Wondering how one community-focused idea can transform your shop’s reputation, rally an entire town, and even get the mayor’s attention?
Kim Walker connects with Betty Otero of Greg Smith Automotive in Belleview, Florida, a powerhouse shop owner who took a simple idea, a school backpack drive, and turned it into a ripple effect of community involvement, business partnerships, and real local impact.
Betty didn’t just donate school supplies. She created momentum. What started with 100 backpacks became nearly 400, all filled through the power of connection, heart, and a whole lot of hustle. From coordinating with schools and local businesses to organizing a Founders Day car show that brought in 91 show cars and raised money for United Way, Betty shares the real-world “how” behind marketing through community service.
She opens up about the fear of starting small, the magic of asking for help, and how sharing your efforts the right way without bragging can lead to more business, a stronger team culture, and deeper community ties.
This episode is pure gold for any shop owner who wants to stand out in their town, do something that matters, and build a brand that’s trusted beyond the bays.
Ready to turn your community involvement into real impact (and real marketing)?
Hit play and hear how Betty Otero did it, then start building a shop that your town talks about for all the right reasons.
Introduction and Sponsor Messages (00:00:01) Podcast and sponsors introduced; host welcomes guest Betty Otero from Greg Smith Automotive.
Betty’s Background and Meeting the Host (00:02:23) Betty shares how she met the host and their ongoing connection through industry events.
Inspiration for Community Outreach (00:03:25) Betty discusses the motivation behind starting the backpack drive and her commitment to community involvement.
Organizing and Growing the Backpack Drive (00:04:09) Details on how Betty organized the backpack drive, involved the community, and expanded the initiative.
School Needs and Community Impact (00:07:08) Betty describes the needs of local schools, the impact of donations, and the growth of community support.
Making the Backpack Drive a Community Event (00:09:17) How the backpack drive became a larger community event, including volunteer involvement and local business support.
Personal Motivation and “Why” (00:10:15) Betty reflects on her personal reasons for community work and the fulfillment it brings.
School Uniforms and Supply Lists (00:11:15) Discussion about school uniforms, supply lists, and the challenges families face.
Planning and Lessons Learned (00:13:15) Betty shares planning tips, lessons learned, and improvements made from the first to the second year of the drive.
Organizing Supplies and Volunteer Coordination (00:14:16) How Betty improved organization and logistics for efficient distribution and volunteer management.
Sponsor Messages (00:15:55) Additional sponsor messages for Shop Boss and App Fueled.
Public Relations and Press Releases (00:17:57) Betty explains the importance of press releases and how PR amplified the impact of her efforts.
Business Partnerships and Community Recognition (00:21:37) How local businesses, like Papa John’s and a chiropractor, got involved and the resulting community recognition.
Building Momentum and Encouraging Others (00:24:16) The growing impact of Betty’s efforts and advice to start small and build from there.
Founders Day Car Show Organization (00:25:04) Betty describes organizing a car show for Founders Day, including logistics, partnerships, and fundraising.
Car Show Results and Lessons (00:29:07) Outcomes of the car show, feedback collection, and plans for future improvements.
Team Culture and Employee Engagement (00:33:13) How community involvement has shaped company culture and inspired team participation.
Recruiting and Attracting Talent (00:37:14) Betty shares how her shop’s reputation for community involvement attracts quality employees.
Upcoming Projects and Partnerships (00:38:26) Plans for future partnerships, supporting school pantries, and organizing more community events.
Advice for Getting Started with Outreach (00:41:10) Betty’s encouragement and practical advice for shop owners wanting to start community initiatives.
Closing Remarks and Contact Information (00:42:49) Host wraps up, shares group info, upcoming events, and Betty provides her contact details.
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.”
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