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  Guest Editorial

See what makes us different ...
and the same!

Posted 10/17/2012

More than 90 percent of ASA-member shops are family-owned businesses, according to our 2011 AutoInc. Readership Survey. Learn what different generations from the same shop are thinking and how their generational differences affect their perspectives inside and outside the workplace. In this month’s “Generationally Speaking” department, meet Shane Osborne, owner of Osborne Bodyworks in Lilburn, Ga.; and his senior body technician, Rick Hougland.

The two have a great working relationship, in part because Hougland mentored Osborne in the auto body business 23 years ago! Back then, Osborne swept floors and learned the ropes from Hougland at Padgett’s Bodyshop in Duluth, Ga. Osborne worked his way up the ladder at numerous body shops and dealerships before opening his business in 1999. Their paths crossed again when Hougland came to work for his former mentee at Osborne Bodyworks in 2010.

Osborne is grateful he learned from one of the best, and Hougland is grateful he is working at a business, and for a boss who shares his values – values he helped cultivate – of hard work and a quality product!

Generation X Baby Boomer

Shane Osborne

Who do you trust the most? Myself.

What is the best decision you have ever made? Marrying my wife, Sherry.

Best book you’ve ever read? Robinson Crusoe.

How did you get into the automotive service business? I got a job as a body man’s helper when I was 20 years old.

Who or what inspires you? The older generations because they worked, unlike the younger generation we have today.

What do you drive? 2012 Ford F-15- 4x4 Platinum w/Eco Boost.

If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do? Go saltwater fishing in the flats in the Florida Keys.

What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today? Learn how to work hard.

What do you like most about your work? Producing the highest quality repairs possible and satisfying my customers.

What is one electronic gadget that you cannot live without? My iPhone.

Speaking on behalf of your generation, how do you see the future of the industry? Shortage of employees due to work ethic. You can’t fix cars playing a video game.

Rick Hougland

Who do you trust the most? My wife.

What is the best decision you have ever made? Moving to Georgia from Iowa.

Best book you’ve ever read: Any “how-to” book.

How did you get into the automotive service business? My father owned a body shop.

Who or what inspires you: My wife and granddaughter.

What do you drive? GMC pickup.

If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do? Ride my motorcycle.

What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today? Go on to college.

What do you like most about your work? Making a good living.

What is one electronic gadget you cannot live without? TV.

Speaking on behalf of your generation, how do you see the future of the industry? The small shops will be a thing of the past if they don’t keep up with technology with employee training and equipment.

In future issues, we are inviting different generations from each shop (you don’t have to be related) to participate in the “Generationally Speaking” department. If you are interested, please send AutoInc. Editor Leona Dalavai Scott a quick note at leonad@asashop.org.

 
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