Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today’s Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty

Watch Full Video Episode

The automotive industry faces a growing crisis: as veteran trainers and educators retire, there’s no clear path for the next generation to replace them. Creating quality training is time-intensive — often taking months to develop just one class — and the personal sacrifices required have deterred many from stepping up.

This episode explores the urgent need to evolve automotive education, from rethinking long-form classes to developing shorter, high-impact sessions that better fit today’s learning styles. At the heart of the conversation is a proposed solution: an industry “Trainer Boot Camp” designed to teach aspiring educators not only technical knowledge but also the art of presentation — structure, flow, delivery, and audience engagement.

Another proposed solution is the creation of a Train the Trainers Scholarship to fund legacy educators like John Thornton and Scot Manna to design and lead this new initiative. Modeled after the WWE’s NXT Performance Center, the idea is to proactively cultivate new education “superstars” rather than waiting for them to appear on their own.

This is more than a conversation about teaching — it’s a call to action to preserve and reinvent the future of automotive education before the knowledge gap becomes irreversible.

Recorded Live at ASTA 2025 https://astausa.org/pages/asta-expo

Matt Fanslow, Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN, Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z Podcast

Tanner Brandt, Autodiag Clinic

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class

Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/

Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI

Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI’s integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/

Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty

You’re probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/

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– Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

– The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

– Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

– Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

– Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

– The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

– The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix – Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

– Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O’Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, and Today’s Class

Join an in-depth discussion on Vision Hi-Tech Automotive Training & Expo 2025 with guests Sheri Hamilton, Executive Director of the Midwest Auto Care Alliance and Conference Manager, and Matt Fanslow, trainer and host of ‘Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z Podcast.’ Discover the lineup of keynote speakers, the importance of continuous education, and how to maximize your experience at one of the industry’s premier events. Don’t miss the scoop on scholarships and awards and why Vision is a must-attend event!

Sheri Hamilton, Executive Director of MWACA – Midwest Auto Care Alliance

Matt Fanslow, Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN, Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z Podcast

Show Notes

• Watch Full Video Episode
• Vision Hi-Tech Automotive Training & Exp: https://visionkc.com/
• History of the Vision Conference (00:02:21)
• Continuing Education vs. Training (00:03:47)
• Vision Conference Theme (00:04:37)
• Conference Details (00:06:00)
• Planning for Future Conferences (00:06:54)
• Attendance Trends (00:08:10)
• Value Beyond Training (00:10:17)
• Class Selection Process (00:11:21)
• Tech Talk Segment (00:12:03)
• Scholarships and Awards Overview (00:16:27)
• Scholarship Application Process (00:17:22)
• Awards Application Deadline (00:17:37)
• Attendee Insights on Vision (00:20:53)
• Networking at Vision (00:21:53)
• The Hotel Lobby Experience (00:23:03)
• Distraction-Free Learning Environment (00:24:51)
• Keynote Speaker Announcements (00:25:01)
• Hi-Tech Tool Expo (00:27:21)
• Importance of Vendor Interaction (00:30:40)
• Expo Floor as a Learning Opportunity (00:33:02)

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class

Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

-The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com

-Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/

-Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976

-Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters

-Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto

-Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/

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-Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/

-Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider

-All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books

-Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom

-Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm

-Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix – Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O’Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/

Show Notes

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX and NAPA TRACS

Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2023. Mark your calendar now … October 31 – Nov 2, 2023, AAPEX – Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Connect with the Podcast:

-Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider

-All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books

-Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom

-Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm

-The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com

-Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

TechForce Foundation is a national charity committed to powering technical careers so communities thrive. We are LIVE at AAPEX 2022 with members of the TechForce Foundation to discuss their critical role in engaging with the next generation of technicians .

