Frank Palange from V & F Auto Service in Agawam, MA, and his dad Vinny bought an acre parcel in 1988. They built their shop and today this thriving enterprise includes repair, auto sales and auto parts.

Frank is a ‘tell it like it is’ guy (he is proud to say that is who he is).  He has built his success on the principles of honesty and integrity and by putting yourself in the customer’s shoes. He shared his start-up roots; Frank studied his competition and decided to emulate what they did good.

Palange has built a great family business with his wife and daughter. His dad still frequents the business. The shop has been recognized by ATI with an net earning margin of 25%.

His daughter Nicole is involved the business and works with the staff and with bringing new technology, like digital vehicle inspections to the work flow. She participates in management and leadership training from ATI and the company has been recognized by ATI for several awards including Humanitarian of the Year, the Top Shop and has been in the ATI top twelve. Frank was also recognized as a Ratchet & Wrench All-Star Awards as Executive of the Year in 2014.

Why Listen:

Get his opinion of 20 groups and the benefits that can be attained through networking.

Understand Frank’s take on training today and how his team gets real world hands-on training

Hear Franks passion for involvement in a trade school and what the industry needs to do to get the word out about our great industry (as was conveyed in the opening sound bite of the episode).

Frank has embraced interns and is proud to say he has long term technicians that came from this program.

V & F has made many upgrades over the years like:

• Adding five more bays in 2001
• Purchasing land to open V & F Auto Sales in 2002
• Adding more bays in 2008
• Opened a brand new Carquest Auto Parts store and expanded the auto sales lot in 2013.

His business always has a ‘Customer First’ culture and he credits this strategy for their ongoing success. V & F is also very involved in their community with many philanthropic programs.

V & F Auto website here.

This episode is brought to you by Federal-Mogul Motorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake, Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust.  For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at fmmotorparts.com  and fmgaragegurus.com