Crystal Rogers from Gray Court, S.C. received the Automotive Technology Outstanding Student Scholarship at the 2010 North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) Conference held recently at the Seminole State College of Florida in Sanford, Fla. Each year Mitchell 1 recognizes one U.S. high school senior for outstanding achievement in automotive technology scholastics.

During the awards ceremony, Rogers was presented with a check for $2,500 along with a recognition certificate courtesy of Mitchell 1.

“Mitchell 1 is proud to have the opportunity to recognize Crystal Rogers for her outstanding achievement and strong dedication to pursuing educational excellence in the automotive technology field,” said Karen Wagner, senior marketing manager for Mitchell 1.

Rogers recently graduated from Laurens District 55 High School in Laurens, S.C. She will attend Tri-County Technical College in its bridge program and major in mechanical engineering. She plans to transfer to Clemson University in her sophomore year to continue her education. Upon receiving her bachelor’s degree, Rogers would like to pursue a master’s degree in automotive engineering.  

By the time she graduated high school, Rogers was a four-year automotive student in a three-year course of study. Not only did she choose to stay an “extra” year, but she also received straight A’s in the program. She was involved in the NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) competition this year, as well as participated in 10 career fairs at five local middle schools to talk to younger students about her high school’s automotive technology program. In addition to her school classes, Rogers worked 25-30 hours a week at her job. 

“One of the reasons that I chose this career path is that I simply love being around cars,” said Rogers. “Having the opportunity to take automotive classes in high school has helped me realize that cars are my true passion, and to be able to work with cars and design my own is simply the best career possible in my opinion.”

National Roadside Service, LLC (NRS) announced today it will purchase a listing in Truck Repair Yellow Pages (TRYP) for Mitchell 1 Repair-Connect customers in order to provide them with a highly effective marketing tool.

National Roadside Service is a roadside repair and fleet management company that facilitates repairs for thousands of fleets and owner operators throughout the United States and Canada. They are a corporate partner with

Mitchell 1.

NRS is also a corporate partner of Truck Repair Yellow Pages, LLC (TRYP), the fastest growing and most highly used informational Web-based tool for commercial vehicle owner operators nationwide. The site can be accessed from a Smart Phone or computer. When a truck is broken down on the side of the road, and they are not a current NRS Member, they can access the TRYP site and find contact information for every type of service they need.

Mitchell 1 customers must have purchased Repair-Connect in order to qualify for a one year listing on TRYP from NRS. The listing will provide customers with a source of extra revenue and give them the opportunity to be in front of thousands of owner operators out on the road daily. It is targeted at a specific market, the truck driver.

This offering will aid Mitchell 1 in selling the Repair-Connect product to its customers by adding value to an already highly-valued Mitchell 1 product.

Mitchell 1, a Snap-on Company, has recently added thousands of engine component and connector photos to its Tractor-Trailer.net and Medium-Truck.net online repair programs. As featured in TruckingInfo.com.

Both programs are updated monthly with new color photos, detailed procedural information, diagnostics and wiring diagrams.

Mitchell 1’s photographers routinely visit Universal Technical Institute (UTI) facilities throughout the U.S., to enhance the online programs. UTI, a provider of technical education training, uses Mitchell 1 online programs in its curriculum and gives Mitchell 1 access to actual component parts they use in training truck technicians.

“Because we utilize Mitchell 1’s online manuals in our training programs, the pictures taken during these visits supplement existing component photos and repair methods,” said Duane Kramer, vice president of new campus operations and programs, UTI. “In addition to detailed diagrams and trouble-shooting procedures, these images help technicians using Mitchell 1 programs correctly diagnose and repair vehicle problems.”

Mitchell 1’s web-based repair programs provide 24/7 access to service information to help diagnose and repair virtually any medium- or heavy-duty truck built during the last 15 years. Tractor-Trailer.net is used in TMC Skills Competitions to test technicians on their ability to use computer-based information, which is becoming more prevalent in shops where medium- and heavy-duty trucks and trailers are serviced.

Mitchell 1 received the 2010 “Hall of Fame” award from AAA during the AAA/CAA Automotive Services Conference held recently at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. This prestigious award was presented to Mitchell 1 in recognition of outstanding commitment, dedication and success as an AAA Automotive Preferred Supplier. As featured in AftermarketNews.

David Boyington, senior account manager, corporate sales, Mitchell 1, and Ken Young, vice president sales and marketing, Mitchell 1, accepted the award from Marshall L. Doney, AAA Automotive vice president.

“It’s quite an honor to receive the AAA ‘Hall of Fame’ award,” said Young. “It speaks to the strength of the AAA and Mitchell 1 relationship, as well as reflects the success both organizations have experienced working collaboratively to ensure the AAA Approved Auto Repair network has access to repair, estimating and management software needed for delivering quality and professional service to AAA members.”

