Safety & Shop Environment: Protecting Your People and Your Profits [E219] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
Now playing — Remarkable Results Radio
About this episode
Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindIn In episode seven of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton of Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching delivers an insightful discussion on the essential role of shop safety and cultivating a positive work environment for auto repair shop owners and their teams. Chris begins by stressing that safety is not just a regulatory requirement, but a foundational element for long-term business success and employee satisfaction.Throughout the episode, Chris breaks down a variety of practical safety measures that every shop should implement. He discusses the importance of providing and consistently using personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, safety glasses, and proper footwear, to minimize the risk of injury. He also covers safe chemical handling procedures, including proper labeling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials, as well as the necessity of maintaining up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and training staff on chemical safety protocols.Chris goes on to address the correct use of lifting equipment, emphasizing the need for regular equipment inspections, proper lifting techniques, and clear communication among team members to prevent accidents. Fire safety is another key topic, with Chris outlining steps like maintaining accessible fire extinguishers, conducting regular fire drills, and ensuring all staff are familiar with emergency evacuation routes. Electrical safety is highlighted as well, with reminders to inspect cords and outlets, avoid overloading circuits, and promptly address any electrical hazards.Slip, trip, and fall prevention is also discussed, with Chris recommending routine housekeeping, immediate cleanup of spills, and the use of anti-slip mats in high-traffic areas. He underscores the importance of emergency preparedness, encouraging shop owners to develop and regularly review emergency response plans, conduct safety meetings, and provide ongoing safety training for all employees.Beyond physical safety, Chris highlights the significance of workplace energy, ergonomics, and enjoyment. He explains how a positive, energetic atmosphere can boost morale, productivity, and retention, while proper ergonomic practices help prevent long-term injuries and discomfort. Chris urges owners to foster a culture where safety and employee well-being are top priorities, encouraging open communication, recognition of safe behaviors, and opportunities for team-building and professional growth.The episode concludes with a series of actionable tips that shop owners can implement immediately to enhance safety and workplace culture. Chris also recommends partnering with Shop Marketing Pros, a trusted resource for marketing and business growth, to help auto repair shops expand their reach while maintaining a strong focus on protecting their teams and upholding their reputations. By prioritizing both safety and a positive work environment, Chris asserts that shop owners can create thriving businesses where employees feel valued, motivated, and secure.Podcast Introduction and Sponsor Message (00:00:04) Coach Chris introduces the podcast, highlights its focus, and promotes Shop Marketing Pros as the episode sponsor.Personal Endorsement of Shop Marketing Pros (00:01:13) Chris shares his personal experience with Shop Marketing Pros and emphasizes their value for shop owners.Series Recap and Episode Focus (00:01:55) Brief recap of previous topics and introduction to this episode’s focus: shop safety and environment.The Importance of Safety and Environment (00:02:24) Explains why safety and environment are foundational for business success and employee retention.Personal Safety Incidents and Lessons Learned (00:03:28) Chris recounts past safety incidents in his shops and the impact on his approach to safety.Why Safety and Environment Matter (00:04:29) Discusses the consequences of neglecting safety and the need for proactive systems.Seven Essential Areas of Shop Safety (00:05:35) Outlines key safety areas: PPE, chemical handling, lifting safety, fire safety, electrical safety, slip and fall prevention, and emergency preparedness.PPE: Personal Protective Equipment (00:05:35) Details the importance of providing and enforcing PPE use for all employees.Chemical Handling and SDS Compliance (00:06:35) Covers proper chemical storage, SDS sheets, and safe disposal practices.Lifting Safety and Jack Use (00:07:37) Emphasizes regular lift inspections, proper jack use, and avoiding shortcut culture.Fire Safety and Emergency Planning (00:08:13) Discusses fire extinguisher placement, evacuation plans, and preparedness for various emergencies.Electrical Safety and Lithium Battery Risks (00:08:49) Warns against unsafe electrical practices and highlights lithium battery fire hazards.Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention (00:11:03) Stresses the need for oil dry, clear walkways, and proper hose/cord management.First Aid and Emergency Preparedness (00:11:55) Encourages visible first aid kits, emergency numbers, CPR training, and considering defibrillators.Shop Environment: The Three E’s (00:12:59) Introduces energy, ergonomics, and enjoyment as pillars of a positive shop ...
