From GM Dealers to Duramax Specialists: A Journey in Automotive Expertise With Eric Merchant Of Merchant Automotive

In this weeks episode I'm joined by Eric Merchant of Merchant Automotive. We discuss how attending training events and networking opportunities provide a therapeutic outlet for individuals in the industry, allowing them to connect with others who understand their experiences, struggles, and mistakes. This sense of camaraderie and shared understanding is incredibly beneficial, helping individuals feel less alone and providing a support system. The speaker emphasizes that the therapeutic aspect of networking is priceless and cannot be quantified. Furthermore, attending these events can be life-changing, putting individuals on a different path in their careers. Overall, the episode highlights the importance of networking and connecting with others in the industry for personal and professional growth. The episode also discusses the significant impact a skilled technician has on the efficiency of the work environment. When a skilled technician is absent from the shop, it can create backlogs and additional work for other technicians, underscoring the crucial role they play in maintaining a smooth and efficient workflow. Moreover, we discuss the importance of efficiency in the automotive industry. Even small efficiencies, such as knowing how to use an impact with a socket to expedite a job, can make a significant difference in overall productivity. Skilled technicians excel at identifying and implementing these efficiencies, contributing to a more streamlined work environment. This further highlights the value and impact of skilled technicians on the efficiency and success of the automotive business. (01:26) - Slow days and catching up. (06:10) - Allison transmission upgrades. (07:58) - The company's progression. (11:07) - Building transmissions in limited space. (15:56) - Learning at ASTE and AAPEX. (18:01) - SEMA and AAPEX explained. (21:54) - Networking and marketing strategies. (24:39) - Diesel truck reliability. (28:07) - Delegation and perfectionism. (33:06) - The dealer technician experience. (35:29) - Too much politics. (39:07) - Incentivizing people to improve. (40:22) - Independent mindset and secrets. (45:37) - Loyalty and customer experience. (48:47) - Embracing the retainer model. (51:02) - Charging what we're worth. (54:00) - Rising costs and customer reluctance. (00:17) - Charging a fair price. (02:24) - Rewarding loyalty with discounts. (04:43) - Code scans and customer communication. (09:27) - The only industry that does that. (11:59) - Ignoring the importance of warning lights. (15:09) - Dispatched person for service calls. (20:08) - Going to Vision every year. (23:16) - The value of networking. (26:22) - Unwavering convictions in business. (31:23) - Young guy's commitment to ASTE. (34:26) - Saving money for training. (37:59) - Firing up the staff.