Texas Automotive May 2024

2024 Texas Auto

Trade Show

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Burl Richards Baby Steps

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE by Jill Tuggle Let’s Hear It for the Girls!

TEXAS AUTO BODY TRADE SHOW SAVE THE DATE

ABAT FEATURE Ready, Aim, Fire: ABAT’s Seventh Annual Skeet Shoot Highlights

NATIONAL FEATURE by Chasidy Rae Sisk Developing Collision Engineers: The Next Generation of Technicians

TEXAS AUTO BODY TRADE SHOW SEMINAR SCHEDULE

ASK THE EXPERT by Robert L. McDorman Why Do We Need Mandatory Right to Appraisal in Texas?

INDUSTRY UPDATE

Redefining “Repair vs. Replace” with the new CBR Workstation

Official publication of the Auto Body Association of Texas

Bobby Beason DeMontrond Collision Center bobby.beason@demontrond.com (936) 577-2747

Larry Cernosek Deer Park Paint & Body lcwrecker@comcast.net (281) 930-1539

Kevin Ellison Westway Ford kellison@vtaig.com (972) 584-9033

Brandon Gillespy Park Place BodyWerks bgillespy@parkplace.com 214-443-8250

Chad Kiffe Berli's Body & Fine Finishes chadk@berlisbody.com (512) 251-6136

Greg Luther Helfman Collision gluther@helfman.com (713) 574-5060

Robert McDorman Auto Claim Specialists rmcdorman@autoclaimspecialists.com (817) 756-5482

Chad Neal Innovative Collision Equipment Chadwneal@yahoo.com (817) 527-2143

Logan Payne Payne & Sons Paint & Body logan@paynescollision.com (214) 321-4362

Anthony Palomo West Texas Auto Color japalomo3@yahoo.com (806) 831-7765

Manuel Rubio Miracle Body & Paint manuelr@miraclebp.com (210) 843-9564

Albert Salinas South Houston Nissan asalinas@southhoustonnissan.com 833-856-7871

Published by: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 244 Chestnut Street, Suite 202, Nutley, NJ 07110

Corporate: (973) 667-6922 / FAX: (973) 235-1963

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Thomas Greco / thomas@grecopublishing.com

VICE PRESIDENT/SALES DIRECTOR Alicia Figurelli / alicia@grecopublishing.com

EDITORIAL/CREATIVE COORDINATOR Alana Quartuccio / alana@grecopublishing.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Chasidy Rae Sisk / chasidy@grecopublishing.com

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Joe Greco / joe@grecopublishing.com

OFFICE MANAGER

Donna Greco / donna@grecopublishing.com

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Burl Richards / Jill Tuggle

Robert L. McDorman / Mike Anderson / Jacquelyn Bauman

www.grecopublishing.com

istockphoto.com

II recently took a vacation to Florida, and since I like to visit shops in different markets when I travel, I walked into a local body shop while I was there. From my perspective, that panhandle market is very suppressed, and I wanted to learn more, so I started a conversation with the shop owner and some of the guys working there. And what I saw reminded me of why we started ABAT 10 years ago.

This shop isn’t pre-scanning vehicles. They aren’t performing postrepair scans. They don’t know which vehicles should be calibrated or why those calibrations are so incredibly important. Yet, most of their clients are happy when they pick up their cars after a repair because they look great. The bumper has been replaced, and the paint is flawless, but they have no idea what is going on underneath the surface and how that could possibly impair their vehicle’s ability to perform properly and protect them in a subsequent accident. The owner doesn’t know what his monthly sales are, couldn’t tell me his severity and had no idea how much profit his shop collects on paint and materials. There is so much they don’t know.

I had some really good discussions with those Florida repairers, and I’m confident that I can help them by providing various resources and connecting them with some trainers and other people I know. I believe they have good intentions, but you don’t know what you don’t know. When we parted ways, I left my business card behind and encouraged them to call me, and I hope they do. The ball is in their court, though, because they have to be willing to accept the help; they have to want to learn more and do better. And they don’t need to turn their shop upside down overnight; there are many small baby steps they can take to move in the right

President’s Message Baby Steps SOURCE1

direction. They just have to be willing to take that first step — that’s usually the hardest part!

I used to have a lot of similar conversations with Texas shop owners before ABAT was founded and in its early days, but fewer and fewer shops that I visit in the Lone Star State struggle with this type of lack of knowledge. I believe that’s a testament to the power of a strong association and all the hard work we’ve done over the past decade. But many more shops should be involved in ABAT, and some of them may not know the things that our members know. They may be struggling, and if you know a shop like that, I challenge you to reach out to them and tell them about ABAT.

