James is delighted to be joined by the awesome Darren Darling, founder of The DPF Doctor.

Darren shares how he accidentally stumbled into the motor trade as a teenager, survived on £27.50 a week, and eventually built a global network of emissions diagnostics specialists. Along the way, he spills hilarious stories from his early days, like working on trucks without knowing a spanner from a screwdriver, and offers insights into the lessons that shaped his career.

Darren Darling also chats about the highs and lows of starting his own business and the lightbulb moments that turned his passion for problem-solving into the DPF Doctor network. From tricky customer situations to building a positive workplace culture, Darren’s mix of wisdom and humor keeps the conversation engaging and relatable.

He also introduces his collaboration with DC Lubricants which is aimed at providing high-quality products for solving DPF and emission-related issues.

Key chapters and takeaways

• The YTS Scheme
  [00:02:56 – 00:07:14]
• Get A Mentor
  [00:07:14 – 00:11:44]
• Transitioning from Trucks to Cars
  [00:22:49 – 00:26:28]
• The Power of a Good Workplace Culture
  [00:22:49 – 00:26:28]
• The “Hero Phase” of Fixing Everyone’s Problems
  [00:40:03 – 00:42:00]
• The Value of Saying No to the Wrong Customers
  [00:47:20 – 50:18]
• The Birth of the DPF Doctor Network
  [00:42:00 – 00:57:43]
• The Role of Social Media in Attracting the Right Customers
  [00:51:34 – 01:01:05]
• Breaking Free from Business Dependency
  [00:50:51 – 00:57:29]
• Regular Self-Assessment for Personal Growth
  [01:02:43–01:04:56]
• The Secret to Building a Strong Network
  [01:04:56 – 01:07:45]

More about Darren Darling and the DPF Doctor

The DPF Doctor: https://www.the-dpf-doctor.com/

Follow The DPF Doctor on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDPFDoctor

Join the network: https://www.the-dpf-doctor.com/join/

Get Involved

Are you loving the podcast?

Find your next episode: https://techtopics.co.uk/harmonic-motion-podcast/

Join the Facebook group to get behind the scenes action, previews of unreleased episodes and join discussion about topics from the episodes.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/549573740317836/

Your usual host James Dillon is taking his turn in the hot seat as he is interviewed by HR specialist, previous podcast guest and this episode’s host Jennifer Webb.

James delves into what he was like at school, uncovers the roots of his passion for mechanics and computers and explores how he was first introduced to the world of technical training and development.

Drawing from personal experiences, James shares insights into the crucial role of understanding how people learn in providing a positive and effective learning experience. Running a business also comes with many challenges and not all of them remain in the workplace.

Jennifer and James discuss rebuilding relationships outside of business, the importance of self-care in personal development and how you need to know your “why” to love what you do.

Key chapters and takeaways

• James’ Introduction to the Industry
  [00:02:27 – 00:05:30]
• The Unexpected Variety Independent Garages Can Offer
• [00:07:40 – 00:11:00]
• Where The Trainer’s Training Began
  [00:11:00 – 00:18:09]
• It’s My Job To Make Sure You Get It
  [00:23:18 – 00:27:41]
• Encouraging Feedback and Open Communication in Teams
  [00:25:21–00:30:23]
• Why You Have To Invest In Your Staff
  [00:47:46 – 00:51:34]
• Breaking Free from Business Dependency
  [00:50:51 – 00:57:29]
• Regular Self-Assessment for Personal Growth
  [01:02:43–01:04:56]
• Aligning Personal Values with Business Practices
  [01:33:09 – 01:37:45]

More about James Dillon and Jennifer Webb

Follow Tech Topics on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/technical.topics.training

Jen Webb HR Vitals: https://hrvitals.co.uk/

Follow Jay on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvitals

Get Involved

Are you loving the podcast?

Find your next episode: https://techtopics.co.uk/harmonic-motion-podcast/

Join the Facebook group to get behind the scenes action, previews of unreleased episodes and join discussion about topics from the episodes.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/549573740317836/

James is joined by previous podcast guest, business coach and mentor, Jay Wheatley from Absolutely Automotive.

This time the spotlight is on the pivotal role service advisors play in the automotive industry. Jay has used his extensive experience of working in the industry and turning an established garage into a specialist garage, to support other garage owners in improving their businesses and achieving their goals.

James and Jay deep dive into hiring, ensuring they integrate into the team and deciphering the ideal attributes for success in this role. 

Oftentimes you may find that a technician who is nearing retirement naturally transitions into the role of service advisor; but is this always the best move for the business?

They discuss the optimal skills for the job, whether a technical or non-technical employee can deliver a better customer experience and the role empathy plays in customer service.

Additionally, the conversation delves into using empathy vs sympathy to make difficult decisions that results in both customer, business satisfaction and continued business profitability.

Enjoy!

Key chapters and takeaways

• The Evolving Role of Service Advisors
  [00:01:16 – 00:03:13]
• Empathy vs Sympathy
  [00:03:13 – 00:06:12]
• Recruiting From Outside the Automotive Industry
  [00:06:12 – 00:08:09]
• The Distress Purchase
  [00:08:09 – 00:10:27]
• Getting the Boss On Board
  [00:21:54 – 00:27:41]
• Why You Have To Invest In Your Staff
  [00:47:46 – 00:51:34]
• The Role of Service Advisors in Business Growth
  01:02:35 – 01:07:17

More about Service Advisors and Jay Wheatley

Train your service advisor: https://techtopics.co.uk/the-road-to-technical-service-advisor-and-front-of-house-training/

Absolutely Automotive: https://absolutelyautomotive.co.uk/

Follow Jay on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089057476555

Get Involved

Are you loving the podcast?

