Helping People Do Life in Auto Repair [RR 1065]
About this episode
Joe Hansen discusses the philosophy behind Gordy's Auto Entire, emphasizing the importance of helping people do life through automotive repair. He shares insights on the technician shortage and the innovative Napa AutoCare apprentice program designed to cultivate new talent. The conversation touches on the growth of the business, including the expansion of services like fleet work and tire sales, while maintaining a focus on customer experience and building a supportive work culture. Joe reflects on the personal fulfillment derived from serving both customers and employees, highlighting the dual mission of helping people both externally and internally.
In this fireside conversation, Joe Hanson of Gordie’s Auto and Tire shares how a clear purpose—“Helping people do life”—guides every part of the business. This mission shapes both the customer experience and the culture within the shop, ensuring the team feels supported, valued, and equipped to build meaningful careers.
Joe walks through the realities of growing the business, from navigating permits and environmental requirements to expanding fleet services and managing tire sales intentionally. Issues such as leadership team dynamics, marketing, and phone call audits are management problems—they are never permanently "fixed," but instead require continuous coaching and management. He also emphasizes the importance of communication, setting clear expectations, and educating customers about the complexity of modern testing and ADAS calibration—not just “plugging in a scanner.”
Joe remains committed to the work for as long as it’s meaningful—and rooted in helping people, not just chasing revenue.
Joe Hanson, Gordie’s Garage, Roseville, MI. Listen to Joe’s previous episodes HERE. Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Connect with the Podcast: - Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ - Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters - Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 - Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto - Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ - Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ - Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz - Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ - Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider - All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books - Our Classroom page for personal or team learning:fleet sales
"...after that second store I acquired, they did a little fleet. Or the third store did a little fleet..."
Fleet sales happen when companies buy many cars at once instead of just one. This is usually cheaper for them because they are buying in bulk.
Fleet sales refer to the sale of multiple vehicles to businesses or organizations, rather than individual consumers. This can include cars, trucks, or vans used for company purposes, often at a discounted rate due to the volume of the purchase.
tires
"...Let's talk about tires. I know you're big in that. And again, I think that was another major evolution..."
Tires are the round rubber parts of a car that touch the road. They help the car move and stay stable while driving.
Tires are essential components of a vehicle that provide traction, support the weight of the vehicle, and absorb shocks from the road. They come in various types and sizes, depending on the vehicle and its intended use.
brake job
"I'm in here for, you know, a five or six hundred dollar brake job."
A brake job is when a mechanic fixes or replaces parts of your car's brakes. This is important to make sure your car can stop safely.
A brake job typically involves replacing or repairing the components of a vehicle's braking system, such as brake pads, rotors, and calipers. It's essential for maintaining safe stopping power in a vehicle.
financing option
"Are they taking the financing option that you offer? For sure."
A financing option is a way to pay for something in smaller amounts over time instead of paying everything at once. It can help if you can't afford to pay for something big right away.
A financing option allows customers to pay for services or products over time rather than all at once. This can help manage larger expenses, such as car repairs or new tires, by breaking them into smaller, more manageable payments.
diagnostics
"You know, you get to have a little bit of a die ag. People will say, I don't want to pay for the diagnostics of the testing."
Diagnostics is like a check-up for your car, where mechanics find out what's wrong by testing different parts.
Diagnostics refers to the process of identifying the cause of a vehicle's problem, often through specialized testing and analysis. This can involve checking various systems and components to pinpoint issues.
thermostat
"And then they come back. We had one today with the thermostat."
The thermostat helps keep your car's engine at the right temperature by controlling how coolant flows through it. If it doesn't work, your engine can get too hot.
The thermostat is a critical component in a vehicle's cooling system that regulates the engine temperature by controlling the flow of coolant. If it fails, it can lead to overheating or poor engine performance.
head gasket
"It was a head gasket. You know, a customer left one to a competitor and called us back and said, you know, can I bring it in?"
The head gasket is a part of the engine that keeps everything sealed tight. It helps keep oil and coolant separate so the engine runs smoothly without overheating or leaking.
The head gasket is a critical component in an internal combustion engine that seals the cylinder head to the engine block. It prevents coolant and oil from mixing and ensures that the combustion process occurs efficiently within the cylinders.
Napa AutoCare
"...instructor led Napa AutoCare classes, web-based courses, and hands-on training with a mentor."
Napa AutoCare is a group of car repair shops that help train mechanics. They focus on teaching them how to fix cars properly.
Napa AutoCare is a network of automotive repair shops that provide quality service and repairs. They offer training programs for technicians to improve their skills and knowledge in the automotive field.
ASC certifications
"...graduates earn four ASC certifications, the G1, a 4, a 5, and air conditioning, and are officially registered with the Department of Labor..."
ASC certifications show that a mechanic knows how to fix cars well. They help mechanics get better jobs because employers trust these certifications.
ASC certifications are credentials that demonstrate a technician's expertise in various automotive repair areas. These certifications are recognized in the industry and can enhance a technician's job prospects and credibility.
Ford
"...you just sold me Ford tires. Absolutely needed an alignment..."
Ford is a well-known car company from the United States that makes many types of vehicles, including trucks and sports cars.
Ford is an American automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. The company has a long history and is recognized for models like the Ford F-150 and Ford Mustang.
alignment
"...Absolutely needed an alignment. You can visually see that it was off..."
Alignment is when the wheels of a car are adjusted to make sure they are straight and working correctly. This helps the car drive better and the tires last longer.
An alignment refers to the adjustment of a vehicle's suspension system to ensure that the wheels are set to the correct angle. Proper alignment helps with tire wear and vehicle handling.
Hunter Engineering
"...you ran it over your Hunter Lane check machine..."
Hunter Engineering makes machines that help car repair shops check and fix how the wheels are aligned. This is important for keeping cars safe and running well.
Hunter Engineering is a company that specializes in manufacturing automotive service equipment, including alignment machines and tire changers. Their equipment is widely used in auto repair shops for precise vehicle alignment and diagnostics.
calibration
"...we got to do a calibration. Whatever your price is, it just doesn't matter."
Calibration means adjusting the car's systems so they work correctly, especially after something has been fixed. It's like making sure all the tools in a toolbox are set up right before you start working.
Calibration in automotive terms often refers to the process of adjusting the settings of a vehicle's systems, such as sensors or cameras, to ensure they function correctly after repairs or replacements. This is particularly important for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
battery electric vehicles
"Have you jumped into battery electric vehicles? I mean, you must be doing hybrid, right?"
Battery electric vehicles run only on electricity, using batteries instead of gasoline. They don't have a traditional engine and are better for the environment because they don't produce exhaust fumes.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are powered entirely by electricity stored in batteries, without any internal combustion engine. They are known for being environmentally friendly and producing zero tailpipe emissions.
hybrid
"I mean, you must be doing hybrid, right?"
A hybrid car uses both a regular engine and an electric motor to drive. This helps save fuel and reduces pollution compared to cars that only use gasoline.
A hybrid vehicle combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, allowing for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to traditional gasoline-only vehicles.
Chevrolet Corvette
"Help. That's our number one corvette. Serve, right?"
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car made by Chevrolet. It's known for being powerful and fun to drive, and many people love it because it represents American car culture and performance.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car that has been a symbol of American automotive engineering since its introduction in 1953. Known for its sleek design and powerful V8 engine, the Corvette is often celebrated for its impressive speed and handling, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and collectors alike.
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