Lisa Evans, Chief Development Officer

Keishawn Smith, Student and Advocate for TechForce

Jennifer Maher, Executive Director

techforce.org

Key Talking Points

• The TechForce Network is an online social community and career hub that connects GenZ and Millennials in a way they want to connect – using the TechForce app or online network to find information, explore the career, discover schools, get scholarships, find apprenticeships and jobs, and flex their talents – all in one place.  TechForce collaborates with every willing school, company, association, and nonprofit across all sectors to identify solutions that help future and working techs navigate the career pathway, successfully getting them from pipeline to placement.
• Food, shelter, and transportation- all involved in the automotive industry
• Over the next five years, auto, diesel, collision, and aviation combined will need 1 million new technicians to keep up with demand. Last year alone, our tech schools only graduated in auto 29,000 students
• Networking at AAPEX- CEO’s, executives in corporate companies, manufacturers etc 
• TechForce was able to give out 1.6 million in scholarships last year and 17 million total since its inception 
• It’s important for youths that their parents are supportive and help them reach their goals
• Do you have a career map? To level up? Younger generations want a career path.
• TechForce provides students & instructors with free, VIP access to races, rallies, shows, & events where they’ll meet employers & be surrounded by the passion of the industry
• The TechForce Mobile STEM Career Center is a traveling hands-on exhibit designed to engage Gen Z and help them discover the rewarding career path as professional technicians in the transportation field. Part of TechForce’s national workforce development initiative, the Center can be deployed for indoor or outdoor activities and can scale from several hands-on activities to more than a dozen. It features a built-in exterior video wall as well as retractable awnings and two large free-standing shade covers.
• Technicians need to get certified, trained, to get the right education, for them to be built up the right way
• ‘Life Happens Grants’- #1 application is for car repair, #2 is for tire replacements
• Diversity and Inclusion- less than 3% are female technicians, and 52% of the total population is female

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Important Books

Check out today’s partners:

Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2022. Mark your calendar now … November October 31 – November 2, 2023, AAPEX – Now more than ever. Information at  AAPEXSHOW.COM

Shop-Ware: More Time. More Profit. Shop-Ware Shop Management getshopware.com

Are you ready for an inspiring story that will leave you with goosebumps? I’m with Eric Dallas at Vision 2022, one of the Technician of Tomorrow scholarship winners, who shares his story about taking a pay cut from a dealership to work for ChangingGears. Their mission is to empower people who are working their way out of poverty by providing affordable transportation. Listen and be inspired and realize the good that scholarship programs are doing to invest in our future.

Eric Dallas, ASE Certified Master Technician, ChangingGears, Cincinnati, OH.

Key Talking Points

• ChangingGears in Cincinnati- provide transportation for people breaking out of poverty. Providing freedom by leaving bus lines/public transportation. Volunteer with habitat for humanity with clients. Doner will get the maximum donation possible instead of the vehicle going to auction
• Won Vision 4 day all training classes access/meals/hotel scholarship, is ASE mastered certified
• Eric Ziegler was providing training in Cincinnati, told him about Vision
• The deadline for the scholarship had expired- applied anyway, received an email that he won 3-4 weeks later
• In 2009 started working at a dealership- no mentor, new people were “shunned” at first. Didn’t have fulfillment/purpose working at the dealership. Found Craigslist ad looking for entry-level technician, applied, and realized it wasn’t located in the ideal place but was warmly greeted, learned about the mission, and was fully on board. Took a pay cut.
• Eric provides 1 on 1 dialogue and education with clients about their vehicle 
• Funding- vehicles not suitable for clients will sell at auction and that money goes to overhead, fundraising, doners
• Changing-gears.org

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Important Books

Check out today’s partner:

Learn more about NAPA AutoCare and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting www.NAPAAutoCare.com

John Eppstein, owner of John’s Automotive Care, San Diego CA has been in business since 1998. The business is a complete general automotive repair and a smog test station. John’s Automotive Care has been relocated twice; the last move was in 2003. John has been in the automotive industry since 1985. He is the Immediate Past President of the B & G Clubs of East County where he’s worked since 1996. He is also a member of a local NAPA BOG group. John’s been a member of ASCCA’s Chapter 24 for over 12 years during which time he has served as secretary, vice president and chair of the Meetings Committee. John’s Automotive Care is also currently an ASC Educational Foundation Cars for Careers donation site for San Diego, CA. Listen to John’s other episodes HERE

