With the month of June comes graduation ceremonies and commencement speeches that are filled with emotion and congratulatory remarks, words of encouragement, and challenges to graduates to fulfill their dreams, make their mark on society and change the world to make it a better place.
These “dreams foster goals, and achievement brings success” messages should strike a cord with all of us. They should also serve to re-enforce the mechanisms and strategies for which to achieve those objectives. You know that path all too well – whether you are a successful shop owner or a knowledgeable, skilled technician. You set your sight on a career, achieved the required training and education to earn your position, and continually work hard to meet, and even surpass, your goals.
But, your road to professional achievement has not been without challenges. In a recent survey of ImportCar readers, respondents indicated that they face several shop management concerns, as they work to grow their business and boost profitability. Their comments are summarized for ease of reference and comparison to your own business:
Technology issues – Diagnosing vehicle problems, keeping pace with increasingly complex vehicle systems and overcoming customer resistance to charges for diagnostic time. Nuts and bolts – Getting the right parts and having the proper tools to get the job done. Technicians – Training, retention, motivation and combating absenteeism. Cost of doing business – Insurance, taxes, fees, profit margins and controlling costs. Customer service imperatives – Education on the need for preventive maintenance and regular vehicle system inspection and care. Efficiency – Optimizing workflow, time management and boosting bay productivity.
How many of these challenges are directly impacting your business? Have you prioritized which ones you need to address first? What strategies do you have in place to meet and overcome these challenges?
If you can relate to any of these shop management challenges, and have proactively taken the measures to meet them head on…then you are one step closer to ensuring your future success.
It’s because of your dreams, goals and objectives that you offer top-notch, high-quality, efficient vehicle repairs to a committed base of repeat customers, amidst challenges that threaten your business. It’s because of your foresight, drive and ambition that you continue to service the myriad of import nameplates on the road today. And, it’s because of your commitment to professionalism and excellence that 15 state governors have declared June 12 as National Automotive Service Professional’s Day (established by ASE).
They, and we, salute you for your past, present and future commitment to professional automotive service. You are the driving force in automotive repair, leading the charge for service excellence.
