Virginia utomotive Report · Main street and close to UVA, was bought, remodeled and opened. In...
Transcript of Virginia utomotive Report · Main street and close to UVA, was bought, remodeled and opened. In...
Virginia Automotive Report E Newsletter for October 2014
Expansion Plans… 4 VAA Members Tell Their Stories
Through any economic downturn, opportunities always present themselves, and this past one we have been in has proven no
different. We spoke with four VAA members who have expanded over the last couple of years about how their new locations
came about. Some built from the ground up; some took over traditional shops, and some got creative. Here is each one’s story:
The showroom at Leete’s new location was com-
pletely gutted. The sales counter consists of three
separate work stations for customer convenience
The new Ruckersville location also houses University’s
corporate office. From L-R: Adam Dowdell,
Larry Williams, Chuck Shifflett
The West Main location which is just a few minutes
from the UVA campus was completely renovated
The rear wall of the showroom displays an attrac-
tive graphic of the Leete Tire logo. From L-R: Wes
Tatum, Brent Foster, Lea Rowsey, John Stern & Josh
Kessel
University Tire & Auto– Charlottesville Area After originally opening in 1995, University began looking for expansion opportunities when Larry Williams bought out his partners in 2005. Original-
ly looking to build, and wanting to be in the Pantops area, a building became available after a Mercedes repair facility closed up. The 5 bay
store was remodeled and opened in 2009. A tire wholesale business was added in 2010, and in 2011 the old Morris Tire store, a 6 bay building on
Main street and close to UVA, was bought, remodeled and opened. In 2012, an opportunity in the fast growing Rt. 29 North area close to the
airport became available when Forest Lakes Auto decided they wanted to sell. Larry and his team took over on December 28, did a complete
remodel over the weekend, and opened January 2. Further north in Ruckersville, a building also on Rt. 29 North became available that at one
time housed a GM dealership and later a used car lot. The 12,000 square feet of space had several buildings and a large parking lot. After pur-
chasing it in 2013, Larry was able to consolidate some of his divisions under one roof. One area, which had previously been a mortgage compa-
ny, was converted to University’s corporate offices, complete with a conference training room. The shop area has 8 bays, and he was able to
move his wholesale division there as well. Not sitting still for long, University just purchased a building in Orange that previously housed a John
Deere dealership. The new store will have 10 bays and 7,000 square feet for retail and 18,000 square feet for wholesale. They plan to open their
latest acquisition and sixth location, in December.
Leete Tire & Auto– Richmond Area Jerry Tatum bought Leete Tire & Auto in Petersburg in 1976, and expanded to Richmond with a second location in 1995. Late in 2012, Bobby
Borum, who owned Tire Corporation of Richmond on Hull Street, just west of Chippenham Parkway, approached Jerry with interest in selling. The
conversation continued into early 2013, and Leete purchased the building and took over in June 2013. The location, which was a commercial
tire business, was in need of improvements, and an extensive and complete renovation began which took 9 months, and was overseen by Jer-
ry’s son Wes and daughter Lea. The showroom was completely gutted, and some days they had to put the sales counter in the parking lot, but
never closed through the process. Today they have a clean, well lit, attractive sales and customer area, including office space, a conference
room and new customer rest rooms. In the shop area, they were able to reconfigure the space and put in 6 lifts and racking for tire and parts
storage. They continue with a strong commercial business, with 3 service trucks, which expands out to a 50 mile radius. In addtion they are now
targeting retail customers as well, and have added in complete auto repair and state inspection. To enhance their retail effort, they have direct
mail, email, and radio spots the Wes and Lea do together on four Clear Channel FM stations for all three of their stores. The location, which Lea
oversees and is managed by Brent Foster, has 10 full time employees, and is open Monday-Friday 7:30-5:30.
