2016 Editions Archives - Shop Owner Magazine
Embracing Knowledge Across Industries

If you remember back to when you were in school, you’ll recall how you used to have to burn a lot more calories to try to learn something new. In the days before the Internet, all the answers to the existential questions of the universe were confined within the four walls of your local library.

Executive Interview: Mark Drennan, General Director, ACDelco

Mark Drennan was named ACDelco general director in October 2016, and is responsible for its business strategies and overall performance. Previously, he was director of General Motors Accessories, where he was charged with integrating sales and distribution with the design, production and marketing of GM’s vehicle accessories portfolio. Drennan previously served as a field zone sales manager and regional service manager.

How To Fail When You Want Your Shop To Succeed

This month, I’m taking an opposing view of many proven success principles, providing tongue-in-cheek examples that are meant to showcase the right ways to do things, if you read between the lines. Play along to see how your shop stacks up.

Working Smarter To Boost Profitability

It took Terry Keller many years of trial and error to realize one of the most important aspects of running a repair shop: the only way to fix problems, capture profits and grow sales consistently is by measuring daily, tracking daily and holding others accountable daily.

Total Automotive: Where Quality Service Equals Steady Growth And Abundant Customer Referrals

When Tom Sciortino first opened Total Automotive, the Tonawanda, NY, shop had only two lifts housed in a 2,500-sq.-ft. building. That was 1986. In 1999, Tom moved operations to a new building that doubled the amount of interior space to allow for six lifts. But the growth didn’t stop there.

C&M Auto Service: Where Courtesy, Honesty And Quality Are The Foundation For Earning Customers’ Trust

While C&M Auto Service has a strong customer base that has been loyal to the shop since it opened in 1984, shop owner Chuck Hartogh says things have changed when it comes to attracting new patrons.

Dealing With Slow Times

Instead of letting this ebb and flow get the best of you and your team, there are things you can do to help bridge the gap until things pick up again. Here are some ways to generate sales during slow times at the shop.

Dealing With A Prima Donna

If you’ve been a shop owner for any length of time, you’ve more than likely been exposed to, or employed by, a prima donna. According to the dictionary definition, a prima donna is “a very temperamental person with an inflated view of their own talent or importance.” If that sounds like someone who works at your shop, this may very well be the perfect article for you.

When Your Shop Is Worth Much More Than You Thought

Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.

Massoll Family Of Shops: Core Business Practices Complement Progressive Mindset

People don’t always end up following in a parent’s footsteps, but when it comes to the auto repair industry, sometimes oil just seems to be in one’s blood. Take Andy Massoll, a second-generation shop owner who grew up working around Curt’s Service Inc. in Oak Park, MI, before deciding to make a career of it – a very successful career if expansion into additional markets is any indication.

Cardinal Plaza Shell: Keeping Pace With An Evolving Industry, But Firmly Planted In Core Values

When people refer to you and your staff as “the car guys,” you know you’ve gone above and beyond as a repair shop. That’s exactly how repeat customers think of shop owner Scott Brown and his crew at Cardinal Plaza Shell in Springfield, VA.

cardinal plaza shell group
How To Pay Yourself

“I pay myself $100,000 per year, plus all the cash I can take!” That was the response I got when, as a young shop owner, I asked an older, established owner how much he paid himself. I was curious about how much I should make and how I should pay myself. His answer didn’t help me.