November 2017

K eeping up to date with the latest technology and methods is absolutely essential, even for an old fossil like me. How else can one expect to stay in business, particularly in an industry that is moving so far, so fast? I’ve mentioned before that I try to keep my garage as up to date as possible, whether that means looking at getting training for my little brood of mechanics (and myself) or investing in some new kit to keep us ahead of the game. With this in mind, I made sure that I was at Top Tech Live in September. It was a great opportunity to get a technical and business overview on a whole host of areas, and hear from some big industry names too. The best thing was the price; as a Top Technician contestant, I got a discount on the ticket price. I’ve entered every year since it started. Of course I’ve never won, or even reached the semi- finals, on purpose mind you. I might do something silly like winning, then I’d lose my discount as I wouldn’t be able to enter any more! Enthusiasm and drive Of course, not everyone is a cynical old crow like me, and it warmed my heart to witness the enthusiasm and drive of the Top Technician winner, the finalists, and meet all those others who attended. They really were the cream of the crop. I wish everyone could be there. It was fascinating to listen to all the seminars, and see all the information. I was so enthralled I was running from one thing to the next and didn’t really socialise as much as I would have liked. I did manage to get collared by the editor of Aftermarket, who was there of course. I’ve never known anyone emphatically demand that an article arrive on time in such a polite manner. He really is a very nice young man. That said, I’m still leaving it until the last minute to submit this piece, but I digress. Scrupulously tidy workshop The part that really caught my attention was when they were talking about the approach to business. Now, I’ve always tried to keep the customers out of my spotless and scrupulously tidy workshop. It never even occurred to me that this could be a selling point if they could see it. You could eat your dinner off of our floor after the end of the day, and Mrs Parkit has suggested I do that very thing on the odd occasion. Perhaps I should put a window in so people can look in. Obviously I’d make sure they couldn’t see in after 5pm lest they find me sitting next to the wheel aligner, in the proverbial doghouse, forlornly eating a steak and kidney pie. Don’t worry I wipe up afterwards. Getting gravy on the equipment would lead to false readings… PARKIT AT THE TOP 66 AFTERMARKET NOVEMBER 2017 TEABREAK: MEMOIRS OF A MOTOR MECHANIC www.aftermarketonline.net