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Ever wondered what it takes to rise from a machinist to an executive in the heavy equipment industry? Join us as we chat with Jim Dettore, whose career journey from off-road truck customization to executive management is nothing short of inspiring. Jim shares his insights on the evolving landscape of technician training, recounting his experiences with Caterpillar dealers and his acquisition of Fault Analysis Services. Learn how his initial foray into training at Hawthorne Machinery set the stage for his later success.

Tune in as we address the pressing issues of technician retention and training in today's competitive market. Jim shares candid reflections on the past, where training was scarce and growth opportunities were minimal, contrasting it with the current success stories of dealerships that prioritize continuous improvement and professional development. Discover why reintroducing vocational classes in schools and maintaining clean, well-organized shops are pivotal in attracting new talent, and how the industry consolidation over the past two decades has shaped today’s dealership landscape.

In our conversation, we dive into the shifting priorities of younger technicians who seek work-life balance and a supportive workplace culture. Drawing from experiences at places like Home Depot and structured apprentice programs at dealerships, Jim offers valuable tips on creating a favorable work environment and incentivizing training and retention. Explore the innovative approach of platforms like Heave and the critical role of mentorship in fostering growth and understanding. Don’t miss out on this engaging episode filled with practical advice and heartfelt gratitude for the mentors who make a difference.

Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers.

We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

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Unlock the secrets to safeguarding your business with insights from our latest episode on data security and its far-reaching impact across industries. You'll meet Stephanie and Mets, our expert guests, who bring valuable perspectives on the alarming frequency of cyber breaches in the U.S. and how to counteract them. Learn how daily backups using Azure's SQL database can be a game-changer in maintaining operational continuity during a cyber incident. We also bust myths about cloud data storage and the intricacies of modern cloud infrastructure, ensuring you're well-equipped to fend off digital threats.

Next, we dive into modern security practices that every dealership should adopt. From containerization to the essential role of AI in monitoring, we cover advanced technologies that can keep hackers at bay. We emphasize the importance of rigorous operational security measures, such as unique device IDs and multi-factor authentication. Plus, we propose an innovative idea: a certification for dealerships that meet high security standards, which could serve as both a marketing tool and a benchmark for excellence in an industry often slow to embrace new tech.

Finally, we address the modern workplace's challenges and effective marketing strategies to retain customers and drive success. Discover the importance of understanding different workforce demographics and the need for meaningful work, especially for younger employees. We share impactful stories from companies like Toromont, illustrating how embedding knowledgeable developers within business units can revolutionize tech solutions. Learn about the critical role of data analytics in customer retention and why a multi-faceted marketing approach is essential for long-term business relationships. Tune in for a wealth of knowledge that promises to propel your business forward.

Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers.

We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

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Can your business survive a catastrophic cyber incident? Learn how to shield your company from devastating financial losses with insights from our guests, Kevin Landers of Rocketwise and Joseph Brunsman, a cyber insurance expert. We start by discussing the urgent need for annual technology audits in dealerships to mitigate risks and comply with FTC safeguards. Kevin highlights the importance of conducting thorough risk assessments and engaging vendors with self-assessment questionnaires. Meanwhile, Joseph sheds light on the critical role of cyber liability insurance in protecting your business from financial fallout due to cyber threats.

Uncover the complexities of cyber insurance and the personal liability risks for business leaders in the wake of a cyber catastrophe. We'll explore the limitations of cyber insurance, such as waiting periods and sublimited coverage, and the intricate process of filing claims. Learn about the heightened scrutiny from insurance companies on third-party risk management and vendor security, as well as the legal and financial responsibilities of data owners versus data holders. Discover the rising trend of class action data breach claims and what it means for businesses that fail to manage third-party risks effectively.

Finally, we tackle the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and insurance. Understand the distinctions between data holders and data owners and the impact on educational institutions and compliance with data laws. We share personal anecdotes of hacking incidents and discuss the potential for increased security measures mandated by insurance companies and government bodies. Learn practical advice on enhancing your security posture and the implications of rising premiums and tightening underwriting standards. Join us for an hour of expert insights and practical tips to keep your business secure and resilient.

Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers.

We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

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Is your business truly protected against modern cyber threats? Join us for a compelling discussion with Kevin Landers, an IT veteran with over 25 years of experience, as we unpack the complexities of data security and the critical need for ongoing risk assessments. Kevin shares how his company, Rocketwise, helps dealerships uncover and address security vulnerabilities, emphasizing the financial and operational risks that come with data breaches. Through his insights, you'll gain a deeper understanding of why regular security assessments are non-negotiable in today's digital landscape.

Explore the ins and outs of Rocketwise's "Inspect What You Expect" service, which provides monthly risk assessments to keep your business secure. Kevin explains the importance of having strong security measures like antivirus and detection systems, and the vital role of compliance programs within dealerships. We'll also discuss the shared responsibility between businesses and third-party vendors, highlighting the need for a standardized self-assessment questionnaire to ensure robust cybersecurity practices across the board.

In our conversation, we dive into the intricacies of vendor compliance reviews and their impact on overall cybersecurity. Discover the importance of having a dedicated Chief Technology Officer to oversee these efforts and how real-world data breaches underline the necessity for proactive measures. We'll also touch on the challenges posed by power outages and the importance of having effective data recovery plans in place. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to safeguard your business against ever-evolving cyber threats and stay ahead in the game of data security.

Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers.

We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

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Embark on a transformative journey with Stephanie Smith of the Grind Marketing Collective, who illuminates the intricate dance between marketing strategy and blue-collar grit. Our enlightening conversation peels back the layers of today's digital marketing maze, revealing the necessity of over sixteen touchpoints to engage with today's discerning customer. Delve into the heart of what it means to align sales and marketing, while fostering emotional bonds that leave a lasting impression on clients in an ever-competitive arena.

