Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindEpisode Title: It’s Easy to Contract When You Should Be ExpandingHost: Coach Chris CottonNetwork: Aftermarket Radio NetworkWhen business feels uncomfortable, most shop owners don’t pause — they panic.They pull back marketing.They delay hiring.They cancel training.In this episode of The Weekly Blitz, Coach Chris Cotton tackles one of the most dangerous instincts in business: contracting when expansion is required.This conversation is about leadership under pressure — and why fear-based decisions quietly kill long-term growth. Coach Chris breaks down why contraction feels responsible, why it’s often the wrong move, and how the best-performing shops expand strategically when others retreat.This is not about reckless growth.It’s about intentional expansion — expanding systems, leadership, visibility, and execution when it matters most.If you’ve been feeling squeezed, uncertain, or tempted to “wait and see,” this episode will challenge that thinking — and give you a better path forward.⏱️ EPISODE TIMESTAMPS00:00 – 02:45🔥 Opening Hook: Why contraction feels safe — and why it’s dangerous02:45 – 08:30🧠 Why shop owners contract under pressure (fear vs leadership)08:30 – 14:45📈 What expansion really means (hint: it’s not always a new building)14:45 – 16:15🎯 Mid-Roll Sponsor: Shop Marketing Pros16:15 – 22:30🏗️ Expand or slowly shrink: the real cost of waiting22:30 – 25:00🚀 Final close + Aftermarket Radio Network mention💡 KEY TAKEAWAYSContraction is emotional. Expansion is strategic.Pausing marketing is usually the most expensive decision you can make.Expansion doesn’t mean reckless growth — it means intentional investment.Slow shops don’t need less visibility — they need better execution.Leadership shows up before confidence does.🔊 QUOTABLE LINES“Contraction is easy. Expansion is leadership.”“Markets don’t reward fear — they reward presence.”“If your shop is slow, question execution before demand.”“There is no neutral — you’re either expanding capability or shrinking your future.”“Confidence doesn’t come before action. It comes after.”🤝 Episode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Shop Marketing Pros.Shop Marketing Pros helps auto repair shop owners build consistent, long-term growth strategies that actually work—especially during slower or unpredictable seasons like January. If you’re looking for marketing that supports your business instead of stressing you out, visit ShopMarketingPros.com.🎧 About The Weekly BlitzThe Weekly Blitz is a short-form, tactical mindset podcast for auto repair shop owners who want clarity, confidence, and consistent execution in their business. Hosted by Coach Chris Cotton, each episode delivers real-world insight you can apply...

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindEpisode SummaryBy the second week of January, most shop owners are already questioning their plans, their numbers, and sometimes themselves. In this episode of The Weekly Blitz, Coach Chris Cotton breaks down why that feeling is not failure—it’s feedback.This episode is all about making your first smart course correction of the year without panic, emotional decisions, or abandoning a plan that still deserves time to work. If January hasn’t gone exactly how you expected, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and move forward with clarity and confidence.🔑 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy January rarely starts the way we picture it—and why that’s normalThe difference between failure and feedback in the early weeks of the yearA simple 3-question framework to make intelligent course correctionsWhat shop owners should not change yet in week two of JanuaryOne tactical move that can create immediate momentum without discountingHow discipline—not hype—sets winning shops apart early in the year🛠️ Key TakeawaysJanuary doesn’t reward optimism—it rewards processA slow start does not mean a bad yearMost early-January mistakes are emotional, not strategicSmall, fast corrections beat big reactive changesMomentum is built by staying in the game, not starting over📋 Action Step for This WeekBefore making any big changes, sit down and answer these three questions:What did I assume that turned out to be wrong?What’s working better than I expected?What am I overreacting to?Then choose one tactical improvement to focus on this week—starting with follow-up on declined or unsold work.🤝 Episode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Shop Marketing Pros.Shop Marketing Pros helps auto repair shop owners build consistent, long-term growth strategies that actually work—especially during slower or unpredictable seasons like January. If you’re looking for marketing that supports your business instead of stressing you out, visit ShopMarketingPros.com.🎧 About The Weekly BlitzThe Weekly Blitz is a short-form, tactical mindset podcast for auto repair shop owners who want clarity, confidence, and consistent execution in their business. Hosted by Coach Chris Cotton, each episode delivers real-world insight you can apply immediately in your shop.To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.Don't forget to rate and review us!Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook:

