RR 425: Ray Fisher – Networking Just May Be Your Secret Weapon

Ray Fisher is the Executive Director of ASA. Ray has ben on the job since January 2018. He has served the industry in varied roles, has been president and executive director of ASA-Michigan since 2010. In addition, he served as a body shop manager for more than 20 years, assistant parts manager, and an expert witness for a local law firm regarding collision repair and processes.

Fisher is an Accredited Master Automotive Manager (AMAM). He has extensive legislative experience, driving key issues for ASA-Michigan members on sales tax issues and shop licensing. His recognition and contributions to the organizations he served have resulted in numerous awards, including the ASA Affiliate of the Year Award in 2018, ASA Legislative Award in 2015 and 2016, as well as the I-CAR Founder’s Award.

We talked professionalism, the fear of the unknown and our aging workforce. Look for Ray’s other episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points:

• Ray is excited about his new position/opportunity as Executive Director of ASA National
  • He is doing a road trip to meet many members in the local chapters (networking)
• Professionalism is critically important for the growth of our independent aftermarket
• Fear of the unknown is gripping our shop owners – business acumen and technology changing at rapid speed
  • Owners staying ahead of curve and seek opportunities- running a better business
  • Increased specialization
  • Where do service professionals get their ‘credible’ information to help their business
    • Networking is an important tactic
• Finding time in your life to do all that is important up to and including networking
• Networking is a broad term and means different things to people. It can be a powerful tool for a successful business person
• Association- join to get involved
  • Value for the industry- listening to members and moving forward with concerned issues
  • Prioritize time for training and associations- investment into future
  • Benefits of networking
  • Country club golf analogy- country club provides an opportunity for golf but can’t be a better golfer if you don’t use the opportunity to play and practice
• The aging workforce will have a huge impact on the industry.  

Resources:

• Thanks to Ray Fisher 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.

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