Jacobus, a resident of Houston, is an expert on extraordinary performance and promotes a message that "in every human being a champion heart beats."

Jacobus' resume includes 20 years of studying human behavior and performance, 16 years in sales and sales management, during which he was named salesman of the year nine times and manager of the year five times. He has also been designated the No. 1 trainer worldwide with America's largest seminar company.

Jacobus also has been on three world championship softball teams and in golf is a six-time Chrysler National Long Drive regional champion with a personal best of more than 400 yards.

His presentation focused on five elements to help make this year the best year ever for those in attendance. First, he said you have to positively manage your brain. Second, have commitment to what you do, adding that it is not about talent but what you are willing to do in life.

Third is having a vision as to why you do what you do, Jacobus said, and four is to continue learning and moving forward; last is personal accountability -- doing what you say you are going to do. "You are always one decision away from changing everything," he said.

CARQUEST CTI Instructor Vince Manship noted that just attending the training classes offered at Vision is not enough.
"It is very easy to go to training classes," he said. "But if you don't apply what you learn when you get back to your shop, what is it good for?" 

The technical training classes offered at Vision revolved around technology, including lectures on hybrids, scan tool data, and "Diagnosing Outside the Box." Five management classes focused on customer service and building a successful business. They Included "The Front End--A critical Component for Success," and "Expanding your Customer Base with Tires."

New Technology was also the theme in the Expo, which featured companies promoting the latest in equipment, management systems, and parts.  Businesses showcased everything from the latest in lifts and tire changes to scan tools and shop management systems.

Two businesses were awarded first place for the outstanding trade show booths. Automotive Test Solutions won for a booth up to 300 square feet, and Heartland Automotive Equipment won for a booth more than 300 square feet.

On Saturday night, ASA-MO/KAN awards committee chairman Jerry Holcomb presented awards at a dinner to four shops as Green Star Service Facilities, to the ASA Service Facility of the Year, and a new award for ASA Leadership Excellence.

The Green Star Facilities award goes to shops that incorporate environmentally friendly practices. This year's awards went to Coffey Automotive in St. Charles, Mo., McLean's Auto and Truck in Paola, Kan., Greg's Tire Centers in Independence, Mo., and SafeWay Tire and Auto Center in St. Charles, Mo.

U.S. Automotive in Springfield, Mo., received the ASA Service Facility of the Year, and ASA State Secretary and ASA Kansas City President Jeff Bly was the recipient of the Leadership of Excellence award.

The awards dinner was followed by Casino Night  offering winners numerous prizes. 

 
On Sunday morning, Jan Kraakman, owner of All Car Service in Zaandam, Netherlands, was presented with award for attendee from the farthest away. Following the presentation, keynote speaker George Witt told his audience to be proud of what they do, but he warned that those in attendance have to continue to act as good representatives for the automotive industry. 

Witt, a shop owner, said that if automotive repair shops want respect, they have to earn it.  

 
"If you want to be thought of as a professional, act like one," he said. "You guys represent the top 5 percent of shops, so you are the elites. Be proud of what you do."