Verl's Autopro

And Just Where Did Summer Go?

2010-08-26T13:35:00.000-07:00

How is this possible? Today is the 26th of August! It doesn't even feel like we have even had summer yet and in less than a week the kids will be back in school. Is there no one we can protest to? No way to carbon copy today with the high of 34 C just like they did in the movie Ground Hog Day? Not for a month, just for a couple weeks.....

PS - saw a yellow leaf on a tree today. Yikes.

Until Next Time.

340$ Free!

2010-08-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

Wow! Time flies.    We get to hand out our very first FREE $100.00 coupon this month.   Our customer has been part of the 340$ Free program for 12 months.   That means he has earned the extra $100.00 from us.

So why do we do this?   It is very simple.    On average Canadians spend about 1400.00 yearly on their cars doing maintenance etc.   So for us this program already makes sense because you have invested your dollars right here with us.   Now we might not get all the work that your car requires, but there is a good shot that we will get a good portion of it.

And the real reason?   It makes car repair painless for you - you have already budgeted and paid for your repairs! And at the end of one year you get an extra $100.00.   Now how is that for spending your money wisely?

Until Next Time

Time to Cough it Up!

2010-08-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

Friday is the big day!

Spencer, along with 11 other brave men will be getting his arm waxed on Friday at 7:00 pm on the Main Stage at Cornfest. Why are they doing this? To raise monies for the Terry Fox Foundation. We are accepting pledges here at the shop so come out and donate! It should be a fun and entertaining (for us) experience, but maybe not so entertaining for Spencer!

Lets see just how much money we can raise for this very worthwhile cause.

Until Next Time.

Friday the 13th.....

2010-08-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

Well folks, this is the only Friday the 13th in 2010. So for those of you who are terrified of this day, rest easy, it is the only one. However, for the majority of us it is just another day.

Deep down how many of us will be watching out for that ladder to go around, that black cat to avoid, that mirror to fall? We all like to blame bad luck on unforseen events. But at least when it comes to your car, you can be in control, all you have to do is follow your manufacturer's reccommendations and you should be able to rest pretty easy.

Just don't forget to watch out for that black cat crossing the road in front of you!

Until Next Time.

The Highest Compliment

2010-08-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

We mailed out another referral gift certificate today. I know there is a cost for involved each time we do this, but the rewards we receive are more than worth it.

Knowing that we made a customer so happy that he referred us to someone else? You just can't beat advertising like that.

And because we have a referral program in place, our original customer can turn around and refer us again to somene else!

Thanks for being our commercial....

Until Next Time.

Trust Me....

2010-08-05T08:04:00.000-07:00

A recent poll showed that consumers are more demanding than they were in the past. Why is this?

Well, the concensus is that while product quality and service have improved, people are demanding more for their hard earned dollar. But is this really the case? Or is it a matter of Trust? People don't trust governments, banks, or car manufacturers the way they used to. This mistrust has trickled down to almost all of our society.

Whether or not you decide to spend your dollars with us or not is entirely in your hands and always will be. We trust you to make the right decision for yourself and we hope you can trust us to give you the right advice for your situation.

After all, we are a small local shop and if we lose your trust it will have a big impact!

Until Next Time.

It's That Time of the Month...

2010-08-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, check your mailboxes! The newsletters went out today. Please remember that there is a chance for you to win a free service from us. All you have to do is answer the quiz and phone in the answer to us! That's all it takes and you could be a winner right here.... And who doesn't want something for free? I know we do!

And if you want us to email the newsletter to us, just drop us a line at verl@platinum.ca

Until Next Time.

Funny Days

2010-07-30T13:31:00.000-07:00

Wow!   It is amazing that you like to hear what the goofy holiday of the week is!    Granted some of them are not all that great, but once in a while a winner pops up and it is amazing the response we get!

We have been asked if we make these up and no, we don't.    There are many websites out there that devote their time and energy researching the obscure so that the rest of us may be entertained.

So what days have we had the most response from?    Well there have been 3 outstanding ones so far....

1 - Bubble Wrap Day
2 - Working Naked Day
3 - Todays which is Cheesecake Day.

Until Next Time.

You Can't Judge a Book by its Cover

2010-07-29T15:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a customer for saying that to us today. It is true, you never know what lurks beneath the covers of a book or under the hood of a car. What you might think is a good dependable romantic story might turn out to be a nightmare! So before you jump into purchasing that new to you vehicle, be sure to have it inspected by someone you trust. After all we don't want you to have to sleep with the lights on!

Until Next Time.

It's been a while......

2010-07-26T09:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, it has been a while since our last post. We can't guarantee that we will be able to post again tomorrow, but just thought we would update everyone on a few changes here at Verl's.
Spencer is taking a break at the shop to work for Lucerne Foods on the pea harvest, then he will be attending college in October in Lethbridge to take his 3yr schooling. Adam has joined our team effective today to begin his new career in the automotive field. Verl of course is here because you can't have a shop named Verl's without a Verl in the building!

Until next time.....

Changing of the Guard

2010-07-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

We have been going through some personal turmoil here at the shop in the past month. It is very hard as we have found to work, sleep, play, eat and live with your staff and family members.

So, beginning Monday, Michelle will be employed with H & R Transport on a full time basis. That means (becuase she is the writer of this) that the blog will no long be updated on a daily basis.

We will endeavor to update you with little happenings as they occur, but it will be much more sporadic.

So instead of our customary Until Tomorrow, we will just say:

Until Next Time.

Memory Lane

2010-07-02T22:13:00.000-07:00

We went out to the Etzikom Museum on Canada Day. It is truly amazing how much history has been preserved in this little out of the way place. If you have never been out there to visit this spot yourself, we really recommend it - it is one of the best run and maintained museums we have visited in a long while. And to top off the visit you can see many different windmills right there on the spot. Truly an Albertan wonder.

Our posting has not been up to par, and we must apologize - it might not get back up to the regularity that we had before. We will do our best, but somethings are unforseen and as usual, we must adapt to the changes that we face.

Until Tomorrow.

New Employee??

2010-06-28T20:30:00.000-07:00

We have hired a grounds keeper for the shop. He is small but great at what he does. However, he is quite shy so we probably will not be able to introduce you to him! Yes, today he attacked the weeds right in front of the door with great enthusiasm and he is very efficient at what he does.....

The best part, he works for free!

By the way we were unable to make him be still long enough to get a photo for you, but we found one on Google so you will be able to recognize him when you see him!

Until Tomorrow.

Ahhhh! Summer

2010-06-27T21:58:00.000-07:00

The smell of suntan oil and bug spray permeate the air today. Warm sun-kissed skin plus the other smells means that summer finally decided to put in an appearance! So now that we are all heading back to work tomorrow with a tinge of pink, we need to make sure that our vehicles are also ready for summer. Michelle's car has air conditioning problems right now and hers won't be the only one! Do yourself a favor and get it checked out before it has a chance to cause problems!

