HUNTER highlights - Hunter Engineering

HUNTER
highlights
2015 : edition 158
www.hunter.com
News and Trends
of the Automotive Industry
Honda & Toyota of Seattle invests in Hunter
to create dealership of the future
Honda, Toyota of Seattle recently
opened a five-story, 500,000-square foot
facility designed to be the dealership
model of the future.
The 88-bay dealership features six
service lanes, all complete with Hunter’s
Quick Check system and new Quick
Tread drive over tread depth system.
The dealership also uses Hunter
HawkEye Elite alignment systems,
wheel balancers and tire changers.
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Owner Brad Mitchell feels that “[they]
are competing with places like the
Apple store for customer’s time”, so
he tailored his customer’s service
experience accordingly. A single
salesperson walks the customer
through the entire service
process using an iPad.
Mitchell knew that equipping
his service department with
Hunter’s Quick Check and
Quick Tread was essential to
promoting the dealership’s
customer-focused,
high-tech vision.
Above: A Honda salesperson walks
a customer through the entire repair
order process directly from the
service drive.
Left: Honda & Toyota of Seattle’s
5-story, 500,000-square foot facility.
Toyota of Seattle’s service drives are equipped with Hunter’s latest inspection system, which uncovers tire replacement and wheel alignment
opportunities in under a minute.
What’s Inside
New
Foot-pedal
wheel lift
Page 3
New
YouTube
channel
Page 4
Lee Hunter Jr.
estate endows
scholarships
Page 5
Flush mount Quick Tread unit steals the
show at NADA 2015
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Hunter’s flush mount Quick Tread drive over tread
depth system was the talk of the 2015 NADA show,
and Hunter staff performed demos constantly during
show hours.
The flush mount Quick Tread unit is currently available
for order.
Hunter Inspection Product Manager Alan Hagerty
notes that “Quick Tread’s overwhelming popularity at
NADA speaks to the speed, accuracy and quality of the
system. This product not only locates the opportunity
for tire replacement in just ten seconds, but helps build
customer trust and loyalty.”
Hunter Director of Training Tom Settle shows interested booth visitors
the sensor system used in Hunters Quick Tread system.
Hunter’s Region Managers worked the booth at this year’s NADA show.
Dealers check out Hunter’s Road Force balancer.
Booth visitors watch Hunter’s Quick Tread “dunking display”, which
shows how Hunter’s drive over tread depth system is unaffected by
wet tires.
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Faster and easier caster measurements with
Hunter’s new WinAlign 14.3 software
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Hunter’s new WinAlign 14.3 software reduces the number of
steers required to obtain caster measurements, increasing the
efficiency and speed of the alignment procedure. Rather than
installing the brake pedal depressor on every vehicle, new
WinAlign 14.3 software only requires brake pedal depressor
installation on those vehicles with caster out of specification
that are caster adjustable.
These vehicles represent only 15% of vehicles on the road,
meaning that shops will install the brake pedal depressor
85% less.
Hunter’s new procedure not only speeds the alignment process,
but also significantly reduces brake light induced battery drain.
Previous Method: Brake Pedal Depressor Required 100% of the Time
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WAIT
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New Faster Method: Brake Pedal Depressor Required Just 15% of the Time
New foot-pedal operated
wheel lift for fast
and accurate wheel
placement
Hunter’s new style wheel lift, an optional feature on
all Hunter wheel balancers, is now operated by a foot
pedal, allowing the operator to lift and lower the tire
hands free.
The new wheel lift features a low-profile, scissor design
to increase ease-of-use and reduce technician wear
and tear. Built-in height compliance also enhances
centering performance and increases wheel balancing
speed. Hunter’s new style wheel lifts are automatically
integrated into the balancer, and drop out of the
operator’s way as balancing begins.
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NEW!
NEW!
Hunter’s industry-leading QuickComp Lathe
now made in the USA!
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Hunter’s QuickComp brake lathe, the industry’s fastest and
most powerful on-car lathe, is now made in the USA.
Hunter’s QuickComp lathe features a two-way adjustable
compensation adaptor that works with Hunter’s patented
ProComp computerized compensation to adjust for lateral
runout of the hub in seconds. This feature allows rotors to be
refinished to OEM specifications in minutes.
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Patented anti-chatter technology oscillates machining speed
to prevent buildup of vibration, or chatter. Hunter’s patented
variable-speed drive system allows the operator to change
speeds during machining and resurface rotors at the fastest
possible speed.
Hunter releases new technical and training
channel on YouTube!
Hunter Engineering Company has launched a new technical and
training channel on YouTube, called the Hunter Learning Channel.
The Hunter Learning Channel features extensive training video
playlists for every product category manufactured by Hunter. The
Hunter Learning Channel also allows viewers to post technical
and training questions on videos and receive detailed answers
from Hunter’s staff of industry experts.
Hunter still maintains its promotional YouTube channel, called
HunterEngCo. The HunterEngCo channel features new product
introduction, product overview videos and excerpts from TV
shows that highlight Hunter Equipment from networks such as
Discovery Channel and SPEED.
