Here’s a snapshot of today’s fast lube industry: Budgets are tight; competition is fierce; providers are looking for every conceivable way to grow the bottom line; customers are more demanding than ever; and owners, managers and employees are under the gun to deliver on those expectations. Not surprisingly, some of the most established, experienced businesses have been scrambling for cover.
This, of course, is not news. Every automotive service professional knows the situation.
But here’s the real story: As the economy makes its way out of the worst slump in decades, the scrambling has stopped, and the survivors are beginning to gather their forces. The new business model emphasizes anticipation, information, planning and a cohesive strategy.
As an industry, fast lube operators are more powerful together than separately. This is where the Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) comes in, as a nonprofit organization dedicated to representing the industry.
With more than 800 members representing more than 3,300 facilities throughout North America, AOCA has a specific mission: Provide information, training, communications, resources and advocacy for fast lube providers, as well as educate the public about the benefits of preventive automotive maintenance.
AOCA also hosts iFLEX, the International Fast Lube Expo, which will take place April 24-28 in Las Vegas. Previously known as the AOCA Annual Convention and Trade Show, the event has been transformed into a dynamic conference dedicated entirely to the fast lube industry. Headquarters will be the Las Vegas Hilton, with informational sessions and a comprehensive trade show taking place at the Hilton and the Las Vegas Convention Center.
For automotive service professionals, iFLEX offers the opportunity to:
- View products and services from fast lube industry providers during a state-of-the-art trade show.
- Discover new ways to add or maximize current services, as well as generate revenue and improve efficiency.
- Learn about new products and services.
- Relax and talk shop with hundreds of your peers.
The first day of iFLEX, April 24, will be devoted almost entirely to training, through an optional, daylong “New Owners Boot Camp.” For newcomers to AOCA or the fast-lube industry, this session will offer a great way to learn about best practices and keys to success. Even owners of existing facilities will be able to learn from successful industry professionals Rick Price, AOCA board member and owner of Flagship FastLube in Wahiawa, Hawaii; and consultant Howie Loewen of Integrated Services Inc. Price and Loewen will share their expertise and insights in an intensive, information-packed session that promises to be well worth the early arrival.
In addition to the expansive trade show floor, there will be more than 30 educational sessions. “Green” will be a recurring theme during iFLEX, as subject matter experts provide the latest information about environmentally friendly technologies and practices. Learn more about electric vehicles, smart cars and hybrids, and the role they’ll play in the future of your business. You’ll also learn more about the regulatory side of environmental safety, including compliance with the most recent regulations and requirements.
As always, marketing is a hot topic. Several educational sessions during the show will directly address best practices and new opportunities for marketing, as well as other ways to increase ticket average and profit margins. Businesses that have been reluctant to take the plunge into online sales and marketing will learn more about Internet technologies and opportunities. Also, expanded services and vertical expansion can produce additional sources of revenue and growth for fast lube operators.
On the final day of iFLEX, there will be a session with a fun twist on marketing, presented by AOCA board member Pat Wirth, owner of Potomac Falls Express Lube & Car Wash in Potomac Falls, Va.; and AOCA Past President Sue Ackley, owner of Oil Change Plus in St. Louis. Their presentation will explore ways to increase revenue through awareness of the local market and competition; employee training and incentives; offering the right mix of products and services; and establishing a clear value perception for the customer.
Other session highlights include:
• Generational differences among employees and customers. How do you motivate employees of all ages who may have different goals and expectations for their workplace environment? And how do you address needs of