April showers bring May flowers. But rain or shine, there are two upcoming events that oil change professionals should have on their radar. First, on April 16-17, AOCA will host its first Management Certification Course of 2019, taking place in Downtown Chicago. Invest in your business by ensuring your management team is proficient in the areas of leadership, managerial duties, safety and OSHA, regulatory compliance and more.
On May 13-15, the fast lube industry’s largest trade show and educational summit, iFLEX at The Car Wash Show, returns to Nashville. This is your chance to discover innovative new products, connect with industry peers and find inspiration for building and maintaining your business from the inside out. The party begins in Music City on the evening of May 12 at AOCA’s Welcome Reception at the Hard Rock Café.
For more information on iFLEX at The Car Wash Show or the upcoming Management Certification Course, visit www.aoca.org or call 800.230.0702.
AOCA Board Spotlight: John Lindsay
This month, we continue our Board Spotlight Series with a profile of none other than John Lindsay, our current Board President.
AOCA: Tell us about your business and your experience in the fast lube industry. Lindsay: I have owned and operated Power Lube Express Auto Care for 21 years. We are a traditional two-bay quick lube with typical automotive maintenance offerings. Ten years ago, we added auto glass repair and replacement in a separate building on the premises. I have really enjoyed the relationships that I have been able to build with my employees, customers and suppliers over the years.
AOCA: What challenges do you see facing the industry today and in years to come? Lindsay: Currently, our biggest challenge is finding employees that are passionate about our line of work. There will always be challenges, but I really feel like the future is bright in our industry, if we take the challenges on as they arise and learn to adapt.
AOCA: Why did you opt to get involved with AOCA? Lindsay: I decided to get involved with AOCA to be able to give back to an association that has opened many doors for me to be successful. I have really enjoyed serving on committees in the past and currently on the board. There is no way to put a value on the relationships that I have been able to build in these capacities and the education that I have received from serving with my peers in the industry.
AOCA: How has AOCA benefited you as a fast lube business operator? Lindsay: AOCA has benefited me as an operator in so many ways. Our Government Affairs committee has been at the forefront of many issues that affect us all. I really appreciate Joanna Johnson, Justin Cialella and the rest of the committee for their continued hard work and dedication to be the industry voice. Our educational offering continues to evolve and be a huge benefit to many operators. The Manager Certification course brings so much value. I appreciate the personal interest Kevin Davis and so many others have taken in this course to make it such a great value to our industry.
AOCA: What should we anticipate with AOCA in 2019 and beyond? Lindsay: As a board, we have identified very specific goals for the future. I feel like the most important thing for AOCA to focus on long-term is to continue to create awareness of our government affairs effort for the industry and to strive to unite the industry as a whole in this arena. I also see AOCA continuing to create other value for its members.
AOCA: What do you do in your spare time, when you’re not running your business? Lindsay: I am very passionate about having fun! My current passion is exploring the off-road trails throughout the West in my UTV. I also enjoy skiing, traveling and, most of all, doing these things with my family.