Expansion article
continued on Page 5
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www.unifirst.com
www.carrolltire.com
www.federatedinsurance.com
www.parrishtire.com
www.morrisdist.com
www.odtdirect.com
www.valvoline.com
www.atd-us.com
PLEASE THANK AND SUPPORT OUR VAA ADVERTISERS
www.forparts.com
www.tirecenters.com
www.demandforce.com/vaa/ www.hotrodprocessing.com
www.premierler.com
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“Join the Revolution”
VAA 2015 Convention & Trade Expo
April 24-26, 2015
The Williamsburg Lodge
A Resort Hotel located in the heart of the
historic district of Colonial Williamsburg
More info at www.vaauto.org
VAA Board of Directors
President: Bobby Cutchins
Bobby’s Tire & Auto Care, Franklin
Coastal Virginia Region
President-Elect: Scott Brown
Cardinal Plaza Shell, Springfield
Northern Virginia Region
Secretary-Treasurer:Jerry Tatum
Leete Tire & Auto, Petersburg
Richmond Region
Executive Board Member: John Kline
Old Dominion Tire, Midlothian
Richmond Region
Past President: Brenda Carpenter
Carpenter Tire, Lynchburg
Lynchburg Region
Directors:
Northern Virginia Region:
Myron Boncarosky, MSS, Inc./Va. Tire, Fairfax
Chris Barnett, Tire Tread Service, Fredericksburg
Richmond Region:
Clint Farrar, American Tire Distributors, Richmond
Emmerson Miles, Miles Auto Service, Richmond
Tom McClain, Napa Auto Parts, Richmond
Coastal Virginia Region:
Mark Anderton, Shore Drive Shell, Virginia Beach
Mike Scaglione, Arrowhead Auto & Align, Virginia Beach
Lynchburg Region:
Eric Hughes, Harris Tire, Lynchburg
Southwest Virginia Region:
Matt McCoy, M & M Tire, Blacksburg
Travis Leath, Twin County Tire & Auto, Galax
Shenandoah Valley Region:
Steve Crawford, Hepner Tire, Woodstock
Terry Westhafer, Central Tire, Verona
Tom Jones, Fisher Auto Parts, Staunton
Larry Williams, University Tire & Auto, Charlottesville
Premier Lube & Equipment Repair, Mark Bonner,
Manassas Sponsored by Steve Akridge
Scott’s Ivy Exxon, Scott Ramm
Charlottesville Sponsored by Steve Akridge
Valvoline, Keith Coleson
Midlothian Sponsored by Chris Barnett
Powhatan Tire & Service, Scott Conner
Powhatan Sponsored by Mark Lewallen,
Unifirst
Top-Notch Tire & Auto Center, Todd Meredith
Sandston Sponsored by Steve Akridge
Fetty’s Service Center, Jim Thoroman
Richmond Sponsored by Emmerson Miles
Mike Duman A uto Sales, Mike Duman
Suffolk Sponsored by Bryan Patterson,
Papco Oil
Bobbie’s Tire & Auto Service, Roy Sprouse
Richmond Sponsored by Bryan Patterson,
Papco Oil
Join VAA online at www.vaauto.org click Join VAA
Welcome New VAA Members
VAA Office:
Steve Akridge, Executive Director
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.vaautomotive.org
6126 Fox Haven Place
Midlothian, VA 23112
Phone: 804-739-1400
Toll Free: 800-488-2732 Fax: 804-739-4700
It’s where “the best of the best” come to network and
discuss the issues with fellow shop owners, learn from
national speakers, talk with industry vendors, and have
a great time…at one of Virginia’s finest resorts and all in
one weekend! More info coming soon.
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President’s Corner
By Bobby Cutchins
An old friend of mine once told me he went in business
FOR himself, not to be BY himself. That has always reso-
nated with me because as business owners we operate
in a vacuum…meaning we get so absorbed in the day-
to-day operations, we easily become unaware of
changes around us and end up feeling that we are
alone on an island. Joining an association like the VAA
opens up a network of like-minded business owners, sup-
pliers and affiliates who help provide answers when
needed…a sounding board for new ideas…new oppor-
tunities for growth and profitability…guidance with prob-
lems…and lifelong friendships.
