Tune in: Success Talks with Carm Capriotto
When Carm Capriotto first uttered the word podcasting to his friend Dave Striegel, he was met with confusion and curiosity. What followed was a leap into uncharted territory, fueled by a passion for storytelling and a vision to share insights with the auto repair industry. This was the spark that ignited Remarkable Results Radio, a podcast designed to inspire shop owners, technicians, and industry leaders. Carm’s journey from a wild idea to the creation of a media powerhouse offers lessons on embracing innovation and committing to continuous improvement.
Carm’s roots in the automotive aftermarket run deep. From owning parts stores and gas distribution businesses to working in corporate America, he gained a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on the industry. But his true calling came after stepping away from distribution and rediscovering his love for communication, a skill honed during his early days as a DJ and educator. This backstory is a reminder that every career twist and turn can shape future opportunities, especially when paired with a willingness to try something new.
Remarkable Results
The name Remarkable Results wasn’t just a catchy title; it was a mission statement. Carm envisioned a platform where the best ideas, insights, and passions of the auto repair industry could be shared and celebrated. The first episode aired in March 2015, featuring Dave Striegel as the inaugural guest. Fast forward to today, and the podcast boasts over 1,000 episodes, countless guest experts, and a community of listeners who see themselves not just as shop owners but as CEOs and leaders.
After interviewing hundreds of industry leaders, Carm distilled his insights into 12 core success strategies. These principles, from putting people first to embracing technology, resonate with auto repair professionals striving for excellence. Here are a few highlights:
- Put Your People First – Building a strong, motivated team is the foundation of success.
- Processes Win Wars – Streamlining operations isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a survival strategy.
- Profit Means Survival – Profitability isn’t greed; it’s sustainability.
Carm didn’t just list these strategies; he backed them with real-world examples and linked them to podcast episodes, offering a treasure trove of actionable advice.
What sets Remarkable Results apart is its authenticity. Guests share real stories, unfiltered advice, and actionable strategies, creating a space for genuine learning. Carm’s ability to foster open discussions highlights the importance of passion in leadership. Whether you’re running a small shop or multiple locations, showing enthusiasm for your business can inspire your team and customers alike.
Key Takeaways for Shop Owners
Carm’s journey from DJ to podcast pioneer offers invaluable lessons for auto repair professionals:
- Think Big: Even wild ideas can lead to groundbreaking innovations.
- Invest in Relationships: Networking and collaboration fuel growth.
- Commit to Quality: Whether it’s a podcast or a repair job, excellence requires effort.
The Language of the Auto Repair Industry
Language has power. It influences perception, fosters respect, and shapes how professionals and customers alike view a business. In the auto repair industry, a subtle but meaningful shift is underway—one that challenges traditional terminology and aims to elevate the professional standing of the roles within it. This movement is not just about semantics; it’s about redefining the narrative and creating pride in the work that fuels our industry.
Why a Language Shift Is Needed
The term “technician” has long been a respected title in auto repair. However, its widespread use across industries has diluted its significance. Today, you can encounter roofing technicians, nail technicians, and even beer technicians. While these positions are important in their respective fields, the overuse of “technician” diminishes the unique expertise required in the auto repair world.
Carm Capriotto, a passionate advocate for industry growth and respect, has been championing a new language framework to address this. “We don’t call general practitioners ‘doctors’ when they refer us to a ‘specialist.’ So why don’t we follow that lead?” he asks. “Why settle for generic terms when we could have specialists reflecting the depth of their expertise?”
From Mechanics to Specialists
The word “mechanic,” once a term of respect, has been tarnished by decades of media stereotypes. Hollywood often portrays mechanics as unkempt, working in grimy shops, a stark contrast to the reality of today’s top auto repair professionals. In response, the industry gravitated toward “technician,” but even that shift is beginning to lose its shine.
By adopting titles like “mechanical specialist” and “technology specialist,” shops can elevate the perception of their team, both internally and externally. “Imagine a customer hearing that a ‘technology specialist’ will handle their vehicle’s check engine light,” Carm explains. “It inspires trust and communicates expertise in a way that terms like ‘DIAG guy’ or even ‘technician’ fail to achieve.”
The Practical Benefits of a Language Shift
Changing job titles isn’t just about image; it’s also about recruitment, training, and employee morale. Clear, professional titles encourage pride among employees, attract new talent, and even influence customer trust. For example:
- Recruitment: Descriptive, professional titles help attract individuals who take pride in their craft and seek professional growth.
- Customer Perception: Customers are more likely to feel confident in a shop employing “specialists” than generic “technicians.”
- Employee Morale: A clear, respected title fosters pride and encourages employees to aspire to higher levels of expertise.
Continuing the Conversation
This conversation is far from over. Carm has taken his message across the country, sharing this vision with industry leaders, training groups, and even ASE Board of Governors. As feedback pours in, the framework continues to evolve, reflecting the collective wisdom and aspirations of the industry. The goal is to move beyond words into action—revising job descriptions, offering targeted training, and ensuring that employees are recognized and respected for their unique contributions.
The timing for this shift couldn’t be better. With advancements in vehicle technology, the role of the auto repair professional is more sophisticated than ever. By aligning the language of the industry with its expertise, the auto repair sector can elevate itself to the next level of professionalism.
As Carm puts it: “Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come.” Let’s embrace this idea and use the power of words to lift our industry and its incredible professionals to new heights.
Contact Carm: carm@remarkableresults.biz