Tips for a Better Life

After reading through this, I realize it's been cobbled together from many sources (Dale Carnegie, probably some priests or ministers and definitely "Anonymous") so I apologize up front for its lack of originality. But, it's a short read for a short workday. We're upon Memorial Day Weekend here and our office closes at noon. Here then, are the"Tips":

• Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
• Forgive everyone for everything.
• What other people think of you is none of your business.
• GOD heals almost everything.
• However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
• Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch! (hint: facebook...)
• Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
• Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: "I am thankful for ______. today I accomplished _____."
• Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

And I saved the best for last, Trust in God, or if you're dyslexic, Trust in Dog.

The Prius - What's Next

I was just reading about the 2010 Prius. They've added quite a few neat, gadgety things to the design. Their attempt to recapture the sizzle and downplay the practicality. Because really, what sells best in the US? Practicality or sweet, sexy sizzle? With a starting price tag of $22k, it makes a nice, mid-level statement. But when you top it out with all features at $32k, it better have it all! A mpg rating of 51 hwy/48 city ain't bad either.

Hard to believe the Prius is already 13 years old. It was launched to the Japanese market in 1997, and to the US in 2000 as a 2001 model. But after more than a decade, does anyone care who started it?

The new features of the Prius are definitely geared towards the early adopters and the green segment. Toyota knows these are already their primary market, and is working to maintain a strong relationship with that core. Some of the cool new features they've given the Prius can already be found on more upscale cars (think BMW, Mercedes). For instance, gotta get that car into a tight space on the street? No worries, the Prius will parallel park itself, using the Intelligent Parking Assist feature. It can even steer itself at highway speed, using the Lane Keeping Assist system. I wouldn't get overly excited about the LKA, the driver still has to steer, the car applies only slight corrections. So you might have enough time to take your hands off the wheel and strangle your GPS system for taking you down the wrong road before the Prius will need you to drive again. One article I read said that, given enough time, the Prius will begin to bounce from one side of the lane to the other at an angle that can't be corrected, leading it to go into the oncoming lane. But again, don't worry! That's when the Lane Departure Warning system will let you know, YOU NEED TO DRIVE THE CAR.

Safety first could be a motto for the Prius. The 2010 model will include automatic braking. If the car's radar sees something in the path of the car that could potentially be dangerous, it will do two things: 1 - first it tightens your seatbelt (that's nice, like having mom next to you.) then 2 - if you brake, the computer on board will INSTANTLY apply maximum braking force, trying to shorten the stopping distance and prevent a crash. If you don't brake, it brakes for you.

Also new in 2010 will be the optional solar panel. I think this falls into the "that's kinda cool" category, because it only generates enough power to run the cabin vent fans. If it's a really hot day and you're not looking forward to that burning sensation you get on the back of your thighs when you first get in - don't worry! The Prius will have a REMOTE CONTROL air conditioner. Now you can cool your car before you get in, because the a/c will run off the electrical system rather than the fan belt.

Another way they're reducing the power consumption is through LED lights. LED taillights have been around a while, but the Prius will have LED head lights, saving 17% of the power used by high-intensity discharge low beam lights.

Current Prius drivers like driving on electric power alone, so Toyota has given this model an EV-mode button. You can buzz aroud for about a 1/2 mile on battery-only (as long as you don't exceed 25 mph). (To me, this is another one of those - hmm, that's kinda cool...but no giant benefit to the driver).

The 2010 model has a 20% smaller electric motor, power inverter and transaxle than the previous models. But it operates at 650 volts, versus the previous 500 v. There is also a 20% reduction in torque losses.

The 2010 Prius still has an energy monitor feature. Most drivers enjoy seeing where they're "saving". But to get it this year, y0u have to buy the GPS system.

Of course, the Prius also has all the really cool telematics - connections for Bluetooth phone and iPod, an ability to wirelessly stream audio from your mobile device tot he 8-speaker JBL audio system. And the optional navigation system includes real-time traffic information.

Seems like Toyota has once again done a good job incorporating some cool bells and whistles into a modest car, while keeping the price tag relatively in-line for middle America. What will be interesting, is how manufacturers will develop the tools to work on this next generation of hybrids. For instance, did you wake up this morning thinking - I should probably develop a tool to work on the solar panels of the new Toyota? Not only will we need tools for independent components of the vehicles, did you notice the number of "systems" that I mentioned? As these hybrids continue to develop and evolve, I see the need for new tools and equipment to work on them, and new technicians with new skills will be required as well. So, I think the future of the automotive aftermarket continues to hold promise.

On a side note, to Berge and Mr. McClane, apparently others in Akron have found the beauty of the scooter. These were my first attempts at photos while on the move. Now, Akronites can worry about two things - idiot drivers who try to drive while talking on the phone, and me trying to take pictures with a camera while driving. I don't know how I'd react if I saw someone driving their car and taking photos at the same time. It's not like I represent Google Earth or anything...

