It's Time to Unite the Lube Industry
Continued

AOCA has successfully represented the quick lube industry for more than two decades, and it proudly represents operators from all corners of the globe, as well as those flying the “flag” of nearly every “brand” of lube. Did you know that because of AOCA’s efforts on behalf of the industry you don’t have sprinklers in your basement or waste oil is not listed as a hazardous material? Did you know that we are consulted by API on setting guidelines for oil and most recently have been asked to review a proposed certification program for Bulk Engine Oil Installers? With the exception of a small, paid staff, AOCA is overseen by an operator and supplier non-paid board of volunteers just like you.

It takes money to run an association and, like most non-profit associations, our primary source of income is from membership dues and our annual convention/tradeshow. What we can do for the industry is limited by our revenue; but, more importantly, we want to truly be representing the vast majority of businesses in the industry. Membership benefits include unparalleled opportunities to network with your peers online using our bulletin board or in person at our annual convention; education for owners, managers and technicians both through formal certification programs or through seminars conducted at our annual meeting; leadership opportunities through participation on our board or on one of our many committees; professional discounts on a wide variety of services and products including service awareness materials and posters; discounts on insurance and payroll processing; technical hotline; templates for a procedure manual, employee handbook and an SPCC plan; website design; charts for driveline service intervals and drain plug torque specifications; a mystery shopping program; professional job descriptions for your business — the list is endless.

AOCA will be sponsoring a new and improved convention and tradeshow, iFLEX (the International Fast Lube Expo) to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, the week of April 18th. Please join us so we can collectively discuss issues that face all of us — dwindling car counts, $19.99 oil changes at muffler shops, ways to increase ticket average, the effect of electric and hybrid cars on our industry, etc. — and look for solutions to overcome these challenges.

Our two-day tradeshow includes all of the necessary products, machines and services one could possibly imagine to successfully run our businesses. There is no exclusivity for vendor participation, so you can compare many different brands to see what’s best for your business. There will be ample opportunities to meet privately with vendors, and no other activities have been scheduled during the tradeshow to give you as much time as necessary to check out all the booths.

We would love to see many operators come together to discuss the challenges we all face as an industry — regardless of the sign that hangs outside your shop. In the future, it would be beneficial to hold one huge, annual quick lube convention that brings us all together under one roof that would allow each branded group the opportunity to sponsor their private, proprietary meetings as necessary, but still allows us to meet as an industry. Think about the possibilities!

Talk about it with your peers, but first please join AOCA, your industry trade association, and start reaping the benefits. We have an affordable, tiered dues structure that will pleasantly surprise you. Help us help you and our industry.

Finally, please join us in Las Vegas to begin our journey together with one strong, united voice.

PAT WIRTH is owner of Potomac Falls Express Lube in Fairfax Station, Virginia.

Back
[ 1 ] [ 2 ]

[Printer-friendly version]

Comments