When Hiring, Look For Character, Talent And Then Skill - Engine Builder Magazine

When Hiring, Look For Character, Talent And Then Skill

Years back, when I was looking to hire a technician, my first criteria would be the person’s skill level. In fact, I mainly based my decision on the tech’s skill, ASE certifications, and experience. The result? High turnover. Now, I look for character first.

Years back, when I was looking to hire a technician, my first criteria would be the person’s skill level. In fact, I mainly based my decision on the tech’s skill, ASE certifications, and experience. The result? High turnover.

Now, I look for character first. Is the person I am looking to hire the right fit for my shop? Does this person have the right character? After that trait I look for talent. With the right character and talent, we can teach them the skills.

Obviously the tech needs to be technically proficient, but hiring people based on skill alone is not the recipe for a long-term profitable business plan.

The most important component when hiring is ensuring that the person you are hiring is the right fit for your company.

This article was contributed by Joe Marconi. Joe is one of the 1-on-1 business coaches who helps shop owners through the Elite Coaching Program, and is the co-founder of autoshopowner.com.

You May Also Like

Utilizing Instagram

“When we started, we had no business at all… that’s when I started using Instagram,” Yaghoubian says. “Back then I didn’t know a lot about social media, but it works for business really well, and especially the automotive industry on Instagram.”

The Industry has changed, so should you.

“One picture I posted got 7,600 likes, it reached 112,000 people, I got 982 profile visits from that post, 758 people saved it, and 208 people sent it to other people,” says Aaron Yaghoubian, owner of Arlington Machine in Riverside, CA, talking about an Instagram photo he shared in August of an Evo 8 short block project. “You can’t beat it. Some engine builders are over here crying, but they don’t want to use something that’s free. They have the device in their hand, now download the app and do it.”

Higher Revving Education

We’ve all seen the ads in magazines and online for schools, classes and seminars on tuning an ever-increasing number of engines and even transmissions in today’s cars and trucks. The better ones will include the use of a chassis dyno to show real-time results of the step-by-step methods they teach.

Chassis vs Engine Dyno

We spoke with a couple shops that utilize both dyno types to get their take on the advantages, disadvantages and reasons to have one over the other or both.

Tradeshow Season

While the rest of the world tends to slow down in the fourth quarter, our industry is starting to rev up. That’s because it’s tradeshow season, and the excitement for next year is always palpable!

OE Parts vs. the Aftermarket

Many of your customers believe that OEM parts are better than aftermarket parts. We wanted to dispel some of the myths once and for all. Without getting into the mud about which brands are better. It is important to note that not all parts are created equal, and this includes both aftermarket and OE replacement parts.

Other Posts

SEMA Seeking Seasoned and Self-Driven Chief Marketing Officer

As SEMA continues to grow and increase its member benefits offerings and advocacy efforts, the association is seeking a dynamic visionary to serve in the newly created position of chief marketing officer (CMO). The successful candidate will be responsible for guiding the organization in developing comprehensive outreach, public engagement, thought leadership, industry awareness and content

Moran Racing Engines Seeks Performance Engine Builder

Moran Racing Engines, located in Taylor, MI, is a manufacturer of high-performance engines and parts for the automotive racing industry, and is currently seeking to hire a high-performance automotive engine builder. Related Articles – PERA and Mahle Host Webinar on Low-Speed Pre-Ignition – Lucas Oil Products Teams Up With NXG Youth Motorsports – Spec MX-5

Setting Up an Instagram Account

The old saying goes, “A picture is worth 1,000 words.” Well, in the world of social media, that same picture is not just worth 1,000 words, but could also be worth thousands of dollars in new business for your engine shop. By now you’ve likely seen our features on setting up and utilizing Facebook for your business. Next on our ‘to-do list’ is an introduction to Instagram for those of you who haven’t started utilizing this social media platform.

The Potential in Differential

Is growth part of your business strategy? It comes in a lot of different forms, but when it’s adding a new service offering or product for your customers, it can be nerve-racking at the very least. The additional investment in tools, equipment, training or people weighed against the unknown outcome leaves you holding all the risk, unless there is something that’s a perfect fit.