The Seven Controllables

Unlock Proven Strategies to Drive Efficiency, Revenue, and Customer Satisfaction

The Seven Controllables: Your Blueprint for Profitability

1. Expenses: Build Financial Health

Control costs without sacrificing quality by auditing service policies, optimizing staffing, and managing shop supplies. Strategic expense management isn’t about cuts—it’s about smart allocation

2. Gross Profit: Fuel Your Revenue Engine

Boost margins by refining pricing strategies, prioritizing high-value services, and training advisors to communicate value. Every dollar saved in parts inventory or labor inefficiency flows straight to your bottom line

3. Clock Hours Worked: Maximize Technician Productivity

Eliminate downtime with workflow optimization, advanced scheduling, and cross-training. Turn idle hours into billable work through smarter shop layouts and real-time tracking systems

4. Percent of Productivity: Turn Time into Revenue

Achieve 90%+ productivity rates by aligning technician skills with jobs, streamlining tool access, and setting daily performance targets. Billable hours are your currency—don’t let them slip away

5. Days Worked in a Month: Balance Efficiency and Well-being

Avoid burnout with rotating schedules and demand-driven staffing. Extend weekday hours instead of adding Saturdays to maintain team morale and customer access

6. Effective Labor Rate (ELR): Earn What You’re Worth

Combat discount erosion with menu pricing, warranty work efficiency, and advisor training. Your posted rate means nothing if ELR lags—track it daily and adjust strategically

7. Calendar Utilization: Fill Every Slot

Achieve 90%+ productivity rates by aligning technician skills with jobs, streamlining tool access, and setting daily performance targets. Billable hours are your currency—don’t let them slip away

Master the Seven Controllables with M5’s Advanced Financial Training

Transform principles into profits with M5 Management Services’ hands-on training programs.

M5 Management Services specializes in equipping dealership teams to execute the Seven Controllables framework with precision. Our Advanced Financials Training—designed for service directors, parts managers, and fixed ops leaders—delivers measurable results through:

  • Labor Rate Optimization: Increase ELR with strategic pricing adjustments.

  • Expense Control: Reduce controllable costs via workflow audits and inventory management.

  • Productivity Gains: Achieve 95%+ technician productivity through shop layout and scheduling overhauls.

  • Advisor Performance: Train teams to communicate value, not just services, to boost customer retention.

Training Formats:

  • Workshops: Intense sessions focused on your department’s unique challenges.

  • In-Dealership Coaching: Month-long implementation support with M5-certified consultants.

Take the Next Step: Schedule a Free Phone Consultation to align your team with the industry’s most proven profitability framework.

Claim Your Copy Today

The Seven Controllables isn’t just a book—it’s your roadmap to transforming fixed ops from a cost center to a profit leader.

Ditch the service bay doldrums and ignite your profit engine!

Unlock the secrets to skyrocketing customer loyalty, soaring labor sales, and a bottom line symphony with “The Seven Controllables of Service Department Profitability.” This industry-veteran guide empowers you to transform your technicians into profit-generating stars, unearth hidden service opportunities, and forge unshakeable customer trust. Say goodbye to profit drains and hello to a service department that sings! Claim your copy today and orchestrate your profit revolution!

Why This Book Is a Must-Have

  • 4.75/5 Stars on Goodreads: Praised as a “must-read for all service managers
  • Actionable Frameworks: Step-by-step guidance to implement strategies immediately.
  • Timeless Wisdom: Updated principles from the 1995 classic remain relevant in 2025
  • Real-World Results: Dealerships report 20-30% profit increases within six months of adoption
The Seven Controllables of Service Department Profitability

Dive Deeper: Explore More Insights

The principles in The Seven Controllables book have inspired countless industry resources—including M5’s popular article breaking down the core concepts. Explore the article below to see how these timeless strategies translate to modern service departments:

This companion piece highlights key takeaways from the book, but only the full guide delivers the actionable systems, templates, and case studies to drive real profit growth.