#009 Shop Owners Discuss Industry Conferences and Business Growth

The Panel:

Kory Rozema: Kory Rozema is the second-generation owner of Rozema's Car Care in Hudsonville, Michigan. Since acquiring the business in 2016, Kory has expanded its operations significantly, from four bays to ten, and added a satellite location. He has also ventured into the highly technical field of ADAS calibrations. Kory is deeply involved in industry networking and training, fostering a community of continual learning and ethical business practices.

Philip Korbel: Philip Korbel is the co-owner of Elite Automotive Center in Fargo, North Dakota. He joined the family business shortly after its inception in 2013 and has been instrumental in its growth and success. Philip brings a strong background in customer service and technological adaptability, essential for modern shop management. Elite Automotive has six bays and a skilled team under Philip's leadership, with an emphasis on community and family as core values.

Troy Vaninetti: Troy Vaninetti is the owner of Graham Auto Repair in Washington, where he started as a technician at 17 and eventually bought the company. Under his leadership since 2006, the business has flourished, expanding to two locations with over a dozen bays in total. Troy has been a dedicated member of the ATI super conference community since 2012, promoting continual education and balanced life.

Episode Summary:In this episode of the Garage Grit Podcast, host Brad Hurlock chats with automotive shop owners Kory Rozema, Philip Korbel, and Troy Vaninetti about the value of industry-specific conferences and trade shows. The guests share their journeys in the automotive repair industry, from embracing advanced technologies to the importance of customer service and continual learning.The conversation kicks off with each guest sharing their backgrounds, including the evolution of their businesses and their roles in the automotive repair industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Networking and Learning: Attending conferences like Vision and ATI Super Conference allows for invaluable face-to-face networking, enriching the learning experience beyond what is possible digitally.

• Business Growth and Development: Conferences offer specialized training that caters to shop owners, managers, and technicians, helping them stay updated with the industry's latest trends and technologies.

• Family and Ethical Practices: Many conferences emphasize not just business growth but also personal development, ethics, and family values, essential for well-rounded leadership.

• Engagement and Recruitment: Promoting these events within your team can improve engagement and make your shop more attractive to top talent.

• Specialized Events: Events like SEMA, Apex, and local expos offer additional opportunities for learning about the latest tools, software, and industry advancements directly from OEMs and vendors.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Fix the owner, you fix the shop." - Philip Korbel

2. "The networking part of it, just being able to sit down and talk to other shop owners – there's a value that's almost unmeasurable." - Kory Rozema

3. "I've learned a lot about going from one shop to two shops and where all my deficiencies were." - Troy Vaninetti

4. "Education without action is just entertainment." - Philip Korbel

5. "It's our responsibility to fix the crummy reputation of the industry every single day." - Kory Rozema

Resources:

• ⁠Rozema's Car Care⁠

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