The “Hall of Fame” award recognizes select preferred suppliers who demonstrate success in the following award criteria:
1. The supplier has to have been contracted with AAA for at least five years
2. The supplier has to have been a recipient of an annual award at least once
3. Beyond winning an annual award, the supplier needs to demonstrate exceptional year-to-year performance against all six of the annual award criteria: sales/revenue/club participation, relationship, flexibility, innovation, customer service and dedication

Mitchell 1 and AAA established their relationship in 1999 to offer AAA and CAA service providers unique savings and offers on Mitchell 1 shop management, repair and estimating software and related print publications.

Mitchell 1’s product portfolio helps repair facilities reach their full potential by focusing on four pillars of success: profitability, efficiency, professionalism and growth. Through its preferred supplier relationship with AAA, 8,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair shops and 12,000 towing contractors have access to premium Mitchell 1 products and services that can help them compete more effectively in an ever-changing market.

Mitchell 1 has added social networking as a way to interact with customers and provide a venue for “fans” to interact with each other. The new Mitchell 1 page on Facebook will be continuously updated with company news and information about the Mitchell 1 family of products, which includes a complete line of integrated software tools designed to improve repair shop productivity, so fans are encouraged to visit often. As featured in AutoCarePro:News.

“With the popularity of social networking and Facebook, we thought this would be a great way to connect and communicate with an even larger audience of Mitchell 1 fans, to keep them up-to-date on the latest company and product news,” said Karen Wagner, senior marketing manager for Mitchell 1. “The page also serves as a forum for our fans to share their stories and interact with each other. We’d like to invite everyone to join Mitchell 1’s growing Facebook community.”

Facebook is currently the most widely used social networking service in North America, allowing users to rapidly interact in a variety of ways, including posting photos, uploading videos and commenting on discussion boards. Content is constantly being added and the majority of users visit Facebook numerous times a day.

It only takes minutes to join Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com. Once you have set up your account, use the search tool in the upper left hand part of the screen to locate the Mitchell 1 page. Click on “Like” button on the top left side of the page and you’ll instantly become part of the Mitchell 1 community.

Mitchell 1 will hold this year’s second Shop Management System Training Workshop in Nashville, Tenn., July 15-17, 2010 at the Hutton Hotel, located at 1808 West End Ave. The training workshop, designed for those who have been using their shop management system for six months or more, will guide users through advanced functionality in the Mitchell 1 Manager and ManagerPlus system. Instructors will explore advanced setup, inventory, reporting, management and more, as well as integration with aftermarket cataloging and Customer Retention Marketing (CRM). As featured in AfterMarketNews.com.

The workshop will be led by John Dwulet, senior product manager for Mitchell 1’s management software solutions, and Tim McDonnell, national training manager, who have 27 years of combined Manager and ManagerPlus training experience. Mitchell 1 support personnel will also be on hand. Attendees can expect lively discussions on how to use the management system to energize their business, increase profits and boost productivity.

“This advanced training workshop turns existing shop management system customers into power-users who get the most out of their software and business,” said Dwulet. “The sessions will uncover strategies allowing attendees to compete successfully against dealerships; maximizing their maintenance and repair opportunities and further the relationship with the customer. Each time we conduct a workshop, we repeatedly hear similar comments, such as ‘the workshop opened my eyes to new ways of doing things that have really helped me in my business.’ No matter how long you have had the software, you learn there are better and more efficient methods to operate the day-to-day business.”

At the end of each workshop, AMI Course Completion forms will be handed out to those attendees who wish to pursue AMI credits. Students completing this course will be rewarded 30 credits toward the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation.

Attendees will be welcomed by a cocktail reception on Thursday, July 15 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Workshop sessions run from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, July 16 and 17. The registration fee is $200 per attendee, plus applicable tax, and covers seminars, continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments each day. Participants are responsible for transportation to Nashville and hotel accommodations. Attendees may reserve rooms at the Hutton Hotel and receive Mitchell 1’s special hotel rate by mentioning Mitchell 1/ShopKey Manager Training when making the reservation.

For more information or to register for Mitchell 1’s Management System Training Workshop, visit http://www.buymitchell1.com/form/m1users.htm. Registration must be completed by June 30, 2010.

Mitchell 1, a Snap-on company, has added their support to the inaugural California Supertech Competition being held on June 6 at the Santa Anita Race Track. Mitchell 1 will sponsor and administer a service information test station utilizing their online vehicle repair program, Tractor-Trailer.net. The service information station will test the Supertech competitors’ ability to use computer-based information to diagnose and correctly repair vehicle problems. Knowing how to access and use web-based repair manuals is an important skill required by today’s technicians. Mitchell 1 programs are included as part of truck technician vocational school curriculums to train technicians how to use the most up-to-date tools available when they graduate. As featured in Professional Tool Equipment News and Commercial Carrier Journal Digital.

Tractor-Trailer.net has been used to test service information knowledge at the Annual TMC National Technician Skills Competition since its inception and Mitchell 1 is increasingly participating in state competitions as they are organized. The California SuperTech Competition is following the TMC guidelines and will be sending their winners to the national event being held in Raleigh, N.C., Sept. 20-23. Dan Kincaid, Tractor-Trailer.net Senior Editor with Mitchell 1 will administer the tests at the California competition.