Dave Kusa is the owner of AutoTrend Diagnostics in Campbell, CA. Dave is very active in Chapter 42 and currently serves as a board member and chapter representative. He has also helped several new shops become ASCCA members. Dave advocates with local legislators on behalf of small businesses and their employees. He contributes to TeamTalk and is a huge resource for members. He was ASCCA’s past president. Look for Dave’s other episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points

• Purpose – Raise funds and money to support and encourage technical education and training for the automotive industry through scholarships, endowments, career development and other industry inspired programs.
• Vehicle donations from customers that go to auction- “cars for careers” Example- transmission/engine repairs. You are able to donate a vehicle  no matter where you are, it’s not limited to only California
• Low overhead- about 75% of the money coming in from the vehicle donation program gets put into funds. Volunteer-based foundation. You don’t need to be a shop owner to be included in the board of trustees (tax advisor, grant writer etc)
• Last year they awarded 28 scholarships to 16 deserving students for a total of $23,500. To date, this is the largest amount awarded in the history of the Foundation.
• Schools involved – community colleges across California such as Cuyamaca College, Skyline College, Rio Hondo College, San Diego Miramar College, Citrus College, Chabot College, UTI
• Vetting process – Scholarships are awarded to students who fill out applications at https://automotivescholarships.com/ all applicants that meet basic requirements are then scored by a panel of automotive professionals and winners are picked from the highest scoring applicants.
• Opportunities to create a scholarship- John has started a scholarship with his business. He will match whatever his employees put into it. There are also one time scholarships for smaller amounts.

Connect with the show:

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Subscribe on YouTube

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Become an Insider

Buy me a coffee

Important Books

Check out today’s partner:

Since 1989 TRACS has been the industry’s leading shop management system. And in the last 30 years it’s gotten better and better. Today TRACS Enterprise offers even more of the features AutoCare Center owners want—things like a powerful interactive scheduling calendar, faster and streamlined work flow, plus streamlined parts ordering and purchasing options. And there’s more—Punch-out to Mitchell ProDemand, mobile VIN capture, and multi-shop capabilities. That means you can count on TRACS Enterprise to help drive your success today and well into the future.

Learn more about TRACS Enterprise and the hundreds of other benefits the NAPA family has to offer. Talk with your servicing NAPA store or visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

With nearly 50 years’ experience in the automotive field, Jerry Holcom is an ASE Certified Master Auto Technician with the Advanced Engine Performance (L1) certification, a former Certified Master Machinist, and is also an Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) through the Automotive Management Institute.

Jerry Holcom owns S & S Service Center in Kansas City, MO, is a co-founder of Vision and is the past President of the Midwest Auto Care Alliance (MWACA).

Talking Points:

• Getting and keeping technicians continues to be a big problem
• Scholarships are an answer for the training of our upcoming technicians
• Dave DeCourcey and Harvey Chan are two outstanding trainers worthy of having scholarships in their names.
• The Ed Schaeffer Management Scholarship honors a shop owner, manager or service advisor to honor Ed’s contribution to our industry
• Our legacy aftermarket trainers who have passed is an important reason to build scholarships in their names and keep their legacy going for a perfect cause.
• MWACA is committed to providing scholarships for technicians and your help is needed
• Write a check to the TTEF fund: Mail it to MWACA, 5950 N. Oak Trafficway, Suite 201, Gladstone, MO 64118You can specify a certain scholarship or it will go into the general fund
• This is a 501 c (3) non-for profit corp
• Donate items to TTEF silent auction in conjunction with Vision 
• You can personalize a student scholarship for $1,000 and get recognized at Vision
• You can endow a scholarship for years with a $20,000 check to make the scholarship self-sufficient
• Make TTEF a beneficiary in your Will

Important links below

Message from Jerry:

Happy New Year everyone. Here’s to growth and success in all we do in 2020. Although I have served my 4 years as president, I have a few things to talk about and Sheri Hamilton, Executive Director, told me she would make it happen.

