ACtion Magazine - November/December 2012 - (Page 6)

Outlook Andy Fiffick MACS Chairman T Why you need to be in Orlando Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide (MACS) Andrew Fiffick Chairman & CEO chairman-macs@macsw.org Elvis Hoffpauir President & Editor-In-Chief elvis@macsw.org Jim Taylor Editor jt@macsw.org Marion Posen VP Sales & Marketing marion@macsw.org Laina Casey Graphics & Design Manager mcasey@macsw.org Corporate Offices Mail To: P.O. Box 88, Lansdale, PA 19446 Ship To: 225 S. Broad St., Lansdale, PA 19446 Phone: (215) 631-7020 Fax: (215) 631-7017 E-mail: membership@macsw.org here is no doubt that the technology in the vehicles entering our shops today is changing at a startling rate, and we in the aftermarket / independent repair industry need to keep up or be left in the dust. Experience has taught us that we also need to purchase new tools and update our equipment or we will no longer be able to be competitive. Nonetheless, it is a wonder to me when I speak to many shop owners who brag about having no problem purchasing the latest-and-greatest tool or scanner that no one boasts about their training programs for their staff. Training is of the utmost importance to our survival and it’s where many of our competitors have the one-up on us. Believe me, the vehicle manufacturers know training pays dividends for their brand and their long term survival. They require their franchisees to purchase the needed tools and technology and that their technicians continue their education as part of their new vehicle franchise agreement. Each year the dealership staff gets the best vehicle-specific training and equipment they need to keep up with technology. In my opinion, the technicians and mechanics in most independent shops are as good or better than most vehicle or brand-specific shops because they need to diagnose, maintain, service and repair many brands and models of vehicles built over several decades. Call it what you will – training, trial and error, or evolution – that has taught these men and women to think and work their way through tough problems and find solutions to repair vehicles. These are very talented people who stand at the top of their trade; however, they do need our help to keep up with technology, and here is where I believe we sometimes fail them as shop owners. So the question is; why are we not training our staff to keep and stay competitive? Could it be cost? Could it be lack of time? Could it be we just don’t care? Could it be training is hard to get? Could it be we are too proud and don’t want anyone in the shop better trained than we are? Maybe a combination of all these and other reasons all together! The bottom line is most of us do not provide enough training for our staff. The good news is that as a MACS member you have all of the necessary training and technology available to you at this year’s Training Event and Trade Show in Orlando, Florida on February 6th, 2013. There is nowhere else you can view all of the latest equipment and receive top notch training for your staff for less. Additionally, I always learn as much from networking with hundreds of shop owners from around the country and always come away with new ideas on how to improve our business. It is truly a unique event you and your staff need to experience. I invite you to join us in Orlando in February and raise the bar in your shop. I often wonder “How are we as independent shop owners going to compete for the brightest and best talent out there if we do not put a value on training and education?” Come to Orlando, bring a tech or two and continue your education to stay ahead of your competition. Additionally, consider starting a formal training program in your shop to ensure your growth and survival. See you in Orlando in February! ❆ Sincerely November/December 2012 Volume 12, Number 7 ACTION magazine is published eight times per year by the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide, 225 S. Broad Street, Lansdale, PA 19446. While MACS Worldwide takes reasonable steps to make sure that the information reported in ACTION is accurate, errors can still occur. The accuracy of all information contained in ACTION should therefore be independently evaluated by the reader. Since conditions of its use are outside of the control of MACS Worldwide, MACS Worldwide assumes no liability for the use of such information or any damages incurred through its use or application. Nothing contained in such information is to be construed as contractual or provide some form of warranty on the part of MACS Worldwide. The opinions expressed in guest editorials are not necessarily endorsed by MACS Worldwide. MACS Worldwide is not responsible for any claims made in or by advertisements or press releases published in ACTION. All company names, products and product names, emblems, logos, images, trademarks, service marks and trade dress appearing in this magazine are the property of their respective owners and are protected under federal laws of the United States and international agreements. Unauthorized use is prohibited. The ACTION logo and MACS globe emblem are property of MACS Worldwide. Reproduction of contents without permission is prohibited. Send requests for permission to copy or reprint to Editor@macsw.org or to ACTION Magazine, Box 88, Lansdale, PA 19446. Non-member subscription rates: one year (seven issues) – U.S. $25; Canada/Mexico $40; international surface $45; international air $55. Send subscription mail, including address changes, to ACTION, P.O. Box 88, Lansdale, PA 19446 or editor@macsw.org. For advertising information contact Marion Posen: marion@ macsw.org or 215-631-7020 x304. H.G. Roebuck & Son, Inc. 4987 Mercantile Road Baltimore, MD 21236 Andy Andy Fiffick chairman-macs@macsw.org • 440-667-3278 ISSN 1949-3436 2004-12 IAMA Awards Winner 6 ACTION • November/December 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ACtion Magazine - November/December 2012

ACtion Magazine - November/December 2012
Contents
Outlook
Expansion Valve
Leonard’s Law
Under the Southern Cross
News & Updates
Meeting the Need
See the Best of the Best
The Bumpy Road to R-1234yf
Virtual View
Association News
Obituary
Quick Check
New Products & Services
Last Watch

ACtion Magazine - November/December 2012