Today, I want to share something that's been on my mind lately, and it's all about creating an environment where your technicians can truly thrive. A few months ago, I had a conversation with @Eddie Lawrence, a diesel shop owner in Colorado Springs, CO who we had recently helped find some techs. His words really struck a chord with me. He said, "You know what really changed things for my business? It was when I realized that what was missing from work is life. Life was missing from work." After that realization, triggered by a dramatic life crisis that he describes in his upcoming book, Eddie developed Life Calibration: a simple life calibration tool for overextended small business owners, shop owners, and their employees to help them gain more fulfillment, clarity, and perspective. His commitment to his team isn’t just talk. Eddie implemented Life Calibration with his team and demonstrates with actions that he cares about his employees and wants their lives to work inside and outside of the shop. He’s attracting more of the right team members to his shop, they are growing personally, they are growing professionally and they are staying. Best of all, they are thriving! This got me thinking about how many talented techs out there might be feeling the same way. They're skilled, they're dedicated, but something's missing. And that something could be the key to attracting and retaining top talent in your shop. Here's the thing: in today's competitive market, it's not just about the paycheck (though that's important too). It's about creating an environment where techs feel supported, valued, and able to grow. Let me break it down for you with more examples: 1. Keep Your Equipment in Top Shape: Recent hires we’ve worked with have mentioned that their previous shops weren't maintaining equipment properly. This left them feeling unsupported and frustrated. By keeping your diagnostic tools and other equipment in excellent condition, you're sending a clear message: "We aren’t afraid to spend money to make sure you have the tools you need to do your best work." 2. Provide Guidance and Support: Top techs want to know they have a path forward. Show them they have a bigger future with you than where they are now. This could mean mentorship programs, skill development opportunities, or clear career paths with advancement. 3. Recognize and Reward Performance: One shop owner I know hands out $100 bills to techs who beat their average performance for the previous 6 weeks. It's not just about the money - it's about acknowledging great work in front of the team. This kind of recognition can be incredibly motivating. 4. Create a Positive Culture: As one shop owner put it, "There's a lot of pessimism in the industry, but I focus on solving problems. I wake up every day and try to be a better human than I was yesterday." This attitude is contagious and can transform your shop's culture. 5. Offer Work-Life Balance: Many techs are tired of working weekends or dealing with the politics of larger operations. If you can offer a better schedule or a more straightforward work environment (fair dispatching / no pet techs getting the gravy work, etc.), make sure potential hires know about it.

In today’s digital world, social media is more than just a tool for engaging with customers—it’s also a powerful way to reach potential employees. Whether they’re actively job-hunting or not, skilled technicians are out there browsing social platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Here’s how to tap into social media to find your next hire: - Showcase Your Shop's Culture: Use your shop’s social media to share behind-the-scenes content. Highlight team events, training sessions, and the work environment. Technicians want to work somewhere they feel valued and part of a positive culture. - Engage Your Employees as Brand Ambassadors: Encourage your current team to share your job posts on their personal social media profiles. Employee-shared content tends to get more engagement and reach a wider audience. Plus, techs trust recommendations from other techs! - Post Regularly: Keep your shop’s social presence active with updates, photos, and stories. Consistency helps build brand awareness and can get your posts seen by technicians who aren’t actively looking for a job but are open to new opportunities. Pro Tip: Make sure to highlight what makes your shop unique in your job posts—whether it’s career growth opportunities, work-life balance, or a strong team atmosphere. This will help you stand out in a crowded market. How are you using social media to find qualified techs? Share your tips and experiences below!

In the ever-changing world of auto and diesel repair, continuous learning is key to staying ahead. Encouraging ongoing education and training for your technicians ensures that your team remains sharp and ready to tackle new challenges. But there are two more important reasons that continuous learning is valuable. - Attract Top Talent: High-caliber candidates are drawn to shops that invest in their professional growth. A lack of development opportunity might be one of the reasons they are looking to leave their current shop. - Boost Team Engagement: Offering development opportunities keeps your current team motivated and engaged, helping them feel valued and supported. Which means they aren't looking for a new shop on the weekends. How do you promote learning in your shop? Share below!

In the hustle and bustle of the auto repair industry, it’s easy for you or your team to feel overwhelmed. That’s why focusing on work-life balance is crucial—not just for overall well-being, but also for the long-term success of your shop. Why Work-Life Balance Matters: 1. Reduce Burnout: Constantly working long hours without adequate rest can lead to burnout, reducing productivity and increasing turnover. By promoting a balanced work environment, you help your technicians recharge, stay motivated, and perform at their best. 2. Increase Job Satisfaction: A good work-life balance enhances job satisfaction. When your team feels they have time for both work and personal life, they’re happier, more engaged, and more likely to stick around. 3. Improve Mental and Physical Health: A balanced schedule allows technicians to maintain their health, reducing stress and the risk of illness. Healthy employees mean fewer sick days and a more consistent, reliable team. Tips for Creating a Balanced Work Environment: - Flexible Scheduling: Offer flexible work hours or the option for technicians to swap shifts. This allows them to manage personal responsibilities without feeling overburdened by work. - Encourage Breaks: Ensure your team takes regular breaks throughout the day. Even short breaks can help reduce stress and prevent fatigue. - Promote Time Off: Encourage your technicians to use their vacation days and avoid working excessive overtime. A well-rested team is more productive and motivated. - Provide Support: Create a supportive environment where your team feels comfortable discussing their work-life balance needs. Being understanding and accommodating can make all the difference. A shop that values work-life balance is highly attractive to potential hires. Skilled technicians are increasingly seeking workplaces that respect their personal time and well-being. By promoting your commitment to a balanced work environment, you can attract top talent who are looking for a healthy and sustainable work experience.

When you have a job, whether owner, manager, tech, or other, stress can quickly build up, affecting both performance and morale. But it doesn’t have to be that way. By fostering a relaxed and supportive shop culture, you can reduce your stress and create an environment where your team can thrive. Why Lower Stress Equals Better Performance: 1. Improved Focus and Efficiency: When stress levels are low, your team can focus better, leading to more efficient and accurate work. Stress can cloud judgment and slow down processes, so creating a calm environment allows your technicians to operate at their best. 2. Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving: A relaxed mind is more open to creativity and innovation. In a stress-free environment, your technicians are more likely to come up with creative solutions to complex problems, improving overall shop performance. 3. Better Team Collaboration: Stress often leads to tension and conflict within a team. By promoting a low-stress culture, you encourage open communication and collaboration, which strengthens team dynamics and boosts productivity. How to Create a Low-Stress Shop Culture - Foster Open Communication: Create an environment where your team feels comfortable sharing their concerns and suggestions. Addressing issues early can prevent stress from building up and ensures that everyone feels heard and valued. - Provide a Comfortable Workspace: A clean, organized, and well-lit shop can make a big difference in reducing stress. Ensure that your team has the tools and resources they need to do their job effectively without unnecessary pressure. - Encourage Work-Life Balance: Support your team in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Flexible scheduling, adequate time off, and understanding the importance of personal time can help reduce burnout and keep stress levels low. Some of these are definitely easier said than done, and are just meant to get your gears turning. Because a shop that prioritizes a low-stress, positive culture is attractive to potential hires.