Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JUNE 2016 62 A THANK YOU FROM ASTI 2016 On behalf of the entire United Servicers Association team, I'd like to offer a sincere thank you for attending the 2016 Annual Service Training Institute. Without your interest and engagement, ASTI would not be possible. We hope the theme of "Know more, make more" resonated with you throughout the event, and that you are able to take some of the learning and best practices you experienced here back to work with you. If you're not already a member of USA, you might want to consider joining. We have a volunteer Board and Welcome Committee members who work on behalf of members and the industry to improve relationships between servicers, manufacturers, parts distributors and warranty administrators. Membership in USA helps improve these relationships, and because of member involvement, we're a stronger organization. The team at the United Servicers Association works all year to put on an ASTI event that will provide practical, current and actionable information to help you and your business thrive. I'd like to personally thank all the individuals who put in their time and ideas into making this event a success, and once again wish you all the best in life and work over the year ahead. See you at ASTI 2017! To be held back in San Diego California on February 8th through the 11th 2017, at the newly refurbished Town & Country Resort & Convention Center. Check you event details and registration when available at www.asti.us. Sincerely, Paul Mac Donald, Executive Director—United Servicers Association A UNITED SERVICERS ASSOCIATION 2016 MOST PROFESSIONAL SERVICER CONTEST We know that service Companies that act like professionals, provide value and exceed expectations will succeed in charging more for their products and services. First impressions are just that and we only get one. Technicians presenting themselves in clean, professional uniforms driving professionally labeled vehicles by default will deliver a better first impression than those wearing jeans, an old polo and sports ball cap carrying a tool bag that has seen better days. Using a laptop in the customer's home to look up wiring diagrams, fault codes and order parts in real-time is cutting edge and communicates professionalism in utilizing new technologies to be more efficient. Service companies using mobile technology deliver a better customer experience from shorter cycle times. A professional service experience starts with the first point of contact either in person, on the internet or on the telephone. Each year in a effort to identify these top shelf servicers the United Servicers Association holds a contest for the most professional appearance and presentation. Entries in several business size categories are submitted to the contest. Judged by a panel of industry leaders and consumers, the top 2 finalists compete head-to- head at the annual ASTI convention. The winners are then chosen by peer voting at the ASTI convention. The 2016 winners were announced at the United Servicers Association ASTI convention in Miami, FL. Congratulations goes out to the First Place Winners: 1-2 tech category: Village Home Stores Geneseo, IL 3-5 tech category: Omega Force Service Rogers, MN 6-10 tech category: American Appliance Golden, CO 11+ tech category: Lake Appliance Repair Orangevale, CA Winners were presented an award at the 2016 ASTI Banquet and will also receive a cash award of $500. USA provided a press release for the winners to use in the promotion and marketing of their business. Congratulations to the runner-ups: 1-2 tech category: Lake of Ozarks Appliance 3-5 tech category: 911 Appliance Repair 6-10 tech category: Westside Appliance Repair 11 + category: Guinco Appliance Repair Runners-up are awarded a $250 cash prize. Thank you to all the contestants that entered. This year as usual the scores were very, very close. A Special Thank You to all the volunteer judges for your time and efforts; you all did a great job making this a successful contest. The 2017 Contest will be open soon and will be bigger and better than ever! USA welcomes ALL appliance service companies to enter. You do not need to be a USA member, and all previous entrants including winners can enter again and are encouraged to do so. Stay tuned for Big News regarding the new contest coming soon! S E R V I C E D E P A R T M E N T Dave Smith, Chairman—Most Professional Service Contest RO

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