When Vernie Menke used to wander out to his father's shop behind his childhood home, he knew he wanted to work in an automotive shop for the rest of his life. But when he walked into his first job at Paul Fischer Performance Shop in 1970, his views all changed. Yes, he still wanted to be in a shop, but this was different. The shop was pristine. It was spotless and organized ? just how Menke knew a good automotive repair shop should be run.

Gene Morrill might be one of the few shop owners in the country who encourages his technicians to log onto Yahoo! Messenger during work. But utilizing technology in a multitude of ways helped the shop land in second on the top 10 Motor Age Top Shops in 2009.

LAS VEGAS ? Few would argue there has been a lot of change in the last year in the automotive industry. But Ron Pyle, Automotive Service Association (ASA) president, says that there are glimmers of hope. There are glimmers of change, as well, as Pyle during his address during ASA?s annual press conference spoke briefly about changes that could be on the way. Following a survey of members during the last year, the association is taking stock and making sure its offerings truly represent what members need.

LAS VEGAS ? The topics that keep shop owners up at night and concerned about is not the same thing as what drew their attention a couple of years ago. But putting a group of owners together in one room during CARS might help a few owners sleep a little easier. A four-owner panel discussion turned into a sharing of ideas at ?What Are Owners Doing Differently Today that They Weren?t Doing 18 Months Ago?? during the Friday morning education session at CARS. Covering topics from operations to services, marketing and more, many attendees walked out with at least a couple of ideas on how to handle what they?re facing.

LAS VEGAS ? While the repair side of the industry continues to change, there are more ways it can reach across and help others in the aftermarket. It was a fitting message during the opening ceremony of the co-located NACE and CARS on Thursday morning.

LAS VEGAS ? There were some pretty happy phone calls between Las Vegas and Newburgh, Ind., Thursday afternoon. During the ASA awards luncheon Thursday at NACE and CARS, Motor Age honored Menke's Automotive Repair as the 2009 Top Shop. Owners Vernie and Barb Menke follow in the footsteps of 2008 winner Aaron Clements, of C&C Automotive in Augusta, Ga., as the winners of the fourth annual contest.

LAS VEGAS ? As the economy keeps changing, today?s shop owners need to make sure not only are they looking forward, but they have plans in place. From their people to their business methods, today?s shop owners need to be prepared to change with the changing times, says Larry Edwards, president of Edwards & Associates Consulting. It starts with you, who needs to be prepared to offer new products.

LAS VEGAS ? Vehicle connectivity is becoming more and more common, so you better be ready to prepare your customers for what?s coming down the pike and get them ready to be able to watch it live in their shops. Mike Blicher, business development director of automotive, commercial and military markets for Immersion Corp., says in fact, some people will be buying their vehicles based more on their connectivity than anything else.

With snow, ice, bitter cold, potholes and other winter delights soon upon us, the Tire Industry Association (TIA) notes that many drivers do not have the proper knowledge on how to care for their tires throughout the nasty-weather months.