Generationally SpeakingDecember 2013

See what makes us different … and the same!

About 90 percent of ASA member-shops are family-owned businesses, according to our 2013 “How’s Your Business?” survey results. Learn what different generations from the same shop are thinking and how they are relating in a customer-driven industry fueled by technology. In this month’s “Generationally Speaking” department, meet Raymond Benavidez, co-owner/manager at Mister B’s Paint & Body in Albuquerque, N.M., and Scott Benavidez, co-owner/manager.

RaymondBenavidez

Raymond Benavidez, Matures/Traditionals

Who do you trust the most?

My wife.

What is the best decision you have ever made?

Marrying her.

Best book you have ever read?

The Bible.

How did you get into the automotive service business?

Worked for an uncle in the business.

Who or what inspires you?

People.

What do you drive?

Toyota Tacoma pickup.

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

Catch up with my chores.

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

Go to college.

What is one electronic gadget that you cannot live without?

A radio.

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

Tough.

GS_scottbenavidez

Scott Benavidez, Generation X

Who do you trust the most?

My wife, my mother.

What is the best decision you have ever made?

To marry my wife.

Best book you have ever read?

Bless Me Ultima.

How did you get into the automotive service business?

Second generation.

Who or what inspires you?

Successful people in business and in life.

What do you drive?

2002 Chevy Avalanche; 2008 Harley Davidson.

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

Watch football.

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

Grades, grades, grades.

What do you most like about your work?

? Pulling together as a group to complete a vehicle.

What is one electronic gadget that you cannot live without?

iPhone/Facebook.

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

Education is the key to our industry. Who will repair vehicles correctly?