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The Power of Margin

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | Jun 30, 2025

We hear a lot about KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), Net Operating Income, bay and specialist efficiency, sales, and productivity are among other critical, manageable metrics that account for a profitable business. I also want to shine a strong light on the power of margin. Yes, the profit margin on parts…

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Everyone’s Recruiting. Everyone.

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 09/01/2021

What to pay. How to recruit. I was filling up the car with petro. Hanging from the hose was…

AAPEX Awards

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 08/25/2021

Each year AAPEX, rightfully so, honors many in the distribution and supplier segment of our industry. Two years ago,…

Summer Car Shows – Good for the Soul

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 08/16/2021

Two car shows this week. It’s summer, and the classic cars are eye candy.  I’m on the hunt to…

Perfect Timing

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 08/09/2021

August is a great month to start setting your sights on Fall. Conferences, marketing, training, strategies for new business,…

Call Us – It’s OK

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 07/31/2021

Reaching the pinnacle in customer relationships is when they drop their keys and say I’ll be back at the…

I Need Your Help, Again!

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 07/26/2021

A few years ago when AAPEX announced Repair Shop HQ as a stand-alone entity at AAPEX, I got all…

We Should be Rivaled

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 07/19/2021

We have amazingly smart people in our industry. If anyone would ever say that the independent automotive aftermarket is…

Ask Your Customers

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 07/12/2021

Ever ask your customer why they come to your shop? Why they are loyal to your shop? What is…

A Dream Has No Limits

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 07/07/2021

I heard a quote from Barry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records. “A Dream Has No Limits.” My mind…

Dinner Talk – Everyone’s An Expert

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 06/16/2021

When I go to dinner with friends, I enjoy listening, just like I do on my podcasts. I hear…

Imagine

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 05/27/2021

Imagine infecting today’s youth with a love of automobiles? Years ago so many of us learned to love cars…

You Can Help – Will You?

By Carm Capriotto, AAP | 05/21/2021

When I need to get up on my soapbox, I will. Here goes. You’ve gotten to know me over…

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