Old Interview - Last years franchise show

Our thoughts on the aftermarket auto service industry

Why? ……

(FAQ’s)

The most common question we get asked as a corporation is why do we stay in primarily the “fun side” of the aftermarket auto service industry?

Why? 

Because its one of the few un-molested industries that is built around grass roots innovation (branding and R&D), and industry where in if you want to be successful you MUST first let Passion rule the day. Those who don’t follow this generally last 12 months at most in the industry. Anything passion driven is a unique aspect to any economical system and must be cultivated so that the whole of the economy can revel in the ancillary benefits of that passion (new break throughs and technologies, trendy branding, etc). 

Any plans to bridge into normal  Automotive Service? and if so why?

Yes we are introducing a new concept soon which is centred around standard automotive service, lube, glass chip repair and towing accessories. We want to see a return to “old fashioned’” garage style outlets where people actually know their mechanics and technicians and get to understand what is going on with their vehicle from diagnosis to repair. We feel in a “viral information era” a grass roots based chain could do very well. 

Why do you think the Northside Autosports (tm) brand of stores has expanded so rapidly?

That’s actually not true in the slightest, this is our 10th year as a brand and before we were a concept developing, training, marketing, supply, etc company we just ran Northside Autosports (tm) locations. Its where we started and the growth you are seeing now is the product of 8-9 years of build up interest in expansion, we are now just merely “letting the dam open”. But we regulate growth and are centralizing all our support functions as a chain to facilitate this growth by opening “head office - training centres” in key markets across Canada. 

What is the next step for Northside Alliance Group as a whole?

Targeted expansion in key markets across Canada (some as a beachheads to an otherwise ripe for provincial expansion market and some as stand alone stores) with primarily the Northside Autosports brand, growth through capital re-structuring and acquisitions with our affiliate company; Northside Automotive Group Corp, expansion of our brand family through the introduction of our new service concept and lastly constant review, refinement, and improvements with our core company infrastructure to facilitate all of the above. 

Any International markets?

We have (and are still in the process of) doing complex reviews on foreign expansion. The markets we will target in the future might surprise some people but will only become implemented plans after our supply affiliate company reaches a certain level in its development. We are of course given our experience there giving consideration to certain areas in the US but nothing has been given a green light as of yet. 

Business Ethics

Business Ethics..... an Oxymoron? Does it come naturally or is it something that you must educate people on? Can it be taught or are we born with a good ethical compass in how we conduct business?

Should it be "all about the money"? 


I recently had a long talk with a number of our franchise partners on the subject and here is my thoughts after all this dialogue 

.....
Wikipedia defines Business Ethics as such; 
 


Business ethics (also corporate ethics) is a form of applied ethics or professional ethics that examines ethical principles and moral or ethical problems that arise in a business environment. It applies to all aspects of business conduct and is relevant to the conduct of individuals and entire organizations.
 Business ethics has both normative and descriptive dimensions. As a corporate practice and a career specialization, 
the field is primarily normative. Academics attempting to understand business behavior employ descriptive methods. 
concerns. Interest in business ethics accelerated dramatically during the 1980s and 1990s, both within major corporations and within academia. For example, today most major corporations promote their commitment to non-economic values under headings such as ethics codes and social responsibility charters. Adam Smith said, "People of the same trade seldom meet together, even for merriment and diversion, but the conversation ends in a conspiracy against the public, or in some contrivance to raise prices."[1] Governments use laws and regulations to point business behavior in what they perceive to be beneficial directions. Ethics implicitly regulates areas and details of behavior that lie beyond governmental control.[2] The emergence of large corporations with limited relationships and sensitivity to the communities in which they operate accelerated the development of formal ethics regimes.[3] The range and quantity of business ethical issues reflects the interaction of profit-maximizing behavior with non-economical means.

We generally define business ethics along the same lines (being charitable in ones community is a pre-requisite to becoming a franchise partner in our system, having a social conscience, being true to yourself through all forms of Media and self or business descriptive dialogue of any kind are all things we rate franchisees on above and beyond their ability to manage a location effectively). 