One of my prime goals is to find ways to continue funding scholarships for students, current technicians, and managers. These are close to my heart as Dave DeCourcey, Harvey Chan, and Ed Schaeffer were all good friends, and I feel it is not only appropriate but necessary, to honor their memories with scholarships. In addition, I have followed the careers of several of our previous student scholarship recipients and am overjoyed by the success that many of them have experienced.

This is the reason we created the Technicians of Tomorrow Educational Foundation (TTEF). Our eventual goal is to have several self-sustaining scholarships funded by you. Typically, $20,000 to $25,000 is needed to endow a scholarship that pays out $1,000 every year, so you can see that we will need to raise the stakes if we want to continue awarding four $1000 student scholarships, the Ed Schaeffer Memorial Scholarship, the Dave DeCourcey Scholarship, and the Harvey Chan Memorial Scholarship each year.

The TTEF is a 501(c)(3) organization, so any contributions should be tax-deductible. I urge you to write a check to TTEF for whatever amount you can afford (and a little more). We also have the silent auction in cooperation with VISION, so if you have an item that may have value to anyone else, please donate it to the silent auction to benefit the scholarship fund.

I mentioned an endowment above, and that is a fantastic method of funding the foundation. If you would like to have one of our student scholarships sponsored by your company, you can send a check for $1,000 and note that you would like to help present the “XYZ Company TTEF Scholarship” at our Celebration of Independents on Saturday evening of VISION. If you send a check for $20,000 made out to TTEF, we’ll let you help present the award for several years!

Our industry needs young people that want to be in the auto repair business, and this is one of the best ways for you to help get some people in the door. Please consider writing a check to TTEF for $1,000 or $20,000 or whatever amount you can contribute. Also, make a donation to the silent auction. You’ll actually be helping to solve the technician shortage and you will feel good about helping your industry by helping attract more competent people into the schools and shops.

Thank You,

Jerry Holcom

S & S Service

Past President MWACA

Vision Co-Founder

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Savvy shop owners use vehicle inspections to find additional work on a vehicle that the vehicle owner may not know is needed. The most successful shop owners fully inspect every car, every time. It benefits the vehicle owner more than the shop because most vehicle owners want their autos to be reliable. FlexCheck Auto takes the power of a shop’s inspection process and puts it in the palm of your technician’s hand so that pictures, video, and vehicle-specific notes about a vehicle’s condition can be shared quickly with vehicle owners. It improves technician efficiency in the bays, service writer efficiency at the counter, increases average repair order and builds trust with vehicle owners. Today’s vehicle owners want to receive their vehicle’s health status electronically, this makes FlexCheck Auto the most transparent way to do sell auto repair. Try it for free for 30 days! Go to FlexCheckAuto.com to learn more.

Israel Salazar
School – Wake Tech Community College
Shop – Kings Auto Service, Raleigh NC

Bridgette Johnson
School  – Caldwell Community College
Shop – L & N Performance, Blowing Rock NC

Mario Eason
School – Wake Tech Community College
Shop – Creech Imports, Raleigh

 

Key Talking Points:

• This program was created with IGONC (Independent Garage Owners of North Carolina and the state of North Carolina)
• The students are getting free post-secondary tuition
• They are earning a ‘decent’ wage
• Mentoring is no problem. They just need to ask for any support
• Enjoyed the vendor show
• Held the latest equipment in their hands
• They learned a lot by attending technical classes
• The owners, whose shop they worked at, were represented at the event with them
• They discovered networking
• These three apprentices were greeted and acknowledged as first in the program by shop owners and IGONC members

Resources:

• Thanks to Israel Salazar, Bridgette Johnson, and Mario Eason for their contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
• Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
• Leave me an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one of them.

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Subscribe to a mobile listening app HERE.

