The auto care sector was the focus of the day for students of the Automotive Business School of Canada program.
It was the annual Student Aftermarket Day event at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario where the next generation of future automotive professionals got to learn more about the opportunities the auto care sector has to offer.
The day is hosted by the Young Professionals in the Auto Care Sector, the under-45 professional networking arm of AIA Canada.
With opening remarks from YPA chair Kari Hann, the day was underway. AIA Canada president and CEO J.F. Champagne highlighted the aftermarket, the biggest segment of the automotive industry in Canada. He talked about how the industry is dealing with change, the opportunities it presents and the breadth and variety available to future professionals.
The best-in-class presentations were also made — the top four groups of students from the school presented their ideas to improve the aftermarket, which a focus on customer experience. There were presentation made with suggestions for enhancing greater loyalty, such as rewards programs, encouraging reducing deferred maintenance so customers wouldn’t be hit by more expensive repairs unexpectedly and utilizing technology to reduce customer pain points, such as appointment booking. The winning group looked at mobile tire repair service as a way to enhance services to customers.
The day also featured a career showcase and networking time with aftermarket companies exhibiting and showcasing where a career in the industry could take them.
The afternoon portion saw a panel from ABSC alum Mark Potts from Driv, Trevor Mold from Dayco and Vincent Montemarano from Drivm talk about their experiences of going through the ABSC program and finding a successful career in the aftermarket. They discussed their journey, what they’ve been able to accomplish, how they navigated their career and what the industry has to offer.
The day wrapped up with a presentation from UAP’s Stephanie Cooney-Mann, who offered advice on developing a career plan — one that doesn’t have to always move up but instead move forward.
The day before, the YPA hosted a Professional Development Workshop in Barrie for its committee and community members.
The workshop was led by Chris Theodoratos, director of operations at Mr. Lube Canada, and focused on empowered leadership — ranging from how to be resilient, inspiring your team and leading through change.
He helped attendees see how much their own matters, how to lead by example, communicate vision, build trust by regularly checking in, empowering autonomy and setting clear expectations.
The group workshopped how to set 1:1 meetings — such as length and frequency — and key questions to ask in the meetings.
He also coached members on dealing with change and held a second exercise on change management.
See photo galleries from both days below.
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