12 Things I've Learned Being An Automotive Supplier

As we come to the end of 2015, it's a time of reflection and appreciation of what has happened in the past year. This year, like every year, has been wrought with lessons learned, and it's important to reflect on these lessons. In that being said, I realized that September 18, 2016 will mark ten years in the auto industry as a supplier. In this time, I've gone from being the youngest person in the building by a good ten years, a know-nothing, nervous intern, to confidently working for one of the world's largest automotive suppliers, with one of the world's largest automakers as my prime customer. In the past nine years, three months, and five days (but who's counting?), I've learned an incredible amount that was never taught at any college or university. Since there seems to finally be an influx of new workers my own age, as well as people returning to the industry after the 2008/2009 economic collapse, I thought it would be a good idea to share what I've learned.

1) DO. NOT. BURN. BRIDGES.
There's a reason this is number one, in caps, and each word is separated. As the Disneyland ride has sung since 1966, "it's a small world after all". And in the auto industry, it almost comes to a disturbing level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, There are nearly one-million people who work in the auto industry, not counting dealers or part stores. The chances of someone in the industry knowing the friend of someone else working in the industry? Pretty high. With the shakeup of automakers changing (See Fiat-Chrysler), suppliers opening and closing, and the mass layoff and eventual rehire after 2008/2009, the chances of someone working at one company and going another (often a competitor) are extremely high, and paths cross all the time.

In my experience, I have seen this help and hurt people. When I was laid off in 2009, I had seen some people take it very badly. In short, they're no longer working in the industry. A sort of black-listing. But when these people apply to positions where they know someone in that company/group, their actions can come back to bite them.

As Sun Tzu said: Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

2) You don't know everything
When you come in on your first day, you sit down at your desk, get your first assignment, and realize you don't know what the hell to do. Talk to your co-workers, talk to your customer, and talk to the lady at the coffee shop. Most of the stuff you learned in college or at a previous employer will be challenged and different from what needs to be done. Always have an open mind and be prepared to change your way of thinking, but don't change your ethics.

3) Take training opportunities
Often, your employer or your customer will provide a training for something. Anything from GD&T to the corporate data management tool. Not only will these trainings broaden your knowledge base, but often times will create an open discussion on why certain items are used and how they can appropriately be applied in the real world. Having this knowledge will not only make you a bigger asset to your company, but will also expand your experience in the event you're looking for a new job.

4) There is no such thing as 9-to-5
The first thing you'll notice when you walk into the office of an automotive company is that everyone looks a bit on the tired side. The reason? The automotive industry is a global industry. Depending on the project and the customer you work with, you may end up working with England at 6:00 am, then going on to work with China at 7:00 pm. It's not that your boss is trying to make you crazy from lack of sleep, it's just the nature of the industry. We're no longer making '57 Chevys, which were developed in Detroit and built in the United States. We're now building Ford Escapes, which were partially designed in the US, UK, and Germany and built in the US, Germany, Spain and China. Learning to adapt is surprisingly not difficult, especially if you're fresh out of college.

5) Keep your emotions in check
Especially approaching a major milestone, emotions can come back to bite you in the ass. Hard. Remember the pressure just before a final exam? Take that and multiply it by five. Emotions can run high, but do everything you can to keep cool. Keeping calm during a high pressure situation can prevent you from looking like an asshole in front of your colleagues and your customer. As I previously said, the auto industry is a small world, and if you come off as the guy who is difficult to work with, that word will travel extremely fast.

6) You WILL get thrown under the bus
It's nothing personal, it's just the nature of the industry. Whether it's in a meeting or on an e-mail chain, always be prepared to confidently assert yourself without coming off as brash. Don't take it personally. Realize that whoever is doing the throwing, is (usually) trying to do the best for their company and/or customers.

7)  There is always someone who doesn't understand
Especially if you're in a position where you produce specialize parts, there will always be someone who doesn't understand the reason something is done. It's not their fault. If you were a specialist for developing engine blocks, you wouldn't necessarily know the specifics for developing a fuel tank. When it comes to someone not understanding why you did or didn't do something, don't look at them like a moron. Explain it to them in a professional manner, not in the way that you'd explain what you do to a five-year-old. While the amount of seemingly stupid questions can become excessive, these people are typically looking for any reason why your logic may be flawed (going back to #4), but if you can calmly and professionally explain yourself, not only will these questions be answered, but you'll be respected more.

