Mitchell 1 Press Center

Mitchell 1′s video on its forthcoming ProDemand™ information product, now available for viewing on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVsFqAG8nX4&feature=youtu.be (and embedded below), shows the Mitchell 1 product management team discussing the many features and benefits of the new software program as well as the design thinking and user input that went into developing it.

Commercial Vehicle Group, Repair/Estimating

 Mitchell 1 will hold this year’s first Shop Management System Training Workshop April 19-21, in Atlantic City, N.J. at the Resorts Casino Hotel, located at 1133 Boardwalk. The training workshop is designed for those who have previously established competence using their shop management software and now want to learn more advanced capabilities, better methods and shortcuts. This two day session will guide users through all levels of functionality in the Mitchell 1 Manager and ManagerPlus system. Instructors will explore program setup values, inventory, reporting, best practices and advanced transactions as well as integration with aftermarket cataloging. Attendees will also learn about the new Mitchell 1 SocialCRM™ customer retention and new customer acquisition service during a relaxed evening reception.

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 over 30 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.”

PLEASE NOTE: The workshop will explore both the 5.9 and 6.4 versions of Mitchell 1’s popular shop management solutions. Users of both versions will benefit from this training experience, regardless of the version being used.

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, April 19 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Workshop sessions run from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., on Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21. 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 Atlantic City and hotel accommodations.  Attendees may reserve rooms at the Resorts Casino Hotel and receive Mitchell 1’s special hotel rate by mentioning Mitchell 1/ShopKey Manager Training when making the reservation by calling 1-800-322-1399.

For more information or to register for Mitchell 1’s Management System Training Workshop, visit http://buymitchell1.com/form/m1usersinfo.htm. Registration must be completed by Wed., April 11.

Company Announcements, Shop Management

 Mitchell 1 announces it has partnered with SureCritic, a provider of reputation management that rates and reviews products and services to the automotive industry, and has integrated SureCritic’s suite of products into its new SocialCRM™ offering. Mitchell 1’s SocialCRM provides industry leading customer retention and new customer acquisition services, and now with the addition of SureCritic, best-in-class reputation management and social engagement services. As featured in autocarepro:news, yahoo news, and  aftermarketNews.com.

“Mitchell 1 is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive and affordable suite of customer relationship marketing products and services; adding SureCritic’s product set to our SocialCRM offering is an extension of this philosophy,” said David Niemiec, general manager, Mitchell 1 SocialCRM.

SureCritic helps power several key features of Mitchell 1’s SocialCRM including:

Ratings and Reviews:

The Ratings and Reviews module allows a shop’s customers to provide ratings and reviews based on their service experience. Repair shops can set up automated low score alerts and respond to reviews in real-time. Customer status is checked for all completed reviews. Studies have shown that customers with a verified status of transacting with the business will rate businesses higher (in some studies as much as 60 percent) than reviews where customer status is not verified. Reviews with a verified status are automatically posted to the repair shops Business Review Page (BRP), helping improve their search visibility for both their BRP and their own business website.

Business Review Page:

Customer reviews are posted to the repair shop’s specific ratings and review website, which is optimized to search on the repair shop’s name. Ratings and reviews are posted individually and with an aggregate rating score, allowing prospective customers to see how well the repair shop is doing over time. Business responses are also posted to their BRP, right next to the review for which they are providing the response. The ability to respond allows the repair shop to be a part of the conversation instead of sitting on the sidelines reading what people are writing. The Business Review Page contains the relevant business contact information and a section telling more about the business. There is also a badge generator that helps the business link out to their BRP from other sites.

Social Engage:

Shop owners and managers have enough on their plate just keeping business coming in through the door. Add social media requirements for Facebook, Google+ and Twitter as well as managing a Google Places page and there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Social Engage uses technology to automate the process by proactively asking for Facebook “likes”, Google+, Twitter followers and reviews on Google Places. Customers choose their level of engagement without the constant barrage of messaging. Social Engage also allows review takers to Tweet their review or push it out to their wall on Facebook. Because businesses want to Tweet reviews, we’ve made it easy for them to Tweet both reviews and responses. They can also post them to their Facebook business page in one easy step.

ReScore:

With ReScore, shops can ask for a follow-up review once they’ve had the opportunity to resolve a customer concern. ReScore is a patent pending functionality designed to show customers and prospects how effectively a business responds to and resolves customer concerns. Businesses get upset customers. That’s no secret. The mystery is “what happens next?” How the concerns are handled is the true measuring stick of a business that cares. ReScore helps its clients unlock the mystery and tell the world they care.

“We are excited about our relationship with Mitchell 1,” said David Brondstetter, SureCritic’s CEO. “Combining SureCritic’s ratings and reviews products with Mitchell 1’s industry leading CRM products provides

Mitchell 1 clients with a best-in-class SocialCRM product that is second to none.” 

