Mike Bennett

1 month ago | ratchetandwrench.com | Mike Bennett

Let's face it, the economy is weird right now. Consumers are tightening their belts, debt loads are rising, and inflation has reshaped what "affordable" means for the average household. In the auto repair industry, we're feeling that squeeze from both sides: rising operational costs and increasingly cautious customers who wince with every estimate. Yes, consumers are more cautious, but they’re still spending. They're just being a lot more discerning about where and how they spend.

Feb 7, 2025 | ratchetandwrench.com | Mike Bennett

Running a successful auto repair shop isn’t for the faint of heart. Between managing daily operations, keeping up with technological advancements, navigating rising costs, and competing for skilled talent, the demands are relentless. But the real game-changer? Customer expectations have evolved—drastically. The days of simply being "good at fixing cars" are over.

Dec 5, 2024 | ratchetandwrench.com | Mike Bennett

Too often, as business owners, we fall into the trap of making emergency or reactive hires. It’s that feeling of urgency. Your star teammate just put in their notice, or you're struggling to keep up with demand, and suddenly, anyone with a pulse or the right certifications or the right experience seems like the answer. It’s easy to see them as a "can't live without them" savior candidate. But the reality is that rushing to hire based on qualifications alone can be incredibly costly.

Nov 5, 2024 | ratchetandwrench.com | Mike Bennett

Economic uncertainty is like an unwelcome visitor who shows up just when you thought everything was under control. With an unsettling election and political cycle creating ongoing turbulence and the specter of inflation potentially returning, that visitor is starting to feel more like a permanent houseguest. For business leaders, it's time to get ahead of the conversation, plan for the unknown, and lead with resilience.

Oct 21, 2024 | ratchetandwrench.com | Mike Bennett

Running a successful business involves much more than fixing cars, pleasing customers, and managing operations. It's about creating an environment where your team feels valued and supported—not just as employees, but as people. As a leader, you can set the tone for the team, and the culture you create determines whether your team merely works for you or truly stands by you. Your role is crucial to your team's professional growth and overall well-being.