From Tech to Service Advisor: Training, & Shop Leadership with Cody Kirkessner

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Recorded at Tools in Hershey, PA, Jeff Compton features Cody Kirkenester of Fadely’s Auto Masters. After 15 years as a technician and shop foreman, Cody transitioned into the service advisor and shop manager role. He shares his journey into the automotive industry, the training culture that helped shape his career, and a memorable diagnostic breakthrough using a lab scope. Cody also discusses mentoring technicians, managing customer relationships, parts quality challenges, AI in the shop, and one of his fears.

Timestamps
00:00 Meet Cody Kirkenester
00:56 From Tech to Advisor
02:27 Early Car Obsession
04:25 School and First Shops
07:40 Joining Faidley’s Auto
08:33 Training Culture
12:31 Diagnostic Breakthrough
15:08 Corvettes and Specialty Cars
20:16 Team Development and Mentoring
28:09 Moving Into Management
38:45 Challenges of Being a Service Advisor
47:51 Parts Quality Issues
51:43 Recruiting Young Talent
55:55 Scopes and AI Tools
58:44 Succession Planning
01:01:20 Legacy and Leadership
01:07:41 Wrap Up and Next Steps

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