Perspectives: 10 Ideas to Improve Shop Profitability
Profitability is the number one concern of shop owners across the country. In research we’ve conducted through the years, we found that roughly one-third of shops experience sales growth compared to the prior year, one-third said sales were flat and the last third reported sales were lower than the prior year. As the cost of
Carley’s Corner: A Silver Lining in Every Cloud
The economic news lately has not been good. There has been a significant downturn in the economy this year, and the prospects for a turnaround anytime soon don’t seem very promising. To make matters worse, gasoline is over $3 a gallon, utility rates are up, food prices are up, virtually all costs of living are
News: Matco Tools Expo
A record number of Matco Tools distributors, 90,000 sq. ft. of expo space, 110 suppliers and 170 new products with more than 65 New & Exclusives — that was just the beginning of the 2007 Matco Tools Expo. The annual event was held Feb. 24-27 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, FL. While
AMI Announces Applications for the $1,000 Zurich ‘High Octane’ Scholarship
The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) is accepting applications for the $1,000 Zurich "High Octane" Scholarship. AMI’s resource development effort, EXCEL, in conjunction with Zurich, formerly Universal Underwriters Group, established the scholarship, which is awarded to an Automotive Service Association (ASA) Mechanical Division member who ….
Brush Research Manufacturing Celebrates 50th Anniversary
2008 marks BRM’s 50th anniversary in providing custom and standard industrial brushes. Often known for their patented Flex-Hone Tool, Brush Research has made a name for themselves as a leader in the art and science of surface finishing.
Shop Profile: Bobby’s Muffler and Tire Center Takes Pride in Prompt Service
Have you ever met a tire dealer so honest he could make Abe Lincoln blush? Ask anyone in Franklin, VA, population 8,600 tops, about the ultra-modest owner of Bobby’s Muffler and Tire Center Inc., who sells tires and service in the town where he was born and raised. They will tell you about a man who had $125 in his pocket when he opened his doors and a desire to make his business the talk of the town. They’re talking about Bobby Cutchins.
Body Shop Films Reality TV Pilot
A Maryland body shop has produced a 22-minute TV pilot showing the real world of collision repair work. Unique Auto Body in Fallston hopes to show consumers across the country what goes on behind the scenes. Shop President/Owner Raymond Santiago says that his goal is to show viewers all aspects of the collision repair process.
ASA’s 2008 Convention to be Held in Santa Clara, CA
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced its 2008 annual convention will be held May 1-3 at the Hyatt Regency in Santa Clara, CA. All members are encouraged to attend the event, which will consist of numerous association business meetings.
Management: Your Country is Counting on You
There’s an important count underway. It’s the Economic Census – taken every five years – and is now in progress for 2007. This month, more than 4 million American businesses, including 140,000 automotive repair and maintenance businesses like yours, will receive 2007 Economic Census forms.
Mitch Schneider: Then Why’d You Do It?
I just returned from a business meeting that took me out of the shop for three days. Not a big trip, but certainly long enough to realize just how good the people you depend on are when you’re gone or how they convince you never to leave again!