Sherwin-Williams A-Plus Network conference hosts 80 repairers
The conference combines comprehensive business solutions to help repairers improve customer service, employee growth, insurance relationships, process refinement, productivity and profitability.
The conference agenda featured: Bob Lane, Managing Partner of Robert Lane and Associates, a leading business advisory headquartered in Toronto, delivered the keynote on ‘How to compete and win in today’s business world’. Bob educated the group about undergoing a journey of change, business intellect, competitive advantage, and understanding of what is going on in the world around you. Bob shared his wealth of experiences and knowledge with all attendees to help them know what they need to have in business today to not only succeed, but to win! Darren Fristoe, President, The Fristoe Group, and Dan Bailey, former President, CarStar Collision Centers, discussed the hot topic of ‘Succession Planning,’ an in-depth look into the long term reality of each attendee’s company – and how to prepare their business for future generations and/or how to make it more attractive to potential purchasers Steve Feltovich, Manager of Business Consulting Services, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes, presented ‘Beyond Lean;’ a deep dive into shop analytics, succession planning and the next key steps for collision industry facilities to adopt as they go further along their lean journeyAfter keynote and featured speakers, a number of breakout sessions were held in tandem with peer-to-peer discussion groups throughout the three-day event. The discussion groups gave attendees the chance to review financial performance, discuss lean implementation, build marketing plans and define their goals.
“Our annual conference continues to support and educate our Vision Group members, giving them the competitive edge to succeed in this challenging environment,” said Troy Neuerburg, Manager of Marketing Business Services at Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes. “The conference is just one of several meetings our Vision Group Members attend and all are designed to keep their businesses at the industry forefront.”
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes began the A-Plus Network Vision Group Program in 2000 and now has two independent owners groups, one manager’s group, two dealership collision center groups and one Canadian collision facility leadership group. These groups consist of both single and multiple shop owners and managers. Square One Systems, Inc., one of the premier independent “20-Group” providers in the industry, administers and moderates the A-Plus Network Vision Groups.
A-Plus Network members not only benefit through their Vision Group participation, but are also assisted by the program’s many business-building opportunities. These include specialized marketing and management programs, industry leading business training through A-Plus Network University, insurance relations programs, loyalty benefits and specialized programs and services from outstanding contributors.
The A-Plus Network recently added social media and marketing services for its members through Admin Concepts. Using these new services, members can now stay in touch and promote their businesses through Facebook®, Twitter® and other social media services.
For more information about the Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes A-Plus Network, its features, advantages and benefits visit www.a-plusnetwork.com; or call the A-Plus Network Hotline at 1-800-386- 3881.
