September 30th, 2006 — Tags:automobile-dealership, show-cars
What can you say about a trade show? They all have their high spots and low spots, but really are just a marketing exercise for everyone involved. CarFixWorld wasn’t really all that different, except they did have a few show cars mixed in which brightened thing up a bit.
For the potential apprentice, every possible training organization was in attendance, from the Ministry, to independant schools. If you want to find a way into the trade, this is the place to be. for the shop owner who is looking to upgrade, all the big players in shop equipment were there. In addition to Bear and Hofmann, there were a bunch of new up and commers hawking their new shop tools, lifts and such.
The show continues tomorrow, from 10-5 at the Direct Energy Center, which used to be the National Trade Center at the CNE grounds.
September 18th, 2006 — Tags:automobile-dealership, car-dealerships, car-industry

How can I get a job in the car industry? That is one of the most frequent questions I’m asked by young people looking to break into a career in the car world. It’s a valid question, for while the car industry is a constant revolving door, it can be tough to get in to that cycle the first time.
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June 24th, 2006 — Tags:automobile-dealership, mechanic, service-department, service-manager
As a Service Manager, I’ve seen my share of stupid things. Often, some of the brightest guys make some of the most outlandish blunders and with this in mind I had a nice giggle at the story recounted by Joe Sherlock.
Brainless Mechanic: A friend sent this to me. I don’t know if the story is true or a joke. Or both. The writer is from Mississippi: When my husband and I arrived at an automobile dealership to pick up our car, we were told the keys had been locked in it. We went to the service department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the driver’s side door.
As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door handle and discovered that it was unlocked. “Hey,” I announced to the technician, “It’s open!” To which he replied, “I know - I already got that side.”