Photos
Under The Hood
Is the shop heated? Air conditioned?
The shop is heated with in floor heat throughout and powered by both an oil burning boiler and natural gas. Seven large overhead doors and two big (really big) fans, the air stays moving and cool in the summers. Air conditioning is not currently in place, though it is in the works for the future. There is also an automatic air exchange unit that keeps air quality safe and fresh.
What is the size of the team I’d be working with?
Our team is currently made up of 3 automotive technicians, one shop assistant, one facilitator (parts, pick up, drop off, porter), two service advisors, one office administrator, and two owners for a total of 10 full-time team members.
What are the shop hours and what are the shift timeframes?
Our shop hours are Monday through Friday from 8 until 5:30. Service Advisors report prior to 8 am to prep the day and technicians have flexible scheduling based on their personal needs. Some perform 4 10 day work weeks while others prefer 8am-5pm Monday through Friday with an hour long unpaid lunch break.
What tools does the shop provide that are available for all technicians to use?
The shop provides all diagnostic equipment including Autel scanners and a complete pico-scope set. There is also a wide variety of specialty tools including hub/bearing press kits, a hydraulic lift cart to assist with heavy lifting, transmission jacks, engine hoists, Hunter Auto 34 tire maching, Road Force Balancer, Hawkeye Wheel Aligner, Autel ADAS system, and several other tools to assist with efficiency. Tools are updated regularly based on demand.
What type of break room facility is provided?
We have a dedicated break/conference room with a kitchenette that includes 2 convection microwave ovens, a full size refrigerator, sink, dishwasher, pizza oven, and ample cupboard space. There is a water cooler in the shop and a water bottle filler in the waiting area. We also have a dedicated "locker room" with a changing room, bathroom, and shower.
How many bays does your shop have?
Our newly constructed shop boasts 10 bays that currently occupy 8 regularly inspected hoists (one Hunter RX16; 4 12k two post Rotary lifts; and three drive on Rotary lifts including a 30k to include medium-duty vehicles); One large open bay with an overhead door and one other bay that allows for future potential growth for another two post lift. All bays are accessible with our Hotsy hot water pressure washer for efficient cleaning of vehicles and bays. We also clean bays regulary with a floor sweeper/scrubber.
How many repair orders do you average per month?
We average 200 cars per month and focus on quality over quantity with our service offerings to our clients and team members. Courtesy inspections are perfomed on most vehicles and scheduled maintenance recommendations are made based on the type of vehicle and how it is used by the client.
What is your parts ordering process?
We use Shop-Ware Shop Management System that allows seamless parts look up, ordering, and processing experience through PartsTech and Repairlink to look up and order dealer only parts. Technicians recommend parts requested, service advisors acquire parts, then our dedicated facilitator recieves and labels them for ease of process for the technicians. Parts returns and cores are processed by the facilitator as well. Carts and bins are used to reduce wear and tear on technicians bodies.
What is your policy on side work?
We recognize that technicians are highly sought after by friends and families to do them solids on the side. While we prefer technicians invite others to utlitize our service experience, we know that isn't a reality and ask that they share with us the scope of what they do on the side. Direct competition or acquiring work from our clients is expressly not allowed and considered grounds for dismissal.
Are there any other unique features of the work environment worth noting?
We have a parts store connected to our facility, making efficiency at an all time high. Our new faciilty was designed with technician efficiency in mind and we have invested in equipment and tools that help our team offer high quality, safe, effective work that our clients can benefit from.
Do you offer any skills training or continuing education opportunities?
We also offer paid training for all team members and try to make that training during regular business hours to allow a better life experience outside of work (family always comes first). Aftermarket training opportunities both online and in person allows for each team member to acquire training in and and all areas they want to focus on.
Can you describe opportunities for career growth at your business?
Career Growth is based on individual goals and aspirations. There are advancement opportunities at all levels, including potential future ownership. Technicians are able to start at an apprentice level and work up to a master technician. If leadership skills and abilities are exercised and individuals prefer to take on additional responsibilites, those roles are also available.
Can you describe your performance review process?
Reviews are able to be performed at anytime. Our current set timeframe for reviews is 60 days, 6 months, and then annually after that. We have a self and peer evaluation that is done via a form and in person meetings are held to discuss performance and skillsets.
What type of safety training is required?
Our handbook review as part of onboarding is required and done in detail. Safety is at the forefront of our day to day activities and systems are in place to protect our team and our facility to prevent injuries and sickness.
Can you describe how Techs work with and mentor younger techs?
