

48:46 Advice for Technicians

49:12 Future Plans and Collaboration

51:32 Appreciation for Positive Content

52:43 Closing Remarks

In this episode of Series 9 of 10 Mill Mastery, we discuss improving Mechanic communication with Service Advisors and Customers.

Summary

Confidence in their knowledge and skills helps technicians communicate more effectively with advisors, leading to better sales outcomes.

Building trust, particularly for newer or younger technicians, can be bolstered by involving more experienced staff.

It's vital to clearly explain technical issues in layman's terms and prioritize repairs to prevent overwhelming customers with choices.

Emphasizing empathy, honesty, and simplicity in communication strategies leads to successful interactions and transactions.

Key Takeaways

Communication with advisors is improved by confidence in the technician's knowledge and clarity in explanations.

Building trust is key, especially for younger, less experienced technicians.

Sometimes, bringing in a senior technician to confirm the younger technician's assessment can help build trust.

Learning the systems thoroughly, potentially through training, enhances confidence.

Communication skills like tone, inflection, and not being overwhelmed with technical jargon are crucial.

Understanding how to prioritize repairs and explain them to customers is important.

It's essential to have a good relationship between advisors and technicians, avoiding undermining each other.

Having an empathetic approach and being direct with customers can be effective.

Presenting a few clear options, rather than overwhelming with many, can help close deals.

Honesty and prioritization in communication with advisors assist in building trust and selling services effectively.

Chapters

02:36 Building Confidence and Trust

06:56 Effective Communication with Advisors and Customers

17:42 Remembering and Sharing Knowledge

"Patience is the weapon against deception" -Aaron

This week on Wrench Turners Podcast

Experienced Service Leader

Aaron Bratcher

Key Takeaways:

👉 Understanding personal motivations can help drive career development

☝ Holding oneself accountable is crucial for effective leadership

🤙 Personal experiences can be applied to prevent similar mistakes

Let’s get into it.

J.

—

I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + 🔔 to get daily automotive service content.

You can find Wrench Turners Merch here:https://lnkd.in/g9tR8ZcF

Check out the Website here:

www.wrenchturners.online

03:04 Starting in the Automotive Industry

08:57 Lack of Opportunities and Training

15:00 The Importance of Training and Certification

26:02 Motivation and Personal Drive

26:35 The Impact of Irresponsible Financial Behavior

27:14 Lessons Learned from Personal Experiences

28:38 Overcoming Challenges in the Last Five Years

36:02 The Importance of Decision-Making and Accountability

41:19 The Power of Patience

47:58 The Future of Alternative Fuels

50:24 Upcoming Episodes and Merchandise

"Tick that off the list, breathe..." - Jade

"I'm going to go get back into it, and it has been the greatest thing that's happened." ...Steve

This week on Wrench Turners Podcast

Shop Foreman and Mechanic

International Auto Group

Steve Kill

Key Takeaways:

Let’s get into it.

J.

—

I’m Joshua Taylor and at Wrench Turners, we're developing Technicians into High-Value Leaders. Click my name + follow + notification to get daily automotive service content.

You can find Wrench Turners Merch here:

https://mr-joshua-taylor.creator-spring.com/

"Listen and Silent are spelled with the same letters" - Chris