Closing Thoughts on ASTI 2013

As I sit here, in my own kitchen, enjoying a cup of good coffee, I find myself reflecting on my experience at ASTI 2013. It always is a great experience attending an event with so many servicers  seeking knowledge that will help themselves and their business.

W.L. May Co is committed to the success of the Appliance Service Industry, as is evidenced by our sponsorships of both USA Regional Service Meetings and the National ASTI Convention. Our commitment is solidified when we witness the excitement and growth that a servicer experiences by taking advantage of the opportunities afforded them at these meetings. To that end, I'd like to give a special "shout out" to one particular servicer that has taken advantage of these opportunities and has reaped the benefits for it; Justin Duby from T & N Appliance in Grants Pass, OR.

Justin, seen here at ASTI 2013 with Todd Shepard of W.L. May Co, was an attendee at our Regional Service Meeting held in Portland, OR. He shared with us that upon his return to work after the RSM, he implemented many of the ideas he learned. The changes he made, in a short period of time, served to  substantially increase the amount of business he conducted due to his improved time management and efficiencies. When Justin was sharing this info, you could just see the excitement in his eyes; an excitement that transfers to us because it is precisely why we are proud sponsors of these events; to provide an educational experience that will transform a servicers business in ways that lead to increased success. Congratulations Justin!!!!

Our commitment does not end here. Look forward to several Regional Service Meetings to be held during 2013; the planning has already started. When we have more details we will share them with you. It is our hope and desire to provide  you educational opportunities that, if taken advantage of, will help you to reach the levels of success you desire.

   

Is this the End? Or Just the Beginning?

As I sit here waiting for the airport shuttle to begin the journey home to Portland, I find myself thinking "another ASTI has ended, and it's time to go back to work. But, is it really the end? Or just the beginning?

I'm reminded of a story Justin from T & N Appliance recently shared with me. He said that when he returned from an RSM he attended, he implemented many of the "tools he learned" while attending classes. Once he made these changes, his business "went through the roof". He has been pumped up about his changes and the benefits of those changes.

So, as I sit here waiting for our shuttle, I now am thinking this is just the beginning. You see, we all control our business future. We can take what we have learned and utilize our new tools, or we can choose to basically ignore them and go back to our "same old ways".  I choose to make the changes that will transform "my business" so I may reach heights not enjoyed before. I hope you make this same decision.

I hope to see many of you at the RSM's that W.L May Co will be sponsoring during 2013...

Post forwarded from Bradley Cantors Phone on location.

ASTI report

Wow!! What a day yesterday was.. We met several new "friends", and were able to visit with many old ones. It was cool visiting with Patty and Cody Husk from Cody's in Eagle ID, Justin Duby from T& N in Grants Pass, OR, David Schnelli from Glenwood Appliance in Eugene, OR, and Adam Butcher, one of the industry's future "rock stars" out of Cleveland, OH.

Todd attended a class called Business Efficiencies with Cutting Edge Technologies, presented by Adam Butcher. Adam outlines many of the ways he has made his business much more efficient and profitable. His ideas are truly "cutting edge". I was able to attend a class that outlined the many reasons a membership in USA is an investment in your future success that should be made; your return on that investment is limitless.

Finally the evening found Todd and I manning our booth and sharing our customer centered educational based philosophy. We realize that education, both technological training, and business concepts training, will take an Appliance Service Company to the next level of success..

We're excited to see what great things are in store for us today.

Post forwarded from Bradley Cantors Phone on location.

Tip for Thursday: Preconceived Notions

A few years ago the ASTI (Appliance Service Technical Institute) was being held, like this year, in Orlando. Being in Florida, our representatives Todd and Bradley expected warm weather-especially when compared to chilly and damp Portland in winter. As a result they packed a wardrobe that would have worked well for a sunny spring day. To their surprise, it was an extra cold week in Orlando and the weather here in Portland was warmer. As a result they spent the week shivering when they went outdoors. Why am I telling you this story? They could have been dressed for cool weather, as Portlanders they certainly had warm coats they could have taken. It was Florida. Florida is usually warm. Their preconceived notions were wrong.
If you do appliance repair for a living preconceived notions can take money right out of your pocket. For example, a lot of times I will hear a servicer saying, before consulting with the client, that their consumer likely won't have a job done because a pricey part was involved in the job. Yet time and again the consumer proves them wrong and has the job done. Other times a technician will assume that a part is no longer available because it is a piece for an older machine. This preconceived notion is also not always correct.
It is true that OFTEN Florida is warmer than Oregon. It is also true that OFTEN a pricey part will make a consumer consider replacement over repair or that an older machine may have a lot of discontinued parts. Experience can blind us into assuming that what is OFTEN true is what is ALWAYS true. So when you go to Florida take along a jacket. When you are looking at an expensive repair job offer your quote with confidence. And when you are dealing with an older appliance take the time to verify availability.
You might be surprised at the results if you can remove your preconceived notions and approach each service call with a positive attitude. Customers will surprise you - I promise. And like they like to say in the lottery ads-you can't win if you don't play!

Why Join USA?

Just got through a class conducted by Paul McDonald, past president of USA. Paul discussed the many reasons why a USA membership is or should be "one of your best tools" in your tool box. As members, you have access to an extensive library of service manuals and information, a Chat Line used to help with those tough situations you find yourself in, peer groups, and a whole host of other tools to assist you and your businesses' success. It truly is an investment in yourself and the future success of your business.

                                      Post forwarded from Bradley Cantors Phone on location.

Let the Show Begin

After all the preparation. After all the traveling. After all the excitement and anticipation, it's time to "let the show begin".. This mornings breakfast was highlighted by the Keynote Speaker, Dean Landers, past President of USA.. Dean encouraged everyone to really think about why they do what they do.. That only by knowing the answer can one fully reach their potential.. Once you do that, everyone around you "wins"; you, your family, employees, and your customers as well.. Why do you do what you do?

                                      Post forwarded from Bradley Cantors Phone on location.

Awesome Reflections

                                      Post forwarded from Bradley Cantors phone on location.

Time to rise and shine!!

After a great dinner with Krystle and Scott from Lake Appliance (Folsom, CA), and a great nights sleep, we are ready to get "the show on the road". Here is an early morning view of one of the many "casitas" found on the beautiful grounds of the Disney Coronado Resort here in Orlando.. Now, where can I get a cup of coffee..?

                                        Post forwarded from Bradley Cantors phone on location.

We Have Arrived...

After traveling all day, from the Northwest corner of Oregon, down to the Southeast Corner, Florida, we have arrived at ASTI 2013 .. We are understandably exhausted, and hoping to get a "second wind"... As any traveler knows, no longer do the airlines serve food on planes.. Time to get some dinner.. Here is our view from our hotel room...

Post forwarded from Bradley Cantors phone on location.

Our Journey Begins!!

Greetings!! Our cross country journey to Orlando,FL for ASTI 2013 has begun. It began at 3:15 AM as I picked up Todd at his house for the short trip to the Portland Airport. It's 4:40 in the morning, and here is a picture of Todd Shepard waiting with excitement as we are about to board our plane. We are surprised by how many travelers are here at the airport so early in the morning; security took us a half hour to get through. We are flying through Denver, then on to Orlando. We are excited because we know what awaits us..

Excitement Building!!

Todd Shepard and I are preparing for our trip to ASTI 2013..Our excitement continues to build as we accomplish each task needed for a successful trip. What excites us most, is the fact that we will be with so many Appliance Service people who understand the importance of education. We can't wait to see all of you at this year's gathering..