This episode is brought to you by AAPEX, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo. AAPEX represents the $740 billion global automotive aftermarket industry and has everything you need to stay ahead of the curve. With 2,500 exhibiting companies, you’ll see the latest products, parts, and technologies for your business. As a result, the event also offers advanced training for shop owners, technicians, warehouse distributors (WDs) and auto parts retailers, as well as networking opportunities to grow your business. AAPEX 2019 will take place Tuesday, Nov. 5 through Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas. Therefore, more than 48,000 targeted buyers are expected to attend, and approximately 162,000 automotive aftermarket professionals. They will be from 135 countries which are projected to be in Las Vegas during AAPEX 2019. For information, visit aapexshow.com

Rodney Pierini is the President & CEO of CAWA – Representing the Automotive Parts Industry in California, Nevada and Arizona. He has held that position since 1996. Mr. Pierini has served on many auto care industry committees and groups including service as the Chair of the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations, the Auto Care Association Board of Directors and Chair of the Auto Care Association Government Affairs Committee, to name a few. He is also a recipient of Northwood University’s Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award.

Prior to his service to CAWA, Mr. Pierini served as Executive Directors of the Criminal Justice Council of San Mateo County, the California Peace Officers Association and the California Police Chiefs Association. His extensive career in association management included serving as Chair of the California Society of Association Executives and as a member of the Western Regional Advisory Committee for the American Society of Association Executives.

Mr. Pierini graduated from California State University – Sacramento with a Master of Arts degree in criminal justice. He was trained as a facilitator by the University Associates of San Diego and holds a California community college lifetime teaching credential. He enjoys family, cooking, golf, and travel. He is married and has two children and two grandchildren.

Key Talking Points:

• CAWA- California Automotive Wholesalers Association
  • www.Cawa.org
  • 800-332-2292 ext 1201
  • admin@cawa.org
• Preserving high school programs
  • Received $25,000 grant from University of Aftermarket Foundation to begin the process
  • Creating a draft application form for grant
  • Supply high school programs with products, tools, and resources to the classroom
  • Provide instructors with access to industry training
  • Goal to have everything in place by June 2019 for the fall semester  
  • Need industry support and involvement for programs- advisory group members, speakers for classroom
• Raising funds to continue the program for future- Annual dinner fundraiser before AAPEX Sema
• Future for industry
  • Consolidation of all levels- distribution/manufacturing
  • Evolving with technology/e-commerce companies
  • Unifying scholarships/receiving grants for secondary level under the same umbrella

Resources:

• Thanks to Rodney Pierni for his contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
• Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
• Leave me an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one of them.

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:
Facebook   Twitter   Linked In   Email    Events    Speaking

Subscribe to a mobile listening app HERE.

This episode is brought to you by AAPEX, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo. AAPEX represents the $740 billion global automotive aftermarket industry and has everything you need to stay ahead of the curve. With 2,500 exhibiting companies, you’ll see the latest products, parts, and technologies for your business. The event also offers advanced training for shop owners, technicians, warehouse distributors (WDs) and auto parts retailers, as well as networking opportunities to grow your business. AAPEX 2019 will take place Tuesday, Nov. 5 through Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas. More than 48,000 targeted buyers are expected to attend, and approximately 162,000 automotive aftermarket professionals from 135 countries are projected to be in Las Vegas during AAPEX 2019. For information, visit aapexshow.com

Bob Greenwood, AMAM, is President and CEO of Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre Ltd and has over 40 years’ experience working with Independent shops developing their business to maximize business net income.

Bob writes management articles for ASA’s magazine AutoInc and has developed live business management classes for ASA. He writes monthly management articles for Motor Age magazine in the USA and writes semi-monthly shop management articles for CARS Magazine. Bob’s previous episodes are HERE

John Jackson is a Professor in Automotive Business School of Canada, has been involved with the automotive aftermarket since the 1980s when he took a contract with the Auto Parts Sectoral Training Council as a Curriculum Designer. After working in Western Canada (Alberta and Saskatchewan) at Lakeland Interprovincial College and at the Blue Quills Native Education Centre, he eventually joined the Canadian Automotive Institute, now the Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC).

