{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"The ONE Thing New Techs Need Most (and Shop Owners Overlook) | John Firm and Rick White","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/the-one-thing-new-techs-need-most-and-shop-owners-overlook-john-firm-and-rick-white","audioUrl":"https://media.transistor.fm/be990fe0/920cba18.mp3","description":"\n        Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HEREWanna go to Tekmetric's first ever industry training event Tektonic? Register HEREIn this episode, Jeff is joined by John Firm and Rick White where they discuss growth and success in the automotive industry. Rick talks about the importance of having a coach and staying curious, humble, and open to new ideas. John and Rick also speak on the challenges unique to fleet shops versus traditional retail shops. To help, they share advice on pricing, marketing, and building strong business relationships. Timestamps:00:00 \"Reflection on Hosting Growth\"04:42 \"Ask or Stay Ignorant\"07:05 Car Troubleshooting: Fuse vs. Diagram10:11 Effective Communication in Auto Repair12:42 Business Coaching Insights19:03 \"Competing on Price Dangers\"19:26 \"Prioritizing Strategy Over Savings\"23:08 Labor Rates and Mix Reevaluated28:28 \"How to Beat AutoZone\"31:47 Survival Over Greed33:51 \"Challenges in European Auto Repair\"38:31 \"Maintain Control, Avoid Dealers\"40:08 \"Coaching Accountability and Honesty\"44:13 \"Helping a Client in Need\"48:02 Advice for New Technicians51:00 \"Integrity in Auto Repair\"53:43 \"Talking About John and Canada\"\nFollow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232\n      "},"annotations":[{"startTime":433.5,"endTime":447.5,"type":"term","title":"fuse box","url":"/glossary/fuse-box","quote":"...what about if the fuse box that is for all the fuses in the car is buried under something say it's in the trunk. And there's three sets of golf clubs...","canonicalId":"term:fuse-box","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A fuse box is a component in a vehicle that houses fuses, which protect the electrical circuits by breaking the connection if too much current flows through. It's essential for troubleshooting electrical issues in cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"The fuse box is where the fuses are stored in a car. Fuses help prevent electrical problems by shutting off power if there's too much electricity flowing through a circuit."}},{"startTime":447.46,"endTime":464.58,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen Golf","url":"/cars/volkswagen/golf","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/2020_Volkswagen_Golf_Style_1.5_Front.jpg","quote":"...say it's in the trunk.  And there's three sets of golf clubs and you know some questionable shoes and la...","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:golf","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car known for its practicality, efficiency, and engaging driving experience. It has been a popular choice in the hatchback segment for decades, often praised for its spacious interior and advanced technology features. The Golf is frequently discussed for its versatility, making it suitable for various lifestyles, from commuting to leisure activities.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that is great for everyday use. It's known for being easy to drive and having a lot of space inside, which makes it good for carrying things like golf clubs. People often talk about it because it's reliable and fun to drive.","imageAttribution":"Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":464.6,"endTime":478.4,"type":"term","title":"wire diagram","url":"/glossary/wire-diagram","quote":"...maybe I look at the wire diagram and figure out how this power feed works so I can save myself some time easily. Everybody's like I'm not staring a wire diagrams for hours...","canonicalId":"term:wire-diagram","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A wire diagram is a visual representation of the electrical connections and wiring in a vehicle. It helps technicians understand how power flows through the car's systems, making it easier to diagnose issues.","simplifiedExplanation":"A wire diagram shows how all the wires in a car are connected. It helps mechanics figure out where electricity goes and can help find problems in the electrical system."}},{"startTime":1282.8,"endTime":1297.8,"type":"concept","title":"fleet management","url":"/glossary/fleet-management","quote":"A lot of fleet managers are looking at they know how to retire their unit or or liquidate it to somebody else based on that number. Yes. It's cost me cost of operation for the last six months was more than it was for the last 18 months prior.","canonicalId":"concept:fleet-management","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Fleet management involves overseeing a company's vehicle fleet, ensuring that vehicles are maintained, operated efficiently, and retired or liquidated at the right time. It plays a crucial role in managing costs and maximizing the operational efficiency of the fleet.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fleet management is about taking care of a company's cars or trucks, making sure they run well and are replaced when they get old or too costly to maintain."}},{"startTime":1369.3,"endTime":1385.7,"type":"term","title":"chain of custody","url":"/glossary/chain-of-custody","quote":"There are some insurance companies today that if you let a customer supply part the insurance will not cover you because they they want to spread liability. Yeah. And if if they don't have a chain with a chain of control with that part they don't have it.","canonicalId":"term:chain-of-custody","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Chain of custody refers to the process of maintaining and documenting the handling of parts or evidence to ensure their integrity and quality. In automotive service, it ensures that the parts used are reliable and meet safety standards.","simplifiedExplanation":"Chain of custody is like a tracking system that shows who has handled a part or item, making sure it hasn't been tampered with and is safe to use."