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.
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.
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.
Exploring Life’s Market
My own life, even up to this point, has not been stationary, and so it goes. This will be my last column for Counterman magazine. I am moving on, choosing to take a different path in the market of life.
What About Telematics?
Although telematics might prove to be one of the most significant challenges that has ever faced the aftermarket, there are ways to deal with it.
Getting More Business
Chances are good that most of your customers would rather buy from you than the OE dealer. Are you giving them the right reasons?
Up is Up
Although the DIY market appears to be looking a little brighter, the commercial side of the business is where the real future growth will come.