Program Overview
The Advisor Performance Groups (APG) are the most comprehensive and effective service advisor training in the industry.
The APG adapts the 20s groups of the past to be a results-driven program for service writers looking to excel.
When your advisor is an APG member, they'll learn how to:
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Close more appointments
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Share the value of your shop
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Improve customer relationships
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Create estimates that sell
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& so much more!
Institute-trained advisors learn how to continuously boost their sales and provide more value for your customers.
While they compete amongst each other, each advisor gains the skills they need to help your shop get to the top.
33%
INCREASE TO GROSS SALES
AFTER 1 YEAR WITH THE INSTITUTE'S APG
And they increased their ARO by 23%!
With multiple service advisors in the program, the team has seen an influx in positive reviews, better client relationships, and more.
The Frontline Automotive team, AK
- particularly passionate professionals.
For New and Experienced Service Advisors
To build and improve skill sets that boost your sales, confidence, and capability in the shop!
Program Features
Advisor Accountability Report Card
Regular reviews of Service Advisor's performance, grading and action items to improve conversions, maximize gross profit margins, exceed customer expectations, and manage workflow effectively.
Advisor Performance Group Meetings
Twice-annually, Service Advisors are permitted 1 seat per Advisor Meetings. This includes experiential training, networking, team-building, keynote speakers, and more.
Individual Coaching & Training
Service Advisors have access to one-on-one coaching with their trainer. Coaching is scheduled twice monthly and not to exceed 2 hours per month.
Performance Management Dashboard
Access to the GEAR for Shops Dashboard, an API integration that tracks Advisors KPIs and management metrics for in-depth advisor performance reporting and training.
Private Advisor Network App
Gain access to a private online community app of passionate service advisors who share resources, experience, and knowledge to support their team and hold them accountable to their goals.
Phone Call Review & Assessment
Inbound & Outbound recorded call review by a coach, along with a structured grading method to ensure conversions over the phone, as well as optimal customer service.
Guided Online Curriculum
Learn at your own pace with short, intuitive, focused and powerful video courses all about what it takes to be the best service advisor. Trainers can serve up custom paths to meet advisors needs.
And so much more!
The APG is the most intensive and accomplished service advisors program in the industry. Talk with our Group expert to find out how the Advisor Performance Groups can help you reach your potential.
Pascal Barrette, Advisor at ProTech Automotive Services
I am part of the program... I wouldn't have it any other way. They have gone above and beyond in order to make sure I receive the most from the program. I am eternally grateful for the success I have made professionally as well as the knowledge I've obtained while having Mark as my coach.
Seiko Nagata, Owner of Seiko's Auto Service
The return on investment is amazing. I saw my service advisor start to get engaged with the group... I saw multiple light bulbs go off in his head. I really enjoyed watching him learn and him going back to the shop and implementing what he learned.
Craig Zale, Owner of Craig's Car Care
What they did for us was show us a better way, the way it is supposed to be. A relaxed, happy staff, very satisfied customers. A profitable business, a comfortable working environment.
They provided us the tools to make our vision real. No matter if you're new or have been in the game for 30 years... every automotive business needs this.
Adrian Cocis
Came to the Institute and attended the “Efficient Service Advisor” course. Learned lots of new techniques and how to be more efficient at doing my job. I’m quite excited to get back to work and implement these new skills that I acquired while attending. Thank you very much Mark, Mike and Cecil!
Brande Menard
Just attended “The Efficient Advisor” training and it was well worth my time in attending. Mark Seawell was great and taught me things that I am taking back to my shop to start implementing as soon as get back. Thank you so very much.
Ben Matthew
Came to Utah for the first time to their seminar not knowing what to expect. After the first day I realized the information they are teaching is life changing in the automotive business world. The things they teach make sense and will definitely help streamline the processes of each workday. Thank you to Mark, Mike and Cecil for this awesome opportunity and I hope to come back and learn much more.
THE APG INSPIRES AND DEVELOPS HIGH-PERFORMING ADVISORS
THIS ISN'T JUST ABOUT IMPROVING SALES, IT'S ABOUT CREATING CONFIDENT, PASSIONATE, AND CAPABLE ADVISORS. OUR GROUPS USE REAL DATA, EXPERIENCED TRAINERS, AND HARD WORK TO HELP ADVISORS SUCCEED
Find out for yourself how our Groups create the best advisors.
Why not reach out and set up a complimentary business assessment from one of our consultants?
Additional Benefits
APG Members get special offers on the items below.
GEAR PERFORMANCE GROUP PROGRAM
Save over $250 a month on the APG Program when you join the Gear Performance Groups.
MANAGER PERFORMANCE GROUP PROGRAM
Save over $250 a month on operations management training for Multi-Shop Growth.
SAVE ON INSTITUTE CONFERENCES
Save over $200 per seat at any Institute Conference outside our annual summit!
SAVE ON A FULL SHOP EVALUATION
& ASSESSMENT
Save up to $2,000 on a 2-day, on-site evaluation of your business from top to bottom.
AND ENTERPRISE LEVEL PRICING FOR GEAR DASHBOARD INSTALLATIONS
Get tiered pricing on additional installations to cover all your locations. Speak to a rep for details on our stepped pricing structure. 1-385-238-4534
ACHIEVE YOUR PEAK PERFORMANCE
Schedule a call with our team to start training your advisor
Book an interview with our expert to determine whether the Advisor Performance Groups are the right fit for your needs.
Once your application is accepted, our Director of Advisor Training will schedule a meeting to determine where to start training your advisor.
Your advisor will meet their group and start their path towards success!
