Marc, it isn't cute, it is how we do it. I know (hope) that comment wasn't a slight at me. I didn't start this business to get rich off of other's work. With bonuses there are months where a few of my techs out earn me, and I am the one with well over 3/4 of a million of cash invested and an equal amount of liability each month. We live in an area where the building I lease is worth 3M+, so we lease and won't see a big return on the property. In the early years staff often got paid out of my personal bank account, not out of the business one.... But I don't have a business without highly skilled and motivated staff. We can't take care of clients without them. We are moving to a new shop. 11,000 sq/ft. Best of everything equipment wise, and the part I love the most about it is that we have a 900 sq/ft lunchroom with full kitchen with island and breakfast bar, couches and will have a big screen TV. All so that they can be comfortable on their down time. My 15 yr old son and I will be putting the finishing touches on it this weekend. My wife makes Breakfast Burritos that we eat at our Monday morning staff meetings. She even makes special ones for those with food allergies or other reasons for avoiding certain foods. She also makes a variety of other wraps (butter chicken, Beef/bean/cheese, Fajita etc) that we have on hand in case someone forgets a lunch or gets hungry.
I belong to a shop owners group online and am constantly amazed how people treat their staff. No good employees = No business. Plain and simple. I wish I could pay more. Whenever we have growth in profit, wages go up and bonuses go up. I don't take more when that happens. I have said to my team that my goal is to have the highest paid techs in the area, period. They believe me and know they can get there because they strive to be the best. They won't be the highest paid because we charge the most or over price parts, they will get there because they believe we are a team and always find ways to increase efficiencies and grow the business. And they trust me. How could I not take care of people that support my business in that way?
It is too bad our industry is filled with crooks and people out to earn a quick buck at other's expense. That is what creates the angst people feel when they drop off their broken down car for repair. And sadly, they have every right to feel it. The problem with the automotive industry is that there are not enough business owners who "get" business. Often it is filled with owners who "moved up the ranks" and don't understand long term success. That said, there are a few who followed this path and get it, but sadly not enough...
Ok, rant over...
To me it just seems simple. Take care of your clients and your staff the way you would be thrilled to be taken care of, and the success will follow.
Cheers