THA 074: Can David Beat Goliath?

Can David Beat Goliath?

The Academy panel dives into the dichotomy of David and Goliath. David, quick nimble and did not perceive that he was an underdog. The panel considers that larger industry players can be Goliath-like … complacent, too structured, weighed down with rules and inflexible. It doesn’t mean that it is bad, but they say small and nimble is better than big and sluggish. They are quick to point out that we can learn a lot from Goliath’s as it pertains to systems and processes.

Ironically we did discuss that having a Goliath mentality may be good for a David. We talked about business models, being able to adapt to changes in the marketplace and consumers habits. A great example in the discussion was that Starbucks is a Goliath but they hire Davids. A very potent strategy for success. We also talk customer loyalty and what we can learn from the Goliaths of the aftermarket.

The Panel: Bambi Crozier, from Car Clinic in Lowel, AR, Jeremy O’Neal, Freedom Automotive, Freedom Automotive in Hesperia, CA and President and Lead Sales Trainer at AdvisorFix and Scott Pelava, Lonsdale Auto Works in Lonsdale, MN

THA 073: Your Turning Point: The PIVOT(s) That Improved Your Business

Your Turning Point: The pivot that improved your business.

Have you ever thought about a big event that you could call a life pivot? A circumstance that made a change in your life or your business? Many of us can claim distinction to some monumental occurrence that could be classified as an important pivot point. This Academy is all about those pivots.

Kim Auernheimer partner with husband Rob in CS Automotive, Brentwood, TN, Patrick McHugh, shop owner, Bimmer Rescue, Richmond, VA, Alan Symmes, shop owner, Revolution Automotive Services, Norwood, MA and Cecil Bullard, CEO, The Institute for Automotive Business join in the discussion.

Listen to real examples of important pivot points from these shop owners. Hear how pivot points arrive when you put your family priorities in play. Pivots show up when you start to run your business as a business. You will have tough days so you need to have great mentors and a strong network and a business coach to support your progress.

RR 332: Mort Schwartz – Legacy Interview

Legacy Aftermarket Leader is Passionate for Educating Our Youth.

Mort Schwartz is a legacy leader in the automotive aftermarket. He brought vision to many exciting programs and companies that are stoic brands of our industry.
For years, Mort had a large influence with the way parts got to market. He was one of the original founders of Carquest, former Chairman, and CEO of Strauss Discount Auto, Import Parts of America, Thermo King of Northern California and Chanslor & Lyon.

He is currently a Trustee of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation that awards scholarships to students who show a desire to work in the automotive.
He was a past Director of WORLDPAC, past Chairman of the APAA, AWDA and CAWA and founder of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS), and inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame. I’ve listed more distinguished positions and honors of Mort’s on the show notes page.

Mort Schwartz realized years ago that the service professional needed the support, marketing, inventory, service, and training, from their supplier, to drive their success; and he set out to deliver just that.

RR 327: Prepare to Change – O’Neal – Barrett – Cloutier

Are You Prepared To Change?

Jeremy O’Neal from Freedom Automotive and AdvisorFix, Barry Barrett from RLO Training and Chris Cloutier from Golden Care Auto Care and Autotext.me bring a lively discussion and debate on the need and necessity of change.

President John Kennedy said: “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.” We all realize that our industry is in constant change, however many do not embrace the vision necessary to keep pace and improve.

Listen to how these aftermarket professionals look at and embrace change. It is part of the vision. We cover two ways leaders lead. First is the fear of change, and second is that we are willing to change as long as there isn’t any pain.

We get into communications, connecting, and that winners and losers have one thing in common. Listen to find out what it is.