Harmonic Motion Automotive Business Podcast

Join with automotive industry professionals. Garage owners and managers, automotive technicians and service advisors. Have your say and be heard.

EP 32: J.P. D'Arcy - Bouncing Back From Burnout 07/11/2025

EP 31: The Truth Behind Upscaling an Independent Garage with Paul Griffiths 06/13/2025

EP 30: Building A Standout Garage, The Future Of Dealer Tooling And Harnessing AI In Your Garage 03/07/2025

Ep 29: Systemisation in a Garage Business with Andy Crook 01/10/2025

Ep 28: Tech Topics Alumni - Master Technician Reaccreditation 12/20/2024

EP 27: Tech Topics Alumni - Master Technician Reaccreditation 11/29/2024

EP 26: Technical Synchromesh - Opinions from Master Technicians 11/08/2024

EP 25: Technical Synchromesh - Opinions from Diagnostic Technicians 10/18/2024

EP 24: Technical Synchromesh - Opinions from Master Technicians 09/27/2024

EP 23: Technical Synchromesh - The Dream Team 09/06/2024

EP 22: Jeff Taylor - Moving To A Land Down Under 08/16/2024

EP 21: Technical Synchromesh - John, Marc and Simon 07/26/2024

EP 20: One Year Anniversary Special - Part One 03/22/2024

EP 19: Gareth Davies - The Ultimate Side Hustle Success Story 02/09/2024

EP 18: Transforming a Traditional Independent Garage Business with Tim Benson 01/22/2024

Episode 17: Continuing The Legacy with David Massey 01/05/2024

EP 16: The Journey From Apprentice to Doctor - Darren Darling 12/15/2023

EP 15: The Intricacies of Multi-Site Garage Business Management with Tina Drayson 12/01/2023

EP 14: Host Swap Special - The Journey of Diagnostic Expert James Dillon with Jennifer Webb 11/17/2023

EP 13: Service Advisors - Revolutionising The Role with Jay Wheatley 11/03/2023

Ep 12: The Business End Of An Automotive Diagnostic Specialist with Jason Bowden 10/04/2023

Ep 12: The Business End Of An Automotive Diagnostic Specialist with Jason Bowden In this episode, highly successful Diagnostic Specialist Jason Bowden, from Bowden Auto Services in Torbay, joins host James Dillon to talk about the business end of automotive diagnostics. Jason has developed his expert automotive diagnostic services business over many years, focusing on the niche. He has invested significantly in both training and tools and is the go-to guy in the wider Torbay area. He has a great reputation within the trade, and for very good reasons. In the early years, Jason was coached and mentored by several excellent mechanics and technicians, who help him on his journey to becoming a diagnostic guru. His career has seen him working in independent and dealer garages as well as in motorcycle dealerships. Like many successful garage owners, Jason put a huge amount of work and personal sacrifices into building his business. In the beginning, Jason was working full time at a garage, whilst working evenings and weekends laying a solid foundation in building his future business. Running any business is not without its stresses and strains and Jason talks about the impact and how he manages not to take work home with him. Like many, the pandemic provided an ideal 'pause' for Jason to reflect and refocus on what really mattered to him and his family. The conversation turns to garages doing what they do best, and where the limitation of their expertise in specialist subjects may lie. How should garages identify where they should refer the job, rather than go deep, past the point of their talent, tools and training? Jason talks about how his business work together with other garages to allows them to not get tied up in deep diagnostics, by offering a referral service. This enables his garage customers to continue to earn on service repair and maintenance, whilst they employ Jasons services to fix the nightmare jobs. Check out Bowden Auto Services on Facebook for the excellent Case Studies that Jason produces. If you'd like to get a good idea of the day in the life of a diagnostic specialist, this page has just what you need. Join the mailing list: Connect: Website: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: Listen: Apple: Spotify: Amazon: YouTube: Watch the video version of this episode and subscribe to the Harmonic Motion YouTube channel: /episode/index/show/04378474-52a0-4a4d-b70f-d9bcb6efe2e7/id/28223120