John is an experienced faculty member at the ABSC and longtime humanist. Beginning with his studies in Television, Stage and Radio Arts Technology (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology), he has a Bachelor of Education Degree (Honours) (University of Calgary), a Bachelor of Arts in Social and Cognitive Anthropology (York University), a Specialist Qualification in the teaching of English as a Second Language and a Masters Degree in Theory and Policy Studies in Cognitive Philosophy (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto). He is the National Treasurer of the Canadian Institute of Marketing and holds the Registered Professional Marketer (RPM) designation and is one of the few registered professional marketers in Canada.

John has comprehensive experience in public and private radio and television broadcasting, newspaper publishing and advertising and multi-media advertising. He also has experience in international journalism. He has lived, traveled and lectured extensively in Asia, Europe, Africa, The Middle East, and the Caribbean. Professor Jackson has been recommended to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, which recognizes those Canadians who have “made a significant contribution to a particular province, territory, region or community within Canada, or an achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.

Key Talking Points :

• John Jackson
  • Professor at Automotive business school of Canada- largest in Canada
    • 500-600 students
    • Teaches automotive aftermarket, history of automobiles, and global automotive industry
    • Throughout Canada largest percentage of graduate employment- 93%. That is higher than any other college program in Canada. 50% of graduates are retained in industry
    • November 20th: Aftermarket day for students: vendors/manufacturers/wholesalers come
    • Scholarships: Gave out $91,500 and have $50,000 available
    • Auto Show: yearly in June, attract 7-10k people, the largest student-run auto show in North America, over 300 cars on campus
    • Co-op program: 100-150 employers willing to take a student in paid co-op position, able to get experience and learn different sectors of business
• Bob Greenwood
  • Addresses students when in the area- able to connect, have discussions and answer questions
  • Gives perspective and update on aftermarket
• Image of aftermarket
  • Evolving because of technology- embracing new technology
  • See the need for aftermarket repairs
  • Personal electro-mechanical mobility- not all about cars and parts
• Transportation as a service-autonomous cars
  • Less personal connection to vehicles

Resources:

• Thanks to Bob Greenwood and Professor John Jackson for their contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
• Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
• Leave me an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one of them.

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This episode is brought to you by AAPEX, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo. AAPEX represents the $740 billion global automotive aftermarket industry and has everything you need to stay ahead of the curve. With 2,500 exhibiting companies, you’ll see the latest products, parts and technologies for your business. The event also offers advanced training for shop owners, technicians, warehouse distributors (WDs) and auto parts retailers, as well as networking opportunities to grow your business. AAPEX 2019 will take place Tuesday, Nov. 5 through Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas. More than 48,000 targeted buyers are expected to attend, and approximately 162,000 automotive aftermarket professionals from 135 countries are projected to be in Las Vegas during AAPEX 2019. For information, visit aapexshow.com.

Seth Thorson has specialized in the service of European automobiles since 1999. First, in Michigan and now at his current location in New Brighton, MN.

Education.
Seth was educated at a UTI in Chicago where he was at the top of his class. He then went to BMW Step to finish the master’s program. Thorson was hired in at a BMW dealership in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.  From there he moved to an independent shop in Waterford Michigan and learned VW Audi.  Seth’s passion remained with BMW and he was offered a chance to buy an existing shop in New Brighton, Minnesota near where he grew up.

Seth believes in specialization.
Eurotech (the existing shop Seth now owns) specializes in BMW, Mercedes and Audi cars.  He is a firm believer in using factory tools to ensure proper repairs and coding. His team of highly trained and certified technicians are able to diagnose today’s complex vehicle systems! His second location, Green Garage, works on all makes and models.

Training Company.
Seth also owns and runs a BMW tech support company called LMV Bavarian that provides support and programming to a growing network of over 200 shops via remote diagnostics.  He also teaches national seminars on BMW diagnostics. Seth has also partnered with SSF auto parts in their unique ‘hands-on’ training program.

Involved.
Seth belongs to AASP in MN, BIMRS as well as NASTEF.  He is also a member of Cecil Bullards (Institute for Automotive Business Excellence) 20 group. He believes idea sharing and networking with other shop owners has helped grow his business.

When he is not working, you will often find him hunting with his dog or on a snowmobile race track.

