ACtion Magazine - November/December 2011 - (Page 6)

Outlook Andy Fiffick MACS Chairman Technology and education Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide (MACS) Andrew Fiffick Chairman & CEO AndyFiffick@gmail.com Elvis Hoffpauir President & Editor-In-Chief elvis@macsw.org Jim Taylor Editor jt@macsw.org I t is no secret that vehicles and sub-systems are changing at an alarming rate, and we need to keep up with technology or else get left behind. We also know if we don’t buy the new tools and equipment, we will no longer to be able to perform our duties in the not-so-distant future. Knowing this, our actions as shop owners does puzzle me at times! Many of the shop owners I talk to have no problem purchasing the latest and greatest tool or scanner, and even brag about it; however, no one brags about their training program. Training their staff is one area in which our major competitor has us dead cold. The new vehicle franchisees schedule and require their staff to continue their education as part of their new vehicle franchise agreement. Their staff gets the best vehicle-specific training and equipment each year as new technologies change. Believe me, these vehicle manufactures know training pays dividends for their brand and long term survival. I honestly believe most independent shops employ staff as good or better than most vehicle or brand- specific shops do, so why are we not training our staff as well? It is easy for the dealer – the manufacturer requires the training as part of the deal. For us, it takes an outright effort to develop a training program for our staff. For me, our staff is our No. 1 asset and we need to treat them as such. In our shops, we require continual education through affiliate programs and in-house training. Annual performance reviews ensure all employees are on the path to becoming the best technician they can individually become and receive incentive bonuses for updating their education. All training expenses are paid by the company, and we make every effort to develop the professional and technical skills of each employee. The real question here is: “How are 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 of our staff?” Starting a training program in your shop will also reap benefits and ensure your survival. Consider a formal training program for your staff today. Speaking of training, make sure you attend the MACS Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas. You can’t get better training for such a small investment anywhere. ❆ See you in Las Vegas, Sincerely 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 November / December 2011 Volume 11, 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 AndyFiffick@gmail.com 440-667-3278 ISBN 1949-3436 2004-11 IAMA Awards Winner 6 ACTION • November / December 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ACtion Magazine - November/December 2011

ACtion Magazine - November/December 2011
Table of Contents
Outlook
Expansion Valve
Technically RELAY-ted
Under the Southern Cross
Leonard’s Law
News & Updates
Virtual View
Cooling Corner
Painting an Unclear Picture
2011 Phoenix Symposium: Some Answers, More Questions
MACS Trade Show Exhibitor List
Association News
Classified
Quick Check
New Products & Services
Last Watch

ACtion Magazine - November/December 2011