MAGAZINE LEADERS IN THE SALE OF QUALITY
PARTS
Member Profiles of Your New Officers! Mike Gerber Brent Hoge Mike Mulkins Steve Hofer
Page Page Page Page
3 4 5 6
May 2008
MOAB or Bust! Marketing Mopar Parts in MOAB, Utah Pages 8-9
Fuel - Parts Delivery Survey Results Page 10-11
Also In This Issue
New President Mike Gerber One Tough Dodge Truck The Economy is Terrible-Oh Woe is Me OEConnection MOC1 Solutions ADP Hanel Storage Systems Reynolds & Reynolds Snap-On Business Solutions Noble Logistics 4th of July Crossword Puzzle Tidbits Sales & Dating - Are They the Same? CT Auto Body Owners Protest Steering Murphy’s Other 15 Laws 2008 Mopar Masters Guild Committees
Page 2 Page 7 Page 12 Page 13 Page 16-17 Page 18-19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22-23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26-28 Page 28 Page 29-30 Page 31 Page 32
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 2
Mopar Masters Guild President Mike Gerber CJD of Bellevue Greetings from sunny Bellevue, Washington, My first quarter as Guild President has been both enlightening and rewarding. Each week I find more depth to the responsibility of this position and the complexity of the Guild organization. I am thankful to all of our officers and committee members for their dedication and time devoted to making this Guild work. All of our vendor visits have been tentatively scheduled and plans are being made for our committees to meet with them. This relationship with our vendors is invaluable. We get a product that works for us and they get a product that is very easy to market because it does work so well. The business climate in the Northwest has not been hit as hard as the rest of the country but we are feeling the pinch of high prices and tight credit. I have always believed that this is the time to take market share. When everyone is reducing their level of service to cut costs we can use our combined knowledge to provide exceptional service with increased productivity and great ideas. The survey in this newsletter is a great example of how we can to cut fuel costs without reducing our level of service. I remember when Jim Jackson led us through the 1% solution and the impact the small changes can have on our business when we look at each area of revenue and cost and try to get a 1% increase in each revenue stream or a 1% decrease in each of our costs. The combined result made a huge difference in the bottom line. I am working with this philosophy to help weather the storm. Please use our web site for more survey type questions like the fuel cost question. What a great resource! Pose a question and get input from 50-60 of the best parts managers in the world. All of us need to make an effort to visit the site regularly and use it to strengthen our operations. Marvin Windham and Don Cushing are making improvements to the site and would welcome your ideas for it. Our store is one of the first to install the Express Lane service since the pilot program was completed. We will be up and running June 1. If you have not seen the presentation on this product I would encourage you to take a hard look at it. This is a parts selling machine. Our advisors and technicians are too busy selling labor to worry about wipers, bulbs, air filters, cabin filters, tires, and batteries. We compared our sales of these high parts/low labor items to the pilot group and we were just not selling them. I thought we were pretty good at tires until I saw the actual penetration numbers. This is a great opportunity to get our LOF business back from the aftermarket and sell a lot of parts with lower skilled technicians. Our Executive Committee will be meeting with the Mopar management at the Mile High Nationals in Boulder, CO. in July. We still have a lot on the table and hope to get some answers at the meeting. I will post any news from the meeting on the web site. Good selling,
Mike Gerber
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 3
Member Profile - MMG President Mike Gerber - CJD of Bellevue Guitars, Parts and Rock and Roll! Three words that best describe Mike Gerber’s life growing up. The focus through Gerber’s high school and college days was becoming a rock star. Playing lead guitar in a band that had opened for Santana at one point Mike was on his way. Unfortunately, like most bands, this one broke up and Mike turned his focus towards another career. Mike attended Utah Technical College and received his associate’s degree in Structural Steel Design. Growing up his father had owned a Napa parts store, which Mike worked at to make extra money. Once graduated from college he realized that there was a better opportunity for him in the automotive business rather than in Steel design. The Steel Company made all the new employees go through a two-year apprentice program at only minimum wage. Gerber pursued his automotive passion and managed the Napa store for five years, before making the jump into a dealership. By age 27 Mike was managing the parts department for a dealership and at age 36 he took over the service side as well. As the parts and service director Mike oversees seventy-five people; three parts and two service departments. “I have good managers to help keep things under control,” Gerber says. At his dealership he has integrated pay plans between departments and holds quarterly lunch meetings where awards are given out and hot topics are discussed to help keep employees working towards the same goal. Mike Gerber was recently nominated as the Mopar Masters Guild President, which he is ecstatic about. “It doesn’t get any better than this,” says Mike when asked what his greatest accomplishment was in his career. He believes that with his organizational skills and thirty-five years of parts experience in GM, Ford and Chrysler he can bring additional success to the group. Gerber says his goals for the Mopar Masters Guild are establishing new relations with Mopar executives, adding structure to the organization and providing written statements for Mopar Masters dues. Mike believes in great leaders and sees Gerry Oakes as one of his biggest role models because of his superior leadership throughout his career and in the guild. “Lead from the front, set good examples, monitor performance and provide continuous praise to good performers,” which Mike states are the key characteristics in making a great leader. As most of us have seen in great leaders they receive recognition or are part of a committee, Gerber has done both. In 2002 he received the Diamond Elite for being the top 20% in CSI in the country, he is a Mopar Master and served on the GM advisory committee. Not only is he very involved within the automotive industry Mike has several hobbies he enjoys. After near rock stardom, Mike continues to play the guitar and would love nothing more than to be taught by his favorite guitarist Joe Satriani. Mike also enjoys going to the beach and hiking in the rainforest. With such a passion for life, music and parts, Mike Gerber will bring a well-rounded persona as President of the Mopar Masters Guild. Submitted by Claire Cummings - Go Chrysler Jeep West
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 4
Member Profile - MMG Vice President Brent Hoge - Larry Miller CJD Brent Hoge is the parts director for Larry Miller Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Sandy, Utah. His main responsibilities include protecting the legal and financial well being of the company, being a teacher to his employees and developing the business. Brent has been in the automotive business since 1966, starting right out of high school at a Volkswagen dealership. Brent says, “I needed a job, they had a spot available and that’s how I got my start”. Brent grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and his ambition was becoming a pharmacist like many of his family members. Instead Brent chose another path leading him to achieve what he thinks is his greatest accomplishment in his career; distinguished status within the Mopar community and building a parts department to the size and volume it is today. Brent’s focus in this business is relationships and what he says has helped to grow his business. His favorite part of his job is developing those relationships with his own employees, their customers and with members of the Master guild. As times are getting tough he says that the most difficult part of the job is keeping the cash flow going. “So many people are going out of business, we are fortunate the parts business during recessions typically stays relatively strong unlike the sales business,” states Brent. Brent’s recently was nominated Vice President of the Mopar Master Guild. He feels that with over 30 years of experience his knowledge of the parts industry will be an asset for the Mopar Masters Guild. With his experience, dedication and many other great qualities Brent Hoge said that one commitment he has to changing the guild is to create more involvement with the other Mopar Master members outside of the committee group. Being Vice President requires great leadership which Brent credits Larry Miller for being a great role model. “He started as a parts manager as well and has become very successful, he is always teaching me,” Brent says about Miller’s leadership role. Brent also believes that many of the Mopar Masters Guild members have become great role models to him. “Everyone has something different to offer and is always giving great input on the subjects that we need to tackle.” Brent currently has two hobbies that take most of his time, working on his cars and remodeling his home in Park City, Utah. Brent says that when he retires he looks forward to playing with his 1966 Plymouth Convertible and his 1970 Dodge Challenger. Although if he could have his dream car it would be a 1973 Ferrari Daytona Spyder, so if anyone has some extra cash around and is feeling generous please pick one of these up for Brent, he’d love you forever! The Mopar Masters Guild is very fortunate to have such an experienced and talented person, such as Brent Hoge, as the Vice President! Submitted by Claire Cummings - Go Chrysler Jeep West
