Bon Jour Mon Ami! Another week....and yes, I think we are still sane. Last week a crazy gal who wanted her car every day as she was in a rental, took 4 days to show up when it was finally done. She must have planned on turning in the rental on empty, because she called us from 5 blocks away, empty. I was mad, but she had a 3 grand check I needed. I went and bought gas, my money, went to where her car was and she was cracked up on something, with two guys. I put a gallon of gas in her car and she drove to my shop. I told her that I bought that gas with my own money and she owed me 3 dollars. Of course! she did not have a penny on her. We jumped her car for her to leave, and they immediately went to the gas station at the corner and turned off her car. She called again and I said NO! Abby insisted on going down to the gas station, even though I told her not to. She refused to bring a guy with her. When she was jumping their car, one of the guys hit on her. She got a little I told you so, from her mother in law. Never saw that three bucks!!!! As if I expected to.
We have had some pretty nice customers lately. It is a pleasure to work with nice people. But, then right in the middle of this kumbiya moment, comes Mr. and Mrs. Hasslers. They had a pick up from the grave in to be painted. It turned out beautiful. They were elderly and I gave them the whole bit about don't wash it for 4 weeks, etc. He called to tell me he cleaned it up as soon as he got home and found problems. His biggest problem is that he and his wife are complete idiots! They came in today and he in such a self righteous huff, pointed out to me finger prints on the interior of his truck. I reached my hand in and brushed them off. I said ok, what else. He said He was surprised the prints came off, I said, why, it was just dust. He pointed out two microscopic spots and I told him I would have my detailer rub a little wax on it. SHE, the other nasty one, said she thought they forgot to put clear coat on it. I told her she did not have clear coat on her vehicle because she purchased a single stage service. She began the, "then what did I pay all that money for.....?" I just stopped her and reminded her that we went over her estimate several times and she knows what she paid for. I asked Brad to polish the couple of spots and then they left. I believe they were disappointed that they could not get a good old fight going, or money back. You got to be bored to have nothing better to do than to look for reasons to pick a fight.
I have got to admit, it is fun to see how bad some of the cars look before they come in and how great they look done. Well, most of them. We did a S-10 today that a young man had painted with a roller, used calk to reattach his CHEVROLET emblem. It did not look much better, just shiny. I guess that is how a kid learns. There are just some things you should not do yourself.
I am enjoying running the back. Unfortunately, my potty mouth is getting worse....I ruined a nice jacket with "bondo". But, there is less stress in the back and the sound of DAs and Grinders are better than phones.
I get to High Five, dance to the oldies and run from one end of the shop to the other. Then I have to carry out big bags of trash, whipe dust off stuff, vacume cars, sand, wipe, blow, tack...move cars from one place to another and check cars, order supplies and keep everything moving. It is all about getting more done, faster and right the first time. I guess that is all business these days. "CHECK PLEASE"
God Bless all. And to all, a Good Night. moi
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
WEEK ONE AS THE NEW SHOP MANAGER
Bon Jour Mon Cheri, It is early on Saturday and I have some time before a gentleman arrives to fix a broken water pipe in my house. Then it is rush to the shop to work. I have my beloved quiet time on Saturday morning and so want to tell you about the week.
First, this was my first week of being the FULL BLOWN shop manager. Small Businesses...you got to do it yourself! My first week at the production helm as well as all the others was a scramble, but this was the second most productive week we have had financially. Unless you pay someone commission only, they do not care about your business or money. It is my money and I care as it is life or closure!
I could not do it without my consultant, the Italian. God, I love that man. I did not need to be taught how to be a strong leader, I had that. I had to be taught how to handle my family and the knowledge of running a body shop. Logic dictates, I, it will get better each week. My guys are still talking about Anthony Andrew Spumoni and what he taught them. They like it that he was a marine, they like it that he pulls no punches and they know when and if he compliments them, it is for real. They are happy that what he accomplished has helped me. They are much happier when they see I am doing well than when they see me worry. I would guess that is universal in business. We got all the body work out. My two body guys did it and did it right and loaded the paint line till my painter was telling me he hated me and that he thought I was trying to kill him. I told him unless he wanted to come up with 10g to make payroll next week, he needed to keep painting. I have a second painter and he did jump in on two to give him a break.I told my son, the painter, when he owns the place and it is his money, he will push just as hard as I am now. I pray he believes me.