}},{"startTime":1402.7,"endTime":1417.1,"type":"term","title":"gross profit","url":"/glossary/gross-profit","quote":"I'm going to make a certain percentage of gross profit so that I can run the business. I can pay my technicians what they should get paid.","canonicalId":"term:gross-profit","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Gross profit is the difference between revenue and the cost of goods sold. In the automotive industry, it reflects the profitability of services and parts sold, influencing how businesses set labor rates and manage expenses.","simplifiedExplanation":"Gross profit is the money a business makes after paying for the things it sells. It helps companies understand how much money they have left to pay for other costs like salaries and rent."}},{"startTime":1417.1,"endTime":1435.6,"type":"term","title":"labor rates","url":"/glossary/labor-rates","quote":"Yeah. You're going to see labor rates skyrocket over the next 12 to 18 months because you're going to start paying 75 $80 an hour for a good guy.","canonicalId":"term:labor-rates","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Labor rates refer to the cost charged by a service provider for labor, typically expressed as an hourly rate. In automotive repair, this rate can vary based on technician skill level, market demand, and the complexity of the work being performed.","simplifiedExplanation":"Labor rates are the prices that mechanics charge for their work, usually by the hour. Higher rates can mean more experienced workers or more complex repairs."}},{"startTime":1436.6,"endTime":1455.1,"type":"concept","title":"labor mix","url":"/glossary/labor-mix","quote":"Now one of the things that shops I really think need to reevaluate is this concept that I need you all my guys need to be unicorns. Yeah. No they do not. You need a good labor mix.","canonicalId":"concept:labor-mix","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Labor mix refers to the combination of different skill levels among technicians in an automotive shop. A balanced labor mix ensures that there are experienced technicians alongside those who are still learning, which can improve overall efficiency and service quality.","simplifiedExplanation":"Labor mix is about having a mix of workers with different skills in a car repair shop. This helps the shop run better because some workers are very experienced while others are still learning."}},{"startTime":1492.9,"endTime":1497.24,"type":"term","title":"oil service","url":"/glossary/oil-service","quote":"I used to work at a dealership and they paid us four tents to do an oil service. Yeah. Right.","canonicalId":"term:oil-service","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An oil service typically involves changing the engine oil and replacing the oil filter to ensure the engine runs smoothly. It's a routine maintenance task that helps prolong the life of the engine.","simplifiedExplanation":"An oil service is when a mechanic changes the oil in a car's engine and replaces the oil filter. This helps keep the engine running well and can prevent problems later on."}},{"startTime":1570.8,"endTime":1575.0,"type":"company","title":"Ford","url":"/glossary/ford","quote":"I just had to buy a new Ford scanner new gender motor scanner. You know because our old stuff is not going to work in a couple more days.","canonicalId":"company:ford","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Ford is a well-known American automotive manufacturer that produces a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. They are recognized for their innovation and contributions to the automotive industry.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ford is a famous car company in the United States that makes many types of vehicles, including trucks and cars. They have been around for a long time and are known for their popular models."}},{"startTime":1570.8,"endTime":1575.0,"type":"term","title":"scanner","url":"/glossary/scanner","quote":"I just had to buy a new Ford scanner new gender motor scanner. You know because our old stuff is not going to work in a couple more days.","canonicalId":"term:scanner","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A scanner in automotive terms is a diagnostic tool used to read and interpret data from a vehicle's onboard computer systems. It helps technicians identify issues and troubleshoot problems effectively.","simplifiedExplanation":"A scanner is a tool that mechanics use to check a car's computer for problems. It helps them understand what's wrong with the car so they can fix it."}},{"startTime":2085.4,"endTime":2090.4,"type":"term","title":"electrical problem","url":"/glossary/electrical-problem","quote":"...Mercedes comes in with an electrical problem. OK. We'll do it. I got three technicians in the back and they're each like OK which one's getting the bottom...","canonicalId":"term:electrical-problem","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An electrical problem in a car refers to issues related to the vehicle's electrical system, which can include wiring, batteries, and electronic components. These problems can be complex and often require specialized knowledge to diagnose and repair.","simplifiedExplanation":"An electrical problem in a car means there is something wrong with the electrical parts, like the battery or wiring. These issues can be tricky to fix and usually need a skilled mechanic."