Stop Winging Human Resources in Your Auto Repair Shop [RR 1082]
About this episode
Lola Schmidt shares practical strategies for improving human resources in auto repair shops, focusing on hiring systems, onboarding, and employee handbooks. She emphasizes the importance of cultural fit and attitude over just skills during initial interviews, advocating for a multi-step hiring process to avoid costly mistakes. The conversation also tackles challenges like ghosting candidates and the need for clear communication and professionalism. Lola’s insights come from real-world experience running a successful four-day-a-week shop and highlight how thoughtful HR practices can lead to better team dynamics and business growth.
In this episode, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Lola Schmidt, COO of Schmidt Auto Care, to discuss how independent auto repair shops can professionalize their human resources and management systems.
Lola outlines a deliberate, multi-step hiring process built to eliminate desperate decisions and reduce candidate ghosting. It begins with a focused 5-10 minute phone screen designed to evaluate attitude, communication skills, and professionalism before investing time in in-person interviews.
Once hired, new team members go through a structured two-week onboarding experience that intentionally integrates them into the shop’s culture and operations, complete with personalized touches and cross-training across the team.
To establish clarity and transparency, Lola shares her “no gatekeeping” philosophy: providing candidates with a legally reviewed employee handbook before a formal offer is made. She also explains how to handle HR documentation and unemployment claims using a “no feelings, just facts” approach, relying on accurate records, clear timelines, and policies tied directly to the signed handbook.
The result? Intentional systems that protect the culture, the employees, and the long-term health of the business.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to build a structured hiring process that prevents reactive decisions
Why a short phone screen reduces ghosting and wasted time
How to hire for attitude and cultural fit first
What an effective two-week onboarding plan looks like
Why a legally reviewed employee handbook is essential
How to document HR issues clearly and objectively
The Everyday Educator: How Leaders Reinforce Learning [THA 458]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a458/ 4 Day Work Week and Our Own App [AW 146]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/aw146/ Lauralee Schmidt, Schmidt Auto Care, Springboro, OH 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/ - 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: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom - Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm - Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections - The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ - Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ - Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ - Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ - The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ - Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm
Napa AutoCare
"With Napa AutoCare, you can deliver unbeatable customer confidence through the peace of mind warranty."
Napa AutoCare is a group of car repair shops that work with the Napa brand. They help shops provide better service and give customers peace of mind with warranties.
Napa AutoCare is a network of automotive repair shops affiliated with the Napa brand, offering services backed by warranties and support to improve customer confidence and shop performance.
peace of mind warranty
"you can deliver unbeatable customer confidence through the peace of mind warranty."
This warranty means if something goes wrong with the repair, the shop will fix it without extra cost for a certain time, so you don't have to worry.
A peace of mind warranty is a type of guarantee offered by automotive service providers that ensures repairs and services are covered for a certain period, giving customers confidence in the quality of work.
shop management system
"your shop management system is the most critical tool in your shop."
It's a computer program that helps car repair shops keep track of customers, appointments, and parts so everything runs smoothly.
A shop management system (SMS) is software used by automotive repair shops to manage appointments, customer information, inventory, billing, and workflow, improving efficiency and customer service.
Napa Tracks
"And Napa Tracks will move your shop into the SMS Fastlane with on-site training, six days a week support, and local representation."
Napa Tracks is a program that teaches car repair shops how to use their computer systems better and run their business more smoothly.
Napa Tracks is a training and support program offered by Napa AutoCare to help automotive repair shops improve their use of shop management systems and overall business operations.
Ford Edge
"...overage your customer counts on and a competitive edge you can't afford to overlook. Want to deliver ev..."
The Ford Edge is a medium-sized car that looks like a small truck and is good for families because it has lots of space and nice features. It’s popular because it’s easy to drive and has helpful technology inside. People talk about it when they want a car that’s comfortable and useful for everyday life.
The Ford Edge is a midsize crossover SUV introduced in 2007, offering a blend of comfort, technology, and utility. It is significant for Ford as a popular family vehicle that competes well in the crowded SUV market, often highlighted for its modern features and efficient powertrains. Discussions about the Edge often focus on its role in Ford’s SUV lineup and advancements in connectivity and driver assistance.
extended warranty
"Well, you can upgrade to the 36 month, 36,000 mile warranty program."
It's like extra protection for your car that lasts longer than the usual warranty, so if something breaks, it can be fixed without extra cost.
An extended warranty is an optional service contract that extends the coverage period beyond the standard warranty, often providing additional protection against repairs.
OEM standards
"With quality NAPA replacement parts built to meet or exceed OEM standards,"
These are the rules that car makers use to make sure parts fit and work right in your car.
OEM standards refer to the quality and specifications set by the original manufacturer of the vehicle parts, ensuring compatibility and reliability.
diesel
"...Japanese, diesel, Tesla and EVs, huh?..."
Diesel engines run on a special kind of fuel and are often more efficient and powerful for heavy vehicles.
Diesel refers to a type of internal combustion engine that uses diesel fuel, known for better fuel efficiency and torque compared to gasoline engines.
EVs
"...diesel, Tesla and EVs, huh?..."
Electric vehicles are cars that use batteries and electric motors to move instead of gas engines.
EVs stands for electric vehicles, which are cars powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of traditional gasoline engines.
Tesla
"...domestic, Japanese, diesel, Tesla and EVs, huh?..."
Tesla makes cars that run on electricity instead of gas and are known for being very high-tech.
Tesla is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its innovation in electric cars and autonomous driving technology.
ADAS
"...Tesla and EVs, huh? All of it. And ADAS. When did you add that?"
ADAS are smart car features that help drivers stay safe and make driving easier by warning about dangers or even controlling the car a bit.
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems, which are electronic systems that help drivers with safety and driving tasks, such as lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
Ford Capri
"...network.com. Also, enjoy the podcast on our Carm Capri Auto YouTube channel. Carm is all for advancing ..."
The Ford Capri is an old, sporty car made in Europe that many people liked because it looked cool and was fun to drive. It was kind of like a European version of a muscle car, but easier to buy and own. People still talk about it because it’s a classic car that’s fun to collect.
The Ford Capri is a classic European coupe produced from the late 1960s through the 1980s, known for its sporty styling and affordable performance. It was designed to offer a European alternative to American muscle cars and has a dedicated enthusiast following. The Capri often appears in discussions about iconic vintage cars and affordable sports cars from its era.
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