Until tomorrow.

Open for Business

2010-06-26T22:27:00.000-07:00

All our treasures that we just couldn't wait to part with were on display out on our driveway today. It was a sucessful sale because we only had to put 2 little boxes of treasures we couldn't wait to part with back into our house. And finally the weather co-operated too! Spencer was a great help, putting large items into people's vehicles and even delivering some items. So now what to do with the hundreds of pennies that we made? We don't know for sure yet, but at least we didn't go visit anyone else's driveway!

Until Tomorrow.

One Man's Treasure?

2010-06-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

We spent part of the day cleaning out the mezzanine at the shop.

Wow!

The Barnwell Parade of Yard Sales will be going strong tomorrow morning and we are going to participate. Yup, lots of "wonderful treasures" will be ripe for the picking all over the Village. For us this will be a new experience - and guess what? There better be not one thing left when all is said and done, even if it means the price is Free!

Until Tomorrow.

Hairy Arms

2010-06-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

Spencer has decided to help out the Terry Fox Foundation this year. He, along with 11 other men have volunteered to have the hair on their arms removed by wax. OUCH. We are now accepting pledges from everyone who wants to see the hairiest arms we know of get a little less fuzzy.

We invite everyone to watch this event happen at Main Stage Cornfest on Friday, August 27 at 7:30.

I think you can agree from this photo they are pretty hairy!

Until Later Today......

Commercial Break

2010-06-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

Did you miss us? Yes, we haven't been posting the past few days. So don't adjust your computer screen - it is true we didn't make a post. But here we are again. Hopefully we will be able to keep up with the daily posting just like we started out doing. It really is amazing how hard it is to keep a New Year's Resolution going strong through out the entire year.

Until Tomorrow.

Flood Watch

2010-06-20T00:36:00.000-07:00

Our books went to our accountant this weekend. Since our accountant is in Fernie, it is not just a quick drive, it takes planning and arranging to get this done. This is much easier to do than it was when we went into business 24 years ago. Back then it was boxes of information that had to be sifted through and reconciled with hand kept books. Now it is one little box of backup information and a flash drive! Does it take less time to accomplish tax preparation? No, but it sure is easier to lift!

Until Tomorrow.

Noah

2010-06-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

Everyone today is talking about the weather. I think on Facebook the weather is the main topic of conversation for almost everyone in this area! Roads are washed out, basements flooded and floodgates have been opened.

Last night on the late news (why do they always show the story you want to hear last?) they compared this last rain to the "Flood of the Century" now in my mind that seems a little bit premature! This century has many more decades in it to go so how do they know?

Oh well, today we are going to track down Noah and see if he will sell us tickets to ride that ark of his....

By the way - the Sun will come out tomorrow.

Until Tomorrow.

CROAK!

2010-06-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

We have guests singing to us out in the shop today!

If you listen carefully there are bull frogs singing to each other just outside the shop doors. This is something that Verl says he used to hear all the time when he lived in Idaho. But it is not something we have heard before living here in the "dry" prairie.

Think that they are saying "Enough Already, turn off the taps?"

Until Tomorrow.

Friendship

2010-06-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

Sometimes having a friend to talk to is just the ticket to make a blah day seem bright and shiny. Let's face it we have had way too much rain and gloom and doom lately. Having someone to laugh with, confide in and act silly around can help chase those blahs away.

We know we are just your automotive shop, but we like the stories you tell us about your lives! It brightens our days, gives us common ground with you and helps us develop that friendship with you.

Until Tomorrow.

Mentorship

2010-06-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the best way to get the most out of your business is to spend time helping others who are testing their entreprenurial skills.

Michelle spend over 2 hours today doing just that. Since Ariel and Michelle had yet another surgeon appointment we killed 2 birds with one stone. We met with a friend who is beginning her own business and is looking for information on how to advertise without breaking the bank. This is something that we have spent a lot of time studying and learning how to do over the past year.

While we are not in the same business at all, the basic tennants of marketing do remain the same and we are always glad to help out a fellow business person.

Now, a shameless plug for her startup business: if you are planning an amazing outdoor event such as a wedding, why not give Carla's company a shot!

http://www.pardyrentals.com/

Until Tomorrow.

Another Late Night

2010-06-14T21:54:00.000-07:00

When one job ends, another begins!

We went right from working on and in our business to being involved in our volunteer jobs as board members of the Canadian Independent Automotive Association. This means another 12 hour day, but we are certainly used to those kind of hours here.

Why do we do this?

Well, one reason is the more you are involved in your industry, the better you can serve your client.   When you are dealing with automotives, being as knowlegeble as you can be is very important, after all your safety is upmost in our mind.

Small Towns...

2010-06-14T00:05:00.000-07:00

Living in a small town means everyone knows where you live.

Yes, even on a Sunday we have people stopping over and asking for mechanical advice! Do we say "We're closed, come back on Monday", or "What are you doing? I don't work today!" No, because in small town life neighbors help neighbors.....

After all village life means everyone knows your name!

Until Tomorrow.

Terry Fox Foundation

2010-06-12T23:30:00.000-07:00

Michelle said yes to helping out with the Terry Fox Foundation committee this year. This is part of the committment she made to get more involved in the local community.

Yvonne Dreaddy dropped off Donation cards at the shop to help this very worthwhile cause raise funds to commerate the 30th Anniversary of the Run.

We will be asking you to donate and fill out a card when you stop in here at Verls and we hope that you will continue to be the generous people that we all know you are.

We have filled in a couple cards for ourselves in honour of family members who have passed from cancer, and to cheer on those who have survived.

Ila Terry - Breast Cancer
Bill Taylor - Brain Tumor
Ally Close - Lung Cancer
Joseph Annon - Leukemia

Viola Annon - Breast Cancer survivor
Dolly Mellen - Breast Cancer survivor
Helene Taylor - Breast Cancer survivor

Until Tomorrow.

The Most Powerful Words

2010-06-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

We recently learned what the most powerful words in the English Language are when it comes to Customer Service.    No, it isn't the word FREE or even THANK YOU. (Although we will say Thank-you!)

Customer service is about being attentive to your needs, listening to what you are saying, being in the moment with you.   You are spending your dollars on your second most important purchase, and we need to respect this.   Often coming to the shop is like going to the dentist, you don't want to go, but you have to and you know it is going to hurt!

So what are the two little words that we can use to show that we are actually listening to you?

What can we do FOR YOU?

Until Tomorrow.

