Posts published in “Regions”

Northwest shop owner ‘battens down the hatches’ and prepares for return of business

Monthly operating expenses at Valley Automotive traditionally run approximately $140,000-$150,000, but Bryan Kelley has determined he can bring that down to $80,000 if he has to and still pay the bills.

Northwest shop owner ‘battens down the hatches’ and prepares for return of business

By Rob Merwin on April 1, 2020

Valley Automotive owner trims expenses and develops plan of action for additional cuts as need be from week to week.

Shops must let customers know they’re open during pandemic as first important step

John Eppstein, of John's Automotive Care, closed off his shop's waiting room with a barrier to prevent customers from approaching the counter.

Shops must let customers know they’re open during pandemic as first important step

By Rob Merwin on April 1, 2020

San Diego shop owner also says alleviating customers’ concerns for safety and health is paramount.

Colorado shop owners offer advice on business survival during Covid-19 outbreak

“Shops are an essential business and many of us are servicing doctors, nurses, gas stations and trucks that deliver food to stores, as well as the people who work in them,” says Bryan Gossel, of BG Automotive. “We’re all life-sustaining businesses and there are bigger things than just money.”

Colorado shop owners offer advice on business survival during Covid-19 outbreak

By Rob Merwin on April 1, 2020

Repairers need to contact their lenders, dial back fixed operating costs, keep staff informed and reassure customers.

Collision repairers refocus shop operations as pandemic affects business

“Even if we remain at 50 percent of our usual business, we won’t have to lay anyone off. Our cycle days might even get better as we tighten things up," says Melanie Allan, of Craftsmen Collision in Long Beach, Calif.

Collision repairers refocus shop operations as pandemic affects business

By Rob Merwin on April 1, 2020

Collision shops from the Midwest and California share how they’re being proactive as the coronavirus bears down.

Kansas Auto Body Association postpones April annual trade show

By Staff/Wire Reports on March 25, 2020

The news comes on the heels of a stay-at-home order for the Kansas City-metro area that went into effect, Tuesday.

ASA Northwest turns focus toward member safety and assistance

“Everyone is reaching out to help others less fortunate — and that’s what we’re all about in this country as well as right here in ASA. We support our membership, their business needs and becoming a resource for them to call so they get answers to their questions," says Jeff Lovell, executive director.

ASA Northwest turns focus toward member safety and assistance

By Rob Merwin on March 25, 2020

Executive Director Jeff Lovell says aftermarket coming together to provide solutions and answers in wake of coronavirus.

‘When the going gets tough, the tough get going’

By Paul Grech on March 25, 2020

I’m 77 years old, have been an auto mechanic for 60-plus years and ran my garage for 44 years in downtown San Francisco. During that time, seven things occurred that caused business to slow to a crawl, though none as severe as this one.