Episode Description

In this week’s episode of Beyond the Wrench, we are joined by Kate Beirowski, Director of Sales, WrenchWay. We dive into how to tell if your shop is a great place to work. We discuss the importance of culture in a shop, what makes a shop stand out, and more!

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The Importance of Culture in a Shop

  • You need to ask yourself: Are you a good person? Do you care about your people?
  • Culture is huge for everyone, regardless of shop size.
  • The technicians on your team want a purpose and reason to come into work everyday.
  • If you find a talented technician, you need to recognize it and keep them.
  • Technicians care about the work they are doing, and want to be appreciated.
  • Having a winning culture is a big piece in setting a positive attitude in the shop.
  • One person can ruin the culture in a shop, and you have to consider that when hiring someone new.

“You need to be overly picky about the person you’re bringing into your culture. They might not check every single box from the skill standpoint, but if they’re a good person and they want to learn and grow, that is more important.”

Kate Beirowski, Director of Sales, WrenchWay

What Makes a Good Shop

  • You can tell in the first 30 seconds on the phone if you are a good shop.
    • How did they answer the phone?
    • What did they do to put you on hold?
    • Were they kind and respectful?
  • You want technicians to be proud of the shop they work for, and that will come through in the work they do.
  • Know your strengths and weaknesses; not everyone is good at everything.
  • Be open to criticism; it will help you be a better shop.
  • If technicians aren’t willing to consider your shop, maybe you need to change.

“Technicians need to find not only the right shop, but the right leader, the manager, the culture, the team.”

Kate Beirowski, Director of Sales, WrenchWay

Difference in Reluctant and Eager Shops

  • Recruiting is a process and finding technicians that are the right fit takes time.
  • If technicians see you’re a good employer, the result is going to be better and they will want to come and work for you.
  • Highlight the attributes of what makes your shop great. Every shop is different, and it’s important to show it.
  • If a technician applies to your job, you have to reply to them. You have to be professional and not ghost them.
  • Shop owners need to understand there are some things you can’t control, and you need to be open-minded.

Advice to Shops

  • Times have changed, and people aren’t begging at your door for a job anymore.
  • Shops have to be open and be thankful for the technicians who apply.
  • When a technician is looking for a new shop to work at, they are looking to better their career.
  • For most technicians, they aren’t moving shops for money.
  • We need technicians, and you should be proud to have them working for you.
  • Being a good person helps you run a good business and build loyalty.
  • Having a good process in place for hiring new technicians will take you a long way.
  • Be intentional with your actions, and you’ll see the results. It is not just checking the boxes to get it done. It is about actually making the process.
  • Take a little time every week to hire technicians, and you’ll be saving time in the long run.

Building Shop Culture By Recognizing Technicians

Show Notes

Resources:

Download the free WrenchWay app in the App Store or on Google Play:

About Our Host:

Jay Goninen
Co- Founder & President, WrenchWay
jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122

About Our Guest:

Kate Beirowski
Director of Sales, WrenchWay
kate@wrenchway.com

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