Currently viewing 1 to 20 of 78
Business Maintenance for Peak Performance
December 15, 2009
A good friend of mine has a wife who drove a leased SUV. One day about three months before the vehicle was due to be turned in, the engine warning light came on. She hadn’t been paying any attention and kept driving even as the temperature gauge was indicating hot.
Then he got the dreaded cell phone call, followed by the tow to the nearest dealer, where they found not a drop of oil in the...
read more
Dealers Share Tips for Success at TIA Roundtable
December 15, 2009
As usual, this year’s SEMA Show was an ideal place to see the latest trends, catch up with old friends, network with business associates and, above all else, look for ways to improve your dealership.
Along those lines, the Tire Industry Association’s International Roundtable featured a new segment dedicated to helping dealers gather ideas to take back to their shops.
“Best...
read more
Training Is An Attitude
November 10, 2009
During the 1920s, the term “model year” gained currency in an automotive industry that was determined to increase its sales by annually introducing new automobiles to a motoring public hungry for the prestige of owning the latest motor vehicle technology.
Because the operative word in “model year” is “change,” an outside observer would assume that the words...
read more
North America’s Top Shop Finalist: Jack Williams Tire & Auto Center
October 14, 2009
Jack Williams Tire Co. is no stranger to disaster. Founded just before the stock market crashed in 1929 and ravaged by a hurricane in the early 1970s, Jack Williams not only survived, it built a successful tire and service business that is integral to eastern Pennsylvania.
And that perseverance, coupled with exemplary customer service, innovative merchandising and commitment to the communities it...
read more
North America’s Top Shop Finalist: Griffin Brothers
October 14, 2009
You would expect tire dealers in the heart of NASCAR country to know something about automobiles. Griffin Brothers Tires, Wheels, and Auto Repair in the Charlotte, N.C., area not only knows tires, but the company also has mastered the art of building relationships with people.
Over the past 48 years, this family-run company has built a solid reputation with their customers – to the tune of...
read more
North America’s Top Shop Finalist: Curry’s Automotive
October 14, 2009
When Matt and Judy Curry opened Curry’s Auto Service in 1998, the couple knew they were taking a risk. With one child at home and another on the way, the Currys opened their shop in Chantilly, Va., with 13 credit cards and $103,000 worth of debt.
“Every last penny to our name was in this business,” Matt says. “In the beginning, our main challenge was just surviving and...
read more
Getting 'Green:' Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to Reignite Your Business
October 14, 2009
By now it's clear that the whole "green" movement is more than just a fad. In fact, successful businesses everywhere have adapted their operations to cater to consumers who are looking for more environmentally friendly products and services.
While consumers may not base their purchasing decisions solely on this aspect, it does come into consideration when choosing a variety of purchases...
read more
North America's Top Shop Winner: Enger Tire & Auto
October 14, 2009
Jim Enger is no control freak. When you have 20 retail stores, three warehouses, two parts outlets and associated business interests spread over 10 of the largest and busiest counties in Northeast Ohio, you can't micro-manage every little thing. He doesn't even try. But he does want to control his own destiny, and his approach – a unique corporate structure, absolute trust in his team and a burning...
read more
Top Shop Honorees Share More Keys to Success
October 14, 2009
I have written this column for several years now, many times discussing various aspects of performance, whether it is tires, wheels or suspensions. And I’ve tried to focus on tangible items we can touch and measure, one against another, to derive the best product for a given application.
As we head to Las Vegas and the SEMA Show, we’ll be crowning the winner of this year’s Tire...
read more
All in the Family: Running a Successful Family Business
July 15, 2009
Today the most commonly accepted meaning is that blood-related family
members are to be considered more important than non-family members.
With
few exceptions, that seems to be the mantra for tire dealers who have
started or inherited a family-owned business. While the “blood” happens
to be a common bond, most involved agree that running the business with
family has more advantages...
read more
Look on the Bright Side
July 01, 2009
Talk of recession – or worse – scares business owners. Small business owners know there’s nothing worse than feeling as if you have no control over your future. A down economy doesn’t have to dictate doom, though. Some small businesspeople say recessionary fears only make their operations tighter, an upshot in any economy.
If you’re feeling a crunch, try these survival...
read more
Is There Still Room For Small Independents? YES!
June 15, 2009
By this time, most small independent tire dealers in the U.S. are tired of hearing how bad the economy is. Those who are experiencing a downturn in business are forced to deal with it, and those who are progressing don't believe it.
read more
Should You Become a Tech Geek?
June 01, 2009
Have you been thinking about all of those technology-related things you’ve been putting off? Here’s a tech-challenged list for tire dealers:
• Set up a Google Reader account. You can skip this one if you already have a newsreader set up. Chances are, however, you’re still avoiding the efficiency you can gain by using new technology called RSS – real simple syndication...
read more
Should You Buy New Technology Equipment During a Recession?
May 14, 2009
There are many reasons why it’s a smart idea to upgrade your technology during a weak economy. Sometimes the need to replace technology is a choice; oftentimes though, it’s due to a failure after which you’re faced with buying new or trying to get by with what you have.
When times are tough, you can actually get some of the best deals, modernize for less, and prove to your customers...
read more
Be Careful With Your E-mail
May 01, 2009
Don’t push the button to send an e-mail message until you have carefully proofed it and considered all the ramifications. Recently, a Colorado businessman didn’t follow those instructions and sent an e-mail containing all salary and stock information to everyone in the company. He was let go the next day.
We’ve all sent and received e-mail messages by mistake. Whether they’re...
read more
Painless Inventory is Possible
April 01, 2009
Don’t risk not having a tire in stock when a customer needs it. There's a good chance that customer won't come back.
Taking regular inventory can be a chore, but a few simple guidelines should help:
• Place one person in charge of coordinating all aspects of the inventory.
• Make a complete list of all areas and items to inventory.
• Don’t take inventory of...
read more
e-Learning: Reduce Training Costs, Increase Productivity
March 03, 2009
If you’re like most companies that have installed business management software, one big concern in making your decision was training.
This training had to include not just your key personnel, but the folks on the front line as well. Everyone who touched the system needed to be taught at least the basics, with the hope that they would also remember the little nuances. And, like most businesses...
read more
Getting Through the Bad Times Together
March 01, 2009
There are times when employers are reluctant to inform employees about a company’s financial difficulties. However, experience shows that how employees respond is determined by the manner in which the news is delivered.
The most detrimental way for employees to find out about their company's troubles is through the proverbial "grapevine," especially from suppliers or competitors...
read more
Protecting Your Customers’ Credit
January 01, 2009
Credit card fraud is much more common than you might realize, and in many cases businesses are unwitting participants. You’ve heard tales of stolen identities and illegal use of someone’s credit card, but have you considered how this might start?
A dishonest clerk can make an extra imprint of a transaction and use it to make personal charges. A thief can sift through the trash to find...
read more
Anti-Virus Protection for Your Business
July 09, 2008
Did you ever stop and ask yourself if your company has enough anti-virus protection? In today’s world, Internet whackos are creating more and more viruses to attack your PCs, your servers and your network.
They have all kinds of motives, but no matter what their purpose, getting a virus in your computer or network can be as painful as having a root canal without Novocain.
I’ve been...
read more
|
|
|