Staying Smart
By Bruce W. Smith, Editor, [email protected]
“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” is an axiom attributed to E. Cobham Brewer (1810–1897) according to the Dictionary of Phrase and Fable published in 1898. Actually the original saying, according to Bartleby.com, was in Latin: “Senex psittacus neglgit ferlam” (An old parrot does not mind the stick).
I’m an old dog (or parrot) in the eyes of my fellow staffers at our other construction and trucking magazines. The 20- and 30-somethings here look at anyone over 50 as being “old.”
But I don’t agree with E.C. Brewer’s assessment that just because one is “old” automatically makes you incapable of learning anything new. I embrace new technology and learning. It makes me better at my job and more efficient in the work I do.
I’d hope you are of the same mindset.
One of the primary editorial tenets when we started ProPickup three years ago is educating readers like you so your business runs a little smoother. We concentrate our educational process on the one tool you can’t do without – the pickup.
The advancements in automotive technology 20 years ago moved at a snail’s pace compared to the leaps and bounds it’s taking today.
Keeping up with the newest in aftermarket parts and accessories designed to work with this new technology is what helps maximize your pickup fleet’s productivity and efficiency. Knowledge helps fortify the corporate bottom line.
Learning is also a key element of our ProPickup Truck Expo (propickupexpo.com) this month at the Dallas Convention Center (Aug. 23-25).
Not only will our expo be loaded with manufacturer’s touting the newest in pickup-oriented products and services, there are three special seminars to help business owners get the most out of their trucks.
These “SmartSessions” target specific pickup-related topics where knowledge plays a critical role in the safety of your employees and the financial health of your company: “Towing & The Law;” “Maximizing Fuel Economy;” and “Power Upgrades.”
Each session has a trio of leading industry experts sharing their insights on the topic.
For example, during the “Towing & The Law” SmartSession you’ll get to hear an attorney from one of the top Dallas law firms talk about towing liability issues that could cost your company millions if its pickups aren’t properly equipped for the job.
What does “properly equipped” mean? The head of GM’s towing certification group and the chief trainer for one of the biggest pickup hitch manufacturers in the world will be addressing that very question during the same seminar. You can’t afford to miss it.
Understanding how pickup tow ratings are determined and how the court of law operates when it comes to liability issues stemming from towing-related accidents is something every fleet manager needs to know.
Our other two SmartSessions, all of which are free, have experts on engine programmers, exhaust systems, alternative fuels and other aftermarket products explain how such products can help pickups be better performers while shaving corporate dollars.
So you see, here’s a perfect opportunity to show the young pups around your company the old dogs leading the pack are both smart leaders and quick learners.
Knowledge is power. Take advantage of it. See you in Dallas!
