Local Talent: The Entrepreneur’s Handbook Podcast - Episode #30-Part1

The auto repair industry has changed dramatically over the last few years which
means that if you own an auto repair business, you’ve had to stay nimble and smart just
to keep the business going. On this episode of the Local Talent podcast, host Jason
hands the mic over to the owner of a successful local chain of auto repair shops, Mark
Roberts, to find out the entrepreneurial decisions he made that have helped him to
survive and thrive.
Mark tracks his journey into launching his own business, which has several twists and
turns along the way. He explains how he kept the business afloat during the economic
crash in 2008 and 2009 and how he pivoted into mechanical services. Mark and Jason
chat about the best way to market your new local business and how online reviews can
be a double-edged sword for small businesses.
This episode also has plenty of car chat, with Mark telling Jason what car he drives and
what kind of repairs he offers at the shop. You’ll also hear Mark’s professional opinion
on whether you need to extend your car’s warranty!
This episode is the first in a two-part special, and you won’t want to miss the second
part! Subscribe to the Local Talent podcast and YouTube channel to have the second
installment of the episode delivered straight to you.

The auto repair industry has changed dramatically over the last few years which
means that if you own an auto repair business, you’ve had to stay nimble and smart just
to keep the business going. On this episode of the Local Talent podcast, host Jason
hands the mike over to the owner of a successful local chain of auto repair shops, Mark
Roberts, to find out the entrepreneurial decisions he made that have helped him to
survive and thrive.
Mark tracks his journey into launching his own business, which has several twists and
turns along the way. He explains how he kept the business afloat during the economic
crash in 2008 and 2009 and how he pivoted into mechanical services. Mark and Jason
chat about the best way to market your new local business and how online reviews can
be a double-edged sword for small businesses.
This episode also has plenty of car chat, with Mark telling Jason what car he drives and
what kind of repairs he offers at the shop. You’ll also hear Mark’s professional opinion
on whether you need to extend your car’s warranty!
This episode is the first in a two-part special, and you won’t want to miss the second
part! Subscribe to the Local Talent podcast and YouTube channel to have the second
installment of the episode delivered straight to you.

Timestamps
[0:00] Intro
[0:50] Welcome to the podcast Mark! Mark gives his elevator pitch
[4:15] What’s an expert? Mark weighs in
[5:05] Mark’s legal struggles with his franchise business
[8:58] Getting back to work
[11:34] What’s it like to open your first auto shop?
[12:32] “We’d always had 15%, 20% year-over-year growth”... until the financial crash
[15:11] Why Mark switched into the mechanic business
[19:10] The tech you need to run a successful auto shop
[20:40] Expanding the business into New Braunfels
[25:20] Doing the math on building costs
[29:29] Social media, mail, SEO: How do you market an auto business?
[32:19] How should you structure your company?
[35:42] “Reviews”: Mark’s most useful business tool
[40:54] A typical customer profile at Mark’s different business locations
[42:55] And what car does an auto repair guy drive?
[45:16] Mark breaks down his pricing practices
[48:58] The easiest and most complicated repairs Mark performs in his shops
[50:09] So… Do you really need to extend your car’s warranty??
[53:35] Why Mark spends more time on a computer than under a car

Highlight Quote
“As you grow, your expenses grow… And when you’re making money, you
don’t think about it too much but then when you start seeing a rough time,
you start thinking “Hey, we’re doing what?? We’re spending money on
what??? We need to kill that!” I always think that’s healthy to go through
that”
Mark Roberts, Local Talent podcast, (12:58)

Links:
Schertz Auto Service

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