Now the week started with fun. I accuse the two girls up front of selecting gentlemen for me to give a ride home specifically to make me crazy. The rule is, I will give anyone a ride home if they leave their car. So, they got a car from a gentleman who was about 75, well dressed and soft spoken. Sure, lets go. On the way to his house, he explained to me he was a spokesperson for the local nudist colony, (I did not know ther was a "local" nudist colony. Thought that went out with Free Love) and felt I should look into it. He told me that they have a pool, vollyball, many of other sports and everyone is encouraged to bring their families. My visual of a 75 year old man's junk flopping around during a game of vollyball was enough to send me screaming from the car at the next light. This one beat the Elvis inpersonator the week before. I sped back to the shop and just stood looking at the girl's grins. They swear they have no idea......
The next morning started with a fire. At around 9, after the girls said they had been smelling something for a while, smoke started to billow out of an electrical socket in the office. I, repeat, I ran to the back, shut off the circuits, screamed "FIRE" and two of my men came running up front with me fire things. I got back up front and told Abby to call 911, the phones do not work...I turned off the circuits. Bear in mind all have cell phones, but I ran into my office and grabbed my cell and called 911. I then called the landlord for an electrician asap and then went out front to flag down the 4 fire trucks that arrived for my one socket. The question I asked is what would you two have done if I was not here?????
My body man, Brandy came up to me later and told me the electrician went to him and said Man, how do you work for such a fox. Brandy told him that Ms. Moore was his employer, that's how, and laughed all way across the shop. He gets a kick out of it.
In the shop, Brady had his DA turned up to run fast and it was loud. Harry, a body man came up to him and yelled...MAN TURN THAT THING DOWN. Brady, in levity, said I DO NOT GO TO YOUR AREA AND TELL YOU HOW TO WORK, SHUT THE F UP!. BRANDY, THE OTHER BODY MAN JUMPED UP AT THAT MOMENT AND YELLED "CHECK PLEASE". The entire shop erupted in laughter and all became a productive team again. (too bad Anthony Andrew Spumoni was not there for that)
Friday, I was pushing hard and everyone was working at high gear. (which they should do everyday) My shop has not been at high gear for a while now and we are learning some lessons. We had two cars done, yea, $$$, and Hugh was pulling one out of the booth and another guy was pulling one in the front garage door and crash, they ran into each other. There was a discussion starting over who's fault, what happened, everyone had to see....I yelled, which I do not do often, It is done, let it go, move the cars back to the body area and get back to work. I MEAN IT---N-O-W! Cars went back to body stalls and they went back to work. We will talk about that Monday. We are now working harder and faster which is why that happened. I would rather have an accident once in a while than have production happening at slow mo. But, we will talk about safety, safety, safety on Monday. I did hear one of the drivers needed a can of spray paint and was afraid to come up and ask me for the key, so Brady did it for him.
So, I am going in to do numbers today and see how we ended up. I gave the guys each $20. for getting the cars done one the list. (the two that crashed were done) Thus went my first week, we can only get better. Now we need more cars and the push up front will begin.....time to sell auto repair.
The girls are good, just need to push harder. We had a young man with severe OCD bring his car in. It took him over three hours to drop his car. He kept apologizing, for example, he had to have Abby hand his key back and look at it and give it back to her over and over again until he was comfortable leaving it. We have to accept the trials given to us by God and be thankful for the ones we have not been given everyday.
"Smile with Style"
Danny R. (1952 - )
Je tem mon Cheri. Lynn Moore
First, this was my first week of being the FULL BLOWN shop manager. Small Businesses...you got to do it yourself! My first week at the production helm as well as all the others was a scramble, but this was the second most productive week we have had financially. Unless you pay someone commission only, they do not care about your business or money. It is my money and I care as it is life or closure!