Rescheduling

2010-06-10T21:16:00.000-07:00

At the seminar we recently attended one of the topics was on shop scheduling. We know we sometimes have a problem with this here at the shop. There will be days (like Monday and Tuesday of this week) when some of the bays are empty. And then there are days like the rest of the week where we are over booked. We are getting better at this and now have some tools to help us schedule to even out our days.

The end result? You will receive even better service than you already do because we will have the time to take car of your car in the manner it deserves!

Until Tomorrow.

Footprints in the Sand, not on the Glass

2010-06-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

Spencer noticed that there were footprints on the windowshield of a Equinox that he worked on yesterday. This greatly disturbed him because of the airbags located in the dash. If someone was resting their feet on the dashboard and a collision was to occur your feet and legs would be pushed back at you violently if the airbag deployed.

All it would take is one 15 km bump to the rear or front and the airbag will go off.

Airbags are meant to keep us safe, but it is up to us and our actions to do what we can to be safe in a moving vehicle as well. After all safety measures only work if we respect them.

Until Tomorrow

Returning Customers!

2010-06-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

While working on a vehicle last Friday Spencer left a screwdriver under the hood of a client's vehicle.   Today, when he was polishing his tools and putting everything away he noticed that the screwdriver was missing.    So after rethinking his steps to where he last used the screwdriver, he came to the conclusion that he must have left it under the hood of the car he worked on.

He sheepishly came up the the Mom and asked her to call the client and have them check to see if it was there.   Yup, it was right where he left it!

Now this does happen sometimes when we are in a rush to push a vehicle out of the shop. Guess this is a good reminder to the guys in the back to slow down a bit, take a breath, and do a once over!   After all, this isn't usually the kind of car care gift we like to leave for you!

Until Tomorrow.

Come In

2010-06-07T16:18:00.000-07:00

Come in, sit down, relax, converse. Our house doesn't always look like this-- sometimes it's even worse!"

Remember this old saying?   Bet a lot of you have a copy of it on the wall of your house just like we used to.

When we were at the AIA Convention last week, one of the presenters stated that we need to take pride in our surroundings.   That if we didn't take the time to take care of what we have the client would assume that we would not take the time to care for their property.

Well, we do take pride in what we have and try to keep it in a clean and pleasant fashion, so yes we will take good care for you.

(Except for when the newsletters are going out!)

Until Tomorrow.

Sunday!

2010-06-06T23:01:00.000-07:00

After a marathon planting day, every thing is done! So yes, we did take an entire day off from the shop. No budgeting was done, no books were touched and no tools were polished and put away. Yes, sometimes the best way to focus on our business is to not focus on it at at all!

Fresh minds and a fresh start for Monday!

Until Tomorrow.

Saturday

2010-06-05T22:45:00.000-07:00

There is a van sitting at the shop with the doors open and the hood up. With all the wet weather we have had in the past few weeks this poor van has a cold! What do I mean by that? Well it is all wet inside, so wet in fact that we go down every day and open the doors and raise the hood, trying to get some air circulating inside it.

It is so wet inside that we are seeing evidence of black mold, which as we all know is not a good thing!

So, if your car or van or truck is smelling a little off or seems damp inside, please do yourself a favor and check under the carpeting. We don't want you to have to go through what this poor customer is - it really isn't pleasant.

As you can tell, not everything we do at the shop is mechanical or technical, sometimes it is more of a housekeeping thing....

Until Tomorrow.

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE 1930s, '40s, '50s, '60s and '70s!!

2010-06-04T16:56:00.000-07:00

This email was sent to us today by a customer. It brings back a lot of childhood memories for us! Verl can remember packing Peanut Butter Sandwiches, kissing his mom goodbye and camping out in the Snake River Canyon for days and he was only 10! Michelle remembers playing kick the can out in the middle of the street, in the dark until the fire whistle blew, cause she knew that meant home time!

Hope this brings back memories for you too! Take time tomorrow to enjoy the Taber parade and be a kid again!

First, we survived being born to mothers who may have smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.

Then, after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets, and, when we rode our bikes,we had baseball caps, not helmets, on our heads.

As infants and children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes.

Riding in the back of a pick- up truck on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle.

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle, and no one actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter, and bacon. We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar. And we weren't overweight.

WHY?

Because we were always outside playing...that's why!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.

No one was able to reach us all day.

--And, we were OKAY.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride them down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes... After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have Play Stations, Nintendos and X-boxes. There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVDs, no surround-sound or CDs, no cell phones, no personal computers, or Internet and no chat rooms...

WE HAD FRIENDSand we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth, and there were no lawsuits from those accidents.

We would get spankings with wooden spoons, switches, ping-pong paddles, or just a bare hand, and no one would call child services to report abuse.

We ate worms, and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever..

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls, and -although we were told it would happen- we did not put out very many eyes.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them.

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team..

Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment.

Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers, and inventors ever.

The past 50 to 85 years have seen an explosion of innovation and new ideas..

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.

If YOU are one of those born

between 1925-1970, CONGRATULATIONS!

Uncle Wayne is still a kid!

Until Tomorrow.

Learning and Networking

2010-06-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

We have been in classes since 7:45 this morning. We have learned a lot of new ideas and strategies on how to improve customer relations, how to improve our own efficiency in our business and how to balance our business and personal lives. Now we know that although we will go back to the shop tomorrow and immediately try to implement everything, that by the end of the next week, we will slack off. But the best we can do is to keep trying, and hopefully with the notes we took today and the fact we have written about it here we will be able to do a better job this time round. Wish us luck, because the more sucessful we are the better we will be able to serve you.

Until Tomorrow.

On Our Way

2010-06-02T16:39:00.000-07:00

We are going to combine family with business and education tomorrow. Verl and Michelle will be attending the AIA Convention in Red Deer to network with other shops accross Canada and to take a refresher course on the Automotive Industry. Some of the sessions are being facilitated by good friends of ours and we know we will learn a alot as usual.

The second reason for the trip, and as equally important, if not more important, is to discover what Ariel's biopsy results from our visit last week are. Please cross your fingers for us!

As always both reasons will give us something new to write about.

Until Tomorrow.

Agent 72

2010-06-01T22:30:00.000-07:00

Ariel built us a cute little secret agent man to help advertise our super short specials. Today we released the second one ever. We sent out Agent 72 by both text and email. We will also release him tomorrow by facebook. This form of advertising is very new to us and I am sure to you too. If you find that this is a bother to you, please let us know and we will remove your name from our contact list. I am sure there will be kinks to worked out by us and we hope that you bear with us until we figure it out!

Until Tomorrow.

Gifting

2010-05-31T21:56:00.000-07:00

We spent a good part of the evening planning our car care gift ideas for our shop and the other shops we prepare them for. What does this entail? Well it means that Michelle visits bulk stores in Lethbridge looking for the next best idea and then tries to find that perfect presentation for the gift.