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 5
Member Profile - MMG Secretary Mike Mulkins - Go Chrysler Jeep Growing up did you ever want to be something you just knew may be impossible to be? Say like the tooth fairy??? That’s what Mike Mulkins, Chrysler Jeep Brand Manager- Denver District for GO AutoNation, Inc. wanted to be when he grew up. I knew after asking that question I was in for an entertaining afternoon. Mike, 36, says “I kind of fell into it,” when asked what his start was in the automotive business. His dad was a life long parts advisor at Carquest, and after an unsuccessful stint in the IT market, Mike took a job with Carquest driving and doing some counter work. His career took off from there, spring boarding him into his current position where he has been for the past 15 years. “I want to work myself into a “create” role, a subject matter expert within the parts operations, covering a dedicated region,” says Mike. He is very dedicated (and I speak from experience) to coaching and mentoring people to make them better, all the while continuing to educate himself so that he can transfer that knowledge to others. When not working, Mike enjoys reading leadership books, working out (he has completed two ½ marathons) and anything sports related. As if he doesn’t work enough, Mike has a second job as a local correspondent for SportsPhan.com. He recruits everyday fans to come to a game with him (backstage pass, press box and on field experience interviewing players after the game) and write an article on their experience of the game, from a fans perspective. If you come to Denver, Colorado make Mike take you to a game, you’re treated royally with those credential passes! When Mike is not cruising over to his favorite restaurant, Vella’s, where twenty years ago he washed dishes, in his new 4 door Jeep Wrangler, he says he’d rather be cruising a Ford Pinto. “I would enjoy the risk element of driving one as well as its stylish exterior that it provides,” says Mike with a smirk. SERIOUSLY, I am thinking!! I am now in tears from laughing so hard because the thought of him in that vehicle, well you get the picture, it would be priceless. Heading towards but never fully reaching a more serious note…Mike Mulkins has just been elected as Secretary of the Mopar Masters Guild (yes we can all giggle at the title of Secretary, even Mike is hoping the group can come up with a more masculine title). Mike says he will try to bring a different perspective to the group with additional help in business development and marketing. Within his current career Mike says his greatest accomplishment is creating a profitable department within the dealership and developing (mentoring) parts advisors. Mike is dedicated to changing the negative image of the dealership and in turn has created several processes within AutoNation to change perception. When asked about awards or honors received throughout his career, Mike under his breath states “twotime runner up for Parts Manager of the Year, man Steve Hofer,” then loudly exclaims he has won three (yes three) Nobel Peace Prizes,” but for some reason just could not recollect the year, or subject matter…what a shame! When not being a funny man, Mike looks to his role models Ronald Reagan, Vince Vaughn, John Maxwell, Jack Welch and Michael Scott (from “The Office-again you must watch it) for strong leadership. Ok Maybe Michael Scott is not the best leader but he will point you in a good direction of what not to do and make you laugh so hard all the while. Mike states that the three key elements to leadership are a good work ethic, strong communication and a positive-infectious attitude, “if you have those three the rest will come.” Mike Mulkins is a very strong leader, provoker of change and has a set of mathematical skills like I have never seen before. With these qualities and more he will be a successful teammate in the Mopar Masters Guild. Submitted by Claire Cummings - Go Chrysler Jeep West
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 6
Member Profile - MMG Treasurer Steve Hofer - Park Chrysler Jeep When you have an interest in cars, most people typically keep it as a hobby. Not for Steve Hofer, parts manager for Park Chrysler Jeep, he turned a passion of organizing, the love for cars and shiny new parts into a successful full time career. Steve, 34, was born and raised in Bloomington, Minnesota where growing up he wanted to be a fire fighter. He played soccer in high school, but his playing days were put to a rest due to multiple knee injuries. In high school is where Steve met Liz, his wife of 11 years. They have two daughters Isabella and Alexis. As we all know, Steve’s biggest passion is his work, but when he does step away from the day to day, he enjoys watching “The Office”, (if you have not watched this off key-hilarious TV sitcom on Thursday nights, it is a must see. Characters from the show will likely remind you of someone in your own office). He also loves spending time with his family and restoring old Jeeps. He currently has six Jeeps that he is working on, or has already been restored. Steve’s favorite is the early CJ Willy’s 2A civilian model, as they are simple and represent an era that intrigues him. Steve Hofer recently became the Treasurer for the Mopar Masters Guild. Steve possesses the ability to bring a unique (small/large dealer) objective that can provide value and bring additional success to the Guild. When asked what his goals are for the Guild, Steve responded by “continuing to pass along what he has learned from prior and current Guild members to newer upcoming members.” Steve takes a lot of pride in his personal development. He hopes whatever capacity he may be in five years down the road, is one where he can mentor and share the knowledge he has gained from others. Along with passion, Steve is a very humble man. When asked if he has received any awards or honors he shifted his answer to state, “My greatest accomplishment is maintaining a profitable parts department.” Did he forget he was a two-time winner of the Denver BC Parts Manager of the Year award! Steve found a mentor early in his career that became a life long role model. Glen Klaver, a trainer for Mopar, really helped Steve when he first became a manager. “He taught me how to bring together what I already knew.” Along with a great role model Steve reads leadership books by Ken Blanchard, a world famous writer on becoming a better leader and implementing leadership techniques. “A leader always has to be learning, humble and open-minded,” says Steve. Hmmmmm…. sounds like Steve Hofer to me! With a passion for the industry, a great work ethic and leadership qualities, Steve will contribute to the success of the Mopar Masters Guild. Submitted by Claire Cummings - Go Chrysler Jeep West
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 7
Subject: A Dodge truck is one tough truck. Now here's one tough Dodge truck. This happened in Vernon, B.C. The driver hit the left turn light at 48th Ave. and 27th St., shearing it off at the base, and then kept driving on about 2 kms. to Squires Four Pub. Where he stopped for more beer!! How DRUNK do you have to be to NOT notice that you are carrying a lamp standard? (Notice that there is an Alberta plate on the truck. No one said anything about a smart driver.) The truck was towed about 2.5 kms., with the light still pinched between the two tow hooks and bent bumper, to the Vernon Towing yard, where it took several good hard pulls with a backhoe to get the pole free.