}},{"startTime":2085.4,"endTime":2090.4,"type":"brand","title":"Mercedes","url":"/glossary/mercedes","quote":"...Because invariably what happens you take on a job you shouldn't. Amen. Right. Mercedes comes in with an electrical problem. OK. We'll do it...","canonicalId":"brand:mercedes","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Mercedes is a German automotive brand known for luxury vehicles, trucks, and buses. The brand is recognized for its engineering excellence and innovative technology in the automotive industry.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mercedes is a well-known car brand that makes luxury cars. They are famous for their high-quality engineering and advanced technology."}},{"startTime":2165.6,"endTime":2170.6,"type":"term","title":"transmission shop","url":"/glossary/transmission-shop","quote":"...I firmly believe get a good transmission shop. Yeah. If you're not going to do tires get a great tire shop...","canonicalId":"term:transmission-shop","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A transmission shop specializes in the repair and maintenance of a vehicle's transmission system, which is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. These shops often have the expertise and tools necessary to handle complex transmission issues.","simplifiedExplanation":"A transmission shop is a place where mechanics fix and take care of the part of the car that helps it move, called the transmission. They know how to handle problems with this important part of the car."}},{"startTime":2267.4,"endTime":2268.0,"type":"concept","title":"retail sales","url":"/glossary/retail-sales","quote":"...what Rick is explaining to you is retail sales. Yes. What I'm explaining to you is commercial sales.","canonicalId":"concept:retail-sales","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Retail sales refer to the sale of goods or services directly to consumers. In the automotive context, this often involves selling cars or services to individual customers rather than businesses or fleets.","simplifiedExplanation":"Retail sales are when products are sold directly to regular customers, like when you buy a car for yourself instead of for a company."}},{"startTime":2268.0,"endTime":2269.0,"type":"concept","title":"commercial sales","url":"/glossary/commercial-sales","quote":"...what I'm explaining to you is commercial sales. Yes. A fleet of men says I have a problem.","canonicalId":"concept:commercial-sales","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Commercial sales refer to the sale of goods or services to businesses or organizations rather than individual consumers. In the automotive industry, this often involves fleet sales or services tailored for companies.","simplifiedExplanation":"Commercial sales are when businesses buy products or services, like a company buying multiple cars for its employees instead of just one for a personal use."}},{"startTime":2269.0,"endTime":2270.0,"type":"concept","title":"fleet sales","url":"/glossary/fleet-sales","quote":"...A fleet of men says I have a problem. Yeah. You don't want to tell him to go someplace else.","canonicalId":"concept:fleet-sales","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Fleet sales involve selling multiple vehicles to a single customer, typically a business or organization that requires several cars for its operations. This can include companies, government agencies, or rental services.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fleet sales are when a business buys many cars at once, like a rental car company getting several vehicles for their customers."}},{"startTime":2360.0,"endTime":2365.0,"type":"term","title":"recall","url":"/glossary/recall","quote":"...they go I'm going to wait till my next oil changes and I'm going to get the two of them done at once. I'll just have the dealer do it...","canonicalId":"term:recall","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A recall is a request from a manufacturer to return a vehicle to the dealership for repairs due to safety concerns or defects. It's important for vehicle owners to respond to recall notices to ensure their safety.","simplifiedExplanation":"A recall happens when a car company finds a problem with a vehicle that could be dangerous. They ask owners to bring their cars in for repairs to fix the issue."}},{"startTime":2367.0,"endTime":2372.0,"type":"term","title":"oil change","url":"/glossary/oil-change","quote":"...they go I'm going to wait till my next oil changes and I'm going to get the two of them done at once. I'll just have the dealer do it...","canonicalId":"term:oil-change","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An oil change is a routine maintenance procedure where the old engine oil is replaced with new oil to ensure the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. It's a critical part of vehicle maintenance.","simplifiedExplanation":"An oil change is when you replace the old oil in your car's engine with new oil. This helps keep the engine running well and prevents damage."}},{"startTime":2391.78,"endTime":2403.78,"type":"car","title":"Hyundai Palisade","url":"/cars/hyundai/palisade","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/Hyundai_Palisade_Calligraphy_in_White_%28rear_left%29.jpg","quote":"...a new. My wife's got a twenty twenty five Hyundai Palisade.  Notice on a seatbelt. That's like really. Yeah....","canonicalId":"car:hyundai:palisade","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Hyundai Palisade is a midsize SUV that has gained attention for its spacious interior, upscale features, and family-friendly design. Introduced in 2020, it offers three rows of seating and a host of advanced safety and technology options, making it a strong contender in the competitive SUV market. Discussions around the Palisade often highlight its value for money and overall comfort for passengers.