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Under The Hood
Is the shop heated? Air conditioned?
The shop is air conditioned and heated.
What is the size of the team I’d be working with?
2 mechanics and a master mechanic trainer supervisor.
What are the shop hours and what are the shift timeframes?
M-F 8am to 5pm. First shift only. Paid federal holidays.
What tools does the shop provide that are available for all technicians to use?
VW Audi special tools, VCDS laptops, ElsaWin laptops, snap-on smoke machine (EVAP), vises, 20 ton hydraulic press, injector tester/cleaner, 5 gal heated ultrasonic parts washer, solvent parts washer, vapor honing cabinet, forklift, pallet jack, 4 vehicle lifts, snap-on tire machine, snap-on tire balancer, drill press, snap-on recycling machine (134a & 1234yf), long & short frame floor jacks, engine hoist, transmission jack, Miller TIG, stick welder, Comparc 50A MIG, gas torch rig, small 220v spot welder, John Beam (snap-on) bluetooth alignment system, engine stands, 3500 psi pressure washer, Clarke walk-behind floor cleaner.
What type of break room facility is provided?
We have a microwave and refrigerator in the shop. There is currently no dedicated break area. There are office chairs in the workstations. Mechanics leave for lunch, eat at their workstation while watching tv, or eat in their cars. It's whatever they decide. Some choose to work through lunch for the extra income. There are plans to add onto the building soon.
How many bays does your shop have?
5
How many repair orders do you average per month?
~ 100/ mo.
What is your parts ordering process?
Mechanics can look up parts instantly using Partslink at their workstation, or a supervisor can do that if necessary. We keep ~ $30K of new parts in stock for quick turnarounds. The dealer parts departments deliver daily, so parts we don't stock are not a long wait.
What is your policy on side work?
Side work is fine, just don't poach customers. Flipping cars is fine, just don't represent the shop. Personal projects are fine, just be rested and ready to work with a clean bay at 8am.
Are there any other unique features of the work environment worth noting?
Our work environment is engaging and supportive. Our trainer and supervisor are always ready to provide guidance, ensuring that our mechanics are well-equipped to overcome challenges quickly and develop effective habits to prevent unnecessary issues. Located in Jones County, we're far enough from the city to enjoy a safe and orderly setting. Here, you won’t find the chaos often associated with urban areas—just a law-and-order community where you can focus on your work.
Do you offer any skills training or continuing education opportunities?
Training is a constant part of our work—it's the nature of the business. Every task is a learning opportunity, even if it’s not always apparent. Auto mechanics are essentially working in applied physics.We provide VW and Audi Self Study Programs to familiarize our mechanics with the specific systems they’ll encounter. These SSPs are available for our mechanics to study at their own pace. Additionally, if a mechanic chooses to sit for an ASE test, we will cover the cost of the exam upon passing.
Can you describe opportunities for career growth at your business?
A successful mechanic could very well become trainer, manager, or take any other role in the company, providing the mechanic roles are filled properly. There will also be roles in video creation, social media management, bookkeeping, service writing, detailing, towing, and more.
Can you describe your performance review process?
We don’t conduct regular performance reviews, as our business isn’t large enough to support a dedicated HR department. Instead, mechanics work directly with a trainer/supervisor until they’ve demonstrated the ability to perform effectively with minimal oversight. During this process, the trainer/supervisor continually assesses the mechanic's skills and competency, recommending raises as key milestones are reached. We take pride in rewarding mechanics who show progress. We've long understood that a well-compensated, honest mechanic is an invaluable asset. In simple terms, we will (within reason) pay you to train you properly, and then we’ll rent that skill back from you for as long as you remain a valuable employee. We are glad to do that.
What type of safety training is required?
We work with internal combustion engines, dealing with fuels that have immense energy potential. Even fumes from fuels, batteries, carbon monoxide, and refrigerants can be explosive in small concentrations. That's why we’re vigilant about pointing out spills, dirty floors, looped hoses, and other hazards to emphasize the potential dangers in the workplace. Our safety training is constant and integrated into mechanic's training. Given our size, it doesn’t make sense to gather everyone for meetings filled with cautionary tales that leave them drowsy. Instead, we focus on continuous, practical safety reminders that keep everyone alert and aware.
Can you describe how Techs work with and mentor younger techs?
Teaching skills is at the heart of what we do. Our training is entirely hands-on. We don’t just demonstrate the mechanical work; we also discuss every aspect of the task. Later, we quiz trainees to see if they truly understand the material or if they’ve just memorized it. We recognize that it might take several attempts over time for a trainee to fully grasp the tasks and become proficient enough to work independently. However, if a trainee shows an exceptional ability to learn quickly, we’ll adjust the training pace to match their progress.