Mitchell 1 online vehicle repair products including Tractor-Trailer.net, Medium-Truck.net and Repair-Connect have all the vital procedural service information in one place to maximize shop productivity. They include thousands of detailed color wiring diagrams to help solve complex electrical problems as well as full-color photos that provide a real-world view of many vehicle components and assemblies. Unique to Mitchell 1 products, CircuitSelect allows the user to easily trace, highlight, isolate and hide individual wiring circuits using different colored highlights.

2009 Repair Information Added To “The Online Source” For DIYers

With service information for 2009 vehicles recently added, the popular Mitchell 1 DIY program (aka eAutoRepair.net) has been updated to include more repair articles, technical service bulletins and supporting graphics than ever before.

“More and more do-it-yourselfers are looking for easy-to-understand, comprehensive information when it comes to automotive repair and preventative maintenance,” said Dave Rady, senior account manager, business development, Mitchell 1. “The Mitchell 1 DIY database provides this information in a way that appeals to car enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers. With updated articles and technical service bulletins, along with visually appealing graphics, the Mitchell 1 Online Program has become the source for vehicle repair and maintenance information on the Web.”

With information on over 16,000 vehicles, the Mitchell 1 DIY Online program features over 190,000 repair articles, and thousands of technical service bulletins, including recalls, and millions of supporting graphics.

Mitchell 1 DIY provides professional instructions and illustrations that guide subscriber users through step-by-step mechanical repair procedures, complete maintenance information and service schedules and the latest factory service tips. The Internet-based service covers all domestic and most import cars, light trucks, vans, mini vans and SUVs for model years 1983 to 2009. Vintage models are available via DVD.

The Mitchell 1 DIY program is easy to learn and use, with simple instructions on each page and the option to get detailed instructions by clicking on the “Help” link. Subscriptions are available for weekly, monthly, yearly and four year terms. For more information about Mitchell 1 DIY or to subscribe, visit http://www.mitchell1diy.com or www.eAutoRepair.net .

The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) announces the members of its 2010-2011 Board of Trustees, with Tony Passwater, AEII, Indianapolis, Ind., elected as chairman.

Other board members include Sheri Hamilton, AAM, ASA-Missouri/Kansas, Overland Park, Kan.; Bob Keith, AAM, CARSTAR, Overland Park, Kan.; Tim McDonnell, Mitchell1, Poway, Calif.; Ron Pyle, Automotive Service Association, Bedford, Texas and Freda Thompson, AAM, Ace Auto Body, Inc., Hartselle, Ala.

AMI Executive Director Toni Slaton, AAM, stated, “These industry professionals provide essential direction and leadership to AMI. I’m pleased to be working with such an enthusiastic and dedicated group of industry professionals and greatly appreciate their willingness to serve.”

The members of AMI’s Board of Trustees represent both mechanical and collision repair shops of varying sizes, and industry associations and companies. Members of the 2010-2011 Board of Trustees were announced during the AMI Board of Trustees meeting, held April 21, in Dallas.

AMI was established in 1989 to answer the demand for continuing education tailored specifically for the business needs of the automotive service industry. The Institute offers the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation, the first business management accreditation exclusively for the automotive service professional. To date, AMI programs have attracted more than 178,000 enrollments throughout North America. AMI is a not-for-profit educational foundation to which tax-deductible contributions can be made.

For more information about the Institute, its curriculum, or EXCEL, please contact AMI at (800) 272-7467 ext. 241, or visit the AMI Web site at www.amionline.org.

Mitchell 1 announces Patriot Tire and Automotive Service of Louisville, Ky. has adopted Mitchell 1’s Manager Enterprise program for all of its service locations. Patriot operates six full-service repair facilities in the Louisville, Ky. and Clarksville, Ind. area. As featured in SearchAutoParts.com.

Mitchell 1’s Manager Enterprise is multi-user software capable of running on any number of workstations at any number of locations or even multiple divisions within a franchise. Manager Enterprise provides central control of accounting, marketing, sales and operations. Administrators can check in on each location remotely from any location in the world.

“Patriot required a system that provides real-time reporting, accounting, centralized management and a robust backend database for their operations,” said John Dwulet, senior product manager, Mitchell 1. “Manager Enterprise was the perfect solution for them.”

“Mitchell 1 Enterprise eliminated the hoops we had to jump through each morning to see up-to-the-minute information from all our locations. We can now see what each shop is doing in real time. With Enterprises’ centralized bookkeeping, we no longer have to batch data from each store to obtain an accurate picture of our operations,” said Josh Charlet, general manager, Patriot Tire and Auto.

About Patriot Tire and Auto Service:
Patriot Auto Service recognizes the desire of automotive owners to expect superior quality products and outstanding service for the care and maintenance of their vehicles, and commits all its energy and resources towards the fulfillment of those needs. The company’s goal is to provide consistent and attentive service to the wants and needs of its customers upon every visit, and its vision is to be regarded as the premier automotive service facility providing above-expectation service. The Patriot staff works tirelessly to outperform customer expectations and become a benchmark for its competitors. Patriot is a “Certified Auto Repair” facility. For more information, visit http://patriottireandauto.com.