Generationally Speaking – September/October 2015

See what makes us different … and the same!

In this issue, we feature Mike Bennett, owner, and Joe Arnold, technician, of Mike’s KARS in Gettysburg, Pa.

Michael Bennett
Baby Boomer

What is one piece of advice your parents gave you that still sticks with you today?

Work hard, and if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

What is the best decision you have ever made?

Deciding I could do it on my own (own a business).

Drink of choice?

Probably things that are bad for me. Yuengling beer.

How did you get into the automotive service business?

I was born a very mechanically curious person. I loved understanding how things work. I fell into exposure to the industry by marriage, but it became a natural fit because of the challenge of the mechanics of it all.

Best vacation you’ve ever had?

A trip to Mexico with the family; very adventurous.

What do you drive?

GMC Denali 2500 HD.

If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do?

Some sort of project around the house. I always have something to work on or tinker with.

What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today?

Chase something you are passionate about. Do not feel entitled. Be willing to work harder than everyone else, strive for personal excellence and be able to enjoy your successes.

What do you like most about your work?

Solving problems. Figuring out a solution to a problem that others can’t.

What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?

Attract more and better talent to the industry.

Speaking on behalf of your generation, how do you see the future of the industry?

I fear for the industry because of the characteristics of the younger generations entering the work force, but generational differences have always existed. I think the industry will prevail. Americans’ love of individual travel will perpetuate the auto industry. It will change, though, and we will have to adapt. Both the industry and the newest generation of workers will figure it out and continue to be successful. Possibly our greatest challenge will be learning how to adapt to change in a quicker time frame. The rate of change in the industry and technology has hit hyper-speed. We have to be able to be just as flexible.

Joe Arnold, Generation Y

What is one piece of advice your parents gave you that still sticks with you today?

Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do anything.

What is the best decision you have ever made?

My career.

Drink of choice?

Sweet tea.

How did you get into the automotive service business?

I was hired to clean up and sweep floors. Automotive service turned into a passion of mine and has continued into my career.

Best vacation you have ever been on?

Hunting and camping every fall in southern Virginia with my father.

What do you drive?

2008 Chevy Silverado.

If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do?

Go hunting.

What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today?

Study, study, study. The industry is changing every day. This line of work is going to get very hard – either stick with it or don’t do it.

What do you like most about your work?

It’s a family business and everyone sticks together.

What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?

Drive a tractor-trailer.

Speaking on behalf of your generation, how do you see the future of the industry?

Hard. There are going to be a lot of changes – both good and bad – for the independent shops, but likely there is a lot of revenue to be made.