From Tow Truck Drives to Computer Drives
He says he saw a UFO, he wears flip-flops and he used to drive a tow truck, but what does shop network-owner Erick Bickett have to say about computers, consolidation and Christmas?
Road Hazard: Renegade Primates Ahead
Driving in Northeastern Ohio – especially in the winter – can be treacherous for even the most experienced motorist. Between construction, rubber-neckers and lake-effect snow, you can bet your paycheck there will be several delays on the way to your destination.
A Reluctant Informer and the Hardest Hit
An Oregon body shop technician’s keen eye and decades of repair experience played a vital role in the apprehension of a driver responsible for the hit-and-run death of a 12-year-old girl. But it was more than knowledge of the job. It was his first-hand knowledge of knowing what it was like to lose a child.
Orange You Going to NACE?
Bound for Orlando – the land of oranges and overabundant family fun – NACE promises a jam-packed schedule of seminars and workshops that leaves little time for mousing around.
Don’t Shoot the Messenger! Ohio’s Jack Lundberg
Faced with the challenge of registering Ohio’s collision repair facilties, Jack Lundberg has been called a savior by some, the devil by others. Throw in a few death threats, and you know how Lundberg feels by 10 a.m.
Not So Random Acts of Kindness
You can’t sit back and wait for people to beat a path to your door – you have to get their attention any way you can. (This doesn’t mean light yourself on fire and dance around your parking lot!) Thank-you notes, kind words and doing little things that other shop owners don’t will attract customers, improve business relationships and keep you out of the burn unit.
ycle Time and Punishment: Their Cross-Country Sales Trek had taken a Short Recess
The sign ahead said, “Welcome to Judgment: Population 801.” It was crooked, like the tower in Pisa, and the white background was badly rusted. Weeds, like tangled wires at Christmas, wrapped tightly around the metal stem of the sign. Pete Simpson, who was driving, wondered if the population hadn’t changed at all since the sign
Barenaked Ladies Spotted With Volkswagens
Despite the presence of Barenaked Ladies at Volkswagen’s recent “Driversfest,” held at the Pond of Anaheim, Calif., no one objected. In fact, many people cheered — men and women alike — as the Barenaked Ladies tirelessly performed onstage for nearly two hours.
Should Have Known Betterment
Betterment. Sounds like a new flavor of gum from Wrigley’s. Well, to car owners and collision shop managers and owners, betterment might not be so sweet, and their attitude toward it hasn’t been so carefree.
The Rest of the Way Around the World
After BodyShop Business’ roving reporter Mike Lawrence returned from his two-day, 17-country whirlwind trip – in which he studied collision repair markets around the globe – he determined that while each country’s market is unique, it also sounds strangely familiar…(Continued from the August 2000 issue of BodyShop Business).