I could not do it without my consultant, the Italian. God, I love that man. I did not need to be taught how to be a strong leader, I had that. I had to be taught how to handle my family and the knowledge of running a body shop. Logic dictates, I, it will get better each week. My guys are still talking about Anthony Andrew Spumoni and what he taught them. They like it that he was a marine, they like it that he pulls no punches and they know when and if he compliments them, it is for real. They are happy that what he accomplished has helped me. They are much happier when they see I am doing well than when they see me worry. I would guess that is universal in business. We got all the body work out. My two body guys did it and did it right and loaded the paint line till my painter was telling me he hated me and that he thought I was trying to kill him. I told him unless he wanted to come up with 10g to make payroll next week, he needed to keep painting. I have a second painter and he did jump in on two to give him a break.I told my son, the painter, when he owns the place and it is his money, he will push just as hard as I am now. I pray he believes me.
Now the week started with fun. I accuse the two girls up front of selecting gentlemen for me to give a ride home specifically to make me crazy. The rule is, I will give anyone a ride home if they leave their car. So, they got a car from a gentleman who was about 75, well dressed and soft spoken. Sure, lets go. On the way to his house, he explained to me he was a spokesperson for the local nudist colony, (I did not know ther was a "local" nudist colony. Thought that went out with Free Love) and felt I should look into it. He told me that they have a pool, vollyball, many of other sports and everyone is encouraged to bring their families. My visual of a 75 year old man's junk flopping around during a game of vollyball was enough to send me screaming from the car at the next light. This one beat the Elvis inpersonator the week before. I sped back to the shop and just stood looking at the girl's grins. They swear they have no idea......
The next morning started with a fire. At around 9, after the girls said they had been smelling something for a while, smoke started to billow out of an electrical socket in the office. I, repeat, I ran to the back, shut off the circuits, screamed "FIRE" and two of my men came running up front with me fire things. I got back up front and told Abby to call 911, the phones do not work...I turned off the circuits. Bear in mind all have cell phones, but I ran into my office and grabbed my cell and called 911. I then called the landlord for an electrician asap and then went out front to flag down the 4 fire trucks that arrived for my one socket. The question I asked is what would you two have done if I was not here?????
My body man, Brandy came up to me later and told me the electrician went to him and said Man, how do you work for such a fox. Brandy told him that Ms. Moore was his employer, that's how, and laughed all way across the shop. He gets a kick out of it.
In the shop, Brady had his DA turned up to run fast and it was loud. Harry, a body man came up to him and yelled...MAN TURN THAT THING DOWN. Brady, in levity, said I DO NOT GO TO YOUR AREA AND TELL YOU HOW TO WORK, SHUT THE F UP!. BRANDY, THE OTHER BODY MAN JUMPED UP AT THAT MOMENT AND YELLED "CHECK PLEASE". The entire shop erupted in laughter and all became a productive team again. (too bad Anthony Andrew Spumoni was not there for that)
Friday, I was pushing hard and everyone was working at high gear. (which they should do everyday) My shop has not been at high gear for a while now and we are learning some lessons. We had two cars done, yea, $$$, and Hugh was pulling one out of the booth and another guy was pulling one in the front garage door and crash, they ran into each other. There was a discussion starting over who's fault, what happened, everyone had to see....I yelled, which I do not do often, It is done, let it go, move the cars back to the body area and get back to work. I MEAN IT---N-O-W! Cars went back to body stalls and they went back to work. We will talk about that Monday. We are now working harder and faster which is why that happened. I would rather have an accident once in a while than have production happening at slow mo. But, we will talk about safety, safety, safety on Monday. I did hear one of the drivers needed a can of spray paint and was afraid to come up and ask me for the key, so Brady did it for him.
So, I am going in to do numbers today and see how we ended up. I gave the guys each $20. for getting the cars done one the list. (the two that crashed were done) Thus went my first week, we can only get better. Now we need more cars and the push up front will begin.....time to sell auto repair.
