Dealers’ MEINEKE DEALERS ASSOCIATION
DIGEST 2023 ISSUE 3
Are you ready for the shift to electric vehicles? Turn to page 12 to learn about the launch of MeinekEV.
With constant innovation in automotives, it’s hard for technicians to keep up. Meineke dealers share their tips on page 16.
some turn wrenches!
2023 ISSUE 3
Table of Contents F E AT U R E S
ON THE COVER Shop No. 2197, owned by Mike Baden, is the first Meineke Car Care Center to fully service electric vehicles. Meineke is working to expand this initiative beyond Baden’s shop, calling the new arm of the brand “MeinekEV.” M DA B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S : Janet Cummings President Dave Repass Vice President Marc Arnold Treasurer Joe LaManna Secretary Joe LaManna Region 1 Chairman Marc Arnold Region 2 Chairman Dave Repass Region 3 Chairman
Pete Robinson Region 4 Chairman John Coffield Region 5 Chairman Chris Johnson Region 6 Chairman Janet Cummings Region 7 Chairman Chris Dalen Region 8 Chairman John Congi Region 9 Chairman Greg Fry Association Manager
M DA E D I TO R I A L B OA R D : Rachel Jackson Editor-in-Chief rachelj@elevanta.com Allison McCallum Communications Editor allisonm@elevanta.com Jared Johnsen Communications Specialist jaredj@elevanta.com
A DV E RT I S I N G S A L E S Maria Moffa Business to Business Sales & Development Associate mariam@elevanta.com 678-540-6211 D E S I G N A N D L AYO U T Kristen Thomas KT Graphic Design ktgraphicdesign@gmail.com
10
Spotlight on the 118th Congress: Rep. Maria Salazar (R-FL-27)
12
The Shift to Electric: MeinekEV by Allison McCallum, MDA communications editor
15
MDA Committee Reports contributed by the Fleet Committee and the Technology Committee
16
Today’s Aftermarket Repair – Embrace Innovation or Be Left in the Dust by Jared Johnsen, MDA communications specialist
18
Storytelling As a Leadership Tool by Dennis and Danny Snow, Snow & Associates Inc.
21
OE Recycled Transmissions: A New Choice for Your Cost-Conscious Customers contributed by Transtar Industries
22 Elements of The Entrepreneurial Mindset Series: Element No. 2: Purpose, Path and Plan by Dan Coughlin, The Coughlin Co. 24 New Form I-9 Required Beginning Nov. 3, 2023 by Eileen Momblanco, Laner Muchin 26 Sharpening Your Tools: Six Reasons Why Mental Fitness Matters in the Workplace by Laura Stack, The Productivity Pro®
COLUMNS 2
President’s Column by Janet Cummings, MDA president
D E PA R T M E N T S 3
MDA Odd Region District Representatives Announced
4
MDA Member News
6
Dealer’s Tip
6
Meineke Dealers Association Scholarships: Thank You
7
Franchisee Spotlight
9
One Topic, 10 Facts
11 Look, Listen, Read
DIRECTORIES 8
Associate Member Listing
28 Advertisers Guide and Editorial Calendar
P U B L I S H E D B Y: Meineke Dealers Association 1701 Barrett Lakes Blvd. NW, Suite 180 Kennesaw, GA 30144 678-797-5160 www.meinekedealers.com Meineke Dealers Association publishes Dealers’ Digest. Any reproduction, in whole or in part, of the contents of this publication is prohibited without prior written consent of Meineke Dealers Association. All Rights Reserved. In keeping with our commitment to the environment, this publication is printed on certified, environmentally friendly recycled paper using eco-friendly inks. Copyright © 2023 Printed in the U.S.A. 2023 ISSUE 3
Dealers’ DIGEST /// 1
FROM THE PRESIDENT
I
t is hard to believe that we are almost through 2023. It feels like we just started the year, but it’s fall! Time is moving fast, just like all the new technology that we are seeing. With AI, self-driving vehicles and plans to send humans to Mars, it sometimes seems like a science fiction movie. Every day, we hear of some incredible discovery, and it is hard to believe that scientific knowledge is doubling every 12-18 months even though it was only doubling every 25 years after World War II. Our industry is experiencing this same gigantic leap in technology, and sometimes, it can be hard to keep up. However, if we are going to set our brand apart from all the other car repair chains, we not only have to embrace modern technology, but we also must be leaders. If you came to any 2023 regional meetings and/or the Meineke Dealers Association (MDA) Convention, you heard about Meineke’s plans to roll out “MeinekEV.” This is an exciting time for us, and we should be grateful that Meineke Corp. is trying to stay ahead of the curve. Most of you have also probably heard that Mike Baden, owner of Center No. 2197, is our pioneer in the EV repair market. He has gone to training; he has invested in the equipment, and he is almost ready to go. When I call Mike a pioneer, understand that what he is doing will benefit all of us, and it has taken a certain amount of bravery on his part to step out and be the first. Mike is passionate about electric vehicles, and he believes that this is the future. I think some of the rest of us are a little wary, mostly because of the lack of infrastructure and the cost of the cars (and the batteries). But Mike knows that warts and all, this is a large part of our future. Waiting for it to be the norm means that we will miss out completely, and we would never catch up. Thank you, Mike and Meineke Corp., for having the foresight to plan now. However, I know some of us old timers have a tough time adapting to all the recent technology. Just don’t be that person who stubbornly says you’ll only do exhaust even though new cars are being manufactured with stainless steel exhaust systems. Don’t be that person who claims you don’t need technology like Repairify because your inexpensive scanner does just fine as you work on warranty job after warranty job. And, for goodness’ sake, don’t be that person who says you don’t need e-inspection because you can explain everything to the customer, but you can’t seem to hire anyone to replace you, and you are stuck running your center. Or perhaps I should say, don’t be that person who says you’d like to do e-inspection if you could get your employees to use it, as you deal with the consequences of allowing your employees to be in charge. If you don’t identify with those reasons for shunning modern technology, congratulations. I only know how all those things play out because . . . been there, done that. We had to be dragged 2 ///
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kicking and screaming into the 21st century, but it has been so much easier and productive once we got here. I still can’t type with my thumbs on my phone, I still call people instead of texting, and I must print out everything rather than relying on digital copies, but I am a believer in innovative technology when it comes to my business. I suppose the turning point for my husband Jim and I came when our adult children took over running our center. They grew up with technology that seemed incredible to us, so they adapted quickly. They never knew life without a television remote or a computer – although we did have dial-up when they were in middle school. They love AutoVitals, and both say running the center is much easier with MKey Cloud. They would never want to have a credit card processor that wasn’t integrated into the POS. They have financing options built into AutoVitals, and they recently talked us into adding Tires to Parts Tech. The one area they may go a little backwards is perhaps doing the e-Inspection with Tekmetric, mostly because they’d prefer to have the inspection and estimate all together when they send it to the customer. Oh, and did I mention text to pay? I’m sure that if Jim or I were to have to step in to run the center, we’d be completely lost. The technology that created all the tools that we now take for granted when it comes to running our businesses is blasting full steam ahead in the manufacturing of automobiles, and it is incredibly important that we keep up. Will you be able to service a car’s ADAS? Will you eventually get your staff trained and purchase equipment to service an EV? If you haven’t thought about these things, the time to begin getting educated is now because, like it or not, car manufacturers are taking advantage of incentives from the government to produce electric vehicles. It isn’t just an idea anymore. The future is here. I hope you all have a wonderful autumn! Sincerely,
Janet Cummings
MEINEKE DEALERS
M
MDA Odd Region District Representatives Announced
eineke Dealers Association (MDA) is pleased to announce we have successfully completed voting for the odd region district representatives! Our newly appointed district representatives are:
REGION 1 · District 1: Lino Rodrigues · District 2: William Penza · District 3: David Visaggi · District 4: Brian Stein · District 5: Michael Borruso · District 6: Ronald Juliano · District 7: Joe LaManna REGION 3 · District 1: Bruce Fuscaldo · District 2: VACANT · District 3: Dave Repass · District 4: VACANT · District 5: Ben Ramsay · District 6: Mike Phillips · District 7: Bill Palmer · District 8: Cedric Newberry · District 9: Jay Caldwell
REGION 7 · District 1: Vikram Ray · District 2: Perry Kline · District 3: Julie Smylie · District 4: James Sloan · District 5: VACANT · District 6: David Epp · District 7: Mark Zimmerman · District 8: Daniel Gutierrez · District 9: Janet Cummings · District 10: Brendan Sullivan
Congratulations to you all!
