The shop I work for/ran for the last 5 years is merging with another shop and together we are moving to a new location.

My shop is a general repair (all makes) 2 tech and a clean up guy shop. I am both the lead tech and service advisor/manager. The owner defines absentee owner. He does advertising and finance related things. As such he avoids spending money on the business as much as possible. But I get to run the shop the way I feel is right. Customers like it. Business has increased every year. Total of another 100% increase.

The other shop is a bmw/mini specialist and has a very active owner. At its peak was 2 techs and an assistant tech. Has a service advisor for a while and then the owner stepped back into that roll.

The new shop is 7,500 sq. ft. Has 8 lifts and room for 2 more.

I start at the new location Monday. Right now neither owner wants to be  active once the place is up and running. We have not had the sit down and lay out responsibilities, yet.
But I think they expect me to be the main service advisor, shop forman, lead/diag tech, and manager. I am doing that now but the shop is 1/5th the size and 1/5th the volume.

It feels like this situation is going to blow up given a few months or go wonderfully.

At least I was paid well before. I made $25k in the first quarter this year.


After that long story and great outlook for the future, any one in the Cali (sf, east bay) looking for a job as any of those positions I have to fill with my own shoes (until you start)?
Lol, I wouldn't take it after reading that...

But seriously, thanks for reading. Any comments or suggestions are welcome. I'm not quite sure what I am looking for by posting this, just sharing? Maybe?

JNelson wrote on Apr 11^th, 2015 at 6:41pm:

I'm not quite sure what I am looking for by posting this, just sharing? Maybe?

I hope you're not bragging...
Just kidding!
In all seriousness , Congratulations!!! Sounds like an exciting time and a great opportunity.
By the way I didn't know you were in the Bay, I'm in COCO county, we should get together sometime

Nelson,

YOU WANT BMW HELP...YOU CALL ME

Hey John, awesome news. Nothing like hearing expansion in the business and hiring people :)

It is going to be a change with the merger. But a good challenge as well. Wish I was over that way. It is warmer there year round :D

Keep us posted :)


Logic wrote on Apr 14^th, 2015 at 12:10am:

YOU WANT BMW HELP...YOU CALL ME

Heck, I always need help with Bimmers. The SI is the issue. Motologic seems to have better coverage than the other SI's out there.

Thanks guys. I made it through the first day. It was rough to say the least.
They have no systems or procedures for anything! As an example there are 3 different spots to hang keys! No rhyme or reason to which goes where.
So that is my first project, get some process for dispatching, getting the recommendationda, and then finished repair orders to advisors.

Superskyliner,
The owner has another shop in Concord, hope you don't work for him!

JNelson wrote on Apr 14^th, 2015 at 5:19am:

The owner has another shop in Concord, hope you don't work for him!

No , actually I work at the local BMW dealership

Logic wrote on Apr 14^th, 2015 at 12:10am:

Nelson, YOU WANT BMW HELP...YOU CALL ME

Thanks for the offer. I hope they have that part down. After all, that is the only car line they work on.
I will definitely call if they get stumped, I appreciate the offer.

Jose aka superskyliner wrote on Apr 14^th, 2015 at 7:01am:

JNelson wrote on Apr 14th, 2015 at 5:19am: The owner has another shop in Concord, hope you don't work for him! No , actually I work at the local BMW dealership

BMW concord? How long have you been there, I know a couple guys that have worked at concord. Adrian Radau?  Tony Holland?
Both would have been 10+ years if I had to guess

I've been there just under 3years, those names don't sound familiar