Diesel Connect

DIESEL CONNECT AGENDA

Monday, May 6, 2024

1 - 1:15 PM Day 1 Opening Remarks: Kick off Diesel Connect with an overview of what to expect, learn about the sessions and activities, and get ready for a great couple of days!

1:15 - 2:15 PM Leadership and Accountability When It Matters: The privilege and burden of leadership comes with a level of accountability that many aspire to emulate, and anyone can rise up to and achieve. Using a devastating suicide terrorist attack as a backdrop, Commander Kirk Lippold conveys how the principle of integrity created a diverse and inclusive environment for leadership where his crew felt imbued with a sense of ownership, seizing the opportunity to be responsible for their ship and not just their jobs. Their own sense of personal accountability and leadership proved to be a guiding principle in the crucible of combat. Lippold shares why his "Five Pillars of Leadership" are must-have business tenets for any team.

2:30 - 3:30 PM How to Recruit More Technicians Without Breaking the Bank: Hiring and retaining diesel technicians continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing the heavy-duty industry. Improving your technician recruitment strategy can seem overwhelming, time-consuming, and expensive. However, we’re here to tell you—it doesn’t have to be. We’ve also done the research to find out what diesel technicians want, and we’ve worked with thousands of shops across the country to help them find qualified technicians. We know what works, what doesn’t, and we want to share it with you.

In this presentation, we will discuss:
- Data & research around what diesel technicians are looking for in an employer and where shops are falling short
- Recruiting trends we’re seeing that actually work to attract qualified diesel technicians
- Quick, actionable ways to improve your technician recruiting strategy today

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn simple tweaks you can make to your recruiting process—enabling you to secure the best diesel technicians for your business.

3:45 - 4:45 PM The Biggest Challenge No One Is Talking About? Getting Paid: Join us for an open and interactive discussion of the challenges and best practices of successful diesel repair shops when it comes to credit and cash flow. A shop that has the best technicians, tools, and service training may still have a big challenge: Getting paid!

4:45 - 5:00 PM Day 1 Closing Remarks: Wrap up the first half day with some details on the evening's reception and reminders about tomorrow's agenda.

6 - 9 PM Arrive & Drive Welcome Reception @ Topgolf: Enjoy BBQ bites and drinks on the patio, and swing for the fences (literally) with an entire floor of golf bays reserved just for us. Start your networking off right, have some fun, and maybe even win a prize or two by winning one of our golf challenges!

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

8 - 9 AM Networking Breakfast: You're going to need to fuel up with a hearty breakfast. Grab a plate and chat with your fellow attendees before the day gets rolling!

9 - 9:15 AM Day 2 Opening Remarks: We hope you're ready for a full day of sessions, networking, and fun. Kick things off with some housekeeping before welcoming our next keynote speaker.

9:15 - 10:15 AM Economic & Freight Update: Join Lindsay Bur, Sr. Economic Analyst, American Trucking Associations, as she examines macroeconomic trends through the lens of truck transportation. A look into how economic drivers in combination with industry trends shape the current and future freight environment.

10:30 - 11:30 AM Heavy-Duty Parts Report: 2024 Edition: How is the parts industry faring? In this session, Jamie Irvine of The Heavy Duty Parts Report and Heavy Duty Consulting takes us on a deep dive into the world of parts. You’ll learn what manufacturers think of repair shops, as well as what’s happening in the parts realm that impacts how fast you can get a part on any given day. Shop owners that want to get into the parts industry will learn a lot, but so will those who just want to know what sourcing parts is going to look like in the next months and years.

11:45 AM - 1 PM Networking Lunch: Hankering to talk shop with your peers? Or is that just your stomach growling? Either way, grab some food and find a spot to sit. You'll find tables have different signs with a variety of topics so you can choose the one you'd like to discuss with your fellow attendees while enjoying lunch.

12 - 1 PM Diesel Data: Marketing Metrics To Drive Shop Success: Marketing is an increasingly critical part of any growth program—but where do you begin? How do you improve on efforts that are already going well? In this session, Dieselmatic’s Managing Director Nick Adams will share the latest marketing data, along with how to act on that data. When Nick wraps up, you’ll be all set to implement new SEO, social media, and email marketing strategies—and much, much more.