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind✅ SHOW NOTES — “If You Build It, They Will Come (But Only If You Build the RIGHT Thing)”The Weekly Blitz with Coach Chris Cotton Presented by Shop Marketing ProsEpisode SummaryThis episode dives into the Field of Dreams mindset and how the legendary line “If you build it, they will come” applies to auto repair shops — but with a modern twist. Coach Chris Cotton breaks down why so many shop owners build the wrong things, delay the right things, or avoid the hard things, and how that mindset stalls growth, profit, and momentum.You’ll walk away with real, tactical actions to build the processes, team, customer experience, and culture that actually attract customers — not just hope they show up.Big Ideas from Today’s Episode1. Vision requires courage, not permission. Ray Kinsella didn’t wait for the neighborhood to approve his baseball field — and neither should you wait to build the systems your shop needs.2. “Build it” means building the right foundation: Clear processesA signature customer experienceA team that buys into the missionA brand customers trust instantly3. Your shop’s experience IS your marketing. If people walk out feeling great, they will talk. If they don’t feel anything… they won’t remember you.4. Fear delays momentum — and delayed momentum kills profit. If you already know what needs to be built, the cost of waiting is higher than the cost of starting.5. The Field of Dreams Action List:Build a system people can feelBuild consistent standardsBuild a reputation you earn, not buyBuild the future version of your shop, not the fearful versionCoach’s Tactical HomeworkBefore the next episode, write down:What are you building right now?What do your customers actually need you to build?What’s the ONE thing you’ve avoided building because it scares you?If you disappeared tomorrow, what would people miss about your business?Your answers tell you whether you’re building a baseball field… or just mowing grass.Sponsor — Shop Marketing ProsFor auto repair shops ready to attract better customers and build a brand worthy of attention, connect with Shop Marketing Pros. They’re the trusted experts who bring clarity, strategy, and real results. 👉 Visit them to level up your marketing game.Explore more industry-leading podcasts at: 📲 AutomotiveRepairPodcastNetwork.comDownload the mobile app for Apple & Android for fast, easy access to every show.To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.Don't forget to rate and review us!Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com...

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindTo listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.Don't forget to rate and review us!Finish Strong Series: “Planning, Not Wishing — The Simple 3-Page Plan for Q1”Presented by Shop Marketing Pros — your marketing engine for 2025 and beyond.Episode SummaryIn the final part of the Finish Strong Series, Coach Chris Cotton delivers the ultimate shop-owner reset: a simple, no-fluff, highly actionable 3 Page Plan to launch Q1 with focus, clarity, and momentum.No corporate complexity.No overstuffed binders.No 27-goal “strategy lists.”Just a tight, practical plan built around what ACTUALLY moves the needle in the first 90 days of the year.If you want 2025 to be different — truly different — it starts with this.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔️ Why Most Shop Plans FailThe traps: too big, too confusing, too vague, not shared with the team.✔️ Page 1 — The Reality CheckChris walks through the exact questions and assessments needed to understand:What workedWhat failedWhat must be fixed firstThe ONE thing that will drive the biggest Q1 win✔️ Page 2 — The Goals That MatterA focused, data-driven list of goals every shop should set for Q1, including:AROCar countTech productivityLabor GP%Parts margin %Customer experience targetsThe 3 behaviors that directly improve all of them✔️ Page 3 — The Action CalendarThis is where the magic happens:Who is responsibleWhat happens weeklyWhat gets trackedHow accountability worksHow meetings tie it all togetherHow to create a 90-day cadence that keeps the team aligned✔️ How to Turn This Into a Team Tool, Not an Owner DocumentBecause a plan that lives in your head doesn’t change your shop — only a plan your team understands and owns can do that.Why This Episode MattersMost shop owners “hope” January will be better.Hope isn’t a plan.A clear, simple, actionable plan is the difference between repeating another year… and creating a breakthrough one. This episode hands you the structure to do exactly that.Sponsored By: Shop Marketing ProsSpecial thanks to Shop Marketing Pros for supporting this episode. If you want stronger branding, better online visibility, and more cars in your bays, go to ShopMarketingPros.com — they’re the real deal.Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYouTube:

