We're excited to share the highlights from our recent 9th Annual Mastering the Difference Conference (MTD) held in the vibrant city of Houston, home of our headquarters. Each year, this event brings together incredible automotive technicians and service team members from franchise locations across the country, providing time for learning, networking and celebrating the remarkable work taking place each day at CBA locations from coast to coast.
The MTD conference is more than just a gathering; it's a testament to our commitment to excellence in the automotive industry and the value we place on community and camaraderie. Our CEO Donnie Carr summed it up perfectly when he said, "When we invest in our team, we’re investing in the success of our brand and the satisfaction of our guests."
This year, we had the privilege of hosting some incredible keynote speakers. David Salyers, a marketing pioneer known for his work with Chick-fil-A, shared his wisdom with us and reminded our team members about the significance of perspective. We were also fortunate to have inspiring women in the automotive industry share their insights with us. Bogi Lateiner, a Master Technician and the host of the MotorTrend TV show All Girls Garage, delivered a passionate speech about changing the way women experience the industry as professionals and patrons. Lauren Strang, Director of Learning and Development for Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation, spent the conference teaching Service Writers and Managers the importance of effective employee onboarding in creating a world-class culture. Furthermore, Pastor Jason Robinson of the Church of the King added a unique perspective, emphasizing to us the importance of faith and community in all that we do.
One of the high points of the conference was our community service project, "Feed the Hunger." This initiative is close to our hearts as it aims to provide immediate nutritional resources to vulnerable children and invest in their long-term success through education and spiritual growth. During the event, attendees came together to package over 75,600 meals for children in need around the world. It's moments like these that remind us of the impact we can make when we work together and truly underscore the real mission of our organization.
At MTD, we also had the honor of presenting the coveted Lighthouse award to Megan Roan, the Business Development Officer for Christian Brothers Automotive locations in North Richland Hills and Weatherford, Texas. This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Megan was the 2023 recipient for her outstanding work with the nonprofit Unfaulted and her contributions to National Service Day each year. We're incredibly proud of her and the positive difference she's making not just in her shops but in her community.
We also want to shine a spotlight on William Link, one of the dedicated technicians at Christian Brothers Automotive in Virginia Beach. William achieved the prestigious Auto Care Association (ASE) World Class Technician Certification. This certification is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence in the automotive service field. Out of the 250,000 ASE-certified technicians in the United States, only 2,000 have achieved this status since 1986, with fewer than 50 attaining it annually.
As we reflect on the Mastering the Difference Conference, we're filled with gratitude and pride for the amazing teams working at franchise locations across our brand and the incredible dedication they bring to CBA. Next year’s conference in San Antonio will be just as invigorating and we can’t wait to reconnect with all the wonderful individuals that make up the CBA family.
The MTD conference is just one instance of how we develop our brand and team members at locations across the country. Likewise, the conference demonstrates the support we provide Franchisees and their team members.
Interested in learning more about the CBA Nice Difference and our franchise opportunities? Explore our website to learn more and if you’d like to take the next step, fill out our inquiry form and a member of our development team will be in touch.
