Photos from ISN Tool Expo

Rich Evans, designer of the Skull King car, recently teamed up with Chicago Pneumatic. At the ISN show, he signed autographs in the Chicago Pneumatic booth both days of the show. Rich started out in a body shop, typically working on 600-700 cars each year. Now, due in part to the success of his Huntington Beach Body Works tv show, he customizes 50-60 vehicles per year. I spent some time with him at the show. In addition to customizing vehicles, he has brought out his own line of chrome wheel covers.

Also pictured is the Ford Mustang that ISN gave away to one lucky winner. The Mustang was just one of more than $125,000 in cash and prizes that were awarded throughout the show.

Independent Mobile Jobbers - Who Cares?

A follow-up to my earlier post on the ISN Show. I recently spoke with Mr. Lynn Stokes, founder of the Independent Mobile Tool Distributors Association, headquartered in California. He is pleased to announce that when the independent tool distributor asks him or herself "who cares about me and my business?", the IMTDA answers - "we do". He has formed IMTDA in an effort to provide a network of professionals who are all in the mobile tool distribution business. He recognizes that many independent distributors may "feel like you're floating around by yourself". "With IMTDA", he says, "you now have a network to draw from." IMTDA is already offering technical and moral support to their members. Stokes can also provide the members with instant feedback to each other, via the use of their members-only forum. He envisions that IMTDA will provide members a way to keep in touch with each other, to learn best practices from each other and to guide, help, and motivate each other when necessary. He says members can use the e-mail list to ask questions of other members, and they'll get answers, quickly.

He is also in negotiations with a vinyl sign manufacturer to create a new sign for his members' trucks. It will read "Proud Member of IMTDA" and he feels it will add to the credibility of the members.

At the ISN Show they had 10 -12 of their members in attendance and met formally for the first time. They have member distributors nationwide, including Hawaii.

Stokes says they are currently in discussions with SK Hand Tools and Chicago Pneumatic to develop several opportunities for their members, including an advisory board, a demo tool program and special pricing.

As I said in my earlier post, keep an eye on this Association. They have a lofty ambition and an enthusiatic leader. They are going places and bringing people with them.

The Rump Guard

Not exciting, but a great idea. I did not see this at the ISN show, but I saw it on Toolmonger.com and had to share it. My apologies for not coming up with something original today (also, I had to edit out the foul language, this is a PG-rated blog). But I saw this, loved it, and loved the price. Perfect for anyone turning a wrench, a screwdriver, or working with tools for a living.

Despite owning tool belts and tool aprons, for some reason my tools always seem to end up in my back pocket, inevitably poking holes through my jeans and into my bum. Duluth’s Rump Guard looks like a possible solution. Think of it as a bullet-proof pocket protector for your a__: it’s made from denim and Kevlar – a 73% cotton / 21% polyester / 6% Kevlar blend.Its snap loop connects to your belt, allowing you to position its handy pocket protector for maximum comfort. It also more than doubles the capacity of your jeans pocket, adding numerous additional compartments for tools and gear, plus a dangling hook to carry tape.Plus, its street pricing of $13 is a lot cheaper than torn-up jeans — or worse yet, torn up you.Kevlar Denim Rump Guard [Duluth Trading]PS: Does anyone else feel like Duluth Trading is like the J. Peterman Company of tools, complete with their witty descriptions and hand-drawn illustration?

News from the ISN Show

The Integrated Supply Network (ISN) held their annual Tool Expo right before the 4th of July in Orlando, FL. As usual, all the big players were there, Chicago Pneumatic, SK, Ingersoll-Rand, OTC, as well as almost 300 other tool or equipment suppliers.

In addition to the new tools highlighted on the show floor, ISN gave away over $100,000 in prizes to the attendees - about 700-800 mobile tool distributors.

