AutoFix AdvisorCast

10 Episodes
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By: Michael Doherty

Welcome to AutoFix AdvisorCast, the podcast where automotive service advisors finally have a place to call home. Hosted by industry veteran Michael Doherty, with over 28 years of experience in the trenches, this show dives deep into the challenges, frustrations, and demands of being a service advisor in the independent auto repair world. AutoFix: AdvisorCast isn’t just about problems; it’s about solutions. Michael Doherty shares best practices, actionable tips, war stories, and fresh ideas from the front lines of advising. Michael’s mission is simple: to help service advisors and shop owners right the ship of the automotive industry by equ...

How To Improve Your First Impressions With Customers As A Service Advisor
#19
Today at 10:00 AM

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. 


In this episode, Michael Doherty gives you tips on how to provide exceptional customer experience as a service advisor. Michael stresses the importance of first impressions and the need to create customer confidence through effective communication and product knowledge. Lastly, Michael says you build trust by following through with promises, such as timely updates and personalized service.

00:00 First Impressions i...


Top Tips for Managing Parts As An Advisor
#18
02/07/2025

Today, Michael Doherty tells you why it's important to have efficient parts processes in place, such as setting up a Bluetooth doorbell to improve awareness when parts arrive. What do you do with the parts once they arrive, though? That's another key step, and he shares that in today's episode.  

00:00 "Office Efficiency in Parts Management"

04:41 Ensuring Quality and Accountability

10:06 Top 20 Clients Appreciation Strategy

11:16 Staff Concerns: Shop Owners' Worries

16:49 Client Retention Through Transparency

17:28 Vision Expo Kansas City Invitation


Kacie Presnall's Advice to Advisors
#17
01/31/2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. 


Today, Chris is joined by Kacie Presnell. Kacie shares her thoughts from her experience in improving service advisor's skills. A key focus she stresses is to personalize communication with each customer. Additionally, Kacie says it's also important for technicians to be involved in the diagnostic process with advisors. 

00:00 Paramedic vs. ER Nurse Stress

04:39 Overwhelmed by Auto Maintenance Li...


Why Technicians Make Great Service Advisors - Chris Cotton Explains
#16
01/24/2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. 


In this episode, Chris Cotton gives you tips on why technicians can make fantastic service advisors. He addresses common concerns with transitioning technicians to these roles, such as lack of customer service experience and financial implications. Chris provides actionable tips for a smooth transition, including identifying the right candidates, offering training and support, and creating clear career progression pathways.

00:00 T...


Are Safety Protocols Important for Auto Repair Shops?
#15
01/17/2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. 


Today, Michael tells you how important CPR training and acquiring an AED are for automotive shops. He also talks about the value of having clearly defined core values that guide the whole team. Want one thing to focus on this year? Work to build strong relationships within your team. 

00:00 Start day grateful for blessings, not problems.

06:02 Promote pr...


How to Master Scheduling and Service Bay Utilization as a Service Advisor
#14
01/10/2025

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. 


Michael Doherty discusses the complexities of scheduling and service bay utilization today. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value of each incoming client call and the role of communication between service advisors, especially in multi-technician shops. Additionally, Michael discusses practical strategies such as using Google Calendar to manage appointments efficiently and understanding technician capabilities to optimize scheduling.

00:00 Phone r...


Vision High Tech Expo 2025 Preview
#13
12/27/2024

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. 


In this episode, Michael Dougherty takes you through the A to Z of service advising, detailing individual traits and practices crucial for industry success. Michael shares his excitement about co-coaching a class with Chris Cotton at the Vision High Tech Training and Expo in March 2025, highlighting the meticulous preparation of their course material. He also emphasizes the importance of building client t...


End-of-Year Reflections and Morning Routines for Service Advisors
#12
12/20/2024

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. 


Michael Doherty discusses daily routines, parking lot scans, and communication plans for service advisors. He emphasizes the importance of a consistent morning routine to start the day energized and focused. He also shares practical tips on how to effectively scan and manage the parking lot to streamline operations.

00:00 Need morning routine: exercise, hydrate, music, plan.

05:39 Check night d...


Navigating Auto Repairs as a Woman with Aunt Jay
#11
12/13/2024

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. 


Aunt Jay shares her experiences with automotive repair shops, highlighting the challenges she faced being taken seriously as a female customer. Michael provides insights on the importance of trust and communication between service advisors and clients.

00:00 Non-blood Aunt Jay: instrumental, inspiring figure.

06:02 Experiences of car maintenance as a single female.

06:49 Overcharged for car services due t...


How to Turn Challenges into Opportunities for Service Advisors
#10
12/06/2024

Thanks to our sponsor WorldPac and the WorldPac Training Institute (WTI)! TOUCH HERE for the latest in auto parts distribution and HERE to explore training programs that can take your career to the next level. 


Michael Doherty dives into his experiences as a Service Advisor and how he learned to navigate common challenges. He discusses the importance of identifying and mitigating "uncontrollable variables" through proactive communication with clients. Michael also emphasizes the value of teamwork and clear communication within the service shop to ensure a smooth operation. Finally, he underscores the significance of building and maintaining c...