But we feel there needs to be a set of virtues one always strives to have above and beyond this simple outline. If one uses the pursuit of and understanding of the importance of these virtues in business one would in theory will always conduct themselves in an ethical manner. Our main virtues we try to empower Franchisees with are; Perseverance (being steadfast in ones operations and its development, in spite of obstacle and challenges), Patience with all people (being a complex industry, if one is not patient with suppliers, customers, and employees we are lost before we even begin), Understanding of Structure (Structure and sales being the twin pillars of our company, one of these rarely has any importance without a good understanding of the other), Integrity (being honest and consistent with ones actions and values. This industry being so fast paced its easy to trade ones integrity in exchange for the "fast buck" but does not give any partner any longevity in their local territory), Measured (In business "what is not weighed is not measured". On that basis those who are constantly analyzing their sales, performance, operational standards, etc are the ONLY ones improving all of the above), Courtesy (regardless of what anyone tells you about the aftermarket automotive industry being cutting edge in its innovations its still a grass roots oriented industry that is built entirely around relationships. If any relationship does not start from a place of courtesy, respect, manners and proper treatment its really not going to end well, if it even starts. "Those who want respect, give respect" -- Period), Financial Acumen (Action and foresight of the capital structure and needed in flow and out flow to maintain facility/business operational standards. Regardless of the fact our industry is built around passion and monetary gain is more a by-product of that passion rather then the driving force, all businesses need to know their cash-flow requirements at all times. Without having a good Financial Acumen, the business will put itself under un-necessary pressure and negative and poor customer service relations could surface because of this negative Environment). And last but not least --- the Pursuit Of Knowledge (this industry has an immeasurable about of innovations rushing into it at all times, if one is not always pursuing more and more knowledge of the same they are not growing and in this industry more so then any other if you are not growing....your shrinking. Shrinking results in loses, loses results in a negative environment and a negative environment results in poor customer relations and a downward spiral of all business operations).

In a nutshell what does business ethics mean to me? Well that is most easily explained in the most rudimentary of cliche lines, "treat others how you want to be treated yourself".

But I think the inclination towards a high moral fibre is in us all, but living by a code or in the pursuit of certain virtues allows for that potential to be refined into a well rounded business person who is focused on building "his village" then being content with the fruits of those labours all without creating negative karma. 


Again treat everyone how you want to be treated yourself. The laws of cause and effect are a constant in any aspect of our life, so why not do our best to live by a code (especially in business), express these (and others) virtues or any other device needed to guide us to act in an ethical manner. Its only in everyone’s best interest and conducting yourself in a good manner, will have a direct impact on your economic prosperity.

St Patricks Day Show N Shine - Northside Autosports Mississauga - March 18th

St Patricks Day Show N Shine @ Northside Autosports Mississauga (777 Dundas Street West) 

www.northside-mississauga.com

Well this day turned out great even if it didn't start out that way, most if not all of the team were still working in slow motion from the night before. It was a heck of a gamble scheduling this when we did, the day after St Patty's day and in March no less. Really could have been waist high snow as likely as it was what it was at 20c and just gorgeous out. Let's face it Canada in March can be sunny and it can be snowy, our Mississauga franchise owner played the long odds and won out big. 

Not only was the event attended by over 150 people, with over 40 show cars on site, Got ASS models everywhere, live DJ and tons of give aways but 90% of the team from all the Ontario stores (GTA anyways) came out and stayed all day. You could call it something corny, like a "team building" event but really it was just a whole lot of fun. 

But alas it was not all fun in the sun, because of my self inflicted stupor from the night before I did not check my camera before shooting and left it with the exposure turned way out of whack....long story short 90% of my pics didn't turn out. Thank god Julie picked up on this and we put it on auto (no way I was setting up any shots with perfect sun) so below are some decent pics and we will try and post more of the actual show car alley shots on our Facebook page. 

But the highlights of the day were definitely seeing a gen 1 Supra (done cleanly), several show worth 300c's, 3-4 fair lady 350/370's, lots of slammed VIP rides, a handful of clean '11 Camaros, '10 Spyder (pearl white), a few IS300s, stealth black EVO (complete with CF trim), and a bunch more rides. 

*We will try to post up a more complete photographic summary of the days cars on the companies Facebook page. 

