AASP0419.qxp_AASP News 3/29/19 12:03 PM Page 4
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
What it Means to Me... by Carl Thomas, AASP-MN President
I have been involved with AASP-MN since my Dad (Jim Thomas) sat on the mechanical committee over 15 years ago. Ten years before that, I was ripping a 2.5hp Briggs & Stratton from my go kart, cutting tubes for clearance and swapping in a 5hp engine. Since before I can remember, cars have been in my blood and I was fortunate to know my future path at a very young age. During summer break at the ripe age of 14, I would ride into St. Paul with my Dad and spend two to three days a week working at Lancer Service (my Dad’s pride and joy). The work I was doing was highly skilled – pushing brooms around, emptying garbage cans and helping with light mechanical duties. Although entry level, the education was priceless. My Dad started Lancer Service in 1977 and, at some point when I was ready, I was going to buy the business and carry on his legacy. After graduating high school, I enrolled in the Automotive Service Technology program at Century College. In 2004, I came out of Century with extensive mechanical knowledge, my AAS degree and full ASE certification with L1. I immediately joined Lancer’s full-time workforce as a technician. By 2007, I was shop foreman, while also taking time to learn more and more about the other aspects of the business. By 2011, I purchased Lancer and my Dad was able
We all struggle with the same problems: Hiring/retaining good employees, keeping up with technology, insurance company issues and more. The best way to battle these issues is by banding together, and that is exactly what the Alliance provides.
to successfully retire. As things continued, I opened a second business (CJTunes) where we specialize in building and tuning late-model GM performance vehicles. This industry drove my Dad’s life and, as a second generation owner, my life as well. I attribute much of my success to the individuals I surround myself with. As a young owner (27 years old), many of the “senior” AASP-MN members provided me with invaluable insight, guidance and knowledge. I spent as much time as possible at the roundtable events, Mech XChange and leadership conferences (maybe some time spent at the pub after), getting as much information as possible. This information transformed me from a technician to a well-rounded owner/leader. I realized at a young age that if I took the time to “sharpen the saw,” many of the large obstacles would disappear. We all struggle with the same problems: Hiring/retaining good employees, keeping up with technology, insurance company issues and more. The best way to battle these issues is by banding together, and that is exactly what the Alliance provides. As with anything good, you need to put the effort in to get what you want out, and although being a non-active member still provides advantages, the real strength of this organization is the networking aspect. Why are 20 groups/peer networks so successful? 1. They hold you accountable. 2.They surround you with other driven owner/operators and force you to collaborate. 3.They have you goal set and measure your results. All of this is available from the Alliance at a fraction of the cost, so why not participate? We all know the absolute best technicians are great because they know how to use the right tool at the right time; nothing in their box is underutilized. We, as leaders, should be no different! I urge everyone to get involved and make the most of your membership. This industry is changing. The consolidation of body shops is just the beginning. Ridesharing and fleet service has already begun to reshape our beloved mechanical industry. We really have two options: Get bulldozed or start planning for the future. It is my goal to add strength to not only my shop, but the entire industry. I don’t need to explain how much the world of fixing cars means to me, as I am sure it does to many of you reading this, as well. It has been good to me; I love everything about it (well most everything) and look forward to embracing the future!! My name is Carl Thomas and it’s an absolute honor to be your AASP-MN President.
4 | April 2019
AASP-MN News