Knowledge Is Power

Posted 5/17/2010
By Jerry Burns, AAM, Chairman

In April, I had the distinct honor of being sworn in as ASA chairman for 2010-2011. I am very humbled to have the privilege of serving the people of our great automotive service and repair industry. Serving ASA nationally over the past nine years has given me countless opportunities and resources. There are many passionate people who help make our industry one to be proud of and help to overcome unbecoming stereotypes.

As a member of the ASA board of directors and Collision Division Operations Committee, I am always awestruck at the hours, determination and hard work it takes - by many people - to keep our industry moving in a positive and forward motion that benefits everyone touched by our industry. My goal for the next year as your chairman is to continue to keep our members involved, connected and strong to remain leaders globally and in our respective communities.

Education and training have always been very important to me personally and professionally. As the years go by and I watch our sons grow into the young professional businessmen they are, it's easy to understand the role education and continuous training plays in our lives - not just for the degree, but also for a lifetime. Every day, they teach me something because of their new and fresh approach enabled by their education and ongoing training. They are teaching me to work smarter, not harder. We repair vehicles every day with sophisticated, ever-changing technology that requires staff and technicians with life-long learning skills to ensure safe, reliable and environmentally friendly vehicles in our communities. Knowledge is the most powerful resource we have to keep us energized and relevant in our marketplace.

Serving as chairman of both NACE and ASA this year, I encourage you to take full advantage of the upcoming Automotive Service and Repair Week (ASRW) in October. Beginning Sunday, Oct. 10, through Wednesday, Oct. 13, NACE and CARS - as always - will have countless educational and training opportunities for every aspect of your collision repair and mechanical repair businesses, technically and administratively.

In closing, I want to extend a sincere "thank you" to Earl Dohner, our 2009 ASA chairman. I appreciate the hours of hard work, passion and knowledge he has given our industry to make it one of the greatest industries to work in and to serve in, keeping our families safe in their vehicles every day. Earl and Elene, thank you for your mentoring, encouragement, knowledge and support. You are a hard act to follow!

Earl and Elene Dohner are a perfect example of the strong surviving through the various economic climates and changing trends and technology in our industry. Follow their lead, stay strong, seize every opportunity to learn (even outside of your chosen career), have fun, learn a new hobby and continue to grow.