ACtion Magazine - September/October 2013 - (Page 16)

Member Profile Meet new MACS member, Rob Barkley of Kool-Vue we have the product offerings they are looking for. I just wish we could say yes 100% of the time.” Rob attributes success at KoolVue to the cohesiveness of their sales team, “The success of our business is due simply to our team. We have a great sales and operations team. Every failure in a sale is due to an operational breakdown. If it was not for our great operating team supporting our sales staff, we would not have the success we’ve recently Rob Barkley of enjoyed.” Kool-Vue Why did Kool-Vue chose to join the Mobile Air Conditioning Society? “To learn as much as possible about this market segment and help support a unique industry. Also to just get some exposure into a customer base that may not know Kool-Vue,” Rob explains. How was his first MACS training event and trade show experience? “Our first one was this past year. The experience was pleasurable and made simple by the MACS staff. Many trade shows have you jumping through hoops to attend or exhibit. We knew that to be successful in the cooling market, you have to be involved and immerse yourself. The MACS show was a great way to kick that off!” ❆ Photo: Rob Barkley of Kool-Vue Meet new MACS member Rob Barkley of Kool-Vue in Carson, California. Kool-Vue joined the Mobile Air Conditioning Society in 2012 and attended their first MACS trade show as an exhibitor this past February at the MACS Training Event in Orlando, FL. What kind of business is Kool-Vue? According to Rob, “We sell, manufacture, and distribute many types of products ranging from collision related items like mirrors, lights and door handles, to mechanical repair items like window regulators, brake rotors and pads, and our newest product segment, engine cooling systems, including radiators, condensers, and cooling fan assemblies. Right now most of our existing business revolves around the collision repair segments (90%). Cooling is a newer product segment for us and continues to evolve and grow. Considering it was 0% of our business in 2012 and is now above 5% of our total revenue, we’re excited about the growth. We have three distribution centers located in; Carson, California; Chesapeake, VA; and LaSalle, IL.” Kool-Vue focuses on passenger cars and light duty trucks. Rob says his role at Kool-Vue, “began in 2003; growing corporate accounts. Over time that responsibility grew into other roles within the company, including marketing, sales, operations, and procurement. As the brand of Kool-Vue became more associated with our parent company, US Auto Parts, a whole new set of challenges were presented; new product lines under more brands; new distribution strategies and channels; and keeping the Kool-Vue brand relevant and unique. That transition took about two years but I think we’ve made it through successfully. I still have the same responsibilities but in a greater scope. It’s been quite challenging but rewarding at the same time.” We asked Rob as a businessman, what do you wish every customer knew about your business? Rob told us, “The diversification of product offerings and how complete each line offering actually is. Our collision segment encompasses over 6,000 SKU’s; hard part and mechanical – 3,000 SKU’s, and our cooling segment already has over 1500 SKU’s.” What kind of business challenges has KoolVue encountered? “Our biggest challenge,” Rob explains, “is the ability to accommodate demand. Our growth cycle is tremendous right now. It shows that the customers have a demand and that 16 ACTION • September/October 2013 Photo: Rob Barkley of Kool-Vue by Marion J. Posen,VP Sales and Marketing

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ACtion Magazine - September/October 2013

ACtion Magazine - September/October 2013
Contents
Outlook
Freeze Frame
Virtual View
Leonard’s Law
Cooling Corner
Member Profile
News & Updates
Special Update on R-1234YF
Technician’s Operating Procedure
Emergency Business Plans
Association News
Quick Check
New Products & Services
Last Watch

ACtion Magazine - September/October 2013