First-time parts director Eric Schmid installed processes and systems that laid the foundation for growth.
Rising Stock
Thornton, Colo.—When Eric Schmid joined Larry H. Miller Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 104th three years ago, he spent his first year installing and refining new systems and processes to lay the foundation for his part department’s future growth.
Parts Manager Brian Bare rotates counter people out into the field so that they can shake hands and visit shop customers.
Express keeps them coming back
Vallejo, Calif.— By intently concentrating on providing the right parts for its busy Toyota Express Maintenance (TXM) system, Toyota of Vallejo’s Parts Manager Brian Bare is able to keep everything moving along at a rapid pace.
Technicians use an iPod Touch with an app to open the cabinet and scan the bar code of products removed.
LeanTec automates shop paint and material inventory management
Franklin, Tenn.—Paint and material waste and shrinking profit margins are common problems for collision shop managers.
Jason Altman, owner of General Automotive Supply, says dozens of DELO pallets are sold each month.
Standing tall in the fluids market
Lake Oswego, Ore.—From an urban setting near downtown Portland, General Automotive Supply Co.
The crew at Pleasant Hill Collision Repair repairs 50-60 vehicles every month out of a 6,500-square-foot facility.
Ready to take on all challenges
Pleasant Hill, Calif.—By pursuing certified aluminum repair and working on any vehicle that comes through the doors without exception, Aaron Silva at Pleasant Hill Collision Repair stays busy.
The crew at Walnut Creek Honda averages eight years on the job, led by Parts Manager Lester Pamplona, far right.
All hands on deck
Walnut Creek, Calif.—By keeping fewer products on his shelves without compromising availability and delivery, Parts Manager Lester Pamplona is leveraging his 18 years at Walnut Creek Honda to serve two masters — his own service department and his
First-time parts director Eric Schmid installed processes and systems that laid the foundation for growth.
Parts Manager Brian Bare rotates counter people out into the field so that they can shake hands and visit shop customers.
Technicians use an iPod Touch with an app to open the cabinet and scan the bar code of products removed.
Jason Altman, owner of General Automotive Supply, says dozens of DELO pallets are sold each month.
A panel discussion at the Women’s Industry Network (WIN) conference focused on how recruiting more women could help the industry reduce the technician shortage.
The crew at Pleasant Hill Collision Repair repairs 50-60 vehicles every month out of a 6,500-square-foot facility.
The crew at Walnut Creek Honda averages eight years on the job, led by Parts Manager Lester Pamplona, far right.

Stay Competitive in the Future of the Automotive Industry

The automotive aftermarket is evolving at an unprecedented rate, so it’s crucial to keep up with technological advancements and stay on top of all that’s new and coming in the industry. AAPEX is the leading aftermarket event where you can discover the latest products and services, get cutting-edge...
Removing the valve cover before and after the service shows dramatic cleaning results for the camshafts and other components.

Turn back the clock with BG’s Dynamic Engine Restoration Service

Fenton, Mo.—In any vehicle, a sludgy engine oiling system can cause a shortened lifespan and excessive oil consumption. But in late-model gasoline-powered cars and light trucks, it can also cause driveability problems.      BG Products’ Dynamic Engine Restoration Service safely removes the sludge...
Parts Manager Brian Bare rotates counter people out into the field so that they can shake hands and visit shop customers.

Express keeps them coming back

Vallejo, Calif.— By intently concentrating on providing the right parts for its busy Toyota Express Maintenance (TXM) system, Toyota of Vallejo’s Parts Manager Brian Bare is able to keep everything moving along at a rapid pace. To provide factory-scheduled service quickly and accommodate as many as...
A panel discussion at the Women’s Industry Network (WIN) conference focused on how recruiting more women could help the industry reduce the technician shortage.

Women offer perspectives on careers and issues in collision repair industry

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.—Although the Women’s Industry Network (WIN) annual conference is designed to serve the needs of women in the collision industry, the content included topics of equal interest to anyone owning or working in a shop, from the challenges of the technician shortage to the need to...
Technicians use an iPod Touch with an app to open the cabinet and scan the bar code of products removed.

LeanTec automates shop paint and material inventory management

Franklin, Tenn.—Paint and material waste and shrinking profit margins are common problems for collision shop managers. LeanTec, an inventory management system that organizes paint and materials inside secure cabinets, carts, and stockrooms, was created by a PBE distributor to reduce waste and...
From left are Ted Davis, SPC vice president; Max Davis, president; Lori Anderson of NAPA; Chris Roshon, vice president/general manager; and Michael Farrar, NAPA assistant sales manager at the Seattle DC.

SPC’s NAPA stores service wholesale customers throughout Puget Sound region

Spanaway, Wash.—Standard Parts Corp. (SPC) is a business that has shown continued growth since it was founded in 1977 by Rick Davis, who remains chairman of the board. Today, with seven NAPA stores in Pierce and Thurston counties, daily operations are managed by three partners: Max and Ted Davis,...
Jason Altman, owner of General Automotive Supply, says dozens of DELO pallets are sold each month.

Standing tall in the fluids market

Lake Oswego, Ore.—From an urban setting near downtown Portland, General Automotive Supply Co. relocated to a quiet residential/commercial neighborhood in 2015 and has continued healthy growth, even though the company is some distance from its longtime location. Founded in 1946 by Benjamin and...
The Mountlake Terrace, Wash., training center is also the BASF training center for Washington state.

Training is critical part of business culture at Wesco

Lynnwood, Wash.—As part of its commitment to being a partner in its customers’ success, Wesco has understood from the start how vital training is in operational improvement, said Jay White, operations manager. So it provides a number of options, including in-shop training, partnering with career...
 
 

Parts & People

Parts & People is published monthly by Automotive Counseling and Publishing Company, Inc., a Colorado corporation, P.O. Box 18731 Denver, CO 80203, 303-765-4664. President-Lance Buchner. Founded by Lance Buchner and Dave Lucia.

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