After a couple of hours we have decided on the next couple of months and as always they will be unique. I am sure that the longer we do this the harder it will be not to repeat ourselves, but so far that hasn't been a problem.

So what is the gift picked out for July, (yes we always work at least 1 month in advance) well you are just going to have to stop in to find out!

Until Tomorrow.

The Best Laid Plans

2010-05-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

Seemed to be the weekend for the Best Laid Plans to go kooky.    Got up Saturday to watch the parade and what did we see?   SNOW. Oh well, maybe next week....    Tried to go west to visit a friend and what happened?   SNOW.   Grrr,   maybe in a couple of weeks.....

Got up today to fold and stuff newsletters and spent the day watching water pour into a basement and deal with elderly parents.

So what is the bright side in all this?   Well, it still was the weekend and there was lots of time for relaxation and of course family time, so as usual there is a silver lining if you look hard enough.

Enjoy the picture of the lilacs in full bloom.

Until Tomorrow.

Neither Rain nor Sleet nor Snow...

2010-05-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

Oh well, the Taber Parade was cancelled.

We really can't blame anyone! Well, maybe Mother Nature - after all who wants to sit in 4 inches of wet snow to watch a parade. Parades are for gorgeous days with lots of sun and little wind.

So maybe we will just keep the date of the make up parade quiet so that Mother Nature doesn't know when it is!

Until Tomorrow.

That Time of the Month

2010-05-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

Well, here we go again! The printer is now whirling away printing out the envelopes for the Fuel for Thought newsletter that will hit your mailboxes at the beginning of next week.

Between our shop and the shop in Stettler that we do the marketing for we will be printing close to 1300 envelopes today. No wonder we keep having to purchase ink!

Enjoy your weekend and think of us folding, stuffing and and stamping our weekend away.

Until Tomorrow.

Branching Out

2010-05-27T23:19:00.000-07:00

OK, keeping in with the weather out there we have decided to branch out from automotives. Yes, effective tomorrow you can have your ark repaired right here at Verls!

We will specialize in increased fuel economy - we will sand of the rough spots so you can flow through the water better. We will also focus on steering - after all have to keep that wooden rudder moving! Not to mention air conditioning, yes we will make sure all the portholes open when they are supposed to.

Be sure to stop in and meet the new master mechanic - I think his name is Noah.....

Until Tomorrow.

The Sweet Spot

2010-05-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

Last month we had a customer who was booked in for a routine maintenance on her car. She knew that in order to keep the car running she needed to have a transmission flush. She booked the appointment for the end of may and then called us last week to say that she had decided to sell her car because doing the maintenance on her 4 year old car would still mean she had a 4 year old car.

Yes, that is true the car will not get any younger, but this customer has forgotten that by performing the regular maintenance on the 4 year old car would mean on average a cost of $1200.00 per year. Purchasing a new car will mean a cost running anywhere from $4680.00 per year and up. Just for the payments! That doesn't include the cost of insuring a newer car.

So, in today's money conscious world, do you think the customer made the right decision?

We are biased here, but would love to hear your thoughts.

Until Tomorrow.

All in the Family

2010-05-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

Half the staff today wasn't at work - thats what you get when you are a completely family owned and run business. Ariel had to have a biospy on the Parotid gland in her neck. That means that Michelle and Ariel travelled to Red Deer while Spencer and Verl worked at the shop...

For two of us the rest of the week will be very short! But we have lots to do this week - those 1700 newsletters will not fold themselves!

Until Tomorrow.

Candy Day Monday

2010-05-24T23:27:00.000-07:00

Monday, and Ariel, Michelle and Verl spend a good part of the day building candy bags for our shops. We prepare candy bags for 2 other shops besides our own. These other shops also believe that we really need to wow our customers. Yes, we know today was a holiday, but we also know that preparing for our customers needs to come before anything we might want to do instead. So the rose bushes will have to wait until tomorrow as you always come first. And I think the other 2 shops agree.

Hanging Our Heads

2010-05-24T05:49:00.000-07:00

Well, what is it they say about resolutions?   They are easy to break?

Well, it was very unintentional but that is what happened yesterday.   We totally forgot to post to the blog!

We were so busy rearranging our home to put in all our new to us treasures that time just disappeared.   Oh well, just like when you are on a diet, it's ok to fall off the wagon once in a while, just get back on!

Until Later Today!

Family Treasures

2010-05-22T22:48:00.000-07:00

Spencer, Michelle and Grandpa Fred travelled to Airdrie to help a family member get ready to move into a smaller place.

We each received a special family treasure from our Aunt, with a bit of history attached to it. In Michelle's case it was a piece of carnival glass that has been in our family for a very long time. It is very gorgeous and it will be passed on down to Ariel when Michelle feels the time is right. But for now, it is hers to enjoy.

Thanks Aunt Helene.

Until Tomorrow.

State of Mind

2010-05-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

The first long weekend of the summer is finally here! And what does the forecast call for? SNOW (possibly)

Still a long weekend is still a long weekend!

So we wish everyone warm temperatures, great camping spots, and summer fun.

And if we have to make believe it is true then we shall.

Until Tomorrow.

Eliza Doolittle

2010-05-20T16:14:00.000-07:00

Eliza Doolittle is all about the improvement or reinvention of oneself.

We can compare to Eliza here at the shop

If we look at this past year our shop has really been reinvented. Michelle came to work fulltime, Jacob left to pursue further education, we began to actively market to our clients through newsletters, facebook, blogging, email and text as well as everything we already were doing to impress you.

Will we ever feel that we are as improved as we can ever be?

No, of course not - change is now the norm.

Until Tomorrow.

Mom, I got a Boo Boo

2010-05-19T14:15:00.000-07:00

Today, Spencer came into the office bleeding from a deep cut on his knuckle. Nurse Mom jumps up to the rescue. Grab some clean toweling, apply pressure and wait for the wincing to stop from the son.

It is still bleeding after a few minutes so we clean it up again and then drag out the crazy glue.

5 minutes later and a kiss on the knuckle and he is right as rain to run out and play with the oil pan again.

Yes, we really are a family here! Mom, Dad, Sons, Daughter and the occasional dog visit turn into Owners, Managers, Techs and Office Staff. (Not sure where the dog fits though!)

Until Tomorrow.

The Customer's Shoes

2010-05-18T17:10:00.000-07:00

Today we had an online training seminar on how to talk to our customer at the front counter.

What stuck with us is we need to put ourself in our Customer's Shoes. When he or she walks into our shop what exactly are they seeing. Do they see a smiling face on a well groomed and well dressed person? Or are they getting a grouchy, dirty, rag holding mechanic?

Which one do you want to see greeting you? I think we all know the answer to that question!

Until Tomorrow.

