Mike Watkins is a multiple shop owner, owner of Peak Consulting, and author of The Lego Test, revolutionizes the hiring process and empowers auto repair shops to achieve success.
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Guest Resources
Mike’s Email – Contact Mike directly.
Mike’s Linktree – Explore Mike’s resources and bonus materials.
3 Value Bombs
1. The myth that there are no good employees is just that—a myth. The problem is usually a broken hiring process.
2. The LEGO Test filters out poor hires by revealing real-time problem-solving, focus, and execution—no resume fluff allowed.
3. Once you’ve found a capable employee, onboarding with clear, exact expectations is essential to long-term success.
Sponsors
Franocity: Franocity has helped hundreds of people leave unfulfilling jobs, invest in recession-resilient businesses, and create legacy income for their families through franchising. Get started today by downloading Franocity’s Franchise Funding Guide at Franocity.com!
Airbnb: Your home might be worth more than you think! Find out how much at Airbnb.com/host.
Show Notes
**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.
Today’s Audio MASTERCLASS: Hire Right, the First Time.
[1:02] – Mike shares something that he believes about becoming successful that most people disagree with.
- Many businesses fail by hiring without a proper screening process.
- Success is about timing and luck. You will always have the opportunity and it is always the right time to take it.
[1:50] – Debunking the “no good employees” myth.
- Many businesses fail by hiring without a proper screening process.
- It’s not that good employees don’t exist—it’s that we keep choosing the wrong ones without knowing how to filter them.
[3:03] – The birth of the LEGO Test.
- A Christmas LEGO project turned into a hiring revelation.
- Mike used a LEGO kit as a test for his auto shop team—results revealed clear patterns in performance, focus, and work ethic.
- The best employee finished it quickly and accurately; others struggled or needed extra parts—just like on the job.
[5:00] – Testing current employees revealed true capabilities.
- One mechanic stole pieces from other kits—mirroring his bad habits on the job.
- The LEGO Test gave Mike 20/20 hindsight and reshaped how he hired from that point forward.
[7:36] – Administering the LEGO Test in interviews.
- A potential manager with a strong resume quit the interview after seeing the LEGO kit.
- The test quickly weeds out people who can’t handle being challenged.
- Mike began layering in questions about adaptability, instruction-following, and creativity before giving the test.
[11:11] – A timeout to thank our sponsors!
- Franocity: Franocity has helped hundreds of people leave unfulfilling jobs, invest in recession-resilient businesses, and create legacy income for their families through franchising. Get started today by downloading Franocity’s Franchise Funding Guide at Franocity.com!
- Airbnb: Your home might be worth more than you think! Find out how much at Airbnb.com/host.
[13:55] – Red flags vs. ideal candidates.
- Red flags: hesitation, frustration, emotional distress, poor motion, inability to follow instructions.
- Ideal applicant: confident, quick, accurate, positive attitude from start to finish.
- Bonus: Candidates tend to become more honest after taking the test—veneer drops.
[18:15] – What to do once you hire the right people
- Don’t assume they know your way of doing things—even experienced hires default to past habits.
- Proper onboarding ensures they adopt your systems and processes.
- Like the LEGO test, reinforce exact execution with clear expectations.
[22:02] – Call to Action
- The LEGO Test –
- Mike’s Email – Contact Mike directly.
- Mike’s Linktree – Explore Mike’s resources and bonus materials.
[23:53] – Thank you to our Sponsor!
- Franocity: Franocity has helped hundreds of people leave unfulfilling jobs, invest in recession-resilient businesses, and create legacy income for their families through franchising. Get started today by downloading Franocity’s Franchise Funding Guide at Franocity.com!
Killer Resources!
1) The Common Path to Uncommon Success: JLD’s 1st traditionally published book! Over 3000 interviews with the world’s most successful Entrepreneurs compiled into a 17-step roadmap to financial freedom and fulfillment!
2) Free Podcast Course: Learn from JLD how to create and launch your podcast!
3) Podcasters’ Paradise: The #1 podcasting community in the world!
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