This episode covers Seth’s Scholarship Endowment for Century College.

Talking points:

• Seth has provided a $25,000 endowment scholarship for Century College- Thorson Automotive Scholarship sponsored by Eurotech.
  • It all started with family gifting donations to college in Seth’s name for birthday’s and holiday’s.
  • Outreach department contacted Seth, realized there weren’t scholarship opportunities for the automotive department at school.
  • Based on principle and interest that’s available to pay out- $1,000-$1,200 per year for scholarships, lasts virtually forever.
  • Creator of endowment scholarship is able to dictate the criteria and terms for the scholarship.
• Battling tech shortage starts at middles school and high school level.
  • Many schools are under-equipped with tools for teaching.
• Community college challenges.
  • Attracting the right people, need to reach out and educate guidance counselors about an automotive career path. Attend school boards, meet with school superintendents.
  • Parents and students need to view an automotive career as a valuable opportunity. It starts with industry pay.
  • College is an important foundation for techs. The automotive shop can fine tune and take techs to next level with proper training.
  • We need participation from shop owners to join the advisory board as well to steer curriculum development.
• Hiring techs out of college.
  • Don’t expect new techs to automatically know everything post-college. Assign mentors to help guide and train them.
  • Let new techs do various challenging tasks besides changing oil and brakes to keep engaged.

Listen to Seth’s previous episodes HERE.

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This episode is brought to you by Federal-MogulMotorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake, Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust.  For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at fmmotorparts.com  and fmgaragegurus.com

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In the above pictrue from AAPEX 2017, Mort Schwartz on the left along with Carm Capriotto.

If there is one person synonymous with the aftermarket parts industry, that person, clearly, is Mort Schwartz. An engineer by training, receiving two degrees from New York University, Mort Schwartz spent 12 years at Westinghouse Electric Corporation, from 1956 to 1968, rising to the level of Vice President. Schwartz was named president of the distribution group of Maremont Corporation, a manufacturer of muffler and suspension parts, now a part of ArvinMeritor.

Between 1968 and 1999, he served as chairman and CEO of four different automotive aftermarket companies. Mort is a past Board member of parts distributor WORLDPAC, Incorporated. He has served the aftermarket ably for over 40 years. He was chairman of the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association, the Automotive Parts and Accessories Association, the California Automotive Wholesalers Association, and the California Automotive Task Force. He was instrumental in enacting many changes in the aftermarket industry, particularly in the area of education. He was one of the first aftermarket board members of the National Institute for Automotive Excellence (ASE) and led the way for the aftermarket to embrace certification for both technicians and countermen.

It’s safe to say that if you are even remotely involved in the automotive aftermarket ….. you’ve heard of Mort Schwartz! In 1996, Schwartz founded the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS), a forum where leaders in the automotive aftermarket industry could come together in one place, at one time, and hear top industry leaders present their points of view about the trends taking place today–and over the next five years. The primary goal of the Symposium, however, was that the net proceeds of the event would be used to fund scholarships for students pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket. Well over 3,000 students have been beneficiaries of Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium Scholarships since the program began. GAAS ran for 19 years and was combined with the University of the Aftermarket Foundation and are providing up to 200 – 300 students scholarships per year.

Whenever there is a gathering of aftermarket industry executives, you will most likely find Mort Schwartz as a presenter, panel moderator, or simply as an ambassador and friend. Schwartz received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Northwood University in 2007. In addition,  Northwood University has established the Mort Schwartz Fellowship, a scholarship awarded to a student studying Automotive Aftermarket Management.