There’s strength in numbers. Suppliers and affili-
ates will work better pricing, program value and benefits
when they deal with an association versus an individual
owner. Bigger is better, and by banding together every-
one wins…suppliers get more business and owners get
improved value. Additionally, owners will many times find
out about new programs or products that they may not
have known about when they operate on their own.
Easy access to industry leaders. The annual con-
ference provides members access to hear numerous
industry leaders share their knowledge and ideas. When
you operate on your own, it’s more difficult to find out
where to hear from the leaders and many times when
you find out, the opportunity may have pased you by.
A Voice. Fighting regulation and government
bureaucracy on your own is like trying to be heard at a
major league ballpark…impossible. By banding together
in the VAA, hundreds of voices make a definitive state-
ment and are heard…resulting in a voice in regulation
and at times preventing government from imposing its
ideas on an industry they know very little or nothing
about. At times, an owner may be faced with a local
issue or problem, and the VAA will join in and help out…
like having your big brother behind you on the play-
ground when someone bigger wants to pick a fight. Big
retailers don’t need an association…in many cases, they
act like one on their own and can be tough to compete
with. The VAA helps to level the playing field by bringing
small business owners together. Strength in numbers, and
when independents band together they can be stronger
than the big guys. Steve Akridge, our Executive Director,
is there to fight on everyone's behalf everyday.
All the programs that the VAA offers…
(go to www.vaauto.org to see them all)
Social interaction…the annual conference is a
fabulous way to get away for a long weekend, relax and
recharge your batteries, get motivated, find out what’s
new in the industry and have fun. Business owners can
get so involved in the day-to-day we sometimes forget to
have fun and relax. Life is too short and we need to be
reminded what we work for everyday…our families. This is
hard to put a pencil too, but family and friends are what
life is about and the VAA helps to make this happen by
bringing everyone together. They’re there for members
when times get tough, as a friend providing inspiration
during a family crisis, as a cheerleader to keep momen-
tum going and support if or when you need someone to
help fight the fight. You’re not BY yourself with the VAA…
Until next time, Bobby
Preventing Questionable Workers’
Compensation Claims
One of the most stressful issues that manage-
ment experiences is receiving a notification letter from
an employee or an attorney that an employee is filing a
Workers’ Compensation Claim -- particularly when the
claim was not reported or made aware to the employ-
er. It becomes even more frustrating when you have
the gut feeling or suspicion that the claim is questiona-
ble. Although these types of situations are extremely
difficult to avoid due to the vicious triangle of pro-
workers’ comp attorneys and physicians and the fact
that most workers’ comp organizations do not actively
support their client -- the employer in challenging the
claims. More and more carriers are simply paying and
allowing the client - the employer to reside in this vicious
triangle - attorney - physician - workers’ comp carrier.
Employers must be more than ever proactive in prevent-
ing claims. The following are SESCO’s staff recommen-
dations on how to avoid frivolous workers’ compensa-
tion claims. While there isn’t any single way to protect
yourself against these types of claims, there are SESCO
best practices that you can implement to make it much
more difficult for someone to file a questionable claim.
1. Conduct documented exit interviews that include a
question on whether the exiting employee sustained
any work-related injuries while working for your organiza-
tion.
2. After a job offer has been made and before the em-
ployee begins work, have the individual complete a
workers’ compensation claim history that will be filed in
the employee’s medical file for potential future refer-
ence.
3. Implement a clear and concise written policy that
allows for immediate termination for filing fraudulent
workers’ compensation claims.
4. Implement a written policy that requires employees to
immediately report all work-related injuries no matter
how minor. Include this written policy in your new hire
packet as well as in your employee handbook. Include
in the policy that workers’ compensation may be de-
nied for not reporting the claim immediately.
5. Provide employees with information and/or access to
short-term disability benefits for disabling injuries that
happen away from work. So many employees will get
hurt at home or away from the job and do not have any
other coverage and thus turn it into a workers’ compen-
sation claim.
