Mitchell 1 To Hold Shop Management System Training Workshop In Minneapolis

Mitchell 1 will hold this year's second Shop Management System Training Workshop July 18-20 in Minneapolis, Minn. at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, located at 1300 Nicollet Mall. The training workshop is designed for those who have previously established competence using their shop management software and now want to learn more advanced capabilities, better methods and shortcuts.

Mitchell 1 will hold this year’s second Shop Management System Training Workshop July 18-20 in Minneapolis, Minn. at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, located at 1300 Nicollet Mall. The training workshop is designed for those who have previously established competence using their shop management software and now want to learn more advanced capabilities, better methods and shortcuts.

The two-day training session guides users through all levels of functionality in the Mitchell 1 Manager and ManagerPlus system. Instructors will explore program setup values, inventory, reporting, best practices and advanced transactions as well as integration with aftermarket cataloging. The workshop explores both of Mitchell 1’s popular shop management solutions – Manager 5.9 and Manager SE (version 6.4) – since setup and operation is similar for these products. Users of both platforms will benefit from this training experience. Attendees will also learn about the Mitchell 1 SocialCRM customer retention and new customer acquisition service during a relaxed evening reception.

The workshop will be led by John Dwulet, senior product manager for Mitchell 1’s management software solutions, and Tim McDonnell, national training manager, who together have more than 35 years of combined Manager and ManagerPlus training experience. Mitchell 1 support personnel will also be on hand. Attendees can expect lively discussions on how to use the management system to energize their business, increase profits and boost productivity.

“This advanced training workshop turns existing shop management system customers into power users who get the most out of their software and business,” said Dwulet. “The sessions will uncover strategies allowing attendees to compete successfully against dealerships; maximizing their maintenance and repair opportunities and further the relationship with the customer. Each time we conduct a workshop we repeatedly hear similar comments, such as ‘the workshop opened my eyes to new ways of doing things that have really helped me in my business.’ No matter how long you have had the software, you learn there are better and more efficient methods to operate the day-to-day business.”

Adds McDonnell, “For the experienced Manager user, the workshops provide two days of comprehensive training that increases the value of their shop’s software investment. The interaction between attendees sharing methods and tips, plus the new friendships everyone takes home, is priceless."

Attendees will be welcomed by a cocktail reception on Thursday, July 18 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Workshop sessions run from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., on Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20. The registration fee is $200 per attendee, plus applicable tax, and covers seminars, breakfast, lunch and refreshments each day. Participants are responsible for transportation to Minneapolis and hotel accommodations. Attendees may reserve rooms at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis and receive Mitchell 1’s special hotel rate by mentioning Mitchell 1/ShopKey Manager Training when making the reservation by calling 612-370-1234. Registration must be completed by Monday, July 1.

Scott Leep of Rick’s Garage, Inc. in Grand Rapids, Mich. previously attended a Shop Management System Training Workshop and said, “Presenters were incredibly in tune to their product, as well as in tune to our business. Very well done.” Sarah R. Adams of Keith Cox Autobahn in Bellingham, Wash. has also attended a workshop and commented, “Loved the class. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone in the automotive industry.”

Attendees can earn 30 AMI credits toward the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation by completing the workshop. At the end of each workshop, AMI course completion forms will be handed out to those attendees who wish to pursue AMI credits.

For more information or to register for Mitchell 1’s next Management System Training Workshop, visit the Management Workshop website.

When Your Shop Is Worth Much More Than You Thought

Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.

Case Study: Owner of San Francisco-based Import Service Shop Delighted to Discover Just How Valuable His Business is to Qualified Buyers
I sometimes share case studies of the clients I have been able to assist in my role as an aftermarket business broker and provider of intermediary and advisory services. I do that when I think the story will provide a reader in similar circumstances with new insights or helpful information.
In the case of Cowden Automotive, Inc., I acted in a consulting capacity assisting the owner and his broker in valuing the business, creating a marketing plan, finding a qualified buyer, and arranging financing for the sale.
Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.
Needless to say, delivering that kind of good news to a shop owner is a rewarding experience. Discovering that the sale of his business would result in his retirement nest-egg being substantially larger than he had ever thought was a fitting tribute to someone who had spent his entire working career as a busy automotive service shop owner.

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