REGION 5 · District 1: Mike Baden · District 2: Chuck Zanger · District 3: Doug Field · District 4: Marek Liptak · District 5: John Anthony · District 6: Stephen Everett · District 7: John Coffield · District 8: Barry Palmer
2023 ISSUE 3
Dealers’ DIGEST /// 3
MEMBER NEWS
Meineke Dealer Partners With Private Equity Firm
B
ryan Brown, Meineke dealer, is a multi-shop owner who owns 15 Meineke Car Care Centers across Kentucky and Indiana. Brown has been with Meineke since 1996 and has steadily worked over the past 27 years to build his company to what it is today. Recently, Brown made the decision to partner with a private equity firm and began transitioning ownership to Parc Auto, a division of Kian Capital — a goal that he has been working towards in recent years. “I got in touch with an investment banker, Prairie Capital, who began marketing my business to different investors. That’s how I found Kian. We’ve been courting each other for over a year,” he laughed. “They’re already in some automotive businesses I’m familiar with, like Eastwood, and I really like their energy, passion for the automotive industry and professionalism.” Though ownership is transitioning to Kian, Brown still maintains his position as CEO of Parc Auto. “Parc Auto is the foundation for big growth that we’re hoping to achieve in the next five years,” he said. “For now, I will remain CEO and continue doing my day-to-day like I have until they find a new CEO. At that time, I will transition to a new position at the board-level.” This acquisition by Kian makes Brown’s business the first private equity infused Meineke group in the brand’s history. When asked how it feels to be letting go of the reins on the business he built, Brown said, “It feels weird, but it feels good. I think Kian will be good stewards of my business.” He continued, “I’ve built a great team over the years, and they are retaining everyone in my group which is very important to me. Finishing the deal is a weight off my shoulders.” As far as Brown’s plans after leaving the position of CEO,
Brown and his wife Carla outside of one of their Meineke locations. Carla has played an important role in building Brown’s business since its inception.
he said, “I plan to continue working on my passion projects and restoring cars at my private shop. We hope to travel more and will stay busy with our grandkids!”
Dave Repass Honored for Support of Vietnam Veterans T
he Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1105 honored Dave and Jody Repass at its May meeting for their support of Vietnam veterans throughout their years as Meineke Car Care Centers owners. The Repasses own store No. 1954 in Lewes, Delaware, and yearly, they participate in the Veteran’s Day promotion of offering free oil changes to veterans. Since opening their center in 2011, Repass has worked every year to continuously expand and grow the event. The event has expanded to include other businesses in the community as well. “The expansion of the event started as a way to keep the veterans getting oil changes busy while they wait, since the line can get pretty long,” he commented. “One of my friends owns a local gym for example, so they come out and try to keep them entertained doing push up competitions and things like that.” 4 ///
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“Our employees have been a big part of making this event happen,” Repass added. “They put in the hard work and make the difference for these veterans. Without our team and our bond, we are nothing.” Other local businesses and nonprofits have since joined in, doing giveaways and setting up booths for veterans to peruse as they wait. As the relationship with local veterans grew stronger, Repass began supporting Vietnam veterans at their events, and it’s been almost 10 years of support that the Repasses have given to the local Vietnam veterans chapter. “One day, one of the guys came in and said, ‘We need to honor you back!’, and that’s where the award came from,” he said. “They made a big deal about it, and I appreciate them for giving me this honor.”
MEMBER NEWS
Seasoned Dealers Host New Meineke Franchisees for Meineke University
P
ete Robinson, owner of shop No. 2056 in Denver, North Carolina, has taken part in hosting new dealers at his shop for many years in a program called “Meineke University.” Seasoned dealers from across the brand welcome new dealers to their shops throughout the year, so they can see how a well-run shop works in action. Robinson has been with Meineke Car Care Centers for just over 25 years, and initially, he managed a corporate shop in Concord, North Carolina. He spent a lot of time with Meineke dealers, Meineke Corp. and trainers at the training center in his area, and over the years, Robinson was able to hone his skills and became well-versed in the operations of a Meineke shop. In the years since opening his own shop, Robinson has been a regular stop for new dealers in Meineke University. Robinson commented, “There’s a lot to learn when you start a business. Many of the new dealers I meet have questions about staffing, payroll and benefits, but there’s also a lot of technical aspects to learn.”
“They want to see AutoVitals in action and see all of the equipment we use, too,” he said. “It helps to see everything in a real-world setting because it gives you a better idea of how things will run in your own shop.” He continued, “I try to instill the idea that you need to look at everything through the customer’s eyes. Keep your Pete Robinson has shop neat and make sure employees look been with Meineke presentable and act professionally, and for over 25 years and you will bring people in and keep them is well-versed in the coming.” operations of Meineke Robinson enjoys hosting new dealers centers. and sharing his knowledge. “The best way to learn is by interacting with others,” he said. “If anyone needs guidance or has questions, please reach out to me because I’m always happy to help!”
From Amazon to Driven Brands: Double Iron LLC Continues to Grow
M
ike Keeley and his partner Jennifer Runyon of Double Iron LLC are rapidly expanding the portfolio of brands they own to suit their business’ needs. Their work began when they entered the Amazon Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program, where their fleet has grown to 60 vehicles. Now, they are working to diversify their business and looking to Driven Brands as they grow. “We are very heavy users on the other side of vehicle repairs,” Keeley commented. “Since we have a large fleet of vehicles on the road that are constantly treated harshly, with 200-300 stops a day, we are intimately aware of importance of careful and timely auto care.” “It just so happened that Driven Brands attended an Amazon DSP conference a few years back with the intent of looking for any owners interested in making the jump to the repairs side,” he said. “We were already experienced business owners, so after going through the vetting process on both sides, we realized it was a good match.” At first, Keeley planned to open just one shop. After some discussion with Meineke, it was clear that Double Iron had a good opportunity to develop a territory along the Eastern coast of Delaware-Maryland, and they ended up signing a multi-unit agreement in 2021. With their first Meineke opening in Salisbury, Maryland, earlier this year, they are looking to open their second shop open in Smyrna, Delaware, by the end of the year. On top of this, Double Iron is looking into opening a Maco
The Double Iron LLC team celebrated the opening of their first Meineke shop, No. 2933 in Salisbury, Maryland, earlier this year.
location in this same region as well. “Driven Brands has been very supportive throughout this process. There haven’t been any obstacles in our way, so it made sense for us to look into different brands under the Driven Brands umbrella,” Keeley finished. “We’re excited to see what else is in store!” 2023 ISSUE 3
Dealers’ DIGEST /// 5
DEALER’S TIP
Janet Cummings M COMPANY NAME: Kenex Corp. NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: One, Shop No. 126 BASED OUT OF: Webster, Texas
In every issue of Dealers’ Digest, we are highlighting a business-related tip from a dealer to share with Meineke Dealers Association (MDA) membership.
y advice for Meineke dealers is to staff for success. We learned the hard way that if you don’t have enough employees, you will never be able to get past a certain level of operations. It will cost you in the beginning because your productive payroll percentage will be too high, but with an adequate number of employees, that percentage will come down as your sales go up. Plus, it is important to be able to give your employees a day off other than Sunday. You keep employees when you can improve their quality of life!