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 8
MOAB OR BUST! There are things that we must do in life and places we have to see before we die‌Moab, Utah is one of them! The Canyons are steep and lined with multiple colors, as if showing where water lines used to be. In between the vast mounds of rocks lies a small town that literally takes ten minutes to drive from one end to another. On the four-lane road coming in and out of Moab the only vehicles that surround us are Jeeps. We look a little out of place with our Ford diesel truck pulling a 40ft trailer. But what these spectators don’t know yet is this 40ft trailer is filled with an accessorized 2007 four-door Wrangler with thousands of dollars worth of Jeep parts, accessories and wearables. Once we have located the hotel, a middle point, we head to the opposite side of town (5 minutes away) to the Moab 4X4 outpost which is where our Jeep tent will be set up for the week. Location, location, location!!! Being that this is our first time doing an event like this, the location of our tent could not be in a better place. It is located next to the Moab 4X4 Outpost parking lot where people will be coming in and out; being able to stop by and familiarize them with us. It is also a great location for our BBQ that I have planned on having to help spark business and market ourselves. I planned on at least 500 people for the BBQ, which will entail hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, soda and water. As we were setting up our tent, hanging clothes and displaying parts, people were already taking an interest in what we had to offer. It was such a rush being able to talk to people that were as passionate as I about vehicles. The excitement kept me going for days, eager to talk to anyone and approaching jeepers with no fear at all. After the first day I knew I had to develop a game plan of what each day would look like. I spoke with people who had been coming for years, read the magazine distributed to all vendors and jeep enthusiasts and kept an eye out for potential leads or activities that we needed to participate in. By doing these things I was able to meet and greet Jeepers at trail meets telling them who I was and about the parts we had to offer. I was able to distribute fliers in mass quantities at these areas about our BBQ giving us an amazing turnout. Approximately 500 people did show and thankfully was a steady flow, which allowed me to talk to people, sell parts, accessories and wearables, as well as acquire contact info. I believe that through making initial contacts to customers, hosting the BBQ and working with all the local repair shops and parts stores it kept a good amount of people stopping by our tent throughout the week. Mopar did have a large dis(Continued on page 9)
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 9
(Continued from page 8)
play set up in town with several accessorized and custom Jeep vehicles. They also had interactive trailers that allowed customers to see and understand the benefits of new products, vehicles and parts. On Wednesday Mopar had a press release where they announced a new 2.8L diesel conversion kit for the Wrangler. This would be an engine kit that you could drop into your Wrangler to get that added torque for any four-wheeling needs. The engine was well received by the crowd. Like our booth Mopar had several newer accessories displayed, which actually drew people back to our tent for accessory purchases. On Thursday the traffic had dropped off and we were all wondering what had happened since we were told Thursday and Friday were the busiest days. Come to find out there was another area further South of us where all the vendors set up. I went down to check out this area, to see what opportunity we had. I knew immediately that we had to be down at the “arena�; especially since driving down there I was stuck in traffic. Thousands of people were shuffling in and out of this vendor arena and it was now my duty to get us in there. Asking my way around I was finally connected to the event coordinator whom which I begged and begged for her to allow us to have a spot for Friday. She agreed, stating that the location she had for us would not be very good. I did not care as long as I could have a presence up there I would make it work. On Friday morning we arrived at the arena at 6:30am to get our spot and set up. On this morning I met with the event coordinators husband who said that he would guarantee us the best spot in the house as long as we sold raffle tickets for half the day. I agreed eagerly waiting to see where he placed us. Believe it or not, he placed my booth at the main entrance so everyone at the show saw us! Friday was amazing; we sold over three thousand dollars in wearables and parts and acquired over 750 emails. After finally closing down our booth at 11pm, although exhausted and extremely cold, I was so happy with our performance throughout the week in Moab. For it being our first time, I enjoyed the project and learned a lot. I look forward to making it even better next year! Submitted by Claire Cummings - Go Chrysler Jeep West
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 10
Honda Survey Results: Fuel / Parts Delivery Survey 2 4/22/2008 We received 364 responses (63%) most within the first 2 days of the survey. The majority of respondents (88%) were Parts Managers with a smaller percentage of Assistant Managers and Wholesale Managers. Thanks to all who responded. A similar survey was conducted about 2 years ago, the results of which are shown below, compared against the present survey. The results are as follows: The results for 2008 are highlighted in blue: Respondents 2006 / 2008 As a result of rising fuel prices my dealership has: 76% / 51.1% - Continued to make parts deliveries as usual without change. 40% / 44.2% - Looked for ways to save fuel costs through increased delivery efficiencies. 25% / 30.2% - Increased communication with body shops / IRFs asking when the parts are actually needed so delivery can be consolidated at a later time or another day. 20% /25% - Consolidated some deliveries with sister dealerships 14% /14% - Reduced the area covered for deliveries 14% / 11.5% - Suggested the body shop / IRF purchase related parts to ensure that all necessary parts will be delivered at the same time. 10% / 8% - Started using smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles 9% / 12.9% - Reduced the number of deliveries 9% / 6% - Encouraged body shops / IRFs to pick up their parts at the dealership 9% /n/a - Encouraged IRFs to stock fast-moving parts 7% /8% - Started charging a fuel surcharge 6% / 8.5% - Changed our wholesale pricing structure 2% /0.5%- Offered financial incentives to IRFs to pick up their parts at dealership 0% /0.3%- Stopped parts delivery services completely 0% / n/a - Provided a selection of fast moving parts to the delivery driver who is providing those parts to IRFs as needed. The items are billed later. n/a / 3.6% - Stopped hot-shot deliveries n/a / 2.5% - Started charging a fuel surcharge for any deliveries subsequent to the initial delivery for the same vehicle n/a / 5.2% - Started charging a fuel surcharge for deliveries outside a pre-determined area (outside of town) - Started charging a fuel surcharge on orders below a certain dollar value
Perhaps the most significant change is the reduction in the percentage of dealers who said they were simply continuing to conduct business as usual – from 76% in 2006 to the current 51%. This indicates that the “pain at the pump” is increasingly felt. What dealers cannot agree on is exactly how to mitigate the pain. But based on the responses and the comments, one thing is for sure – everyone is looking closer at parts delivery costs. Some even noted that the added expense could push some smaller dealers out of the wholesale parts business entirely. The one comment dealers expressed most often was the prospect of charging their wholesale accounts a fuel surcharge. However, there is a loud and clear angst regarding this concept with dealers wanting to remain competitive (with other dealers) in their market. They feared that charging a fuel surcharge would cost them business. Some Parts Managers were concerned that their corporate office was going to insist the fuel surcharge be levied. One dealer noted that they (Continued on page 11)
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 11
(Continued from page 10)
