#asapodcast

Episode 113 – Meet Mary Steele, Regional Executive Director of ASA Southeast Region

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) recently announced a significant change to their business model, moving to a regional structure and a lower-cost, subscription-based dues model. As of one of the oldest National Associations representing independent mechanical and collision repair shops in the U.S. evolves to meet the challenges of our rapidly-changing industry, new Regional Executive Director positions have been created and are currently being filled. The latest announcement was the appointment of Mary Steele as the Regional Executive Director of the ASA Southeast Region, one of six areas that together cover the nation. Listen in as we talk with Mary about her background and experience in the automotive industry, and her thoughts on her new role with ASA.

Steele is based in Stuart, Florida and will report to Blair Calvo, Vice President of Regional Services at ASA.

In this episode, Mary talks about the opportunities she sees in training and customer service as ASA positions itself to better serve its members as the largest generational shift in the history of the automotive service industry continues and a new cadre of younger shop owners prepare themselves to take the industry into the future. This is another in the ASA Podcast series to help ASA members get to know more about the new leadership and direction of the Automotive Service Association and the plans for helping shop owners meet the challenges of the 21st Century. Hear all about it as Mary discusses:

·       Her background as a shop member and history with ASA in Pennsylvania and Florida.

·       The opportunity she sees in growing the Southeast Region under the new regional model by providing the kind of customer service the members want.

·       Creating a focus on the next generation now taking their place as leaders in the automotive service industry.

·       The existing and planned benefits now being explored to improve the value of an ASA membership.

·       The important legislative advocacy ASA’s Washington Office brings to the industry by being the only organization advocating for and representing the independent shop owner community exclusively on Capitol Hill and State Houses across the country.

·       How ASA will continue to help members develop their business and themselves through training and interaction with their peers in new ways and why communication is key.

·       How the existing training events will be incorporated into the new structure and why the importance of training is an 11 on a 10-point scale.

·       How the new structure and direction is positioned to bring representation, training and events, along with opportunities for networking and education delivered how and where the members want it. 

·       How the new structure is helping ASA evolve into one of the next-generation national associations that can help the industry speak with One Voice.

·       For more information, you can reach Mary at southeast@asashop.org.

Episode 50 – An Interview with Bob Wills, ASA Chairman and Ray Fisher, ASA President & Executive Director

The Automotive Service Association is all about helping our members keep up with the changes. That means ASA is itself constantly changing to meet the new challenges we all face. In our 50th ASA Podcast, we’re talking with Bob Wills, ASA Chairman and owner of Wills Auto Service in Battlecreek, Michigan, and Ray Fisher, ASA President & Executive Director. Listen in as Bob and Ray describe the many ways ASA is working to provide value to our members and industry partners, as the leadership team guides your association through unprecedented times and challenges. If you’ve ever wondered just how important your ASA membership can be to providing what you need to grow and succeed in the automotive service and collision repair industry, you don’t want to miss this podcast. Hear all about it as we discuss:

·       What’s new at ASA as the organization reinvents itself and moves into the future.

·       How ASA is leveraging the latest communication tools to take our member and industry outreach to the next level.

·       How ASA is changing to meet the challenges of the current pandemic and how those changes positioned ASA for the future.

·       How ASA’s Washington office has been instrumental in helping our members stay informed about the stimulus help available to help ASA members survive and thrive.

·       How Bob Redding, ASA Washington representative is working tirelessly to advocate for ASA members and keep on top of the latest legislation and developments as they happen on Capitol Hill.

·       Why representation in Washington D.C. is one of the greatest values to ASA members.

·       Why ASA member voices are critical to the legislative process and how ASA helps you get involved and take action.

·       New online training opportunities for both management and technical topics.

·       The new ASA Virtual Industry Professional Forum and how ASA is changing to meet the challenges of our new reality for meetings and networking opportunities.

Episode 44 – Good Advice As America Goes Back To Work

Dr. Bob Risch is the Medical Director and Chairman of the Emergency Department at Baylor, Scott & White Grapevine in Grapevine, Texas. He is one of the front-line medical heroes helping to save lives as we battle the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked Dr. Risch to offer some advice and insight into how repair shop owners and employees should protect themselves and their customers as the country begins to open up and Americans start heading back to work. Listen in as Dr. Risch discusses best practices and covers important information on such topics as:

·       What COVID-19 Symptoms mean and when to seek help

·       How 50% of those with COVID-19 don’t exhibit symptoms

·       What are the symptoms of COVID-19 

·       The process for getting tested if you suspect a COVID-19 infection

·       What you should do if you test positive for COVID-19

·       What you should do if you suspect an employee is sick in the workplace

·       How wearing gloves can actually help spread the disease

·       Why wearing masks is a good idea for many reasons

·       Why it’s important to practice social distancing in the shop

·       Using electronics to social distance with employees and customers

·       Sanitizing tools and equipment that are shared by employees

·       How long the COVID-19 virus can survive on surfaces

·       Why keeping your employees informed in important

·       Best practices for interacting with customers safely

·       Proper hand washing and the use of disinfecting gels

·       For more information, visit the Center for Disease Control website