Will the Service Advisor Role Go Extinct?? | Marshall Sheldon
About this episode
Marshall Sheldon joins the Jaded Mechanic Podcast to discuss the evolving role of service advisors in the automotive industry. The conversation dives into the potential extinction of the advisor position as technology advances, particularly with digital vehicle inspections (DVIs) and direct communication between technicians and customers. They explore the challenges technicians face, the importance of mentorship, and the need for effective communication skills in the workplace. The episode emphasizes the significance of quality repairs and the technician's role in customer satisfaction, while also addressing the industry's shift towards more efficient practices.
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 HERE
Register NOW for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference coming up HERE
In this episode, Jeff Compton welcomes Marshall Sheldon. Marshall stresses the importance of selecting apprentices based on personality and willingness to learn rather than experience. Jeff and Marshall also talk about flat rate vs hourly, and how the industry might just replace service advisors soon.
00:00 Meet Marshall Sheldon
06:02 "Mentorship to Independence"
13:49 Personable Candidates over Technical Skills
19:46 Advocating For Technician Training
24:04 Employee Retention Through Treatment
28:43 Certificate of Qualification Reflections
37:18 "Mechanic's Night Shift Challenges"
41:11 Entrepreneurship: Balancing Risk and Reward
43:55 Innovative Technician's Essential Impact
49:03 Rework Incentives: Fair or Not?
54:31 Budgeting Training Costs
01:03:50 "Stop Performing DVI for Free"
01:07:35 Improving Advisor Communication Skills
01:11:07 "Three-Year Engine Warranty Assurance"
01:16:38 Hands-On Mechanical Training Guidance
01:22:12 "Commitment to Quality Repairs"
01:31:04 Autel vs. Zeus Tool Dilemma
01:33:11 Auto Programming with Autel Device
01:38:16 Dealership Mentorship and Financial Guidance
01:45:52 Jeep Module Issue and Dealer Solution
01:48:20 LinkedIn: Showcasing Technical Professionalism
Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media!
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232
Mini Coopers
"and i'm on the third mini cooper transfer case yeah three once a year i'm putting a transfer case that i hate mini cooper's but anyway it's a cool fun little car but it's a race car right race cars you you have to work on them all the time it's just the nature of it so"
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"...eep hey congratulations right on yeah she got her grand Cherokee L which you know when she went there she asked th..."
Volvo XC90
"...because it's like i hooked it up to uh 2022 Volvo XC90 or something last week to see about if i could pu..."
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.