Ep 11: Andy Crook - Building A Better Business For Garage Owners 08/25/2023

Ep 10: Jim Lang Garage Services Online - Garage Marketing 08/04/2023

Ep 10: Jim Lang Garage Services Online - Garage Marketing In the latest episode of the Harmonic Motion podcast, James welcomes Jim Lang. Jim has been helping independent garages get online when he ventured into the automotive aftermarket web services business following a diverse career journey. Jim's realisation of the importance of customer-centricity and mentorship led to a transformational shift in their business model. They focused on delivering profitable work for garage clients through tailored websites, attracting the right customers and repair opportunities. Listen to discover the significance of constantly evolving websites, engaging social media, and the need for a strong online presence for independent garages in the digital age. Check Him Out Jim Lang is an online expert and MD of Garage Services Online, the aftermarket’s leading provider of websites for independent garages. With more than 15 years’ experience in the sector, he helps his garage owners gain a greater share of the marketplace by creating top performing websites specifically for the garage services sector, each built to customers’ requirements. He currently works with over 450 garages throughout the UK and is passionate about helping independent workshops compete online with main dealers and fast-fits. He speaks regularly at industry events and is host of the YouTube series, Tea Break Talk, a series of 10-minute videos where industry experts discuss how garage owners can maximise their workshop’s efficiency, profitability, and long-term success. Read about the work Jim and his team at Garage Services Online Watch the video version of this episode and subscribe to the Harmonic Motion YouTube channel: Get involved in the podcast and be the first to know about new episodes by joining the Harmonic Motion podcast Facebook group: Join the mailing list: Watch: Apple: Spotify: Amazon: YouTube: Connect with us: Website: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/04378474-52a0-4a4d-b70f-d9bcb6efe2e7/id/27622653

Ep 9: Steve Scott from Simply Diagnostics 07/14/2023

Ep 9: Steve Scott from Simply Diagnostics In this episode James Dillon spends time talking to Mr Awesome himself, Steve Scott, from Simply Diagnostics. Steve and James talk about his amazing journey from Automotive Tech To YouTuber and his experiences which set him on the path to setting up and running the Simply Diagnostics Network. You'll hear about Steve's early career, his mission in Africa and what drives him to help others to be the best they can be. Known amongst his peers as Mr Awesome, we think you'll understand why when you discover more about the man, his inspiration and the great work that the Simply Diagnostics Network does for the industry. Link to Simply Diagnostic Network: Episode Talking Points Introduction to this episode. (0:07) His father was a carpenter, so he got an apprenticeship with a local authority. (1:48) Steve's background in breakdown recovery and how he got into it. (5:15) Steve's experience in Africa as a VSO volunteer. (8:15) Steve's experience in Iraq and Syria. (15:33) Working with young people who can safely think for themselves. (19:10) What the landscape was like after you landed back to the UK (22:53) The importance of having the resources to make the correct decision. (25:52) The importance of having a community that supports each other. (32:29) What was the genesis of the Simply Diagnosis Network? (36:26) What happened to the Jaffa Cakes. (40:26) A car is a car wherever it is in the world. (43:54) The importance of getting technicians in the right mindset to work. (53:22) The importance of having the right technicians in the right job role. (56:24) How can we engage with current apprentices and the apprenticeship program? (1:00:25) Where to get training related to mental health. (1:03:54) How to overcome the technician crisis in the industry. (1:11:24) The importance of having conversations to develop the correct version of our industry. (1:14:22) Short term and long term goals for the Simply Diagnostics Network. (1:17:01) Watch the video version of this episode and subscribe to the Harmonic Motion YouTube channel: Get involved in the podcast and be the first to know about new episodes by joining the Harmonic Motion podcast Facebook group: Join the mailing list: Watch: Apple: Spotify: Amazon: YouTube: Connect with us: Website: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/04378474-52a0-4a4d-b70f-d9bcb6efe2e7/id/27417633

Ep 8: Alex Lindley 06/23/2023

Ep 8: Alex Lindley In this episode of The Harmonic Motion Podcast, James Dillon interviews Alex Lindley, who shares his experiences in the automotive industry. They discuss various topics such as the challenges and successes of Lindley Auto Centre, the importance of analysing data and finances, the transition to Garage Hive as a management system, and the significance of effective communication and pricing strategies. Additionally, it emphasizes the value of competitive salaries, social media presence, and effective communication skills for businesses in the automotive industry. Alex Lindley introduces his background and journey in the motor industry. Alex joined Lindley's Auto Centres, a long established family business, in 2004. Initially focusing on engine work, they used to specialise in head gasket repairs and engine rebuilds, but moved the business model to service, repair, maintenance and fast-fit. This shift prompted Alex to take a greater interest in the business's operations and learn about bookkeeping and data analysis. In 2012, they were given the opportunity to manage a second location, which presented challenges such as managing an older team and transitioning from analogue to digital systems, and near disaster led to a laser focus on accurately managing the business. These experiences provided invaluable development opportunities for Alex and the business. Latterly, the opportunity arose to invest in a software business, Garage Hive, which has seen the development of a highly popular garage management system find a place in the UK garage management system market. Driven by the need for accurate data, Alex and the Garage Hive team have embarked upon a relentless persuit of developing a system which helps garage owners manage their own businesses Alex's story of personal drive to be the best he can be, and in developing the businesses with which he is involved to excellence, is inspiring. Find out more about Lindleys Autocentres Find out more about Garage Hive Watch the video version of this episode and subscribe to the Harmonic Motion YouTube channel: Get involved in the podcast and be the first to know about new episodes by joining the Harmonic Motion podcast Facebook group: Join the mailing list: Watch: Apple: Spotify: Amazon: YouTube: Connect with us: Website: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/04378474-52a0-4a4d-b70f-d9bcb6efe2e7/id/27119601

