Engine repair is hard enough as it is. But in today’s industry, being an independent engine service center is downright arduous. Keeping up with new technology and competing with dealers to service them is an enormous task.
At the Association of Diesel Specialists (ADS) Convention & Tradeshow Thursday in Las Vegas, a trio of successful independent service shop representatives shared their thoughts on how their businesses continue to thrive in an increasingly competitive industry.
Putting technicians in the right spot
This is an area where Thursday’s panel was unanimous. For engine service providers, the best fuel system repair technicians aren’t always great when moved into general drive-in work. The panelists each said they’ve had success keeping those fuel-centric techs in one department, and hiring other technicians to man their bays.
On the latter, the trio all mention they’ve found success hiring automotive technicians when unable to find diesel pros for their shop. Mike Perkins at Diesel Plus believes it works because in most cases because if a tech “knows the basics they can change over quickly” to the new industry.
Gord Reid at NW Fuel Injection Service says that’s been particularly true for his company when it comes to diagnostics. Light-duty gasoline techs are accustomed working with diagnostic software and tools, so asking them to do the same on diesel trucks is a quick transition.
“Our best diagnostic guy came straight from a Toyota dealer,” he says.