The girls are good, just need to push harder. We had a young man with severe OCD bring his car in. It took him over three hours to drop his car. He kept apologizing, for example, he had to have Abby hand his key back and look at it and give it back to her over and over again until he was comfortable leaving it. We have to accept the trials given to us by God and be thankful for the ones we have not been given everyday.
"Smile with Style"
Danny R. (1952 - )
Je tem mon Cheri. Lynn Moore
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
FIRE!!!!
Bon Jour Mon Cheri et Mon Ami, beloved.....I write to you as a New Shop Manager. It has been an exciting two days. I owe it all to my new mentor, the Italian Consultant. Let me give you a visual.
Great hair, albeit graying, which works much better for men than woman, two pairs of Walmart Readers in the crotch of his polo at all times, intense eyes and an attitude that alone could break a knee cap in a nano second. It was fun, I was a California blonde and a hillbilly in the same 5 minutes. ??? I said that did not work for me, the California thing was OK though. He left on Friday and as he said his good byes, my body man, Brandy told him he appreciated all he did in a week in our shop etc., and Italian man told him to shut the F... up. It is a style, man. A style than only a very few can pull off.
It is late and I am too tired to be creative. But, I have to share the Pajama party that my crew is attending tonight, party on guys, just be at work on time and no hangovers....and get this, there was a fire in the office, complete with three fire trucks. Lots of shop levity including an employee who is quitting because he needs to work for someone who understands him. OOOOKKKKK. Stay tuned for the shop stories that I just cannot make up. Always, your love, Lynn
Great hair, albeit graying, which works much better for men than woman, two pairs of Walmart Readers in the crotch of his polo at all times, intense eyes and an attitude that alone could break a knee cap in a nano second. It was fun, I was a California blonde and a hillbilly in the same 5 minutes. ??? I said that did not work for me, the California thing was OK though. He left on Friday and as he said his good byes, my body man, Brandy told him he appreciated all he did in a week in our shop etc., and Italian man told him to shut the F... up. It is a style, man. A style than only a very few can pull off.
It is late and I am too tired to be creative. But, I have to share the Pajama party that my crew is attending tonight, party on guys, just be at work on time and no hangovers....and get this, there was a fire in the office, complete with three fire trucks. Lots of shop levity including an employee who is quitting because he needs to work for someone who understands him. OOOOKKKKK. Stay tuned for the shop stories that I just cannot make up. Always, your love, Lynn
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
It is too hot to not laugh
Bon Jour, Mon Cheri!!!! It is Wednesday night and it is really hot! As I mentioned last, I have a consultant in my shop this week with one goal...to teach me how to run the shop. Well....where do I begin???? Could it be hotter in the shop???not. I am so impressed at how hard the guys are working and how hot it is. Things are humming and I am learning. I think it is time to share some of the funnier moments....
The other day, I opened the shop door to walk out and Brady, one of the young men was running to the men's room, screaming, "MY ASS" at the top of his lungs!!! He stopped, grabbed some paper towels and kept running...I am yelling, BRADY! What is wrong!!!??? MY ASS!!! I ran to the back where Gilbert sees me and starts holding his mouth shut to keep from laughing and the many comments he was dying to make. What happened to Brady? He sat in paint stripper. OMG! that stuff burns paint off a car in a matter of minutes. You do not want it on your skin! Tony said, I asked him if I could help and when he told me what happened, I told him you are on your own man." Brady's ass was the topic of concerned conversation....well, you get it.
So, a little later, from the stripper fumes, Brady had an asthma attack and I ran him to the urgent care. One of the things they did was give him a shot in the already tender area. He told me he immediately forgot about the stripper. Brady's injured area is still the topic of concerned conversation in the shop. They really do love each other.
I was walking through the back today and one of "my boys" was moving a pick up as big as a tank and honked the horn at me. I jumped 3 feet and all thought that was a hoot.....I told them, I forgot to do payroll this week, I thought that was a hoot.
