One Word: Education

by Joe Ocello, AASP/NJ Mechanical Executive Director

So how did your summer fair? Slow, slamming or somewhere in the middle? It’s that time of year again – time to reevaluate your business.

First, let’s self examine. Are you pleased with the performance of your shop? How is your profit margin? Where do you personally need to improve or change? Whether it’s at home, work or socially, it’s all a balancing act. You know the old saying: It all starts at the top, or in other words, stuff runs down hill. Are your technicians and service writers up to snuff or have they become complacent?

The kids are either back at school, in college or moving on. September has always seemed to be a little slow around the shop. In my 47 years of experience, it’s a good time to look around and plan new strategies and marketing agendas. During July and August, I visited over 100 facilities and have been bringing in new members and benefits partners to the association. As AASP/NJ’s Mechanical Division continues to grow, so does our ability to deliver the products and services your business needs to grow, flourish and be the best of the best. During August, AASP/NJ hosted two free virtual webinars – “Building a Business that Gives You Options” and “Turning TPMS and Alignments Into Reliable Profit Centers.”  These classes were free to AASP/NJ member shops and their employees. It offered an opportunity to gather the crew, order some takeout and prepare to move forward personally and professionally.

We are working diligently on future classes and webinars, so keep your eyes and ears open for updates.

We have a lot going on at AASP/NJ! We have phenomenal programs through benefit partners like NAPA, World Pac, Autel and many others who have come on board to supply and meet most, if not all, the needs of our members. If you have kids, we tend to always encourage them to excel, better themselves and find their purpose. Without purpose or a plan, we flounder and lose direction. So, take a look at all AASP/NJ has to offer and see how our purpose can benefit you, your employees and ultimately your bottom line.

I’m a firm believer in education, especially now with our ever changing industry. Look at the medical industry. The human body does not change. Treating the body has changed but not the mechanics of the body. The same can’t be said in our industry. Whether basic or highly technical, the vehicles of today are not your grandfather’s vehicles. They are more advanced and governed by computers. Not only do we work on the mechanics of the vehicle, but we have to be computer analysts. So, how do we maintain profits and productivity? One word: EDUCATION!

I have been following many of our members on social media who’ve posted about vehicles that have come to their facility with major problems stemming from other repair shops that had not addressed or corrected the problem. I am amazed that so many shops misdiagnose seemingly simple problems because of poor or no formal education. In today’s world, you don’t want to be one of those shops. It’s a highly competitive climate and you won’t be in business long.

It’s time to look into the things I’ve discussed here and start to move. We at AASP/NJ have spent a tremendous amount of time and energy to be your go-to source. I have reached out to many members to try to understand why some shops are full and others are starving. There is one common theme: EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION.

Make use of your AASP/NJ membership and all the tools we offer. Don’t be the shop with bad reviews or poor workflow. Speak with your employees – or as I like to say: team members – weekly, or monthly at the minimum to evaluate shortcomings and expectations with regard to education and incentives. AASP/NJ has the outlets to help you find the best fit for you and your business.

As always, AASP/NJ and I are here for you. Call me, let’s talk. If you want to vent, I’m here. I do understand where you are at and maybe, just maybe, I can help in some way. I’m only a phone call (until 10pm) away or email me Monday through Saturday. I was raised to give 100 percent or more. Not 70 percent, not 80 percent or 90 percent – 100 percent, I am here for you.

Enjoy the beautiful month of September. Be thankful for what you have and reach for the stars! Be safe and I hope to hear from you in the future.

Want more? Check out the September 2026 issue of New Jersey Automotive!