Mary DellaValle

“If we weren’t working on Hondas, we probably wouldn’t be in the auto repair business,” affirms Jeff Baker, co-owner of Formula H Motorworks in Middletown, NY. In referencing both his and co-owner brother Brian’s love of all things Honda, Jeff also reinforces the duo’s specialization in and commitment to the Honda/Acura brands.

With the year quickly winding down, as a shop owner in this business, there are likely certain strategies, policies, practices that you are really emphasizing now to ensure your shop finishes the year on a more solid note.

The resounding message echoed among panel members was that the economic reset that resulted from the recent recession has prompted an industry reset that will position the aftermarket for growth, but they cautioned that we should not forget the lessons we learned the past year.

If you haven’t given thought to getting involved in a Be Car Care Aware Campaign, think again. It’s the perfect opportunity to do something good for your customers, showcase your technicians’ repair expertise and spotlight your commitment to quality repairs and exemplary customer service.

If you consider your employees to be your most important
business asset, then it would be short-sighted of you not to
insure them. Key-person life insurance policies help ensure continuity in a business after the loss of a partner or important employee and also offer valuable employee retention benefits.

Running a successful shop with a 44-year heritage doesn’t
happen by accident. It takes a lot of hard work and doing
a lot of the right things. Operating out of its Simi Valley
location since 1980, and in Santa Monica 14 years before
that, Schneider’s Automotive is one exemplary shop.