The first couple of years I attended the National Automobile Dealers Association's annual conference, I roamed the exhibit floor anonymously. I was new to the service and parts beat and didn't really know many people, so I could walk around freely.
This year in Dallas, my third NADA Show, was different. So many familiar faces now — either renewing relationships from last year or greeting friends I had only seen on my laptop screen in a Zoom square. I couldn't walk very far before seeing someone I knew.
It was exhilarating — and a bit exhausting. Not that I'm complaining.
Each encounter was a chance to ask how the service and parts business was — what they were optimistic about in 2023 and what they saw as possible challenges.
Most of the road bumps they talked about were those we've heard before — parts shortages, not enough technicians, a lack of good advisers, changing customer behavior and the rising cost of shop supplies.
As for the reasons for optimism, everyone just kind of shrugged and smiled. But that wasn't an indication they didn't have any hope. Quite the opposite.
What I've learned in my now three-plus years talking to people in the dealership service and parts business is that there is a resiliency and a quiet confidence they will overcome any obstacle. They have done it time and again, and they have no doubt they will weather any storm to come.
I look forward to chronicling each challenge and success in the coming year. And I hope you'll be there with me reading about it all in Automotive News.
