This year’s AAPEX is right around the corner – the stage is being set, the lights are in position and attendee rockstars like Ashley Butler, franchisor of Ice Cold Air Discount Auto Repair in Tampa, Florida, are ready to step up to the mic. In fact, those who were at the AAPEX Keynote Breakfast last year might remember Butler at the mic with the question to Magic Johnson that caught the eye of Vehicle Care Rockstars.
This year, Butler sat down to talk to about everything automotive aftermarket – from how she works the AAPEX Show floor to how she managers her shop floor in Florida. Here are the standout thoughts from Vehicle Care Rockstar’s conversation with Butler.
Ashley Butler emphasizes that the automotive aftermarket needs to evolve in how it presents itself to younger generations. She highlights the growing need for more tech-savvy workers, not just traditional mechanics.
“We need programmers; we need people who understand computer systems; people who are technology enthusiasts and come and create a very viable career in the automotive repair and service industry,” she noted.
Butler places a strong emphasis on mentorship and passing down knowledge to younger technicians. She believes that experienced technicians should be incentivized to share their skills without fear of replacement, stating, “They’re basically saying, ‘I’m teaching someone how to help me produce more with less of my body.'” Butler underscores the need for structured mentorship programs, which are crucial in addressing the technician shortage, a pressing issue in the industry.
Butler encourages shop owners to invest in education, not just for their technicians but also for themselves. She advises, “Don’t rest on your laurels. Don’t think that what you knew in the ‘80s and the ‘90s is going to suffice. Take yourself back to school,” she advised. Staying updated on the latest technologies and business practices to remain competitive is crucial in order to adapt to a changing industry.
Butler recognizes AAPEX as a valuable platform for acquiring current industry knowledge and the opportunity for meaningful networking.
“I wanted to make sure that we were grabbing the most accurate up-to-date knowledge,” she said. “A few of our vendors were present there, so we got a chance to meet some people who we hadn’t met in person and only through emails, maybe some Teams meetings. It was good to just shake some hands — it was awesome.”
Butler emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships within the business and the wider community. She actively supports initiatives that promote both technical education and soft skills, helping employees and franchisees grow not only as technicians but also as individuals. Her goal of co-creating “the most blue-collar millionaires in Ice Cold Air’s history” highlights her focus on long-term personal and professional development.