Auto Service World
News   August 27, 2013   by CARS Magazine

Industry speakers announced for AIAs Western Automotive Service Providers Forum

At the upcoming AIA Western Automotive Service Providers Forum, attendees will have the opportunity to learn from their peers and will hear presentations from three local successful shop owners. Find out how they recruit and train staff; hear their personal tips on marketing, customer management and retention, succession planning and more. Learn from your peers about their experiences and their successes.

At the upcoming AIA Western Automotive Service Providers Forum, attendees will have the opportunity to learn from their peers and will hear presentations from three local successful shop owners. Find out how they recruit and train staff; hear their personal tips on marketing, customer management and retention, succession planning and more. Learn from your peers about their experiences and their successes.

Shop Presentation #1: Robert Scott

Robert Scott is the owner of Glenwood Auto Service, an independent repair maintenance, and diagnostic center in Saskatoon. Rob purchased the business from his father Jim Scott in 2002 and has streamlined the operation for greater profitability. He employs 30 people (full and part time), including five service advisors, eight licensed technicians, two oil-and-tire technicians, two accounting/office staff, two automotive detailers, and numerous part-time shuttle drivers. They work out of two buildings – right across the street from each other – combining for a 14-bay general service shop.

Rob came from the service advisor side of the business, but he now spends most of his time managing the operation. He is a member of the Canadian Independent Automotive Association (CIAA), the Saskatoon Independent Automotive Professionals (SIAP), and the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce and is involved in management training with the Automotive Aftermarket e-Learning Centre.

Rob will discuss:
*the most important numbers in your business
*how to track your shop’s daily, weekly, and monthly performance
*how to put effective management systems in place to ensure success various pay models for technicians, and what works for him
       
Shop Presentation #2: Bill Bentley
 
Billy Bentley is the owner of Clavet Service Station, in Clavet, Saskatchewan. Over the years, his 9-bay shop has become an important part of the community. In April 2007, he inadvertently caused quite a stir when he was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. It was a crisis that kept his family on high-alert, and mobilized his staff, the community, and the local industry to help out in any way they could. While he was sidelined by the illness, his well-trained staff performed at their highest level, producing some of the most profitable weeks in the company’s history. Following a dramatic life-saving transplant of stem cells, Billy’s health rebounded and he’s back to his former active self. His dramatic story will remind you to appreciate your health when you have it, and how critical it is to have a contingency plan for personal emergencies.
 
Billy will discuss:
*how to develop an effective emergency management plan
*how to empower employees to work at their highest level
*what you can do to help others who are facing a personal crisis
*what it means to "put people first" in business
 
Shop Presentation #3: Don Klassen
 
Don Klassen and his wife Laurie have owned and managed Crestview Auto Service since June 1984. Their 5-bay shop is well-known for quality work, thanks to a highly trained staff. He has built a truly outstanding team of exceptional technicians. One of them has become a partner in the business and now works the service counter. Another won ACDelco’s Technician of the Millenium competition in 2003. They all work together to meet the highest standards of customer case. Their accomplishments have contributed to the company’s excellent reputation in town. Don has a unique perspective on how to offer strong leadership in the shop, and how to put the right staff in place to make sure your business operates efficiently.
 
Don will discuss:
*what leadership means in the modern auto repair industry
*how to find – and keep – good employees
*how to create a team that works independently as well as cooperatively
*the importance of focusing on excellent workmanship and customer satisfaction
 
The service provider presentations will be moderated by Allan Janssen, editor of Canadian Technician magazine.
 
AIA’s Western Automotive Service Providers Forum will be held on September 12, 2013 at the Elk Ridge Resort in Waskesiu Lake, Saskatchewan Registration forms cab be filled out on AIA Canada’s website.

 

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