Purchasing a used car is usually a memorable experience. There are oftentimes unexpected
twists and turns even in a straightforward deal. My used car purchase in Costa Rica was
something I will always remember. (more…)

( Our trip from Costa Rica to Panama and back to satisfy the immigration laws)

Moving my family to Costa Rica and setting up a new business has provided me with some
unusual experiences. Our shipping container laden with our personal possessions was held
hostage at the port until we paid the extra “fee” for bringing in dangerous foodstuffs like Rice-a-
Roni and instant potatoes. Instead of the same container we meticulously loaded in the states
being brought to our door as promised, we watched in shock as an old, dilapidated, open air
version of the “container” showed up three weeks late at our door. Another experience was
buying our car from a continuing rotation of different brothers who showed up at each meeting,
with each one claiming to be the owner of the vehicle. Somehow, my lawyer sorted it out; and
we took possession of our car containing the most elaborate, custom 3 pronged alarm system one
could imagine. But, our family’s forced evacuation from the country and the immigration
nuances experienced is our most recent singular activity. (more…)

Motorcycle accidents, unfortunately, often result in serious and catastrophic injuries. Some of the reasons are obvious, such as that motorcycles don’t have the surrounding metal cage, the safety designed interior padding, seat belts and air bags that protect auto drivers. Some of the reasons are less obvious, such as the “inattentional blindness” that impairs many auto drivers’ ability to “see” the oncoming motorcycle often leading auto drivers either to pull out into intersections from side streets or turn left directly into the motorcyclists’ path. (more…)

Statutes of limitation on their surface may seem simple to apply and there are many locations on the web where those who consider that they have legal rights may look to find the state statute of limitations which applies to their claim. Half of those who are likely to look up this information want to find out if the statute of limitations has expired on their case. The other half may want to assure themselves that they have plenty of time left on their statute of limitations so they can attend to matters more pressing matters than the lawsuit, such as seeking out the right medical care and concentrating on their rehabilitation. (more…)

Workers’ compensation systems were created in the United States in the early 20th century to provide a system of compensation for work place injury. These systems were social engineering arrangements which were meant to serve the broader purpose of providing prompt medical treatment and cash payments to prevent the worker and their family from becoming homeless and thus a charge on the public as a whole. The idea was to spread the costs of work related injuries through the greater society as part of the costs of production. In exchange, employers were given protection from civil law suit and the employee was limited to workers’ compensation benefits. This arrangement is called the exclusive remedy. Today, employers and insurance companies only care about the exclusive remedy and are in the process of gutting what remains of the workers’ compensation system. (more…)

When physicians refer to traumatic brain injury, or TBI, they mean a closed head brain injury from an impact to the head or “diffuse axonal shearing” from a rotational acceleration and deceleration, the rotational movement of the head and brain resulting in a sliding of brain layers. Cavitaton can also commonly result in traumatic brain injury, the formation of microscopic bubbles from the rapid movement of the brain, which then can burst, causing brain damage as the brain moves back into place.

For TBI lawyers all traumatic brain injury is serious, and this is certainly true for those who suffer traumatic brain injury. However, medical doctors commonly characterize TBI as mild, moderate and severe, not to diminish the seriousness of “mild” TBI but to have a diagnostic framework with commonly understood terms. (more…)

Excelling in F&I means you’re skilled in several areas. Being a strong closer may mean more products sold, but having weak needs discovery skills translates into higher charge-backs and low CSI scores. The opposite is just as frustrating. You may be gifted in discovering why a customer needs your products, but without the ability to close the sale, you will perform at below-average standards.

Throughout my career as a training consultant, I’ve identified four areas where F&I professionals can and should excel.

So, let’s take a run around the bases. (more…)

By Ron Reahard

With all the warnings customers get from 20/20, consumer reports and their local credit union about deceptive sales practices and “hidden profits” dealers make in the F&I department, some days it feels like there is a big yellow warning sign outside the F&I office that reads “Caution: F&I Manager Ahead!” I travel in airplanes all the time. Occasionally, I’ll get into a conversation with my seatmate. Invariably, at some point, they all ask the same question,“So, what do you do for a living?” (more…)