The AED Foundation’s Certified Manager Program (CMP) is an online certification program designed to prepare technicians and industry professionals for a career in a management position at a dealership. Those who are interested in the program can choose from several department-specific programs, including:
- Parts Management
- Branch Management
- Rental Management
- Service Management
- Sales Management
Within each program, there are department-specific courses and general courses taken for all certifications. These general courses focus on topics that all department managers deal with, such as finance, people management and sales.
Are you wondering if this program could be the next step you should take to level up your career goals? See what others who have completed the program have to say about the CMP! In this blog, we hear from the Director of Parts and Service at Marshall Machinery, Jon Hiller (JH), and Senior Service Advisor of Asphalt Care, Chris Fackler (CF). Check out their responses to common questions below!
What, if any, background do you have in the heavy equipment industry?
JH: I am new to the field. I have five years’ experience in Heavy equipment. However, I have 25 years’ experience in the Automotive industry. Twenty of those years in management.
CF: I have been surrounded by the heavy equipment industry my whole life. My father started this company when he was 18, so I have had the unique experience to watch it grow and learn more about it the older I got. It gave me a great appreciation for the industry and the people involved in it.
What motivated you to start the Foundation’s Certified Manager Programs (CMP)?
JH: I was looking to progress my new career in the Heavy equipment business. Already being a service manager, there was an opportunity to become the Parts and Service Director at my current dealership. This training helps me make the goal a reality As that is my new position at the dealership.
CF: AED has always been a tremendous resource for me in the ways of learning and networking. Once I found out about these courses, it was a no brainer. I was looking to continue my education as I grow into new roles within my Company.
What was the most enjoyable part of the program for you?
JH: I believe the ability to work at your own pace made it easy to complete AED’s training. I didn’t feel rushed to get the course done. Also that I could work at them from home. That feature was beneficial since my days are usually very busy at the dealership.
CF: The most enjoyable part of the program was the direct correlation to an equipment dealership. Every example and video were all directly related to what I was doing daily, where as a college course is more generic. I was able to put what I was learning to use right away.
How do you think your certification and knowledge gained from the program helps you in your career/ will help you move forward?
JH: I am living proof. I set a goal to obtain that position and look at me now. Your training helped me understand what I had no experience in, that being the ins and outs of the parts world.
CF: My certification has already helped me in my career as I have changed roles, and it is continuing to do so. I would have been limited in certain areas of our dealership if not for the knowledge and training these courses provided me. I am excited to have the opportunity to continue taking more of these courses moving forward.
What advice would you give to someone just starting or thinking about signing up for a CMP?
JH: My advice to someone would be to embrace the opportunity. You have to want it. If you devote the time to the course and focus on the material, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish.
CF: For those who are just starting CMP – take your time and work at a comfortable pace, don’t rush the process. If you work in a dealership, practice what you learn during and after each course section. This program has opened up doors for me, and I can confidently say it will do the same for others.