1 - 2 PM Fullbay Deep Dive: Unlocking the True Power of Counter Sales: Counter sales are a great feature for any shop in the parts resale game—but did you know it can do so much more than that? In this deep dive, our very own Chris O’Brien will show you why counter sales are more than just parts sales. He’ll also walk you through the features that make counter sales a snap, including tying counter sales to units, printing packing slips, privacy functions, and more. Don’t miss this one!

1 - 2 PM Accepting Payments in the Shop: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Taking payments is pretty straightforward…isn’t it? Alas, not all the time. In this session, our two experts will explore some of the challenges shop owners can encounter when settling up with customers—such as chargebacks and hidden costs of taking checks, among other things. While we’ll discuss how Fullbay can simplify your payment collection, we’re primarily focused on demystifying the process as a whole. You’ll be a payment expert before the day is through!

1 - 2 PM Manage by Numbers: 4 Data Points for a Profitable Shop: There’s a lot of levers you can pull to make your shop more profitable, but four key data points are behind many of them. In this session, Peter Cooper of Merx Truck & Trailer reveals exactly what data a shop needs to track to maximize its profits—and where you can get this critical information.

2:15 - 3:15 PM Efficiency Hacks to Streamline Your Shop: Efficiency is the name of the game when it comes to running a good business, and in this session, we're going to show you some creative ways to get more out of the tools you're already using. We'll chat with Ashley Sowell as she describes the hacks her shop is leveraging, including a simple way to check tools in and out (and easily reconcile them at the end of the month). She’ll also share her experiences with using walkie-talkies to speed up communication, as well as thinking outside the box when using Fullbay’s features.

2:15 - 3:15 PM Fullbay Deep Dive: Service Orders: You know Fullbay’s service order is both detailed and flexible, but have you seen everything it can do? In this deep dive, Fullbay’s Director of Operations, Amy Newman, will show you some features you may not have seen before. You’ll learn the difference between the full service order and its more condensed cousin, the quick service order; you’ll also learn how to create a more efficient standard service order. Amy will also show you how to boost technician efficiency and revenue with the efficiency/profitability modal.

2:15 - 3:15 PM Process & Progress: How Systems Help You Grow & Hire: In the beginning of 2013, HM Repair & Services, LLC, was a one-truck operation. During the height of COVID in 2020, they grew 40%. Today, they have 30 employees, two locations, and two 25,000-square foot brick-and-mortar location. How did they pull off such incredible growth—particularly during a year that was so challenging for so many industries? Jessica Wendt will share the systems and processes she and her husband put into place throughout their journey, along with the hiring methods they’ve developed over several years of trial and error. If you’re ready to grow your shop and expand your staff, this is the session for you!

3:30 - 4:30 PM Shop Owner Roundtable: Our first Shop Owner Roundtable of Diesel Connect features an all-female lineup of incredible shop owners. Hear how they're tackling challenges and growing their businesses, plus their stories of being women in a male-dominated industry.

4:45 - 5:15 PM Fullbay Product Keynote From Vision to Reality: A Year of Fullbay’s Product Evolution: Fullbay has changed a great deal over the years, evolving to meet the needs of our customers—and we’ve got a lot more to offer. In this session, Chief Product & Technology Officer Kirk Haselden and VP of Product Scott Gordon discuss some of the product updates that arrived in 2023, as well as what’s in store both in the near future and in the pipeline for the coming months and beyond.

5:15 - 5:20 PM Day 2 Closing Remarks: Close out the second day of Diesel Connect with a few quick details on the evening's plans and reminders for the final day of the show.

5:20 - 6:00 PM Networking

6:30 - 9:00 PM Sonoran Sunset Networking Mixer: Join us for one of Phoenix's renowned sunsets at our Sonoran Sunset Networking Mixer. With appetizers, drinks, and live music, it's the perfect way to wind down after a day of impactful sessions. Network with fellow attendees, play giant lawn games, or grab a great souvenir with a drawing done by one of our caricature artists. You won't want to miss it!

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

8 - 9 AM Networking Breakfast: It might be the last day, but we're not done yet — grab some grub and get ready for more amazing sessions!

9 - 9:15 AM Day 3 Opening Remarks: Is it over already? Nope! We still have some great content planned, so grab a seat and hear what we have in store for the last half day of Diesel Connect 2024!

9:15 - 10:15 AM Fullbay Deep Dive: All About Reporting: Data is a critical component of any decision, but too much data can lead to paralysis by analysis…right? Not when you’re using Fullbay! While the software has a powerful set of reporting tools, it also incorporates reporting right into the workflow, providing users with the information they need without pulling them out of their processes. In this session, Chris will show you how to get the most out of Fullbay’s reporting options and share his top reports—as well as some you may have overlooked—and how to slice and dice the data to get even more out of it!

