Surviving the Dog Eat Dog World of Auto Repair With Brandon Dills

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In this episode of the Jaded Mechanic podcast, host Jeff is joined by his friend Brandon Dills from Jarhead Diagnostics. They discuss the busy year that Jarhead Diagnostics has had, including moving into a larger facility. Jeff shares his experience of seeing car engines with low mileage that have already been damaged. The episode offers insights into the automotive repair industry and the challenges that come with it.

Jeff and Brandon delve into the importance of mobile technicians in the automotive industry. They highlight that even the most skilled technicians may encounter a problematic car that requires a fresh perspective. This is where mobile technicians come in, providing invaluable solutions to complex issues.

Brandon also noted that customers expect quick and efficient repairs, and mobile technicians can help shops meet these expectations. However, some shops may be hesitant to work with mobile technicians, fearing a loss of business. Despite this, both agree that mobile technicians are essential to the industry, providing a valuable service to both customers and shops.

The episode also touches on the shortage of technicians in the industry and the challenges faced by both technicians and shop owners. The guest speaker emphasizes the importance of valuing technicians and treating them as valuable assets, rather than replaceable workers. He suggests that shop owners should pay technicians well and not require them to donate hours or purchase tools that the shop uses. While it is not the shop owner's responsibility to provide retirement benefits, they should cover the cost of specialized tools and diagnostic equipment. By valuing technicians and treating them well, they will be more invested in their work and more likely to stay with the shop long-term.

The episode also highlights that traditional retirement benefits, such as a pension and a watch, are not typically provided in the automotive industry.

Therefore, technicians need to take responsibility for their own retirement plans. This includes investing in their own future, taking care of their team, and advancing their career. Shops that require technicians to purchase their own tools or do rework are not helping the situation. Shop owners should pay technicians well, so they are not struggling to buy tools that the shop uses. Technicians should also plan for lean times and when they are no longer able to work in the industry. This could involve having a side hustle or a backup plan, such as a YouTube channel or tooling training. Overall, technicians need to take control of their own retirement plans, as traditional retirement benefits are not typically provided in the automotive industry.

[00:00:00] Seized engines.
[00:03:50] Love for fixing vehicles.
[00:07:43] Harrier: A top CAS aircraft.
[00:11:35] Military deployments and family sacrifices.
[00:15:25] Transitioning from aviation to automotive.
[00:19:13] Bad rep of Canadian Tire.
[00:22:42] Leaving dealership life.
[00:27:50] Engine Recall at Kia.
[00:29:39] Engine Recall Headaches.
[00:33:23] CVT rebuilds and pricing.
[00:36:46] Efficiency in car repairs.
[00:40:23] Auto repair and income struggles.
[00:45:05] Service advisors' commissions
[00:47:01] Finding the right auto shop.
[00:50:39] 3D printing for tooling.
[00:54:01] Standing up for your worth.
[00:57:55] Small business growth.
[01:02:44] Mobile technicians vs repair shops.
[01:06:39] Intermittent Electrical Issues.
[01:11:37] Hourly vs flat rate.
[01:12:48] Hourly vs Incentivized Pay.
[01:16:39] Slow days affecting productivity.
[01:21:15] Utilizing slack time for training.
[01:25:06] Two weeks notice.
[01:29:22] Leaving a hole.
[01:31:23] Valuing technicians in business.
[01:37:22] Absentee owners and older techs.
[01:40:06] Having a fallback plan.
[01:43:24] Job security in the industry.
[01:49:28] Soft skills in customer relations.
[01:51:14] Career transitions for aging employees.
[01:55:13] Selling Tools for Retirement.
[01:59:20] Succession planning for business.

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