Mark Phillips, Author at Counterman Magazine - Page 25 of 25
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Let’s All ‘Hit the Ground Running’

In late September, I saw the meaning of “hit the ground running” firsthand. Nestled in the beautiful hills of the Appalachian Mountains in New York State is Alfred State College’s Wellsville campus. I’d never been to Alfred State before I was invited to attend a ride and drive event there, sponsored by Tenneco. What I

Leadership 2.0: It’s Where It’s At

Well, the choice has been made. The editors of Counterman magazine received a mountain of entries for the 2008 Counter Professional of the Year, presented by Affinia. After much deliberation and sifting through all the entries, Craig Bradley, of NAPA in Lansing, Mich., was chosen as the recipient of this year’s award. Craig and his

Sometimes, It’s Good To Poke The Bear

Most of you have probably heard the expression, “Don’t poke the bear.” I think it’s pretty much similar to “let a sleeping dog lie” but it’s regarding a larger and potentially more deadly animal. The sentiment, I believe, is to leave a situation alone because the consequences are otherwise grim and nasty if you wake that dog or poke that bear. In this instance the bear, I believe, is paper catalogs but could also be aftermarket parts professionals who rely on and want nothing to do with abolishing them. If we consider that the bear is the paper catalog, it might just be time to at least nudge him and let him know he’s on his way out.

I Tele You What: This Technology Will Rule

It’s a thought that boggles the mind: What if a company, like Internet search engine giant Google, bought General Motors?

Don’t Judge Luggage by its Tag

I am a self-professed luggage addict. I love any piece of well-made, sturdy luggage that I can throw things into and take off on a weekend trip with my family. In fact, for nearly every special occasion over the past two years or so, my wife has helped feed my addiction by buying me what

You Get Out Of It What You Put Into It

December seems like a long way off, but it’s not really, especially if you have to sift through hundreds of applications for Counterman’s annual Counter Professional of the Year award, which is presented by Affinia. Each year, the staff of Counterman magazine and aftermarketNews carefully study a myriad of entries to select the CPOTY (that’s

Slicing Those Warranty Returns

An oft-cited statistic in the automotive aftermarket pegs warranty returns at 25 percent. Upon joining this industry, I heard that figure is an improvement over the past. While it may be better, no one should be comfortable with the notion that a full one-fourth of the products they send out come back as warranty returns.

Kyb’S Mcgovern Tells Auto Pride: Language is the Culprit in Lost Sales

Mac McGovern believes the key for suppliers to sell more parts to repair shops comes down to language. It’s both about how counterman refer to technicians and how repair shops approach their businesses.

Right-Hand Turn Beauty

Planning and technology will make your delivery operation more efficient. So, too, will making sure drivers make as many right-hand turns as possible.

Don’t Ignore Lost Sales, APA Members Hear at Annual Conference in Texas

SAN ANTONIO — Parts professionals can no longer ignore lost sales, attendees at Automotive Parts Associates’ (APA) annual conference in San Antonio heard March 6-8. The confluence of reduced consumer spending, a lagging economy and automotive industry doldrums mean aftermarket professionals must capitalize on every customer interaction to make the sale, said Jeff Levine, chairman

I’ve Got Your Back

Rather than just be an editor, I’d hope that all of you, as Counterman readers, also look to me as a friend and a guy who will go to bat for you.