More on the School of the Year

Here's a link to one of our reader's blogs. It's a nice piece about the recent School of the Year program.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbcrn.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fbutlers-gratitude-to-chicago-pneumatic.html&h=ea7729ea44e6f604a5c8b9f3da9f50f1

2009 School of the Year: Ohio Technical College

We began the day out in their main parking lot. Where else would you bring 800 students and faculty members? Thankfully, it was sunny and warm, an unusual combination for mid-May in Cleveland, Ohio. Jay Lewis, General Manager of Chicago Pneumatic opened the ceremony with remarks about the incredible application materials Ohio Technical College submitted.

The table in front of the stage holds $10,000 worth of tools and equipment that Chicago Pneumatic donated to the 2009 School of the Year.

Channel 5 News was "on our side". They took a lot of footage and aired a 15-second piece this morning at 6.16 a.m.

That's Rich Evans (of Huntington Beach Bodyworks, check out his website), Jordan Brenner, OTC Marketing, and our local news reporter from Channel 5 Kimberly Gill.

Someone brought in their Ferrari for the day. They forgot to ask if I wanted to take it for a spin.

Another view of the stage/presentation area. Ohio Technical College generated a lot of the signage that was used.

They created this decal for one of their shop cars.

I dropped in this picture of Rich Evan's backside to show off his "sleeves". Note his funky red and black shoes, he designs shoes as well as vehicles. He is a very talented man.

This is one of the instructors and a student handling their new tools. Many expressed real surprise at the light weight of the impact wrenches.

About 200 students sat through a session with Rich Evans. He explained how he started at the bottom, literally sweeping the floor of his dad's shop to earn money and learn the business. He is now custom-designing vehicles, rims, shoes, gloves and more automotive-related products. I like his story - it's got a real O. Henry theme. When we poll our student readers, most say they want to own their own shop someday. I hope these type of events, with Rich Evans and others, continues to inspire young people to follow their dreams.

Five students look on and cheer their schoolmate to a victory at the tire changing competition. The cheers were mixed with quite a bit of trash-talk and silliness. I think everyone had a great time. The best time was 30 seconds to remove all lug nuts, remove the wheel, spin it, mount the wheel and mount the lug nuts!

Here's one of the contestants. I like that he's working with a smile on his face. Probably due to the crazy comments coming from his classmates. They were mercilous!

Before the competition, Rich shared the story of how he began his career, and how he continually strives to be the best, and work towards realizing his dreams.

Rich Evans and Tom King (with Ohio Technical College) watch the tire changing competition.

Ohio Technical College is privately held by the Brenner Family. It was started 40 years ago by Julius Brenner, when he was 50 years old. Today he is 90 years old, and OTC is run by his son Marc (President), and his grandson Jordan handles the marketing.

It was a great way to spend a day. Lots of positive comments about the educational facility and the type of professionals they graduate. Lots of positive comments from the students about their faculty. And they were all just thrilled to receive the tools and meet Rich Evans.

And no one gave me the hook while I was on stage. whew!

Remember to Smile

I'm preparing to give a speech to 800 students and faculty members later this week. One of our magazines, Tomorrow's Technician, (along with Chicago Pneumatic) is awarding the 2nd Annual School of the Year Award to one very deserving school, and since I'm Publisher, I have the honor of saying a few words to the school's students, faculty, and assorted guests.

I don't speak to large groups very often. I can say without thinking about it for a second, that I've NEVER spoken to 800 people at one time, so this is a real challenge for me. I'm pretty good one on one, or in small groups where I'm training. But 800 people, most of whom are STUDENTS... I'm a little apprehensive I have to admit. Plus, I have 8-10 minutes to fill. My heart just did a double-beat there for a second, just thinking about it.

When I get nervous, or excited, or sometimes just because it's a great day, I tend to talk fast. I don't like to waste people's time, so I try to get through things quickly, sometimes too quickly. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has experienced this. I can usually make a conscious effort to change this, as I read the looks on people's faces. But what do you do, how do you "read" 800 faces?

I don't really know. But today, I finished typing up my speech. I read it through twice on my monitor, then I went to the beginning of the paper and typed these words in big, bold, black type:
TAKE A DEEP BREATH, SPEAK SLOWLY and SMILE.

It doesn't seem like I should have to write these words, does it? But I do, because I tend to speak quickly and I generally look very serious, regardless of the topic. After I wrote that advice to myself, I wrote SMILE every few paragraphs, just to keep reminding myself.

I have a great message to deliver to this audience, and if I don't SMILE, they may or may not hear me.

Smiling comes naturally to most sales professionals, whether they're on the phone or delivering a message in person. A smile is also one of the best sales tools you have, and it's free (no training required, for the most part).

Perfect example of the power of a smile: these two photos of Rascal.
(disregard the drool factor. Rascal had endured the aroma of popcorn...)
If this dumb dog were up for adoption, which one would you consider? Which one makes you smile?