9:15 - 10:15 AM Building a Shop Budget Workshop: It takes more than repair know-how to run a successful operation—you’ve also got to be financially savvy. In this workshop, financial experts Jacob Findlay and Robby Gilbert will help you develop the budgeting and planning skills you need to grow your business. You’ll learn financial definitions and concepts, build a financial plan to take you through the end of the year, and participate in a live, audience-assisted case study to see how that plan will play out in real life. This was one of our most celebrated sessions last year—if money matters to you, make sure you attend this one!

9:15 - 10:15 AM How to Build a One-Man Repair Business: What’s it like to run your own one-man repair shop? Jordan Steen is here to share his ongoing adventure with other shop owners: after leaving the corporate repair world, he opened Six Gun Diesel, and continues to operate as a lone wolf. He’ll chat about the unique challenges and opportunities a lone wolf must confront in heavy equipment repair, as well as his ongoing efforts to build an apprentice/mentorship program that will help funnel diesel repair knowledge to the younger generations.

10:30 - 11:30 AM Fullbay Deep Dive: Customer Portal: Fullbay’s Customer Portal has been a game-changer for many diesel repair shops—but there’s probably even more you can do with it! In this session, Customer Portal whizzes Chris and Leinei show you some of the features you may not be using. It’s not just a fast way to send invoices and get paid up; it’s also got several configuration options, and you can customize it to suit your shop’s needs.

10:30 - 11:30 AM Building a Premium Brand: It Isn’t As Easy As It Looks: How do you evolve from a solid repair shop into a premium brand? Mike Schwarz of Iron Buffalo is here to explain just that. In this casual conversation, Mike will share how he got into the diesel repair world—and how focusing on building customer trust and aligning with managers on operational goals has helped Iron Buffalo grow into one of the region’s premier repair shops. He’s got a lot of valuable information about pricing and work tracking, too—if you’re ready to streamline and update the way your shop runs, this is the session for you!

10:30 - 11:30 AM From A to Z: Expanding and Growing Your Shop: Inland Empire Fleet Maintenance had a huge year in 2023, which included moving into a space 10 times the size of their prior shop. They’ve got plenty of room to grow now—but how did they get there? Jennifer Callaway is here to share the thought processes and strategies that led the shop to realize it had to expand if it wanted to keep growing. She’ll also discuss the components of growth, the importance of old-school marketing, and why building a sterling reputation is more important than ever.

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM Shop Owner Roundtable: Welcome to the stage three of the amazing speakers from the past few days. Mike, Peter, and Jordan will take your questions and discuss the biggest topics facing their businesses and the industry today.

1 - 1:15 PM Closing Remarks: That's a wrap! We'll close things out with a few final words and thank you's to everyone who made Diesel Connect possible!

1:15 - 2 PM To-Go Lunches & Networking: Grab some lunch on your way out, or if you've got some time to kill, pop by our sponsors and the Diesel Bay before you head home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Diesel Connect for?

Diesel Connect is the commercial repair industry’s premier networking and knowledge-sharing event. The event is exclusively for shop owners, parts managers, service managers, or anyone that's involved in the operations of a heavy-duty repair shop.

These sessions will be helpful for all commercial repair, so no matter if you work in truck, heavy equipment, agricultural repair, or towing, you will find knowledge in the event that will help your shop grow.

What is a spouse ticket?

A Spouse Admission doesn’t include access to any sessions or breakfast or lunch, but does include event activities. Get this pass if your spouse wants to take a trip to the Valley of the Sun and enjoy the evening programming, but isn’t interested in the actual conference sessions.

When should I book my travel?

Plan on arriving by midday on Monday, May 6th and departing after midday on Wednesday, May 8th.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us at marketing@fullbay.com

Is my hotel room included?

No. Based on attendee feedback, we aren't including hotels with your registration, but you will get exclusive access to a special Diesel Connect rate at the event hotel.

Can I change an attendee’s information later?

Yes! Once you place an order, you’ll receive a confirmation email. In this email you’ll have a link to a page that lets you manage your order; you can also change the attendee information on that page. This is great if your event plans change at the last minute, or if you want to register ahead of time but aren’t sure who will be attending.

Where is the event being held?