Episode 7: Andy Savva The Garage Inspector 06/02/2023

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 6: Jennifer Webb HR Vitals Building And Retaining High Performance Teams 05/12/2023

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 6: Jennifer Webb HR Vitals Building And Retaining High Performance Teams James and Jennifer discuss a wide range of subjects relating to people, training, team building and things related to automotive garage business. We discuss the technician crisis, high performance and it's causes, people as individuals and as part of work teams, training and the reasons why and why not and how to succeed in managing people. Jennifer Webb, owner of HR Vitals, and full time consultant providing employment support to the automotive industry since 2018. 16 years ago - Jen went to Leeds and studied human psychology full time for four years at Uni, focusing on what facilitates positive change in people and groups. Her CV covers a mix of jobs from Segway instructor, Zoo Keeper, Support Worker, Service Advisor and HR for different companies. Jen believes the automotive industry is on the verge of an impressive breakthrough that will be of benefit to the owners, and the employees. These benefits are down to the shift in people management, and you can already see these benefits happening. Episode Time Stamps Introduction to today’s episode. Introduction of jennifer from hr vitals. A big element to running a successful business. Making sure people are happy at work. Four years of studying psychology in university. What is the difference between what life is like now and where you want it to be? How mark got started in the automotive industry. The importance of people-watching. How to get the most out of the team. Aftermarket independent garages are booming. Working with business owners as a consultant. Engaging with a business owner as a consultant. The legal aspect of compliance. Challenges faced by business owners and operators. The benefits of having an expert on hand. The different types of garage owners. The person who likes the process. How colour profiling can help you understand your team’s needs. Three people are equal to more than just three people. The benefit in teamwork. What colour profiling is and how it works. How colour profiling works for teams. The importance of paying attention to someone’s learning preferences. Pay attention to someone's learning preferences. Neuro linguistic programming, NLP, visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning. Tapping into the learning style of the recipient. Awareness levels in garages. The percentage of people that believe understanding the person is a huge factor to business success is low. Understanding the person is a huge factor to business success. An easy win for garages. Professional vs. organic business growth. The three routes out of a garage. Professional to organically grown businesses. The key word of psychology is people. The safe zone to operate in. Information is the same as light. Employees need to have information on everything. When we’re at work that it sits in your stomach, doesn’t it? Easing the frustration of being interrupted at work. Initiative fatigue and communication is important. One-to-one meetings are the golden ticket. One-to-one meetings are the golden ticket. The first six months are about trust. The first step to improving team health. Methodology for a health check. Building trust and checking in with staff. Awareness and being aware is important. One-to-one communication is the most important thing you can give to your team. The one-to-one conversation is the most important thing. Gentle changes make the process smoother. The importance of one-to-one communication with the team. How to become a problem solver. What’s causing the technician crisis? The technician crisis in garages around the country. Why there is a technician crisis. Mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking at a car most of the day. The importance of flexibility in the industry. The future of the industry is exciting. What’s the competitive advantage in competition? Competing in a competitive garage. Mental fortitude and self-care during the process. Internal pressure to work with second-rate equipment. How to check in with the team. The importance of knowing the type of person that is motivated by money and the pressure. Recruitment methods and recruitment methods. The importance of understanding the motivation of staff. The potential for all of these businesses. Tips for self-care and mental health. The role of the body in psychology. Stress, anxiety and stress in the body. When we’re depressed, the last thing we want to do is healthy stuff. Stress and depression, and how it affects the body. How to manage stress. The importance of self-care as part of a healthy life. Mental stress is overtaken by physical stress. The importance of self-care in a healthy life. Training needs analysis and training for teams and training in teams. Identifying and working a plan. Is this person motivated by learning? Are they someone that just loves to learn? What to look for in an ideal candidate for a training. Three questions to ask. What are you hoping to get from the course? What is it that you are not doing? The legal aspect of training. The importance of getting the right return on investment. The importance of a training plan. The perfect storm of training plans. Tapping into the learning style of the person. The butterfly effect. Leadership is the captain of the ship -. Self-awareness and finding an appropriate place to learn. Leadership and role models. The need for a British automotive social The eighth unhappy customer this week. If the customers aren’t happy, it’s not balanced at all. Self-care is just as important as customer satisfaction. The importance of self-care in the workplace. President of the automotive social club, Jennifer. Two wishes for this week. Watch the video version of this episode and subscribe to the Harmonic Motion YouTube channel: Get involved in the podcast and be the first to know about new episodes by joining the Harmonic Motion podcast Facebook group: Join the mailing list: Watch other episodes: YouTube:   Connect with us: Website:  Facebook:  Instagram:  Twitter:  LinkedIn:  /episode/index/show/04378474-52a0-4a4d-b70f-d9bcb6efe2e7/id/26820153

The Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 5: Mick Shaikly Multi-Award Winning Garage Owner 04/21/2023

Episode 4: The Top Garage Competition 03/31/2023

Episode 3: Jay Wheatley 03/10/2023

Harmonic Motion Automotive Business Podcast

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