(article continued on Page 6)
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Titan’s ribbon cutting ceremony and weekend grand opening
attracted hundreds, including many county dignitaries. Hold-
ing scissors, Butch & Kim Taylor with Chesterfield County Super-
visor Steve Elswick (to Kim’s right).
Titan’s building previously housed an electric supply store. The
front was remodled into an attractive and spacious show-
room and sales counter. Two bay door openings on the side
allow for easy entrance and exit into the service area. There
is a large lot for parking.
Expansion Plans article continued from Page 1
L-R Julie Holmes, Mario Andretti and Mike Holmes at Virginia
Tire and Auto’s location in Ashburn which opened November
2013.
Their newest location, a 12 bay, 7500 square foot store, is in
Loudon County, and is scheduled to open early November
2014.
Titan Auto & Tire– Richmond Area A different type of opportunity presented itself for Titan owners Butch and Kim Taylor. They had been in business at their original location on Jeff
Davis Highway for 11 years, and had expanded that store by doubling it’s square footage in 2011. They had a real estate broker to look for po-
tential second locations when he came across a 12,000 square foot retail/warehouse building that had been vacant for 4 years and had previ-
ously housed and electrical supply business. Even though this is not the typical tire and auto service footprint, Butch and Kim had a vision for how
the building could work to suit their needs. It’s in an area of Chesterfield County that has been fast growing, slowed during the downturn, and is
now picking up nicely. Almost across the street is a massive housing development called Magnolia Green, which has seen the fastest growth of
any community in the metro area. They bought the building this past June 16, and put in long and hard hours over the next month to begin the
massive undertaking of renovating it into an automotive facility. As Butch put it, “we were here from 7 am to 10 pm seven days a week for a solid
month, doing a lot of the work ourselves”. The finished product is one the Taylor’s are very proud of. The warehouse area which is now the shop
is 8,000 square feet and has 5 lifts and an alignment rack. There is room to add 5 more lifts, and 2 large bay doors make for easy entrance and
exit. The large showroom is clean and well lit with an attractive customer lounge, and an extensive area for customers to plug in their laptops or
other devices while they wait. Their business mix is about 60% retail and 40% commercial fleet and they offer complete tire and auto service in-
cluding engine and transmission replacement and diesel repair. They also work on motorcycles and have a U Haul rental business.
Their advertising has consisted of direct mail, social media, some radio, and they have gotten involved wth the community HOA’s and Cosby
High School, which is just a few miles away. By coincidence, Cosby’s school nickname happens to be “Titans”. The Taylor’s hope to have a third
location within the next year, and plan to remain in Chesterfield County with their future growth.
Virginia Tire & Auto– Northern Virginia Area Myron Boncarosky’s first location was Main Street Shell in Fairfax, which opened in 1976. With their latest location scheduled to open early No-
vember, a 12 bay, 7500 foot store in One Loudon, Virginia Tire will have 13 locations. Their primary footprint is the Northern Virginia counties of
Fairfax, Loudon and Prince William. Myron’s daughter Julie Holmes and son-in-law Mike Holmes have been working on future locations since they
joined the business in 2007. As Mike Holmes describes their planning process, “we identify several markets in Northern Virginia to fill in our existing
footprint and are targeting markets adjacent to our existing footprint. We then begin the approval process, which often requires special zoning.
From start to finish, the entire process takes on the average 2 years to complete. Over the past several years, we’ve invested quite a bit in infra-
structure and systems to support moderate growth-our goal is to add 1-3 stores per year for the next several years”. Part of their expansion has
included developing a fresh and consistent look for the inside and outside of their stores, which began with a new logo, introduced last April.
From there, an extensive “rebranding” of all stores began, which took over 6 months to complete. Holmes said he is very pleased with the new
look, which has also been a big hit with their employees and customers. Most of their recent expansion has occurred in Loudon, which is the
most affluent county in the United States. Their South Riding location, a 14 bay, 11,500 square facility opened in September 2010. The Broadlands
store, in the Ashburn area of Loudon is on a smaller piece of land, and is 5,600 square feet with 9 service bays, and opened November 2013.
