Mary DellaValle, Author at UnderhoodService
APA’s 2018 Conference: ‘Allies For Success’

Vendors and members team up to achieve goals, cement ties and spotlight outstanding contributions at Automotive Parts Associates’ 37th Annual Shareholders’ and Manufacturers’ Conference.

APA’s 2017 Conference: ‘Clutch The Opportunities’ Drives Engagement, Fuels Business, Spotlights Vendors And Members

Following a roaring ’20s speakeasy-themed reception on Wednesday evening, Thursday morning’s annual awards breakfast served as a platform to recognize the several vendors who provided exceptional products, services and support to APA shareholders over the past year.

Dan Freeman, Industry Veteran of 50 Years, Takes a Look Back & A Look Ahead

A Cleveland, OH, native, Dan’s career began in 1964 working with his father who was in the wholesale/retail tire business, leasing space in a large discount store and selling passenger and truck tires. Fast-forward 50 years, and Dan, who’s been at the helm of Automotive Parts Associates (APA) for 25 years, looks back on his storied and successful career, and looks forward to giving back to the industry in his well-deserved retirement that begins later this month.

Engagement, Ownership Boost Employee Pride And Performance

The degree to which your employees can impact your bottom line hinges on their level of engagement and sense of ownership in the shop’s success. When engagement is high, performance follows, as does key business-building factors like service excellence and outstanding customer service.

Age Of Convenience Dictates Streamlined Communication Methods

The manner in which the majority of your customers prefer to communicate about vehicle service is changing, as their need for convenient and easy information access accelerates. You likely have noticed that their attitudes and expectations are vastly different than what you were used to encountering. There are great opportunities for every business owner to reach their customers and prospects more effectively by embracing e-communication channels like email, social media (Facebook/Twitter) and texting.

Editor’s Notebook: Time On Your Side, Averting Typical ‘Time Stealers’

Time could be your biggest ally at the onset of the new year as you think about ways to increase your shop’s profitability and productivity. But how many times have you said, “If I only had more time?” While you have good intentions of making the best use of your time during the course of your busy day, there are inevitable distractions that prevent you from doing just that.

Editor’s Notebook: Marketing To Women Should Be One Of Your Top Priorities

In case you haven’t noticed, female buying power is on the rise. Women account for about 85% of all automotive sales in U.S. households, and 50-65% of customers at automotive service centers are women. And you know what that spells? Opportunity.

Editor’s Notebook: New VIO Dynamics Offer Expanding Service And Repair Opportunities

As a service provider to this evolving vehicle fleet, a better understanding of market conditions will help you identify growth opportunities and target business plans for the future.

Maintenance Mindset Racks Up Miles And Service Opportunities

How many miles do you think a pampered engine could rack up? Hundreds of thousands? How about millions! Irv Gordon, a Long Island, NY, resident who’s has traveled the U.S. for nearly 50 years, can attest to that. He’s driven the same vehicle, a shiny, red 1966 Volvo P1800, racking up nearly 3 million miles.

Consumer Confidence Increases, Back-To-Back Monthly Gains Spell Good News

The Consumer Confidence Index is up and that should spell good news for your import repair business.

Increased Cross-Selling Incidents Will Improve Your Shop’s Bottom Line

As miles rack up on your customers’ vehicles, are you getting the most mileage out of your oil change services and maximizing every service occasion?

Editor’s Notebook: Mobile Ad Customer Engagement Spells Service Opportunities

A recent study issued by the Marchex Institute sought to answer some of the most pressing questions about consumer call behavior.