Money Still On The Table For Aftermarket Students

The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship committee reminds the industry that scholarship funds are still available to students pursuing a career in the aftermarket. Industry members with sons or daughters in need of financial assistance to support their aftermarket education efforts are encouraged to have their children apply now.

The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship committee reminds the industry that scholarship funds are still available to students pursuing a career in the aftermarket. Industry members with sons or daughters in need of financial assistance to support their aftermarket education efforts are encouraged to have their children apply now.

In 2011, 154 Students received a total of 177 scholarships via the GAAS Scholarship program. The aggregate amount awarded was $176,500. Twenty-two students received multiple awards and one student received three awards.

"I encourage everyone in the aftermarket to have their sons and daughters who are attending or entering a full-time university, college or ASE/NATEF-certified vocational training program to apply for a scholarship from GAAS and its collaborating organizations," said Pete Kornafel, chairman of the GAAS Scholarship committee. "All full-time students who plan a career in the aftermarket qualify for GAAS scholarships. Technician Students also qualify for Michael Busch, Mitchell1, University of the Aftermarket Foundation and Women’s Board awards."

Professional students majoring in four-year business, marketing, accounting or engineering programs also qualify for Breslow Foundation, LDN, McCurdy, and MultiParts awards, Kornafel added. Residents of almost 40 states qualify for an award from one of the 10 regional automotive aftermarket associations. Second-year technician students in Minnesota qualify for the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota awards.  

Each application is reviewed by every organization where that applicant meets their qualifications. In 2011, 18 students received multiple awards from their one application.  

Details of each available award and online applications are at www.automotivescholarships.com for students attending schools in the U.S. Canadian students apply at http://www.aiacanada.com/scholarships.cfm.

The deadline for U.S. applications is March 31, and the deadline for Canadian applications is June 15.

You May Also Like

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.

Will You Adapt And Cope With Changing Technology?

I remember my boss complaining that electronic ignition was going to destroy our business back in the mid-’70s. “They are taking away our tune up business,” he would say. In some ways, he was right. Technology and change are things we can’t control. In fact, “change” is perhaps the one thing we can count on. And, as in life, it’s how we deal with change that matters.

The Secret To Price Advertising

Believe it or not, price advertising is a good thing. I am sure you will agree, everyone likes to find a good value, and price advertising lets people in your community know that you are looking for ways to help them save money. The problem most shop owners come across is that they’re unsure of exactly how to price advertise.

Phone Shoppers Made Easy

Although there is no silver bullet that will allow you to bring in every first-time caller, there are a number of things you can do to get more appointments. In this article, I would like to share some of the best practices your advisors can use that will generate immediate results.

The True Cost Of Comebacks

Comebacks are a hot topic today. You need to track all comebacks, determine the reason (tech error, part error, training issue, other) and then calculate the true cost of the comeback.

Other Posts
Want To Increase A/C Sales?

Have your techs, as part of their preliminary checks, turn on the A/C and see if the system is working. Is the compressor turning on? Are all the fan speeds working? Is the system getting cold? Is there a smell from the vents?

Call For Entries For The ATMC National Excellence In Training Awards

The Automotive Training Managers Council (ATMC) has issued a call for entries for the 2014 National Excellence in Training Awards. The annual program is designed to highlight the importance of training to the success of the transportation industry by honoring highly effective or innovative training programs. The awards are open to any person or entity providing training in the industry.

CARS 2014: ‘Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile’

From ASA comes word that CARS this year “is not your father’s Oldsmobile.” This year’s CARS will be held July 30-Aug. 2 in Detroit and, for the first time, the focus will be on younger techs. Each program at CARS this year has been handpicked with an eye toward making your shop better, said Donny Seyfer, chairman-elect of the Automotive Service Association, which sponsors CARS.

GAAS Attendees Get ‘Connected’ In Chicago

Attendees of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium’s (GAAS) 2014 Connected conference were engaged in a range of high-level topics affecting the automotive aftermarket now and in the future.