Meineke Dealers Association Scholarships: Thank You
S
ince 2007, Meineke Dealers Association (MDA) has awarded 129 scholarships, totaling over $120,000. These scholarships are awarded to assist members, members’ employees or dependent children of members or members’ employees who plan to continue their education in college. The following recipients wrote to MDA to express their gratitude for the award. DEAR MEINEKE DEALERS ASSOCIATION,
DEAR MEINEKE DEALERS ASSOCIATION,
I am writing you this email to thank you for the Meineke Dealers Association Scholarship Award. I am very honored to be a recipient of this award. The funding will help me focus on my studies completely as it will eliminate some of the financial burden of going to college. I have recently graduated high school and have already been accepted into Hawkeye Community College. I plan to pursue a degree in Hospitality Management. After I finish college, my goal is to become an event planner or activities director in a Senior Living home. With this type of job, I would plan engaging events and activities for the residents to look forward to in the senior living homes. Thank you once again. I really appreciate the scholarship award. Sincerely, Emma Loeffelholz
Thank you for choosing me for the Meineke Dealers Association scholarship. This is such a privilege and will help with my expenses at Virginia Tech. My area of study is civil and environmental engineering. I am excited about my journey ahead, and this scholarship will help me greatly! Thank you again!
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Sincerely, Jasmine Barbour-Bassett
FRANCHISEE SPOTLIGHT
Bryan Brown COMPANY NAME: PARC Auto NUMBER OF STORES: 15 STATES YOUR STORES OPERATE IN: Indiana & Kentucky
What inspired you to become a Meineke Dealer? Have you been a franchisee before with other brands? I was an operations manager for Meineke Corp. for almost two years. In your opinion, what stands out about the Meineke brand? Trust, transparency and nationwide warranty. What are some goals you have for your business in the short and long-term? I just partnered with private equity, so my 30-year goal is fulfilled. Describe your best recent business decision. Partnering with a private equity firm. What do you feel is the biggest challenge currently facing franchisees? Keeping up with technology and the shortage of new technicians coming into the industry. What is the biggest industry change that you have seen since you started? The conversion to stainless steel exhaust systems as original equipment. Tell us a little bit about your family. Carla and I have three grown children that we are very proud of and five grand kiddos. They are the best! What is your favorite make and model of car? 1970 Chevy Chevelle! Of all my collection, this is the ONE!
2023 ISSUE 3
Dealers’ DIGEST /// 7
A S S O C I AT E M E M B E R L I S T I N G
Support The Vendors That Support Your Association COMPANY
LEVEL
CONTACT
PHONE
Elevanta Health
Partner
Caroline McShane
memberservices@elevanta.com
678-797-5160
Green Dot Corp./rapid!
Partner
Edward Cole
scole@greendotcorp.com
813-340-3276
Hall Financial Advisors
Partner
Kevin Knab
kknab@hallfa.com
866-865-4442
Lockton Affinity Mize CPAs Inc., providing Elevanta Payroll and Accounting Services 1-800-Radiator
Partner
Reid Robson
elevanta@locktonaffinity.com
844-403-4947
Partner
Martie Rison
mrison@mizecpas.com
800-234-5573
Gold
Braden Poole
bpoole@1800radiator.com
707-205-4441
Atmosphere
Silver
Lauren Sumnicht
lauren.sumnicht@atmosphere.tv
512-528-3225
AutoZone
Silver
Lisa Kellett
lisa.kellett@autozone.com
423-716-3522
RelaDyne
Silver
Phil Marino
philip.marino@reladyne.com
859-905-9295
The GROUP
Silver
Mike Peace
mike.peace@theprontonetwork.com
713-398-4314
Transtar Industries
Silver
Mike Melaragno
mmelaragno@transtar1.com
440-201-8252
American Tire Distributors (ATD)
Bronze
Charlie Lowe
clowe@atd-us.com
901-484-1555
Budderfly
Bronze
Mike Leatherwood
mike.leatherwood@budderfly.com
786-442-5065
Chevron Products Co.
Bronze
Steve Collins
collins.steve@chevron.com
804-398-0563
Factory Motor Parts
Bronze
Jim Hart
jim.hart@fmpco.com
952-649-0354
O’Reilly Auto Parts
Bronze
Jeff Gillis
jgillis2@oreillyauto.com
205-568-1153
UpSwell Marketing
Bronze
Jason Forrestor
jforrester@upswellmarketing.com
770‑892‑6745
1st Mile
Assoc. Mbr. Max Williams
max.williams@1stmile.com
425-753-4482
360 Payments
Assoc. Mbr. Taylin Heinlin
theinlen@360payments.com
650-684-8843
ADP
Assoc. Mbr. Nataly Cano-Lopez
nataly.canolopez@adp.com
305-333-7807
Advance Auto Parts
Assoc. Mbr. Pete Masini
pete.masini@advance-auto.com
708-714-7561
American First Finance
Assoc. Mbr. Greg Bogacz
gbogacz@americanfirstfinance.com
224-209-6939
AutoVitals
Assoc. Mbr. Chris Evans
chris.evans@autovitalsinc.com
678-823-1848
Bank of America
Assoc. Mbr. Joel McAndrew
joel.mcandrew@bofa.com
614-254-3650
BlackHawk Network
Assoc. Mbr. Wendy Fisher
wendy.fisher@bhnetwork.com
614-715-7046
chatter by Stingray
Assoc. Mbr. William Folsom
wfolsom@stingray.com
386-208-9109
Clean Space Project
Assoc. Mbr. Chuck Holcomb
chuck@cleanspaceproject.com
303-579-2035
EasyPay Finance
Assoc. Mbr. Elise Stec
elise.stec@easypayfinance.com
858-264-5970
Leasecake Inc.
Assoc. Mbr. Justin Padilla
justin@leasecake.com
404-771-0893
Liftify
Assoc. Mbr. Zach Garrett
zach@liftify.com
463-209-9961
Live Oak Bank
Assoc. Mbr. Meghan Johnston
meghan.johnston@liveoak.bank
910-638-8419
LSI Corp.
Assoc. Mbr. Joanna Ducker
joanna.ducker@lsicorp.com
513-372-3110
Madison Brothers Consulting Group Inc.
Assoc. Mbr. Nicole M. Durio
nicole.durio@madisonbrothers.com
832-264-8668
Pacific Accounting and Payroll Services
Assoc. Mbr. John Bugh
john.bugh@pacificabs.com
214-435-1092
Paycor
Assoc. Mbr. Andrew Cole
acole@paycor.com
513-640-1905
Service Champ
Assoc. Mbr. Jeff Smith
jeff.smith@servicechamp.com
800-221-0216
Solera
Assoc. Mbr. Stephanie Gromacki stephanie.gromacki@autopoint.com
262-391-7443
Snap-on Total Shop Solutions
Assoc. Mbr. Christopher Meuth
christopher.meuth@snapon.com
512-635-9378
Source 4
Assoc. Mbr. Danny Siadak
danny.siadak@source4.com
704-309-2207
Synchrony Bank
Assoc. Mbr. Jerry Powers
jerry.powers@syf.com
937-657-4596
TekMetric
Assoc. Mbr. Melissa Hubbard
mhubbard@tekmetric.com
832-810-3956
TSP Family Office
Assoc. Mbr. Dan Romance
dan.romance@tspfamilyoffice.com
772-646-6906
Vericast
Assoc. Mbr. Joanne Stewart
joanne.stewart@vericast.com
231-580-9101
Workstream
Assoc. Mbr. Skaught Parry
skaught@workstream.is
801-599-9919
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2023 ISSUE 3
ONE TOPIC 1 0 FAC T S
1
Ten Automotive Advancements to Revolutionize the Roads 6
In the near future, customers will be able to transport themselves to their local Meineke Car Care Center without touching the steering wheel. Statistics show that there will be a 17% increase in autonomous driving functions built into cars within the next 10 years.
