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Under The Hood
Is the shop heated? Air conditioned?
Yes! Our shop is climate controlled! We keep the A/C on 70 during the summer months.
What is the size of the team I’d be working with?
We currently have 7 main shop technicians, 4 express lube technician and 1 internal technician.
What are the shop hours and what are the shift timeframes?
We are open 7:30-5:30 Monday-Friday. We meet at 7:15 on Tuesday for a shop meeting. We are closed on Saturday and Sunday!
What tools does the shop provide that are available for all technicians to use?
We provide all the manufactures special tools which are stored and cataloged in our tool room for easy access. We have the most up to date shop equipment and it is maintained on a regular schedule. We also provide built in toolboxes for each technician.
What type of break room facility is provided?
Our employee break room provides cable TV, ice machine, full size refrigerator, microwaves, dishwasher and vending machines. It's a great place to take a break or eat lunch.
How many bays does your shop have?
We have 16 inground lifts. Alignment stall and 2 detail bays. 1 above ground EV lift.
How many repair orders do you average per month?
We average 1100-1200 repair orders a month with a high percentage of Customer Pay repair orders.
What is your parts ordering process?
We use Reynolds & Reynolds as our DMS. The technicians are able to send parts request and additional sale request directly from their workstations. A copy of the repair order is printed in the parts department at the time of write up so the parts are pre pulled for the technicians and delivered to them.
What is your policy on side work?
Employees are able to purchase parts for 10% over cost. Technicians are able to work on their own vehicle and immediate families vehicles as well. All other employees pay an internal rate of $65.00 per hour. We do not allow "side work" due to a conflict of interest.
Are there any other unique features of the work environment worth noting?
We offer a spiff program for Technicians and Service Consultants for additional sales. We have a company Christmas Party each December. Cookouts through out the year. We also like to celebrate employee milestones. For the past 54 years the Parker Automotive group has taken the Service and Parts departments on a company fishing trip on the White River, this takes place on a weekend each June!
Do you offer any skills training or continuing education opportunities?
Each Technician is enrolled in training at the time of employment. There is a series of online courses to be completed before attending the first in person training. Each Technician will continue their online and in person training until they reach Master Level. We pay for all in person training, expenses while at training and the technician for their time away from work. We also pay for the technicians ASE certifications.
Can you describe opportunities for career growth at your business?
We realize our employees are our greatest asset and want to offer them every opportunity for advancement when that opportunity is available. All of our Service Managers and Shop Foreman have been promoted from within.
Can you describe your performance review process?
Each employee has a performance review annually on their anniversary.
What type of safety training is required?
Employees go through Hazardous Material and Safety training annually. We provide the necessary safety equipment for the technicians.
Can you describe how Techs work with and mentor younger techs?
We have an apprentice program that has been developed for the younger technicians to provide them with a career path. They are paired with a Master or Senior technician and we have designed an alternative pay plan that benefits the mentor and the apprentice. The apprentice is given a work book and every 90 days they have a review with their mentor, shop foreman and service manager on progress.
How does your shop get involved with the local community?
We are involved with the Arkansas Children's Hospital, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Make A Wish, Arkansas State Police Foundation just to name a few.
Do you do anything with local high schools or tech schools to encourage more students to enter the profession?
Some of our Managers are on the Advisory Board for University of Arkansas Morrilton Community College. Over the last several years we have offered scholarships to students attending the Automotive Service Technology Program. We are currently working with the Saline County Career Technical Campus and their Automotive Program.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention about career development and community?
The thing about the automotive business is it's up to you. How far do you want to go? The opportunities are there for the taking.
Do you phone screen applicants before doing in-person interviews?
If you do not live in the general area we will conduct a phone interview.
What do your in-person interviews entail?
You will have an opportunity to meet with the Service Manager, Shop Foreman, and Fixed Operations Director. The Service Manager will take you on a tour of the dealership and introduce you to other employees. You are encouraged to ask employees all the questions you would like about how we do things.
Do you perform background checks, drug screening, or personality tests before hiring an applicant?
There will be a background and drivers license check performed. Only customer facing employees will have a personality test performed. We do not drug test at this time.
Do you perform a skill assessment before hiring an applicant? If yes, what does it entail?
Not at this time. If currently have any online or in class room training please provide it at the time of interview.