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Hyundai Palisade is a large SUV that can fit a lot of people and their stuff, making it perfect for families. It has a nice interior and comes with many features that make driving easier and safer. People like to talk about it because it's comfortable and offers good value for what you get.","imageAttribution":"Benespit (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":2737.9,"endTime":2739.9,"type":"term","title":"level one testing","url":"/glossary/level-one-testing","quote":"When we left when I left his level one testing was between two fifteen and two seventy five for level one testing.","canonicalId":"term:level-one-testing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Level one testing typically refers to a basic diagnostic assessment of a vehicle's systems to identify any issues or required maintenance. This can include checking engine performance, emissions, and other critical functions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Level one testing is a simple check-up for your car to see if everything is working properly. It helps find any problems that might need fixing."}},{"startTime":2753.0,"endTime":2755.0,"type":"term","title":"BG air induction service","url":"/glossary/bg-air-induction-service","quote":"I made him buy the BG air induction service because I sold four of them the first week I was there.","canonicalId":"term:bg-air-induction-service","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The BG air induction service is a maintenance procedure that cleans the air intake system of a vehicle, helping to improve engine performance and efficiency. It typically involves the use of specialized cleaning agents to remove carbon deposits and other contaminants.","simplifiedExplanation":"The BG air induction service helps clean the parts of your car's engine that bring in air. This can make your car run better and use less fuel."}},{"startTime":2755.0,"endTime":2757.0,"type":"term","title":"engine dynamic restore","url":"/glossary/engine-dynamic-restore","quote":"Three engine dynamic restores. Yeah. OK. Seven hundred dollars each.","canonicalId":"term:engine-dynamic-restore","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Engine dynamic restore is a service that aims to rejuvenate an engine's performance by cleaning internal components and restoring lost power. It often involves the use of chemical additives that help remove deposits and improve engine efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"Engine dynamic restore is a service that helps clean your car's engine to make it run better. It can help fix issues that make your engine less powerful over time."}},{"startTime":2769.0,"endTime":2771.0,"type":"car","title":"Ford trucks","url":"/cars/ford/f-series","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/Auto_Ford_F-Series_Moscow_Kantemirovskaya_Street_%D0%A1767%D0%9A%D0%A3199_2013-04_1366713598.JPG","quote":"I said come on over here. We had 40 Ford trucks lined up.","canonicalId":"car:ford:f-series","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Ford trucks, particularly the F-Series, are a line of full-size pickup trucks known for their durability and versatility. They are popular for both work and personal use, offering a range of capabilities and features.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ford trucks are big vehicles made by Ford that are great for carrying heavy loads and doing work. They are very popular in the United States.","imageAttribution":"Artyom Svetlov (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":3073.0,"endTime":3088.9,"type":"part","title":"C6 transmission","url":"/glossary/c6-transmission","quote":"Both had C6 transmission. Yes I'm dating myself. I don't care. This one was shifting hard. This one was shifting soft.","canonicalId":"part:c6-transmission","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The C6 transmission is a three-speed automatic transmission produced by Ford, known for its durability and reliability. It was widely used in various Ford and Mercury vehicles from the late 1960s through the early 1990s.","simplifiedExplanation":"The C6 transmission is a type of automatic gearbox used in some older Ford cars. It's known for being strong and lasting a long time, which is why it was popular in many vehicles."}},{"startTime":3073.02,"endTime":3088.32,"type":"car","title":"Mercury Grand","url":"/cars/mercury/grand-marquis","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9f/03-05_Mercury_Grand_Marquis_.jpg","quote":"So one day we had two mercury grand marquis in. Both had C6 transmission. Yes I'm dating myself. I don't care. This one was shifting hard. This one was shifting soft.","canonicalId":"car:mercury:grand-marquis","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Mercury Grand Marquis is a full-size sedan that was produced by Mercury, a division of Ford, from 1975 until 2011. It is known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, often appealing to those seeking a classic American sedan experience.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Mercury Grand Marquis is a large car made by the Mercury brand, which was part of Ford. It's known for being comfortable and roomy, making it a popular choice for families and older drivers.","imageAttribution":"IFCAR (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":3073.02,"endTime":3088.32,"type":"car","title":"Chevrolet C6","url":"/cars/chevrolet/corvette","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7f/Chevrolet_Corvette%2C_BAS_24%2C_Brussels_%28P1170387-RR%29.jpg","quote":"...day we had two mercury grand marquis in. Both had C6 transmission. Yes I'm dating myself. I don't care...","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:corvette","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"imageAttribution":"Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Jeff Compton","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/the-one-thing-new-techs-need-most-and-shop-owners-overlook-john-firm-and-rick-white/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}