"In August of 1994 I took over a struggling automotive repair shop and not very long afterward I found myself working 6-7 days a week and 16 hours a day. I knew how to fix cars but I needed to know how to run a business. I took one of Bob's classes and he told me you can't run a business with your head under a hood.

By 1999 I was burned out and ready to quit and go back to work for someone else, but before I did I joined a BLIG Group. Joining the Group was the best decision I made with my business, I gained the tools and direction that I had been missing. I also gained a board of directors and friends.

My business has grown and sales have doubled in that time from 500k to 1 million. I am currently looking at expanding to a second location and taking my family on a Caribbean cruise! So don't just think about it, do it."

— Jeff Rudolph
Anacortes Automotive
Anacortes, Washington

"I am now in my fourth year as a Member of a Bottom-Line Impact Group. My business was doing 'OK' prior to joining the Group, but I quickly learned my operation would be much improved by implementing the proven methods taught at BLIG. When I say improved, I am talking about not only more profits, but also more control of my business – which has ultimately resulted in more control of my life.

As shop owners we all tend to live and breathe through our businesses; the same can be said for the people at R. L. O'Connor. The coaching, programs and camaraderie with other shop owners working toward the same objectives have proven invaluable to me.

Today my business has grown both top and bottom lines, and we are considering expanding into other markets. This expansion would have possibly occurred without BLIG, but it would have been years down the road. If you want to grow your business into what you have always dreamed, join a Bottom-Line Impact Group."

— James Allen
Auto Pro To Call
Chapel Hill, North Carolina

"Any shop owner who has ever wondered why they are not as profitable as they should or could be, belongs in a Bottom-Line Impact Group. I have been a Member for over two years. Profits have never been higher and the member support is awesome!"

— Jim Piraino, AAM
2002 NAPA/ASE Tech of the Year
Camarillo Car Care Center
Camarillo, California

"...Being part of a Group has been a large part in helping us plan our business growth. The Group has shown me our weaknesses and how to make the needed changes. With your help as Facilitator and input from all Members, each one of us does not have to 'reinvent the wheel.' We can take information, experience and knowledge from one another to improve the way we run our businesses without making unnecessary mistakes."

— Tom Gaynor
Gaynor's Automotive
Vancouver, Washington

"I have been a Member of a Bottom-Line Impact Group since June of 2001. Before I joined a Bottom-Line Impact Group my business was moving along. We were making some money, but not real sure where it was coming from nor had we control over the consistency of earning it. We knew that the market was and has been changing over the past 10 years or so. I had made some progress but needed help with ideas and direction.

After joining my BLIG I experienced many firsts. The first one was having my luggage lost by the airline on the way to my first meeting. Now this is not a prerequisite to joining a Group but it was just the first of many things that I have come to enjoy about being a Bottom-Line Member.

Our marketing, managing, customer and employee relations have improved dramatically. I know where to look for problems in my business and how to resolve them better. I know what is a good number and to continue to do that which got them there. Two out of the last three years have been record setting for us, with last year being the best ever.

The best thing I like about being part of the BLIG is what I call the "Board of Directors." Both having one of my own and being part of 17 others. The mental horsepower that is in a Group is just tremendous. I like to go back to a phrase by Eleanor Roosevelt who said it best, "It is better to learn from the mistakes of others, because you will never live long enough to make them all yourself." Now at times it does feel like you might prove her wrong. But the experience and knowledge at your fingertips is just remarkable. From your Facilitator to the senior Members to the newest Members, it just never ends. We all have something to bring to the table.

You have a Group that will hold you accountable. They are looking at making you the most successful businessperson you can be. They will help you to no end, but their expectations are very high for you as well. If you do not follow through they will let you know how they feel. They will give you guidance to overcome the hurdles that may be in your way. They all speak from being great Members in the "Been there, Done that" club. If you are looking at what you can do to make your business the best it can be and in turn give back to the Group all of your vast knowledge and experience then I highly recommend your joining a BLIG.

Our future goals are to increase our sales by 25% and double our profit. These two items need a diligent action plan to reach them. Being a Member of BLIG I have learned the necessary tools to achieve these goals and will have the back up needed to get me over the rough times. I also want to be able to have more time to be with my family and enjoy them during this very special time in our lives.

All of the items I have spoken of here have been a direct result of what I have learned from my fellow Members in my BLIG, my Facilitator and RLO. My wife even agrees this is the best move I have made in the managing of our business. I cannot get a better compliment than that."

— David Shinkel
Jimmy's Broadway Automotive
Tucson, Arizona

"One of the great benefits of joining the Group is the help that other Members provide in creating and implementing systems that allow a little 'down time' away from the shop without the 'money machine' faltering. I have been a Member since July of 1997 and to this day, every meeting, every e-mail, every phone call to other Members and our Facilitator, helps me run a more efficient, profitable shop.

Since I have joined, I have witnessed 5 shops in our area close or sell out to mass merchandisers. The reason – no business plan, no marketing plan, no support group. We have experienced growth every year in gross profits and the past 2 years have made double digit jumps in gross sales.

When I started, marketing was run by the check book, when I had the dough, and the 'right sales person' entered the building, I wrote the check. Now my marketing plan includes an image, a strategy, target customers, a calendar, a budget, a tracking program, but most of all, Measurable Results!"

— Kent B. Tompkins
Olde Eight Automotive
Northfield, Ohio

"I have been a BLIG Member for several years. If you do not want to increase technician efficiency, utilize your facility, equipment and training to its best – do not join a BLIG Group. Especially if you do not want to increase profits and you do not care what the industry is doing outside your bay doors, do not join
a BLIG Group."

— Mike Davidson, AAM ASE
Parkway Automotive Service
Little Rock, Arkansas

"Bottom-Line Impact Groups has been on the cutting-edge of the economy. They also keep us abreast of what changes are happening in our industry. They look to the future and where my business will be in another five years. Thank goodness BLIG has helped me change my business model to keep us very profitable. I have been in business since 1985 and never had more fun running the business than I have in the last five years. Thanks RLO."

— Mark Sanderson, 2004 AAA Top Shop Award
Sanderson Auto Repair, Inc.
Albert Lea, Minnesota