Why Retention in Automotive Starts With People
About this episode
Shifting the automotive industry focus from numbers to people is essential for attracting and retaining technicians. Host J. Gannon and guest Eric Wagner, an industry leader, discuss the importance of leadership, culture, and career development in dealerships. Wagner shares insights from his diverse experiences, highlighting how dealership dynamics affect employee satisfaction and retention. The conversation emphasizes that strong relationships and a supportive environment are crucial for success, as technicians increasingly seek meaningful work beyond just financial incentives.
Eric Wagner, automotive professional, joins the podcast to talk about why the auto industry must shift from a numbers-driven mindset to a true people business in order to attract and retain our talent. Throughout the episode, Eric discusses the role leadership plays in attracting and retaining technicians, why managers need to truly know their people, and what it takes to bring new talent into the industry—and keep them.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
- Guest: Eric Wagner, Automotive Professional
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BG
"...And I was working for a distributor for BG products, shout out to BG, love their products, good stuff. I worked for that distributor for about four years..."
BG is a company that makes products to help keep cars running well. They create things like cleaners and additives that mechanics use to improve car performance.
BG Products is a company that specializes in automotive maintenance products, including fuel additives, oil additives, and cleaning solutions. Their products are often used in professional automotive service to enhance vehicle performance and longevity.
GM
"...I ended up transitioning to the dealership level at that point. Spent some time as a service advisor for a GM dealer..."
GM stands for General Motors, a big car company that makes many different types of cars, like Chevrolets and Cadillacs. They are one of the largest car manufacturers in the world.
General Motors (GM) is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for producing a variety of vehicles under brands like Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick. They have a significant presence in both domestic and international markets.
Nissan
"...moved over to the import world with Nissan, kind of worked my way up from..."
Nissan is a car company from Japan that makes many different kinds of cars, including electric ones like the Leaf. They are well-known for their reliable vehicles.
Nissan is a Japanese automobile manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs and trucks. They are recognized for their innovation in electric vehicles, particularly the Nissan Leaf.
alignment
"...he said, man, I, I think I could do a good job with alignments said, okay, great..."
Alignment is about making sure the wheels of a car are straight and pointing in the right direction. If they are off, it can make the car harder to drive and wear out the tires faster.
Alignment refers to the adjustment of a vehicle's suspension system to ensure that the wheels are set to the correct angles, which affects handling, tire wear, and overall vehicle performance.
Hunter Engineering
"...I sent him to two day alignment school at Hunter Engineering. And he came back and he went from being a lube tech with no real hope for growth..."
Hunter Engineering makes tools that help mechanics align car wheels and check how well they are working. They are known for their quality equipment in the automotive industry.
Hunter Engineering is a company that specializes in automotive service equipment, particularly alignment machines and other diagnostic tools used in vehicle maintenance and repair.
tie rod
"What do you mean it needs a tie rod? Why do I need a tie rod? And most of the technicians, with some, there's always going to be those one or two that are a little cranky in the shop, and that's okay."
A tie rod helps your car steer properly. It connects the steering part of your car to the wheels, making sure they turn when you turn the steering wheel.
A tie rod is a crucial component of a vehicle's steering system. It connects the steering gear to the steering knuckle, allowing for the proper alignment and movement of the wheels when turning.
fluid maintenance
"...when talking about fluid maintenance, because there's obviously the, you know, the flush stigma and everything like that. Fluids wear out, fluids need to be changed. You know, that's a fact of life, you know, as far as that goes."
Fluid maintenance means taking care of the different liquids in your car, like oil and coolant. These fluids need to be checked and changed regularly to keep your car running well.
Fluid maintenance refers to the regular checking and changing of various fluids in a vehicle, such as engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant. Proper fluid maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of a vehicle.
flush stigma
"...the flush stigma and everything like that. Fluids wear out, fluids need to be changed. You know, that's a fact of life, you know, as far as that goes. But the stigma says that, oh, well, they're just trying to flush your wallet."
The flush stigma is when people think that services to change car fluids are just a way for mechanics to make money, not something that's really needed. This can make customers unsure about whether to pay for these services.
The 'flush stigma' refers to the negative perception some customers have about fluid flush services, believing they are unnecessary or primarily aimed at generating revenue for service providers. This stigma can affect customer trust and willingness to pay for maintenance services.
GMC Acadia
"one in a million. But until you know, you're just guessing and guessing will get you so far. I had a technician back in, I'm going to say 2009 2010. I was a GMC dealer and the Acadia's and the Buick Enclave's had an AC evaporator problem where they'd start leaking. And,"
The GMC Acadia is a type of vehicle called an SUV, which is bigger than a regular car and can carry more people and stuff. It's designed to be comfortable for families and has a lot of space inside. People talk about it because it's a good option for those who need a reliable vehicle for everyday use.
The GMC Acadia is a midsize SUV that was first introduced in 2006. It is known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and versatility, making it a popular choice for families and those needing extra cargo space. The Acadia is often discussed for its blend of utility and style, as well as its performance in the competitive SUV market.
Buick Enclave
"...the Buick Enclave's had an AC evaporator problem where they'd start leaking. And, warranty time for it was like 6.8 hours..."
The Buick Enclave is a large SUV that can fit a lot of people and cargo. It's designed for families and has many comfort features.
The Buick Enclave is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. It has been in production since 2007 and is part of Buick's lineup of luxury vehicles.
AC evaporator
"...the Buick Enclave's had an AC evaporator problem where they'd start leaking. And, warranty time for it was like 6.8 hours..."
The AC evaporator is a part of the car's air conditioning system that helps cool the air inside the car. If it has a problem, the air conditioning might not work well.
The AC evaporator is a component of the air conditioning system that absorbs heat from the cabin air, allowing the air to cool down before being circulated back into the vehicle. If it leaks, it can cause the AC system to malfunction.
warranty time
"...warranty time for it was like 6.8 hours, which was insane because you had to take the entire interior out of this car..."
Warranty time is how long a car company thinks a repair should take. If it takes longer, it might cost more money for the repair shop.
Warranty time refers to the amount of time that a manufacturer allocates for a repair under warranty. It often dictates how long a technician is expected to take to complete a job, which can affect labor costs and efficiency.
differential
"...he could have done the heavy line stuff. He was a guy who could do a differential and engine transmission..."
A differential is a part of the car that helps the wheels turn at different speeds, especially when going around corners. This makes driving smoother and safer.
A differential is a mechanical component that allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds, which is essential for smooth turning and handling of a vehicle. It is commonly found in both front and rear axles.
Dodge Daytona iRoc
"First one, what was your first car? It was a 1991 Dodge Daytona iRoc. Nice. Yep. I love that."
The Dodge Daytona iRoc is a car that was popular in the early '90s. It was known for being sporty and fun to drive, making it a favorite among young drivers.
The Dodge Daytona iRoc is a sporty coupe that was produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was known for its performance and distinctive styling, often appealing to younger drivers and car enthusiasts.
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