As well I can't say enough about the gorgeous Got Ass models, its one thing to be provocative models, quite another to have those "assets" and still be charming & articulate ladies. They assimilated well into the family environment and made everyone who under normal circumstances would have been uncomfortable with their poses and attire very comfortable. Dancing with the children and playing with our affiliates dogs (wouldn't be a Northside event without a few dogs!)

Either way we must say congratulations to the Tay family, Ken - Matt and family pulled off a huge Win on this one. More then that they started the show - event (outdoor meets) for the team this season, which is one of the most important years to date...our 10th year anniversary! 

Please come by and visit Ken's shop (777 Dundas Street West) to find out why this team is doing so well! 

Click Here For SHOP CONTACT DETAILS.

Interview with Graham - (buy that franchise blog and Northside Autosports)

Originally Published on the "buy that franchise" blog website on January 5th, 2012.

Business Background - 

Graham R Ovenden started Northside Autosports ™ in 2000 while in high school. In 2002 Graham and team opened the first outlet in Halton Hills, Ontario. Northside Autosports ™ is now a nation wide chain of automotive aftermarket sales and service facilities. Since that time he has completed a plethora of technical courses in automotive services, studies as a para-legal, ethics, automotive dealer (dealer principle/distributor) and served on the board of directors of multiple companies. Graham is also the Chairman of Northside Alliance Group, Northside Automotive Group Corp and the President of Titan Motorcycle Co ®.

BuyThatFranchise.ca: What’s the story behind Northside Autosports?

Graham Ovenden: When I was very young I wrote a business plan for a garage I would own when I was older with my Grandfather and Father called the Northside Garage. When I was 18 and decided to open my first location, I pondered long and hard what the brand name should be, and it felt right.

BTF: What made you decide to franchise?

GO: Long before we as a team even understood the importance and value in helping people start their own business, we received many application for franchises. When the time came to grow again, we decided the only way to do so properly was to align ourselves with people who wanted to invest in their selves while still being a part of a larger family-brand. Franchising was determined as the best growth model for the concept for this reason and because of the long built up demand for this offering.

BTF: Tell us a little about the automotive Market?

GO: Our industry is unique in that although there are many large corporations involved it is still based on a solid foundation of grass roots & humble business practices & people. As a counter point the products and services that flow through this industry are always on the cutting edge of products and service offerings and we see innovations “bear fruit” on an hourly basis which makes it an ever (and rapidly) evolving organism in its own right.

BTF: What have some of the challenges been in growing your franchise?

GO: Truthfully the hardest thing is always the marrying of the concept – operator and location.

BTF: Who has been your greatest inspiration?

GO: My family for their uncanny perseverance regardless of circumstances, my wife for her amazing patience, and my grandfather for his amazing foresight and calm natured leadership abilities.

BTF: What are some of the advantages in being a Northside Autosports franchisee?

GO: The obvious reasons would be effective sales and marketing support programs, aggressive branding, huge supplier relationships (over 60 distribution companies), etc. But I think the more important virtue someone should consider with our chain and why we are considered the “fastest growing aftermarket auto chain in Canada” is our philosophy of nurturing a family environment, which promotes success within its family through a competitive environment.

BTF: What “Gadgets” (Blackberry, Iphone, Ipod, etc) can’t you live without?

GO: I think I would be useless without my mac book.

BTF: What do you do in your spare time?

GO: Write, see movies, read comics, work on my cars, spend time with my family & bulldog, and always seem to end up building something for someone.

BTF: What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Franchise?

GO: Always follow your passion. No matter how much you think you can make with any concept it is all a moot point if you do not love what you are doing.

BTF: In your opinion, why do you think that Northside Autosports would be a great opportunity for someone?

GO: If you love cars we are the most progressive concept you will find and our platform allows our concept to grow with new innovations in the automotive manufacturing field without limitations. Where as most if not all of our competitor’s long term could end up being obsolete as new technologies and platforms in vehicle technologies are introduced. Plus and this is probably the hard truth on why we get so many applications for our concept…..its a VERY enjoyable industry to work in.

Our thoughts on the aftermarket auto service industry

Why? ……

(FAQ’s)

The most common question we get asked as a corporation is why do we stay in primarily the “fun side” of the aftermarket auto service industry?