Social Networking thru E-Media

Everyone's talking about it, or twittering about it, or texting about it. If you're not, then you are clearly outside the demographic. What is this demographic? From what I can see, it's anyone over the age of 5 and under the age of 85.


It began, not that long ago, with teens and their texting (or text messaging as some of you older folks might recognize the term). Once teens fully embraced their birth-given right to own their "own" cellphones, they quickly found a way to make them their own, not just something that mom or dad handed down to them. That was the birth of text-messaging. It occurred about the same time the Blackberry was creating Black/crackheads amongst their parents.


I've spent the past few weeks experimenting with e-media. I've fb-ed, twittered, blogged, texted - you name it, I think I've done it. Haven't quite figured out the big deal about Twitter, but I'll keep an eye on it. My biggest problem is keeping my message to 150 characters or less. (Good thing an editor reviews my printed comments.) Somehow with Twitter, I've already picked up 18 followers, most of whom I don't know.


Facebook is very interesting to me. It began as a way for high school and college students to communicate effectively and easily, and to include photos - something that was missing in MySpace. I read something the other day that said the 40-somethings (my age group) was the biggest group of people on it now, and that people in their 60's and 70's are really starting to drive the average age of the user up. My 77 year old mother has a fb account and uses it to keep up with photos of her kids and grandkids. But, she uses it much differently than her kids and grandkids do. And that's an important point to consider if you are thinking of using fb for viral marketing.


I've created a facebook account for both my magazines, TechShop and Tomorrow's Technician. And I've seen plenty of companies create their own facebook pages as well. There are companies like Sharpie, Crayola Crayons, Peeps, Chicago Pneumatic, Timken, CarMix; and all kinds of schools with pages. I suppose it's a progression from the corporate website. It provides a link to a younger crowd, but it takes a different management style than a traditional website.

I'm still trying to figure out how to use facebook well, in a corporate setting, and I have to admit - don't have any answers yet. But if you have a facebook account, please check out Tomorrow's Technician (both the "person" and the group, and the TechShop group.) Let me know what you think!

Feel Good about Our Industry

Here's something we can feel good about - one tool company is making an effort to help young people enter our industry. A year ago, Chicago Pneumatic approached us through our magazine, Tomorrow's Technician, to help them develop a way to reach the automotive student. They had identified this part of the market as a critical portion of their business for current and future growth. They knew they were out there, but didn't have an effective way to reach them. They wanted to try something different, in addition to a traditional print ad campaign. Together we developed the idea of a "school of the year" program, one which would take applications and recognize the best automotive schools across the country. In addition to advertising their brand to almost 50,000 students all year long, CP committed to give away $10,000 worth of tools to the top 4 schools. The top school last year was Waubonsee Community College and they were extremely appreciative of the tools they received from Chicago Pneumatic, and the national recognition they received from Tomorrow's Technician.

This year, Chicago Pneumatic really stepped up their commitment to the future of our industry. They bumped the value of the total prize package up to $25,000. At times like this, when most people are finding ways to squeeze their pennies, Chicago Pneumatic is investing in their future, by reaching out to young professionals.

We recently chose the four regional finalists. Selected from more than 170 applications nominating more than 80 schools, the four finalists are Ohio Technical College, Cleveland; Piedmont Technical College, Greenwood, S.C.; Shoreline Community College, Seattle; and Smoky Hill High School, Aurora, Colo.

“We’re looking forward to announcing our winner next month, and we want to thank all of the schools that took the time to submit their nominations for School of the Year,” said Jay Lewis, business line and general manager for Chicago Pneumatic, North America. “The quality of the applications from high schools, colleges and career centers teaching automotive instruction were excellent, making it difficult to determine this year’s four finalists.”
Applications from instructors, principals, department chairs, and students touted a variety of specialized training programs and even a green initiative that was unique among entries. These distinctive programs and specialized training opportunities provide students with defining skills as they enter the workforce following graduation.
“It’s exciting that a company like Chicago Pneumatic has partnered with us to recognize these top automotive schools,” said Beth Skove, associate publisher of Tomorrow’s Technician. “Many of these schools incorporate innovative training programs to prepare their students to be the future leaders of the industry; these young men and women will be influencers in the shop and will help take the automotive aftermarket to the next level.”

The 2009 School of the Year will be chosen from the four finalists and will be featured in the May issue of Tomorrow’s Technician. The four finalists will receive a share of a total prize package of Chicago Pneumatic tools worth $25,000. The winning school will receive $10,000 worth of Chicago Pneumatic tools and a special award presentation event at their school, including an appearance by Rich Evans of Huntington Beach Bodyworks. The three other finalists will each receive $5,000 worth of Chicago Pneumatic tools.

If you are interested in learning how you can be a part of this exciting program, give me a call at 330-670-1234 or email me at bskove@babcox.com.