Waukegan Tire & Supply Co. Embraces Social Media to Keep Pace with Shifting Demographics
Waukegan Tire & Supply Co. Inc. has learned to adapt. The company did not just accept change because there was no other choice; it embraced change, and is thriving as a result. From adopting social media to keeping pace with shifting demographics, the company has found ways to grow a sense of community. As a family-run business, it is naturally focused on personal relationships, and has chosen to see not only customers, but also the entire community as its extended family.
4 Things You Can Do to Make Your Business Inviting to Women
Women influence 85% of all consumer-purchasing decisions in the U.S. When thinking about the impact that this group has on commerce and on businesses in general, you are probably asking yourself this question: “Am I getting more than my fair share of this opportunity?” Continue reading to gain some valuable insight into marketing to women.
AAIA Town Hall at AAPEX: Industry Resets, Realigns Aftermarket for Growth and Prosperity
The resounding message echoed among panel members was that the economic reset that resulted from the recent recession has prompted an industry reset that will position the aftermarket for growth, but they cautioned that we should not forget the lessons we learned the past year.
What Are the Biggest Safety Risks for Automotive Businesses?
Automotive businesses are faced daily with potential risks that can threaten and result in a loss. Slips and falls, employee discrimination, accidental spills and faulty work are just a few examples. As an owner, operator or employee of an automotive business, how do you know which to focus on?
Small Town Satisfaction: Marc’s Garage Scores with Community-Rooted Customer Service
In today’s technology-saturated marketplace, consumers are bombarded with e-mails, robo-calls, text messages, twitter updates and more virtual junk mail every day. But unless Grandma’s getting out the good stationery, an honest-to-goodness hand-addressed thank-you note nestled in the daily stack of credit card offers is nearly as rare as a UFO sighting!
Executive Interview: Jim Graninger, Vice President, Regional Business Unit, Bosch Diagnostics
Bosch’s Jim Graninger brings to automotive service more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, including over 20 years in the aftermarket arena. Before joining Bosch, he was Vice President and General Manager of Rexnord Industries, LLC, and prior to that, served in several vice president level roles with Snap-on, Inc., including their diagnostics business. Jim’s successful career includes international assignments in Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands as well as international responsibilities for Asia, Australia and Latin America.
Shop Profile: No Place Like Bob’s Wheel Alignment
When Bob Archer opened the doors to Bob’s Wheel Alignment in Charlottesville, VA, almost 30 years ago, he had one technician and one front-office secretary. Today, the shop employs 21 people and has grown to more than 17,000 square feet. What’s made Bob’s so successful all these years? “Service, service, service,” he says.
Register Now for October Free U.S. EPA Informational Webinar
The Climate Protection Partnership Division of the U.S. EPA has partnered with the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide for monthly informational webinars throughout 2010. These webinars are focused on informing the mobile A/C community on environmental best practices for servicing mobile A/C systems and demystifying current and proposed regulations.
Discrimination in the Workplace: Prevention Starts at the Top
The U.S. Justice Department tells us that lawsuits alleging discrimination in the workplace more than tripled in the 1990s. These stories can be found online, in the newspaper and on the evening news almost daily, and most commonly involve race, gender, disability, religion or age. The uncertainty of today’s business climate, the downturn in the economy, and most importantly, layoffs, increases the likelihood of legal action.
Remember to Inspect Your Vehicle Lifts
Rotary Lift has an important message for technicians and shop owners: Remember to inspect your lifts. In addition to daily operator inspections, the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) recommends that all vehicle lifts be inspected by a qualified lift inspector at least annually, “to ensure reliability and the continued safe operation of the lift.”