Automotive Repair Industry's Brightest Minds Share Information, Insight at Mudstock 2011 -

Automotive Repair Industry’s Brightest Minds Share Information, Insight at Mudstock 2011

The nation's top automotive repair shop owners will share their expertise at Mudstock 2011 - an annual training summit that offers attendees the opportunity to learn innovative management techniques, share information and practice strategies that will help them prosper.

The nation’s top automotive repair shop owners will share their expertise at Mudstock 2011 — an annual training summit that offers attendees the opportunity to learn innovative management techniques, share information and practice strategies that will help them prosper.

Presented by Mudlick Mail, a provider of direct mail services for the automotive repair industry, Mudstock regularly draws more than 100 service center owners from around the country. The interactive training summit will be held September 27-29, 2011 at the Barnsley Gardens Resort just north of Atlanta, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Amidst this beautiful background, industry experts will provide guidance on a wide variety of topics, including:

• Improving time management;
• Motivating employees to improve production;
• Increasing the expertise of sales staff;
• Building a female client base;
• Managing high-volume stores and multiple locations; and
• Strategies for future growth (when and how to grow).

In addition to learning from industry leaders, Mudstock attendees will also hear from NASCAR racing legend Bill Elliot, who will offer insight into how he became one of stock car racing’s most accomplished drivers. A former champion of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Elliott will share success strategies and techniques to stay motivated. Elliott was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2007. He holds track records at both Talladega and the Daytona International Speedway and was voted NASCAR’s most popular driver 16 times. Still a part-time driver, Elliott launched his career in 1974.

Mudstock supplements the webinars and educational information Mudlick Mail provides on its website to help clients utilize advertising more effectively.

"We want attendees to walk away with tools they can use to become better managers and more profitable business owners," said Mudlick Mail CEO Greg Sands, who also owns more than 20 locations in four states.

Founded in 2008, Mudlick Mail helps automotive repair shops deliver the right message to the right people. The company’s strategically-targeted direct mail campaigns, turnkey service and expert guidance allow shop owners to increase their reach and grow their businesses.

For more information, visit http://www.mudlickmail.com.

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The True Cost Of Comebacks

Comebacks are a hot topic today. You need to track all comebacks, determine the reason (tech error, part error, training issue, other) and then calculate the true cost of the comeback.

By Joe Marconi of Elite
Comebacks are a hot topic today. You need to track
all comebacks, determine the reason (tech error, part error, training issue,
other) and then calculate the true cost of the comeback.
Here are a few things to consider:
• The loss of time when performing the comeback; time that the tech can use to
perform other work and generate profit;
• The misc costs, such as overhead costs, supplies, cleaners, etc.;
• Towing costs, rental, etc.;
• Cost to morale;
• Reputation damage; and
• Reduction to your profit margin.
For every part issue, you need to
inform your supplier. Sit down with suppliers on a regular basis. Don’t return defective
parts until you have listed the parts, and maintain a report. Document
everything.
Part issues are increasing. Every shop
owner I speak to is frustrated over this.
Remember, comebacks kill your bottom
line. The more comebacks you have, the more they’re killing your profits.
This article was contributed by Joe Marconi.
Joe is one of the 1-on-1 business coaches who helps shop owners through
the Elite Coaching Program, and is the
co-founder of autoshopowner.com.

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