The Unexpected

2010-05-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

Today we had a customer in the shop facing an unexpected bill. A couple of months ago she purchased a second hand 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan from a dealership. I know we have mentioned in the past that you should always have a pre-purchase inspection performed whenever or whereever you are thinking of purchasing a vehicle. This lady needs to have the rear brakes replaced on a van she has only owned for a very short period of time. Sometimes it pays to be proactive. For a tenth of the cost of the repair she could have made a bargain with the dealership or at the very least been aware of an up coming cost.

Until Tomorrow.

The Heat is On!

2010-05-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

The forecast for tomorrow? 29 degrees celsius!
Wow, what a difference a week makes.

We should start to see people showing up with Air Conditioning problems this week. After all we are fickle, aren't we? Windows open, people smiling and by the end of tomorrow we should start to hear grumblings - too hot, too muggy, the a/c doesn't work or isn't cold enough.

How soon we forget the snow from 2 weeks ago! Only in Alberta...

Until Tomorrow.

Busy As A Bee

2010-05-15T23:39:00.000-07:00

Saturday! However, for us the shop was busy so both Spencer and Verl had to work today. There is still 2 vehicles in the shop which will make Monday another busy day.

Michelle spent the day out in the garden pruning, clipping, raking and of course admiring the flowers!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Until Tomorrow.

The Universe

2010-05-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

We receive a daily email from the Universe from http://www.tut.com/. Today, we are going to share the Universe's wisdom with you.

Changing what you have, michelle, comes from changing who you are.

And changing who you are comes from changing what you think.

Which is why I made the latter so easy.

Because changing what you think, ultimately changes your words, your actions, the kind of music you listen to, the movies you watch, the places you visit, the friends you hang out with, and, yes, even how you look in jeans.

This something to ponder while sipping your lemonade out on the deck this weekend!

Until Tomorrow.

2010-05-13T16:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Client Mary Knowles for sending us this. With graduation happening this weekend, it seems an appropriate time to share!

Love him or hate him, he sure hits the nail on the head with this!

Bill Gates gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.
Rule 1 : Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2 : The world doesn't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3 : You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4 : If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5 : Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.
Rule 6 : If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7 : Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now.. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 8 : Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9 : Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.

Rule 10 : Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11 : Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

Until Tomorrow.

Life Balance

2010-05-12T16:51:00.000-07:00

While there is still LOTS of work on the desk crying for attention, we are going to incorporate a little bit of life balance into our day. After all, a 9 or 10 hour day is enough for anyone! The front door to the shop has been open all day allowing the gorgeous day in. Now it is our time to escape and get out and enjoy a bit of it.

While we usually spend our days getting our fingers dirty, now it is time to let our fingers play in the dirt!

Until Tomorrow.

Help is Out There

2010-05-11T16:11:00.000-07:00

If you are going through the same sort of situation that we find ourselves in with a parent, sibling, spouse or other loved one suffering from Alzheimers then we recommend attending the support group that takes place in Taber once a month.

Being able to talk to others who are going through or have been in the same situation really does help to keep you grounded.

Taking that little bit of time for yourself is also helpful to the patient.

For more information, here is the poster that is being distributed around today.

Until Tomorrow.

Meeting of Like Minds

2010-05-10T22:24:00.000-07:00

We were at a meeting tonight with 6 or 7 shops, the guest speaker was the director from AMVIC. What is AMVIC? you ask. The Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council licenses all shops in Alberta. You can not operate a shop legally in Alberta without an AMVIC license.
The one thing the director from AMVIC said tonight that struck a chord with me was this: The liability of the vehicle's safety falls on the operator of the vehicle. What does this mean? Well, if we tell you that you have a safety concern on a vehicle and you decide NOT to repair it then if you are involved in a accident, you are the one responsible, not us.

So please, next time we say you have a safety concern, think twice before you say no.

Until Tomorrow.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T22:26:00.000-07:00

Today was Mother's Day. We hope everyone took the time to honor their moms and if that wasn't possible to at least remember them. Your mother is the one who molds you from the beginning of your time on this earth.

To our own Mothers we wish them the best. To my children, well, I have the best.

Until Tomorrow.

All the Best

2010-05-08T19:50:00.000-07:00

Today is the Fundraiser for Nikki Francis. We hope and pray for Nikki and her family. Hopefully the organizers for today are able raise a lot of money and awareness for the Francis family.

Ariel spent the week completing a painting for the silent auction for tonight. Since we will not see the painting again, here is a picture of the picture!

Until Tomorrow.

Good Samaritan

2010-05-07T22:36:00.000-07:00

Michelle and Ariel had to travel up to Red Deer today for a appointment early in the morning. We had a good day and took a detour to Chain Lakes for an impromptu visit. It was a good girls day out and we enjoyed each other's company. But since the day began at 4 am it was long. Right at Kipp on the way home we hit something in the road, still don't know what, didn't see anything..

Anyway's the tire went instantly flat. Pulled over to the side of the road and thought we wouldn't have a problem changing the tire since the PT Cruiser was the demontration car at the Ladies Car Care Night in March. NOT! Not only could we not remember where the jack was, we couldn't remember what to do! Looking back on it now, I think it was just the stress of the moment.... Thanks to Heather Rathbun for noticing us on the side of the road and turning around to lend a hand!

THANKS go the Darren of Darren's Concrete, Lethbridge for pulling over and changing the tire for us! It does your heart good to know that there are still people out there very willing to lend a helping hand.

You can bet that the next time we need any concrete product we will be visiting this gentleman.

Until Tomorrow.

2010-05-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

The Fund Raiser for Nikki Francis will take place this Saturday in Glenwood. We hope as many of you as possible will attend or be able to help someone from our own community. Ariel has been hard at work on a painting that we hope will be completed in time:

Dear Friends,

In support of the Cam and Nikki Francis family there will be a dinner and auction in Glenwood AB, May 8, 2010 to raise funds and support for the family as Nikki prepares for a lung transplant.
Nikki was diagnosed with Leukemia approximately four years ago. She was in her twenties with three small children, ranging in age from two to seven years.

Nikki and Cam have been, and continue to be, community oriented people giving of themselves whenever there was a need. They have sat on numerous boards and have volunteered in the community and schools. They have truly been an example to all those who know them.

Unfortunately the effects of this disease have been devastating to Nikki. One of the worst side effects of the treatments is that her lungs have been harmed to the point that she can no longer perform simple daily tasks without becoming dangerously short of breath and needing to sit or lay down. You can imagine how difficult it is with three small children at home.

Nikki recently returned from Edmonton having finished a boot camp program to prepare her for her upcoming lung transplant. She is now on the transplant list and is waiting for her call to come. In addition to the vigorous therapy needed, medication regimes and the uncertainty of complications the doctors have warned both Cam and Nikki that one of the most devastating effects of the transplant will be the financial burden upon the family. It is to this end that we feel as a community that its time to step in and help.

