Weather’s getting colder, leaves are starting to fall and we’re gearing up for the holiday season. From AOCA Board of Directors and staff, we want to wish you a happy holiday season and an even better new year! We’re excited to announce our Management Certification Courses for this year along with the dates for the iFlex at The Car Wash Show in 2020. Check out our locations and dates below:
Save the Date
Management Certification Courses
- February 4-5 – Las Vegas, Nev.
- September 1-2 – Dallas, Texas
- November 17-18 – Nashville, Tenn.
iFLEX at The Car Wash Show 2020
- April 5-8 – San Antonio, Texas
Board Member Spotlight: Aaron Porter
Tell us about your business and your experience in the fast lube industry
I bought my first store in 2002. I immediately fell in love with the automotive oil change business. I enjoy the interaction with employees and customers. My wife and I have been able to work together, building our business and that has been an amazing journey. We currently have 7 locations and counting.
What challenges do you see facing the industry today and in years to come?
Manufacturers are continuing to push drain intervals which will reduce the number of times a year that we see our customers. I believe it remains to be seen that this is a good idea. I subscribe to the “Ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” mentality. While we all continue to expand our services to add revenue in our shops, we have to be very careful not to abandon our competitive advantage, which is speed.
The other major challenge that our industry faces, like many others, is the continual barrage of government regulation. AOCA has been on the forefront of this battle for many years. We as operators rarely have the time to pay attention to impending legislation that might affect our industry. The government affairs committee and the tireless efforts of Joanna Johnson have done more for our industry than most of us know. I believe it is imperative to continue to lend support to them as they fight on our behalf. If anyone is wondering how they could get involved, this is a great place to start
We can never have enough “eyes and ears” out there helping.
Why did you opt to get involved with AOCA?
As a new operator that had no automotive background, I credit most of my success to AOCA. I immediately started attending the conventions and networked with other people in the industry. I was amazed at the accommodating nature of all the operators. Our industry is unique in the fact that the operators seem to always be willing to help each other out. My network of other shop owners as well as vendors has allowed me to get answers to almost any issue that I have faced.
How has AOCA benefited you as fast lube business operator?
I have attended the Manager Training Course multiple times and have been able to take valuable ideas back to my operation that are easily implemented. I highly recommend that everyone sends their managers to this course. The technician academy is also something that we use with new team members that we hire. The countless education sessions at iFLEX that I have attended through the years have been priceless to my operation and I have stayed in touch with many of the presenters.
What should we anticipate with AOCA in 2019 and beyond?
I am excited about the future of our association. iFLEX has been fantastic the last couple of years and the partnership with the ICA seems to be a great fit for both operators and vendors alike. You should expect some changes and upgrades with our education components which will be a great training tool for operators.
What do you do in your spare time when you’re not running your business?
Spare time? Not sure what that is but when I’m not at work I can generally be found at an athletic event for my kids. We are very involved in sports as a family and also enjoy almost any active outdoor activity.
I am also actively involved with my church and kids’ school.