charged a fuel surcharge and immediately began to lose accounts. Conversely, another dealer noted that they charged a per-delivery fuel surcharge which met little to no resistance. Most dealers were trying to find some way to save fuel costs by doing such things as cutting down on the number of hotshot deliveries, making routes more efficient, and going out with the delivery truck as full as possible. Several dealers noted that they had simply stopped delivering to some distant or lower-volume accounts. A few dealers are using GPS to track drivers’ locations. Some are making only one delivery per order to distant shops. One dealer noted that they did not impose a fuel surcharge, but to help defray fuel costs, would charge a restocking fee and delivery/pickup charge for any parts returned. Some dealers took a different route. After putting pencil to paper and calculating their total delivery cost, they decided to hire an independent delivery service. Based on their calculations, including employee costs, vehicle purchase and maintenance, etc, and despite fuels costs, an independent delivery service was more cost effective. Based on your comments and suggestions, here is a list of ideas, which may help control your cost of parts delivery while optimizing service. They are in no particular order of importance. -Whatever the vehicle used for delivery, ensure that it is in good working order and the tires are properly inflated. -If you are in a snow-belt area and use snow tires on your delivery trucks, swap them for a tire with a less aggressive tread as soon as practicable. -Use a smaller, more fuel-efficient delivery vehicle. This is especially adaptive for the wholesale mechanical parts market. -Consolidate deliveries with sister stores where possible and where customer service would not be adversely affected. -Look for ways to create more efficient delivery routes avoiding back-tracking and circuitous routes. -Divide the delivery area into sectors, having a driver work a sector at a time, or have a driver for each sector thereby limiting the amount of time that a driver is out and enhancing the speed and volume of deliveries. -Maintain constant communication with a driver via cell phone or walkie-talkie thereby allowing the driver to make necessary stops before returning to the dealership. -Monitor miles-per-gallon for each delivery vehicle noting the brand and type of gas used to ensure the use of the fuels that deliver the best fuel economy. -To minimize the cost of retrieving parts locally, adjust your phase in/out criteria and be sure to record all lost sales to increase your breadth of inventory. -Work with your larger accounts to establish a delivery schedule that will optimize service while minimizing miles driven. -Work with your larger accounts to establish a system whereby they order parts for the entire day’s work on the afternoon of the prior day. In this way, parts can be delivered early the next morning thereby increasing the efficiency of both the shop and dealer. -Always suggest the sale of related parts to ensure that all parts necessary for the repair will be delivered at the same time. -Ensure that the counter people get the correct application information (year, model, VIN, interior color code, etc.) to ensure that the correct parts are delivered. -The driver should double-check all parts orders prior to delivery to ensure that the correct parts are being delivered, thereby avoiding a second delivery for the same application. -Concentrate on your local market. This has the potential to both reduce costs while increasing service levels, especially at mechanical IRFs. -Provide incentives for shops to will-call parts at the dealership. Submitted by Dan Murphy - Santan Honda
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 12
The Economy Is Terrible. My Numbers Are Down. Oh Woe Is Me! You can’t open a newspaper or listen to the radio without hearing how bad the economy is right now. We have a mortgage crisis, the war has no end in sight, and the price of gas is going through the roof. The media exacerbates our problems on a daily basis with all the negative press. This erodes consumer confidence and prolongs the current downturn in the economy. I’m not blaming the media for our problems. The media just reports the facts. The media is not responsible for trying to keep everyone upbeat and cheerful until we get through these problems. You are. As a manager, it is your duty and responsibility to keep everyone upbeat and positive. If you perpetuate the idea that business is going to be down right now because of all the problems the market is facing, then you will self fulfill your prophecy. You have the option of taking your employees down Doom and Gloom Road or you can choose to be the leader and show them Opportunity Avenue. As a manager you have an obligation to your owner as well as your employees to not let outside forces dictate which road you chose. "If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward." We’ve all heard that statement, but today more than ever, it truly makes sense. So what kind of things can you do to start moving forward and avoid the backslide? • • • • • • •
It starts with you! Chose a winning attitude and pass it on to your employees. Smile and say "Good Morning" just a little louder. Refocus your team. Pick a target and develop a plan to attack it. Get input from your guys. Set some immediate short term goals. Make a one or two week goal and break it down to daily numbers. Celebrate even a daily victory. Review individual performance expectations. Remind everyone how they individually effect the entire department and the bottom line. Spend some time with your people in each area. Back counter, front counter, on the phones, and shipping and receiving. Reinforce the positive behaviors. Reiterate what is expected of them. Develop the individual. Develop the team. Phone training. Product training. ASE courses. Grab the phonebook and the newspaper. Any new customers? Rekindle old business relationships. Is there anything else you can sell to your existing customers?
Good Selling & Remember, No Pity Parties FITZPATRICK POWERTRAIN NEWS Submitted by Marvin Windham - Don Drennen Motors
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 13
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 14
Our Supporting Vendors Support those who support you
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 15
Our Supporting Vendors Support those who support you
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 16
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 17
MOC1 SOLUTIONS, LLC MOC1 provides a suite of tablet-computer based customer encounter tools for use by Service Advisors in the service drive of automobile dealership service departments. These tools, proven at numerous current installations, predictably and significantly increase service revenues, productivity, and customer satisfaction. MOC1’s Wireless Service Advisor™ enables an automotive dealer’s service team to complete service write-up processes consistently, wirelessly, and most importantly at the point-of-service – the customer’s vehicle. This dynamic process provides the Service Advisor with all available vehicle and customer specific information at car-side. This is a quantum leap forward from pen and paper on clipboards or running back and forth to a fixed computer terminal, and further distinguishes dealership quality and capabilities over those of third party maintenance facilities. The imbedded process provides all customer and vehicle appropriate information and reminds Service Advisors of appropriate inquiries regarding relevant customers service needs, thus turning distracted “order-takers” into effective service sales consultants. From customer greeting, to scheduling the next appointment, it’s all there. The imbedded process provides for more relevant selling opportunities and assures consistent and comprehensive customer handling. - - Wireless Service Advisor provides a proven solution to issues related to Service Advisor performance and/or turnover. Studies consistently conclude that customer experience in the service department is the single most influential factor in a customer’s decision to return to that dealership when they are ready to purchase their next vehicle. Managements “virtual presence” in the service drive with each customer’s service process is the first critical step in getting control of missed service revenue opportunities and assuring a favorable customer vehicle ownership experience. The Wireless Service Advisor software streamlines the write-up process using handwriting recognition on the tablet PC all of which is automatically and instantly transmitted to the dealership’s DMS. Additionally, embedded video clips on the tablet allow Service Consultants to provide further information about features, advantages and benefits of all available car care services. “Wireless Service Advisor is a necessary tool for Service Consultants to give a much higher level of service during a full inspection,” said Dave Waco, president of MOC1 Solutions. “They’re giving a customer their undivided attention, answering questions and providing maintenance recommendations.” “The MOC1 ’Wireless Service Advisor‘ really helps maximize our time with our customers, and gives my service consultants a structured process and presentation game plan to use with every one of our service guests,” said Tom Grabbe, Service Director at Central Florida Chrysler/ Jeep/ Dodge. “The streaming video feature does a nice job explaining the benefits of a given service.” MOC1’s Wireless Service Advisor (WSA) revolutionizes the auto industry by enabling Service Consultants to become effective ambassadors for the dealership and the brand.
