Stop Winging Human Resources in Your Auto Repair Shop [RR 1082]

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Watch Full Video Episode In this episode, host Carm Capriotto sits down with Lola Schmidt, COO of Schmidt Auto Care, to discuss how independent auto repair shops can professionalize their human resources and management systems. Lola outlines a deliberate, multi-step hiring process built to eliminate desperate decisions and reduce candidate ghosting. It begins with a focused 5-10 minute phone screen designed to evaluate attitude, communication skills, and professionalism before investing time in in-person interviews. Once hired, new team members go through a structured two-week onboarding experience that intentionally integrates them into the shop’s culture and operations, complete with personalized touches and cross-training across the team. To establish clarity and transparency, Lola shares her “no gatekeeping” philosophy: providing candidates with a legally reviewed employee handbook before a formal offer is made. She also explains how to handle HR documentation and unemployment claims using a “no feelings, just facts” approach, relying on accurate records, clear timelines, and policies tied directly to the signed handbook. The result? Intentional systems that protect the culture, the employees, and the long-term health of the business. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to build a structured hiring process that prevents reactive decisions Why a short phone screen reduces ghosting and wasted time How to hire for attitude and cultural fit first What an effective two-week onboarding plan looks like Why a legally reviewed employee handbook is essential How to document HR issues clearly and objectively The Everyday Educator: How Leaders Reinforce Learning [THA 458]: 4 Day Work Week and Our Own App [AW 146]: Lauralee/Lola Schmidt, Schmidt Auto Care , Springboro, OH Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at Connect with the Podcast: - Follow on Facebook: - Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: - Join Our Private Facebook Community: -

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Stop Winging Human Resources in Your Auto Repair Shop [RR 1082] is an episode from Remarkable Results Radio Podcast by Carm Capriotto, AAP.

This episode is 33:10 long.

This episode was published on Mar 10, 2026.

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