Auto Repair and Car Wash Business Plan

The labor force for DIY Wash N’ Fix will be small. It will consist of a part-time general manager to handle inter-business relationships and corporate responsibilities. In addition, DIY Wash N’ Fix will employ three certified mechanics/managers; their duties will consist of the day-to-day operation of the firm. These duties fall into two categories: managerial and operational. Managerial tasks include: scheduling, inventory control and basic bookkeeping. Safety, regulatory issues, customer service and repair advice are the operational tasks they will be responsible for. Additionally, customer service clerks will be hired to perform the most basic tasks: customer service and custodial.

DIY Wash N’ Fix will have a single general manager to coordinate all outside business activities and partnerships. The business relationships would include accounting services, legal counsel, vendors and suppliers, maintenance providers, banking services, advertising and marketing services, and investment services. Laurie Snyder will fill this general management position. She will be receiving an MBA from the University of Notre Dame in May 2001.

The daily management of the business will be left to the lead mechanic. Even though DIY Wash N’ Fix is not a full service repair shop it can be expected that some customers will attempt repairs they are not familiar with and need advice. Therefore, we intend to hire three fully certified mechanics. The mechanics will not be authorized to perform any work on a customer’s car, but they will be able to take a look at the car to evaluate the problem. To reduce our liability for repairs done incorrectly we feel only professional mechanics should give advice to customers. The primary function of the mechanics will be customer service and managerial responsibilities. The first shift mechanic will be the primary on-site manager and will need to possess the following knowledge and skills in order to be able to perform effectively on the job:

Office Knowledge:

• Computer Literate
• Basic Bookkeeping
• Employee Scheduling
• Inventory Controls

Shop Knowledge:

• ASE Certified Mechanic
• OSHA & Safety Procedures
• Environmental Concerns

Shop Skills:

• Interpersonal Skills (Employees & Customers)
• Customer Focus
• Leadership
• Organizational

In addition to the mechanic who will be on staff, there will also be a need for customer service clerks. The primary applicants for these positions will be low-skilled workers who have an interest in vehicles, but do not possess formal schooling as an auto mechanic. These workers will be responsible for behind the counter customer service and general custodial duties (to include the bays, restrooms, customer services area and outside parking areas). For liability purposes they will not be allowed to give advice on repairs. The general knowledge and skill set we will be looking for from the these employees is as follows:

Shop Knowledge:

• Computer Literate
• Cash Register
• General Automotive / Equipment & Tool Usage

Shop Skills:

• Interpersonal Skills
• Customer Focus
• Custodial Work
• Organizational