Powering the cars of tomorrow is no easy feat. However, with regenerative braking, vehicles will have 60-70% energy efficiency. Regenerative braking is used in modern electric vehicles (EVs) by using the energy usually lost while braking to power the car’s battery.
2
7
3
8
4
9
5
10
Autonomous driving software needs impressive artificial intelligence (AI) to power it. The demand for AI in automobiles will significantly increase year-over-year at a 9.6% rate. Automobile manufacturers keep finding ways to connect their products to the consumer and other cars. By manufacturing vehicles with a built-in Internet connection, the sky is the limit to delivering information. It is predicted that 305 million connected cars will be traveling on the roads by 2035. Touch screens, as pesky as they are for mechanics to repair, are not going away anytime soon. Globally, 97% of cars manufactured have touch screens installed. Displaying information in cars may become a bit more complicated in coming years. Car manufacturers are currently investing in augmented reality (AR) with intent to suspend real time information on their surroundings. The automotive AR market is projected to reach $673 billion by 2025.
Speaking of EVs, technology and innovation are constantly developing in these vehicles to make them more accessible and efficient for the average consumer. By 2025, over 30% of new vehicles purchased worldwide will be electric. Increasing in popularity amongst environmentalists are hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). The number of these vehicles worldwide increased by 40% in 2022. You may need to retire your tire pump in the coming years. Airless tires are projected to hit the market in 5-10 years and could be three times as durable as a conventional tire.
With the volatility of the supply chain, 3D printing has evolved to be increasingly able to produce more types of car parts. A game changer to aftermarket repair shops, 3D printed parts are 40% lighter and 60% cheaper. *Note: This is a compilation of web articles strictly for engaging your thoughts.
Sources: 4Front Energy, AZO Materials, Bloomberg, Energy5, Mercedes-Benz, McKinsey & Co., Spyne, Statista, The Zebra 2023 ISSUE 3
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Spotlight on the 118th Congress:
Maria Salazar (R-FL-27) Q A
What skills or perspectives from your background do you apply as a public official?
Journalism prepared me for public service in several ways, but the stories I heard from my community and the attention to detail it required me to develop were the most important. The constituents I represent in Florida’s 27th District include many of the people I served in my 35 years as a journalist. As a war correspondent and Bureau Chief in Latin America, hearing the stories of those fleeing communism, socialism, persecution and violence helped me understand the importance of good and stable governments. Any good journalist is also trained to develop a keen attention to detail. Evaluating the rigor of any argument also prepared me for Capitol Hill – I like to know all angles of a story before making any major decision.
Q A
What do you see as the current biggest threat to small-business owners?
The biggest threat to small-business owners is the state of our economy. There is a partisan gap on the health of the U.S. economy, but the stories my constituents tell me paint a very clear picture. First, high inflation from reckless federal spending has caused an invisible tax raising business costs substantially. Second, credit has become harder to access as banks have had to tighten lending. And third, labor. We need hands to fill the jobs that are currently vacant. Lastly, from a regulatory standpoint, President Biden’s Small Business Administration (SBA) is supposed to consider economic costs on small businesses when it issues new regulations. However, these negative impacts have constantly been ignored. The nation needs an economic policy based on respect for small businesses and the taxpayer. We do not have that now. Over 90% of my district’s businesses employ less than 10 people – how are they going to grow when a large population of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck?
Q A
What challenges have you helped small businesses in your district overcome?
While small businesses suffered greatly during the pandemic, my office was ready to introduce legislation to help them on day one. As a member of the Small Business Committee, I worked closely with my colleagues to extend the Paycheck Protection Program, a critical lifeline to small businesses at the height of the closures. My first bill that was signed into law provided small businesses with relief on their COVID-19 Economic Impact Disaster Loans, another line of support when many Miami mom-and-pop shops needed it the most. I also led the charge to reopen the cruise industry in 2021, which at the time was the only industry in America being told by
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the federal government that it could not operate. Cruise ships are supplied by small businesses and directly connected to the restaurant, tourism and hospitality industries. Thousands of jobs returned to Miami when I was successfully able to convince the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to let cruise ships sail again, under new safety guidelines.
Q
A
In what ways are you seeking feedback from small businesses in your state/district and using that information in Washington, D.C.?
My district office is one of the best in the country. My staff are constantly looking for feedback from my constituents on how I can better serve them in Congress. I love meeting with business owners in my district to hear what’s going on and how I can be helpful. My office also works with the Small Business Administration to hold events in Miami, including one to connect Miami small businesses with the SBA’s nonpartisan Office of Advocacy. I firmly believe that the federal government should be a client of the private sector – my office ensures we’re here for our constituents, not the other way around.
Q A
What seat do you believe franchisees have at the table and what do you do to support them?
Franchisees are a critical part of Miami’s economy, and my office’s doors are open to any franchisee who needs support. My colleagues on the Small Business Committee and I are always ready to listen to the issues and address the challenges they face. More specifically, I recently supported a letter with some of my House colleagues to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan that provides a few suggestions on how the FTC can strengthen the Franchise Rule. These suggestions include greater transparency in franchise terms and conditions, modernizing franchise disclosures and encouraging dialogue through the promotion of independent franchisee associations and advisory councils.
Q A
What message do you have for small-business owners struggling with supply chain issues, inflation, staffing and other prevalent issues of today?
Help is on the way. I have the only bill in Congress that will address our nationwide labor shortage: HR 3599, the Dignity Act. This is a historic, bipartisan immigration reform bill. It secures our border, provides a practical solution for the undocumented and restores America’s economy. Although this is an immigration reform bill, it will solve our workforce shortage issues on day one and ensure we have a labor force for the future. This bill has strong support from business leaders, the agricultural sector, the faith community, economists and immigration reform groups. You can find more information about this bill here: https://salazar.house.gov/dignity-act.
LOOK
LISTEN READ
L
ook, Listen, Read is a quarterly compilation of some of the most highly rated and reviewed apps, podcasts, books, websites and other resources. MDA does not support or endorse the use of these tools, which merely serve as a guide to exploring a new level of knowledge and productivity for your business.
1
In Shelly Sun’s “Grow Smart, Risk Less: A Low-Capital Path to Multiplying Your Business Through Franchising,” she shares practical advice, insights and her own compelling experiences to help readers discover their power and avoid the pitfalls in franchising their businesses.
2
Jolt is a franchise management system for franchisees in any industry. It is an entire operations suite with consistent forms, intelligent checklists, integrated probes and sensors, automated reporting, food safety label printers and more — all seamlessly integrated & organized together.
3
In Jeff Dudan’s “On the Homefront” podcast, Dudan aims to inspire and empower individuals to transform their lives, make a positive impact in their communities and enhance the well-being of those they cherish most through responsible franchising and entrepreneurship.
4
Marketing 360 helps manage and grow small businesses. Not only do you get the tools you need to scale, but you also get the do-it-for-you marketing programs you need to grow.
5
Peter Daly-Dickson and Andrew Priestley gather successful international franchisors and franchising experts for their book “Franchising Freedom” to candidly share their current, best-thinking strategies and insights for finding the right franchise to start building and growing a sustainable, profitable franchise business.
6
“FranchiseU!” provides education and inspiration to those in or considering careers within franchising. This podcast is produced by Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville and hosted by Dr. Kathy Gosser. The Center’s vision is to empower communities to create and sustain generational wealth using the franchising business model.
7
Whether you are considering getting into a franchise or have made the commitment, “Franchising Demystified” by Wayne Maillet provides you with a deep understanding of the franchisee-franchisor relationship. This definitive franchise handbook provides you with the tools to effectively assess the right franchise opportunity for you and then maximize the return on your investment.
