GUEST COMMENTARY: People Who Need People - aftermarketNews

GUEST COMMENTARY: People Who Need People

Do your employees know that you "need" them?

Editor’s Note: John Passante, a frequent contributor to our guest commentary series, co-wrote this week’s article with Donna Wagner, professor, Northwood University, Chair of the Automotive Aftermarket Program.
 
 
As
a lover of music, I have always marveled at the unique talent and pure
brilliance of Barbara Streisand.  The range of her singing voice
continues to touch audiences over the world.  Perhaps some of us recall
her song “The Way We Were” or “Evergreen.” Streisand’s voice is a
blending of sweetness and strength. She is a celebrated talent.
 
My
all-time favorite Barbara Streisand vocal is “People Who Need People.” I
would recommend that from time to time, all of us take the time to
really listen to the words of this magical song.
 
It seems to me
that in this stress-filled world, we tend to forget that we need each
other. Leaders take us to places we have never been before and let us
know that they need us on the journey.
 
The fact is, there are no
freeways to the future aftermarket, no expressway to the unknown. There
is only wilderness. Mutual support and need lead to greater discovery
and success. Do your employees know that you "need" them?  
 
Whatever
path lies ahead for our industry, we will “need” to recruit, develop,
train, reward and reward the best and brightest available. The greying
of the automotive aftermarket challenges organizations to seriously
enhance succession planning – to think and act long-term.
 
As I
travel and meet with industry leaders, it is very common for our
conversations to involve a concern for the lack of new talent in our
industry. The concerns center on the shortage of qualified automotive
technicians, supply chain expertise and professional sales marketing
candidates that possess both technical computer skills as well as “good
people skills.”
 
In order to attract and retain the best talent,
it is paramount that leaders share their passion for the aftermarket and
paint a positive picture of today’s aftermarket, acting as a beacon of
light, guiding employees’ careers and aspirations.
 
Leadership, enthusiasm, excitement and commitment to develop the leaders of the future are contagious.
 
I
submit that the companies with the best employees “win!” The Millenials
seek to contribute to a cause to make a difference, so there is obvious
appeal in our industry.
 
Our industry keeps America on the road
24/7. The automobile and truck give us all the freedom to go where and
when we desire!  That is indeed a cause that needs to be shared by each
of us.
 
We need fresh minds, talents and perspectives in order to
move this enterprise called the automotive aftermarket to greater
heights.
 
Like Streisand’s song, we need people!
 
When one
gazes into the past, it reveals industry based on relationships and the
richness of our past experiences. As we envision our future, let us
strive to put people first. There is indeed a benefit to looking back
before looking ahead. We gain a clear view and appreciation of what
inspires our great industry.
 
The aftermarket truly is a "people"
industry. Since transitioning to my new role as Aftermarket Management
chair at Northwood University, many have reached out to me to learn more
about the program and to find out how to develop relationships with our
students. It’s interesting because while everyone who calls needs new
employees, their first concern is developing the relationship.
 
Relationships
are the cornerstone of our industry. Northwood University Aftermarket
Management students learn that from day one. Students are encouraged to
show up and get to know industry speakers. It’s the students who ask
questions and personally introduce themselves after the presentation who
the speakers remember. It’s no different for those working in this
industry. Looking back over my 20-plus years, I can remember sitting
around dinner tables, conference tables and bars hearing stories about
the “good old days.” Times have changed, but some traditions remain.
We’re still telling stories.  
 
It’s important for us to
understand how and why the industry changed, to tell the next generation
what makes this industry great. I can almost guarantee that the stories
will be mostly about the people you shared your experiences with.
 
I
am privileged to teach and guide our next generation of leaders. But I
am only one person. According to the Auto Care Association, there are 4
million of you. You all have the opportunity to come to Northwood
University and tell the students your story. To broaden students’
exposure and knowledge of the aftermarket. Talk about why you’ve spent
your career in this industry and what makes it great in your eyes. To
develop a relationship with the students and tell them about your work
environment. Create an interest in your company.
 
But don’t stop
there. John mentioned the “greying” of the aftermarket and the need to
enhance succession planning. To think and act long term. You’ve all
heard someone comment, “No one wakes up one day and decides to work in
the automotive aftermarket.” You can change that. Share your love of
this industry and the huge opportunities it holds with your local
schools, family, friends and co-workers. No one can tell that story
better than you.
 
A mom of an incoming Aftermarket Management
student called me one week before classes started. She wanted to confirm
that her son would be able to get a job when he graduated. After
hearing about the 98 percent placement rate, the variety of positions
available and an average starting salary of $45,000, she was relieved.
How many parents don’t take that leap of faith?  How many talk their
sons and daughters out of our industry before we get a chance to tell
our story?
 
For those of you unfamiliar with Northwood
University, Northwood has the only four-year Aftermarket Management
degree in the country. Students learn about all aspects of the industry
from channels of distribution, terminology, marketing, profitability, to
field sales, global perspectives and strategic planning. They gain
experience through the Northwood University International Auto Show,
internships and attending AAPEX/SEMA. Northwood University Aftermarket
Management students have two of the qualities you’re looking for:
industry knowledge and experience and a desire to work in the
aftermarket.  
 
The aftermarket offers opportunities in sales,
marketing, accounting and operations. We are indeed an industry that
needs and nurtures people. And we are the luckiest people in the world!
 
 
Donna
Wagner has more than 20 years of experience in the replacement
parts/auto care industry. She is currently chair and professor of the
Aftermarket Management Degree at Northwood University. In this role, she
teaches courses covering the business aspects of the auto care industry
and works closely with industry to develop our industry’s next
generation of leaders. Wagner has held various roles in marketing,
public relations, sales and category management. She has been an adjunct
instructor for Northwood University and Bowling Green State University.
Wagner earned her AAP (Automotive Aftermarket Professional) designation
in 2000, is a recipient of the Northwood University Aftermarket
Education Award and holds an MBA from Bowling Green State University and
a B.S. in computer science from University of Mount Union. She has held
committee positions with Auto Care Association and other industry
associations throughout her career and has recently joined the Category
Management Association and is active on its University Advisory Board.

 
 

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