Why? 

Because its one of the few un-molested industries that is built around grass roots innovation (branding and R&D), and industry where in if you want to be successful you MUST first let Passion rule the day. Those who don’t follow this generally last 12 months at most in the industry. Anything passion driven is a unique aspect to any economical system and must be cultivated so that the whole of the economy can revel in the ancillary benefits of that passion (new break throughs and technologies, trendy branding, etc). 

Any plans to bridge into normal  Automotive Service? and if so why?

Yes we are introducing a new concept soon which is centred around standard automotive service, lube, glass chip repair and towing accessories. We want to see a return to “old fashioned’” garage style outlets where people actually know their mechanics and technicians and get to understand what is going on with their vehicle from diagnosis to repair. We feel in a “viral information era” a grass roots based chain could do very well. 

Why do you think the Northside Autosports (tm) brand of stores has expanded so rapidly?

That’s actually not true in the slightest, this is our 10th year as a brand and before we were a concept developing, training, marketing, supply, etc company we just ran Northside Autosports (tm) locations. Its where we started and the growth you are seeing now is the product of 8-9 years of build up interest in expansion, we are now just merely “letting the dam open”. But we regulate growth and are centralizing all our support functions as a chain to facilitate this growth by opening “head office - training centres” in key markets across Canada. 

What is the next step for Northside Alliance Group as a whole?

Targeted expansion in key markets across Canada (some as a beachheads to an otherwise ripe for provincial expansion market and some as stand alone stores), growth through capital re-structuring and acquisitions with our affiliate company; Northside Automotive Group Corp, expansion of our brand family through the introduction of our new service concept and lastly constant review, refinement, and improvements with our core company infrastructure to facilitate all of the above. 

Any International markets?

We have (and are still in the process of) doing complex reviews on foreign expansion. The markets we will target in the future might surprise some people but will only become implemented plans after our supply affiliate company reaches a certain level in its development. We are of course given our experience there giving consideration to certain areas in the US but nothing has been given a green light as of yet. 

Muscle-Classic Car Logo

Street Team - Audio Team Logo 

Japanese - Import Team Logo 

What is Northside Autosports? A corporation? A group of friends? A car club? A family? A place for "outside the box" entrepreneurs to apply their craft? Canada's largest chain of its kind? 

Answer; in short all of the above. 

But too really understand our FAMILY and what is has become it's important to understand where it started. We started building up the business plan in high school, we started building up cash reserves in O.A.C. and we opened our first location in Graham's home town in 2002 (after 2 years of part time operations). There was never really any debate what we all wanted too do, it was our passion. 

This first location opened and quickly expanded to include clients from towns and cities around Georgetown including Guelph, Brampton and Milton. It turned into the largest speed shop operation in the west GTA (independent shop) within the first 2 years. By 2004 the concept had evolved from your standard "speed shop" to include; Tires, Wheels, Exhaust (custom & repair), Service & Installations, Detailing, Polishing, Audio & Security and Vehicle wraps. 

Saying the first shop just opened and was successful without its hardships is pretty much the understatement of the century. Yes the shop was busy from day 1 and yes we started refining and developing a otherwise under developed industry and yes sales were high but we weren't without our trials and tribulations. We had 3 different managers defraud us out of a combined eighty thousand dollars, inside of 3 years, a business partner with an affiliated audio shop scammed us out of lots of capital, and many more stories (one day I am sure one of us will write a book about it all). But through it all thick and thin for 10 years now we have stuck to the business plan, have always constantly been growing and learning, stuck to the branding platform and most importantly stuck to what we feel is the true secret to our success; expanding everything based on a core group of family values. 

In 2009 we accepted over 200 applications for new stores and by 2010 things expanded from there too 100+ applications for new stores per month at the same time our system grew to include over 60 large-scale wholesale/suppliers. The team does take its time to evaluate everything it can with all applications including but not limited too; market evaluation, capital structure & owner aptitude and does not accept every applicant,  but is eager to expand its family even further in 2012. By the end of 2011 there were 7 stores across Canada and another 10 set to open in 2012. 

For franchising inquiries please click on this link;  http://www.betheboss.ca/Northside-Autosports-Franchise.cfm