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindFinish Strong Series: “Your Cashflow North Star”Presented by Shop Marketing Pros — trusted marketing partners for top-performing auto repair shops.Episode SummaryIn Part 3 of the Finish Strong Series, Coach Chris Cotton tackles the topic that stresses shop owners more than anything else: cashflow.This episode introduces the concept of the Cashflow North Star — the exact number that tells you whether your shop is safe, stressed, or in danger. Chris delivers a tactical, step-by-step breakdown of how to calculate it, how to use it, and how it transforms your clarity and decision-making as a business owner.If you’ve ever felt uncertain about money, unsure about what’s “safe,” or anxious about the ups and downs of car count… this episode is your cure.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔️ Why You’re Not Broke — You’re UnclearThe emotional truth behind why even profitable owners struggle with money fear.✔️ What a Cashflow North Star Actually IsA simple but powerful financial safety system that every shop owner MUST have.✔️ The 3 Zones Every Shop Operates InGreen Zone — HealthyYellow Zone — TightRed Zone — Danger And exactly what to do in each.✔️ How to Calculate Your North Star (Step-by-Step)Chris breaks down the full process: fixed expenses, weekly burn rate, danger thresholds, safety buffers, and the real “stop spending” line.✔️ The December Cashflow Mistakes That Kill ShopsLessons on:Equipment purchasesEarly tax paymentsHoliday bonusesSubscription creepNeglected receivablesMissing parts creditsPoor forecasting✔️ How to Forecast Cashflow for 90 DaysA simple 30/60/90 approach that eliminates fear and replaces it with leadership-level clarity.Why This Episode MattersA shop without a cashflow plan is a shop that’s always one slow week away from panic. When you know your Cashflow North Star, you stop guessing… and start leading. This episode gives you that power.Sponsored By: Shop Marketing ProsA big thank you to Shop Marketing Pros for sponsoring this episode. They’re the experts in storytelling, branding, and digital marketing for auto repair shops.Learn more at ShopMarketingPros.com — where great shops get great marketing.To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.Don't forget to rate and review us!Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYouTube:

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops. Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindFinish Strong Series: “People Season — Keep the Team Focused, Motivated & Appreciated”Presented by Shop Marketing Pros — the most trusted marketing agency in the automotive repair industry.Episode SummaryIn Part 2 of the Finish Strong Series, Coach Chris Cotton dives deep into the most important part of your shop’s success in December: your people. This episode unpacks the emotional reality of the holiday season, how burnout impacts productivity and customer experience, and the tactical steps leaders can take to lift their team, energize the shop, and create a culture that drives performance through the end of the year (and into the next).This is the leadership blueprint shop owners need — practical, human, and built around real-world behavior.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔️ Why December Is “People Season”Understand the emotional and psychological load your team carries this time of year — and why your leadership matters more now than ever.✔️ The Real Causes of Burnout (It’s Not the Work)Hear why burnout comes more from feeling unseen than from being busy, and how to counter it with clarity and connection.✔️ The 5 Tactical Motivators That Actually WorkThings like:Personalized recognitionShorter Fridays or flex schedulesTeam-based appreciation routinesSpecific shoutouts that matterLeading with empathy and accountability✔️ Daily Huddles: The December LifelineHow 10 minutes of morning structure can transform your team’s focus, speed, and communication.✔️ Creating a December Theme That Pulls Everyone ForwardHow to set the tone with simple shop-wide focus points like “Zero Comebacks Month” or “Run Through the Line.”✔️ The Family Touch That Builds LoyaltyWhy acknowledging the people behind your employees has an outsized impact on morale and performance.Why This Episode MattersDecember is when your team needs leadership, clarity, and appreciation — not more pressure. This episode gives you the tactical tools and mindset to build culture, create momentum, and finish the year with a team that feels committed, energized, and ready for 2025.Sponsored By: Shop Marketing ProsA big thank you to Shop Marketing Pros for sponsoring this episode. They’re the experts in storytelling, branding, and digital marketing for auto repair shops. Learn more at ShopMarketingPros.com — where great shops get great marketing.To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: a...