Diesel Connect is being held at Gila River Resort & Casino - Wild Horse Pass in Chandler (5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226). The conference will be held in the main ballroom at the resort with breakout sessions held in smaller classrooms.

How far is the event from the airport?

Diesel Connect is roughly 13 miles or 15 minutes by car from Sky Harbor International Airport.

Is there a dress code for the event?

Nope! Wear whatever you like—if you’d like to be casual, go casual. If you’d like to go black tie, we won’t stop you. While the building will be comfortably air conditioned, keep in mind that the weather will likely be on the warmer side.

Is transportation provided (within the event and to/from the airport)?

Transportation to and from the airport is not included.

If you choose to stay at a different hotel, or need transportation outside of any event activities, it will not be included.

Where can I park if I'm driving?

There are numerous parking spaces and a parking garage located at the resort for you to park at.

What is the expected weather?

Average May temperatures typically include low to mid 90s for daytime highs and mid 60s to low 70s for nighttime lows.

What does my registration include?

A full registration (Super Early Bird, Early Bird, or General Admission) includes access to all Diesel Connect sessions, breakfast and lunch both days, and event activities in the evenings. You'll also receive exclusive access to a special Diesel Connect rate at the event hotel.

A Spouse Admission includes access to event activities in the evening. This ticket type does not include access to event sessions or breakfast and lunch.

Do you offer group discounts?

Yes! If you're bringing a group of five or more people to Diesel Connect (spouses not included), please email us at marketing@fullbay.com for special pricing.

Can I get a refund or substitute my ticket?

Can't make it to Diesel Connect after all? You can get a full refund until December 31st, 2023. From January 1st, 2024, to February 15th, 2024, refunds incur a 25% fee. From February 16th, 2024, to March 31st, 2024, refunds incur a 50% fee. After April 1st, tickets are nonrefundable. Eventbrite fees are nonrefundable for all full or partial refunds.

Substitutions are permitted until April 30th, 2024.

Contact marketing@fullbay.com if you have any questions or to request a refund or a substitution.

NETWORK WITH OTHER SHOP OWNERS & EMPLOYEES

DIESEL CONNECT:
YOU CAN’T MISS IT.

May 6-8, 2024

Phoenix, Arizona

Wild Horse Pass

DIESEL CONNECT'S 2024 ALL STAR SPEAKER LINEUP:

Kirk Lippold

Lindsay Bur

Jamie Irvine

JACOB FINDLAY

PATRICK MCKITTRICK

CHRIS O’BRIEN

NICK ADAMS

ROBERT GILBERT

ASHLEY SOWELL

PETER COOPER

JENNIFER CALLAWAY

JESSICA WENDT

MIKE SCHWARZ

JORDAN STEEN

OUR SPONSORS.

WrenchWay

Interstate Billing Service

Heavy Duty Consulting Corporation

DIESEL CONNECT AGENDA

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

Networking

Industry Knowledge

Fullbay Updates

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

Networking

Industry Knowledge

Fullbay Updates

& DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE ROOM FOR:

2023 SNAPSHOT

84

4.4/5

>200

Frequently Asked Questions

SNAG YOUR TICKETS TODAY BEFORE THEY'RE GONE!

NETWORK WITH OTHER SHOP OWNERS & EMPLOYEES

DIESEL CONNECT: YOU CAN’T MISS IT.

May 6-8, 2024

Phoenix, Arizona

Wild Horse Pass

DIESEL CONNECT'S 2024 ALL STAR SPEAKER LINEUP:

Kirk Lippold

Lindsay Bur

Jamie Irvine

JACOB FINDLAY

PATRICK MCKITTRICK

CHRIS O’BRIEN

NICK ADAMS

ROBERT GILBERT

ASHLEY SOWELL

PETER COOPER

JENNIFER CALLAWAY

JESSICA WENDT

MIKE SCHWARZ

JORDAN STEEN

OUR SPONSORS.

WrenchWay

Interstate Billing Service

Heavy Duty Consulting Corporation

DIESEL CONNECT AGENDA

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

Networking

Industry Knowledge

Fullbay Updates

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

Networking

Industry Knowledge

Fullbay Updates

& DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE ROOM FOR:

2023 SNAPSHOT

84

4.4/5

>200

Frequently Asked Questions

SNAG YOUR TICKETS TODAY BEFORE THEY'RE GONE!

DIESEL CONNECT:
YOU CAN’T MISS IT.