November/December 2017 Archives - Shop Owner Magazine
Case Study: Harry J. Weirich Auto Repair – The Shop Next Door

Technology, specifically for marketing our businesses, doesn’t always come naturally. This month, I decided to get out of my own office and get a better understanding of the challenges and pitfalls facing new shop owners as they try to build awareness and clientele, says Jeff Phillip, Digital Development Manager, Babcox Media.

Executive Interview: Mark Drennan, General Director, ACDelco

Mark Drennan is the general director of ACDelco, the true General Motors original equipment maintenance and repair parts brand. Over a three-decade career at GM, Drennan has influenced every part of the aftermarket value chain, from product design to marketing, sales and distribution.

Differentiating Your Shop With A Unique Brand Promise

So what separates a good shop from a great shop? There are many answers to that question. Is it location, training, techs, management? These are just a few, but one thing is certain: If a shop owner doesn’t concentrate on branding, all that other work and planning won’t matter.

Will A Few Unhappy Customers Kill Your Chances Of Selling Your Shop For Top Dollar?

Just a handful of negative social media reviews can paint an inaccurate picture that poisons the sellability of your thriving business. Develop an action plan now to avoid scaring off buyers later.

Speed Wrench: Providing Repairs And Customer Service With A Retro Flair

Customers at Speed Wrench Garage in Sandwich, IL, a Bumper to Bumper certified service center, certainly appreciate the attention to detail, whether it’s the authentic Texaco Motor Oil sign, or the reclaimed hubcaps adorning the wall.

Navigating The Roller Coaster Ride Of Running A Small Business, And Realizing The Importance Of Personal Well-Being

Running a small business is simultaneously one of the most frustrating and rewarding journeys a person can embark upon. Even more so when that small business is an auto repair shop. The highs and lows can both be extreme – one minute, you’re on top of the world and everything is going great. The next minute, the sky is falling and nothing seems to be going right.

Hosting A Women’s Car Care Clinic – Easing Fears & Providing Education Helps Instill Trust

With more and more women making primary automotive-related purchasing decisions, including service and repair decisions, forward-thinking shops are trying to better educate this important clientele base. So, in recent years, many shops have decided to host women’s car care clinics as a means to educate customers.

Edmonds Import Auto: Award-Winning Shop’s Edge Starts At Square One – Impeccable Customer Service And Solving Customers’ Problems

Edmonds Import Auto in Palmer, AK, runs like a well-oiled machine, thanks to the tag-team effort of Tobi Klunder-Edmonds and her husband Kevin, who together decided to open a shop of their own and put their skills to the test.