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 18
Increasing Profits with ADP’s CA$H Discovery Program Effectively managing a successful parts operation becomes more challenging every year—even to the professional managers who comprise the Mopar Masters Guild. Add in weak new car sales and the resulting pressure to generate greater profits through fixed operations, and now your role as a parts manager is even more demanding. ADP’s CA$H Discovery Program (CDP) can help parts managers increase their profits and deliver the bottom line their dealers are looking for. In 2007, MMG members purchased $2,900,000 of new Chrysler parts through CDP. Since CDP transactions are conducted at 50% of dealer cost, these parts managers realized more than $1,400,000 of additional gross profit by buying these parts through CDP! Most parts managers “bank” this gross profit in their stock order discount account when they purchase the parts—giving an instant boost to their bottom line profit each and every month. CDP customers have the ability to establish client-specific profiles that permit them to closely control the parts that are offered on transactions, assuring that the transactions they receive are for the parts they really want to purchase. And with CDP, you have complete freedom to review every proposed transaction and purchase only the parts as you wish—there are no requirements to purchase “x” dollars per month. You are in total control of your CDP transactions. Buying parts through CDP is so obviously an important tool to make extra profit that some parts managers may not stop to realize that selling parts through CDP can really improve their bottom line too—even when they sell those parts at 50% of dealer cost! How can this be? To make selling parts at a discount pay off for you and your dealership, you need to reinvest the dollars you realize from selling idle inventory into faster moving parts—parts that will turn throughout the next 12 months and earn you order discounts from the manufacturer and gross profits every time you sell them. Remember, most consultants will tell you that once a part has sat for 9 months without a sale, there is only a 15% chance it will ever sell. They’ll also tell you that the holding cost for a part for 12 months is around 15% of the cost of that part due to taxes, insurance, physical inventory costs, etc. Selling parts through CDP is much like working the stock market. Once you have an investment that is clearly not providing a profitable return (like your idle parts inventory)—with little expectation that it ever will—it’s time to dump that investment and put your hard earned dollars to work in an investment that will provide a profitable return. Because of the ARO program and smart inventory management by MMG members they only needed to sell around $600,000 of inventory through CDP last year. Still, that generated cash they could then reinvest in faster moving parts to generate additional profits for their stores. To learn more about ADP’s CA$H Discovery Program, please call 1.866.598.4077 and select option 2 to speak to one of our sales specialists. There is no one-time setup fee and there are no recurring monthly support fees— you pay only a small transaction fee when you elect to buy or sell parts through the program. And don’t forget to ask about special discount that we offer to MMG members!
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 19
Driving Parts Business Every Day By Ray Alther ADP’s CustomerTouch Like most automotive dealerships your number one customer is the Service Department right in your own building. Yet you have an inventory of parts that cannot be matched by independent or chain parts stores. The challenge is many consumers do not think of your department first when it comes to their parts and accessories purchases. That can all change with the right marketing strategy. ADP’s CustomerTouch is the most comprehensive customer communications service for automated consumer interactions, producing campaigns that can be crafted to drive new business. With CustomerTouch’s On-Demand and Managed Campaign solutions, Parts Managers with the assistance of ADP’s Virtual Marketing Representative can create compelling and impactful campaigns targeted at the right segments. Consider the benefits delivered by CustomerTouch’s Managed Campaign service:
• • •
Uses several media channels including direct mail, email and even text messages Integrates with your ADP Dealer Management System (DMS) Delivers high quality information customized to your lists
Virtual Marketing Representative ADP’s Virtual Marketing Representative (VMR) will help you plan and execute marketing campaigns utilizing the latest in digital technology including CustomerTouch’s Managed Campaigns and ADP’s Digital Advertising. The VMR will work with you to review your customer demographics and buying patterns, identify and evaluate tactics you have executed in the past, and pull together a plan that makes sense for your market. To learn more please contact Ray at ray_alther@adp.com. For additional information concerning any of our ADP’s CRM solutions please contact us at 888.424.6342 or visit us at www.DealerSuite.com/crm
Practical training and
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 20
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 21
Parts Barcoding Inventory Management for the ERA DMS: Learn How to Make Your Parts Physical Inventory Process More Efficient How would you answer the following question about parts physical inventory at your dealership? Parts Physical Inventory is: A) An event that my dealership parts team dreads each year. B) A time-consuming process full of error and confusion. C) A costly and tedious process due to the number of family members that are brought in to complete the counting cycle. D) All of the above. Or, would your dealership answer the question this way? E) None of the above – It’s a more efficient and accurate process because my dealership uses Parts Barcoding Inventory Management from Reynolds. With Reynolds Parts Barcoding Inventory Management for the ERA® dealership management system (DMS), dealerships can drastically reduce the tedious and often inaccurate physical inventory process by using wireless, hand-held scanners that are integrated with ERA to count and record the entire parts inventory. Dealerships that already have purchased the Parts Barcoding Inventory Management solution are able to rent additional scanners from Reynolds so that several people can be performing inventory at the same time. The scanners come with two rechargeable batteries. In addition, physical inventory counts are written directly to the memory card in the scanner to help prevent data loss between the time parts are scanned and the inventory is transferred into the ERA DMS. How It Works • The inventory pad from the ERA DMS is loaded onto each scanner. • To begin counting, each person with a scanner simply scans the bin or enters a bin number on the scanner. Then, the person scans all of the parts in the bin either by scanning each part individually or by scanning one part and entering the quantity counted directly into the scanner keypad. • Once parts bins are scanned, variance reports can be run and corrected before making adjustments to inventory in the ERA DMS. In addition to a Pad Variance report, several other reports are available to show multi-bin parts, write-ins, bins not counted, and so on. • After variances are reconciled, updated inventory can be transferred to the ERA DMS with the click of a button, reducing the amount of time spent waiting for someone to enter thousands of individual quantities into the ERA DMS and, at the same time, helping to reduce key-punch errors. For more about Parts Barcoding Inventory Management, visit our Web site www.reyrey.com or contact your Reynolds and Reynolds account manager.