We realize that developing others is a motivator for some and not others. Mentoring is done on a situational basis and while it is encouraged, it is not required based on each technicians skillsets. Basically, we have systems in place that not all experienced technicians are trainers/mentors, but we do have systems in place to provide mentoring.
How does your shop get involved with the local community?
Topel's prides themselves on community involvement at many levels from sponsoring teams, groups, and committees, to offering safe-rides for large events in our town. We donate a large amount of prizes and awards for fundraising and events at schools, organizations, and other businesses. We participate in community events when we can and take time to support this group of people who support us. This is likely one of the reasons we achieve the Legendary Lake Mills Business of the Year Award in 2022.
Do you do anything with local high schools or tech schools to encourage more students to enter the profession?
Our co-owner is involved as an Advisory Board member for Dane County, Jefferson County, Madison College, and other nation-wide boards. As a member of Women in Auto Care and being certified in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) through CADIA (Center of Automotive Diversity Inclusion Advancement), Tara invests her time in not only assisting in developing the automotive industry at the high school and tech school level, but does it for anyone who is interested in learning more about the opportunities there are. Tara not only represents women in the industry, but all individuals in under-represented communities that want to reach their potential.
Do you phone screen applicants before doing in-person interviews?
We phone screen at times, but not always.
What do your in-person interviews entail?
A general introduction and basic background phone call can be made depending on the situation.
Do you perform background checks, drug screening, or personality tests before hiring an applicant?
Yes, both driving record and background checks are performed.
Do you perform a skill assessment before hiring an applicant? If yes, what does it entail?
Yes, we ask that the technician perform a sampling of skills based on position level.
After an in-person interview, approximately how long should I expect to wait for a rejection or an offer?
This can vary depending on current capacity on the team. Typical expected time would be one to two weeks.
Approximately how long does the full hiring process take from submitting the application to the time of the hiring decision?
The full process typically takes 2-3 weeks.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention about your hiring process?
While a formal resume is one indicator of experience and skills, we recognize not everyone has one and that they are not a primary source of the hiring and recruitment basis. Feel free to reach out to us even if you do not have a resume.
A Level Technician
Pay Range: $30.00 - $50.00/hour
We offer an hourly base that includes an incentive plan to reward techncians for quality work done the first time as effectively as possible.
B Level Technician
Pay Range: $24.00 - $29.00/hour
We offer an hourly base that includes an incentive plan to reward techncians for quality work done the first time as effectively as possible.
C Level Technician
Pay Range: $19.00 - $23.00/hour
We offer an hourly base that includes an incentive plan to reward techncians for quality work done the first time as effectively as possible.
Service Advisor
Pay Range: $15.00 - $28.00/hour
We offer an hourly base with a performance incentive based on Gross Profit. Service Advisors typically work 5-10 hours of overtime (over 40 hours per week) that increases their average hourly wage.
Service Manager
Pay Range: $25.00 - $45.00/hour
We offer an hourly base with a performance incentive based on Gross Profit. Service Advisors typically work 5-10 hours of overtime (over 40 hours per week) that increases their average hourly wage.
Student Tech / Apprentice
Pay Range: $14.00 - $22.00/hour
Apprentice technician wage is hourly and includes a bonus based on production to assist technicians in their productivity while learning and growing in their own positions.
Lube Technician
Pay Range: $17.00 - $27.00/hour
We offer an hourly base that includes an incentive plan to reward techncians for quality work done the first time as effectively as possible.
- Health Insurance Not Offered
- We do not currently offer Group Health Insurance Coverage, as the majority of our team has found they are able to keep more net income to procure their own plan that suites them and their family through the Marketplace.
- Dental Insurance Offered
- Team members premiums are paid at 50% with the other 50% and their families is administered through their payroll.
- Vision Insurance Offered
- Team members premiums are paid at 50% with the other 50% and their families is administered through their payroll.
- Retirement Plan Offered
- We provide a SIMPLE Plan with up to a 3% match.
- Sick Leave Offered
- Personal time is offered after 90 days of employment.
- Vacation Offered
- Earned paid time off is based on experience and time at our organization.
- Paid Holidays Offered
- We do pay for most major holidays and include a day for the team members birthday as well.
- ST / LT Disability Offered
- Company provides 100% Disability premiums for our full-time team members.
- Life Insurance Offered
- Company provides 100% Life Insurance premiums for our full-time team members.
- Uniforms Offered
- We provide uniforms and laundering as well as work boot reimbursement (great work boots, not cheap ones!)
- Other Offered
- One of the best benefits we can offer is to allow our team members to put their families needs first. We practice this as leadership and encourage the team to do so as well. We also often provide lunch as a team and organize team events based on team hobbies and interests.
