If you’ve ever watched a talented technician leave for a competitor, consider this… Last October I joined Chris Jones on the Ratchet and Wrench Podcast to talk about 8 Reasons Why Techs Quit Auto Repair Shops. Here they are: 1. Lack of career development / advancement 2. Inadequate compensation 3. Uncaring/uninspiring leaders 4. Lack of meaningful work 5. Unsustainable work expectations 6. Unreliable/unsupportive colleagues 7. Lack of workplace flexibility 8. Lack of support for health/well-being Kudos if you’ve developed an apprenticeship or mentorship program and can bring new techs into the industry and get them trained up properly! But don’t stop there! Close the revolving door in your shop by addressing these common employee complaints. Your techs will thank you. And they’ll stay.

It's a bad idea to assume that no news is good news from those quiet employees. 1-on-1 meetings are perfect for creating a safe space for even the most shy employees to share feedback. If you aren't doing them, start this week!

I'm excited to share a recent milestone in my journey of exploring and understanding our industry better. I had the honor of being featured in an episode titled "8 Reasons Why Techs Quit Auto Repair Shops," on Ratchet+Wrench Radio, which has now been recognized as their #3 Podcast of the Year! A heartfelt thank you to Chris Jones for being such a professional and knowledgeable host, and to all the staff at Ratchet+Wrench Radio for making this experience one to remember. Your expertise and dedication shone through every part of the process. In my discussion with Chris Jones, we dove into a Statista survey that sheds light on the primary reasons people leave their jobs, providing a unique lens through which we examined the auto repair industry. Our discussion aimed to unearth valuable insights for shop owners about how to attract and retain skilled technicians. This achievement would not have been possible without your contributions. Your shared knowledge and experiences are instrumental in strengthening our industry by helping independent shops effectively hire and retain talented staff, making our industry stronger. Reflecting on my journey over the past six years, I am both humbled and inspired. From initially grappling with basic industry concepts – like the difference between an RO and RWD – to now sharing insights on a highly rated podcast, this growth is a testament to our supportive and innovative community. I invite you to listen to the podcast episode. Whether you're in the auto repair industry or simply interested in the dynamics of workplace retention, I believe there's valuable takeaways for everyone. You can listen to the podcast here: 8 Reasons Why Techs Quit Auto Repair Shops

Ever felt the weight of a disrupted workflow when a new team member can't seem to respect time? It's that unsettling moment when the clock ticks past the start time and the bay or desk remains empty…again. The workload piles up, customers get restless, and the rhythm of the day gets thrown off. Not to mention the blow to team morale. Before things escalate, it's critical to approach the situation head-on. Having a candid conversation can clear the air and set expectations quickly. Here’s how to do it… This excellent 7-step framework for having a tough conversation is shared in the book “Fierce Conversations” by Susan Scott. 1. Name the issue. 2. Select a specific example that illustrates the behavior or situation you want to change. 3. Describe your emotions about this issue. 4. Clarify what is at stake. 5. Identify your contribution to this problem. 6. Indicate your wish to resolve the issue. 7. Invite your partner to respond. You have sixty seconds to do it all. This powerful opening statement will set the stage for an open and honest discussion about work expectations. A smooth-running shop relies on everyone being on time so don’t shy away from potentially difficult conversations like this.

Here's a great way to build culture in your shop and honor the Veterans who work for you. To thank Veterans for their service, @Eddie Lawrence and his wife Holly over at Mobile Transport Repair (MTR) have created a Veterans Day voucher that is good for 8.0 hours towards their PTO to use as they need. Eddie was kind enough to share his voucher if you would like to do something like this for your team (see attached PDF). I love this idea because it does so many cool things: 1. It shows appreciation and respect for your employees 2. It builds team culture around valuing honor and service 3. It shows that they took the time to learn more about their employees lives outside of the shop and that they care 4. It is a commitment to supporting a cause greater than the business