EPISODE: 130 – Beyond CRM: Using AppFueled to Redefine Customer Loyalty in Auto Repair
When it comes to keeping your customers loyal and engaged, technology might be the missing piece in your shop’s success. In this episode, we’re joined by Jeremy Glassco, founder of AppFueled, an innovative tool designed to disrupt customer behavior and redefine loyalty in auto repair.
You might think AppFueled is just another CRM, but it’s actually so much more. Today, we’ll explore how its features—from branded call centers to custom loyalty programs—are setting new standards for customer experience. We’ll also dig into what it means to “disrupt” customer behavior in a way that keeps your clients coming back to your shop instead of drifting to the competition.
Whether you’re new to customer relationship tools or already running a CRM, we think you’ll find something valuable in today’s episode. Let’s dive in!
Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops
Are you ready to convert clients to members? App Fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for professional auto repair businesses. Visit Appfueled.com to get started today. Keep your shop top of mind on the mobile device they love.
Timestamps
Introduction and Guest Introduction (00:00:01)
Brian Walker introduces the podcast and guest Jeremy Glasco, highlighting the episode’s focus on App Fueled.
App Fueled Origins (00:02:07)
Jeremy explains the initial concept of App Fueled and its evolution from a website builder to a CRM tool.
Stubbornness and Evolution (00:03:08)
Jeremy shares personal anecdotes about his journey and the challenges faced while developing App Fueled.
Freedom of Entrepreneurship (00:04:44)
Jeremy discusses the freedom and hard work involved in owning a business and the values learned from his upbringing.
Veterans’ Appreciation (00:05:54)
Brian and Jeremy express gratitude for veterans, emphasizing the sacrifices made for freedom.
Misconceptions about App Fueled (00:06:30)
Brian clarifies misconceptions regarding App Fueled, noting it’s more than just an app for shops.
Full-Featured CRM Discussion (00:07:10)
Jeremy highlights App Fueled’s capabilities as a comprehensive CRM, including unique features not found elsewhere.
Background of Refer a Car LLC (00:08:06)
Jeremy recounts the founding of Refer a Car LLC and its initial mission to connect youth groups with auto repair shops.
Community Engagement Through Fundraising (00:09:35)
Jeremy discusses the successful fundraising initiative that connected local youth groups with auto repair shops.
Referral Program Development (00:10:25)
Jeremy explains the integration of a referral program into App Fueled, enhancing customer engagement and loyalty.
Mission Statement (00:12:05)
Jeremy concludes with the mission of App Fueled: to disrupt consumer behavior for repeat business.
Introduction to Consumer Behavior (00:12:59)
Discussion on how consumer decisions are made quickly, often before engaging with the service.
The Importance of Customer Engagement (00:13:58)
Exploration of strategies to engage customers who may decide not to return.
Loyalty Ladder Concept (00:14:54)
Introduction of a loyalty ladder to enhance customer retention through multiple touchpoints.
Rewards Program Insights (00:16:23)
Comparison between traditional rewards programs and the customizable options offered by App Fueled.
Creative Marketing Ideas (00:17:10)
Highlighting innovative strategies from shops to enhance customer engagement and loyalty.
Industry Comparison (00:20:18)
Discussion on the effectiveness of apps in various industries compared to the auto repair sector.
Consumer Expectations (00:21:14)
Questioning whether the auto repair industry meets customer expectations for service engagement.
Communication Preferences (00:23:09)
Debate on the best methods for shops to communicate with customers beyond traditional means.
The Role of Technology in Marketing (00:24:30)
Emphasis on how technology can provide a competitive advantage in customer communication.
Controversial Success Stories (00:26:11)
Acknowledgment of successful shops using innovative strategies, including call centers, to boost sales.
Call Center Integration (00:27:19)
Discussion on the call center feature of App Fueled and its benefits for auto repair shops.
Omnichannel Communication (00:27:26)
Explains the importance of omnichannel strategies in customer engagement and how App Fueled implements them.
Reviving Phone Communication (00:28:59)
Jeremy shares insights on the significance of phone communication in customer relationships.
Designated Caller IDs (00:30:27)
Introduction of designated caller IDs for staff to improve customer recognition and call tracking.
Impact of AI on Communication (00:30:39)
Discussion on how AI will affect phone call responses and customer engagement.
Branded Calling Feature (00:31:23)
Explains the branded calling feature, enhancing customer identification during calls.
Pre-booking Strategies (00:32:40)
Jeremy introduces pre-booking concepts for improving customer follow-up and appointment scheduling.
Creating Customer Experiences (00:33:27)
The importance of delivering promised services to enhance customer satisfaction in the auto repair industry.
Note-Taking in CRM (00:34:24)
Discussion on the need for effective note-taking in CRMs to manage customer relationships better.
Building Relationships (00:36:09)
Importance of personal relationships in service industries and how to achieve them.
Disrupting Consumer Behavior (00:38:14)
Jeremy elaborates on the concept of disrupting consumer behavior to enhance customer engagement.
Creating Customer Paths (00:39:32)
The need for distinct customer paths to encourage proactive engagement and loyalty.
Enticing App Downloads (00:39:49)
Strategies for encouraging customers to download the shop’s app as part of engagement efforts.
Understanding Membership Programs (00:41:08)
Discussion on the importance of pricing strategies and customer engagement in membership programs.
The Value of Customer Convenience (00:42:35)
Exploration of how customers value convenience and are willing to pay more for it.
Engagement and Customer Behavior (00:42:57)
Insight into how customer engagement affects rebate programs and overall satisfaction.
Pricing Strategies and Customer Choices (00:43:42)
Debate on the fairness of pricing strategies and allowing customers to decide their value.
Challenges with Membership Pricing (00:45:40)
Discussion on misconceptions around pricing memberships and the reality of customer willingness to pay.
Trends in Customer Relationship Management (00:47:26)
Insights into upcoming trends in technology and customer relationship management in the auto repair industry.
Consumer Saturation and Technology (00:48:44)
Analysis of how consumer saturation affects technology adoption and customer engagement strategies.
Branding and Communication Channels (00:49:31)
Emphasis on the importance of branding in communication channels to enhance customer retention.
Getting Customers to Engage (00:50:23)
Strategies for encouraging customers to engage with apps and services while they are in the shop.
Connecting with Jeremy Glasco (00:51:14)
Information on how listeners can connect with Jeremy for insights on App Fueled.
How To Get In Touch with the Guest
https://appfueled.com/jeremy – Jeremy Glassco
How To Get In Touch
Group – Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind
Website – shopmarketingpros.com
Facebook – facebook.com/shopmarketingpros
Get the Book – shopmarketingpros.com/book
Instagram – @shopmarketingpros
Questions/Ideas – podcast@shopmarketingpros.com
Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
Appfueled.com – Appfueled
https://shopmarketingpros.com/ep-106-part-2-customer-retention-series-service-advisor-role/ – Customer Retention Series – Service Advisor Role