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops. Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind🎧 The Weekly Blitz — Episode 1 NotesFinish Strong Series: “The Final Push — Maximize December Without Feeling Desperate”Presented by Shop Marketing Pros — the automotive repair industry’s leading marketing experts.Episode SummaryIn Part 1 of the Finish Strong Series, Coach Chris Cotton breaks down how to turn December from a “slow month” into a strategic opportunity. Instead of coasting into the holiday season, Chris shows shop owners how to lean in, create momentum, and drive revenue without discounting, panicking, or looking desperate.This episode gives you the exact tactical playbook for ending the year powerfully and stepping into January with confidence, clarity, and cashflow.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔️ The Myth of ‘Slow December’Why December isn’t slow — it’s chaotic — and how that chaos actually creates more opportunity for intentional shops.✔️ Stop Projecting Your Stress Onto CustomersMost shop owners talk themselves out of money. Chris explains how to stop assuming what customers will or won’t spend this month.✔️ How to Build DVIs That Actually Sell WorkThe December DVI blueprint: picture-heavy, story-driven, urgency-focused, and built around safety and travel needs.✔️ Same-Day Follow-Up: The December Secret WeaponWhy customers are more likely to say “yes” within 6–12 hours, and how to use this window strategically.✔️ Zero-Desperation MarketingWhy you shouldn’t discount in December — and what to send your customers instead.✔️ Scheduling Tactics for the Final PushHow to run December like a “say yes and figure it out” month: micro-jobs, flexible bays, promise windows, and elevated communication.✔️ How to Finish the Year — and Start the Next — With MomentumDecember is a psychological month for both owners and customers. Chris breaks down how to shape that momentum and avoid the common traps that derail shops.Why This Episode MattersMost auto repair shops lose December — not because the work isn’t there, but because their mindset is off. This episode teaches you how to shift your perspective, operate with confidence, and capture the opportunities other shops miss.Your year isn’t over.Your customers still need you.And your shop still has money on the table.Sponsored By: Shop Marketing ProsA special thanks to Shop Marketing Pros for making this episode possible. If you're ready to grow your car count, build trust in your community, and create marketing that actually works, visit ShopMarketingPros.com.They help great shops get seen, known, and understood.Connect With Coach Chris Cotton📧 Email Chris: chris autofixsos.comTo listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops. Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindSpecial Thanks to Our Sponsor:⭐ Shop Marketing Pros — helping auto repair shops tell their story, attract the right customers, and grow their business.👉 Learn more: shopmarketingpros.com​​📓 Show NotesTopic: Scheduling in auto repair shops Theme: Controlled flexibility—saying yes while staying efficient Key Points:Appointment-based industries struggle with no-showsOverbooking isn’t reckless—it’s strategicTeaching a “figure-it-out” mindset builds customer trustFlexibility is a skill, not chaosAction Steps:Review your average show rate and build a 10–15% overbooking buffer.Designate one “flex” bay per day.Empower advisors to say “yes” within reason.​Part of the Automotive Repair Podcast Network:🎙️ Remarkable Results Radio — Carm Capriotto📈 Business by the Numbers — Hunt Demarest🔧 Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z — Matt Fanslow💬 Speak Up! Effective Communication — Craig O’Neill🚀 Auto Repair Marketing Podcast — Kim & Brian Walker💥 The Weekly Blitz — Coach Chris Cotton​Thanks for listening to The Weekly Blitz, brought to you by Shop Marketing Pros. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow shop owner and help them figure it out too.Want to be on the show or suggest a topic? Email me at chris autofixsos.comTo listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0aeEmail Chris: chris@autofixsos.comThe Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open DiscussionDiagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.a...