For more information on Mitchell 1’s SocialCRM program, visit www.mitchell1.com or call 800-410-0529.

Business Solutions, Company Announcements

Steven Ray from Essex Junction, Vt. received the Technician of the Future award, sponsored by Mitchell 1 and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), during a ceremony on Nov. 16 as part of the 2011 ASE Fall Board of Governors Meeting and Technician Recognition Awards held at the Marriott City Center in Charlotte, N.C. Ray attended the awards banquet with his father, Mike. As featured at SEMA.org , SearchAutoParts.com and aftermarketNews.com.

“We would like to congratulate Steven on being named the 2011 ASE Technician of the

Pictured (L-R): Tim Zilke, ASE President; Rob Nielsen, Mitchell 1; Steven Ray, Award Winner; John Pierce, Mitchell 1; and John Pfennig, ASE Board Chairman.

Future,” said Karen Wagner, senior marketing manager, Mitchell 1. “We are very proud of Steven’s accomplishments as it demonstrates his commitment to being the best automotive technician he can be. We wish Steven the very best – we know he will be successful in his future endeavors.” 

Ray has been an automotive technician for five years and has worked as a BMW technician at The Automaster, BMW, in Shelburne, Vt. for the past year. He received an associate’s degree in automotive technology, which included courses in alternative fuel, high performance and racing technology, from Ohio Technical College in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was on the honor roll every quarter. Ray also completed the BMW Step Program at Ohio Technical College as well as the automotive program at the Center for Technology, Essex (CTE).

Ray’s professional accomplishments include: ASC Master Certification, VT State Ford/AAA Winner, VT State Skills USA Winner in Automotive Technology, third place in Skills USA Nationals in Automotive Service Technology, Ohio Technical College Student of the Month and the Citizenship Award in BMW Step Class OH-13. 

Ray said he decided to become an automotive technician because cars fascinate him; he likes figuring out the way things work and working with his hands. In his spare time, Ray enjoys snowboarding, skeet shooting, mountain biking and motorcycle riding.

The parameters for the Technician of the Future award are: the winner must have taken and received the highest score on one or more of the A6, A8 or L1 tests taken in any administration in the preceding 12 months out of the technicians that selected 99W (student) as the employer code and are under 30 years of age.

Company Announcements

 This month’s winning tip reminds us that temperature matters. As featured in SearchAutoParts.com.

L. Scott Walker started his tech career back in 1992, after graduating from the St. Phillips College in San Antonio, Texas with an AAS degree in automotive technology. He started working at Mercedes Benz of Austin in 1999 and has been there ever since. In addition to fixing M-Bs, he is also an Adjunct Professor of Automotive Technology at the Austin Community College. While his tip is M-B related, it applies equally well to other makes.

“Sometimes a hot “no start” can be caused by a failure in the crankshaft position sensor (CKP), and not set any related trouble codes in the engine control module. The car will start and run fine after the sensor cools. I check the sensor by removing it from the car, attaching my ohmmeter, and then heat it up with a heat gun while watching the meter. If the sensor is bad, resistance will rise and possibly even go ‘open’.”

This tip applies not only to CKP sensors, but any electrical winding on the car like camshaft position sensors (CMP), EVAP purge valves and fuel injectors. You can test the latter by this method, or by activating them repeatedly with a scan tool or multimeter. (Learn more about using your DMM for bi-directional control)

Company Announcements, Repair/Estimating

If you missed the SocialCRM webcast last month, you can check it out here:

Courtesy Search-AutoParts.com.

Business Solutions, Shop Management

Mitchell 1 announces its Manager/ManagerPlus shop management software for the automotive repair industry was recently named the preferred management system of choice by O’Reilly Auto Parts, which is one of the largest retailers of aftermarket auto parts, supplies and accessories in the United States, serving both the do-it-yourself and professional service provider markets. As featured in AfterMarketNews.

Mitchell 1 and O’Reilly Auto Parts joined forces back in early 2002 to create a partnership to build customer loyalty by helping professional service providers save time and money by using an electronic parts ordering system. Today, this pairing gives automotive repair shops electronic access 24/7 to O’Reilly aftermarket parts, supplies and accessories.

“Mitchell 1 and O’Reilly have had a very successful partnership for over nine years thanks to the commitment of both companies to facilitate the parts ordering process,” said Dan Kelley, director of strategic partnerships for Mitchell 1. “This alliance has truly innovated the electronic parts ordering arena over the years, giving tremendous value to both the parts vendor and professional service provider customers. We would like to thank O’Reilly for this honor and we look forward to working together for many, many more years to come.”

“O’Reilly has chosen Mitchell 1 as our Preferred Management System based on their continued dedication towards development, communications, sales and field training,” said Tony Bartholomew, vice president of professional sales for O’Reilly.  “Both O’Reilly and Mitchell 1 have the same focus on the professional customer and their success in business, assisted by having the best in class systems from Mitchell 1.”