The fabric of a company's culture is deftly woven by its employees, and it's this very tapestry that customers come to trust. We explore the symbiotic relationship between a content workforce and a satisfied customer base with insights from seasoned experts Kurt Pease and Ron Wilson. Stephanie explains how the right internal marketing can galvanize a team around a shared vision, highlighting the evolution from 'personnel' to 'talent management' and the magnetic pull of transparency in cultivating both loyalty and attracting future stars.

As we peer into the crystal ball of business and technology, brace yourself for an electrifying forecast of trends that will shape our industrial landscape. From Ford's revolutionary approach to electric vehicle sales to Amazon's conquest of convenience, we dissect how these titans are not just predicting the future, but actively sculpting it. Wrapping up our session with Stephanie, we extend wholehearted thanks for her wisdom and encourage listeners to keep an ear out for her upcoming insights, reminding everyone that, in the end, it's the human connection that continues to bind us all in the market of life.

Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers.

We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

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Discover the leadership strategies that are transforming the modern workforce as we sit down with Ron Wilson, a seasoned industry expert who unveils the challenges of steering today's "tool belt generation." Ron lends his wisdom on how to captivate and groom this diverse group for success, incorporating advanced technology and revamped work-life balance expectations. From understanding the nuances of intergenerational work commitment to tackling the phenomenon of "quiet quitting," our conversation provides invaluable insights for those at the helm of dynamic teams.

Building enduring relationships at work is akin to nurturing a financial investment, and today's leaders must excel at both. We explore the pivotal role these bonds play in employee retention, with Ron drawing parallels between supervisors and orchestra conductors to highlight the delicate art of balancing productivity with personal connection. Stories from the trenches bring to life the challenges of equipping salespeople to evolve into relationship managers and underscore the pressing need for empathy and soft skills in the corporate realm.

As we wrap up, Ron emphasizes the continuous evolution of leadership, touching on the benefits of close-knit partnerships with community colleges and embracing AI to enrich job roles. We share pragmatic approaches to fostering innovation, such as regular feedback and embracing new ideas, while also considering the art of modernizing traditional work practices. From the creative potential of 'gamification' in recruitment to the power in admitting mistakes, this episode is a trove of strategies for leaders eager to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. Join us for a journey through the trenches of leadership and leave equipped to inspire a new era of professionals.

Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers.

We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

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Have you ever wondered what truly powers a thriving workplace? Join me and my good friend Kurt Pease, as we unravel the impact of employee engagement and recognition on the vitality of a business. Kurt, a seasoned expert in harnessing the potential within teams, shares his wisdom on creating a culture of appreciation that goes beyond the bottom line. Together, we explore the generational shifts in workplace dynamics and how a simple "thank you" can revolutionize employee retention and performance, inspired by the insights of Lou Holtz on the essence of motivation.

Embarking on an unexpected career path can often feel like stepping into the unknown, but it's within these moments of uncertainty that we discover our true potential. I'll take you through my own journey of professional transformation, from the hurdles faced in a Mexican maquiladora to the learnings gleaned at John Deere. This episode isn't just about the challenges; it's a reflective look at using 'healthy stress' to fuel growth, examining how the elite perform under pressure, and how these experiences shape our philosophical approach to life's ticking clock.

Lastly, we're peeling back the curtain on the construction equipment industry to reveal a goldmine of opportunity often left untapped—equipment maintenance. I'll break down why major brands like Caterpillar, Komatsu, and John Deere see only a fraction of their customers returning for maintenance, and how the shift to an hourly billing model is changing the game. As we dissect the psychological pricing strategies employed in car sales, we'll expose the mechanics behind why customers end up spending more than they intended. It's an eye-opening look at the art of the deal in sales, and a reminder that the real value often lies in the services around the product.

Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers.

We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.

Send us a Text Message.

Navigating the labyrinth of a male-dominated engineering world, Sara Hanks brings her narrative to the forefront, sharing the trials and triumphs from her journey that prove both her mettle and the pervasive gender dynamics in STEM. With a keen understanding of the complexities of business efficiency, Sara's tales of exceeding financial targets and mentoring veterans in the workplace underscore the power of communication and reveal the transformative role competition plays in professional growth. Her candid anecdotes, coupled with lessons learned from luminaries like Ron Howard, serve as a testament to the tenacity required to succeed and the wisdom that can only be gleaned through experience.

When innovation meets resilience, the result is a transformative business journey. Sara's transition from a software startup to a consulting powerhouse, Virtual Leverage, epitomizes the art of bouncing back from setbacks and harnessing the power of technology to revolutionize business operations. The chapter on business process improvement underscores the compelling narrative of a professional who pivoted from manufacturing to quality organization, and now thrives by merging technical know-how with strategic bottleneck analysis. It's a story of ambition, adaptation, and the ever-evolving quest for business optimization that any entrepreneur can aspire to emulate.

As we wrap up our time with Sara, we're left reflecting on the paradox of market share declines amidst sales growth, and the critical role of individual leadership transformation. Caterpillar dealers' conundrum serves as a backdrop to discuss the importance of technology in assessing and enhancing business performance. Through anecdotes of LinkedIn connections and empowering management conversations, Sara illustrates the profound effect of personal outreach and mentorship. Ending on a note of gratitude and a charge for action, we're reminded that the journey to success is incremental, and with every step, there's an opportunity to make a lasting impact, one person at a time. Mahalo for joining us and for the wisdom shared—here's to turning insights into action.

Visit us at LearningWithoutScars.org for more training solutions for Equipment Dealerships - Construction, Mining, Agriculture, Cranes, Trucks and Trailers.

We provide comprehensive online learning programs for employees starting with an individualized skills assessment to a personalized employee development program designed for their skill level.