Episode 60
Serving Single Mom's Through Auto Repair with Spark Hope Automotive [E060]
Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound, Express
In our episode today - I welcome Autumn Gray to the podcast, a service consultant with SparkHope Automotive in the Denver Colorado area. Our loyal listeners know from Episode 058, my guest Helen shared what it is like being a single mom who couldn't afford vehicle repairs - and wished there was a program to help. Today, we get to hear from someone who's on the front lines of making that wish a reality for other women.
Autumn serves as the voice and heart of SparkHope - she's the one who communicates with single mothers facing transportation crises. We hear how her heart is fulfilled in serving these women and also learn more about her background in the industry. As a mechanical specialist, then a service consultant in a for profit shop - to eventually becoming the communication specialist she is today for this important charity. Autumn is an industry insider with a heart of gold.
We discussed some of the things that make SparkHope different from traditional charity models and Autumn shared some moving stories.
This conversation challenged me to think about partnership language versus pity language, and how organizations in any industry can serve their communities while preserving the dignity of those they're helping. There are lessons here that extend well beyond automotive - for anyone who wants to communicate with genuine compassion.
One thing that really resonated: Autumn talked about the importance of working with clients - as partners - not just doing things for them.
If I can encourage one thing from this episode - it would be for listeners to consider how they might apply these dignity-preserving communication principles in their own communities, whether they're business owners, volunteers, or simply neighbors who want to help.
The WOTD was perfect for this conversation:
- "Dignity" (noun) Meaning: the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect; a composed or serious manner that is worthy of respect.
More information about upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities with Spark Hope Automotive can be found on their website: https://sparkhopeautomotive.org/events/
Listeners in the Denver area - mark you calendars for November 15th for the annual gala!
I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
Sincerely,
Craig O'Neill
Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound, Express:
The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.
AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com
Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.
In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.
Express by Facepay myexpress.io. Keep your existing merchant processor and software at your service counter. Express is integrated into your workflow to make the experience better.
Contact Information
- Email Craig O'Neill: speakup@craigoneill.net
- Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
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The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