NEW!
4
Lee Hunter Jr. estate gift endows
engineering scholars program
Lee Hunter Jr. (1913-1986) personified the creative,
entrepreneurial spirit that Washington University
cultivates in its students. At 23, while taking architecture
classes at the university, he invented a device to rapidly
charge car batteries. It was a feat considered impossible
at the time, yet he persisted, seeking the help of a
professor in the engineering department. He went on to
design many innovative products in the automotive field,
and in 1946, founded Hunter Engineering Company.
“Lee Hunter was a remarkable man with a strong will,” says
Stephen F. Brauer, Mr. Hunter’s stepson and successor as
chairman, president and chief executive officer of Hunter
Engineering. “He rated a person’s productivity in society as
the highest goal one could attain.”
A young Lee Hunter Jr. hard at work during the company’s early days.
Mr. Hunter was granted many patents in his lifetime
and became a generous benefactor to Washington
University. A passion for innovation and excellence
led Mr. Hunter to establish and endow the Lee Hunter
Professorship of Mechanical Design in the School of
Engineering & Applied Science in 1985. To help secure
the university’s future, he bequeathed a $2 million gift- a
recent estate distribution that will support the Lee Hunter
Scholars Program. The fund will provide tuition support
for academically outstanding engineering students with
need, says Mr. Brauer, a Washington University life
trustee and generous benefactor with his wife, Camilla.
Hunter Chairman Stephen F. Brauer (left) with Lee Hunter Jr. on a
business trip to Hong Kong in 1970.
Mr. Hunter served as a Washington University trustees from
1982-1986. The university recognized him with an honorary
doctor of science degree in 1982 for his contributions to “the
productivity of our nation’s industrial base” and “for exemplifying
American entrepreneurship at its best.”
Mr. Hunter was inducted posthumously into the Automotive
Hall of Fame in 1993, where he shares the spotlight with Henry
Ford, Louis Chevrolet, Walter P. Chrysler, and Soichiro Honda.
His legacy and example continue to serve as a beacon to
generations of Washington University students.
Lee Hunter Jr. balances a wheel using the Strobe wheel balancer.
Senior Vice President Dave Smith retires
Hunter Engineering Company Senior Vice President Dave Smith has
retired after 40 years of service. Smith joined Hunter in 1975 as a Sales
Representative in Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina. After five
years as a Sales Representative, Smith was promoted to Cleveland
Region Manager in 1980. As Cleveland Region Manager, Smith oversaw
unprecedented growth in the area and forged lasting relationships with
some of the industry’s largest tire manufacturers.
In 1984, Smith was promoted to Vice President - Sales & Marketing.
During this time, he led the growth of Hunter’s sales and service
organization from 200 representatives to more than 630. Similar
growth was also achieved in Canada under Smith. In 2008, Smith
became Hunter’s Senior Vice President, continuing to manage Hunter’s
dedicated field organization throughout North America and providing
guidance to Hunter’s Marketing Department.
Hunter Chairman Steve Brauer notes that, “Dave took over Hunter’s
sales organization at a difficult time in the company’s history. His
enthusiasm and dedication for the next 24 years led to the creation
of the industry’s greatest equipment sales and service force and
unprecedented success with all of Hunter’s major customers. Dave’s
contribution to Hunter’s growth is immeasurable – all of us wish him
great happiness in retirement!”
5
Hunter committed to international support
and service
Hunter is pleased to announce
the appointment of Andrea
Tassoni as International Region
Manager for South and Central
America.
Hunter is pleased to announce
the appointment of Luca Pivetti
as International Region Manager
for France, Italy, Greece, Israel,
Turkey and Southern Africa.
Andrea joins Hunter after
24 years in the automotive
equipment business, including
20 years with the Nexion
Group/Corghi an four years
with M&B Engineering, both
located in Correggio, Italy.
Luca joins Hunter after 17 years
with Snap-On where he served
various roles in Product and
Sales Management.
Hunter responds to growth with new
regions, region managers
Hunter’s continued North American business growth has
lead to the creation of three new regions - Kansas City,
Oklahoma and Richmond.
Darcy is succeeding Erwin VanDeman, who is retiring after
30 years with Hunter. Erwin developed many of Hunter’s
key relationships and contracted some of Hunter’s finest
sales representatives.
Pat Wallingford has been promoted from Sales
Development Manager to Kansas City Region Manager.
Pat is a four-time member of President’s Club.
John Peron has been promoted to Director of Canadian
Operations. John started with Hunter as a sales representative
in 2011 and earned President’s Club in 2013. In July 2012,
he became Southeast Central Canada Region Manager.
John Looper is now Oklahoma Region Manager. John
was formerly a sales representative in the Dallas region
and was a member of the President’s Club in 2014.
Ted Theissen will now serve Hunter as Central Canada
Region Manager. Ted started his career with Hunter as a
sales rep in 2010, and has earned the President’s Club
Award twice.
