The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
As a trade journalist covering the automotive aftermarket, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) is our Super Bowl, and it takes place in late October/early November every year in Las Vegas, said Shop Owner Editor Josh Cable.
Miles Auto Service: Miles Ahead Of The Competition
Fred White, owner of Miles Auto Service in Sewell, New Jersey, admits he’s learned plenty from his mistakes as a shop owner, particularly in his previous two shops.
Executive Interview: Fletcher Lord III, President Of Crow-Burlingame
Fletcher Lord III represents the fourth generation of the Crow family to help lead Crow-Burlingame, a Little Rock, Arkansas-based parts distributor that celebrated its 100th anniversary in April. Lord III, a great-grandson of co-founder Bob Crow, was named president during the company’s centennial celebration in Little Rock, coinciding with several other executive appointments that signal the next chapter for the venerable parts firm.
Shop Profile: Gustafson Brothers In Huntington Beach, California
They say necessity is the mother of invention. That proverb certainly rings true for John Gustafson, co-founder and president of Gustafson Brothers in Huntington Beach, California, whose hardscrabble upbringing was the impetus for launching a multimillion-dollar repair business.
Sensors, Sensors … And More Sensors
Repairers are being advised to buckle up and get ready for the technology tidal wave that’s about to hit the auto industry. The question is: How soon will it get here?
New DRIVE Workshops Will Focus On Developing Shop Playbooks, Building Trust
“The driving force behind all of our curriculum is expressed needs that develop out of our consulting and business-advising services,” says Robert Spitz, senior VP curriculum for DRIVE.
Shop Profile: Kaiser Tire And Auto Service Center
Joe Miles started his career in the automotive aftermarket as a technician. But he quickly realized that his strong suit wasn’t in the bay.
Shop Profile: Motor City Of Fort Myers
John Kish admits he’s been a “car nut” since he was a teenager. But he never was nuts about winter in Pennsylvania. So in 2015, it made all the sense in the world for him to relocate to Fort Myers, Florida, where he purchased Pam’s Motor City Tire and Auto Center.
How To Handle Angry Customers: Using Emotion To Your Advantage
Auto repair shops and parts stores face a unique challenge: The majority of their customers are uncomfortable in the world of vehicle maintenance and repair. They’re intimidated. And on top of that, they’re fearful of the potential cost of fixing their car or purchasing a critical maintenance part – so emotions are running high from the get-go.
Automotive Trends: A Mostly Positive Outlook For The Aftermarket
The looming shift to autonomous technology is one of five trends that Seng highlighted in his AAPEX presentation, “Five Trends in Five Minutes: Key Trends Impacting the North American Automotive Aftermarket.”
How To Avoid Making The Three Most Common Hiring Mistakes
In this tight labor market, it’s getting harder to find good help. But that doesn’t mean you should hire every Tom, Dick and Harry with a pulse and a driver’s license.
Drugs And Alcohol In The Workplace
Given the myriad risks of on-the-job drug and alcohol use – and the steep price that shops can pay for negligent repairs – it’s more important than ever to ensure that your employees are focused, clean and sober.
