Frank’s Mercedes Service Tackles Even the Toughest Jobs and Over-Delivers on Customer Expectations
Walking into the serene, peaceful waiting room at Frank’s Mercedes Service in Henderson, NV, one would think that it’s a laid-back business. But, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Owner Frank Scandura and his dedicated team of top-notch techs are one serious group.
Editor’s Notebook: Unperformed Maintenance is ‘Ripe for the Picking’
The month of April can be “taxing” in more than one way. Beyond the dreaded income tax return deadline, April is also one of the two times during the year when the Car Care Council issues results of vehicle inspection check lanes held at community car care events across the country.
Successful APA Conference Continues Group’s Momentum and ‘Looking Ahead’ Spirit
Automotive Parts Associates’ (APA) 31st annual Shareholders’ & Manufacturers’ Conference, held Mar. 15-17 in Phoenix, AZ, boasted 66 members, 69 vendors and their guests in attendance, nearly mirroring the turnout of last year’s very successful event.
Editor’s Notebook: First Impressions Really Do Count
Continuing recent discussions with ImportCar shop owner readers extolling the benefits of shop image as it relates to attracting new customers and retaining existing ones, Frank Scandura, owner of Frank’s Mercedes Service, with locations in Henderson and Las Vegas, NV, says that his customers are catered to even before any work is done on their vehicle.
WORLDPAC Hosts Second Supplier & Training Expo
Demonstrating its passion for customer training, WORLDPAC held its second Supplier & Training EXPO (STX) 2012 at the Marriott Anaheim Hotel in California. With a vested interest in its customers’ success, WORLDPAC continues to raise the bar for training, doubling the turnout of its first-ever such event in 2009.
Editor’s Notebook: Cash-Strapped Consumers Fuel Unperformed Vehicle Maintenance Trend
For those who fix cars daily and are responsible for keeping America rolling, it’s disheartening to learn that not everyone has such an allegiance. A recent Consumer Reports poll may have you shaking your head, or, better yet, nodding in agreement on the amount of unperformed maintenance that’s there for the taking.
Editor’s Notebook: Customer Retention Greatly Hinges on First Impressions, Shop Image
Continuing last month’s discussion with ImportCar shop owner readers offering advice on shop visibility and customer retention, John Volz, co-owner, Volz Bros., Grass Valley, CA, says he focuses on shop upgrades, image, marketing efforts and community outreach because he knows well that first impressions run deep in attracting and keeping customers.
Editor’s Notebook: Shop Owners Offer Input On Shop Visibility and Profitability in 2012
As you get ready to close the book on another year, it’s not uncommon to think about strategies that will boost your bottom line and garner a bigger market share in 2012.
Managing Company Assets, Part 2
In this space last month, Steve Louden, president of Louden Motorcar Services in Dallas, shared his insights on ways to significantly boost your shop’s revenue potential by analyzing HOW you manage your company assets. Lack of attention in these key areas are oftentimes the number one reason for a shop’s poor performance or failure, advises
Editor’s Notebook: Manage Company Assets to Boost Your Shop’s Revenue Potential
As we continue to face the most challenging economic times in recent history, your shop’s bottom line and return on investment are undoubtedly top of mind. And, while financial subjects are dry and usually at the bottom of a shop owner’s list of desirable activities, says Steve Louden, president of Louden Motorcar Services in Dallas, they typically are the number one reason for poor performance or failure.
Editor’s Notes: New CAFE Standard to Take Effect by 2025
On July 29, President Obama announced the next phase in the Administration’s program to increase fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks sold in the U.S. Automaker fleets will need to average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025 – about 2 mpg less than the earlier fuel-economy target of 56.2 mpg.
Editor’s Notebook: Learning Starts at the Top
This industry has top talent all around it. From the manufacturer/supplier ranks, to the parts distribution system, to the service and repair specialists who collectively keep America’s vehicles running, we have so many to applaud.