Using Mitchell 1’s Manager/ManagerPlus software, automotive repair shops have the opportunity to streamline their parts ordering processes to save time and reduce labor costs.  They can write an estimate using their choice of integrated catalogs and be confident that they are quoting their customers accurate pricing and be assured the parts are available. Prices, description and part numbers are automatically transferred to orders. Mitchell 1 Manager helps repair shops project a professional image, increase car count, increase revenue per RO, stay competitive and maintain profitability.

Manager also seamlessly integrates with Mitchell 1 OnDemand5.com to deliver repair, TSB, maintenance, parts and labor information. Mitchell 1 has worked closely with its customers to incorporate productivity enhancing features designed to increase a shop’s image and bottom line.

About O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.:

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. is one of the largest specialty retailers of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment and accessories in the United States, serving both the do-it-yourself and professional service provider markets.  Founded in 1957 by the O’Reilly family, the Company operated 3,707 stores in 39 states as of September 30, 2011.

Company Announcements, Corporate Partnerships, Repair/Estimating, Shop Management

At the beginning of November, Mitchell 1 attended Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) which includes the Automotive Aftermarket Product Expo (AAPEX) and Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) shows. Co-located in Las Vegas, these two shows provide a one-two punch to the automotive aftermarket bringing all the people, all the products and all the industry, all to one place. As it was explained to me, SEMA targets the automotive enthusiast who is buying smaller quantities of product, while AAPEX targets the professionals and warehouse distributors who are buying truckloads and railcar loads of product.

The reasons that people come to these trade shows include: new products, tools, equipment, applications and training – and Mitchell 1 provided all of that and more to customers and attendees that stopped by. This year, Mitchell 1 worked with Snap-on to create a Snap-on Total Shop Solutions strategy at AAPEX and SEMA. As part of the Repair Systems and Information (RSI) Group, a relatively new business unit for Snap-on, we wanted to address and connect more effectively with the shop owner, shop manager and OEM fixed ops segment and reinforce the message that Snap-on has the unique competitive advantage of being their Total Shop Solutions provider. This was reflected at the booth level with a common look and feel through the use of graphics, booth layout, collateral materials, and staff uniforms.

Some of the Mitchell 1 show highlights included:

• The official introduction and live demonstrations of ProDemand™.
• In-booth interviews with Scott DeGiorgio and Brian Warfield with editors from Motor Age to discuss ProDemand and SocialCRM.

• In-booth ProDemand interview with Kevan Byrd, host of Two Guys Garage.

• Media press conference with Scott DeGiorgio introducing ProDemand.
• AAPEX Learning Session seminar with Dave Costantino presenting the Advantages of Internet Access in the Repair Shop to Increase Productivity.

The results for the show were very favorable with booth space up 17% and buyers up 20% over 2010. The outlook for the automotive aftermarket industry for the next few years is also very positive. Here are just a few of the reasons to be optimistic about the future of the industry:

• The aftermarket is growing at a 4.1% rate.
• There are 240 million vehicles in operation, creating a steady demand for service work.
• The average age of vehicles is currently 10.6 years and will continue to grow.
• There are 180 million “older” vehicles (6 years and older) on the road.
• Repair invoices are 55% higher on average for older vehicles.
• The number of OEM dealership has dropped by more than 3,000 since 2008 creating more opportunities for aftermarket shops.

Fun Fact:  If you walked both floors and all the aisles at the AAPEX show, you would have logged an 11-mile walk! I’m sure some of your feet felt like they did that…and more…by the end of the week. 

Thank you to all the associates who worked the booths. Great Job!

Karen Wagner
Sr. Marketing Manager, Mitchell1

Company Announcements, Corporate Partnerships

Mitchell 1 execs sat down with us at AAPEX to explain what its new ProDemand program can do for technicians. Motor Age will host a free webcast Nov. 17 at 12 p.m. EST (click to register), and you can also check out this video now.

As featured in SearchAutoParts.com.

Commercial Vehicle Group, Company Announcements, Repair/Estimating

“Necessity is the mother of invention,” and techs can be real mothers when it comes to inventing ways to make life in the shop easier. Motor Age now gives you the opportunity to share those ideas with your fellow techs with a chance for monthly prizes.

Motor Age and Mitchell 1 have teamed up in this monthly contest for our readers. Just fill out this form with your best tech tip. Each month, Motor Age editors will select the best tip and feature it and you in the magazine and online. Not only that, but Mitchell 1 has great prizes for each monthly winner. Readers will choose the grand prize winner at the end of the contest year.

In the shop, it’s all about helping your fellow techs earn their livings a little easier, a mission we share with you. Submit your tips today and help out your fellow techs all across the country! [More...]

Company Announcements, Repair/Estimating