Demonstrating its passion for customer
training, WORLDPAC held its second Supplier & Training EXPO (STX) 2012 at
the Marriott Anaheim Hotel in California. With a vested interest in its
customers’ success, WORLDPAC continues to raise the bar for training, doubling
the turnout of its first-ever such event in 2009.
More than 1,000 shop owners and technicians
from the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico attended the 4-day event that provided a
customized lineup of “All Makes All Models” technical training sessions and
business-management classes, conducted by some of the industry’s most respected
training instructors, including many from the WORLDPAC Training Institute
(WTI).
A key component in WORLDPAC’s customer value proposition, this highly
specialized training opens customers’ eyes to the fact that training and
education are pivotal to the success of their business, and it pays dividends
in customer trust and loyalty.
“We’re passionate about training as a company,” says Mario Recchia, WORLDPAC’s
senior vice president – marketing. “It’s an investment in our customers’
future; it’s an investment in our future.”
Attendee feedback at the event was very positive, as customers realize the
importance of partnering with suppliers who can help them overcome the
technology challenges of servicing an expanding and sophisticated import and
domestic vehicle population.
“WORLDPAC is doing everything right,” said Dave Harders of Tony’s Auto Repair.
“We’re meeting their vendors, they’re putting on training to give us the
expertise to do the job right, and giving us the right products to keep our
customers happy and keep us successful. WORLDPAC is helping us do our jobs
better and more efficiently in more ways than one.”
Nate Smith of Nate Smith Optimal Auto Care, Inc. – BMW, Mini Cooper, Audi
Service, had similar sentiments. “Astonishing to see so many of the best
trainers in America in one place at one time,” he said. “It was an excellent
event, and one we'll certainly return to. Thanks for all the hard work.
That event is great asset to the automotive industry!”
The Supplier & Training EXPO is an extension of WORLDPAC’s ongoing
commitment to increase its customers’ vehicle system knowledge and diagnostic
prowess, explains Recchia, to fill in the vehicle education gaps for
independent service technicians who really don’t have anyone helping them, unlike
in a dealership setting. And, because WORLDPAC works closely with the
OEMs, its training material is of a higher caliber than what’s offered in the
marketplace; it’s very car-line specific, and it helps customers to diagnose
and service complex vehicles including hybrids and diesels in today’s
marketplace, making a positive impact on their shop’s profitability.
“An educated customer is our best customer. We challenge our customers as much
as they challenge us everyday. We’re as good as our last delivery, or service
to them,” Recchia continues. “We ask our customers for feedback – class
development comes from them. They are a part of the process, part of the team.
“We have some shop owners who have closed their businesses during the Expo and
felt it was important enough to send up to six technicians and service
advisors. But the challenge is how do we get customers here who don’t think
they need training?”
Extending WORLDPAC’s value proposition even further is the company’s new Tool
& Equipment Division, started about three years ago as a result of
customers expressing the need for the proper tools to repair vehicles
efficiently and effectively. Those diagnostic tool and equipment partners, and
their niche products that fit its customers’ profiles, were very visible in the
heavily trafficked Supplier Expo, held Friday and Saturday evening, featuring
over 80 of WORLDPAC’s international premier suppliers including Bosch, Denso
and many from overseas.
In the spirit of not resting on its laurels, WORLDPAC team members are ready to
build upon this successful event. And, with a sharp focus on its customers,
it’s easy to see why exceeding expectations pays dividends in sales growth for
WORLDPAC and all of its business partners.