Editor’s Notes: Invest in Your Tools, Invest in Your Future

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The automotive industry’s knowledge base for equipment, tools and supplies
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Editor’s Notes: Invest in Your Tools, Invest in Your Future

Jennifer Clements
By Jennifer Clements
Jennifer Clements joined Babcox Media in 1997, spending most of her career developing and producing automotive aftermarket publications, and serving as editor of TechShop — Equipment, Tools and Supplies since its founding in 2000. Jennifer is currently group editor for AutoSuccess and Professional Carwashing & Detailing. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism.
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The TechShop team has returned again from the Integrated Supply Network (ISN) annual trade show in Orlando, FL, with loads of new tool information to share. ISN is a supplier to wholesale distributors, mobile distributors and resellers, based out of Lakeland, FL. While ISN doesn’t sell directly to you the end-user, the show is for your tool distributors to speak with T&E vendors, learn about the tools, and be trained on how to best sell these tools to you.

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The 2011 ISN Tool Dealer Expo was held June 24 and 25 at the Orlando Marriott World Center, and once again, the show provided an incredible venue to see the latest the industry has to offer. 
chicago pneumatic brought in the founding members of the gasoline girls car club of southern california, kristen martin (left) and becky sue huff to educate isn attendees about the latest cp tools. “we’re car girls, we use these tools all the time,” martin said. check them out at www.gasolinegirls.com.
This year’s theme was “Building Your Business for the ­Future.” While intended for the attendees and vendors, this theme corresponds directly to your business as well — to paraphrase the Tool Tip from Delphi: You are only as good as the tools you use.

Keeping your tool and equipment collection up-to-date is essential to staying profitable. And keeping an eye to the ­future is a must when considering your next purchase. Whether it’s the latest software update to download from the Internet for your scan tool or as simple as a magnetic gadget that hooks wrenches together to help you get to that hard-to-reach spot, tool updates can knock time off of your repair process, essentially making money for you. Representing Launch Tech USA was Victor Rivilla (right), who demonstrated the company’s new domestic software on a 2010 Chevy Malibu in the ISN Technical Training Tent. The tent was a great spot for distributors to engage in on-the-car demonstrations, use the products themselves and meet the manufacturers’ product managers.

Specialty tools also can save you serious time and money. Be sure to read Mike DuBois’ article.

He suggests talking to your distributor about new tools and asking yourself, “What tool is going to save me time, and make me more money?”

Tool and equipment upgrades and introductions were displayed throughout the show. We’re including many of them in this issue, in upcoming issues and on our website, www.TechShopMag.com. Ask your tool distributors if they attended the ISN show, and what they found interesting and what they ordered for their tool truck. Part of staying competitive in this industry is being prepared for the future. 

See our Facebook page for more photos from the recent tool and equipment shows.

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From the Magazine

Embracing Cutting-Edge Solutions the Industry has to Offer

Embracing cutting-edge solutions is strategic and imperative for technicians navigating the constantly changing landscape of automotive maintenance and repair.

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By Nadine Battah
Nadine Battah is the Editor of TechShop and the Multimedia Senior Editor of the Automotive Services Group at Babcox Media (ShopOwner, Aftermarket News, Brake & Front End, Underhood Service, ImportCar, Tomorrow's Technician). Nadine joined the team as an Editorial Intern in 2020.
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Nadine Battah

Remember last month how I said 2024 was your year to be the technicians you always wanted to be? Remaining stagnant as a technician is simply not an option anymore if you want to be successful in the automotive industry. You must proactively seek out opportunities to embrace new tools, techniques and solutions that promise to enhance efficiency, accuracy and customer satisfaction.Embracing what’s new is strategic and imperative for technicians navigating the constantly changing landscape of automotive maintenance and repair.One of the top reasons I can give you for embracing new technology is the potential for improved diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. With the arrival of advanced diagnostic tools, like the Bosch ADS 625X, the Autel IA900, or the Hunter ADASLink, technicians can pinpoint issues with precision, reducing guesswork and minimizing the risk of a comeback. Whether it’s sophisticated tools or cutting-edge software solutions, the ability to leverage these new tools should empower you to deliver next-level service and drive positive repair experiences for your customers.Another thing to keep in mind is that embracing new technology and equipment opens doors to expanded service offerings. From state-of-the-art lifts and alignment systems, to specialized tools designed for specific makes and models, investing in the latest equipment enables you and other technicians to tackle a larger range of repairs and maintenance with confidence and precision. As the technology in cars continue to evolve, so too must the tools and equipment that technicians rely on to get the job done.Embracing new technology and equipment can also lead to improved productivity in the shop. By leveraging high-quality products that are specifically designed for today’s vehicles, you can streamline workflow, minimize downtime and deliver exceptional results for your customers.At TechShop, we understand the importance of embracing new technology, equipment and products in the automotive repair industry. That’s why we’re excited to announce the debut of our all-new “Tool Time” video podcast series, where guests from brands like Ingersoll Rand, Clore Automotive, SATA Spray Equipment and many more will sit down and join Eric Garbe and myself to discuss education and training on the latest products our industry has to offer.Join us as we embrace the future of automotive tool supply and equipment advancements together. And, be sure to subscribe to the TechShop newsletter to stay tuned!

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