A note to RMARTIN on 'pondering the jump'...
It's been a long time since our shops have had an advisor become the manager. It happened in the 60's and ever since, the manager was first the shop foreman (and a prior technician). Not to say we've had a lot of managers, it just seems as if the ones who want the job come from a technical background. I feel that the advisor is in a better position to be manager and here's why.
First of all, the service manager's task is to lead the department. He/She is more responsible for customers than any one person in the shop and who knows customers better than the salesperson on the drive. If there is need for technical leadership, that's what a good shop foreman is for. Also, the manager needs to interface with all the other departments and that's where interpersonal skills are needed most. The manager is also VERY responsible for selling on the drive and sometimes a person with a technical background would not understand all those issues.
This is not to say that a shop foremen do not make a great service managers, they do: I have two of the best and they were prior technicians. It's just harder to find technical people with great people skills.
I would seriously concider a professional, experienced service advisor for manager.
My advise to make the jump: Make yourself known as a good leader. Listen and learn from what your people tell you and do things right. This is the key to success.
[This message has been edited by sallen1 (edited 05-24-99).]