Generationally Speaking – May/June 2015
See what makes us different … and the same!
In this issue’s “Generationally Speaking,” we feature RON HAUGEN, owner/president, and HEATHER ALBERTSON, service adviser, of WESTSIDE AUTO PROS in Des Moines, Iowa. See what makes us different … and the same.
Ron Haugen
Baby Boomer
What is one piece of advice your parents gave you that still sticks with you today?
If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t, so don’t do it.
What is the best decision you have ever made?
To join an automotive 20 Group.
Drink of choice?
Ice tea.
How did you get into the automotive service business?
As a teenager, I had no money to fix my car, so I had to figure it out. I enjoyed that and went on to technical school to learn to become a technician.
Best vacation you’ve ever had?
Puerto Morelos, Mexico.
What do you drive?
2011 Ford F150 pickup.
If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do?
I would go ride a bike trail.
What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today?
Choose a career you love and learn customer service. There would be nothing worse than doing a job you don’t love. And if your customer or client feels appreciated, you will succeed.
What do you like most about your work?
Marketing. Implementing it and watching the results.
What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?
Speak fluent Spanish.
Speaking on behalf of your generation, how do you see the future of the industry?
We will have to change. Adapt marketing and sales to fit the millennials’ thoughts and buying habits, as well as adapt to them on our staff. We cannot continue to do business the way we have. That is old school.
Heather Albertson
Generation Y/Millennial
What is one piece of advice your parents gave you that still sticks with you today?
You have to work hard for what you want.
What is the best decision you have ever made?
Setting goals and sticking to them.
Drink of choice?
Water
How did you get into the automotive service business?
A friend.
Best vacation you have ever been on?
Puerto Morelos, Mexico.
What do you drive?
2011 Toyota Camry and 2005 Yahama V-Star.
If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do?
I would go bike riding, read at a park or lake and go to the farmers’ market.
What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today?
There isn’t anything you can’t achieve if you put your mind to it. Chase your dreams.
What do you like most about your work?
The people I work with.
What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?
Speak another language or fly a small plane.
Speaking on behalf of your generation, how do you see the future of the industry?
Technology is making it easier, yet more difficult too.
