In the first Cooling Journal issue of 2022, we visit Empire Radiator Service based in New York. Read about how the company has grown over the years and their plans for the new year. Plus, read about the new goals and lessons learned from NARSA/IDEA's Board of Directors.
Category: The Cooling Journal
Turbos, EGRs & Charge Air Coolers: How Do They Affect DPFs?
By being able to speak intelligently about the diesel exhaust system, your people can be a resource for your customers. In some businesses, the technician cleaning the diesel particulate filters is one of the least experienced people in your shop. To help them better understand the process, let’s do a simple review of how the diesel engine operates and the components that control and or create the exhaust. Understanding that the diesel particulate filter is just a trash can and only catches what comes down the exhaust pipe is the first step in understanding the process.
Rocky Mount Radiator Connects with High School Students
Students in North Carolina recently got to learn more about the cooling systems industry thanks to Rocky Mount Radiator & A/C. NARSA/IDEA member Chuck Braswell is on the Board of CITI High School, which stands for Center for Industry, Technology, and Innovation, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. There is a public school initiative that helps prepare young adults for entering the workforce. According to the administration, CITI students earn stackable certificates in a variety of pathways with the hopes of completing an Associate's degree. Among the tracts they can pursue include automotive and industrial courses.
2021: Year in Review
This is the final magazine of 2021, and it is appropriate to recap the past year and give account of where we have been, what we have learned and where we are going. It is also necessary to thank all who have played a part in moving this association forward. Almost everyone has heard or said, “When you are given lemons, make lemonade” or another favorite “When you get thrown off that horse, get back on it” and finally “You can’t change the hand you have been dealt, just the way you play them.” All of these adages are relevant to the general atmosphere of doing business in 2021.
How NARSA/IDEA Connects Fathers & Sons
Our President Bobby Duran recently had the privilege of hosting two NARSA/IDEA members at his plant in Puerto Rico. They spent the day touring the plant. Read more about how their friendships have grown thanks to their fathers and through NARSA/IDEA.
November/December 2021 Cooling Journal
Christmas has come early! The final Cooling Journal issue of 2021 features Mike's Radiators of Zimbabwe. Read all about the company's history and the challenges of doing business in Africa. Plus, we learn about a high school program that connected students with a NARSA member. Could these be our future radiator technicians? You won't want to miss this issue!
Technician Shortage is a Priority
The skilled blue collar worker shortage is not new, but it should be a very large concern for any service business who wants to stay relevant for the future. Baby Boomers are retiring at a fast pace and leaving a void of qualified technicians/craftsmen in every occupation. Many baby boomers who worked in the trades for the last four decades have persuaded their children to pursue college degrees to have a perceived better career fulfillment, better pay, better working conditions, and cleaner working environments.
The Kids Are Still Alright
At a meeting a few months ago with my management team, I asked why they thought we were having trouble finding people to fill our production positions. I constantly heard about the unemployment benefits being the main reason. While everyone had various reasons for staying home, I realized that those that did want to work and were actively seeking employment were the types of employees who did not feel content to stay home and felt motivated to work. They were not thinking about the short-term gain but longer-term opportunities. This is precisely the type of people we want at our company.
September/October 2021 Cooling Journal
This might be our most jam-packed issue yet! We learn more about Scotland-based G & M Radiator in this latest The Cooling Journal. Read all about the company's history plus some exciting news about the future. We also have several technical articles including why engine oils are crucial to the diesel emissions industry and the most common mistakes involving coolant.
Weathering the Pandemic Together
NARSA/IDEA has weathered the COVID storm with you, which since the founding of NARSA in 1954 has probably been the most serious threat to the viability of your association. The Board of Directors had the foresight to plan for an economic atmosphere where we could sustain a financial downturn. I am proud to report the membership in your association is the same as it was at the end of last year. Through all of the hardships and uncertain times our members have chosen to support their association. We have lost some members, but have had new members take their place. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to be part of the custodial effort in ensuring the future of NARSA/IDEA.