Running a shop reminds me of directing a play. FYI, I am an old theatre person. I have written, produced, directed and acted. Running a shop is like directing a play. You coordinate, multi-task, answer a million questions at a time, run around like a mad man and always deal with people and their feelings. I do not have to know how to do bodywork to tell if it is done or not, if a car is ready to move to the next station and which one to bring in next. I have been given a system and taught how to do this by a great teacher. A grouchy New York Italian man, with a mouth that would embarass a sailor, and more skill in a body shop than anyone I have ever worked with. I can do this. I kinda have to. The down side is my hair has now become straw, my feet are always dirty and hurt, my nails suck and all my clothes are soon to be trashed. I wonder in how many years I will look like a crazy, wild eyed Body shop woman. How many weeks, I should say. So much fun you cannot imagine. The upside is I always have the best stories at the bar!
"When you charge peanuts, your only customers are monkeys." The Italian Sailor.
Bon Nuit mon ami. Lynn
The other day, I opened the shop door to walk out and Brady, one of the young men was running to the men's room, screaming, "MY ASS" at the top of his lungs!!! He stopped, grabbed some paper towels and kept running...I am yelling, BRADY! What is wrong!!!??? MY ASS!!! I ran to the back where Gilbert sees me and starts holding his mouth shut to keep from laughing and the many comments he was dying to make. What happened to Brady? He sat in paint stripper. OMG! that stuff burns paint off a car in a matter of minutes. You do not want it on your skin! Tony said, I asked him if I could help and when he told me what happened, I told him you are on your own man." Brady's ass was the topic of concerned conversation....well, you get it.
So, a little later, from the stripper fumes, Brady had an asthma attack and I ran him to the urgent care. One of the things they did was give him a shot in the already tender area. He told me he immediately forgot about the stripper. Brady's injured area is still the topic of concerned conversation in the shop. They really do love each other.
I was walking through the back today and one of "my boys" was moving a pick up as big as a tank and honked the horn at me. I jumped 3 feet and all thought that was a hoot.....I told them, I forgot to do payroll this week, I thought that was a hoot.
Running a shop reminds me of directing a play. FYI, I am an old theatre person. I have written, produced, directed and acted. Running a shop is like directing a play. You coordinate, multi-task, answer a million questions at a time, run around like a mad man and always deal with people and their feelings. I do not have to know how to do bodywork to tell if it is done or not, if a car is ready to move to the next station and which one to bring in next. I have been given a system and taught how to do this by a great teacher. A grouchy New York Italian man, with a mouth that would embarass a sailor, and more skill in a body shop than anyone I have ever worked with. I can do this. I kinda have to. The down side is my hair has now become straw, my feet are always dirty and hurt, my nails suck and all my clothes are soon to be trashed. I wonder in how many years I will look like a crazy, wild eyed Body shop woman. How many weeks, I should say. So much fun you cannot imagine. The upside is I always have the best stories at the bar!
"When you charge peanuts, your only customers are monkeys." The Italian Sailor.
Bon Nuit mon ami. Lynn
Sunday, June 5, 2011
What planet do these people live on???
Beloved,
Experience is a brutal teacher, but you learn, by God, you learn.
C S Lewis
What I have learned in the last three years scares me. I have learned that the world is not what I thought it was. Nothing is as it was taught to me.
The last few weeks: Body men revolt. Family betrayal. An unknown harasser is threating me. Endless fatugue and no one to share with. No one wants to hear about the bottom rung of humanity or how it is affecting my life.
I answered the phone and a man, here from another country, proceed to demand a price on repairing the damage to his car. Sir, I am sorry I cannot do that without seeing your car. Can you bring it in for a free written estimate? Yelling began. What kind of customer service person are you. I will tell you the exact damage and you can give me a price. No sir, I am sorry I cannot...please stop yelling at me. YOU SHOULD BE FIRED WHAT KIND OF CUSTOMER SERVICE PERSON ARE YOU. IT IS A WONDER YOU HAVE ANY CUSTOMERS. Actually sir, many people do bring in their cars and we are able to give them an exact price in writing...I am thinking, please ask to speak to the owner....If I went to his country, I would not call people and yell at them. He then called me some names and hung up.
