Two questions for shop owners

[krussell]

Interesting question, Tom.  Guess you are having some problems with attracting good help (?) or perhaps you are doing what a good shop owner would do, ask such questions to be sure you are running your shop well.

The biggest turn-off to me, as a shop owner, is to go to another shop and see a MESS.  Things not neat and orderly, dirty floors, trash cans running over, tool boxes all askew and work benches untidy.  I understand, while a job is going on, and at the moment, there may be things out and some mess, but when you just KNOW the place is a mess and has been that way forever, it is a real problem to me.

I keep my place cleaner than my house, I suppose.  First-view impressions are still most important to both a customer and a potential employee.  I know, from 40 year’s experience, the wrenches moan and groan about sweeping up their mess and keeping things tidy, but I notice we get better (not more, just better) work out of a clean shop.  The argument is always a busy shop is a messy shop and that may be true for some but not for me.  All my work is 100% or I won’t do the job.  My customer’s count on knowing that is the case.  Keeping the place organized and neat has always lead to better results, and better wrenches too.

Good luck to you

Ken Russell

British Automotive, Ken Russell Restorations

Ranchita, CA