Tony Jones will now serve Hunter as Charlotte Region
Manager. Tony began his career at Hunter in 2009.
Rob Ross will move from Central Canada Region Manager
to Southeast Central Canada Region Manager. Rob started
his career as a sales rep with Hunter in 2010 and has won
the President’s Club award three times.
In addition to new Region Manager appointments, Hunter
is pleased to announce the appointment of Darcy Tallon to
Southeast Division Manager and Atlanta Region Manager.
Darcy was named the Director of Canadian Operations in
July 2008 and led the Canadian business to record years
five times. Darcy earned President’s Club awards six times.
Pat Wallingford
Kansas City Region Manager
John Looper
Oklahoma Region Manager
Ted Theissen
Central Canada Region Manager
Tony Jones
Charlotte Region Manager
John Peron
Director of Canadian Operations
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Darcy Tallon
Southeast Division Manager
Rob Ross
SE Central Canada Region Manager
Hunter visitors
LES Schwab
VIP Tires
Pictured from left: Hunter Executive Vice President Beau
Brauer, LES Schwab Senior Buyer Ryan White, LES
Schwab Senior Buyer Mike Carnahan, Hunter Portland
Region Manager Jeff Elder and Hunter Director of Training
Tom Settle.
Representatives from VIP Tires & Service used Hunter’s
headquarters in Bridgeton, MO to conduct corporate training
and equipment demonstrations. Leading their visit was
Hunter Boston Region Manager Tom Lang.
Bob Rohrman Auto Group
T & W Tire
Pictured from left: Hunter Midwest Division Manager Joe
Fuller, Bob Rohrman Fixed Operations Manager Cliff
Hoffman, Hunter Chicago Region Manager Pat Horn, Bob
Rohrman Director of Government Affairs Mark Battista,
DES Equipment Sales Representative Tim Hill and Hunter
Director of Training Tom Settle.
Pictured from left: Hunter Heavy-Duty Product Manager Justin
Gonzalez, T&W Tire Owner Kane Russell, T&W Tire General
Manager Gregg Stigall, Hunter Denver Region Manager Charlie
Bullock and Myers Tire Supply District Sales Manager Mike Soranno.
Purcell Tire
Freeman Auto Group
Pictured from left: Purcell Tire CEO Roger Lucas, Hunter
Central Division Manager Larry Watson, Hunter Business
Development Manager Chip Hiemenz, and Purcell Tire VP
Purchasing Paul Long.
Pictured from left: Northstar Equipment Representative Franklin
Ritch, Hunter Representative Mike Koman, Hunter Gulf States
Division Manager Steve Brauer Jr., Freeman Honda Service
Director Mike Highlen, Freeman Fixed Operations Director Bill
Willsie, Freeman Hyundai Service Director David Pearson,
Hunter Director of Training Tom Settle.
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Hunter visitors
Bobby Jones Ford
Fox Motors
Pictured from left: Hunter Representative Matt Knittel,
Bobby Jones Ford Fixed Operations Director Jose Tovar,
Hunter Representative Jason Wolfe, and Hunter HeavyDuty Product Manager Justin Gonzalez.
FOX
MOTORS
Pictured from left: Hunter Chicago Region
Manager
Pat Only the Best.
Horn, Hunter Representative Kent Simpson, Fox Motors
General Manager Jack Turske, and Rotunda Area Sales
Manager Jeff Sampson.
Meineke
Ranken
Pictured from left: Hunter Vice President Sales John Zentz
Zentz,
Hunter Southeast Division Manager Darcy Tallon, Meineke
Chief Operations Officer Tim Lucey, Meineke President Danny
Rivera, Hunter Charlotte Region Manager Curtis Hodges,
Meineke VP Business Systems & Training Rebekah Horowitz
and Hunter Director of Training Tom Settle.
Pictured from left: Ranken Faculty Porject Manager Vince
Holtmann, Ranken Automotive Department Chair Gary
Young, Hunter Executive Vice President Beau Brauer, Ranken
President Stan Shoun, Hunter Purchasing Manager Matt
Ecker, Ranken Vice President Education Don Pohl and Hunter
Vice President Purchasing Tom Meyer.
Behlmann GMC Buick
Vatterott College
Pictured from left: Nation & Fletcher Owner John Nation,
Hunter Representative Dave Rainey, Behlmann Service
Manager Assistant Scott Hansen, Behlmann Fixed Ops
Director Chuck Geringer, Behlmann General Manager Doug
Kohnen, Behlmann Dealer Principal Dan Behlmann and
Hunter Director of Training Tom Settle.
Representatives from Vatterott College visited Hunter’s
Bridgeton headquarters for training on Hunter’s latest
passenger and heavy-duty product line. Leading their visit
was Hunter Heavy-Duty Market Manager Justin Gonzalez
(pictured far right).
HUNTER
Copyright © 2015 Hunter Engineering Company
Form 2880-T (v158), 07/15
0715AAP2.5M.1.9
highlights
11250 Hunter Drive
Bridgeton, Missouri 63044 U.S.A.
314-731-3020
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