One of the biggest challenges facing Toyota Dealers is finding technicians. We have seen our Dealer Network do a phenomenal job. Across the TMH Dealer In 2022, we ended the year with 4,227 total technicians, which is +193 over the objective of 4,034 and an increase of +386 for 2021.
However, today’s world of supply chain demands brings additional challenges. How do I get an adequate number of service vehicles for this growth of technicians? One of the most creative and efficient ways to accomplish this has been done by Lift Inc., headquartered in Mountville, PA.
Lift currently has 172 technicians, a growth of +13 over the 2021 year-end goal of 159. With a desire to hire an additional 25 technicians and with 40 service vans on backorder, they had to get creative.
During the 360 Review at Lift, Inc., we discovered a best practice from the Dealer that could be an option.
Ed Hitchings, Fleet Manager at Lift Inc. stated, “At Lift Inc., we have nine of the 2022 Ford Mavericks. Five are allocated to our Field Service Managers, and the rest are allocated to four of our residential technicians. The technicians like them, they’re economical, lighter, and comfortable.”
This move makes business sense since the Mavericks are less expensive when compared to the Transit vans and the Chevy Express vans. The Field Service Managers do not need to carry many parts or tools with them, so they do not need all the extra space that the vans provide. Our residential techs keep their tools at the shop located in their individual customer’s locations so they also do not need the extra space a van would provide.”
If you have any additional questions, you can reach out to TMH Dealer Development Manager, Greg Bowman at greg.bowman@toyotatmh.com, or Ed Hitchings directly at Lift, Inc. at ehitchings@liftincorporated.com.
