I just got this email from a tech looking for a good independent shop in the Baltimore area: "I'm a master tech from Portland Oregon, currently relocating to Baltimore, Maryland area, I heard you on a podcast today and was curious if you know a good shop in the Columbia/Frederick/Sykesville area of Maryland? I was with Mazda for 8 years as a shop foreman/master tech and another 7 before that as a heavy line fleet tech. I'm thinking mobile ADAS tech, DOT tech or a working in a good independent shop. I'll be there in about 5 days with my tools ready to work soon." This sounds like a great opportunity. If you are in the area and looking for a tech, let me know and I'll make the connection.

A masterclass in recruiting inside 6 minute teaser. I'm not sure if I ever heard anyone put it together this well, Chris. Thank you for being such a great voice in this space. Much appreciated. https://youtu.be/QeHmGo8tWVk

Thank you Chris for the lovely care package. We will be putting these books to good use shortly. How many of us shop owners remember that one way to increase our people’s pay is to help them keep more of it in their pocket? “Act your wage” was a phrase that I heard years ago and have never forgot it. Let’s be that example to our team members whom may not have had that kind of financial literacy upbringing as you or I.

I'm delighted to share that Interstate Auto Care in Madison Heights, MI has hired a seasoned automotive technician and a CSR for their service desk. Keep up the good work @Bill Nalu

We say that we have a technician shortage, but we lie: We shop owners built this industry- whether we are first generation owners or inherited all of our bad habits from those who like us, didn’t know what they didn’t know at the time. The funny thing is, we can’t pull that bs with ourselves any longer. Not since Remarkable Results Radio, not since ASOG, not since Changing The Industry Podcast, not since Wrench Nation Radio, and the literally thousands of other industry professionals and organizations whom exist for the sole purpose of making you and I just a bit more professional than we were yesterday and yesteryear. Case in point- this month, we set out to add a B tech and while we ended up hiring on a seasoned veteran in his prime, we also fielded a dozen under-qualified applicants and met with the several who took the time to come in and see what we had to offer. They came to see whether our advertised reputation had anything in common with our “shop ground zero”. They came, prepared for the typical “what can you do for my business” interview and they left being armed with a new vision of what a modern day independent automotive service facility operates like when it’s firing on all cylinders. (Pun intended) And just as importantly, they now know what kind of workplaces to avoid. And so I pass along this Sunday morning friendly reminder that you never know how impactful your time and knowledge is, until you remember the investment that your peers have made in your personal and professional development and how it’s never forgotten.

I just got off the phone with a shop owner who offered a tech 5% of gross sales (not gross profit) to come on board. If you were on the call, what would you tell this shop owner?

Thanks Chris and company. Much appreciated.

Not one in 10 shops I work with uses Indeed to its fullest potential. I know, that's a bold claim and it may ruffle a few feathers but it's true. Most shops are still stuck in the "Post, Pay and Pray" paradigm of looking for technicians on the job boards and this strategy is dying a slow (but expensive) death. Carm Capriotto, host of Aftermarket Weekly invited me on his show yesterday for a chat about what it takes for independent automotive repair shops to find qualified technicians on Indeed. The full 27 minute conversation is now available in the classroom: https://www.skool.com/technicianfind/classroom/84a30045?md=40ce73e535bb4afaabf4be0ac76650a3 View it for strategies and tactics on how to find techs faster and spend less money on Indeed.

Congratulations to Bill Nalu for joining the conversation and racing up the leaderboard in March with his thoughtful comments and helpful insights. Bill, I will send your gift to the business address. DM me before Tuesday if you'd like for me to send it somewhere else. Thanks to everyone who contributed to making the Technician Find Community more valuable and useful to our members by posting. Here's how the top 7 finished up: 1️⃣ @Bill Nalu 2️⃣ @Shawn Gilfillan 3️⃣ @Fletcher Rhoads 4️⃣ @Brandon Anderson 5️⃣ @John Kelleher 6️⃣ @Jerry Gregory 7️⃣ @Barry Lindblom

Technicians often feel like they're just a number in a big dealership, with little recognition for their hard work and expertise. This lack of personal connection can lead to feelings of frustration and disillusionment, making it difficult for techs to feel valued and motivated in their jobs. I have 2 questions for you independent repair shop owners: 1. How can you use this knowledge to make your shop more attractive to good technicians? 2. How can you communicate to good technicians looking for other opportunities that you have solved this problem in your shop? (if you have actually taken the time to do so)

Hi gang, can someone please tell me where I might find the file of the job description/check list? thank you

1- Interstate Auto Care- Madison Heights, Michigan 2- Haven't formally needed to search for a tech in years, and looking forward to finding just the right additions to our team as we grow in 2023. 3- We found our last tech when he came in for a wheel alignment. He worked at a local dealership as a GS and we struck up a conversation. One week later, he was hired on as a GS and earned his spot as a C tech within 3 months. 6 months later, he earned his first ASE cert and was moved up to a light B tech.