Two years ago a gal brought her car in to be repaired. She needed a new door. She made a deposit and we bought the door used. (those cannot be returned) She then came in and said she did not have the rest of the money and demanded her deposit back. I said no, fight was on. They left. To be safe, we kept the door for two years in a corner of our shop. Guess what. In she came this week announcing she had the money and wanted her car fixed. (most body shops would have sold the door by now) She got a rental for a few days and we fixed her car. She had a balance due and when her car was ready, Abby called her and she screamed she had no money. NO MONEY, NO CAR. She said she would figure something out. (sweet elderly lady, not all there, wild hair) She came in two hours later, with cash and loved her car......by the way here is a wallet I found in the rental, Bye! Rental company knew nothing about the wallet and did not want it. (everything in wallet, but money) I had the police pick it up Saturday Morning. I do not want to know either.
At the end of my rope with this business, I am bringing in a consultant next week to "fix the shop" He wants me to run it, lower overhead, but he has to teach me how. If I can do this and we make money, life will be good. I think problems are bigger than that and it will take more than a week. I will and am doing my best. everyone is hating me because I am making them work hard and be responsible for their work. I guess that is what it is about. I had to let my shop manager go as he was a high ticket guy and nothing got done. He visited all day. Now the challenge begins. I am your humble friend and hope you, mon Cheri, pray with me for the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide me. Je Tem, All my love, Lynn Moore
Experience is a brutal teacher, but you learn, by God, you learn.
C S Lewis
What I have learned in the last three years scares me. I have learned that the world is not what I thought it was. Nothing is as it was taught to me.
The last few weeks: Body men revolt. Family betrayal. An unknown harasser is threating me. Endless fatugue and no one to share with. No one wants to hear about the bottom rung of humanity or how it is affecting my life.
I answered the phone and a man, here from another country, proceed to demand a price on repairing the damage to his car. Sir, I am sorry I cannot do that without seeing your car. Can you bring it in for a free written estimate? Yelling began. What kind of customer service person are you. I will tell you the exact damage and you can give me a price. No sir, I am sorry I cannot...please stop yelling at me. YOU SHOULD BE FIRED WHAT KIND OF CUSTOMER SERVICE PERSON ARE YOU. IT IS A WONDER YOU HAVE ANY CUSTOMERS. Actually sir, many people do bring in their cars and we are able to give them an exact price in writing...I am thinking, please ask to speak to the owner....If I went to his country, I would not call people and yell at them. He then called me some names and hung up.
Two years ago a gal brought her car in to be repaired. She needed a new door. She made a deposit and we bought the door used. (those cannot be returned) She then came in and said she did not have the rest of the money and demanded her deposit back. I said no, fight was on. They left. To be safe, we kept the door for two years in a corner of our shop. Guess what. In she came this week announcing she had the money and wanted her car fixed. (most body shops would have sold the door by now) She got a rental for a few days and we fixed her car. She had a balance due and when her car was ready, Abby called her and she screamed she had no money. NO MONEY, NO CAR. She said she would figure something out. (sweet elderly lady, not all there, wild hair) She came in two hours later, with cash and loved her car......by the way here is a wallet I found in the rental, Bye! Rental company knew nothing about the wallet and did not want it. (everything in wallet, but money) I had the police pick it up Saturday Morning. I do not want to know either.
At the end of my rope with this business, I am bringing in a consultant next week to "fix the shop" He wants me to run it, lower overhead, but he has to teach me how. If I can do this and we make money, life will be good. I think problems are bigger than that and it will take more than a week. I will and am doing my best. everyone is hating me because I am making them work hard and be responsible for their work. I guess that is what it is about. I had to let my shop manager go as he was a high ticket guy and nothing got done. He visited all day. Now the challenge begins. I am your humble friend and hope you, mon Cheri, pray with me for the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide me. Je Tem, All my love, Lynn Moore
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