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 22
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 23
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 24
Transference of Risk
Considering today’s economy and market conditions, automobile dealerships involved in the sale of retail and wholesale parts have areas of business on which to concentrate other than the day to day logistics and distribution of auto parts, both locally and regionally. The expense associated with company drivers is often overlooked when dealerships review their standard operating procedures in search of potential efficiencies and cost savings. The financial burden of employee drivers is increasing and there is no sign of relief in the near future. With the cries for mandatory health care and government programs to rescue the social security system you can be sure that more of these costs will be falling on the shoulders of businesses like yours. Additional concerns include the potential exposure relating to motor vehicle accidents and associated insurance costs. Unfortunately, in today’s business environment, litigation is a common occurrence when companies manage and operate their own logistics and distribution with employee drivers. A single incident arising from operating an employee delivery system can financially cripple a dealership’s business. In response to these issues, dealerships across the country are looking to outsource these logistics and distribution services. Outsourcing to a full service logistics service provider is a viable alternative to transfer the risk and responsibility of operating an employee delivery system. Noble Logistics is one such logistics and distribution service provider that will ensure the most appropriate and cost effective distribution system is in place to efficiently handle your products and reduce your risk of exposure to loss. As businesses examine ways to reduce costs, streamline operations and create a more efficient distribution system, I recommend that you include outsourcing of company drivers in this deliberation. Noble Logistics provides a comprehensive logistics and distribution solution that is custom designed to satisfy each client’s specific requirements. We are eager to assist your business as you contemplate these important decisions. Jim Rafferty Vice President, Sales and Marketing Noble Logistics 11335 Clay Road, Suite 100 Houston TX 77091 713-690-0200 x2525
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 25
Fourth of July by Dave Fisher Note: This puzzle contains two diagonal entries running from top and bottom left which spell out two timely phrases.
Across 1. Hawkeye State 5. Grocery, e.g. 9. Scruffs 14. Comparison: abbr. 15. Throb 16. Bay window 17. Deluxe insulation 19. Above: prefix 20. Lost, figuratively 21. Indian bread 22. Associate 23. Commercial-free network 25. Hole in the head? 27. Martini option 28. Kindle 32. It has riser and tread 34. Tom, Dick and Harry, for example 35. So __ 38. These in Ste-ThÊrèse 40. Omen 41. Lyric poem 42. Baseball Hall-of-Famer, Slaughter 44. Frat letter 45. Paid the pot 47. Westwood campus 48. Gloucester good byes 50. Opie to Bea 52. Afternoons 54. Compass pt. 55. Michigan or Ontario in French 56. Very eccentric 58. IV tripled 60. Minor official 65. Braid 66. Limitless 68. Bunsen burners 69. Once more with a difference 70. Salty sea 71. Sashay 72. Period of calm 73. Just
Down 1. UN nuclear watchdog 2. Taking care of (as a task) 3. Large amounts 4. Away from the wind 5. Boy 6. Desktop images 7. Unstressed vowel 8. Volunteer State 9. Cosa __ 10. Wild sheep 11. Hand tool with jaws 12. Spooky 13. Incline 18. Engrossed 24. Maude portrayer 26. _ Z 28. "__ You" (Hollies hit) 29. Film crew member 30. Bit of bedroom furniture 31. Ancient Greece 33. What windows do in cold weather 36. Platonic 37. Banned pesticide
39. Dover fish 43. Spotted 45. Support grps. 46. Test often in the news 49. African bloodsucker 51. Color of unbleached silk 52. John Paul et al 53. Opposite of uni55. Slander 57. Iranian dollar 59. Northern natives 61. Within: prefix 62. The ideal garden 63. Scallopini, often 64. Whirlpool 67. Potter bird
Solution to this puzzle can be found on Page 31
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 26
Tidbits Toyota feels bite of U.S. downturn Toyota Motor Corp. racked up record results for the just-ended fiscal year. But the good news ends there. Now the world's biggest, most profitable car company is warning that earnings for the current year are poised to fall for the first time in nearly a decade. What's more, Toyota backed off its optimistic outlook for a 2008 sales increase in North America. CEO Katsuaki Watanabe said today his company's volume is likely to decline instead. It's a dramatic reversal from the year ended March 31. Autobytel posts $2 million loss in Q1 Internet marketing services company Autobytel Inc. today reported a first-quarter net loss of $2.0 million compared with net income of $7.7 million in the first quarter last year after an expected drop in revenue. Revenue fell slightly to $20.7 million in the first quarter of 2008, compared with $21.9 million in the same period last year. Nader on NHTSA: 'Shut it down and start over' WASHINGTON -- Consumer advocate Ralph Nader says that cozy ties between automakers and the Bush administration reflect the ?corporate fascism? his presidential candidacy seeks to overturn. Nader blasted the industry and its regulators during a brief protest here today outside the U.S. Department of Transportation. Hundreds of BMW staff take buyouts BMW, the world's largest premium carmaker, said several hundred permanent staff had agreed to buyout packages as it seeks to cut thousands of jobs to improve profitability. BMW also reaffirmed its forecasts for the full year, which include record sales volumes for all three brands. Daimler CFO: No hostile takeover Daimler does not need a white knight to protect itself from any hostile takeovers, CFO Bodo Uebber said in a prerelease of his interview with Die Welt newspaper. "Daimler does not need a shareholder who will protect us," he said. Bosch worries about 2009 after U.S. consumer slump U.S. consumers worried about a recession will take a painful toll this year on Bosch Group, a German manufacturer of a wide range of items from car parts to washing machines and power tools. "The absolute slump in the consumer climate indicates that the second quarter in the U.S. will indeed be very weak," CEO Franz Fehrenbach told its annual news conference on Thursday. SAE to move to D.C. auto show WASHINGTON -- SAE International will move its annual government-and-industry meeting to February next year so that it coincides with the Washington Auto Show, Automotive News has learned. The move is viewed as another step in ongoing efforts to upgrade the Washington show and also could be a boost for the engineering society's event. Delphi board member Brust resigns Delphi Corp. said late Wednesday that Robert Brust resigned from the company's board of directors on May 2. Brust's resignation from the board was not the result of a disagreement with Delphi, the company wrote in a document filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Wednesday. Noble nearly doubles Q1 revenue, still has net loss Automotive supplier Noble International Inc. nearly doubled its first-quarter revenue compared to the same period last year, but it still chalked up a net loss. Noble had a net loss of $2 million on revenue of $314 million, compared with a loss of $186,000 on revenue of $160 million in the first quarter of 2007. Manufacturing technology group names new president Robert K. Simpson, a longtime manufacturing executive, was named president of the Association for Manufac(Continued on page 27)
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 27
(Continued from page 26)
turing Technology. Simpson, 48, is taking over from John B. Byrd III, who will retire after five years with the group. AMT represents American suppliers of manufacturing machinery and equipment. AMT coordinates the International Manufacturing Technology Show, held this year from Sept. 8-13 in Chicago. Ford progress, control in focus at annual meeting Ford Motor Co. investors a year ago were questioning whether the No. 2 U.S. automaker had the right idea in its turnaround plan under relative newcomer CEO Alan Mulally. But after an 18-percent gain in Ford stock since then and a surprise first-quarter profit, Mulally enters Thursday's annual meeting in Delaware with new momentum and the unsolicited endorsement of billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian.
