Archive of: The Big Idea

Title Issue
How to (Almost) Pop Your Shop

How to (Almost) Pop Your Shop

With credit tight, it’s tough to grow through acquistion or building a new location. Not to worry: there’s plenty of growth to be had within your existing shop space. The experts tell how.

September 2010
Bright Young Things

Bright Young Things

Don’t worry about the future of collision repair. Today’s young collision repairers are business-minded, customer-focused, and prepared to meet the challenges of a changing industry.

August 2010
A Splash of Green

A Splash of Green

We talked to shop operators in noncompliant areas of the country about the perks of going waterborne well before they were forced to. Hint: There’s no better PR these days than being green.

July 2010
Little and Lean

Little and Lean

Five small- to medium-sized shop operators that have made big strides on their lean journeys share their best practices—and how going lean has allowed them to sleep at night.

June 2010
Tech  Solutions That Sizzle

Tech Solutions That Sizzle

Between the new metals, e-commerce and Web-based estimating, there’s a lot of new technology to learn about—and buy. What does your shop need? Let us help you figure that out.

May 2010
A Good First Impression

A Good First Impression

Brand is as important for small shops as for large ones. We talk to branding and design experts for insights into creating and sustaining your shop’s brand—without breaking your bank.

April 2010
The X (Chromosome) Factor

The X (Chromosome) Factor

How do female employees boost your bottom line? They help attract women customers, and they create a more family-friendly culture, which is good for everyone’s productivity.

March 2010
Shop Tune-Up for Tough Times

Shop Tune-Up for Tough Times

16 things you can do right now to energize your employees, wow your customers and get your business back on track, even in a tight credit market where big investments are impossible for most.

February 2010
A Fresh Start

A Fresh Start

14 Ways to Make the New Year Bright.

January 2010
World View

World View

Repairers around the world share similar concerns. Here, they weigh in on training, education, technology, insurance and communication.

December 2009
Advertisement