Update the Tool Between Your Ears COLUMN BY RICK NEICE My _ background is about as diversi- fied as they come. I have worked in everything from a ‘ two-man shop doing Nal anything that came through the door, to a production-type automotive rebuilding factory. Currently, I am employed by American Armature, a production heavy-duty rebuilder in Davenport, IA. Our business is mostly comprised of rebuilt Denso starters and alternators for John Deere. I also have some experience with manufacturing new automotive units. Some of your favorite suppliers have probably been customers of mine at one time or another. So that all having been said I hope you feel like you know me a little and I look forward to meeting you all at seminars. I am writing this article to try to explain the importance of going to seminars. I owe most of what I know to someone else and am not too big to admit it. I have compiled lots of information myself, but the majority of my info comes from seminars or people I met at seminars. I can’t stress this enough— your best tool in the shop is between your ears. The best way to update that tool is by talking to others in the field. Some of you may have the impres- sion I’ve job-hopped, well the truth is I have actually worked for five different rebuilders and have been in the field for 19 years. Couple that with the fact that I often tour other rebuilders (including OEM facilities), and I think I have a unique comprehension of this industry. I will be sharing this experience in future articles. The one thing that many small shops don’t understand is that we all see the same problems, but the big guys usually see it first. Therefore, if you go to the seminars you may not have run into the problem they have or even seen the unit they are talking about— but you will. It’s much better in my mind to be prepared for the problem that doesn’t happen than to be unprepared for the one that does. If you don’t think you can afford it, just ask yourself next time you get into an all-day unit how profitable it was and whether you think anyone else has seen the problem. Chances are they have seen it and have already found a solution. This is truly why you need to go learn from others and make yourself stronger. Whether it’s accounting, tech- nical or business management, someone else is probably willing to give you some good advice and you can meet these people at seminars. If you value your business then you need to educate yourself—no matter how big or small your operation is. If you have topics you would like covered feel free to e-mail me at AmericanArmature@aol.com, or real mail Rick Neice, c/o American Armature, 601 W. 4th Street, Davenport, IA 52801.