More from Remarkable Results Radio
Work Together, Thrive Together, Build a Business You Can Sell [THA 504]
Watch Full Video Episode *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:8e59eec7-a235-4fa3-a072-956fea3fe478-7" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:49a777bf-d263-4496-bf0b-2eb3a46ac96a-11" data-testid="conversation-turn-24" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> What does it take to work alongside someone you love, thrive through the pressures of business ownership, and ultimately build a company that can succeed without you? Amy Castro and Kit Lindsay share a story that goes far beyond the challenges of working together as a couple. It’s about communication, boundaries, complementary strengths, succession, and building a business valuable enough to eventually pass into someone else’s hands. What You’ll Learn How couples and family members can successfully work together in businessWhy complementary strengths can become a competitive advantageHow clear boundaries help separate business conversations from personal relationshipsWhy assumptions can become one of the biggest communication problemsHow Kit identified and developed an internal successorThe importance of Kit’s “3 A’s”: Attitude, Aptitude, and AmbitionWhy succession requires owners to mentor future leaders and give them room to leadHow letting go of ego becomes part of a successful transitionWhy building a business that can continue without you creates options for your future Kit operated Lindsay Transmissions for 37 years before selling it to Cody, an employee who originally joined the shop at age 16 sweeping floors. After Cody expressed interest in ownership, they created a plan to develop his business skills and prepare him for the transition. Kit ultimately carried the note, and Cody paid off the business in four years. A successful family business isn't simply about working together. It's about learning how to thrive together while building something that can eventually succeed without you. Amy and Kit show how communication, boundaries, complementary strengths, mentorship, and the willingness to let go can help turn a family business into something worth passing on. Thanks to our Partners: NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training, six days a week of support, and local representation. http://napatracs.com/ Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. https://www.todaysclass.com/ Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. https://www.kukui.com/ You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/ Connect with the Podcast: Download and Listen on Our Mobile App: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/app/Visit the Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriottoFollow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/Follow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmastersJoin Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insiderAll books mentioned on our podcasts:https://remarkableresults.biz/booksOur Classroom page for personal or team learning:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroomBuy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carmSpecial episode collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcastwith Carm Capriotto:https://remarkableresults.biz/Automotive Field Theorywith Matt Fanslow https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/<a...
Inside the Role of a Performance and Accountability Team Leader [RR 1110]
Watch Full Video Episode What does a Performance and Accountability Team Leader actually do inside a high-performing auto repair shop? Nate McDonald of Empower Automotive gives us an inside look at a unique leadership position that connects inspections, client experience, team development, performance, and accountability. As Sales Manager, Inspection Team Lead, and Performance & Accountability Lead, Nate isn't managing from behind a desk. He's working alongside his team, performing inspections, shooting videos, checking vehicles, answering questions, coaching younger team members, and looking for opportunities to improve the process. Nate believes accountability becomes easier when you're present. Working side by side with the team creates opportunities for quick conversations, immediate coaching, and reinforcing standards before small issues become bigger ones. What You'll Learn What a Performance and Accountability Team Leader does inside an auto repair shop.Why Nate views his sales responsibility more as hospitality than traditional selling.How working "in the trenches" creates natural coaching opportunities.What Nate has learned from mentoring Gen Z team members.Why mistakes and questions are valuable opportunities for development.How Empower Automotive's daily "Take Five" aligns the entire team before the day begins.How inspections connect the back of the shop with service advisors and the client experience.Why performance numbers are openly discussed with the team.How quick one-on-one conversations reinforce standards and accountability.Why team members should have a voice in improving processes and efficiency. A Performance and Accountability Team Leader doesn't just measure performance. They help create it. Nate's role demonstrates the value of having someone close enough to the work to see what's happening, coach in the moment, reinforce expectations, listen to ideas, and keep the team connected to the purpose behind the process. It's not about waiting for the annual performance review or calling someone into the office every time something goes wrong. Sometimes leadership is a quick conversation behind a vehicle. Sometimes it's answering a question during an inspection. And sometimes it's simply being willing to work alongside your people. Performance and accountability become part of the culture when leadership is present every day. Nate McDonald, Inspection Team Lead and Performance & Accountability Lead, Empower Automotive, Traverse City, Michigan Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Learn more about the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with on-site training and six days a week of support: http://napatracs.com/ Connect with the Podcast: Download Our Mobile App:https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/app/Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriottoFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmastersJoin Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insiderBooks Page:https://remarkableresults.biz/booksOur Classroom Page:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroomEpisode Collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collectionsBuy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcastwith Carm Capriotto:https://remarkableresults.biz/Automotive Field TheorywithMatt Fanslow:https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the NumberswithHunt Demarest: https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcastwith Brian and Kim Walker: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitzwith Chris Cotton: https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/Speak Up! Effective Communicationwith Craig O'Neill: https://craigoneill.captivate.fm