8) Don't be an asshole, unless you absolutely have to be
99% of the time, whoever you're working with, whether in your company or with a customer, has an appreciation for what you're doing and understands you're helping for the bottom line of both your company and theirs. Even in stressful times, while it may seem like they're trying to betray you, they're pushing to provide the end-customer with the best product that can be delivered. Keep your cool, and things will be much, much easier. However, there is that 1% that is flat out difficult to work with. Under all circumstances, be as professional as possible. However, don't be afraid to be stubborn. Assert yourself, but refrain from calling the person "a fucking asshole". The customer may not always be right, but when they're wrong, explain it to them, don't just call them out on it.

9) A disturbing understanding of a secret
I'm not talking about what Shane did at spring break in Cancun. I'm talking about a secret which holds your jobs in it's hand. Automakers start projects YEARS before it's even announced to the public. Your knowledge of what an automaker is coming up with is one of those epic secrets that can't be shared outside of work (and sometimes inside, depending on the project). It doesn't matter what happens, realize that sharing that secret can result in losing your job and can end up in a PR nightmare for the customer. Yes, friends and family will get upset in you not divulging this information, but this is the one case where being as vague as possible comes out in your advantage.

"Why yes, Honda is coming out with a new car! It's going to have doors, and wheels, and a motor!"

That's the amount of information you want to divulge, until details are officially released. And even then, there is going to be a significant amount of information you cannot share.

10) Learn to understand politics
This probably combines #6 and #8, but should be made a point anyways. There's always a reason why you can or cannot do something. Or why you MUST follow a particular standard. Most of the time when you think about it, these make sense. But there are instances where the politics of how/why something is done, and the only explanation you can get is "oh, it's always been done that way." Before going in with guns blazing, sit down and examine why this is done, and don't be afraid to challenge this if necessary.

11) You will fail. A lot.
Especially in this time of "Everyone's A Winner!", it may feel like a punch to the gut when someone shoots your idea down. Especially if you've a considerable amount of time into it. But guess what. The world isn't crashing down, there are no human sacrifices, and there is no giant Twinkie growing under the city. As the old adage goes: If at first you don't succeed; try, try again. Take a lesson learned on why you failed, and always apply it to the future. If you don't fail, you won't learn from it to make your parts and career experience better.

12) An appreciation for your work
If you ever wondered what an artist feels like when others view their work, well, you probably won't feel it. Most of the time, the end-customer won't care about what you created until there's a problem with it, then they'll be swearing six ways from Sunday. But when you see a car going down the road, knowing that your parts are on that car gives you a bit of self-satisfaction. It's okay to feel smug with this.

Best and Worst of the Super Bowl Commercials 2015

The game is over, and the Patriots won. Though, the game itself was pretty equally matched and rather predictable in some points, this game brought some very unique advertising with a myriad of new advertisers to the Super Bowl scene and the return of others for the first time in years.

So, without further ado, here's my take on the top six, bottom six and eight honourable mentions.

In the words of David Letterman: Here we go!

Best Six

1) Doritos - Middle Seat

Anyone who has travelled coach in an airplane in the past two decades know that the seats have shrunk down to where a bar stool is bigger at this point. And there's nothing worse than getting stuck next to a fat guy, smelly lady, or religious whack-job (like me on every flight from Dallas). But when you have the opportunity to get your choice of seat partner, what you pick typically isn't what you expect.

2) Budweiser - Lost Dog

Naturally, there has to be a puppy/Clydesdale/Budweiser commercial on the top list. This was a beautifully done commercial with an amazing background soundtrack to it. And this just furthers the point that wolves are assholes.

3) Snickers - Very Brady

Seeing Danny Trejo as Marcia is interesting and entertaining. Especially when recreating one of the most memorable scenes in (not Tom) Brady history. Though the most poignant moment was Jan at the end. That's absolutely perfect casting in a commercial if I ever seen one.

4) Dodge - Wisdom

This is a great commercial. Advise from seniors, especially those over 80, is typically brash and true. It seems to me, whoever worked on this commercial to interview the seniors asked them to not censor themselves and give a true answer. Mission completed.

5) Supercell - Angry Neeson

Those commercials for the stupid Clash of Clans game have been on the air for what seems like too long. That's what I thought this was until Liam Neeson popped up in the middle of the game with an amazing Taken reference. Brilliant. Getting the cliche barista who mispronounces your name? Even better.

