Ask

Posted 7/9/2009
By Earl Dohner, AAM, Chairman

This year, ASA is 58 years strong. It got me to thinking about my history with the association and, frankly, how I ended up being so blessed to have worked with as many of my ASA colleagues as I have over the years.

It was about three years after opening our shop that we first heard about a trade association. I recall reading about a group that was putting on a trade show (called ASC, at that time). It was all about fixing cars. We went ... and that was the start of a great relationship.

Well, here I sit, looking back at where we have been and where I am now. How did it happen?

1. First, it was the desire to know more about auto repair.

2. Then, it was a friend who asked us if we wanted to join. (Remember this: He asked us if we wanted to join).

3. Then, another shop owner - who became a good friend - asked if we wanted to go to some meetings.

4. Then, another industry colleague took us to a state-level meeting. It was there that we met several other shop owners who had some great stories of "how to do it better."

5. Then, someone named "Tom" asked if we wanted to go to a national meeting. (What was that? I soon learned.)

It was all about someone asking us if we would go.

Once we did, it was then that the desire to get involved began to develop; to see if we could help someone else. It boils down to this: Everyone has something to share that may help others.

Before I wrap up, I simply want to remind everyone about ASA's member recruitment program. Not only is it good for our industry to keep our association strong, you're actually helping a nonmember when you share the benefits of ASA membership. As a member, you know this from experience. Take that extra moment to invite another shop owner to see what ASA has to offer.

Who can you reach out to before your next ASA activity or industry event? Is there someone you know who could benefit from your advice? Like so many things in life, sometimes you just need to remember to ask. What can you share that would be helpful to another in our industry? I know there's plenty.

By asking others to join ASA, you'll not only help them, but yourself as well. Recruiting new members will make you a member of the Chairman's Club. You might even win a trip to Las Vegas for NACE or CARS. For details on the Chairman's Club, click here.