We are asking you to consider providing an item, or items, for the auction held on May 8. All monies raised will go in a trust fund to support of the Francis family.

We certainly recognize that this time of year individuals and businesses are inundated with requests for donations. With this in mind we offer our sincere gratitude for support of this young family who is dealing with unfortunate circumstances. As we strive to build our community and make this a better place to live we must look to those around us and help to bear their burdens, this will make us stronger to bear our own.

A form has been attached that will enable us to track the items donated. Again, all items are greatly appreciated; this form will also help us to recognize your donation at the auction. Thank you for your support towards this family in need

Sincerely and in behalf of;

The Cam and Nikki Francis family

Saturday May 8 th,2010

Glenwood School Gym
What: Spaghetti Supper, Bake Sale, and Auction

Why: Fund-raising money for Nikki Francis (daughter of Bill and Judy Hansen)to help cover the expenses of her upcoming lung transplant.
We are gratefully accepting quality items or services for the auction, if you have anything you would like to donate or for more information
Please call Marie Koch 403-626-3227 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 403-626-3227 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or Chrystal Jensen 403-223-3150 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 403-223-3150 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Donated baked goods will be kindly accepted that night for the bake sale.

Pre-purchased dinner tickets available for:

$20/family or $5/person
OR purchase at the door
$22/family $7/person

For ticket information please call Chrystal or Marie at the above numbers.

Supper will be from 5:30-6:30pm
Auction to start at 7:00pm

A Trust Fund has been set up in the name of

Nikki Francis

Donations will be accepted at any
Alberta Treasury Branch location

When the Light is Green the Trap is Clean!

2010-05-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

We tried out the MiST Machine today on Michelle's car.   We have lots of work in the shop, however we are waiting on parts or go-aheads for EVERYTHING! So that means it was a good time to try out our newest tool.

This little machine just sits on the floor of your car and does it's job. You have to keep all doors and windows closed as it does the work because the chemical will make you sick if you inhale it.

While we were waiting for it to finish it's cycle that saying from the Ghostbuster Movie popped into Verl's head......   Yup, sometimes there are strange thoughts floating around up there!

Until Tomorrow.

It's Misty in Barnwell

2010-05-04T21:04:00.000-07:00

Nope, we are not talking about the foggy weather. We have purchased a MiST Machine today. Michelle's car will be the guinea pig tomorrow.

This twice a year service should be done in any vehicle because not only does it remove the odours in your car but if you suffer from allergies or asthma it will actually sanitize and destroy bacteria and moulds. Many cars these days have a cabin air filter but that just protects you from the outside air, this little machine takes care of the air inside your car!

Since everyone in our family suffers from asthma this purchase for us is more of a necessity than a luxury and we hope you will agree.

Until Tomorrow.

She's Back!

2010-05-03T17:09:00.000-07:00

Ariel began work for us today. I know that a few of you heard her on the phone when she called to remind you of your upcoming servicing.

She will need a little bit of time to get back into the swing of things here. Ariel has forgotten how the phone system works and accidently hung up on 2 people today. So if one of them was you, please forgive her and try again!

It is really hard to believe that she can't remember how to use the phone since she sleeps with her cell phone!

Until Tomorrow.

Folding Family

2010-05-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

Although it is Sunday, we got to spend the evening inserting, folding and stuffing our 900 newsletters so that they can be mailed out in the morning. With 3 of us doing it we were able to complete the entire task in less than 2 1/2 hours total. Not bad!

You know what they say, "the family that folds together, stays together."

Until Tomorrow.

Happy May Day

2010-05-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

Yessir, this is the first of May. Birds are singing, grass is growing, calculators are clicking, and every once in a while the sun came out to play.

I don't think there is a single day that we are not at the shop for some period of time. With no tools going or phones ringing it is the perfect time to budget for the month ahead. Aw - the life of a small business owner!

Enjoy the picture of the sunset last night - it was gorgeous!

Until Tomorrow.

Happy New Year!

2010-04-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

Today is our year end, our month end, GST remittance day and as with all of Canada, the day we submit our taxes.

While it is a long work day for us, trying to get reports ready for our accountants, the preliminary reports are positive! Everyone knows that the past year has been a tough recession year for all, but it looks like we might be ahead of the previous year by just tiny bit (about as thick as an eyelash!) Now don’t quote us on that, it has been a long day and there is a chance that we can’t add anymore!

Anyway from us to you – we wish you a Happy New Year! And we hope we can continue to grow in the next year with great clients such as you!

Until Tomorrow.

What's the Going Rate?

2010-04-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

Our daughter posed this question to us today. She is trying to figure out what her commission rate should be on a painting. This is a hard question to answer.

Sometimes it is hard to figure out what your services are worth. Here at the shop our rate is based on a complicated formula that takes into account the local labour rate for technicians plus the operating costs (you know, water, heat, phone, lights) for the shop plus all the other little items (computers, pens, paper, etc.). See boring just thinking about it!

So yes, our services might seem costly to you, but just think of all the others we are keeping employed at Enmax, Telus and Office Depot!

So what should our daughter charge? Well, we are still trying to figure that out and would appreciate any advice you can give us!

Enjoy her painting:
Until Tomorrow.

Where's the Door Handle?

2010-04-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

This is not a sight we see everyday here at Verl’s….

Today we had to do an Out of Province Inspection on a tiny 2009 Lotus Elise. This pretty little red car has only 58 km on it! But because it was registered in BC and the new owners live in Alberta, we have to follow the rules.

It was almost too small for Spencer to get into, after he found the door handle!

Yup, just like we said last week – we can do it all here!

Until Tomorrow.

Keep or Toss

2010-04-27T15:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we get vehicles into the shop that are not worth repairing. We have one here this week. Our client brought the car into us for service, but after diagnosing the problem the cost of repairing the vehicle is more than the vehicle is worth.

So, what to do? Well, our job first and foremost is to advise the client. We could sell him the repair, but a $1,000.00 repair bill to a car worth only $500.00 will not increase the value of the car. It will still be only a $500.00 car. If the client really wants the vehicle fixed, of course we will fix it because all we can do is advise – YOU have the final say.

What did this client do? Well, today they will come and say goodbye to their car.

Until Tomorrow.

340$ Free

2010-04-26T16:08:00.000-07:00

We try hard not to use this blog for advertising purposes, but in this case I am going to make an exception.

We have a couple of customers who own many vehicles.   In the past 3 months both customers have had 3 separate vehicles in here in one week, resulting in large bills on all of them.

Now if you want peace of mind for your auto repairs our 340$ Free will be the one for you.   Basically it is a budgeting system so you never have to worry again about breakdowns.   If this interests you at all, please give us a call, 403-223-4621.

