» Brandon Martin (right) is the lead installer at Ocala and is responsible for ensuring that new installers learn shop basics and safety. He also teaches or refines their skills with basic installs and prep work. But another primary focus is evaluating the installer’s personality to determine if he or she will be a good fit for the store and staff.
Hire People, Not Skills A part of the industry since 1995,
Tanner has worked in various aspects of the business, starting as an installer and moving on to sales, then finally running his own place. When it comes to hiring installers, Tanner has found he has a better success rate with those who don’t necessarily have training from a trade school. OCA hires people, not skills, he said. Tanner believes it’s important to assess someone’s character. That may be easier said than done, but it can be a more critical factor in the employee’s success than what they’re initially able to do. Ultimately, by looking at the person and not only their capabilities, Tanner believes you can avoid future problems from the start. Of course, he wants people with some shop experience, but the rest they can learn at OCA. Tanner makes it mandatory for all
installers to get MECP basic certification within 90 days of being hired. That goes not only for the aspiring installer looking to get his foot in the door, but also for the veteran installer with years of experience. Anyone who wants to work at OCA is informed of the policy before they start.
By making it a requirement for all
levels of employee, the shop can make certain there’s a consistency from one person to the next in terms of electronics knowledge, so everyone is speaking the same language. The policy assures customers that the people who work on their vehicles are qualified, and by applying it to everyone, Tanner avoids any potential accusations of favoritism.
Certification, Experience Both Matter While Tanner encourages installers
to take the next step and get advanced certification, he doesn’t require it. He expects that an employee who wishes to advance will take the necessary steps for their own development of knowledge and skills—that’s what he’s looking for in the people he hires. Beyond that, a higher level of certification qualifies installers for raises or better commission
The look of high performance.
Philips LED DayLight daytime running lights deliver the latest in high performance and style along with the fastest, easiest installation ever. Available in LED DayLight 4 and LED DayLight 8.
To learn more call 1-800-257-6054
www.philips.com/automotive
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