6) Avocados from Mexico - The First Draft Ever

This commercial came out of nowhere for something nobody knew needed a commercial. Though that polar bear was way too eager to go anywhere other than Northern Canada.

Worst Six

1) Jublia - Tackle It

Sorry, this is the Super Bowl. I'm trying to eat horribly unhealthy meat based sandwiches and seven-layer-dip. I don't want to hear about disgusting toenail fungus. At least this one didn't have Digger the Dermatophyte lifting the toe nail up.

2) Budweiser - Brewed the Hard Way

Apparently Budweiser is realizing they're losing ground to beer that actually has flavour. Instead of saying this is beer for people who like to drink beer, be honest Budweiser and just say it's beer for people who want to get shit-faced without spending a lot of money, but have enough care for themselves not to buy Hamm's Light.

3) Nationwide - Boy

Now, I'm not going to say this was a BAD commercial. It was just poorly executed. What started out with something which had aspirations to be something uplifting from what we'd expect from Doritos or Volkswagen turn out severely depressing. What makes it worse is it's for an insurance company. Might as well make it for a funeral company and say "Your kid could die, why not look into a casket now?"

4) Sprint - Apology

Just when I thought competition between the automakers was getting more and more fierce in attacking each other in commercials, Sprint comes out with this. Even as a Sprint subscriber, I found this to be in severely poor taste. 

5) T-Mobile - One Upped

The point of this commercial is clear. Chelsea Handler, great choice. Sarah Silverman? Just stab me now. Sarah Silverman should not be in any commercials. Or TV shows. Or movies. 

6) Squarespace - Om

This is a perfect example of poor marketing. Does anyone know what the hell commercial is about? Though, it's good to see The Dude is still working.

Honourable Mentions

1) Nissan - With Dad

This is a very great commercial. Nissan sneaked in the design for the new Maxima in a "wait, what?" moment. Finally, a grown up Nissan design. But, there were three things that took it off the top 6 list. First, using the song "Cats in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin. Aside from the fact that song drives me crazy, Chapin was killed in 1981 in a vehicle accident. Second, the ear-piercing tone used 0:32 in the commercial. I literally had to cover my ears, cringing in pain. Third, it's yet another "love your dad" commercial. Typically I don't have a problem with this but there were SO MANY this year.

2) Jeep - Beautiful Lands

Yet another car commercial with much potential. However, this one missed the mark. Instead of making me want to buy a Jeep, it makes me want to contact a travel agent. 

3) Mercedes-Benz - Fable

A well, well known story every kid knows, with a great twist. Amazing animation provides the unique opportunity for Mercedes-Benz to show off their new AMG-GT.

4) Nationwide - Invisible

If you've had to deal with an insurance company, you know this feeling is all too real. This is a great play on the idea that companies shouldn't treat people like policy numbers.

5) Discover - Surprise

Whoever the ad agency behind these commercials is, keep it up. These Discover It card commercials are pretty entertaining, but this one takes the cake. I don't know why screaming goats are so funny.

6) BMW - Newfangled Idea

This was great, since most of the viewers can relate to the unknown of the internet in 1994. However, electric cars aren't a new idea, and it makes Bryant Gumbel and Katie Couric look like idiots, putting them in a position to make BMW explain the car like everyone in America failed their GED course.

7) Esurance - Sorta Pharmacy

Breaking Bad has been off the air for not that long to where it's not relevant. References to shows like this are still entertaining, and the idea that more than two people owned a Pontiac Aztek is still something that can be funny. And even if you hadn't seen the show, there are still enough references to make it funny.

8) Sketchers - Relaxing with Pete Rose

Pete Rose must be hard up for money, if he's doing commercials for Sketchers. But it's interesting that he still looks the same as he did thirty years ago. But it's good to see someone with a sense of humour where he can poke fun at himself.

5 Truths and 5 Lies from Back To The Future II

2015? You mean we're in the future?" - Marty McFly

That's right Marty, we are in the future.

1989 launched the sequel to the tenth most grossing film trilogies of all time: Back To The Future Part II.

The most unique of the entire trilogy since not only did it play off of the first movie, but blatantly closed itself with the fact there was definitely going to be a third. But it also put in a unique look at what the future might look like in 26 years. (Remember, this was released in 1989 despite the film taking place in 1985. And 1955. And 2015.)