How does your shop get involved with the local community?
Our shop doesn't involve itself with the community. We just repair our customers' cars and try not to disturb our neighbors. We do recycle properly, though. We recycle cardboard, we keep separate metal bins on the property for different types of scrap metals, we don't allow any oil or coolant runoff.
Do you do anything with local high schools or tech schools to encourage more students to enter the profession?
We do not involve with schools. We stay very busy with our mission to keep our customers' cars running like new. We wouldn't be averse to hosting a tour or open house for young people considering the profession.
Do you phone screen applicants before doing in-person interviews?
Yes. We do speak with applicants to set up interviews.
What do your in-person interviews entail?
Past experience, family situation, commute distance, personal transportation, past jobs, reason for leaving, salary needs and expectations, brand preferences, tool collection, driver's license, driving record, tobacco use, education level. Then we open a hood and play "what's that".
Do you perform background checks, drug screening, or personality tests before hiring an applicant?
Yes, we do have potential employees checked before offering a position. We know everyone isn't perfect. At the same time, hiring and training is a serious and expensive undertaking for our shop. A bad hire can set us back $10k-20k and months of missed productivity.
Do you perform a skill assessment before hiring an applicant? If yes, what does it entail?
Yes. A game of "what's that" under the hood of a car. This reveals the depth of knowledge of the applicant, and terminology. We open a manual and play "what's that" to determine the depth of knowledge of tracing circuits and electrical symbols. Then we open a toolbox and play "what's that". Same depth of knowledge on tool terminology. Then we go through a little simple practical troubleshooting verbally. All for depth of knowledge of systems. Then we go to the windows computer. Follow my commands to copy, cut, paste, save, print, etc. Then we check, save, and print some trouble codes. The applicant doesn't have to get everything right, it's an assessment of skills.
After an in-person interview, approximately how long should I expect to wait for a rejection or an offer?
Depending on how many applicants, I would say a few days to a week (within reason)
Approximately how long does the full hiring process take from submitting the application to the time of the hiring decision?
Same as interviewing above. A few days to a week.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention about your hiring process?
There have been times when an applicant has excelled immediately after beginning work, well beyond expectations. We do increase pay immediately to keep pace with performance in these cases. We do not intend to underpay anyone.
Mechanic (apprentice)
Pay Range: $20.00 - $27.50/hour
This is an entry-level hourly paid position. If you bill more than 20 (customer pay) hours in a one week pay period, you will receive a $10 bonus for each of those additional hours. This is not overtime. It's a performance bonus. Example: you turned 30 hours (billable) in your 40 hour week. You get paid your regular salary, plus the additional $100 (pre-tax). Apprentices don't often bill more than 20 hours weekly. Especially when just starting the profession.
Mechanic (Journeyman)
Pay Range: $27.50 - $40.00/hour
This is a flat-rate pay. This is paid by the billable hour. The $20 hourly guarantee is in effect. You are paid the greater of your guarantee, OR your flat-rate plus commission. If you bill more than 20 (customer pay) hours in a one week pay period, you will receive a $10 bonus for each of those additional hours. This is not overtime. It's a performance bonus. Example: you turned 30 hours (billable) in your 40 hours week. You get paid your commission, plus the additional $100 (pre-tax).
Mechanic (Master)
Pay Range: $40.00 - $65.00/hour
This is a flat-rate pay. This is paid by the billable hour. The $20 hourly guarantee is in effect. You are paid the greater of your guarantee, OR your flat-rate plus commission. If you bill more than 20 (customer pay) hours in a one week pay period, you will receive a $10 bonus for each of those additional hours. This is not overtime. It's a performance bonus. Example: you turned 30 hours (billable) in your 40 hours week. You get paid your commission, plus the additional $100 (pre-tax).
- Health Insurance Offered
- We do not have a group plan. We can provide an insurance allowance for the exchange.
- Dental Insurance Not Offered
- Vision Insurance Not Offered
- Retirement Plan Not Offered
- Sick Leave Offered
- 5 days sick leave unpaid each year. A leave of absence can be arranged for long-term illness. Sick leave expires each year.
- Vacation Not Offered
- 5 days unpaid first year. 5 days paid after second year, based on average paycheck. 10 days paid after third year, based on average paycheck. Vacation days expire after two years.
- Paid Holidays Not Offered
- Paid federal holidays, based on average check.
- ST / LT Disability Not Offered
- Life Insurance Not Offered
- Uniforms Offered
- Eleven uniforms furnished by employer. Employee responsible for loss or damage.
- Other Offered
- Parts at cost plus sales tax. Free use of shop after hours, weekends. Shop must be empty and tidy for workdays. No hooligans in shop. Employee liable for any/all damages. First dibs on buying customer cars, within reason.
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