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops. Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindSpecial Thanks to Our Sponsor:⭐ Shop Marketing Pros — helping auto repair shops tell their story, attract the right customers, and grow their business.👉 Learn more: shopmarketingpros.com​​Episode Summary: Coach Chris Cotton dives into how reality TV and shows like Friends shaped the way people connect with authenticity — and how those same emotional triggers apply in today’s auto repair world. Using lessons from They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan and Endless Customers by John Jantsch, Chris shares how shop owners can build deep customer loyalty through transparency, consistency, and storytelling.Key Takeaways:Authenticity beats perfection — customers connect to what’s real.“Know, Like, Trust” isn’t marketing jargon; it’s relationship math.Use video, blogs, and social to educate — not just sell.Highlight your team’s personalities; people buy from people.Deliver consistency — small promises kept lead to lifetime loyalty.​Part of the Automotive Repair Podcast Network:🎙️ Remarkable Results Radio — Carm Capriotto📈 Business by the Numbers — Hunt Demarest🔧 Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z — Matt Fanslow💬 Speak Up! Effective Communication — Craig O’Neill🚀 Auto Repair Marketing Podcast — Kim & Brian Walker💥 The Weekly Blitz — Coach Chris CottonTo listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0aeEmail Chris: chris@autofixsos.comThe Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open DiscussionDiagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops. Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindWhen emergencies hit—like government shutdowns, road closures, or sudden slowdowns—most shops panic. Smart ones glide safely because they built a parachute plan. In this episode, Coach Chris Cotton walks you through how to identify your cash trigger point, protect your team, and create a survival strategy for your auto repair business.Timestamps: 0:00 – Opener 1:45 – Why every shop needs a parachute plan 4:20 – Determining your cash trigger point 8:00 – Identifying key team members 12:10 – Levels of emergency response 15:30 – Communication and leadership under pressure 19:00 – Final thoughts​​Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:⭐ Shop Marketing Pros — helping auto repair shops tell their story, attract the right customers, and grow their business.👉 Learn more: shopmarketingpros.com​​Part of the Automotive Repair Podcast Network:🎙️ Remarkable Results Radio — Carm Capriotto📈 Business by the Numbers — Hunt Demarest🔧 Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z — Matt Fanslow💬 Speak Up! Effective Communication — Craig O’Neill🚀 Auto Repair Marketing Podcast — Kim & Brian Walker💥 The Weekly Blitz — Coach Chris CottonTo listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0aeEmail Chris: chris@autofixsos.comThe Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open DiscussionDiagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops. Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindIf your coach tells you something you don’t like… that’s probably the exact thing you need to hear.In this episode of The Weekly Blitz, Coach Chris Cotton lays down some tough love for shop owners: stop running from the hard truths that will actually grow your business.Too many people hire a coach, hear something uncomfortable, and then go looking for someone who’ll tell them what they want to hear. That’s not coaching — that’s validation. And validation won’t get you better results.This week, Chris breaks down why we do this, how it’s killing your growth, and what to do instead.You’ll learn:✅ Why coaching isn’t supposed to feel good✅ How confirmation bias keeps shop owners stuck✅ What happens when you stop chasing agreement and start embracing accountability✅ The difference between “I want to feel better” and “I want to get better”👉 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: The uncomfortable truth about coaching02:30 – Why we resist hard feedback06:00 – The trap of validation-seeking09:45 – Real-world examples from the coaching trenches13:30 – How to sit in discomfort and trust the process17:30 – Key takeaways and closing thoughtsContact Coach Chris:📧 Email: chris autofixsos.com​Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:⭐ Shop Marketing Pros — helping auto repair shops tell their story, attract the right customers, and grow their business.👉 Learn more: shopmarketingpros.com​Part of the Automotive Repair Podcast Network:🎙️ Remarkable Results Radio — Carm Capriotto📈 Business by the Numbers — Hunt Demarest🔧 Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z — Matt Fanslow💬 Speak Up! Effective Communication — Craig O’Neill🚀 Auto Repair Marketing Podcast — Kim & Brian Walker💥 The Weekly Blitz — Coach Chris CottonTo listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0aeEmail Chris: chris@autofixsos.comThe Automotive Repair Podcast Network:

