Thank you Chris for the lovely care package. We will be putting these books to good use shortly. How many of us shop owners remember that one way to increase our people’s pay is to help them keep more of it in their pocket? “Act your wage” was a phrase that I heard years ago and have never forgot it. Let’s be that example to our team members whom may not have had that kind of financial literacy upbringing as you or I.

I just got this email from a tech looking for a good independent shop in the Baltimore area: "I'm a master tech from Portland Oregon, currently relocating to Baltimore, Maryland area, I heard you on a podcast today and was curious if you know a good shop in the Columbia/Frederick/Sykesville area of Maryland? I was with Mazda for 8 years as a shop foreman/master tech and another 7 before that as a heavy line fleet tech. I'm thinking mobile ADAS tech, DOT tech or a working in a good independent shop. I'll be there in about 5 days with my tools ready to work soon." This sounds like a great opportunity. If you are in the area and looking for a tech, let me know and I'll make the connection.

A masterclass in recruiting inside 6 minute teaser. I'm not sure if I ever heard anyone put it together this well, Chris. Thank you for being such a great voice in this space. Much appreciated. https://youtu.be/QeHmGo8tWVk

I'm delighted to share that Interstate Auto Care in Madison Heights, MI has hired a seasoned automotive technician and a CSR for their service desk. Keep up the good work @Bill Nalu

We say that we have a technician shortage, but we lie: We shop owners built this industry- whether we are first generation owners or inherited all of our bad habits from those who like us, didn’t know what they didn’t know at the time. The funny thing is, we can’t pull that bs with ourselves any longer. Not since Remarkable Results Radio, not since ASOG, not since Changing The Industry Podcast, not since Wrench Nation Radio, and the literally thousands of other industry professionals and organizations whom exist for the sole purpose of making you and I just a bit more professional than we were yesterday and yesteryear. Case in point- this month, we set out to add a B tech and while we ended up hiring on a seasoned veteran in his prime, we also fielded a dozen under-qualified applicants and met with the several who took the time to come in and see what we had to offer. They came to see whether our advertised reputation had anything in common with our “shop ground zero”. They came, prepared for the typical “what can you do for my business” interview and they left being armed with a new vision of what a modern day independent automotive service facility operates like when it’s firing on all cylinders. (Pun intended) And just as importantly, they now know what kind of workplaces to avoid. And so I pass along this Sunday morning friendly reminder that you never know how impactful your time and knowledge is, until you remember the investment that your peers have made in your personal and professional development and how it’s never forgotten.