We do everything possible to make owning a vehicle stress free.   Those people who are on this program will tell you that it really does work and if you want to ask them yourselves, stop in and we will tell you who they are.

Until Tomorrow.

No Rest for Us

2010-04-25T19:57:00.000-07:00

So while today might have been Sunday, we spent the day preparing for the next month. We picked out the car care gifts for May and will spend Monday putting them together for us and the other 2 shops we prepare them for. We will be making over 350 car care gifts! Wow - that number just keeps growing! If you want to know what they are you will just have to stop in!

Enjoy my picture from today in the few minutes the sun did shine!

Until tomorrow.

Welcome Back

2010-04-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

Today we picked up Ariel from Red Deer College. She has completed the first year in Art School. That means Ariel will be coming back to work at the shop the first week of May. Now we just have to find somewhere to put everything she brought home with her!

Until Tomorrow.

Yuck!

2010-04-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

I know we have shown you this before…. But some things bear repeating. We had a Pontiac Montana van in for service yesterday. When we looked at the cabin air filter we saw a filter far overdue for change. Not every vehicle has one, but those that do should be changed because there is no way this filter is doing its job! The cabin air filter protects YOU from the germs that are found inside your car. Pretty important, huh?

Until Tomorrow.

Bike Day!

2010-04-22T16:23:00.000-07:00

We gave a local girl's group a lesson in bike maintenance today at the shop. Ryan did a great job explaining to them how to check their tire pressure. Verl greased up their chains and pedals. Everyone got to enjoy a sucker after the lesson. Like we said earlier this week - we can do it all here! Enjoy the pictures from our impromptu party!

Until Tomorrow.

Report Card Time

2010-04-21T16:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to you we have scored 25 out of 25 in the past 3 months for customer service here at our shop. How do we know this? Well, when you get the thank-you either by email or regular mail from us you have a chance to go online and give us a report card to an independent third party.

We do check this each week because if you are unhappy then we really need to fix things!

Good news all around for us today. Our daughter Ariel received an A minus at Art School. Perhaps we need to celebrate – ice cream on us!

Until Tomorrow.

Attack of the Killer Sludge

2010-04-20T16:32:00.000-07:00

Sounds like a horror movie doesn't it? For the owner of this car, I believe it is....

Today we had a car that was making a “noise” come into the shop. When we did a diagnostic on it we found that the car had been attacked by killer sludge. “What is that?” you say with astoundment (no, not a word, but I like it). Well consider what happens to your teeth if you don’t take care of them with regular brushing…… Cavities and decaying teeth. Same thing here – no oil changes (teeth brushing) and the car is dead.

Believe the funeral is tomorrow.

PS - Verl spent the afternoon at the dentist that is why the tooth analogy fits!

Until Tomorrow.

Yes Sir - We Can Do That!

2010-04-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air – that means the other side of our business is beginning to appear. Our first tractor of 2010 has arrived at our door. Soon to follow will be lawn mowers, pumping units, golf carts and even the occasional boat.

Yes, I guess you can say that we are a well rounded shop! Now if I see an airplane pulling up to the door I might have to call in reinforcements!

Until Tomorrow.

Looking Forward

2010-04-18T21:32:00.000-07:00

We have a busy week beginning in a couple of hours and are looking forward to seeing you stop in!

Hope you got out and enjoyed today - what a gift!

Gotta love Spring!

Until Tomorrow.

Our Other Family

2010-04-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

So when you are feeling blue or down who do you turn to? We are lucky to have 2 families in our lives. Our immediate family and our Autopro Family.

Today we spent a good part of the day in Calgary and got to visit with some members of our Autopro family. Sometimes having good friends that are almost family is just what the doctor ordered to help put the world in perspective.

Thanks to Rob and to Steve for lending an ear, giving advice and for just being there to tell stories with and joke around.

Until Tomorrow.

Gone Fishin'

2010-04-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

Well, another tough week has come to an end for us.

We try very hard not to let anyone notice that we are in a rough patch. We truly try to practice the fish philosophy. I know I have mentioned this before in a blog way back. There are 4 main principles to this:

1. Be There – truly listen to you, be emotionally present.

2. Play – be creative, enthusiastic, have fun.

3. Make Their Day – find a simple way to serve or delight you.

4. Choose Your Attitude – take responsibility for what life throws at you. It is how you react that determines your future.

Tonight, the rough patch became a little rockier, but we are determined not to allow it to interfere with our relationships with you.

So tomorrow we are going to take a drive, clear our heads, and take a “mental health day”.

Until Tomorrow.

Digging Out

2010-04-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

Well we hope the worst is behind us. Hopefully Mother Nature doesn’t have any more surprises like that in store…..

We had to spend the first part of today digging out the shop doors. With the warm sun hitting the roof all the snow fell off and landed right in front of the doors. No way in and no way out! Poor Verl and Spencer had to re-dig out everything they did yesterday.

Our lot is a soupy mess, but we are not complaining, it is gorgeous out!

The phones should start to ring again Friday at life returns to normal.

Until tomorrow.

Snow Day

2010-04-14T16:50:00.001-07:00

What a day! We had a traveler come through who got stuck right in our yard. This is enough snow for a while – my tulips are shaking in their roots…..

The shop is quiet, but with all the wet snow out there – that is only to be expected. Everyone is either stuck, or without power or smart enough to stay home on such a day. There is so much snow now sliding off our roof that we are unable to have any vehicles enter the bays anyway!

Will this be one of those times when you ask people where they were in the blizzard of 2010?

Until Tomorrow.

Can't live with it, Can't live without it

2010-04-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

Today working away we had a power spike. I am sure it has to do with the snow falling outside. (I thought we told the weatherman no more snow til November?)

Right after the spike we lost our internet connection. Calling in to Platinum, seems we were not the only ones. Isn't it strange how the one thing you need to work at that very moment is the one thing you can't have? Couldn't access bank accounts, radio, All Data, Mechanicnet, Napa Fix or Facebook. Grrr.

Even 5 years ago loosing internet connection wouldn't have bothered us at all, funny how times change!

Until Tomorrow.

Just the Facts Ma'am

2010-04-12T17:06:00.000-07:00

What? This means we quote each job before we do it.

Today we spent a lot of time completing quotes for people whether it was for a pre-purchase inspection or if they should keep the vehicle and repair it or invest in a new one.

Yes, when you bring your car here we quote the job with all parts, labour and gst included. That way you get no sticker shock when you pick up your car. Less stress for us and no stress for you. And that makes everyone happy.

Until Tomorrow.

In a Rut

2010-04-11T15:18:00.000-07:00

So if you are in a car you back up and try a different way, right? And if your life is in a rut what to do?

