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  Guest Editorial

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

Posted 9/17/2012

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 they are relating. In this month’s “Generationally Speaking” department, meet Howard Wilde III, owner of Jake’s Autocare in Norwalk, Ohio; and his son, Greg Wilde, head technician.

Baby Boomer Generation Y

Howard C. Wilde IIIHoward C. Wilde III

What do you think about when you’re brushing your teeth in the morning? How my day is going to start at work. Putting it all together in my mind.

What is the best decision you have ever made? Having five great kids and raising them right.

Drink of choice: Bud Light.

How did you get into the automotive service business? My dad’s family was in the trucking industry. Being around them, it just came natural to me.

Show that you have to record if you miss it: NCIS.

What do you drive? 2005 Chevrolet Silverado pickup.

If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do? Go to the local coffee shop with friends. Ride my motorcycle all day after that. The next day, I would work around the house.

What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today? Go out and investigate your options and make your decision after that.

What do you like most about your work? The gratification you get from repairing a customer’s vehicle right.

Favorite musician or favorite type of music? Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, rock ‘n’ roll.

Speaking on behalf of your generation, how do you see the future of the industry? I see more and more technology and the need for good training. If not, most will be left behind.

Greg WildeGreg Wilde

What do you think about when you’re brushing your teeth in the morning? Getting the kids to the babysitter and getting to work on time.

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

Drink of choice: Root beer.

How did you get into the automotive service business? My father has owned this business since I was a baby. It has always been a part of my life.

Show that you have to record if you miss it: Mythbusters.

What do you drive? 1997 GMC Jimmy, but wish I was driving my 1970 Chevy Nova.

If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do? Play MW3 on XBox Live with my brother, who lives in North Carolina.

What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today? Never stop learning. Things seem to always be changing, especially in our industry.

What do you like most about your work? It is a fun place to work, and I get to work with my dad.

Favorite musician or favorite type of music? I like rock music.

Speaking on behalf of your generation, how do you see the future of the industry? I think technology will be a big part of the future with smaller computers and diagnostic equipment that is all wireless.

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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