When Good Techs Leave: The follow-up that brings them back

Today, I want to talk about something that might be hitting close to home for many of you: losing good staff to competitors who promise the moon and the stars.

Just last week, I was chatting with a shop owner client.

She was frustrated because her newly hired tech was leaving for a Honda dealership that promised factory training and career advancement.

Sound familiar?

Her words stuck with me: "I know this dealership well, I know they are full of it. But he thinks they are telling the truth."

It's a story I've heard countless times in my 6 years working with 145 independent repair shops across the US and Canada.

The grass always seems greener on the other side, especially to younger techs who haven't yet learned that some promises are too good to be true.

But here's the kicker: This situation, as frustrating as it is, can actually work in your favor.

How?

Two words: Stay connected.

When good employees leave, it's tempting to burn bridges.

But the smartest shop owners I know do the opposite.

They keep the door open and the lines of communication flowing.

I know several shops that have used this strategy successfully to win back techs but here's a recent GM example that's fresh in my mind.

Take Shawn Gilfillan from Automotive Magic in Kenvil, NJ.

He's a master at keeping in touch with past, present, and future employees (applicants/candidates) for his two shops.

In 2018, Shawn's GM left his main shop.

But instead of writing him off, Shawn stayed in touch.

Fast forward to today, and that same GM is back, working out great and bringing valuable experience with him.

So, here's my advice: When a good employee leaves, wish them well.

Then, stay in touch!

Send them a text every few months.

Invite them to the shop BBQ.

Keep them in the loop about positive changes in your business.

Why?

Because often, they'll discover that the "dream job" isn't so dreamy after all.

The flat rate pay structure might not pan out as promised.

Working late nights and weekends is a drag.

The lack of sick time might become a real issue.

And that promised factory training? It might never materialize.

When reality sets in, you want to be the first person they think of.

Because employees who return often become your most loyal team members.

They've seen the other side and they appreciate what you offer even more.

Remember, in the world of auto repair, what goes around often comes around.

Or as I like to call it, "The Boomerang Effect."

Now, I'm curious: Have you ever lost a good employee to the competition who promised them the moon and the stars, and you knew it was B.S.?

How did you handle it?

Comment and let me know.

Your experience could help fellow shop owners navigate these tricky waters.

Keep those wrenches turning and those lines of communication open.

0 comments

Technician Find Community

skool.com/technicianfind

Proven templates, strategies, training and top-level networking to help independent auto repair shops hire quality staff faster.

Done for you service information

Leaderboard (30-day)