What Are They Up To?

AutoInc. Profiles Past Chairmen of ASA

Gary Spear
ASA Chairman: May 1991 - March 1992

Q: What are you doing currently?
A: My wife, Susan, and I still run our family-based business, Spear's Automotive Service in Cedar Crest, N.M. My two sons, Scott and Chris, work as technicians. Scott's wife, Michelle, is our service adviser. We have two additional talented technicians, Greg and Jesse. Susan and I are looking forward to retirement within the next two years as we transition the business over to our two capable sons. We will then have more time to enjoy our five horses, old cars and new toys such as my new Harley Super Glide!

Q: What advice would you give to ASA members aspiring to serve on the board?
A: By becoming a board member, you are signaling a clear message to other ASA members and industry partners that you are serious about helping to improve the industry. Always remember that ASA exists for the benefit of the members and by the members. Step up to meet and work with some of the finest people on earth.

Q: What are your best memories and accomplishments as chairman?
A: The most memorable thing that happened to me actually occurred before I became chairman. The association provided excellent technical training but was lacking training for the management side of the business. I talked to the then current chairman, Steve Louden, and expressed my opinion. I was aware of my own shortcomings in this area and the fact that I needed help. Within a few weeks, he appointed me to chair a committee to explore and assess what we would need to do to provide this training and select key stakeholders and people to help with the task. That was the start of ASAMI, which later became the Automotive Management Institute (AMI). A lot of really good people worked hard to make AMI what it is today, especially Larry W. Bailey Jr., one of the chairman I followed. The other accomplishment that sticks out was that after the retirement of Don Randall, our Washington, D.C., representative, we found our current representative, Robert L. Redding, who I think has done an excellent job.

NATIONAL NEWS

• ASA has expanded its benefit of estimating and diagnostic programs with the launch of ALLDATA's comprehensive collision service, CollisionConnect. ASA members - through an agreement with ALLDATA - are eligible to receive price reductions on ALLDATA's electronic diagnostic and repair information for professional service providers. ASA members qualify for discounts on initialization fees as well as reduced costs on monthly subscription fees.

  ALLDATA's CollisionConnect service delivers factory-correct, unedited and regularly updated information, thanks to its close partnerships with manufacturers. The new tool offers a fast, convenient, one-stop information source - eliminating the need for bulky, obsolete manuals. CollisionConnect provides the OEM information, diagrams, exact measurements and precise specs you need for structural repair procedures.

  To begin taking advantage of ALLDATA's discounted program pricing, ASA members should contact ALLDATA at (800) 697-2533 or visit www.alldata.com. Or, contact ASA's membership department at (800) 272-7467, ext. 295. ASA members currently using the ALLDATA system may contact ASA's membership department at that same number to inquire about ASA pricing.

• The 2007 ASA Annual Convention will be held May 3-5 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn. The event is an expansion of the association's annual business meeting and will include the Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony. Previously held during CARS and NACE, the Celebration of Excellence event will again host the Automotive Management Institute (AMI) graduation ceremony.

  The activity-packed agenda will include the affiliate assembly, the ASA board of directors meeting and a State of the Association address by Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief staff executive. Networking opportunities, management seminars, a Mechanical and Collision Divisions Forum, and an industry leadership reception are also scheduled.

  To sharpen your skills and network with other automotive professionals, watch your mail or visit www.ASAshop.org/annual07.