Besides new tools, one of the most interesting things I discovered at the show was a new group of distributors. They are all independent distributors (except for a few who are affiliated with the franchise brands) and they have banded together to share best practices under the name of Independent Mobile Tool Distributor Association. They are still a small membership, (just on the verge of reaching 100 members) but someone had the brilliant idea of wearing matching t-shirts to the show with "Independent Mobile Tool Distributor Association" plastered across their chests. The group is headed by Lynn Stokes, a tool distributor with more than 7 years of experience selling out of a truck in California (both with a franchise brand and as an independent). It's an interesting concept for independent mobile distributors, one I hope to learn more about. Right now, the Association is in its infancy, however Mr. Stokes has created a website for the group to explain their philosophy. It has caught the attention of several other key players in the automotive aftermarket. They are definitely a group to watch.

Check this blog over the next couple of days. I'll have more news from the show and some exciting new developments to share with you.

Ciao!

What's Your Motto?

I recently wrote an article in TechShop magazine, describing my version of the Universal Independent Shop Owner and Professional Technician Motto: "I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, user resources wiesely, make the world a better place, and be a support to every technician I meet."

Here is a response from one of our readers:

Beth,
Just a quick note to say I enjoyed your point of view page in the
June's Techshop . I have been in the Automotive business for some 30
years and when I first started working at my friends fathers gas station
he use to have a sign posted on the door in the office of the "Mechanics
Creed". I was wondering if you could help me find the original. I have
found one but it is a edited version of the Aviation mechanics creed.
The one we had posted also spoke of keeping the Service station repair
shop, rest rooms, and uniforms neat and clean. First impressions matter
in every industry.
Best Regards,
Mike Natoli

If any of you have ever seen this Mechanics Creed, or have a copy of it, would you please post it to this blog? We'd like to forward it to Mike, and include it in the next issue of TechShop.

Thanks for your support!

Celebrating Anniversaries and Other Simple Things

Whether it's a personal anniversary, an anniversary of the business entity, a co-worker's anniversary, or some other anniversary - any anniversary provides the opportunity to celebrate and share good times with the people with whom you work.

Why is this important? Because it builds teamwork, morale, a sense of belonging, a feeling of shared experiences. And recognizing an anniversary does not have to be elaborate or expensive. It can be as simple as a card, or as big as lunch out with the gang. My favorite way to celebrate starts with donuts in the morning and ends with cake in the afternoon. Unfortunately, this can lead to a little sluggish work in the mid-afternoon hours, so I recommend you find your own way to celebrate.

Did you know that most people do not quit jobs because of pay or work hours, or even their boss? They quit because they feel underappreciated. Next time an important milestone rolls around your place, whether it's an anniversary, a birthday, a wedding, or the birth of a child, make the time to acknowledge the event. You'll be a better person for it and your work atmosphere will improve as well.

Coincidentally, today we celebrated Jennifer McMullen's 10th anniversary with Babcox Publications. She has been an editor with Babcox for 10 years, and has been editor of TechShop for the past five years. Congratulations Jennifer! Looking forward to the next ten!

You Think You Know Women

But do you? According to the woman behind AskPatty.com, Jody DeVere, technicans as well as front office people are really not all that great at reaching out to the female consumer. And that's not good for your business. Why?

In the U.S., women account for 85% of all consumer purchases. They are responsible for 65% of new car purchases and represent 73% of repair and service customers. But you probably already know that.

Do you know what drives them to your door or what keeps them away? The top two things women want in a vehicle are safety and reliability. It is fair to say they would probably value this from a repair or service shop as well. Does your shop look like it's a safe place to work? Do your technicians or you or your service writer look "reliable"? (Of course looks are subjective, but one way to look reliable is to have all employees in matching uniforms, or at the very least have a similar look with name badges.)

Currently, 62% of women manage the family checking account and 53% create the family budget. Women head 30% of all U.S. households. And, 1 out of 3 women earn more than men. When it's time for a vehicle repair, the amount of money spent and the location chosen will likely be picked by a woman. Look around your shop, listen to yourself and others. Are you "female-friendly"? If not, it's time to consider some training. When your shop becomes female-friendly, you will start attracting and retaining an extremely lucrative part of the automotive repair market.

The last thing you need to know as we head into Father's Day weekend: 1/3 of all respondents in a nationwide survey of women homeowners said they would rather receive a dozen tools than a dozen roses.