Executive Interview with Tony Perticari, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Crown Remanufacturing
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Tony Perticari, a 35-year veteran of the automotive parts industry. Perticari joined Philadelphia-based Crown Remanufacturing in 1986. He currently serves as vice president of sales and marketing for the company and is responsible for all NAFTA and overseas sales and marketing activities. Join us as Tony Perticari tells us what makes Crown tick, and what it takes to stay ahead of the pack. He also shares with us his predictions for the future of the reman industry, and the company.
DST Asks: Where Do Your Profits Come From — Products or Customers?
Last week we asked: Internally does your current computerized business system provide comprehensive data for managing stocking decisions? This question begs another related question: Where do you make your profits, from your products or from your customers?
APA Honors Henry Jacobs; Re-Elects Three Board Members During Annual Shareholders Meeting
The Automotive Parts Associates, Inc. (APA) honored Henry Jacobs for his 50 years of automotive aftermarket service at its annual shareholders meeting in San Diego, Calif. Jacobs is the founder of Automotive Warehouse in Wichita, Kan. Also during its Annual Shareholders Meeting, APA announced the re-election of J. Michael Faley, Robert Jacobs and Silvia Martinez to its board of directors.
Democrats Raise Alert About ‘Manufacturing Czar’ Post
A Nebraska businessman whom President Bush wanted to nominate for the job of ”manufacturing czar” has withdrawn from consideration amid attacks from Democrats. Anthony Raimondo said he would not be a candidate for the position as Democratic organizations began e-mailing reporters that Raimondo had laid off workers in Nebraska and opened a plant in China. Two administration officials confirmed that Raimondo bowed out. One administration source said the withdrawal had nothing to do with the ”baseless” Democratic attacks.
New Import Parts Specialist Certification Tests Available
Aftermarket firms can begin the new year with a competitive edge by encouraging employees and customers to take the newly updated Auto International Association (AIA) Import Parts Specialist and Master Import Parts Specialist certification tests. Better-trained counter personnel and service technicians are vital to ensuring quality repairs and satisfying import nameplate customers. These tests address the pressing need for professionals with knowledge and training to help drive improved sales and provide the best customer service to import nameplate owners.
American Tire Distributors Adds to Team of Equipment Specialists
American Tire Distributors has added to its team of equipment specialists with the recent hiring of Ralph Bachemin. Bachemin, who joined American Tire Distributors in January, handles automotive equipment sales and service for the company’s Mobile, Ala., distribution center, covering Southern regions of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Bachemin joins a network of approximately 45 equipment specialists employed by American Tire Distributors across the U.S. who assist dealers in establishing and maintaining a productive automotive services shop.
Dura Automotive Standardizes Manufacturing Operations
Dura Automotive Systems has announced it will standardize its North American manufacturing operations on QAD MFG/PRO eB2 and related applications. QAD Inc. is a provider of enterprise applications for global manufacturers. QAD Global Services will work together with Dura to provide consulting and implementation services. Dura will deploy MFG/PRO eB2 at nine production sites and upgrade 11 other locations in North America. Dura said it expects QAD applications will help streamline manufacturing and enterprise functions shared by multiple locations, enable more efficient financial management and accelerate information transfer along the supply chain.
ASA, ASC-MI Testify at Michigan Senate Insurance Committee Hearing on Insurer-Owned Repair
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the Automotive Service Councils of Michigan (ASC-MI) testified recently before the Michigan Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee on Senate Bill 819, Insurer Owned Repair legislation. Repair facility owners from throughout Michigan packed a Senate hearing room to show support for the legislation, according to ASA. The legislation prohibits insurance companies from owning or acquiring a repair facility in the state of Michigan. If the legislation is passed, any insurer that has ownership of a repair facility must divest itself of that facility within two years of the effective date of the legislation. S. 819 was introduced by Sen. Laura Toy, R-Livonia. The bill has 16 co-sponsors.
DST Asks: Can Your Business Measure Return on Customer Investment?
Although most businesses have the means for measuring their Return On Investment, DST has coined the term Return on Customer Investment as a more accurate method of determining profitability of the customer base. Many firms believe that their largest customers, or the ones they have been supplying for the longest time, are the most profitable ones, but access to pertinent data can contradict those assumptions.
Centrix Financial Subsidiary to Acquire Rights To Grand Prix of Denver From Dover Motorsports
A wholly-owned subsidiary of Centrix Financial, a financial management and services firm, has announced its intention to acquire assets and rights to the Grand Prix of Denver from the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, Inc. (Grand Prix), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dover Motorsports. Centrix’s subsidiary is currently conducting a due diligence process and said it will announce its final decision with regard to the acquisition of rights no later than March 12. Financial terms were not disclosed.