After an in-person interview, approximately how long should I expect to wait for a rejection or an offer?
It typically will only take a few days to get the back ground and drivers license check back. We will then reach out to you.
Approximately how long does the full hiring process take from submitting the application to the time of the hiring decision?
If everything goes ok less than a week.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention about your hiring process?
We encourage you to have a list of questions to ask during the interview. Remember you are interviewing us just like we are interviewing you. What qualities are important to you in an employer?
B Level Technician
Pay Range: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00/year
This position will have a flat rate pay structure with a monthly production bonus and generous spiff program. This is based on tenure, certification and experience. This would be a technician who has earned the General Motors Gold Level certification. Sign on bonus available on a case by case by basis for well qualified technicians.
C Level Technician
Pay Range: $45,000.00 - $60,000.00/year
This position will have a flat rate pay structure with a monthly production bonus and generous spiff program. This is based on tenure, certification and experience. This would be a technician who has earned some of the General Motors Gold Level certifications. Sign on bonus available on a case by case by basis for well qualified technicians.
Lube Technician
Pay Range: $35,000.00 - $50,000.00/year
This position will have a flat rate pay structure with a monthly production bonus and generous spiff program. This is based on experience or dealer apprentice program completion. Sign on bonus and moving allowance at Service Managers discretion
A Level Technician
Pay Range: $65,000.00 - $150,000.00/year
This position will have a flat rate pay structure with a monthly production bonus and generous spiff program. This is based on tenure, certification and experience. This would be a technician who has earned the General Motors Gold Level certification. Sign on bonus available on a case by case by basis for well qualified technicians.
- Health Insurance Offered
- Plan starts on the first of the month following 30 days of employment. Two options available with different Coinsurance and Out of Pocket. Parker pays for 50% of Health Insurance. Available for Spouse and Family also.
- Dental Insurance Offered
- Plan starts on the first of the month following 30 days of employment. Delta Dental Plan available for Spouse and Family also.
- Vision Insurance Offered
- Plan starts on the first of the month following 30 days of employment. Delta Vision Benefits available for Spouse and Family also.
- Retirement Plan Offered
- 401k and Profit Sharing Plan
- Sick Leave Offered
- Employee earns 40 hours or 5 days on First Anniversary date of employment.
- Vacation Offered
- Employee earns 40 hours or 5 days on First Anniversary date of employment. On Second Anniversary employee earns 80 hours or 10 days. After Ten Years of employment employee earns 120 hours or 25 days.
- Paid Holidays Offered
- Parker celebrates 6 holiday annually. They are New Years Day, Labor Day, July 4th, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
- ST / LT Disability Offered
- Plan starts on the first of the month following 30 days of employment. We offer Unum Short and Long Term Disability Insurance Plans. Premiums are calculated on annual income. Only available for employee.
- Life Insurance Offered
- Plan starts on the first of the month following 30 days of employment. Employer paid policy for full-time employees. Additional life insurance can be added on through one of our insurance carriers.
- Uniforms Offered
- Uniforms are provided along with weekly laundry provided by uniform company.
- Other Offered
- We also offer Health Savings through FSA/HSA, Unum Term Life for Spouse, Customizable 5 Star Life Insurance for Family, Cancer Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Shield and Id Shield Insurance policy's.
Shop Talk
Top Shop Challenge: In honor of Valentine's day, please share what you love most about the industry and working at your shop. The more specific, the better!
I love this industry because I like helping people. Many years ago I had to make a decision if I was going to be on the service or sales side of the business. I chose service because I love to help people. There is nothing better when I can help someone get back on the road. What I love the most about working at Parker Cadillac is the family atmosphere! It all starts with our owner Dave Parker. Dave puts his hands on every employee every day. If just to ask how your day is going, or tell you happy anniversary, or birthday. It really feels like a family here a Parker Cadillac. Paul Cook Service Manager
Top Shop Challenge: Can you share any examples of technician perks or policies you have added? We're not looking for the traditional ones like health insurance or 401k. Instead we want to hear about changes you've made based on technician feedback.
No weekends! We work enough hours during the week. Our owners feel it is important to be home with our family's on the weekends! Your flat rate for online training! Most dealerships pay the technician at the most minimum wage. Parker Cadillac will pay a technician their flat rate for online training! Production dinner! When our shop exceeds 120% production we all go out for a steak dinner!
