NFIB: Labor Quality Now Top Small Business Owner Concern

The most recent edition of the NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index found that labor quality is now the top small business owner concern, the organization announced. Labor quality was the top business problem at 24%, with inflation in second place by one point at 23%, according to the report. “Optimism is not improving on Main… Continue reading NFIB: Labor Quality Now Top Small Business Owner Concern

What’s More Important: Marketing or Branding?

Most shop managers believe they should be pumping money into a marketing program. The more marketing you have, the better off your auto performance and restoration shop is, right? But what if that that isn’t entirely true? A new blog from Motorhead Digital examines the balance between marketing and branding, and how solid branding can… Continue reading What’s More Important: Marketing or Branding?

Inspiration & Empowerment: Inside the Austin Hatcher Foundation

The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer (AHF), headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, provides support services for young patients and their families nationwide. (Photo courtesy AHF)

This article originally appeared in the June 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. In October 2006, Austin Hatcher Osborn was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain and spinal tumors called atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATRT). The oncologist explained to parents Jim and Amy Jo Osborn that the fatality rate was 100%. Currently, ATRT… Continue reading Inspiration & Empowerment: Inside the Austin Hatcher Foundation

Autoshop Solutions-Built Website Wins Design Award

An Autoshop Solutions-built website was recognized by the MUSE Creative and Design Awards and the International Awards Association (IAA), the company announced. Colorado-based SimplyEuro Automotive Repair won the Automotive Website Design Gold award in the competition for its website created by Autoshop Solutions. “We are very excited to take home the 2023 Gold Award for… Continue reading Autoshop Solutions-Built Website Wins Design Award

Understanding Payroll

This article originally appeared in the June 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. Payroll, typically the biggest expense for most specialty automotive aftermarket shops, has come a long way since its creation in 1913. The 16th Amendment gives Congress the “power to lay and collect taxes on incomes.” The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938… Continue reading Understanding Payroll

DPI Off-Road Brands Joins Auto Parts 4Less Online Marketplace

DPI Off-Road Brands has joined the Auto Parts 4Less Group online marketplace, AutoParts4Less.com, the companies announced. DPI Off-Road is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, maintains three distribution centers in West Jordan, Utah, Denver, Colorado, and Atlanta, Georgia, and operates a satellite facility in Cedar City, Utah. The company offers a comprehensive range of suspension parts and… Continue reading DPI Off-Road Brands Joins Auto Parts 4Less Online Marketplace

API Publishes Report on Lubricant Life Cycle & Carbon Footprint Analysis

The American Petroleum Institute (API) has published a new report, API Technical Report (TR) 1533, Lubricants Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Footprinting – Methodology and Best Practice, which defines terminology and identifies industry-specific practices for life cycle assessment of lubricants and specialty products, the organization announced. The purpose is to promote consistency in the application… Continue reading API Publishes Report on Lubricant Life Cycle & Carbon Footprint Analysis

The Importance of Visual Communication

Amid shrinking attention spans, visual communication is quickly becoming the most impactful way to communicate, a new survey from Canva says. According to the online design platform, global business leaders are showing a strong preference for using visuals, over text and audio, in any work situation, and nearly all agree that visual methods increase efficiency,… Continue reading The Importance of Visual Communication

AAPEX 2023 Registration Opens May 1

Registration for AAPEX 2023 opens May 1, event organizers announced. Scheduled for Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 in Las Vegas, Nevada, AAPEX 2023 attendees can expect to see new products, technologies and innovations in more than 4,000 booths and representing approximately 1,200 product categories, show organizers said. Attendees also can connect with manufacturers and suppliers,… Continue reading AAPEX 2023 Registration Opens May 1