Our goal is to help shops learn more, to ensure consumers are receiving safe and proper repairs and to improve shops in all Texas markets. Again, you don’t know what you don’t know, so don’t look down on someone who doesn’t know what you know – I challenge you to reach out to them and encourage them! Invite them to an ABAT meeting. Tell them about the Texas Auto Body Trade Show. Offer a little guidance at a time to help them get to a better place. When we elevate one another, we elevate our entire profession. We do better together!

burl@burlscollision.com

• All Makes and Models

• 24-48 hour Turnaround

• Proven Color Match Database

• On-site Cosmetic Repairs

• Large Inventory of O.E. Replacements

Let’s Hear It for the Girls!

TThere’s something special about the women in the collision repair business, and I can’t quite put my finger on it. I have tried to put it in a box or find the right adjectives to describe us, but there really isn’t a way to effectively sum it up. It’s almost like we are our own breed – so similar yet still wildly unique! Here are a few ways one might describe the women in the collision industry: we break a nail jacking up a car; we love Jesus but just might cuss a little; we look stunning without a stitch of makeup; we are used to hanging with the guys; we wear various camo for different types of hunting; we drink beer, champagne and maybe both; we know how to do things most men these days don’t, like manage a shop, manage a household and everything in between! Whatever it is – we are so worth celebrating, and I am so glad that ABAT agrees!

On May 22 in Lubbock, ABAT will be holding a very special event – a night to celebrate their local women in collision. The ABAT Women’s Night of Honor plans to host over 300 women and their significant others to celebrate the “wild one-ness” that we share. There will be dinner, activities and a special presentation by some of the most notable women in our industry…and man, there are so many! Guests will enjoy a special presentation as I sit with my friends Erin Solis (Certified Collision Group), Raven Hartkopf (Collin College) and a special local guest as we engage in dynamic conversation to bring excitement and encouragement to our careers.

The night will begin with a cocktail hour and time for some

special, customized gifts for each of the “honorees” who will be attending. No, not just the speakers – every woman attending will be considered an honoree that evening, and I can’t think of anything more fitting. This event will foster networking and friendship and will certainly be a night to remember.

My favorite part of all of this is that it wasn’t my idea – one of our Board members, Anthony Palomo, came to me with his vision and details, and I was almost moved to tears by his genuine desire to honor us. The planner in me jumped in and said, “Let’s make this happen!”

Anthony has enlisted the help of Danica Bates (Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes) and Danya Sammons (Crash Champions) to bring this idea to life.

So for the men reading this, I ask you to take a moment to celebrate, raise a glass or simply thank a collision industry woman you know because we probably don’t hear it as often as you think. If you are interested in this event, please visit our website, abat.us, to purchase a ticket or sponsorship and help send a woman to this beautiful evening to honor her.

jill@abat.com

Jill Tuggle ABAT Executive Director

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

Ready, Aim, Fire: ABAT’s Seventh Annual Skeet Shoot Highlights

When it comes to hosting fun networking events for members, ABAT never misses its target, and that was certainly the case yet again during the association’s Seventh Annual Dean Griffin Memorial Skeet Shoot, recently held at Elm Fork Shooting Sports in Dallas. Open to all members of the collision repair industry, ABAT’s Skeet Shoot attracted members, non-members, sponsors and more, as four-person teams competed at skeet shot stations during the tournament-style, 100-clay sporting course.

“Everyone had a great time at the 2024 Skeet Shoot!” shared ABAT Executive Director Jill Tuggle. “Delicious food (some of the best crawfish I’ve ever had!), hand rolled cigars, the opportunity to win prizes and getting to shoot guns while networking with industry friends – what more could you ask for in a fun-filled day with ABAT? We’re already looking forward to the next one!”

This year’s top shooter was Colby Wardlow from 3M, and the 2024 Top Team came from Payne & Sons Paint & Body Shop and consisted of Alan Stewart, Greg Barlow, Darrell Cobb and Chad Grant. “We were excited for the opportunity to participate and raise funds for an organization focused on bettering the collision industry,” Logan Payne expressed. “As Texans, we love a good competition, great crawfish and a chance to shoot guns. Winning just sweetened the deal!”

The 2024 Dean Griffin Memorial Skeet Shoot featured a number of other prizes, food, drinks and even Cuban cigars which were professionally rolled on site. Although ABAT held its first Skeet Shoot in 2017, the annual fundraiser was renamed in 2020 in honor of late ABAT Board member Dean Griffin, with half of the proceeds from the event being donated to a college fund for Griffin’s daughter, Natalie.

