Jeff and I were fortunate enough—as owners of an ‘A NAPA AutoCare’ business—to be chosen to represent the NAPA Central Division on the AutoCare Advisory Council. We served a two-year term and traveled to the meetings twice a year. It was an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to make an impact in our part of the automotive world. Along with the eight other divisions represented, we looked at programs meant to enhance the customer experience as well as help NAPA AutoCare automotive repair shops function well as businesses. The nine divisions each bring their own unique perspective and knowledge to the table for the betterment of the AutoCare program. Each one has their own story and business model, and wants success for other shop owners. Being an independent small business owner means making a lot of decisions daily. You wear many hats—some fitting better than others. One thing I love about the automotive repair business is the willingness of other shop owners to answer a question or share their experience. While there is always the exception, most shop owners realize that by raising each other up, we raise the industry up as well. Being a part of this is a humbling and rewarding experience. NAPA Autocare held their conference this weekend and Jeff and I were asked to participate in a town hall discussion about our experience on the advisory council and to talk about different programs in the Autocare program. To share the experience with our peers and talk about the new programs was equal parts nerve-racking and exciting. So, I wore a leopard print shirt under my jacket. And practiced a lot! You can’t be nervous in leopard print and practicing was crucial because I didn’t want to forget the points I thought were important. I’m thankful for the opportunities to share with my fellow shop owners. Collectively, we all want to have a successful business and treat our customers well. Having the tools to do that is important and having the ability to talk to people in the same business gives us the opportunity to give you, our customers, a better automotive repair experience!