Episode 106 - Diesel Performance Legend Eric Merchant from Vision KC 2023

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/IFORABEShop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your customer with a unique and immersive buying experience.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-WareUtilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTechTransform 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/ShopMarketingPros In this episode, David and Lucas sit down with Eric Merchant, the diesel performance legend behind Merchant Automotive LLC in Zeeland, Michigan. Eric has been in the diesel industry for over two decades and has become a go-to resource for anyone looking to upgrade or repair their Duramax diesel vehicle.During their candid conversation, Eric shares insights as he looks to transform the repair side of his business.Taking a picture of the gram. 0:00How to get out of the grocery store for less. 4:42What’s the younger generation doing on Facebook? 8:59The Discord server is like a giant chat group. 14:06The headliner was the breaking point. 18:57Duramax parts are becoming more and more obsolete. 23:07What are some of the problems with the companies that make a living off of these chips? 26:37Is there an advantage to releasing older trucks? 28:18How did your name go out in front of everybody else’s? 33:45Why you need to pay someone to help you with your business. 39:44Don't hire someone to mow your lawn. 40:42The importance of having a succession plan for your business. 44:10Letting go and letting someone else do it. 45:55Why it’s so hard for him to unload a project. 47:55If you don’t back up and understand, you’ll always be the bottleneck. 52:00Charging what you’re worth. 57:40How you guys are going off a book time? 1:04:46Selling to the right clients. 1:10:28Managing Expectations. 1:14:01How do you know if you’re undercharging? 1:16:09Why the service department should be the most profitable part of the company. 1:21:21The challenges of outsourcing and dealing with outside lead times. 1:27:21