Working in the dealership

[brain55]

Some here know I gave up my own mobile equipment repair business at the end of last year and went to work for the somewhat local Kubota/Bobcat/Doosan/Tigercat dealer at the beginning of this year. The plan was that I would work in the shop for a year or two wrenching and then transition into a shop foreman role. Well things change and personnel change. About a month ago I got thrust into somewhat of a service writer/shop foreman role. This is a fast paced dealership with 7 shop and 3 field mechanics currently. To say the learning curve was steep would be an understatement. Not only did I need to learn a knew role, I also needed to learn a computer system that I was only vaguely familiar with. I'm very happy with where I'm at, and though at times I wish I was back in the shop, long term this is the right position for me. We are hiring service writers and as they get up to speed I will be transitioning into a pure shop foreman role.

With 30 years as a professional mechanic and no real knee or back problems I'm quite fortunate, that's one reason I feel moving into more of a management position is the right choice. I was hoping that not having my own business would reduce my stress level and work hours. I should know myself better than that. At least I don't have to worry about getting paid anymore.

Brian

 

[TomSeller]

Sounds like it is all working out. Smell the roses. Congrats.

 

[stuckmotor]

Congratulations on your fast advancement. What does a service writer do?

 

[brain55]

Congratulations on your fast advancement. What does a service writer do?

The service writer is the one that takes in the job, gets all the customer information, inputs it all in the computer and opens the repair order, then closes the repair order when the work is completed, and makes sure we receive payment or the customer's account gets charged.

Brian

 

[Big Barn]

The service writer is the one that takes in the job, gets all the customer information, inputs it all in the computer and opens the repair order, then closes the repair order when the work is completed, and makes sure we receive payment or the customer's account gets charged. Brian

Does this position give you the opportunity to upsell the customer to make the dealership more money?

Oh, and congrats on the new position ,Brian.

Terry

 

[brain55]

Does this position give you the opportunity to upsell the customer to make the dealership more money?

Oh, and congrats on the new position ,Brian.

Terry

The shop foreman is more likely to do the upselling and communicating additional concerns to the customer.

Brian

 

[brain55]

The service manager envisions the shop foreman doing all the communicating with the customer after the machine arrives at the shop. He'd like to not have the customer needing to call to check the status of their machine. Now that I've gotten my feet under me a little more I've gotten to practice this approach, and the customers react quite positively to it, regardless of the size of their bill.

Brian

 

[stuckmotor]

Thanks for explaining, Brian. I learned something new.

 

[AStanton]

Brain,
I have a question: Does the dealer get stiffed for a lot of work done in the field then not paid? Can you put a lien on the guy's tractor once he drives away?

 

[Thomas]

Don't forget the older we get we our bodies tend to slow down you made go move.

 

[skyhook]

My Machine is still Broke...I'm not paying"just practicing".
Congrats, Brian.:thumbsup:

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Congratulations:thumbsup: It's great to be able to change jobs to offset job burn out while utilizing the acquired knowledge that can retain value (Pay check :cool2. Also reducing stress is always a good thing. :cool2: Many people see self employment as the ultimate goal but that's usually people that haven't done it. I keep getting out of self employment but keep falling back in but one day, if I live long enough, I'll totally get out and even one day start filing the IRS short form, that's my goal.:cool2::cool2:

 

[sixdogs]

...Congratulations on your fast advancement. What does a service writer do?

Congrats on a great job at the right time in life.

I'm just a poster here but from my days and relatives in the repair field, the service writer is the gatekeeper to all that happens in repair. What he says or doesn't say, goes or doesn't go. You always want the service writer as your friend.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

Congratulation, the toil pulling wrenches puts on your body is huge. Really smart move.

 

[RDrancher]

Congrats Brian! You're not going to let your hands get all milk toast though, right?

 

[Walkin Horse]

Congrats Brian! You're not going to let your hands get all milk toast though, right?

That's funny but also very important.

 

[3930dave]

The service manager envisions the shop foreman doing all the communicating with the customer after the machine arrives at the shop. He'd like to not have the customer needing to call to check the status of their machine. Now that I've gotten my feet under me a little more I've gotten to practice this approach, and the customers react quite positively to it, regardless of the size of their bill.

Brian

Especially in a commercial situation, people want to know that the person they are communicating with A) Knows what they are doing, and B) Can be trusted to do the job properly and on time. They may swallow hard when they get the bill, but having the machine back functioning at 100% is what really matters.

I've read enough of your posts Brian to envision you doing quite well in this Shop Foreman role.

Enjoy the new job !

Rgds, D.

 

[rbargeron]

Congrats on your promotion(s) - the knowledge and people skills you have from years of tractor work is an important asset - nice that the company realizes it. Hope your good counsel will still be available for us TBNers who knew you back when :thumbsup:

 

[dodge man]

I'm glad its working out, it sounds like it keeps you moving and learning. Now about that new BX you can get me for $2000 under dealers cost.................when should I call?

 

[Baby Grand]

Congratulations, Brian. Sounds like your dealership is doing a healthy turn of business, and that is often the key to job satisfaction. Changing roles can be difficult, but with all of your experience, you should get good support from the rest of your team. I'm sure with your help they'll do even better.