The ROI of Kindness: How Giving Creates Growth in Your Business [E166] - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast

About this episode

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledIn this heart-filled episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Kim Walker sits down with Christina Beverly from Harrell & Beverly Transmission Auto Repair in Sanford, Florida. Christina shares the behind-the-scenes story of their now-annual teacher giveaway, an initiative born from local Amazon wish lists that quickly grew into a high-impact, community-shaping campaign. You'll hear how a $500 donation turned into $1,500, the emotional stories behind the nominations, and how this one simple idea rallied their team, elevated their brand, and aligned perfectly with their EOS-driven vision.This isn’t just another feel-good story. It’s a blueprint for what can happen when shops get intentional about giving back. From internal morale to external reputation, Christina explains how generosity fuels growth and how you can take this idea and make it your own.Ready to inspire your team, connect with your community, and build a brand people can’t stop talking about? Hit play and take notes. Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)https://www.harrellandbeverly.com/ https://www.harrellandbeverly.com/our-historyhttps://www.harrellandbeverly.com/teachers Christina's blog about her cancer: https://www.livingrarely.com/ Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction (00:00:01) Brief intro to the Aftermarket Radio Network and the podcast.Host Welcome & Updates (00:00:10) Host welcomes listeners, gives personal updates, and introduces guest Christina Beverly.Sponsor Message 1 (00:00:57) Shop Boss sponsor message about shop management software.Guest Introduction & Conference Talk (00:01:17) Host and Christina discuss previous episodes, upcoming conferences, and Christina’s involvement with Flaca.Travel & Podcasting Life (00:04:02) Host shares about frequent travel for work and its challenges.Classroom Giveaway Origins (00:04:44) Christina explains how the classroom giveaway started, inspired by teachers’ Amazon wish lists and local needs.First Year of the Giveaway (00:05:22) Details about the first year’s small-scale giveaway and unexpected national reach.Scaling Up the Giveaway (00:09:19) This year’s expanded giveaway: $1,000 grand prize, $500 runner-up, and 271 nominations.Metrics & Website Impact (00:10:41) Discussion of increased website traffic and engagement during the giveaway.Last Year’s Impact & Teacher Reactions (00:12:02) Reflections on last year’s recipients and their gratitude, even from out-of-state teachers.Announcing Winners & Selection Process (00:12:41) How winners were chosen, the addition of a runner-up prize, and the team’s involvement in selection.Winner Stories & Reactions (00:14:48) Stories about the winners, including a first-year trades teacher and their reactions to winning.Sponsor Message 2 (00:18:00) Shop Boss and App Fueled sponsor messages.Core Values & Business Why (00:19:58) Host and Christina discuss EOS, core values, and how generosity fits into their business mission.Community Reputation & Industry Image (00:22:45) How community involvement supports reputation and counters negative industry stereotypes.Industry Initiatives & Good Stories (00:24:24) Mention of Promoting’s scholarship video initiative and the importance of positive industry stories.Narrowing Down Nominations (00:25:49) How the team reduced 271 nominations to six finalists, with emotional impact on staff.Planning for Next Year (00:27:41) Lessons learned, plans to start earlier, and involving more vendors for future giveaways.Team & Community Impact (00:29:40) Positive effects on team morale, community feedback, and the importance of acknowledgment.Budgeting & Advice for Other Shops (00:31:34) Advice for shop owners on starting small with charitable initiatives.Event Marketing & Growth (00:32:16) Encouragement to start small with events and grow over time.Next Year’s Improvements (00:32:48) Plans to start planning earlier, reach out to vendors, and coordinate with school schedules.ROI Beyond Appointments (00:33:53) Discussion of broader ROI: website traffic, social media growth, email signups, and brand awareness.Shop Legacy & Family History (00:38:20) Overview of Harrell and Beverly’s four-generation family business history.Family Roles in the Business (00:39:42) Description of family members’ roles and past involvement in the shop.Personal Cancer Journey (00:40:32) Christina shares her rare cancer story, lessons of hope, and advice for those facing hardship.Event Promotion & Podcast Close (00:45:13) Promotion for the “Plan with the Pros” event and closing remarks for the podcast episode.How To Get In TouchJoin The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on FacebookMeet The ProsFollow SMP on FacebookFollow SMP on InstagramGet The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledThis episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you.  AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”Aftermarket Radio NetworkRemarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open DiscussionDiagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.