Are Things Really That Bad?

Are Things Really That Bad?

Be optimistic about the future of automotive repair - new technology brings new opportunity. Don't be afraid to look up!


My dad had a statue on his desk of a man sitting under a tree with a bird about to crap on him. On the statue’s base was the phrase, “Go Ahead, Everybody Else Does.” The figure was created by Russell Berrie, who also invented the troll doll in the 1960s. 

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is go-ahead-everyone-else-does-1.png

As a child, I did not comprehend how life could beat you down to the point you would let a bird poop on you. However, the older I got, the more I understood the sentiment of the statue. Recently, I have talked to many technicians and shop owners who have adopted the “crapped on” mantra or attitude when it comes to new technologies. 

I know it can be challenging to keep up with new technology. It can be scary when it is first presented to you in a training class or when it is in your bay. But, it has been this way for almost 100 years.

Just look at brakes. When hydraulic brakes came out in the 1930s, some shops treated it like an impossible-to-service technology. Shop owners and techs could not comprehend how fluid could stop a car. When disc brakes became more common in the 1960s, some shops started to fear lathes and cross-feed speeds. It was also this way for fuel injection, air conditioning and even HID headlights.

Sure, there have been some failures like optical camshaft position sensors, feedback carburetors and some dual-clutch transmissions. But, many new technologies have presented shops with new opportunities like replacement TPMS sensors, calibration procedures and reprogramming. These opportunities mean more revenue. 

I am willing to bet if your shop was just performing tune-ups, replacing brake drum linings and mounting bias-ply tires, you would not be able to pay the rent.

If I had to make an updated, upbeat version of the statue, it would be a technician under a vehicle that’s on a lift. He would be looking up. On the base, it would say, “That is new!”

I am very optimistic about the future of shops and automotive repair. Every ADAS system, electric drivetrain or stop/start system is a future revenue possibility for an independent shop. So, look up, the future is bright.

You May Also Like

How Many Holes Are In Your Management Bucket?

Being super busy isn’t always a recipe for super success. Make every car count.

Are you letting big profits drip out by not managing the little leaks?

Sales growth is a waste of time! Yep, you read that right. I said what most hesitate to say! In some circles, there is a pervasive business philosophy that a busy and fast-growing shop is a profitable one. Unfortunately, the exact opposite is true – a shop that is run with specific intention and focus on the things that matter is what wins the day.

The Necessity For Advertising

It’s not enough to just get customers through the door – keep them coming back for all of their service needs.

My Father’s Shop To Award Tools To Schools

Nominations will be open for a week. Trade schools, high schools and colleges in Continental US are eligible.

Building a Shop Culture of Success

Write out your plan for success and train your entire team to follow it!

Building A Winning Strategy

If you get one percent better each day for one year, you’ll end up 37 times better by the time you are done.

Other Posts

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Announces 2024 Vision Conference

To be held in April in Dearborn, MI, the conference theme is “The New Aftermarket: Embracing Change to Drive Growth.”

Top 10 ADAS Calibration Tips

You may have done alignments for years – but are you certain you’re meeting ADAS alignment requirements?

Beating The Tech Shortage Through Mentoring

How understanding the 80/20 Rule and creative mentoring can make the shortage less threatening.

With Safety, The Smallest Miss Can Bring Big Problems

Your most important asset isn’t your building, contents or customers but employees. Adopt a preventive measure mindset.