Surrounding Yourself with Success

Posted 6/9/2011
By Ron Nagy, AAM, Chairman

What an honor. Well, it's here, my chairmanship. There are so many topics and issues I would love to bring up and chat about. But first I must say, "Thanks."

Thanks to my staff for allowing me to volunteer for all the various ASA positions I have held. Thanks to Dan, my brother and business partner at Nagy's Collision Centers, for covering the shops while I participate in industry events. Thanks to my beautiful wife, Kristine (with whom I just celebrated 25 years of marriage), for allowing me to follow my passions. Thanks to all the leaders I have learned so much from at ASA.

I was recently asked how I was able to grow my business over the last several years. Without thinking, I immediately said, "ASA!"

I had heard a quote a long time ago that said, "If you're the smartest one in the room, you're in the wrong room." From the moment I first attended a local ASA meeting with my father, I started learning from shop owners like Dave Christopher, Larry Shaw, Steve Marco and Mark Cole. Then, by getting involved at the next level, I again learned from other ASA members, such as Dennis Sterwerf, Bob Anderson, Bert Toth and Al Dueber.

Then, once again - at the national level of ASA - I met members by whom I am humbled to have had the opportunity to learn from, such as Jerry and Geri Kottschade, Charlie Elder, Darrell Amberson, Mike Anderson, the late Russ Verona - and I have not even mentioned the AMI classes, which took me to the next level with every class I attended.

What's fascinating is that with today's technology, learning from colleagues may now be done in person, by email, text, webinar or web conferencing. ASA has given me friends and colleagues a few miles up the road and 1,500 miles away in New Mexico.

We have just returned from the annual meeting in Washington, D.C., which included a day on Capitol Hill. It was a great event to network and meet with our Washington representatives to share our thoughts and concerns. So let me start my chairmanship by encouraging you to get out there and surround yourself with successful business leaders at the next ASA event ... which could even be online during the next webinar!

Editor's Note: Speaking of ASA events ... New dates and a new location for ASRW 2011! ASA is excited to invite everyone to Orlando this year for NACE and CARS Oct. 5-8. Mark your calendar! Bring your staff! Bring your family! This location promises to be an awesome experience for everyone. Visit www.ASRWevents.com for all of the latest details.