Find your next episode: https://techtopics.co.uk/harmonic-motion-podcast/

Join the Facebook group to get behind the scenes action, previews of unreleased episodes and join discussion about topics from the episodes.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/549573740317836/

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. 

The conversation turns to garages doing what they do best, and where the limitation of their expertise in specialist subjects may lie. Do garages know at what point in the job they should refer to a specialist, rather than go deep past the point of their talent, tools and training?

Jason talks about how his business works with other garages, as he acts as a lifeline for jobs they can’t do alone. This enables his garage customers to continue to earn on service repair and maintenance, whilst they employ Jason’s services to fix the nightmare jobs.

Enjoy!

Key chapters and takeaways

• Jason’s Apprenticeship and Early Career
  [00:00:51 – 00:03:31]
• Enthusiasm Is Necessary in Diagnostics
  [00:09:07 – 00:10:07]
• The Shift to Self-Employment
  [00:21:18 – 00:22:43]
• Tips for Techs Turned Business Owners
  [00:23:03 – 00:27:02]
• Time vs Efficiency
  [00:54:01 – 00:56:29]
• The Value of Work-Life Balance
  [01:25:04 – 01:25:56]

More about Jason Bowden

Bowden Auto Services: https://bowdenautoservices.co.uk/

Follow their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057049737051

Get Involved

Are you loving the podcast?

Find your next episode: https://techtopics.co.uk/harmonic-motion-podcast/

Join the Facebook group to get behind the scenes action, previews of unreleased episodes and join discussion about topics from the episodes.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/549573740317836/

In this episode, James welcomes Andy Crook, a long-time friend and other half of the famous dynamic duo.

James and Andy met at Snap-On where they ran training courses and engaged in public speaking events as a pair.

Together they discuss Andy’s early days in the automotive industry and how his passion for cars and motorsport shaped his career.

The conversation dives into the creation of the Garage Owners Network, a community aimed at helping garage owners improve their businesses. Andy emphasizes the need for proper planning, understanding business finance, and building effective systems. He also touches on the significance of marketing and measuring performance to ensure long-term success.

Throughout the episode, Andy’s passion for the industry shines through, making it an inspiring listen for any garage owner striving to be the best. His practical advice and real-life experiences offer valuable insights that you can apply to your own business, all while keeping the tone light and engaging.

Enjoy!

Key chapters and takeaways

• Andy’s Journey and Early Career
  [00:02:05 – 00:04:07]
• Lifelong Learning Journey
  [00:08:08 – 00:09:03]
• Mechanic to Mentor
  [00:09:00 – 00:10:03]
• Delegating in a Business
  [00:28:00 – 00:40:00]
• The Garage Owners Network
  [00:32:00 – 00:36:10]
• Maintaining Personal Well-being
  [00:44:00 – 00:48:00]
• Practical Tips for Garage Owners
  [00:28:23 – 00:41:19]
• The Role of Marketing in Building A Successful Business
  [00:41:19 – 00:50:00]
• Balancing Home and Work Life
  [01:04:20:00 – 01:23:22:17]

More about Andy Crook

GotBoost: https://www.gotboost.uk/

Join the Garage Owners Network: https://www.facebook.com/garageservicesonline

Get in contact with Andy: https://www.gotboost.uk/contactus/

Get Involved

Are you loving the podcast?

Find your next episode: https://techtopics.co.uk/harmonic-motion-podcast/

Join the Facebook group to get behind the scenes action, previews of unreleased episodes and join discussion about topics from the episodes.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/549573740317836/

James is joined by web expert Jim Lang from Garage Services Online for this episode.

The pair dive into the intricacies of running a successful garage business in the digital age. They discuss the importance of having an effective website that not only attracts customers but also brings in the most profitable work. Jim emphasizes the need for websites to be dynamic and reflect the current state of the business, rather than being static.

Jim shares insights on how garages can use their websites to target specific types of work and customers, and the benefits of integrating booking systems to streamline operations. They also touch on the impact of Google updates on SEO and the growing relevance of voice search.

Key chapters and takeaways

• Jim’s Background
  [00:00:00 – 00:02:30]
• Meeting Customer Requirements With Your Website
  [00:02:30 – 00:06:30]
• The Impact a Mentor Can Have
  [00:06:30 – 00:13:30]
• How to Have a Profitable Website
  [00:18:03 – 00:28:23]
• Paid Advertising, Should You Do It?
  [00:28:23 – 00:41:19]
• Integrating Social Media and Websites
  [00:41:19 – 00:50:00]
• Practical Advice for Improving Your Website
  [00:55:12 – 01:05:00]

More about Jim Lang

Garage Services Online: https://garage-services-online.co.uk/

Follow their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garageservicesonline

Get in contact with Andy: https://garage-services-online.co.uk/contact/

Get Involved

Are you loving the podcast?

Find your next episode: https://techtopics.co.uk/harmonic-motion-podcast/

Join the Facebook group to get behind the scenes action, previews of unreleased episodes and join discussion about topics from the episodes.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/549573740317836/