Episode 286 - Building a Mobile Auto Shop With A Full-Time Job with Jim Montagner

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityTransform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingProsShop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!In this episode, Jim Montagner, a traveling GM world-class tech and owner of Valley Motor Auto and Truck, shares his unconventional entry into the automotive industry, beginning as a Vo-Tech student and eventually moving from independent shops to dealerships. Jim details the challenges of transitioning to mobile diagnostics, emphasizing the importance of sound business practices, such as bookkeeping and proper pricing, to sustain and eventually grow his business. The conversation explores the necessity of ongoing education in both technical skills and business management, highlighting the critical balance between delivering quality repairs and ensuring business profitability.00:00 Choosing a career path06:27 Discussing the cost of living06:56 Finding inspiration from others10:44 Expanding from diesel to general repairs15:28 Customer perceptions of mobile repair costs18:39 Talking to shop owners20:10 Pricing strategy challenges25:04 Unqualified mechanics hurting reputation28:38 Managing inconsistent work hours31:56 Navigating business start-up challenges33:27 Check Engine Chuck's viral success36:58 Finding first big job by chance41:49 Pricing for profitability in auto shops45:30 Learning ECM and EEPROM Programming48:39 Vacation scheduling challenges49:26 Making weekend plans55:33 Understanding Business Profit Margins57:27 Reading business books for success59:39 Planning future recording session