EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S
MESSAGE
Save your seat! BY JORDAN HENDLER
OVERCOMING “VIRTUAL BARRIERS” There’s probably been a few times in the past year when you wished FaceTime or Zoom didn’t exist and you could look someone in the eye or even take them by the hand and show them exactly what you mean – or what the car needs. Our industry is very personal and hands-on, and taking away the personal aspects is a huge pivot. Since the start of the pandemic, virtual barriers have been brought forward to us by members and non-members alike. It’s a bucket of issues relating to the lack of in-person or face-to-face conversations about repairs, a hodgepodge of problems with virtual adjusting and the creation of extensive delays for the customers. Our upcoming May 20 meeting at Topgolf in Ashburn, VA (see more on page 12) will be just the place to talk about all the transgressions or transitions that you’ve been facing. Our panel of Board members will have candid back-and-forth on what their experiences have been through the last year and what they foresee moving forward. Several of our Board members recently talked about how they want to share these experiences in a way that doesn’t just identify problems; they also want to talk about the solutions they know of or would like to see to move forward. Complaining for the sake of complaining gets us nothing, but sharing these “woes” in a constructive way will bring forward potential change. WMABA meetings are known for giving our community a place to safely air opinions. We keep it professional and
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May 2021
on track while looking forward positively. If you’re feeling all doom and gloom, this is definitely a way to get back that confidence. Being given a sense of who you can talk with or run ideas by is what our association is all about. This isn’t a clinical, passive group; this is a collective of movers and shakers. Our area is truly amazing, and each repairer should take advantage of this rich history alongside our future-facing personalities. I strongly encourage you to get your seat, have some vittles and, if you want, stay after to play some golf, too! It will be the frank conversation you’ve been craving, and I promise it will not disappoint! Head to wmaba.com for information and registration! H&D
Jordan Hendler
(804) 789-9649 jordanhendler@wmaba.com
Check the WMABA website and newsletters for regular updates and reports from the Executive Director’s perspective.