Well try something different.... Drive a different way to work, or brush your teeth with the opposite hand. It
might not seem like much but little actions lead to larger actions and that will get you out of the rut!

What changes have we made lately? Well on the way home the other night from Red Deer I listened to country music instead of rock. Those of you who know me know that is truly outside my normal self! Now, if I can listen to country music, then perhaps I can get Verl and Spencer to eat a tomato!

Should we try liver and onions next?

Until Tomorrow.

A Breath of Fresh Air

2010-04-10T20:57:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a difference 24 hours makes.

The sun shone and the wind was minimal. When a day is as nice as today was we owe it to ourselves to play hookey.

So the GST didn't get looked at and the filing wasn't completed at the shop. That just means a little extra effort on Monday. Days like today don't come along all that often in Early April. Hope you enjoyed your day.

Until Tomorrow.

Parenthood

2010-04-09T22:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes as a parent we have to go the extra mile.   Or in today's case we had to go many!

Ariel had open studio in Red Deer today.   That meant that the mom had to leave the shop at noon, drive to Red Deer, go to the college, tour the facilty and admire the art she has worked so hard to produce this year.   Then after 2 hours, drive home.

Total time gone, 11 hours.   Experience with daughter, priceless.

Until Tomorrow

Enough Already!

2010-04-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

Wind, Wind, blow away! OK, we might be used to some wind around here, after all the days where there is absolutely no wind we can count on our hands, but this is a little bit ridiculous!

We can see the fields lifting from our shop. That will make highway driving today a little bit hazardous to your cars. If you were looking for a sand-blasting to get a new paint job you have come to the right region.

Take care driving out there today.

Until Tomorrow.

Stormy Weather

2010-04-07T16:30:00.000-07:00

The main reason we try so hard to maintain our great rapport with our customers is because the customer relationship truly is a cycle. Once you are our customer, we have to work just as hard to keep you coming back. Our supplier has forgotten this.

There is no marketing dollar to what a happy customer is worth.

As a business at no time can we just assume that you the customer will blindly do as we say. You do have the freedom and the choice to shop elsewhere.

Verls, as the customer, is experiencing issues. We know that sometimes these relationships have to end, and for us the end of a relationship might be in sight.

I just know that Verl will see the silver lining of this storm cloud...

Until Tomorrow.

Not Your Average Loan Shark

2010-04-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

Looking through our mail today we saw a business credit card application from American Express.

Now, we did have a tough month in February (which we are still recovering from) so for a moment it was tempting to fill in the application online. You know it is like the devil is tempting you – right on the front of the application it says “Apply online….. and you’ll receive a response in 60 seconds.” They make it so easy to dig yourself a deeper hole!

Well, you know that saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”, so we had to look very hard to find the interest rate charge. Wait for it. It took us 5 minutes to find it. Wait for it…… OK, we found it! 30%!!!!! Wow, I think Bruno the Loan Shark will break your legs at 25% - wonder what these guys would do????

We won’t find out here at Verl’s – the credit card application is now at the bottom of the shredder.

Until Tomorrow.

Priorities

2010-04-05T12:33:00.000-07:00

Today at the shop we thought we had the day all mapped out. But then, as usual, something happens to toss that right out the window!

Travelers always have to take priority because they are in trouble and need to be on their way. Having been in that predicament ourselves traveling in the US a few years ago, we can empathize with them.

Now, did we treat them any different than our regular clients? No, they receive the same treatment as the rest of you. Perhaps they will not get their vehicle washed, but that is just because they in a hurry to be on their way to their final destination.

For them, we are nothing but a pit stop!

Until Tomorrow.

Gorgeous Days

2010-04-04T13:57:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a difference a day makes when the wind doesn't blow (at least as much!)

People are smiling, outside playing with their kids and the easter toys that Easter Bunny dropped off to them. It is nice to see such a nice day. Believe it will make returning to work tomorrow that much easier to bear!

Best part of all? The grass is greening!

Until tomorrow.

Recognize Talent Where Ever You Find It

2010-04-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

We are fortunate in our family to have a talented daughter attending art school, a couple of aunts and uncles who are artists who paint as well.

We all have a special talent and if we are lucky enough, our talent is recognized by others. And if we are really lucky enough, we get to earn a living by our talent!

Ariel is setting up a facebook page to showcase her art, why not stop by and take a look!

Until Tomorrow.

Home for the Weekend

2010-04-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

Ariel is gracing us with her presence this weekend. What does this mean? Well the house is suddenly filled with art projects, hair supplies, clothes and makeup. Just what every girl needs for a 48 hour visit.

She will be home from her first year of art school before the end of April. So look forward to hearing her voice on the other end of the phone reminding you of your upcoming appointment and checking up on the work we performed.

Yes, our "call-girl" will soon be back.

Until Tomorrow.

New things learned

2010-04-01T17:51:00.001-07:00

So, after much trial and error we have managed to put our newsletter on line.

So for those of you who have requested an online version of the newsletter – this is for you! On the left side of the blog you will see a link for Fuel for Thought Newsletter. Double click that and you can bring it up in a new window. Double click it again and it should enlarge so you can read it! And the really cool thing is that by clicking your mouse at the edge of the page, the page will turn!

Maybe it is possible to teach old dogs new tricks! Maybe!

Thanks to client Holly Puskas for showing us the way to create this. We really appreciate any time a client can help us improve….

Little tip? You Tube can almost teach you how to do anything….

Until Tomorrow.

Some Days....

2010-03-31T13:39:00.000-07:00

There are days when it is really hard to see the sunshine, even when it is right outside the door.

Today is one of those days as a small business owner that you hate to go through. There are too many bills and too little income. This temporary shortfall is due the February that just passed where we experienced the worst month we have had in 5 years.

Since we have been in business since 1986, I know that we will fight our way out of this predicament as well, it is just a little disheartening to have to experience it at all.

However, will we let this affect the way we treat you? No, of course not! We will not recommend services that you don’t need and we will always follow our mission statement and never, ever proceed to complete work on your vehicle without your permission.

Tomorrow is another month and everything will begin to shine again.

Until Tomorrow.

Is Late Better Than Never?

2010-03-30T16:11:00.000-07:00

Of course late is better than never! But, and this is a big BUT! It is not good to be late when you have a brand new vehicle.

Today we had a brand new GMC truck in the shop for it's very first oil change. The reason it came into the shop was because the Oil Change Reminder Light was on. The manufacturer wants you to have your oil changes completed every 5000 km. By completing the oil changes on schedule your warranty is valid.

The mileage on the vehicle in the shop today? 12773. 7773 kms over the manufacturer's suggested maintenance schedule! Not Good.

So please - although your vehicle might have a light to remind you to change your oil, remember it is not always accurate and may cause you warranty issues in the future.

Just a little information for you new car owners out there!

Until Tomorrow.