Invterview talking points:

• Decades of change from three to four step distribution to the e-commerce of today.
• Mort saw the need to bring import parts to the distribution network at his company and asked their domestic supplier to get into import parts.
• Late 40’s/50’s/60’s. The growth of WD’s, (Warehouse Distributions) Jobber’s, Shops with returning Veterans buying/starting small businesses.
• Note : Auto’s became the only major item that could be repaired the same day….by 5 PM. This versus TV’s, appliances, phones, etc.
• That shaped the whole Industry to provide “now” availability of a huge spectrum of parts.
• 60’s/70’s. Use of computers to do purchasing and Inventory control. – Triad/CCI story.
• 70’s/80’s. The growth of Program Groups emulating GPC (NAPA)
• 80’s/90’s. A strategy of owning stores – O’Reilly story. They set the pace for WD’s to own their own stores.
• 90’s/20’s. The growth of two-steppers – WORLDPAC story.
• 20’s/present. Use of the Internet to communicate thru the channels while consolidation increases both vertical and horizontal.
• Manufacturing, distribution and installation consolidation.
• Access to parts is moving at the speed of life.
• Consolidation has been good for the consumer.
• Four major factors that will reshape the aftermarket. CASE.
• Connected
• Autonomous
• Sharing
• Electric
• Adapt and change if you want to survive.
• The power in the industry resides at the service level. A well run dynamic shop owner has his choice on how and who will service him and where he will get his parts.
• Education is different today and is a requirement for sustainable success.
• Mort was a founder of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS). They have provided over 3,000 scholarships to students who need the help. 2/3 go to students who want to become technicians.
• Inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2005

Link to University of the Aftermarket Foundation Scholarship Program: automotivescholarships.com

Biographical Information and Accomplishments

Current Business Positions

• Partner, Schwartz Advisors 2008 -present
• Trustee, Univ. of the Aftermarket Foundation 1992-present
• Northwood Automotive Aftermarket Board 2003-present

Past Business Positions

• Director, WORLDPAC 2005-2013
• Director, Autovia 1998-2001
• Director, Java City Coffee 1995-2000
• Chairman, Thermo King of Northern California 1986-1999
• Chairman, Strauss Discount Auto 1990-1998, Director 2000-2004
• Chairman, Import Parts America 1985-1 990
• Chairman, Chanslor & Lyon 1975-1985
• President, Distribution Group, Maremont Corp. 1968-1975
• Vice President, Westinghouse Electric Corp. 1956-1968
• Director, CarQuest 1976-1985
• Director, Office Club 1985-1991
• Director, Illinois Auto Electric 1978-1994
• Director, Hospital Systems 1991-1994
• Director, Auto Parts Club 1990-1995

Past Industry Positions

• Chairman/Founder, Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium 1996-2005
• Chairman, Aftermarket Financial Symposium 2005
• Director, Automotive Hall of Fame 1988-2005
• Director, Automotive Aftermarket Industries Association (AAIA) 1999-2004
• Chairman, Aftermarket eForum 2001 -2003
• Chairman, Automotive Parts and Accessories Association 1996-1998
• Chairman, California Automotive Wholesalers’ Association 1993-1994
• Chairman/Founder, California Automotive Task Force 1978- 1983 (CARB)
• Director, National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence 1976-1982 ASE
• Trustee, National Automotive Technicians Foundation 1982-1984

Industry Awards

• Automotive Hall of Fame Induction 2005
• AWDA Martin Fromm Lifetime Achievement Award 2003
• ASAAA Honorary Membership 2002
• Mort Schwartz Fellowship, Northwood University 2000
• APAA Executive of the Year 1998
• AWDA University Founders Award 1996
• Automotive Hall of Fame Distinguished Service Citation 1992
• CAWA Outstanding Service Award 1987
• ASC Presidents Award 1982
• Motor Magazine Warehouse Distributor of the Year Award 1981
• AWDA Man of the Year Award and MEMA Triangle Award 1980
• ASC Industry Award 1978
• Northwood Institute Automotive Education Award 1976
• AWDA Memorial Scholarship Award 1975

Former Positions

• Captain, US Army Corps of Engineers
• Instructor, Rutgers University
• Degrees: BIE and MIE, New York University
• Doctor of Laws, Honoris CAUSA, Northwood University 2007

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:

Facebook  Twitter  Linked In  Email  Events  Speaking

This episode is brought to you by Federal-MogulMotorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake, Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust. For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at fmmotorparts.com and fmgaragegurus.com

Download the Remarkable Results Radio listening APP for your smart device: