On a Roll

A $26.5-million-a-year operation with shops throughout the Midwest is not enough for Jon Kalin. The co-founder of JMK Automotive shares his strategies for aggressive growth

Shop Profile

Out of the Ashes

When his shop burned down, Sam Williams took action. Without skipping a beat, he kept his business strong in a temporary space while building a new facility.

Case Study

Making Staff Stick

Constant employee turnover created chronic quality and productivity problems at First Rate Automotive in Bedford, N.Y., until owner Brad Telford introduced a staff recognition program.

Strategies

Customer Service

Always On Call

A 24-hour answering service can help your shop serve customers when it’s convenient for them, boosting your reputation and taking some of the stress out of setting up a vehicle repair.

FINANCE+Operations

An Audit That Pays You Back

An auto care center’s equipment can suck a lot of power. Find out just how much, and what you can do to minimize it for reduced overhead and longer equipment life.

Sales+Marketing

In The Zone

Rocco Forte, president of Fastlane Auto Repair Center, had trouble attracting customers until he changed locations. Whether it’s industrial or commercial, finding the right shop location is crucial.

Columns

Business CARE | JIM MCGUINN

Reassessing Risk

Evaluating business insurance costs

Ask Ratchet+Wrench

How can I get quality job applicants?

My shop is short-staffed and I’m looking for a new technician. I have had employment ads out for months without any response. How can I get quality job applicants?

Departments

Quick Fix

Bringing Them In

Dealership service centers step up marketing efforts.

Idea Shop

Adding An Express Lane

Ron Turner on adding an express lane

Industry Q+A

Dan Growler

Shop manager Dan Growler discusses how important it is for mechanical auto repair shops to keep up with today’s rapidly changing vehicles and repair procedures.

Wrenchin' at Random

Sleek and Fast

A ’65 427 Cobra replica provides a once-in-a-lifetime build.