Author name: Brian Walker

5 Ways to Secure Your Future Dreamer; head in the clouds; idealist; trusting to a fault; doesn’t know when to give up…  Each of these traits (and more) have been used to describe me as well as countless other shop owners. In some cases, they may be taken as negatives, but I believe they are […]

Silver, gold, platinum, diamonds, rubies, even cold hard cash – we take measures each day to protect them. Some methods are more drastic than others and we frequently use locks, banks, safes and alarms to ensure their safe protection. We lock our homes, cars and businesses too, all to safeguard our personal possessions and the

The concern about the talent and technician shortage is at a fever pitch. Shops are turning away work, revenue is falling, and shop owner anxiety is at an all-time high when you talk about finding a tech. We have talked to shop owners who are looking to hang up their keys and close the shop

Sometimes, Mid-Course Adjustments Are Required Whether it’s F1 at Monaco; Hypercars at the 24 hours of Le Mans; the roar of a crowded basketball, football or soccer stadium; the serenity and insanity of cycling the Tour de France; or any other competitive sport, they all have one thing in common: mid-way adjustments just might make the

Typically, repair shops are closely held organizations run by first-, second- or even third-generation owners. In most cases, you’ll hear about entry level, and A, B, and C level techs when they talk about their level of skill. These designations are from a bygone era where raw skills combined with a 200-piece toolkit could accomplish

It’s the happiest place on earth…no, not the place with the Mouse. I’m talking about your shop when you achieve the business of your dreams. After years in the industry you have finally made it, so picture the ultimate result. Granite counters, a well-appointed customer lounge, a/c with heat in the shop and ceramic-tiled bays

Image is everything, they say. It’s about public facing. Retailers, fast food chains, even modern HVAC and plumbing companies know the gravity of the first impression.  Coordinated color schemes, logoed shirts and complementary pants make for a positive first impression. And guess what – it applies in the shop, as well. Your first impression sets

Years ago, after fish were caught, they would get packed into ice-filled barrels and then taken to market. If a would-be shopper pulled his six-shooter, he would be guaranteed to hit a fish. It was just that easy!  The same can be said for business growth in the post-COVID years. A healthy and sustainable benchmark

El Jefe; Big Kahuna; Mister Big; Chief; Skipper; Top Dog. These are just a few slang terms you may be called as boss. Of course, there may be OTHER things you’re called, and depending on the setting and context, a slang nickname might be endearing – sometimes, not so much.  Either way, the boss is who

As we start 2023 fresh and look ahead, it seems like the year’s end is a long way off. In reality, once we hit the end of February, we’ve already eclipsed 16% of the year. Time moves at a rapid pace and the goal for this month’s article is to have you make the most