8
The FranConnect app is a platform that provides all your departments — including sales, operations, finance, support and marketing — a single, shared view of your franchise business. FranConnect has solutions for every stage of your franchise growth.
9
In Chris Wilson and Boynton Weekes’ “Winning Franchise,” they dive into the world of franchising and share the secrets to selecting a successful franchise. The two discuss the latest trends and developments in franchising, share success stories and lessons learned and provide practical advice and tips for navigating the complex and competitive world of franchising.
10
Are you looking for an integrated franchise platform to grow your franchise that has multiple tools to manage your franchise? With the BrandWide app, you can consolidate all your tools into one platform. BrandWide helps you grow your brand and make your units successful by providing everything you need in one integrated franchise software system. 2023 ISSUE 3
Dealers’ DIGEST /// 11
Mike Baden has been interested in expanding to EV maintenance since he got his own Tesla in recent years.
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lectric and hybrid vehicles (EV) have made waves in recent years, sparking a movement toward greater accessibility to owning an EV. We’re not just talking about Tesla; in 2023, most automakers are producing electric vehicles, and you probably aren’t even aware of the number of EVs you see on the road every day. When electric vehicles really took off in popularity with the introduction of the Prius in the late 90s to early 2000s, many assumed this was just a trend — a blip in the automotive industry. We know now that isn’t the case. As demand and popularity of EVs grow, the automotive maintenance industry must work to adapt. Mike Baden, Meineke dealer in Indian Land, South Carolina, and owner of shop No. 2197, saw a need in his area and capitalized on it. This September, Baden opened the first Meineke Car Care Center in the U.S. with the capability to service electric vehicles beyond simple services like changing air filters or wipers. Meineke Corp. has fully supported this venture, calling the experimental new arm of the brand MeinekEV.
“As soon as I got my own Tesla, the first thing I did was take it to the shop and take it apart to figure out how it all works.”
U.S.,” Baden said. “It’s the most incredible automotive facility I’ve seen in my life, and I’ve trained at Audi, Ferrari, Bentley and so on. This blew all of that out of the water.” To Baden’s surprise, most people in class with him at Weber were engineers. “In my class of 28, only three of us were mechanics,” he commented. “The rest were engineers from all over the country and even an engineer from Poland. This training is so by ALLISON MCCALLUM state-of-the-art that it’s known across the world. I was amazed at everything I saw and learned.” With the first step of this venture — training — completed, Continued on page 14
MARKETING NEED A BOOST?
– Mike Baden
Ultimately, Baden’s passion for EVs is what got this idea off the ground. “I’m big into changing the future,” he commented. “I have a Tesla and have been following Elon Musk for probably 20 years, and I got to see one of his first electric vehicles. I knew EVs would be a game changer.” He continued, “As soon as I got my own Tesla, the first thing I did was take it to the shop and take it apart to figure out how it all works.” Now, Baden has completed formal training in EV maintenance at Weber State University in Utah. On top of a week of hands-on training at their campus in Utah, Baden completed the required 80-hours of online courses prior to the “Electric Vehicle Bootcamp.” “Weber State University is the only place of its kind in the
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MeinekEV
Continued from page 13
Baden is now looking at adapting his current shop to service EVs, including some new technology and even an updated marquee that reads “MeinekEV.” And that’s just the beginning. One of his younger technicians is currently completing phase one of Weber’s training, and Baden is slowly working to soft launch his shop’s EV services. Beginning in September, Baden has worked to target homes in his area with electric vehicles and promote his shop as their new service provider. As the shop gains traction, he hopes to open a standalone location in the future. Until then, he’s working to find more technicians willing to learn how to service electric vehicles. “Everybody’s afraid of change, right? No one wants to do it,” Baden said. "Most seasoned mechanics aren’t moving toward this work, so I’m looking for people who are interested in the overlap of automotives and computers. There’s less out there than you’d think.” He continued, “I think a lot of traditional mechanics will move toward this type of work as time goes on. Right now, most of them are thinking electric vehicles are just a trend, and they don’t need to adapt. Once they see the younger guys down the street making six figures, I think they’ll be more open to the change.” Whether the automotive industry is ready or not, big changes are already here. Drivers in the U.S. are slated to purchase one million electric and hybrid vehicles in 2023, bringing the total number of EVs on the road to about 8%, according to Electrek. The demand for these vehicles is growing faster than most had even predicted. There’s more than just Teslas on the EV market, too.
Shop 2197’s updated marquee that now includes “MeinekEV.” 14 ///
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Shop No. 2197 is now equipped for both electric vehicle and traditional automotive maintenance. According to Forbes, Tesla’s market saturation in the U.S. has decreased 15% since 2020, now at 65% of electric vehicles on the road. “Most people don’t even realize that the Hyundai or Kia next to them on the road is electric,” he commented. “Everyone assumes it’s just Tesla producing EVs, but it’s much bigger than that one manufacturer.” Baden is ready to embrace the change and lead the industry into the next big thing. This new era of MeinekEV will propel Meineke forward as the first mainstream car repair chain that’s officially expanded to include work on electric vehicles. “I’ve been bugging Meineke Corp. about getting this started for two years,” he laughed. “I’m so excited that Meineke is going to be the trailblazer for this new era of automotive maintenance.” Baden continued, “Whether corporate was going to jump on the idea or not, I knew I wanted to move forward with this in my own shop. My area has a lot of EVs, so it makes sense for my business. I think as the popularity of electric vehicles continues to grow, more dealers in the chain will get their shops EV certified, meaning they can at least do basic services at their center.” When asked how he feels about being the pioneer in this new venture, Baden said, “LET’S GO! I’ve been ready to launch this since I got my own Tesla.” He finished, “When you’re the leader in the industry, it may not be perfect the first time, but at least people will see you doing it and follow suit.” With the much-anticipated launch of MeinekEV underway, Baden is ready to see what’s next for his shop and the Meineke brand as a whole! ALLISON MCCALLUM is the communications editor for MDA. You may reach McCallum at allisonm@elevanta.com or call 678-797-5165.
MDA COMMITTEE REPORTS
Technology Committee August Report
T
he Meineke Dealers Association (MDA) Technology Committee met in August with Meineke Car Care Center President Rob Fillman and corporate representatives Jeremy McGowen, John Price, Weston Burroughs, David Hooks and Christine Mulder from Driven Brands. The committee discussed Tekmetric providing more reports in PDF format. Paul Hammond indicated a Parts Purchased report in PDF format was the most urgent need. Developing an integration between the Full Slate calendar and
Tekmetric calendar is being explored to give users more of a “one box” experience. There currently are a number of centers testing a scan tool from Repairify, an AsTech company. More to come as the committee explores the potential of this partnership. Qlick/Rally Point data accuracy has been an ongoing issue, and a new build is being tested to improve performance. Mike Baden attended EV training in Utah as his shop continues its piloting of an EV service center.
Fleet Committee September Report MEINEKE FLEET PERFORMANCE The following information was shared by the Fleet Committee in their September report. YTD FLEET PERFORMANCE THRU P8
TOP MEINEKE FLEET CENTERS YTD
TOP CUSTOMERS YTD
* Shop numbers have ben redacted for privacy.
NATIONAL FLEET INITIATIVES
To view more and past reports, you can login to the MDA website. 2023 ISSUE 3
Dealers’ DIGEST /// 15
TODAY’S AFTERMARKET REPAIR
Embrace Innovation or Be Left in the Dust
M
odern mechanics are turning in their hand tools for tablets as innovations are constantly speeding their way through the automobile industry. However, for seasoned grease monkeys, keeping up may be a bumpy road. Even though the model of a traditional automobile has not varied too much from its inception with the Model T invented by Henry Ford in 1908, today’s cars are strapped with advanced software and technology to reduce energy consumption, increase durability, present more real time information to the driver and more. However, when these advancements hit the aftermarket and need a fix, their repairs become more complex as they require updated diagnostic equipment and additional electrical training that some mechanics lack. “Within the last ten years, cars have advanced beyond what I have ever seen,” Chuck Zanger, Meineke Car Care Centers dealer based out of Woodstock, Georgia, said. “It’s not just turning wrenches anymore. Cars have started to look more like computers.” 16 ///
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The cause for repair in shops is not just simple part replacements and tune-ups. Mechanics are replacing and repairing interactive displays and computers that communicate to other parts of the vehicle. While screens are reliable and require minimal repairs in comparison to other parts of the vehicle, more issues may arise as the hardware by JARED JOHNSEN ages in the vehicle. “I think the biggest learning curve for my mechanics has been the electrical repairs and working on the screens,” Zanger said. “Some of my younger staff pick it up faster, but my seasoned staff can have a hard time.” The inability to diagnose or make repairs requiring specialized equipment results in Zanger having to send the car to a local dealership and lose that business for himself. To keep his staff knowledgeable on the newest information in aftermarket repair, Zanger regularly sends his staff to local
“It’s not just turning wrenches anymore. Cars have started to look more like computers.” – Chuck Zanger
Woodstock, Georgia, based dealer, Chuck Zanger, captures his senior technician teaching the next generation of auto repair techs.
training workshops and provides them with computer-based training to sharpen their skills. Zanger’s staff ranges from the expert mechanic to an apprentice learning the trade, and they all receive routine learning material. “If I know a workshop is in the area, and it is free to register, I will send some of my mechanics,” Zanger said. “It is important that they know the importance of continued learning, so they can keep up with all the new bells and whistles being installed into cars.” Not only have repairs rapidly become more complicated in the last decade, but the tools to do them have followed suit. The problem with purchasing new equipment today is that rapid advancement can make the tools obsolete in a short amount of time. This technology is not cheap. Some of the newest diagnostic equipment can cost upwards of $10,000, and dealers can spend generously beyond that per year buying and maintaining new tools. With electric vehicles on the rise, New Hampshire based Meineke Car Care Centers dealer, Greg Masewic, says that these vehicles, along with other modern cars, need additional specialized equipment to diagnose and make repairs.
In Masewic’s eyes, he expects the aftermarket repair market to evolve with more electronic testing and diagnostic equipment. “New cars are able to give you more information than they ever have before,” Masewic said. “We are able to pinpoint exact issues a lot easier, and the technology is only getting better.” He also feels that a solution to making advanced aftermarket repairs is to push trade school onto young people in hopes there is an influx of skilled workers. “Trades have always struggled to find skilled labor,” Masewic said. “Being a mechanic is a good job! It is just a struggle to tell people that.” For Zanger, he hopes for more collaboration between repair shops and car manufacturers. From there, he hopes they can provide specialized training for the updated technology in the vehicles. He also expressed the need for universal parts to be manufactured into new vehicles — parts that can be used among all makes, models and years of all vehicles. “With universal parts, I would not have to buy specialized tools, which can get really costly,” Zanger said. To repair shops, the cars of tomorrow look a lot like the newer models we have today. However, Meineke Car Care Centers dealers have two choices to meet the aftermarket demand: embrace innovation or be left in the dust.
JARED JOHNSEN is the communications specialist for MDA. You may reach Johnsen at 678-439-2291 or jaredj@elevanta.com.
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“New cars are able to give you more information than they ever have before. We are able to pinpoint exact issues a lot easier, and the technology is only getting better.” – Greg Masewic, New Hampshire based Meineke Car Care Centers dealer
Even though repairing the cars of today is a learning curve for even the sharpest of repairmen, Masewic is thankful for the lag automotive technological advances have before they hit the automotive repair market. This delay is due to new car warranties, along with the modern vehicle’s increased reliability, and gives Masewic the chance to brush up his staff on what is yet to come. “Getting my staff trained up before the aftermarket sees these changes is crucial,” Masewic said. “When we see these new cars roll in, I want them to at least have an idea of what they are looking at.”’
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Storytelling As a Leadership Tool
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I
f you have read some earlier articles of mine, you know that I am an advocate of using stories to perpetuate the culture of your organization. The advice to make use of storytelling has been buried in the previous articles, and I feel that the subject merits its own discussion. In communicating a point of view, a principle or a value, there are few techniques by DENNIS AND more powerful than a well-told story. A DANNY SNOW story provides a "mind picture" for the listener and gives color to an otherwise abstract concept. As a leader, for example, I could advise new supervisors to "treat employees with respect." No one could argue with such a suggestion. The following story, however, gives meaning to the principle. I've used this story hundreds of times because it happened to me (in 1982), had an impact on my leadership style, and others have told me that the story has an impact on them. I had recently been promoted to my first management position at Walt Disney World: Supervisor of Fantasyland (my all-time favorite job title). I was preparing to give my first "verbal reprimand" to an employee, and I was actually excited about it. Finally, I was giving a reprimand instead of getting a reprimand. I was mentally rehearsing what I was going to say to this cast member regarding his poor attendance. It was going to be a verbal bombardment designed to get him to beg forgiveness and to be ashamed of his irresponsibility. Moments before the cast member was to arrive at my office, my boss, a wonderful leader named Bruce Fox, sat down in the chair across from me. He looked at me and said something that I have never forgotten. He said, "Dennis, no matter what you have to do as a leader, whether you have to reprimand someone or even fire someone, when he walks out of the door, you make sure he walks out with his dignity." Bruce's words not only changed how I handled that situation, but how I've tried to conduct myself as a leader ever since.
Stories allow people to peak behind the curtain of things that have happened to you as a leader, to the company and to others in the organization. Admittedly, telling the above story takes longer than saying, "treat employees with respect," but I think the point is much more vivid. Stories allow people to peak behind the curtain of things that have happened to you as a leader, to the company and to others in the organization. Another example comes from Southwest Airlines. "Don't take yourself too seriously! Have some fun!" Hundreds of organizations say the same thing. Southwest Airlines, however, has a story that they share that demonstrates commitment to fun from the very top of the organization. The airline was in a legal battle with another company regarding the rights to a marketing slogan. Southwest
CEO Herb Kelleher and the CEO of the other company decided to settle the matter by holding an arm-wrestling match dubbed, "Malice in Dallas." The event had all the trappings of a WWE wrestling match, complete with trash talking, cheating and hoopla. The winner would get the rights to the slogan, and the loser would donate $15,000 to charity. Everyone had a lot of fun, charities received $15,000, and it was agreed that both companies could use the marketing slogan. Kelleher was carried out of the event on a stretcher complaining that he had lost because he had earlier hurt his arm trying to save a little girl from being hit by a bus, had overexerted himself walking up a flight of stairs and had a case of athlete’s foot. This is a CEO that believes in not taking himself too seriously! Southwest loves to tell that story. As a leader, you can use stories in just about any situation. Here are three very appropriate opportunities for using stories: Celebration/Recognition – How many times have we heard a leader say, "The whole team came together on this one. Congratulations to everyone!"? Well, that's nice, but so what? I'd like to hear some stories about how the team came together and how they overcame the challenges thrown their way. And maybe some inside stories from team members. I'm much more likely to be engaged in the celebration when there is some real emotion involved. Let's hear the story! Change/Challenges – The business landscape changes faster than most of us can keep up with. All of these changes cause frustration and skepticism regarding the flood of new initiatives that keep coming down the pike. While stories don't eliminate frustrations, stories can help illuminate the reason the change is Continued on page 20
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Storytelling
Continued from page 19
happening. Using a specific customer experience to illustrate the need for change can help employees picture what is happening and, more importantly, what needs to happen. Training – We have all sat through boring training classes in which an instructor or leader recites a bunch of policies and procedures. Our eyes glass over and while we've "been told," we don't really understand. Stories of employees doing an exceptional job and stories of the results of exceptional work bring the training to life.
