Does the state of the economy affect the repair industry, or is it recession-proof?
We sort of trade within a range. In general, the economy has a slight impact, though we are not recession-proof. If the economy is great, we will not move all the way up with it, but if it’s terrible, we will not move all the way down with it. We do find the type of work changes. If the economy is strong, we see strong tire sales and maintenance things, like radiator flushes and air conditioning exchanges. When the economy goes bad, those things fall quickly and are replaced by repairs. It’s really a case of $1 from one area supplanting the other. The only way to move revenues up is market acquisition. We have to gain market share and take on more customers. How has the auto repair industry changed in your 13-plus year tenure as CEO? It’s changed dramatically. When you go out and talk to people in business, everyone is complaining about this problem or that problem. The reality is, it’s every industry. The big are getting bigger, and it’s difficult for the smaller guy. People-related c
