A year in review, and a look ahead to the future

It's always important to embrace change. It's also important to reflect on and learn from the changes you've made -- both personally and professionally. What better time do that, than on the cusp of a new year.

It's always a bit overwhelming to look back at where an entire year went. But it's nice to recollect and reflect on the accomplishments you've achieved. Here are a few items I'm particularly proud of, that we've changed with PTEN: 

PTEN cover and magazine redesign

If you can remember way back to the beginning of 2014 (how in the world is it already December?), you might recall that we did a complete overhaul of our magazine design. We wanted to bring a focus back to the tools that started it all. That began with putting tools back on the cover. We also updated the entire inside of the magazine and went with more modern with fonts and layout.  

Product spec guides

For the first time this year, we worked with tool manufacturers to bring you a more in-depth comparison of a specific product category. In June, we introduced the Scan Tool Spec Guide. This spec guide featured a breakdown of products available for OBD Generic and OBD Enhanced scan tools, with a comparison chart of features and functions, to help you make the best buying decisions.

Now in this month's issue, you'll find a Tire & Wheel Service Spec Guide, with product details on tire changers, wheel balancers and alignment equipment. 

Reader input on top products

You can see a new product in the pages of PTEN, but there's nothing like feedback from peers to acknowledge the real use and benefits of a tool or piece of equipment. New this year, we introduced an extension of the Innovation Awards with the People's Choice. Readers had the opportunity to weigh in on their favorite products that had been nominated for the Innovation Awards (To see a full list of winners, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/2014PeoplesChoice).

Rounding out the end of the year, we bring you a list of the most sought after products requested throughout 2014. For a peek at the top 25 products, turn to page xx. Then, head online to find all 100 products, with full product descriptions, at VehicleServicePros.com/2014Top100. 

I'm excited to see what next year brings. Every year, we try to bring a fresh approach to ways we can deliver product information to you.

I always want to be sure the PTEN staff is delivering all the information you need on the right tools and equipment to keep your shop running efficiently. Is there something you'd like to see in these pages that we're not covering? Reach out by email at [email protected].