October 17, 2014
Wayne Golosov
Filed Under:
Events, Culture

Fix Auto 12th Annual Conference

By Wayne Golosov

FinishMaster was thrilled to join more than 250 Fix Auto corporate staff and business owners in Carlsbad, California as they stepped away from their daily routines to take part in the 12th annual Fix Auto Conference.  This annual event was filled with though-provoking content, shared through motivational presentations and breakout sessions.

During his opening remarks, Paul Gange, President of Fix Auto USA, talked about success and finding purpose, explaining “we all work tirelessly every day to forge our paths to success.  Whatever measures you use, we believe we are all in search of happiness.  It may just be that happiness is found when we realize our higher purpose in life.”

Paul’s opening remarks setup a theme that extended throughout the conference. The Fix organization provides independently-owned collision repairers with an extensive suite of resources designed to maximize performance and position franchise and partner locations for long term achievement. 

A Higher Purpose

Ray Zahab, an Ultra Marathoner who ran across the Sahara, Robert O’Neill, a retired Navy Seal who was part of the CPT Philips rescue, and Dave Caulfield, a Fix Franchise owner, were the featured speakers who inspired the audience to be part of something bigger than yourself.
Ray shared his many experiences in life as an adventurer and volunteer.  Passionately he commented, “along life’s journeys some of the largest barriers to success are the ones we put upon ourselves.”  Ray explained, by breaking these down barriers, he has learned we are all capable of achieving truly extraordinary things. 

In Robert O’Neill’s line of work, instant, critical decision-making is an absolute necessity for success.  Robert described what it took to become a SEAL Team 6 member and many of the missions he participated in. O’Neill translated these experiences to actionable insights for business organizations and believes, “stress is self-induced,” and his mantra is, “never quit.”  

Dave Caulfield has been a cornerstone Fix owner who uniquely described his repair process methodology.  As a thinker, and napkin note taker, Dave analyzes businesses that excel in “customer happiness,” and implemented his findings in all segments of his operation with the goal of creating a model of happiness for his customers, employees, and himself.

Relationships

Leaving the conference, everyone we talked with was inspired to find their own higher purpose, be it in life and daily routines or in the office.  Taking a step back and thinking about breaking down barriers, overcoming obstacles, and inspiring happiness is something all of our FinishMaster team members promised they would try to do in their day to day activities.

During his opening address, Paul Gange noted “FinishMaster is a strategic partner,” and thanked the FM team for our support and efforts. We have forged strong relationships with Fix Auto and will continue to grow with a higher purpose together. If you would like to learn more about the organization, please visit their website at www.fixauto.com or contact Wayne Golosov.