By Ashley Reyes
 Robert Simons |
Robert Simons, president of Automotive Consulting Services Inc., is the latest ETTN member to share his insight on how his company is pivoting during the pandemic and utilizing technology to keep business moving forward in his recent interview with the SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN).
Get to know Simons’ unique perspective on new remote work opportunities, and what technology tools he has leaned on recently as a result of the economic downturn.
SEMA: How has your company pivoted during the pandemic?
Robert Simons: While some clients have gone quiet during the shutdown, new ones have come on board. They’re seeing the value in the utilization of consultants when adding full-time employees is risky in this time of uncertainty.
SEMA: What technology tools, new or old, have you leaned on recently?
RS: With travel options being limited, we are doing more over the phone and through web-conferencing tools.
SEMA: What, if any, changes in business do you feel will outlive the pandemic?
RS: More remote work opportunities. As companies get comfortable with remote work and online meetings, the need for all employees to come into the office every day will be reduced. Also, as companies learn to operate lean, the use of outside consulting services should increase as a low-commitment, high-value resource.
Register for ETTN’s Industry Talks: Back to Business virtual panel discussion on “Pivoting in a Pandemic: Technologies to Move us Forward” on September 4. Additional updates and resources to assist ETTN members get back to business are available at www.sema.org/reopen.
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