Regular Indie Garage contributor Murray Voth, RPM Training, urged shop owners to “Stop Overthinking Your Management Process.”

The Automotive Aftermarket Retailers Association of Ontario’s InterConnect event brought together shops, trainers, Ontario government program administrators and aftermarket suppliers for a multi-day opportunity to learn and connect.

Held in Mississauga in mid-September, the event marked the return the LinderTech technical training program and industry presentations to the association’s offerings.

Interim executive director John Cochrane had, in an earlier interview with Indie Garage, said that it was important to the association to provide something of demonstrable value to shops in Ontario.

“I really want AARO to get back on a solid footing and to regain the space that it had, five to eight years ago. And we really need to do that,” said Cochrane. “We need to do a lot more collaboration with a lot of different players.”

Consistent with that thinking was a set of presentations that covered the DriveON Ontario inspection program that represents a significant shift to a digital program for safety inspections. This is generally welcomed by the industry as it will aid in weeding out bad actors, but still presented some practical challenges for shops getting on board. Engagement was strong for this session, with much sharing by shops in attendance.

Also presenting was regular Indie Garage contributor Murray Voth, RPM Training, who urged shop owners to “Stop Overthinking Your Management Process.” Alan Beech was on hand, addressing “Mastering Chaos in the Busy Season.”

NASTF director Andy Seyfer provided an update on NASTF activities with a particular emphasis on developments affecting vehicle security.

Providing a standing-room-only keynote presentation was noted podcaster Carm Capriotto, who offered some insights and views on how we should be talking about those who work in the industry, whether they’re Automotive Service Specialists, or Technologist and so forth.

This writer recalls similar conversations years ago prompted by the late Bob Greenwood that led us to refer to shops as Automotive Service Providers. Attendees regarded the latest presentation as food for thought.

On the LinderTech front, in depth technical training was on order. Scott Shotten provided an insightful and challenging prestation on using a scope to determine internal engine faults without resorting to teardown, compression testing, or borescope investigations. (Yes you can see a leaky valve on your scope, if you know what to look for.)

Those in attendance were engaged with the innovative approach.

His presentation was followed by Brandon Steckler who covered “A streamlined approach to diagnostics.”

Overall, the event provided much valued in person conversations. Exhibitors at the trade show were also pleased with the level of engagement.

Potentially the only negative for the event was that it was attended by representatives of 100 shops. Considering the value offered, it justified the attendance by more.

“We need everybody in attendance here to tell five friends, five other shops,” said Cochrane at the event.

But it’s something to build on, with feedback on the event to be considered in strategic planning for the organization going forward.