Free Energy Helps Dealer Save on Energy Bills
Bruce Cherry, owner of Big O locations around Dublin, CA, now knows how to squeeze pennies from thin air. Actually dollars, to be fair. Cherry and a number of small businessmen in his area joined forces with the California Solar Initiative, which delivers rebates to businesses that install solar electric systems – commonly called photovoltaic systems.
Five Florida Allstate/State Farm Adjusters Arrested in $5 Million Fraud Scheme
Five former insurance company claims adjusters for State Farm and Allstate were arrested in Florida last week for their roles in several auto insurance fraud schemes that relied on the cooperation of vehicle owners and collision repair shops, NBC Miami reported.
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?
Choosing a Lift That Will Contribute Most to Shop Profitability
As the centerpiece of the service bay, lifts are critical to the productivity and profitability of any automotive repair shop. A lift that’s properly matched to the job at hand will let technicians work more efficiently, for greater profitability. If the lift is well-made, it will provide enhanced productivity for years to come.
The Real Art of Advertising: More Than Pretty Pictures and Catchy Phrases, Part I
During challenging economic times, nearly everyone in the automotive service industry asks the same nagging question: “How much should I really be spending on advertising?” In truth, the answer to that question should be another question: “Are you spending or investing?”
Shop Owner Retiring After Running Business Seven Days a Week for 28 Years
Ken Volland, who owns Ken’s Gas and Auto Repair in Ellensburg, WA, is closing the business at the end of September. He has owned the business for 28 years. During the shop’s heyday, Volland had four employees in addition to himself. Earlier this year, he had to lay off a technician who had worked at the shop for 27 years. The wear and tear of being a technician has taken its toll on Volland as he has back and joint pain in addition to having lost 20 percent of the use of his hands.
AASA ‘Know Your Parts’ Campaign Promotes Quality Brand Name Aftermarket Parts
The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has initiated a “Know Your Parts” awareness and educational campaign designed to address concerns over the low-cost, off shore, generic auto parts that are flooding the domestic aftermarket.
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.
Things To Consider Before Opening Your Second Shop, Part I
You have thought about it long and hard and decided it may be time to open a second shop. Here are some things to consider: 97% of all new businesses fail within the first five years. There are two primary reasons that these businesses fail: Under Capitalization and Poor Management.
Tariff Turmoil, Market Volatility Put Added Pressure on Private Brand Tires
The private brand tire segment underwent a tumultuous 2009 as a result of the global economic downturn that affected all aspects of the tire industry, as well as the Obama Administration’s placement of heavy additional duties on passenger tires imported from China.