Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

A bland building that blended in… turned bold brand that brought in business. That’s the real story behind this episode featuring Kelly McCart from McCart’s Auto Center. If you’ve ever wondered whether the look and feel of your shop actually matters, you’ll want to hear how a full-on rebrand, from paint to logo to online presence,  transformed Kelly’s shop from invisible to impossible to miss.

We talk about why aesthetics are marketing, how design can literally drive in new clients, and what it means when someone walks in just to say, “Wow, this looks amazing.” Kelly breaks down the “why” and “how” behind his shop’s renovation, how he pulled it off with DIY design (yes, scissors and Elmer’s glue were involved), and why rethinking your image might be the smartest move you make this year.

He’ll also share how this shift doubled his staff, improved the quality of clients, and continues to make his business stand out, both to customers and future employees.

This episode isn’t just about fresh paint. It’s about positioning. It’s about pride. And it’s about the kind of shop that people recognize, remember, and respect.

Listen now and get inspired to rethink how your shop shows up.

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment (00:00:00) Brian introduces the podcast, guest Kelly McCart, and thanks sponsors.
• Background: The Nondescript Shop (00:01:09) Discussion of McCarty’s Auto Center blending in and being overlooked by passersby.
• Realization and Decision to Renovate (00:02:23) Kelly describes the moment she decided a change was needed and the process leading up to it.
• Design Process and Early Attempts (00:03:02) Kelly explains her design journey, including failed ideas and the involvement of her graphic artist nephew.
• Logo Creation and Selection (00:06:11) The story behind the new logo, its design process, and how it was chosen.
• Impact of the Makeover on Visibility (00:07:51) How the new look made the shop stand out and attracted attention from the community.
• Business Impact and Clientele Changes (00:08:16) The effect of the renovation on customer buzz, quality of clients, and local recognition.
• Interior Renovation and Staff Growth (00:09:31) Details about the interior revamp and the subsequent doubling of staff.
• Name Change and Brand Consolidation (00:12:21) Merging two business names, legal steps, and unifying the brand and online presence.
• Timing: Remodel and the Onset of COVID-19 (00:14:31) The remodel’s completion just before the pandemic and initial concerns about the timing.
• Business Resilience During COVID-19 (00:15:27) How the shop thrived during the pandemic despite initial fears.
• Comprehensive Rebrand: Lessons and Surprises (00:17:35) Kelly reflects on the thoroughness of the rebrand and whether anything unexpected arose.
• Results and Return on Investment (00:18:35) Immediate positive results from the rebrand and personal satisfaction.
• Staff Response and Branded Merchandise (00:19:10) Staff enthusiasm for the new brand, uniforms, and promotional items.
• Recruitment and Professional Image (00:19:54) How the makeover improved recruitment and elevated the shop’s professionalism.
• Advice and Reflections on the Process (00:20:29) Kelly’s advice for others considering a similar project and what she might have done differently.
• Cost Recovery Timeline (00:21:22) Estimated time to recoup renovation costs: 6 to 8 months.
• Industry Image and Future Direction (00:22:33) How shop aesthetics are changing public perception of the auto repair industry.
• Closing Remarks and Podcast Promotion (00:23:38) Final thoughts, gratitude, and information about where to find episode resources and the podcast app.

How To Get In Touch

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Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)

Article about McCart’s Auto Center on Ratchet & Wrench Website

Photos of the Shop Transformation

Auto Repair Podcast Network App

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

This episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you.  

AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

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