Four Keys to Growing Your Business

By Emily Schmitt

At iFLEX 2015, Mark Mehling of Take Control Marketing shared with attendees four pillars that he says can grow every quick lube owner?s business. The pillars: honesty and integrity, trust, scripting and client-oriented thinking. Read on to learn more about each pillar.

1. Honesty and integrity

Mehling says honesty and integrity are key to converting customers into clients. (The difference is important. Customers may come in once or may only come in when they have a coupon. Clients, on the other hand, only go to your shop and they rely on your staff for their expertise and quality services.) There are two areas that can interfere with this conversion. The first is your compensation system. Some companies tie bonuses to upsells. In this case, some employees may be dishonest if it means they can make the upsell, and later receive a bonus.

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2014 Audit Report

The Automotive Oil Change Association demonstrated sound fiscal management and accountability measures in 2014, as shown in the audit completed in May 2015 by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP. The financial statements shown are consolidating statements that represent the Automotive Oil Change Association. For highlights on the financial position of the Association as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the changes in its net assets and cash flows, please download here.

Free Content Available for Members

AOCA provides educational and timely free content to its members throughout the year. See below for a few examples and check our Online Store for additional content.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance Guide

This 24 page guide is an excellent resource covering all the basics in safety and regulatory compliance. Topics include OSHA administration, OSHA safety issues specific to the fast lube industry, general fire prevention, other fast lube-specific safety issues, waste management, storage tank management, the Service Station Dealers Exemption, State Automotive Repair regulations, and a useful regulatory compliance checklist. This document is delivered electronically.

SPCC Small Facility Model Plan Template

Do you have a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure plan in place at each of your store locations? Did you know that federal law requires it?

Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs) are regulated in two ways: (1) by the federal Clean Water Act; and (2) by state and local building and fire codes. The federal requirement is known as the Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan and is designed to prevent discharges of oil into navigable waters and adjoining shorelines. The fine for failure to maintain an SPCC Plan can run as high as $25,000 per day. You must have an SPCC Plan, under federal law, if your facility has any one of the following three types of oil storage ("aboveground" storage includes tanks in basements)...

Not a member? Become a member today and enjoy free AOCA content!

2015 Management Courses

"I found too much helpful information to list. I will request all managers at our company attend this course."   ? LDF-Xpress, Ames, IA

The AOCA Management Certification Course is a staple of the association's many benefits. For years, the course has received rave reviews and helped propel energetic students into more valuable employees.

Course Overview

September 22-23, 2015
Hilton Garden Inn DFW Airport South
Irving, Texas

October 6-7, 2015
AOCA Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois

November 3-4, 2015
AOCA Washington, D.C. Office
Washington, D.C.

Host a Private Management Certification Course

Can't attend one of our scheduled courses? AOCA members have the opportunity to host a private management course at a location and time convenient for them.

For more information on hosting a private management course, contact info@aoca.org.

For Management Certification Course sponsorship opportunities, contact Jim Conlon at jconlon@aoca.org.

Updates for Your Employee Handbook

By Paige McAllister, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Every employer ? regardless of size, industry or location ? should have an employee handbook, which provides important information about the company's rules and expectations. But having one is only part of the equation. Your company or organization should also review the employee handbook on a regular basis in order to make sure it is up to date and matches current practices and regulations.

Here below are some suggestions on specific topics that might need to be updated to either stay in compliance with regulatory changes or to keep current with workplace and employee trends.

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Federated Insurance Education Articles

How Long Can You Live Without a Paycheck?

As long as you have the ability to earn an income, you are able to accumulate assets and provide for yourself and your family. But what would happen if you became disabled and could no longer work? Read More

Why did my Workers Compensation Experience Mod go up?

Many different factors influence a company's experience mod, including some that are out of a business owner's control. If you have been frustrated with this calculation in the past, then there's no time like the present to better manage this very important risk factor, because it directly affects your insurance premiums. Read More

 

June 2015

* Four Keys to Growing Your Business

* 2014 Audit Report

* Free Content Available for Members

* 2015 Management Courses

* Updates for Your Employee Handbook

* Federated Insurance Education Articles

As a leading global development partner for the automotive and engine industry, MAHLE offers unique systems competence in the areas of engine systems, filtration, electrics/mechatronics, and thermal management. In the original equipment industry, MAHLE provides technologically innovative solutions for automotive, commercial vehicle, machinery, and other industrial applications. The Aftermarket business unit also serves the independent parts market with MAHLE products in OE quality.

www.us.mahle.com

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