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How much time does this program require from me?In-Person Meetings This program requires a minimum of 3 group meetings per year. Attendance is mandatory unless otherwise determined by the facilitator. Each group meeting will be partially on-location at a member’s shop, with the rest of the time being spent at a high-quality venue. Meetings are 3 days long, typically held on Wednesday-Friday to give you the opportunity to adventure in the local city. Online Meetings Online financial performance reviews are 1.5-2 hours long and happen during months where there are no in-person meetings (8 per year). Coaching sessions can be utilized whenever necessary, but an hour a month with your facilitator is preferred. Workshops & The Institute Summit Attendance at The Institute Summit and workshops are not required. However, members do have a seat included in their membership and we encourage attendance to foster community and further support your education. The Summit is typically 4-5 days in length, held Tuesday-Saturday. Workshops are typically 2 days, held Thursday-Sunday. Remember that the GPG isn’t just a feel-good program – what you get out of it depends on the time and effort you put into it.
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How much does this program cost?Members are billed $1,400 each month on either the 1st or 15th. Special rates may apply to participating alumni. Have questions about the details of our comprehensive program? Set up a meeting with one of our consultants and get more information. The $1,400 includes everything listed below Business Financial Reviews Monthly online review of business financial performance with peers. Individual Coaching One-on-one coaching as requested not to exceed 1 hr each month. Peer Masterminds Monthly online group peer meeting of requested topic discussions. Group Meetings, Shop Visits 3 group meeting/shop evaluations per year, 3-day in-person, facilitator lead. Institute Workshops Member is permitted 1 seat per workshop for any member of their staff. Annual Institute Summit When you purchase a ticket to the summit get a plus one (1+) for free! Financial & Performance Tracking Dashboard Access to Shop Dashboard, API integration for shop performance reporting. Financial Compositing Tool Access to financial compositing tool for full-performance review & analysis. Resource LibraryAccess Access to a library of document resources created by successful shops. Course LibraryAccess Access to a library of online courses, user access for entire shop. Business Evaluation and Assessment Business evaluation, assessment & action plan provided by group facilitator. Marketing & Business Strategy Planning Regular marketing and business strategy sessions with peers and facilitator. 10%-20% Discounts on Other Institute Products Discounted rates for other Institute programs/products not included here. Private Group NetworkApp Private group networking application to share resources, events, tools, etc.
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Is there a contract?Heck-no! The GEAR Performance Groups are no-contract. That means you may attend and participate as long as you’d like without a long-term commitment. We know that once you experience what it’s like to be a part of the GPG, you’ll never want to go anywhere else.
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How do I join a group?Joining the GEAR Performance Groups follows a simple 1-2-3 structure: 1 – You’ll book an interview and speak with our Group expert to determine if the program is right for you. We want to make sure you have the most relevant solution to your situation. 2 – Once it’s determined the GPG is the best solution for you, you’ll submit an application form to be reviewed by our Head Facilitator. You’ll meet with the Head Facilitator to identify your strengths, weaknesses, personality, experience, and a variety of other criteria to make a determination as to which group would best suit you. 3 – Current members of the chosen group will also deliberate on your application and ensure a proper fit for everyone. Once accepted, you’ll be introduced to your new facilitator and group members to begin your journey. To get started, click here to schedule a meeting with one of our consultants, or call us at 1-385-238-4534.
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Why do I need an interview to join?We want to make sure you have the most relevant solution to your situation, and that’s not always our Group program. The interview helps our team get a better idea of where your business is currently and where you want to be. That way we can place you in the program or Group that will get you the most results! You can also get a complimentary business analysis! Schedule a meeting with one of our consultants here.
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What tools do I have access to as a member?As a GPG member, you’ll have access to a wide range of tools developed by The Institute. And since we believe in having the most comprehensive program in the industry, any new tools or resources developed will be included within your membership in the future. Currently, these tools include: GEAR Course Library – Videos on marketing, finances, management, and more that you can watch anywhere and anytime! GEAR Resource Library – Resources like financial documents, hiring templates, and more available when you need them. GEAR for Shops Dashboard – A KPI and business management tracking dashboard that integrates directly with your point-of-sale system. GEAR Financial Composite – Financial tracking tool for your monthly performance reviews. GEARheads Network – A private group on the Network for GPG members to share your wins, ask questions, and get help when you need it. And more... We like to make sure our members have access to our entire GEAR Platform building a community of automotive professionals supported by Great Education And Resources.
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Who are the facilitators and coaches?Coaches include Cecil Bullard, Jennifer Hulbert, Aaron Woods, Kent Bullard, Fred Hules, Mark Seawell, Mike Pasman, Kevin Clark and Bj Lee from The Institute. Any other coaches or facilitators that present or attend the meetings will be hand-picked by our team to ensure they’re only providing the best education for our members.
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What events can I attend as a member?We strive to create an all-access comprehensive program, so GPG membership includes access to nearly every event held by The Institute! We have resources that can help you, so why not include them. Events Include: Group Meetings Institute Workshops (2-day only, special rates apply for alternate workshops) Webinars & Online Training The Institute Summit Members receive 1 ticket for each of these events at no cost, with additional tickets available at a 20% discount. Special pricing will be given for any additional conferences (the ITTC, Marketing For Auto Repair Shops, etc.) 1 free seat with the purchase of a ticket. Free Plus 1+
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What if I have more questions?Great! We know that your business is important to you and would be surprised if you didn’t have more questions. You can email our team at info@wearetheinstitute.com or book a call with our team. Click here to schedule a call or call our office at 1-385-238-4534.