How to Develop a General Manager for Your Auto Repair Shop [THA 503]
Thanks to our Partners: NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:8e59eec7-a235-4fa3-a072-956fea3fe478-7" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:49a777bf-d263-4496-bf0b-2eb3a46ac96a-11" data-testid="conversation-turn-24" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> How does a shop owner find, develop, and trust the right person to become their number two? Shawn Gilfillan, owner and CEO of Automotive Magic, and Will Barkiewicz, General Manager and Integrator, share the evolution of a leadership partnership that started when Will applied for a technician position. Shawn quickly recognized something beyond Will's technical abilities. Their values around family, trust, service, and taking care of people aligned. Will eventually moved from running the maintenance center to becoming General Manager over both locations and the Integrator Shawn had been looking for. Their story demonstrates that developing a number two isn't about finding another version of the owner. It's about finding someone with complementary strengths, then building the trust that allows both leaders to grow into their roles. What You'll Learn Why core values can matter more than someone's original job title.How the Visionary-Integrator relationship works within EOS.Why owners shouldn't look for "another me."How responsibility and trust are earned over time.Why a strong General Manager needs the freedom to push back on the owner.How DISC profiles can improve communication and self-awareness.Why standardized protocols create consistency as leadership responsibilities expand.How a "Reboot" mindset turns mistakes into opportunities to improve the business. Finding your number two isn't about finding another you. It's about finding the person who complements you. For Shawn, that meant learning to hand over responsibility and allowing Will to "dance his own dance." For Will, it meant earning trust through communication, accountability, and a willingness to take ownership when things didn't go perfectly. The transformation happens on both sides. The General Manager learns to lead, execute, and protect the vision. The owner learns to let go, become the guide, and gradually move responsibilities off their plate. You don't hand someone the keys to the business overnight. You give them responsibility, build trust, and develop the leadership partnership one step at a time. Shawn Gilfillan, and Will Barkiewicz, Automotive Magic, Kenvil and Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Shawn’s previous episodes HERE NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training, six days a week of support, and local representation. http://napatracs.com/ Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. https://www.todaysclass.com/ Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. https://www.kukui.com/ You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/ Connect with the Podcast: Download and Listen on Our Mobile App: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/app/Visit the Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriottoFollow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/Follow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmastersJoin Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insiderAll books mentioned on our podcasts:https://remarkableresults.biz/booksOur Classroom page for personal or team learning:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroomBuy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carmSpecial episode collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcastwith Carm Capriotto:https://remarkableresults.biz/<a...
From Daily Profit to Long-Term Business Value [RR 1109]
Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode What is your auto repair business really worth, and are you building it to become more valuable every year? Coach Chris Cotton, podcast host on the Automotive Repair Podcast Network, challenges shop owners to look beyond today's sales and profits and start thinking about the long-term value of the business they're building. Many owners spend years on the operational hamster wheel, focused on car count, payroll, production, and this month's bottom line. But when it's time to sell, transition the business to the next generation, or simply step away from daily operations, buyers and banks look much deeper. Chris explains why clean financials, documented systems, owner independence, and intentional succession planning can transform a shop from a business that provides the owner a job into an enterprise with significant transferable value. What You'll Learn Why profitability and business valuation aren't the same thing.What buyers and banks want to see before financing an acquisition.Why removing the owner from daily operations can increase business value.How documented systems and protocols make a shop more transferable.Why clean financial statements and tax records are critical to valuation.Chris Cotton's five stages of shop ownership, from daily survival to eventual exit.How increasing capacity can grow value without necessarily adding locations.Why succession and exit planning should begin years before you're ready to leave. Don't just build a profitable shop. Build a valuable business. Create strong systems. Develop leaders. Clean up the financials. Build capacity. Reduce owner dependence. And understand what your business is worth long before you're ready to sell it. Coaching to Valuation [E269]: https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/episode/cc269 The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix – Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Learn more about the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with on-site training and six days a week of support: http://napatracs.com/ Connect with the Podcast: Download Our Mobile App:https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/app/Website:https://remarkableresults.biz/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriottoFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmastersJoin Our Private Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976Join our Insider List:https://remarkableresults.biz/insiderBooks Page:https://remarkableresults.biz/booksOur Classroom Page:https://remarkableresults.biz/classroomEpisode Collections:https://remarkableresults.biz/collectionsBuy Me a Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcastwith Carm Capriotto:https://remarkableresults.biz/Automotive Field TheorywithMatt Fanslow:https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the NumberswithHunt Demarest: https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcastwith Brian and Kim Walker: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitzwith Chris Cotton: https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/Speak Up! Effective Communicationwith Craig O'Neill: https://craigoneill.captivate.fm