We Can Relate ...

Posted 9/8/2011
By Ron Nagy, AAM, Chairman

As business partners, my brother and I know what it's like to wake up in the middle of the night thinking about the A/P list. We know what it's like to be in the shower thinking about how we are going to find the next "A" tech. We know what it's like to try to find capital to purchase the next big piece of equipment or expand.

We know what it's like to try to work with a dysfunctional DRP program; we know what it's like to try to please an unrealistic customer. We know what it's like to be thrown under the bus by an insurance adjuster. We know what it's like to think you have been inspected by every city, state and federal agency. And then pay them a fee.

We know what it's like to work "1/2" a day (12 hours, that is)! We know what it's like to invest two years in training an entry-level tech only to have him or her go to your competition for $.50 more per hour.

I think you get the picture.

That's the phenomenal thing about ASRW|NACE|CARS. We get to come to the best education and training under one roof, and all in a matter of 72 hours attend class after class after class. We get to look, test and feel the latest equipment, software, materials and tools. But the best part, from my point of view, is that we get to come and network, chat and trade experiences with thousands of other business owners in the same shoes as us!

The crazy thing is - as we get together and talk with other shop owners, equipment and software reps, and people who represent every corner of our industry - we find they face the same issues. And the more we chat, the more we also realize how blessed we are. We have made it through some of the toughest times. We control our own destiny, we are surrounded by fantastic people. And even in the past couple of recession-filled years, we all did pretty darn good. We made it through! We not only survived, but many resized and are in a better position today than ever. We like to call it the new norm. And since no one else seems to want to give you a big pat on the back, I will!

So take a deep breath and put the phone on vibrate. Check your Facebook, email and Twitter accounts later. Soak up every educational class you can get in to, visit every booth on the expo floor, and most importantly - I challenge you - pull up a chair, grab a beverage and let's chat. Chances are, I can relate to what you're going through. Come to Orlando and enjoy the show.