Unlike the blatantly wacky Tex Avery The Farm of Tomorrow and The House of Tomorrow done in the 1950's, the film actually took a close look at the world and technology to make a somewhat serious guess at what 2015 may bring. And while a number of these are true to life, there are a few things which aren't even remotely close to what we have today.


So, what came true?

1) "You have to use your hands? That's like a baby's toy!"

Okay, so maybe motion-controlled video games aren't so prolific that an eight-year-old Elijah Wood would complain about it. But in 2007 Sony released the PlayStation Eye (and followed up in 2010 when Microsoft released Kinect) which uses vision and gesture recognition to allow players to play games without the need of a in-hand controller.


2 & 3) Thank you for calling!

This counts for two.

2) In the time this movie was filmed, the only way you could do face-to-face contact was literally face to face with that person. As time has progressed, we now have computer webcam based chat service. Primarily known as Skype.

3) AT&T. Now, the history of AT&T is truly bizzare. And the fact that the film used AT&T is a somewhat creepy foretelling.

Quick history lesson: In 1984, AT&T was split into seven Regional Bell operating companies (RBOC's) due to the result of an antitrust lawsuit. It wasn't until While AT&T still existed as a division of AT&T (like I said, bizzare). It wasn't until 2005 when one of the breakoff companies, Southwestern Bell Corporation, bought AT&T, bringing us the AT&T company we have today.

So, why is this correct? In Hill Valley in 1985, Pacific Telesis would have the phone carrier as Needles calling would have been a local call, meaning if the filmmakers didn't use AT&T (which was probably done for brand recognition), they would have used the locally correct PacTel.


4) "Against Miami?"

While they aren't called the Gators, or something cliche and stupid like that, the Miami Marlins (originally the Florida Marlins) were Florida's first baseball team. Their first games started in 1993, and won the World Series in 1997 and 2003. However, things aren't looking so promising in 2015 after a less than steller 77-85 record last year. Still better than the Diamondbacks 64-98 season, and much better than Detroit's 43-119 record of 2003.


5) It's so big!

While watching multiple channels at once isn't sweeping the nation, the concept of having a massive flat TV you can hang on the wall isn't a rare sight in most American homes.

And yes, the top right screen is selling "The Super Inflatable Tit" for 50% off. Ron Popeil is probably selling it.



What did those lying bastards fail to tell us correctly?

1) "Hold on, I'll park over there!"

Probably the most obvious (aside from the hoverboard, which isn't included and I'll explain later), is the hover-flying car. The technology is still waaaaaay too far off. And based on today's drivers, the though of those same people flying around in two-tons of steel is scary.


2) "Against Miami?" (Again)

Now, the end of the 2015 baseball season is a few months off, but the chances of the Cubs winning the World Series are slim. The Cubbies came in 22nd out of 30 in the 2014 season, and the team hasn't won the World Series since 1908. That's 107 years. Guess the Curse of the Billy Goat is true.


3) We Built Excitement

During filming of this film, Pontiac was having one of its best years ever. From the Fiero to the Firebird, things were looking good until the mid 2000's when the division of GM was selling mediocre products (with the exception of the G8). As a part of GM's bailout, the 84-year-old Pontiac Division was closed in 2010.


4) News of the Future!!!

This newspaper is filled with more fail than a typical edition of USA Today.

Let's count:

"Washington Prepares for Queen Diana's Visit"
Despite the fact that Queen Elizabeth II is still alive and kicking, Princess Diana was killed in 1997.

"Marshall Runs 3-Minute Mile"
Unless there's some serious steroid use, Hicham El Guerrouj still holds the mile record at 3:43. This was set in 1999.

"Thumb Bandits Strike"
Assuming this is in regards to the proliferation of using thumb pads everywhere, the lack of usage today isn't causing a gang to amputate thumbs.

"President Says She's Tired"
Unless Barack Obama isn't telling us something, I'm pretty sure he has a donger-doodle.

"Slamball Playoffs Begin"
Unless this is ESPN 8 (The Ocho!), slamball isn't that big. Or interesting. Or 2003.


5) "Right On The Tick!"

Unless inventor of the internet Al Gore used all of his An Inconvenient Truth money to buy weather controlling machines, The Weather Channel is still as reliable as a Yugo. The fact that TWC is doing stuff as pedantic as naming winter storms, it's obvious they still don't know what's going on.



Here's why I didn't count hoverboards.