Steve Finlay

Today’s vehicle diagnostic equipment is high tech and expensive and requires trained auto technicians who know how to use it.

“Cash in pocket increases the demand for vehicles,” says Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke. “Kudos to dealers for going from ‘Can we stay in business?’ to the best summer (used-car) profits we’ve seen.”

“If someone gets a text message, they are more likely to quickly read it and respond to it,” says Tracey Van Allen, an Auto/Mate master certified support specialist.

It dawned on me: I had no clue as to how to do this job. I sought specifics from my father. His reply: “Make a contribution.” What?

The company's technology "will dramatically change how dealers, major fleet operators and used-vehicle auctions inspect vehicles,” predicts CEO Amir Hever.

“We thought, ‘Why not make manners and hospitality our business model?’” general manager Bobby Watts says.

Rhett Ricart, CEO of a major car dealership group in Columbus, OH, says he’s shifted from serving as tactician to a mentor.