Fix Automotive Network brought together franchise strategic partners from Speedy Auto Service, Minute Muffler & Brake and Novus Glass for a collaborative event aimed at Driving Forward, Building for the Future.
The Fix Automotive Network wrapped up the second of two regional conferences this past weekend. Both western and eastern Canada franchise strategic partners from Fix Automotive brands of Speedy Auto Service, Minute Muffler & Brake and Novus Glass came together in Calgary and Ottawa respectively for two days of collaborative meetings, presentations and a vendor expo. This conference, aptly named Driving Forward, Building for the Future, was a great opportunity for the strategic partners to come together to gain insights into the future of their brands, the Fix Automotive Network vision, interact with their fellow shop owners and see what new products and services key vendors have to offer.
Steve Leal, Fix Auto World President and CEO, opened the conference by sharing some history of the organization and then dove right into his vision of growth and innovation. With over 400 franchises across Canada, Leal firmly believes in the franchise model. “Our franchise strategic partners are the experts in this industry,” remarked Leal. “Our role is to support their entrepreneurial spirit and mutually drive our business forward through innovation, comprehensive management tools, in-depth training, creative marketing and partnerships with insurance companies and suppliers.”
Each of Fix Auto’s key departments delivered informative presentations to the attendees. Presenters focused on the tools and systems available to the network to help them build a successful and sustainable business. Presentations from the operations, marketing and sales teams not only highlighted the current efforts underway to support the shops but also the exciting plans to come. “This industry is changing constantly. With new vehicle technology advancing at a rapid pace, the way customers are engaging with our shops and the ever changing marketing/advertising landscape, our strategic partners need the support of a strong corporate structure like Fix Auto,” said Athena Hilts, Marketing Director for Speedy Auto Service and Novus Glass.
Bert Gregory, Director of Operations for Speedy Auto Service, has been with Speedy for 38 years. “I’ve seen a lot of change over the years, and I am very excited about what’s to come now that we are a part of the Fix Automotive Network family,” said Gregory. For both Speedy Auto Service and Novus Glass the future will bring some changes to the way they do business, but these new procedures will increase efficiency, give them access to strong relationships with suppliers, key partners, build on the high-quality repair work that’s already being done in the shops and improve the overall customer experience.
Conference attendees were also treated to a spirited presentation by special guest speaker Bruce Kirkby, an acclaimed Canadian explorer, writer and photographer. Kirkby’s message of having the vision, persistence, passion and support to achieve the goals you set out resonated with the conference theme of Driving Forward. Both Kirkby and Leal share the same drive for always moving forward and challenging the status quo.
A vendor expo rounded out the conference, which gave everyone the opportunity to speak with suppliers about their products and services. These important partnerships are vital to the success of each franchise location. Vendors including NAPA Auto Parts, Uni-Select and PGW Autoglass, just to name a few, were on display and discussing their products and services.
Leal summed up the multi-locational conferences concisely, “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to spend time with our franchise strategic partners and share our plans to continue to improve our competitive edge in the automotive aftermarket industry. Innovation is the only way forward and the Fix Automotive Network team is working to lead the industry.”
