On a Mission

On a Mission

Keep an eye out for the next issue of Counterman. It will include an all-new product-specific technical training series.

Why are you in business? To make money? To serve customers? To sell auto parts?

Certainly, all of the above are valid reasons for being in the auto parts business.

But what about Counterman? Why are we in business? Over the years, the staff at Counterman has dedicated itself to help educate and train WD and store personnel on the technical and operational aspects of selling auto parts, products and services to both professional and walk-in customers. As you might guess, this isn’t the most glamorous aspect of being in the media, but we strongly feel this mission is important just the same.

At times, as we manage this magazine as well as the production of our daily industry news e-mail publication, aftermarketNews.com, it’s easy to forget why we’re doing it all in the first place. But, it’s nice to be reminded. Recently that’s just what happened when a large retail store group asked for our permission to post our annual ASE Test Prep articles (which appear every October) on the retailer’s intranet site. It is the retailer’s hope that employees will use it to prepare for upcoming ASE P2 tests. That’s our hope too.

This simple request was a laser shot to my conscious, crystallizing for me the very essence of this magazine: our dedication to helping parts professionals across the industry successfully sell more parts, products and services.

To further this effort, we have created a new addition to the magazine – the Counterman Technical Training Series. The first of these special inserts will appear along with the February issue. Each technical "manual" will include product-specific sales information you can keep right at the counter as a reference tool. At some point during the year, we will also offer the opportunity to store these manuals in a handsome, durable binder you can keep close to the counter, or take with you on sales calls. That way, the manuals will function as a ready reference tool for nearly every product category you sell. More information on how to get a binder will be forthcoming.

Next month, you’ll see the first installment in this series and you’ll read about how we intend to move forward with this concept. In every survey we conduct, at every meeting we attend, at every industry event, we are constantly reminded of the need for clear, concise, current and comprehensive technical product training. The Counterman Technical Training Series seeks to deliver this much-needed information.

Have a great 2005, and let us know what you think of our new Counterman Technical Training Series. We’ll adjust as we go to ensure we are delivering the very best product we possibly can. Thank you for your continued loyal readership.

A Counterman ‘hello’ to AutoZoner Greg Singer who works the counter at AutoZone store #1772 in Macedonia, OH. Greg was the hero who helped my wife Sue install a replacement headlamp in her car. Thanks Greg!

You May Also Like

What Will the ‘COVID-Era Consumer’ Do in 2022?

The beauty of the automotive aftermarket is that the economic conditions always seem to work in the industry’s favor.

Online Shopping

Remember the tariffs? Nathan Shipley does. Back in 2019, “that’s all we were talking about as an industry,” Shipley recalled, during his “Aftermarket Outlook 2022” presentation this past November at AAPEX.

Looking back at the “Distribution Preview” in the January 2019 issue of AMN/Counterman, aftermarket leaders consistently expressed concerns that former President Trump’s tariffs – and China’s retaliatory tariffs – could disrupt aftermarket supply chains, leading to higher prices and even production interruptions. Tariffs remained on their radar in January 2020, although it looked like the aftermarket was weathering the storm.

Right To Repair, Trade Associations And You

In the fight for Right to Repair legislation, aftermarket trade groups can’t do it alone.

Veterans Can Be Heroes Off the Battlefield Too

Veterans bring an incredible amount of value to the civilian workplace, in terms of nontechnical and technical skills.

Veterans and Vehicles
What’s Really Driving The Automotive Aftermarket’s Growth?

NPD’s Nathan Shipley looks at the many moving pieces contributing to the industry’s recent spike in demand.

aftermarket growth
Strength In Numbers

The automotive aftermarket is filled with great people. In fact, many say it’s our strong suit.

Teamwork automotive aftermarket

Other Posts

Never Stop Learning

With so much internet-based training content available, it’s never been easier to expand your knowledge base.

Continuing Education
Welcome To 2035 – What Things Might Look Like

The future is what we make it. We need to start addressing technology now so 2035 becomes a bright future.

Future of Transportation
Seems Like Everybody’s Talkin’ About Electric Vehicles

Not only are people talking about EVs, but according to the latest U.S. sales figures, they’re also buying them.

Tesla Electric Vehicle
Still Time To Nominate Someone For Counter Pro Of The Year

We’ll be accepting nominations through Aug. 1.