There’s a lot of talk in the auto service industry about the challenge of finding talented staff.
Technicians are often spotlighted in this discussion, but we hear it about other positions, too. One shop needs a new manager, another can’t hold on to a solid bookkeeper, another just can’t seem to find the right service advisor.
You’ll continue to see content in Ratchet+Wrench that tries to address these issues, content on best practices for marketing job positions, interviewing advice, skills testing candidates and so on.
What the issue of finding quality employees really brings to light, though, is quite simple: People are important. Successful shops are made on the backs of talented, committed professionals—not the ones who just walk through the door each day, but those who are truly driven to make a difference in the lives of their customers and coworkers, and improve their chosen industry.
The Ratchet+Wrench All-Star Awards were created to recognize these outstanding individuals in five categories spanning the auto service industry: Executive, Management, Shop Staff, Administrative Staff and Wild Card (open to anyone who doesn’t fit in the other categories). Last spring, we asked readers to nominate colleagues and peers for the awards. They could be worthy for a number of reasons, such as their specific achievements in the shop, impact on the business or broader industry, philanthropic efforts, etc.
We wanted the difference makers, and we got well over 100 of them.
We were impressed by the time and thought nominators put into their submissions. There are many deserving candidates who have clearly made a positive impact on the lives of others.
But, tasked with selecting five individuals, we honed in on the professionals you’ll find featured in this issue. They are skilled, innovative, selfless, motivated and above all else, inspirational. They are the people who are moving this industry forward and the ones we all reference when talking about quality staff (executives included).
Thank you to everyone who nominated someone for the first annual Ratchet+Wrench Awards. The program will return next year, so please tell us about the people who are making a difference in your shop.
And to this year’s winners: congratulations and thank you for all you have done to improve the auto service industry.
Jake Weyer
[email protected]