Rachor launches dealer venture with Michael Dell Jeffrey Rachor, the former president of dealer group Sonic Automotive Inc., is joining with computer mogul Michael Dell to form a privately held dealership group. Rachor and Dell's MSD Capital LP, a New York investment firm, today announced the formation of MSD Automotive Partners LLC. The size and scope of the firm's investment pool is unknown. Retired N.J. judge named Chamco trustee MORRISTOWN, N.J. -- A retired New Jersey judge has been appointed trustee of Chamco Auto with subpoena power and authority to run the company. The state's Superior Court action follows Chamco being shut down last month by a judge who ruled that the trustee would examine records and determine who will control the company. Fitch says GM, Ford face heavy cash drains General Motors and Ford Motor Co. will continue to face heavy cash drains in 2008 and are expected to burn cash through 2009 unless industry sales rebound, Fitch Ratings said on Wednesday. GM, which lost a combined $51 billion over the past three years, faces the risk of another ratings downgrade this year, Fitch said in a report. Complaint will delay UAW revote at JCI plant Johnson Controls Inc. has agreed to toss out the results of a March election in which workers at its Alabama factory voted down the UAW. But a separate charge of unfair labor practices against the supplier could delay a new election for several months -- and buy the union some much-needed campaign time. Audi CEO signals plans to build U.S. plant Volkswagen's premium brand Audi stands to benefit "tremendously" from a U.S. production plant as the carmaker struggles to cope with stiffer external headwinds including the strong euro. "There are no signs right now of this situation letting up," CEO Rupert Stadler said in remarks to be delivered to shareholders at Audi's annual general meeting today. CAW says Chrysler has not balked at Ford terms Chrysler LLC has not given any indication to the Canadian Auto Workers that it will be unable to meet the terms of a deal the union won from larger rival Ford Motor Co., the CAW said on Tuesday in a statement. Representatives of the union and Chrysler executives met on Tuesday, two days after union members ratified a new contract with Ford. Ford touts 6-speed transmissions Ford Motor Co. plans to make a shift under the hood by 2012, equipping nearly all of its vehicles with six-speed automatic transmissions that will improve fuel efficiency. Ford said it will more than double the number of North American vehicles with the transmissions, which boost fuel economy by 4 to 6 percent.
Pardus to seek 2 more Valeo board seats A key official of investment fund Pardus said it will seek approval from Valeo shareholders for two more board seats, adding that the fund doesn't want to declare war on the auto supplier but feels insulted by Valeo CEO Thierry Morin. (Continued on page 28)
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 28
(Continued from page 27)
UAW STRIKE AT AMERICAN AXLE GM suspends big truck orders because of American Axle strike General Motors has told its dealers it has suspended production of some 2008 full-sized trucks and SUVs because of the American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings strike. Suzuki promotes free gas, other incentives American Suzuki Motor Corp. on May 1 launched nationwide sales promotion offering car buyers 0 percent financing and three months of free gasoline on retail purchases of all new 2007 and 2008 vehicles. On Monday, May 5, Chrysler said it will cover gasoline costs above $2.99 a gallon for customers who buy or lease a new vehicle from the company. Lampert increases stake in AutoNation Billionaire investor Edward Lampert has raised his stake in AutoNation Inc., the No. 1 U.S. auto dealership group, to nearly 38 percent, according to federal regulatory filings. Lampert, who is also chairman of Sears Holdings Corp., bought 383,500 shares on April 30 for prices ranging from $15.89 to $16 per share, raising holdings under his control to about 67.6 million shares. ArvinMeritor to split off light vehicle parts business ArvinMeritor Inc. said early today it plans to spin off its Light Vehicle Systems business into a separate company -- and will name Phil Martens as CEO. The new company, with $2.2 billion in sales last year, will be named Arvin Innovation Inc., and will be created via a pro rata tax-free dividend to ArvinMeritor shareholders within the next 12 months. That means ArvinMeritor shareholders would own 100 percent of Arvin Innovation, the company said.
Sales….Dating? Are they the same? Did you ever notice that sales and dating were so similar? I did. Here is my list of things to remember if you want to do both successfully! (1) There is a fine line between persistence and stalking (2) You have to kiss a lot of toads before you find one prince or princess (3) There is no such thing as the perfect date (4) You are more interesting when you are more interested in them (5) Nothing good comes after the word “but” (6) Desperate people do desperate things (7) Playing hard to get - works (8) Nice guys finish first (9) Don’t talk bad about friends/other companies (10)Honesty IS the best policy
Regardless of where you apply these rules you will have huge success and profits!
