VOICES
Have I Got a Proposition for You

It's time for shops to understand why they need to belong to an association and make the commitment to actively participate to improve the professionalism of the industry from which they derive their livelihood. In my opinion, it is also high time for independent automotive repair professionals to raise the bar for themselves on behalf of the consumers they serve.

Let's get a grip on our future
It is no longer acceptable for our industry to be a passive participant in the delivery of automotive service and repair to the consumer. Professionals in this industry should not accept simply being a link in the "aftermarket" supply chain, or for that matter, a disenfranchised extension of the original equipment (OE) network.

Instead, the independent automotive service and repair industry must come to grips with the fact that we are virtually invisible to consumers and all the other voices that speak to them about how or where they have their vehicles serviced and repaired.

For many years we have relied on the fact that independent service and repair has been perceived favorably by the motoring public as a competitive alternative to the franchised dealer experience. As an industry, we continue to work toward a more positive image, gradually pushing aside our 'grease monkey' past. Now, in our determination to be 'independent,' we could become our own worst enemy.

I am viewing this from within our own association, which is ostensibly the recognized leader in the industry. While everyone at ASA appreciates that distinction and we are humbled by the responsibility that it represents, we also know that we can't legitimately do the work we are charged to accomplish unless more shops understand why they need to belong to an association and make the commitment to actively participate to improve the professionalism of the industry from which they derive their livelihood.

Professional affiliation matters
Please note that I am not advocating that every shop join ASA. However, I am saying that every shop should belong to and associate with an active group of like-minded professionals, and I am advocating that those groups, associations and organizations need to realize that working in silos does not serve their members well.

To illustrate my point, consider this scenario: A while back I had an interesting conversation with a gentleman serving in a volunteer leadership role in a small state association. He mentioned that it was a struggle to demonstrate value to the members and listed all the reasons why. I offered that our organization could help, but he insisted that his members were fiercely independent.

He said that even if they agreed to "merge" or otherwise join with another organization, it was likely that a splinter group would spring up within a relatively short time because individuals in this industry are predisposed to subdivide into the smallest common denominator. We laughed, but sadly we both knew it was absolutely true.

Would you agree with my assertion that this fragmentation and division is retarding our progress and jeopardizing our industry's future? Our inability to work together for the common good seriously undermines the ability of the independent service and repair industry to be effective in promoting itself, protecting itself and most importantly, professionalizing itself.

An invitation to collaborate
I have a proposition for the leaders of the independent service and repair organizations: Let's commit to meet and identify areas of common interest to create a foundation for cooperative effort.

For this idea to succeed, all parties will have to overcome a great deal of institutional ego and parochialism. But while we wait, our competition and every business partner who benefits from our inability to speak effectively on behalf of our members and their customers grows stronger at our expense.

Fortunately, there are some folks who have already indicated this makes a lot of sense and are willing to exhibit bold leadership to change the status quo. If you think we are on to something, speak up and let's get on with it.

(Editor's Note: Ron Pyle is president and chief staff executive of the Automotive Service Association (ASA). ASA has granted permission to reprint this article, which first appeared in ASA's President's Blog on Feb. 15, 2010.)