Last Thursday, amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the VISION 2024 Conference, I had the privilege of leading an eight-hour class titled "Five Star Service Advisor." With 79 eager participants, the room buzzed with enthusiasm as we delved into the intricacies of service excellence in the automotive industry.
For over 30 years, VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo has been the premier automotive service event in the country, well-known across the industry as a top-notch automotive training event and networking spectacle. Thousands of talented automotive service professionals join together every year. In 2024 alone, VISION saw over 3,500 attendees.
Navigating through the challenges and opportunities of service advising, I was deeply gratified by the engagement and participation of the attendees. Their eagerness to learn and contribute made the session truly dynamic and rewarding.
As part of my commitment to supporting the event, I donated three of my bestselling books "Five Star Service Advisor" to the silent auction, contributing to the overall success of the gathering. All proceeds from the Silent Auction directly go to the Technicians of Tomorrow Education fund. I strongly believe in supporting initiatives that nurture the next generation of skilled professionals in the automotive industry. Education is the cornerstone of progress, and investing in the development of future technicians ensures a robust and sustainable workforce. By contributing to this cause, I aim to empower aspiring individuals and pave the way for a brighter future in automotive service and innovation.
Moreover, the opportunity to connect with attendees in person added a tangible dimension to the experience. Faces behind emails and voices over the phone came to life, fostering genuine connections and camaraderie.
One memorable moment captured in a photograph features me standing between two distinguished gentlemen - Travis Troy (left) and Jerry Holcom (right) are the co-chairs of the event. I vividly recall the camaraderie shared during that snapshot, symbolizing the collaborative spirit driving the success of the occasion. Beyond the frame, I spent hours volunteering with Jerry answering people’s questions and directing them to the right places. It was a privilege to work alongside him and listen to his wonderful stories. I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful endeavour.
I must extend a heartfelt appreciation to Sherri Hamilton for her exceptional organizational efforts. Her meticulous planning and attention to detail ensured a seamless experience for all involved.
Feedback from participants further affirmed the value of my session. Comments such as "Coralee was fantastic, very knowledgeable about all aspects of the service side of things" and "Great insight into bridging gaps with customers" underscored the impact of our discussions. The commitment to improving communication, understanding, and service delivery resonated deeply with attendees, reflecting a shared commitment to excellence in the automotive service industry.
One participant expressed intent to integrate the phonetic alphabet into their communication toolkit, while another highlighted the importance of finding common ground with customers beyond technical jargon. Such reflections reinforce the significance of continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
In conclusion, the VISION 2024 Conference served as a platform for learning, networking, and inspiration. It was a day marked by meaningful interactions, valuable insights, and a shared commitment to service excellence. As we carry forward the lessons learned and connections made, I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a dynamic and impactful event.
I can’t wait to join the excitement for 2025 and beyond, when VISION returns to Kansas City. In the meantime, if you're eager to become a five-star service advisor, click here to take the first step towards excellence. Let's continue this journey together!