This week's guest: David Long, General Manager at Hansel Auto Group
What is the most challenging trend you and your team see with respect to recruiting Technicians in today's market and over the next few years?
In the current market there is a limited number of technicians with many groups and stores expanding their departments the shortage is being felt even greater. Adding to this difficulty finding local talent is becoming an even greater issue forcing employers to try and attract talent from outside of their market. Another issue we are facing is the lack of transparency when dealerships are advertising to technicians. We are witnessing dealerships offer hourly wages significantly above others, however, when a pay plan is fully explained a technician could make more overall at a slightly lower wage yet more hours paid, which could be misleading.
What skills do you believe are in higher demand today and in the future as we see an ever-increasing influence on our business from data and digital tools?
Skills which are highly sought after is a person who has the ability to be agile, to pivot and adapt, as both technology and the industry are changing often and quickly. A successful trait is being open to everything and attached to nothing and not have one way do doing something.
How do you see consolidation in the retail dealership arena impacting the need for talent and development of that talent in the future?
In my opinion, there will be less positions after a consolidation. There will not be a need to have overlapping positions where multiple stores can have one person responsible. Consolidators are going to be able to do more with less.
What is the most exciting/initiative happening at the Hansel Auto Group today and how will it impact your business operations and/or personnel?
The biggest and newest initiative is opening the 59th buy center. This will impact used car, body shop, service and every other area of my business.