Their grand opening was in March 2014 and featured race car driver Mario Andretti. The company’s next expansion takes them to Prince William
County and the Bristow area on a piece of property they have owned since 2003. They have received special use approval, site plan approval
and their building permit, and hope to be have the store open mid 2015. Even with the complicated process, Holmes indicated that new con-
struction gets them the type of building they need, the consistent look they want, within the areas of their footprint they want to be.
Sesco article on Preventing Questionable Work-
er’s Comp Claims continued from Page 4 6. Require the employee that has sustained a work-related inju-
ry to write him or herself when, where and how they were in-
jured. This is in addition to the investigation. Have the employ-
ee sign and date the statement. Additionally, require manage-
ment to complete an Accident Investigation Report that also
states how, when and where the employee was injured. Note
any discrepancies or conflicting statements.
7. Interview, reduce to writing and have witnesses sign
and date what they witnessed. Again, note any discrep-
ancies or conflicting documentation.
8. Place fraud awareness posters on safety bulletin
boards or other bulletin boards throughout the organiza-
tion. These fraud awareness posters clearly state what
fraud is and what the consequences are for filing fraudu-
lent claims.
9. Check references for applicants you are considering to
hire. Most employers do not check references because
they do not think they will receive any information.
Please check references - references would include pre-
vious supervisors or managers that the employee worked
for. Simply ask if the employee is eligible for rehire. Verify
through an effective outside background check firm
gaps in employment, simple internet checks, state police
checks or other will not provide the necessary infor-
mation to provide this historical information.
10. When possible, bring back an employee on workers’
compensation to modified duty or light duty. This confus-
es most employers but if we can get the employee back,
particularly within the minimum timeframe for claim initia-
tion, the organization will:
Save significant money.
Avoid continued FMLA and ADA challenges.
More than likely resolve the issue. Either the em-
ployee will quit or will know that the employer is serious.
Do not allow injured worker to stay at home. They
will be earning 66% of their wages and many times will
perform work for cash and play the system.
11. Hold your workers’ compensation carrier accounta-
ble. This is one of the most expensive insurances that an
employer is required to have and employers should de-
mand immediate and effective support in case manage-
ment.
In providing support to our clients throughout the country,
one of the most common questions that we receive and
one of the most frustrating employee problems that we
have to manage is that of filing fraudulent workers’ com-
pensation claims. SESCO has developed a number of
systems and practices to include onsite audits that will
help employers avoid questionable workers’ compensa-
tion claims.
Sesco is a VAA endorsed Partner, and you may contact
them by phone at 423-764-4127 or by email at
Navigating Employment Practices Exposures
Do you feel as if you’re navigating through a
“perfect storm” in the waters of employment-
related practices liability (ERPL)? The challenging
economy, fluctuating unemployment rates, and
recent legislation have alerted savvy business own-
ers to the importance of evaluating their employ-
ment practices exposure.
Federated not only offers one of the finest ERPL pol-
icies in the insurance industry, we are positioned to
help support our clients with their efforts to establish
and maintain a productive, non-discriminatory
workplace. To help reach this objective, we have
introduced the Federated Employment Practices
NetworkSM (FEPN).
What is FEPN?
Through FEPN, our ERPL clients will have access to
the following complimentary services:
Unlimited online or toll-free direct access to em-
ployment law attorneys.
An online employee handbook building tool de-
signed to help you document your employ-
ment practices.
Customizable HR risk management resources, in-
cluding federal- and state-specific forms and
posters.
HR Express updates, including:
− Question and Case of the Month, based on
popular topics
− HR alerts
− Webinars based on client interest and fre-
quent claim topics
Unlimited access to online sexual harassment and
discrimination prevention training for supervi-
sors, and harassment prevention training for
employees.
With help from Federated and the Federated Em-
ployment Practices Network, our ERPL policyholders
can develop a risk management program to both
prevent and protect against employment-related
claims.
For more information, contact Federated District
Managers, Chris Welch: 540-200-7883 or Joe Merritt:
804-346-4688. Federated is an endorsed VAA
Partner.
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