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops. Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindIn this powerful follow-up to “You Can’t Win the Game If You Don’t Know How to Play It,” Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching takes you from awareness to action.This episode dives into what separates shop owners who know their business from those who dominate it — execution, accountability, and leadership.Learn how to: 🏈 Turn knowledge into consistent execution 🔥 Shift from playing defense to playing offense in your business 📊 Build daily habits that drive results 👥 Create a culture of accountability and competition 💭 Develop a winning mindset that moves your team forwardIt’s time to stop surviving and start competing. The only question left is — are you ready to win your game?​🔥 Remember: You can’t win the game if you don’t know how to play it.To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0aeEmail Chris: chris@autofixsos.comThe Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open DiscussionDiagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the

The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops. Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindIn this episode of The Weekly Blitz, Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching breaks down one of the biggest truths in business: you can’t win the game if you don’t know how to play it.Most shop owners are out there hustling every day — fixing cars, keeping customers happy, trying to make payroll — but they’re doing it without a playbook. In this episode, Chris explains what the real game of auto repair ownership looks like, what the rules are, and how to finally start winning it.Learn how to:Identify the real game you’re playing as a business ownerUnderstand your KPIs — your “scoreboard”Build a playbook your whole team can followShift from being the player to becoming the coachLead your team to victory week after weekWhether you’re running a one-man shop or managing a full crew, this episode will help you stop playing on defense and start calling plays that actually score.​🔥 Remember: You can’t win the game if you don’t know how to play it.To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0aeEmail Chris: chris@autofixsos.comThe Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open DiscussionDiagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach

To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindIn ​Losing weight and running a profitable auto repair shop might sound like two totally different worlds — but they have more in common than you think.​ In this episode of the Weekly Blitz, Coach Chris Cotton celebrates a personal​milestone (30 pounds down!) while drawing powerful parallels between weight​ loss and shop coaching. From defining what a win really looks like, to trusting ​the process, to pushing through plateaus — you’ll discover why small, ​consistent changes create the biggest results. Whether you’re working on your​ health or your business, this episode will inspire you to focus on the ounces,​ because that’s how you win the pounds and the profits.​​What you’ll learn in this episode:Why small wins (ounces lost or percentage-point KPI gains) matter more than big, flashy goals.How the start-up phase of both journeys requires investment in tools, systems, and trust.The importance of trusting the process and leaning on your coach’s expertise.How to handle plateaus — whether on the scale or in your shop’s sales.Why accountability and consistency always beat quick fixes.The connection between scales and KPIs — and why both never lie.Coach Chris’s personal story of hitting a 30-pound weight loss milestone, and what that means for shop owners everywhere.Coach’s Challenge for Listeners:This week, identify your “ounce-sized win.”If you’re working on your health: skip one soda, walk 10 extra minutes, or go to bed earlier.If you’re working on your shop: track a KPI you’ve been ignoring, raise your ARO by $20, or complete one extra DVI per day.Closing Thought:“Whether it’s pounds or profits, the process works if you work it.”Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0aeEmail Chris: chris@autofixsos.comThe Aftermarket Radio NetworkRemarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open DiscussionDiagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim...

Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindIn ​Episode Summary: Most auto repair shops leave thousands of dollars on the table every week because their service advisors are acting like order-takers instead of sales pros. In this episode of The Weekly Blitz, Coach Chris Cotton breaks down the mindset, skills, and systems that transform advisors into the growth engine of your shop.From real-world examples to proven scripts, you’ll learn how to boost closing ratios, raise ARO, and build trust with customers without being pushy. If your advisors are just “writing tickets,” it’s time to flip the switch and start creating true sales professionals.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The #1 mindset shift that separates order-takers from sales pros.Why confidence and tone matter more than price in customer decisions.How to use DVIs as storytelling tools that sell themselves.Four practical steps to help advisors close more work with integrity.The KPIs every shop owner should track to measure advisor success.Takeaway Challenge: Track one advisor’s closing ratio for five days. Then role-play one scenario to improve it by just 5%. That small change could add tens of thousands of dollars to your annual sales.Resources & Tools:​Introduction & Sponsor Message (00:00:08) Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast, highlights Shop Marketing Pros as the sponsor, and sets the episode’s focus.Identifying the Choke Point: Service Advisors (00:01:03) Explains the critical impact of service advisors, the difference between order takers and sales professionals, and their effect on gross profit.Order Taker vs. Sales Pro Example (00:02:18) Provides a practical example contrasting an order taker’s approach with a sales professional’s, emphasizing education and trust.Attention to Detail & Mindset Shift (00:03:21) Stresses the importance of precise communication, reframing the advisor’s role, and selling peace of mind, not just repairs.Confidence and Communication Skills (00:04:33) Discusses the need for confident language, tone, and regular coaching to improve advisor performance.Using DVI as a Storytelling Tool (00:05:48) Describes how digital vehicle inspections (DVI) should be used to visually narrate repairs and build customer understanding.Active Listening & Mirroring at Check-In (00:06:55) Highlights the importance of repeating customer concerns, slowing down, and ensuring customers feel heard during check-in.One-Minute R.O. Read Back & Update Scripts (00:06:55) Covers confirming details before the customer leaves and using consistent update scripts to build trust.Tracking Closing Ratios & Performance Metrics (00:08:03) Emphasizes tracking closing ratios over car count or average repair order, and the pitfalls of manipulating metrics.Daily Roleplay & Advisor Scoreboard (00:09:05) Recommends daily scenario practice, posting advisor performance metrics, and using visibility to drive improvement.Ongoing Training & Accountability (00:10:11) Advocates for regular training, coaching,...

Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindIn ​In this episode of the "Auto Fix Auto Show Coaching" podcast, Coach Chris Cotton dives deep into the parallels between running a successful auto repair shop and leading a championship football team. Coach Chris unpacks six essential lessons—energy, discipline, process, stepping up, hard work behind the scenes, and striving for greatness—that are crucial for building a high-performing, winning culture in any shop. He explains how bringing the right energy every day sets the tone for the entire team, while maintaining discipline ensures that everyone stays focused on their goals. Coach Chris emphasizes the importance of having solid processes in place, encouraging owners to step up as leaders and set the standard for their staff. He also highlights the value of the hard work that happens out of the spotlight, reminding listeners that true success is built on consistent effort and dedication. Throughout the episode, Coach Chris offers practical advice and motivational insights, inspiring shop owners to lead with passion, reject mediocrity, and execute with the precision and commitment of champions. By applying these lessons, owners can create a standout shop culture that not only attracts customers but also drives long-term success in a highly competitive market.​​In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton shines a spotlight on the critical role that attention to detail plays in the success or failure of an auto repair shop. He breaks down how seemingly minor errors—such as incorrect repair orders, overlooked specifications, or lapses in communication—can snowball into significant issues, resulting in lost profits, increased comebacks, and dissatisfied customers. Chris emphasizes that these small mistakes are often the root cause of larger operational problems, and addressing them is key to building a thriving business.To help shop owners and managers tackle these challenges, Chris&nbsp...

Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindIn ​In this episode of the "Auto Fix Auto Show Coaching" podcast, Coach Chris Cotton dives deep into the parallels between running a successful auto repair shop and leading a championship football team. Coach Chris unpacks six essential lessons—energy, discipline, process, stepping up, hard work behind the scenes, and striving for greatness—that are crucial for building a high-performing, winning culture in any shop. He explains how bringing the right energy every day sets the tone for the entire team, while maintaining discipline ensures that everyone stays focused on their goals. Coach Chris emphasizes the importance of having solid processes in place, encouraging owners to step up as leaders and set the standard for their staff. He also highlights the value of the hard work that happens out of the spotlight, reminding listeners that true success is built on consistent effort and dedication. Throughout the episode, Coach Chris offers practical advice and motivational insights, inspiring shop owners to lead with passion, reject mediocrity, and execute with the precision and commitment of champions. By applying these lessons, owners can create a standout shop culture that not only attracts customers but also drives long-term success in a highly competitive market.​​Introduction and Sponsor Message (00:00:12) Coach Chris introduces the podcast, shares sponsor info, and sets up the football-business analogy.Why Run Your Shop Like a Football Team? (00:01:07) Explains the inspiration for the episode and draws parallels between coaching football and managing a shop.Lesson 1: Have a High Motor (00:02:19) Discusses the importance of energy, enthusiasm, and hustle in both football and shop leadership.Lesson 2: Losers Jump Offsides (00:04:18) Covers discipline, avoiding mistakes, and not giving away “free yards” in business operations.Lesson 3: Play Your Technique (00:05:26) Stresses the value of following processes and procedures consistently for success.Lesson 4: Be a Hero (00:06:35)Encourages stepping up in critical moments and seizing opportunities to lead and excel.Lesson 5: Work Your Ass Off When Nobody’s Looking (00:07:38) Highlights the importance of unseen hard work and preparation behind the scenes.Lesson 6: Be Pissed Off for Greatness (00:08:39) Motivates listeners to strive for greatness, avoid mediocrity, and hold themselves accountable.Personal Story: Effort Is Between You and You (00:10:03) Coach Chris shares his personal journey with self-discipline and effort, reinforcing the previous lesson.Ray Lewis Quotes and Final Motivation (00:10:54) Shares favorite motivational quotes and ties them back to business and personal growth.Closing and Sponsor Reminder (00:11:47) Wraps up with a summary, call to action, and another sponsor mention.To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching

Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindIn ​In this episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching delves into the emotional challenges that clients often encounter when beginning their coaching journey. He discusses how feelings of vulnerability, uncertainty, and even anxiety are common among shop owners as they take the first steps toward change and improvement. Chris emphasizes the critical importance of empathy from coaches, explaining that understanding and validating these emotions helps build trust and rapport. He also stresses the need for clear, open communication and consistent reassurance, noting that coaches should be approachable and supportive, guiding clients through the process with patience and understanding.Drawing from his own experiences working with a variety of auto repair shops, Chris shares stories that illustrate the transformative power of coaching when both parties are actively engaged. He encourages shop owners to remain present and communicative throughout the coaching relationship, warning against the tendency to "ghost" their coach when challenges arise. According to Chris, active participation, honest feedback, and a willingness to confront difficulties head-on are all essential ingredients for achieving meaningful results and lasting success.Additionally, Chris highlights the pivotal role of leadership—not only within the coaching relationship but also in the day-to-day operations of an auto repair shop. He explains that effective leaders create environments where both clients and customers feel safe, respected, and valued. This sense of security fosters stronger relationships, higher morale, and better business outcomes.The episode is sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, a company specializing in marketing solutions tailored specifically for auto repair shops. Their expertise helps shop owners attract new customers, retain existing ones, and grow their businesses through strategic, results-driven marketing campaigns.To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0aeEmail Chris: chris@autofixsos.comThe Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops. Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: a...

To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us!...

Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindIn In Episode 9 of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton delivers a comprehensive overview of essential marketing and customer retention strategies specifically tailored for auto repair shop owners. He begins by stressing the importance of proactive marketing, explaining that waiting for customers to find you is no longer enough in today’s competitive landscape. Chris details how leveraging digital tools such as Google My Business, Local Service Ads, search engine optimization (SEO), and targetEd digital ads...