From Grandpa’s Invention to Today’s Innovations: A Family Legacy [RR 1033]
Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care, NAPA TRACS and Automotive Management Network
Recorded at the 45th annual Mobile Air Climate Systems Conference (MACS 2025) in Orlando, Florida, Rob Bollinger shares the unique story of his third-generation family business, emphasizing their commitment to personal service and the legacy of his grandfather, who invented the overflow bottle system. The discussion also touches upon industry trends, the challenges of price competition, the evolution of AC systems with electric vehicles, and Bollinger’s future plans for the business.
Rob Bollinger, ABC Radiator, Baltimore, MD. https://www.facebook.com/abcradiator401
Show Notes
- Watch Full Video Episode
- MACS Training Event & Trade Show: https://macsmobileairclimate.org/
- National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF): https://wp.nastf.org/
- Koura: https://www.kouraglobal.com/
- Honeywell: https://www.honeywell.com/us/en
- Introduction to MAC Conference (00:00:00)
- Guest Introduction: Rob Bollinger (00:02:17)
- Rob’s Family Business Legacy (00:02:52)
- Personal Touch in Deliveries (00:03:52)
- Customer Engagement During Deliveries (00:04:30)
- Rob’s Background in the Business (00:06:08)
- Regrets About Family Business (00:06:22)
- Coolant Reservoir Bottle Invention (00:07:40)
- Patenting the Invention (00:08:25)
- Legacy of the Invention (00:09:48)
- Cash vs. Cashless Transactions (00:10:05)
- Honesty in Business (00:15:46)
- Future of Specialty Shops (00:16:20)
- Customer Outreach (00:16:30)
- Changes in Radiator Industry (00:16:54)
- Hiring Challenges (00:18:11)
- Golfing and Business Balance (00:18:39)
- AC Industry Challenges (00:20:10)
- Leak Detection Methods (00:20:57)
- Future Plans (00:21:50)
- Real Estate and Business Stability (00:22:28)
- Family Support (00:23:33)
- Training and Industry Updates (00:24:26)
- Vendor Interaction at Conferences (00:25:08)
- AI Repair Discussion (00:25:55)
- Reflection on the Conversation (00:26:09)
Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care, NAPA TRACS and Automotive Management Network
Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care
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/
Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com
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About the author, Carm Capriotto, AAP
Carm is the founder and host of the Remarkable Results Radio Podcast and the pioneer of automotive aftermarket podcasts. Carm calls on his years of experience in the aftermarket to bring engaging stories from his guests.
Listen to raw, unfiltered, honest, and sincere stories that include insights, trends, best practices, and expertise. Each interview brings an opportunity to learn one new thing through the stories of personal achievement. Many podcast guests tell their story of transformation from working in their business to working on it.
As host of over 1,000 episodes, Carm uses his enthusiasm and passion for the aftermarket especially the service sector to take his listeners on a journey showcasing successful service professionals’ paths to Remarkable Results. He also enjoys interviews with aftermarket industry thought leaders who bring their industry perspectives to his listener.
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