Sometimes a story takes on a life of its own. Sometimes a story becomes part of the folklore of the organization.
We all have thousands of experiences that can provide the foundation for stories that help perpetuate an idea, concept or culture. You simply have to think about those things that have had an impact on you, a customer or an employee. Am I saying that it
is important for you to become a good storyteller? Yes. However, good storytellers were poor storytellers first. Good storytellers got to be good by telling stories. That's really the only way to get good at it. I can tell you that a good story for business has three components: the setup, the story itself and the point. The setup tells the listener why you are telling the story. The setup doesn't give away the ending, but it lets the listener know that the story is about having fun or the importance of providing good service, etc. The story itself is exactly that, and it will get better each time you tell it. The point tells the listener about the lesson the story illustrates. The reprimand story noted earlier, for example, provides the foundation for a discussion on methods for maintaining the dignity of an employee while taking corrective action. It is very satisfying to hear a story that you have told repeated by others. The re-telling may bear little resemblance to the original, but that's okay. Sometimes a story takes on a life of its own. Sometimes a story becomes part of the folklore of the organization. That's how cultures are perpetuated, and that is the point. DENNIS SNOW is a business author, speaker and consultant who helps organizations develop worldclass customer service. He is the author of two books, “Lessons From the Mouse: A Guide for Applying Disney World’s Secrets of Success to Your Organization, Your Career, and Your Life” (Snow & Associates), and “Unleashing Excellence: The Complete Guide to Ultimate Customer Service” (Wiley). Dennis can be reached at www.snowassociates.com, or at 407-294-1855.
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OE Recycled Transmissions: A New Choice for Your Cost-Conscious Customers
A
s part of its mission to help simplify complex vehicle repair, Transtar Industries has partnered with a nationwide network of Original Equipment (OE) Recyclers to provide a lower-cost alternative for high-quality OE recycled transmissions and transfer cases. From searching for parts to shipment tracking and warranties, this new partnership makes sourcing and purchasing OE recycled transmissions easier than ever. OE recycled transmissions are a great option for cost-conscious consumers. A simplified pricing structure, which grades parts based on mileage and part condition, makes it easy for shops to select the parts — and price range — they need. SIMPLIFIED PRICING Grade A units are considered “great condition” with less than 60,000 total miles. Grade B units are considered “good condition” with 60,001–200,000 total miles. This simple and straightforward approach to part grading eliminates guesswork and helps ensure shops get the right OE recycled part every time. SIMPLIFIED ORDERING Placing an order has also been simplified so shops can find, source, compare and manage their orders through one tool: www.Transend.us. To place an order, simply create a free account. You can then easily filter an “OE recycled unit” search to fit the needs of the job. These filters include automatic, manual and recycled OE. On www.Transend.us, you can check inventory on units and even see expected delivery times. It also lets users track orders placed, check shipping estimates and see warranty options. When considering an order, keep in mind that every automatic unit comes with the original torque converter. And pricing includes the freight cost for added convenience.
SIMPLIFIED SHIPPING With over 700 OE recyclers locations across North America, orders are always shipped quickly and efficiently directly to your shop. Each part is cleaned, drained and shrink-wrapped on a pallet for shipping. This direct-to-you shipping method helps ensure orders are fulfilled quickly, without extra shipping or handling costs or extended shipping times. SIMPLIFIED WARRANTY & RETURN Every unit sold is backed by a 90-day warranty, another process improved for customers’ replacements or returns. There is also an upgraded one-year, parts-only warranty available at 15% of the part price. These warranties offer no-hassle returns, making it easier to replace parts when needed. Should you need to return a unit, there’s an uninstalled, no-hassle return process where all you pay is the freight cost. And should you receive the wrong part or need to use your warranty, all return costs will be covered by Transtar with no additional costs to you. Transtar is committed to simplifying complex vehicle repair to keep the world moving. By simplifying the process for searching, ordering, shipping and returning parts, they’re making it easier than ever to order OE recycled transmissions and transfer cases at a price point and timeline that works for your business. Transtar is a Silver partner member of the Meineke Dealers Association. To find out more about Transtar’s new OE Recycled transmission program or to open your free account, visit www.Transend. us and tap the ‘sign up’ link or contact your local Transtar sales rep at (833) 363-1938. 2023 ISSUE 3
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Elements of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Series
Element No. 2:
Purpose, Path and Plan W
hy do you want to start a particular business? (Purpose) What is the approach you are going to stay on to make the business successful? (Path) What are you actually going to do by certain dates to make progress on your path? (Plan) Essentially, that’s it. No matter how big or small your business enterprise is or becomes, these are the three primary questions to focus on.
Purpose
Let’s be honest. Being an entrepreneur is hard. It’s hard mentally, physically, socially, financially and emotionally. Many times, you may very well wonder why it’s worth it, and you may 22 ///
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come very close to giving up on your venture. What will keep you going? Your purpose, your reason why you wanted to be in business on your own to start with. Your purpose helps you to maintain the resilience and courage necessary to keep going when your best customers walk away from you, when a great employee leaves your business by DAN COUGHLIN and when you are dealing with significant personal challenges. Take time, lots of time, to clarify the reason why you want to start your own business. This is the crucial first step.
For me, my purpose is very simple. I wanted to start my own business back in January of 1998 because I wanted to help people achieve whatever they wanted to achieve. I’ve always gotten an enormous kick out of being a helper, a guide, a teacher and an advisor for other people and watching them achieve something that is meaningful to them. During the darkest days of The Great Recession from 2008–2010, I was able to keep going despite very few business opportunities because, at the end of the day, I wanted the chance to help other people achieve their goals. Why do you want to own your own business? Please do not rush through that question. Write your answer down over and over and over until it is either meaningful enough to you to keep you going through the bad times, or you realize that it is not strong enough to start your own business.
Your purpose helps you to maintain the resilience and courage necessary to keep going when your best customers walk away from you, when a great employee leaves your business and when you are dealing with significant personal challenges.
Conclusion
These three ideas (purpose, path and plan) are each very important. The consistent interweaving of these is what allows a business to gain momentum and to build a great brand, great operations and great customer relationships. However, as time moves on, you may realize that a different path would be more effective. You might possibly change your purpose. And as you change those two, you will have to adjust your plans. Just notice that changing your purpose or path is a very significant thing that is going to have significant ramifications. If you change them, then I encourage you to change them with the attitude that you are going to stick with the new purpose or new path for the long term. Companies with a weak compass constantly change their purpose and path and end up taking their organization on a wild roller-coaster ride that usually does not end well.
Since 1998, DAN COUGHLIN has worked with serious-minded leaders and executives to consistently deliver excellence. He provides Executive Coaching, Leadership and Executive Development Group Coaching Programs and seminars to improve leadership and management performance. His topics are personal effectiveness, interpersonal effectiveness, leadership, teamwork and management. He also guides strategic decision-making meetings. Now, he is also focused on helping people to develop their entrepreneurial mindset. Visit his free Business Performance Idea Center at www.thecoughlincompany.com.
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Path
While there are many different ways to fulfill your purpose, trying to go down multiple paths at the same time is a recipe for disaster. Let’s say a person’s purpose is to create meaningful and fun family and friend experiences. So, he opens an indoor pickleball arena. Well, now he must choose a path for his business. Is he going to focus on opening up as many pickleball locations as he possibly can over the next five years or is he going to focus on making the customer experience at his one location as great as he can make it by being personally involved in trying a variety of ideas in order to see what really sticks with customers? Either path will require a different usage of his time and energy. Either can be successful. What won’t be successful is trying to go down both paths simultaneously. Once you have a purpose, lay out what the path is going to look like for your business over the next several years. Once you know the path, then you can make decisions that fit on that path.
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Plan
A plan, to me, involves a calendar. It means writing down what you are going to do each day and each week and each month to make progress on your path. As you add things to your to-do list, ask yourself if that is the highest and best use of your time to move your business forward on the path you want to be on.