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 29
AUTO BODY OWNERS PROTEST FAULTY STEERING PICKET PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE TO DEMAND HALT TO ANTI-CONSUMER PRACTICES HARTFORD, April 9, 2008 – Using dozens of tow trucks to highlight their message, owners of auto body repair shops statewide are calling on the General Assembly to protect consumers from auto insurance companies. The group, members of the Auto Body Association of Connecticut (ABAC), the Towing and Recovery Professionals of Connecticut, and consumers, strongly support bills brought to the General Assembly by Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and several legislators. “Attorney General Blumenthal along with a number of state senators and representatives understand that consumers have been at the mercy of the insurance companies for years,” said Thomas Bivona, president of the ABAC. “Consumers need to know they have the right to choose the auto body shop of their choice. Consumers of Connecticut should always know: your car, your choice. Pick the auto repair shop you trust for a proper, safe repair following an auto accident.” “For too long, insurance companies have carjacked consumers by steering them to repair shops the companies prefer – shops that may install aftermarket or used parts,” Bivona said. “Using these parts may void a new car warranty – something the insurance companies conveniently neglect to tell consumers. Consumers don’t understand that insurance companies prefer these shops because they may cut corners on the repairs, perhaps using inferior parts that have never been safety tested.” “Too many times, we have seen cars actually unsafe to drive after being repaired at some of these insurance company preferred shops,” Bivona added. “You drop your car off at a beautiful concierge facility and expect the best. But what really happens?” Bivona said. “One car we saw had cardboard instead of metal stuffed in a bumper. Another had a radiator not even bolted in place. Another car had a bumper glued in place rather than securely welded. With insurance company preferred shops, you may not see an unsafe repair until it’s too late.” “Enough is enough. This rally is to make consumers aware that they are often duped into accepting inferior repairs,” said Bivona. “It’s your car and it should (Continued on page 30)
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 30
(Continued from page 29)
be your choice as to where it’s repaired. Consumers need new laws to keep potentially unsafe cars off our streets. Stop insurance companies from their false charade of caring for consumers.” Attorney General Blumenthal joined the rally today to support the proposed legislation. Blumenthal said, “Your car, your choice – ought to be the watchword in auto repair. No insurer should straitjacket or corral consumers, forcing them to use a so-called preferred shop. We must preserve consumer choice and industry competition – deterring collusive relationships between certain insurers and repairers.” Today’s rally will culminate at the Progressive Insurance Claim Center in Newington to draw attention to the countless complaints ABAC members and customers have filed against Progressive. “Progressive is one of the companies that is most aggressive about promoting use of its so-called preferred repair shops,” Bivona said. “They may claim consumers can take a car anywhere for repairs but the reality is very different. The company often insists that cars go to Progressive’s claim center for an appraisal and then pressure consumers to leave their car at that claim center for repair at an often unnamed and unidentified repair shop – all for Progressive’s financial gain.” “I’d have to say that Progressive is regressive when it comes to consumer choice,” Bivona added. “Consumers don’t know they can demand to use the auto repair shop they trust. We applaud Attorney General Blumenthal and members of the legislature that are urging passage of these important new laws. If passed, they will go a long way toward stopping insurance company coercion.” Among other changes, these laws will help prevent insurance representatives from telling consumers that there will be significant out-ofpocket costs if a car is repaired at a shop other than the “preferred shop.” The laws also will end another common tactic -- telling consumers that if they have a car fixed at the shop of the consumer’s choice, the insurance company could require an additional two weeks or more, just for an appraiser to determine the extent of the damage. More than four dozen auto body shops have been forced out of business in just the past few years because of tactics used by many insurance companies, only allowing repairs at their questionable hand-picked preferred shops, Bivona noted.
The Auto Body Association of Connecticut is a statewide consumer advocacy association dedicated to the advancement of the collision repair industry. The ABAC continuously strives to enhance the professional abilities and knowledge of its membership, helping provide safe and dependable repairs for the public. Additional information on steering is available at its web site: www.abaconn.org.
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 31
THE GUILD MOTTO
“THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION BY LIKE SIZE DEALERS IN A NON COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT� This is the reason the Guild exists. The strength of our existence relies not on the voices of a select few, but on the combined knowledge of all. With this in mind, everyone should remember to become as pro-active as possible. The Guild is YOURS, be proud of it and be part of it!
MURPHY'S OTHER 15 LAWS... 1. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak. 2. A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well. 3. He, who laughs last, thinks slowest. 4. A day without sunshine is like, well, night. 5. Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine. 6. Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't. 7. Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool. 8. The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong.
Fourth of July Crossword Puzzle Solution
9. It is said that if you line up all the cars in the world end-to-end, someone would be stupid enough to try to pass them. 10. If the shoe fits, get another one just like it. 11. The things that come to those that wait, may be the things left by those who got there first. 12. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will sit in a boat all day drinking beer. 13. Flashlight: A case for holding dead batteries. 14 . The shin bone is a device for finding furniture in the dark. 15. When you go into court, you are putting yourself in the hands of twelve people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty.
Mopar Masters Magazine
Page 32
2008 Mopar Masters Guild Committees President Vice President Treasurer Secretary
Mike Gerber Brent Hoge Steve Hofer Mike Mulkins
Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Bellevue Larry Miller Chrysler Jeep Dodge Park Chrysler Jeep Go Chrysler Jeep West
Executive Committee
All of the above and: Gerry Oakes Paul Allred Rick Monteiro Marvin Windham Alan Yancey Roy Benner Dan Hutton 1st Alternate Robbie Jackson 2nd Alternate
Baxter Chrysler Jeep Metrolina Chrysler Jeep Dodge Jack Powell Chrysler Dodge Don Drennen Motors Hayes Chrylser Dodge Jeep Allen Samuels Dodge Tom O’Brien Chrysler Salsbury’s Dodge City
Membership Committee Brent Christensen (West) Steve Hofer (North) Doug Price (East) Robbie Jackson (South)
Ken Garff West Valley CJD Park Chrysler Jeep Security Dodge Chrysler Salsbury’s Dodge City
Vendor Chairman
Paul Allred
Metrolina Chrysler Jeep Dodge
Newsletter
Don Cushing Mike Mulkins Claire Cummings
Bald Hill Dodge Chrysler Go Chrysler Jeep West Go Chrysler Jeep West
Performance Group
Ole Olson
Elk River Chrysler
Finance Committee
Roy Benner Brent Hoge
Allen Samuels Dodge Larry Miller Chrysler Jeep Dodge
Reynolds & Reynolds
Paul Allred Tom Watson John Gilbert Rick Cutaia
Metrolina Chrysler Jeep Dodge Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Preston Chrysler Jeep Rick Hendrick Dodge
ADP
Jim Stoneman Roy Benner Steve Hofer Mike Mulkins Casey Brown
Westoaks Chrysler Dodge Allen Samuels Dodge Park Chrysler Jeep Go Chrysler Jeep West Allen Samuels Dodge Katy
Snap-On OEConnection Dealer Tire
Dan Hutton Tom O’Brien Chrysler Brent Hoge Larry Miller Chrysler Jeep Dodge Rick Monteiro Jack Powell Chrysler Dodge Brian Joynt Power Chrysler Jeep (Dan, Brent, Rick and Brian are the Chairs for Snap-On, OEConnection and Dealer Tire)
Noble
Casey Brown
Allen Samuels Dodge Katy
Hanel
Susan McDaniel Rich Schott Terry Doll
Bill Luke Chrysler Jeep Dodge Moore Chrysler Jeep Earnhardt Dodge
Interstate
Tom Watson
Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge
NADA 2009 Planning
Robbie Jackson Dan Hutton
Salsbury’s Dodge City Tom O’Brien Chrysler
Website Chairmen
Marvin Windham Don Cushing
Don Drennen Motors Bald Hill Dodge Chrysler