Shop View: Auto Tech LLC
1. Extensive Remodel
Roughly four years ago, Leon Martin, the owner of Auto Tech LLC, looked around for an old business he could buy or renovate, eventually finding a run-down building that used to be a barn. He had to extensively renovate the property, putting new floors everywhere, along with new lighting and awnings. After getting advice from his daughter, Martin chose to paint the exterior with cream, red and bright blue colors, to create a light, bright feel for customers seeing the shop.
2. Educating Customers
Martin offers to give each new customer at Auto Tech LLC an extensive tour, and one of his stops is the maintenance equipment area. He shows customers how each piece of equipment works, and how using it prolongs the life of the vehicle. He’ll demonstrate how his technicians run a hydraulic brake service, coolant services, and transmission services. He says these exhibitions lower the fear factor of new customers, and give them a better incentive to purchase necessary repairs.
3. Fully Organized Supplies
For supplies and fluids like synthetic oils, Martin tries to keep his shelves as organized as possible. Along with labels saying what parts need to go where, there are numbers next to each part saying how many need to be in stock at any one time. For instance, if air filters get down to four and the shop needs to have eight, the staff knows to order more.
4. Everything in its Right Place
For small machines, like hydraulic brake services and power steering services, Martin tries to keep these as organized as possible. Each section is labeled and taped off so that everything can be put in its proper place. “It just doesn’t feel right unless everything is returned to where it belongs,” Martin says.
5. Eco-Friendly Commitments
One of Martin’s back walls is painted green and blue, with a variety of paper clouds attached to the side. The green background is meant to show that his shop is environmentally friendly, and each cloud lists certain parts or supplies that his shop recycles. For example, he has clouds that say cardboard, air filters, and coolant—all things that are recycled or reused in some shape or form. Martin spent a few hours one day designing the clouds, cutting them out, and painting them.
SHOP STATS: Auto Tech LLC Location: Rochester, Wash. Operator: Leon Martin Average Monthly Car Count: 130 Staff Size: 6 Shop Size: 3,900 square feet Annual Revenue: $1.6 million