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Beginning Nov. 3, 2023 Along With This Change Is a New Alternative Procedure for E-Verify Employers’ Forms I-9 Completed During COVID-19 Flexibilities
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he U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently published the newest version of the Employment Eligibility Verification form, Form I-9. Employers are required by law to complete the Form I-9 to verify the identity and employment authorization of their employees within a certain period of time post-hire. This new version of the Form I-9 is only one page, instead of two. Other changes include more detailed instructions and new guidance on acceptable receipts and auto-extensions of some documents on the Form I-9 List of Acceptable Documents. Employers may begin using the new edition beginning Aug. 1, 2023, but may continue to use the 2019 version of the form through Oct. 31, 2023. Beginning Nov. 1, 2023, only the new Form I-9 dated “08/01/2023” may be used. The version date can be found at the lower left corner of the form. In addition to the new Form I-9, USCIS also announced a new “Alternative Procedure” for the physical inspection requirement for Forms I-9 completed during COVID-19 flexibilities, specifically for employers who were enrolled in E-Verify during this time period. As we previously reported, employers had until Aug. 30, 2023, to complete physical inspection of I-9 documents for Forms I-9 completed using remote inspection under the USCIS’ COVID-19 flexibilities. Under this new “Alternative Procedure” rule, E-Verify employers who meet four requirements may choose an alternative procedure in lieu of physically examining Form I-9 documentation. To qualify for
the alternative procedure, the employer must have: 1. performed remote examination of an employee’s documents between March 20, 2020, and July 31, 2023; 2. been enrolled in E-Verify at the time they completed the Form I-9 for that employee; 3. created a case in E-Verify for that employee (except for reverification); and 4. be currently enrolled in and continue to participate in E-Verify. Employers who do not meet all four requirements above must have performed an in-person physical examination of documents by Aug. 30, 2023. Under the Alternative Procedure, employers must have remotely examined the employee’s Form I-9 documents by conducting a live video interaction for each employee whose documents were examined remotely under the temporary flexibilities but never in-person physically examined. The Form I-9 must then have been annotated with the wording “alternative procedure,” the date of the second remote document examination and employer representative initials in Section 2 or in Section 3, as appropriate. These steps under the Alternative Procedure should have been completed by Aug. 30, 2023.
by EILEEN MOMBLANCO
EILEEN MOMBLANCO is the Chair of Immigration Practice Group at Laner Muchin Ltd. Momblanco can be reached at emomblanco@lanermuchin.com or (312) 467-9800. 2023 ISSUE 3
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Sharpening Your Tools: Six Reasons Why Mental Fitness Matters in the Workplace
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Dealers’ DIGEST
2023 ISSUE 3
“
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o survive, a man needs food, water and a sharp mind.”
– Louis Zamperini, Olympic runner and World War II veteran and POW
This isn’t just another article about honing your mental acuity, so you can boost your workplace productivity. There are plenty of those out there, and I’ve done one or two myself. No, this article is about by LAURA STACK the why, not the how. You may think the why is obvious, but is it? Most people only have a nebulous idea that mental fitness is a good thing — and, of course, they’re correct. But it’s important to know why it’s a good thing in detail, because this makes its value easier to pin down and focus on.
There are always the basic arguments for keeping your mind sharp. It may help you live longer, avoid Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and often aids your memory. It also keeps you centered and protects you in several environmental senses, ranging from shielding you from physical harm to expanding your common sense. But it also offers more immediate benefits to your entire life, of which your work life is a significant part. These reasons include, but are not limited to:
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It helps you plan. It’s easier to care about what’s next when your mind is sharp. Furthermore, you can easily consider all options, obstacles and milestones pertaining to a project and visualize your ultimate goals in all their glory. While you can’t account for all contingencies, it’s simpler to address them when you can think clearly.
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It makes you more mindful. When your mind is dull, you float through life on automatic. You may get by, but your efficiency and effectiveness are minimal. You’re more likely to miss important things or make mistakes that require repair, thereby wasting time and energy. Mental acuity, when properly applied, makes you more alert to what’s happening right now. Such mindfulness helps you navigate the present with greater ease. Your attention focuses more fully on what you’re doing and taking part in, not only allowing you to boost your efficiency, but also to retain more of what you’re experiencing and learning.
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It enhances creativity. Mental sharpness not only helps you plan the future and navigate the present, but it helps you leverage your past with greater facility. Now, you won’t experience many “eureka” moments just by increasing mental acuity unless you deliberately let it loose, free-associating and purposely shuffling through your experience, education, readings and other learning as you cogitate on a problem. Ideally, it can also bridge the way into the fertile fields of your subconscious mind, where potential ideas cross-fertilize and accumulate.
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It contributes to mental flexibility. When your mind is unclouded, it’s more likely to let you see farther into your memories and experience; it may also help you see when other people’s ideas make good sense. When this happens, you become less reactionary, more willing to consider new ways of doing things as the world changes. It also allows you to deal better with daily stresses and to survive painful blows, allowing you to learn from them and move forward more easily.
The Sharpest Tool in the Shed
While physical health is vital and contributes to your mental health, cerebral sharpness is what really matters in your workplace. How fast you can run or how much you can bench-press pales in comparison to your ability to assimilate data, perform rapidly, integrate well with your team and create new opportunities for the organization. Sharpening your mental tools will benefit your career — whether that means lots of reading, doing more Sudoku puzzles, untangling brainteasers or all the above.
© 2023 LAURA STACK. Laura Stack, MBA, CSP, CPAE is an award-winning keynote speaker, bestselling author, and noted authority on employee and team productivity. She is the president of The Productivity Pro, Inc., a company dedicated to helping leaders increase workplace performance in high-stress environments. Stack has authored eight books, including FASTER TOGETHER: Accelerating Your Team’s Productivity (Berrett-Koehler 2018). She is a past president of the National Speakers Association, and a member of its exclusive Speaker Hall of Fame (with fewer than 175 members worldwide). Stack’s clients include Cisco Systems, Wal-Mart, and Bank of America, and she has been featured on the CBS Early Show and CNN, and in the New York Times. To have Laura Stack speak at an upcoming meeting or event, call 303-471-7401 or contact us online.
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It simplifies decision-making. In allowing you to “see” farther, mental acuity presents a wider variety of options when you’re trying to decide on a course of action. Clearly understanding your goals, as well as consciously putting to use well-established decision-making processes in combination. Recognizing the benefits of all the options makes decision-making easier in the long run.
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It helps build an optimal mindset. Overall, higher mental acuity contributes to your general well-being, providing you with another tool that helps you become your best self. When your mind is sharp, it allows you the flexibility and mindfulness to make the best decisions possible. You’ll also be able to think more creatively, so you increase your chances of surviving anything life or work throws at you.
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Dealers’ DIGEST /// 27
ADVERTISERS GUIDE
1-800-Radiator 1-800-723-4286
20 www.1800radiator.com
Upswell 470-922-5452
27 www.upswellmarketing.com
19 www.autozone.com
Vericast 866-250-9689
13 www.vericast.com
Autozone 901-495-6500 Elevanta Health 678-797-5160
IF www.elevantahealth.com/mda
Lockton Affinity 844-403-4947
IB www.Elevanta.LocktonAffinity.com
Reladyne 513-985-4094
23 www.duramax.com
Transtar Industries 1-833-363-1938
17 www.transend.us
*IB=Inside Back, IF=Inside Front
2023 EDITORIAL CALENDAR ISSUE
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Nov. 17
December
CALL FOR FRANCHISEE NEWS We want to highlight any news or events associated with Meineke Dealers Association members. If you have ideas for potential stories, please email allisonm@elevanta.com or call 678-797-5165. Our editorial staff can assist in writing the story for you.
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Dealers’ DIGEST
2023 ISSUE 3
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