SLOW TIMES MEANS PAY ATTENTION TO SHOP PROCESSES

Have you ever noticed that when the shop is slow, management has a tendency to panic? Welcome to the break down and repair business. The fact is it has been extremely slow from coast to coast. Over the past 4 weeks I have traveled from the Atlantic region to the shores of the Pacific and regions in between, talking with many people from all levels of the industry. Business is definitely

WE HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE TO MANAGE, DO WE HAVE THE GUTS TO MANAGE?

Many shop owners have invested the time to learn how to manage their shop in today's new realities. This is excellent and they must be applauded for that commitment made to their business. Now they return to the real world of the aftermarket after the course with great intentions and are faced with the incredible day to day distracting noise within the industry.The changes required to the shop

7 STEPS TO YOUR NEW BUSINESS MODEL IN 2010

There are steps that a shop owner can start to take to transition the business into the modern day format that is required to be successful for this new decade. Consider each point as it applies to your operation.1. THINK ABOUT THE SHOP'S HISTORY: Never embark on a new plan without first understanding where the shop came from. Discuss the shop's history with your team and talk about why change

ROWING TOGETHER - WE'RE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT

Let's work together to get to safer shores.By now most shop owners and jobbers must have recognized that the business environment has changed dramatically. In this economic crisis, it's time to put aside petty differences and learn to work together for our mutual benefit.More now than ever, a shop requires a competent jobber who knows how an auto service facility must be operated and measured in

The Holiday Season is Upon Us

The Holiday Season is the time when I like to reflect upon the past year and review the business and personal accomplishments that were achieved. In this reflection, the most important prerequisite is to remember, and think of, the people involved that help make those accomplishments come to fruition.Your participation with AAEC over the past year, through being a subscriber to our website,

AIA PROVES THEIR R2R INTENT

AIA Canada must be congratulated for remaining focused on the important criteria an Independent shop requires in the R2R agreement in order to move their business forward, rather than giving into so-called ridicule by a naive industry sector. AIA Canada has always stated that any agreement (legislated or voluntary) must provide full access to engine calibration in the definition of Data Stream

RIGHT TO REPAIR VOLUNTARY AGREEMENT HAS SO MANY FLAWS

Follow the link to the actual voluntary agreement and please read the detail.I am not a lawyer by any means but as a laymen reads this...........This is not right.Our sector must move forward on an EQUAL playing field.Consider the following FEW..... FACTS:Section I DefinitionsDefinition "Data Stream Information" - "does not include engine calibration related information"......excuse me.....This