Generationally Speaking – January/February 2015
See what makes us different … and the same!
In this issue of “Generationally Speaking,” meet Bob Wills, owner of Wills Auto Service in Battle Creek, Mich., and John Teachout, technician. Wills serves as director of the Mechanical Division Operations Committee.
Robert “Bob” Wills
Baby Boomer
What is one piece of advice your parents gave you that still sticks with you today?
Be honest.
What is the best decision you have ever made?
To serve people.
Drink of choice?
Ice tea.
How did you get into the automotive service business?
Raised in it.
Best vacation you’ve ever had?
Trip to Maine, where I enjoyed some lobster.
What do you drive?
Dodge Challenger.
If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do?
Drive through car lots.
What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today?
Try to get a direction, education and develop work ethics.
What do you like most about your work?
People.
What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?
I have always wanted to learn another language.
Speaking on behalf of your generation, how do you see the future of the industry?
Better computer understanding.
John E. Teachout
Generation X
What is one piece of advice your parents gave you that still sticks with you today?
Do something you love to do with the people you love.
What is the best decision you have ever made?
To volunteer my time helping youth learn how to better themselves.
Drink of choice?
Two percent milk.
How did you get into the automotive service business?
As a youth, I was always interested in how things went fast and decided to start pursuing it as a career.
Best vacation you have ever been on?
A long weekend camping with friends in Western Michigan, along Lake Michigan.
What do you drive?
Dodge Ram and Chrysler 300.
If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do?
In the summer, I would go camping near Lake Michigan with my family so we could run up the sand dunes and soak up some sun. In the winter, I would say just camp out at home, go snowboarding with my son and then warm up by our fireplace with my wife.
What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today?
Surround yourself with great thinkers and listen. Don’t just sit and not do anything, keep moving and continue improving not only yourself but others around you.
What do you like most about your work?
The customers. They have a problem and I am able to come up with a solution that works.
What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?
Fly a plane.
