WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15, 2008
Embracing Change, Attending ASRW Go Hand in Hand

By Aaron Clements, 2008 CARS Chairman

Aaron Clements, AAM, is the immediate past chairman of ASA and owner of C&C Automotive in Augusta, Ga. He is serving as the event chairman for CARS 2008. He can be reached at aaron@ccautomotive.com.

For those who are opposed to change, I wish you the best. However, you may be in for some difficult times. For those who embrace it, you may be in for some of the most exciting times of your life.

I believe the one reason individuals who embrace change tend to be much more successful than those who do not is because they are able to anticipate the change to come. They seek out people and knowledge that will help them forecast what changes to expect, based on good and accurate information. That is just one of the many reasons that some of the most successful people in the automotive industry will be in Las Vegas Nov. 5-8 for Automotive Service and Repair Week.

It is during this week that they will gather the information needed to make their forecast on what the future of the automotive industry will hold. Some of this valuable information will be gathered in the many seminars and training classes offered. It may be information concerning management training or technical training. In either case, those in attendance will receive up-to-date knowledge on which they can base their forecasts and prepare for the changes that will take place.

More information will also be gathered as these "change embracers" walk the exhibition floor of close to 500 exhibitors. Knowledge of new equipment and technology will give them even more information to use when making forecasts that are vital to the success of their business.

As important as seminars, training and equipment are, there is one form of information gathering that is even more important - networking. Everyone who attends ASRW will develop a win-win relationship. They will share their success tips and their skills with others while receiving the same from others. They realize that by giving helpful information to others, they will receive the same.

I cannot tell you who the next president of the United States will be. I can tell you that, regardless of who wins, this country will change. I can also tell you that, regardless of what you want, the automotive industry will change. You now have two choices. You can avoid change and face an uncertain future or you can embrace change and face an exciting, successful and fun-filled future. For those who make the second choice - I will see you at ASRW.