Get the Scoupe

"Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable" - Willie Carter

TL;DR Key Highlights

• Embrace the Grind: Journey reflects the power of tackling the toughest jobs to build credibility and skill.
• Commitment to Continuous Growth: Pushing for advancement through training and hands-on experience.
• Leadership Through Action: His transition to a leader by example, learning alongside his team.
• The Long Haul: Willie highlights the value of persistence in challenging work to gain mastery and respect.
• Customer Service Perspective: Valuable insights into the importance of empathy and understanding the customer journey.

Check out the full episode on YouTube and Spotify to dive deeper.

Stepping Up Through Hard Work

Willie Carter’s story is one of relentless commitment to mastering the art and science of automotive repair. Starting with an old Hyundai Scoupe that forced him into repairs out of necessity, Willie’s dedication only grew. He exemplifies that tough, less desirable jobs can pave the way to greater expertise and credibility.

He says,

"I want all of the jobs that no one else wants to do. Just give them to me. I want to learn. I want to grow."

Willie's approach to taking on the hardest tasks is invaluable for those looking to advance in their careers. Every challenging job completed enhances your skills and establishes your reputation.

The Role of Persistence

For Willie, success didn't come overnight. He worked as an hourly tech before becoming a flat-rate technician, then rose through the ranks to a Honda Master Tech and eventually a shop foreman. This progression taught him that continuous improvement is essential in a dynamic field. By consistently seeking knowledge and training, he became a trusted resource in the shop.

Willie’s story highlights the payoff of sustained effort, noting that

“Once you get comfortable in the uncomfortable, there’s no stopping you.”

Building Leadership Skills Through Teamwork

Transitioning into leadership wasn’t about immediate promotion for Willie; it was about earning the respect of his colleagues by helping them solve complex problems. As his team started relying on him, he knew he had built the foundation for leadership.

For technicians eyeing leadership roles, focusing on both technical mastery and teamwork can prepare you for the shift. Lead by example, and recognize that trust and respect in a shop come from consistently contributing to the team's success.

Interactive Scenario: Proving Your Value

Scenario: You're the new tech, and the Foreman assigns you the job no one else wants. What's your approach?

• A) Complete it quickly to get it out of the way.
• B) Approach it with full attention, looking for ways to understand the challenge and master it.
• C) Ask to swap it for an easier task.

Empathy and Customer Interaction

Beyond the technical side, Willie emphasizes the importance of understanding and communicating effectively with customers. His interaction with Techline and other resources gave him a unique perspective on customer concerns and the trust they place in technicians. Recognizing that every repair is an opportunity to educate and reassure customers can significantly enhance their experience.

Niche Expertise

Willie became the go-to for resolving complex diagnostics, like Honda’s MOST system issues. By building a specialization, he developed skills that set him apart and provided unique value to his dealership. Pursuing niche areas within the industry can open doors to new responsibilities and, ultimately, opportunities for career growth.

Advice for Technicians: Embrace the Challenges

Willie’s advice for technicians aiming to grow is straightforward yet powerful: “Get comfortable in the uncomfortable.” Tackling challenging tasks head-on creates a foundation for career advancement and the respect of peers and management alike. By choosing the road less traveled, you position yourself as someone who not only solves problems but seeks them out to learn.

Tune in to Wrench Turners Podcast to hear more of Willie Carter’s story and uncover lessons that can help you advance your own career in the automotive industry. This episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to guide technicians at every stage of their journey.

And remember,

Negative Pushes,

Positive Pulls,

and always clean your toys before you put them away.

j.

Special Acknowledgment

I'd like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Jean Reitelbach at Scott Auto Group for her instrumental role in connecting me with Willie Carter, and Brooklynne Morse . Her dedication to fostering talent within the organization is evident in the exceptional leaders emerging from Scott Auto Group Stores. I'd also like to commend the Scott Auto Group Leadership for cultivating an environment that empowers individuals to grow into leadership roles, setting a standard of excellence in the automotive industry. Leading by example is what creates Legendary businesses.

If you’d like to be a guest on the podcast or know someone who would, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] .