ABAT is always locked and loaded for a great time! TXA

ABAT would like to thank the following sponsors for making this year’s Skeet Shoot a success:

TITLE SPONSORS

Moritz Dealerships

All Clear Diagnostics

LUNCH SPONSOR

Drive Tech ADAS

GOLD SPONSORS

AkzoNobel BASF

Car-O-Liner Southwest

English Color & Supply

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Jordan Towing, Inc.

NCS/Single Source, Inc.

Park Place Dealerships

Payne & Sons Paint & Body Shop

Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes

Texas Towing

Special thanks to this year’s Skeet Shoot Committee: Kevin Ellison, Brandon Gillespy, David “Ozzy” Osburn and Jill Tuggle

Russell & Smith Logging Big Paint Hours with USI Booths & Prep Station

Buying a paint booth is a huge investment, and there are many factors to carefully consider before selecting one Will the booth work well in a region where there’s a ton of humidity and with drastic changes in the weather? How long do you think the booth will last and will it require a lot of maintenance? Will your painters be comfortable using it ever y day and finally, will the company making the booth provide solid training and reliable customer ser vice?

To answer these questions before acquiring two Chronotech spray booths and a prep deck from USI ITALIA back in 2004, Collision Center Manager Kevin McIllveen at Russell & Smith Body Shop in Houston, TX spent six months studying the market He was looking for the best booths that matched his needs to use in a brand-new 36,000 sq ft facility that the company built from the ground up

Mcllveen, age 56, entered the industr y more than three decades ago as an estimator and has worked for Russell & Smith Body Shop since 1993 His goal with his new spray booths was to improve the efficiencies in his paint department and to accommodate his production, he said, while simultaneously saving time and energy if possible

The vetting process was arduous but worth it in the end. "We did our research so that we could make an educated decision," he said "I went to NACE two years in a row and talked to literally ever yone and asked a lot of questions We knew that this was going to be a ver y significant investment, so we took the time to perform our due diligence to cover all our bases We invested in their prep stations as well, which was another good decision, because my guys can work so much faster and effectively with five different places where we can spray We put a curtain up in the prep booth that provides us two additional spaces that are heated and properly ventilated So, when we are really jammed, we can handle the workload and maintain our cycle time without interrupting or slowing down our production "

After using them for a ver y short time, Mcllveen could clearly see that his Chronotechs were more than capable as they quickly became a centerpiece in his new, high-end, modern shop

"We have four paint teams here, consisting of a painter and a painter’s helper and we consistently log approximately 600-700 paint hours weekly,” he said “We switched to waterborne paint when we opened this facility because we want to provide a healthier climate for our employees and the community as a whole ”

we push these booths and they never let us down ”

Any issues that Russell & Smith Body Shop have encountered with their USI ITALIA booths have been rare and far between But Mcllveen feels good knowing that if called upon, the company will respond and find solutions promptly “If you do your scheduled maintenance and keep ever ything clean, these booths will last you 30 years and maybe even longer The issues that we have encountered with the Chronotechs have been minor and quickly solved, which is impressive when you think that we have been using these booths daily for the last 16 years. I tell people that these booths will be here long after I’ve retired!”

Why was Mcllveen able to improve his numbers by simply adding two USI booths? “In the end, it all comes down to their airflow because we never need blowers or additional air to cure these vehicles The fans in these Chronotechs are exceptional because they feature variable speeds, so we can switch depending on the parameters of each job. Our painters are producing an impressive product day after day, so these booths are saving us both time and money We paint an average of 400 cars ever y month, so

After training provided by USI ITALIA, Mcllveen’s painters were able to start spraying after one day, he said "The Chronotechs are designed to work with waterborne paint, which makes it easier for our painters to do their work After a ver y short time, all of our guys were comfortable and the results were consistently exceptional.”

Mcllveen is also impressed by the Chronotech's sturdy construction and durability "Some booths are just a box, but these are wellbuilt," he said “I know, because I've seen them all and there isn't anything like a USI ITALIA booth "

His career in collision repair industr y has been a great experience and products like his USI ITALIA spray booths and prep station are a part of that, he said “We haven’t had to furlough anybody here and that’s because we value our people and, in the end, our Chronotechs are part of the team ”

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National Feature

Developing Collision Engineers: The Next Generation of Technicians

The industry’s future looks bleak – young people aren’t interested in a collision career, vo-tech education is dying, and there’s not going to be anyone to work in the shops.

Between a lack of new talent entering shops and an increased demand for technicians to keep up with ever-advancing automotive technology, auto body repair facilities have struggled with the workforce shortage for years. And many shop owners indicate that any fresh talent they manage to find doesn’t necessarily have the skills needed to become effective employees.

Many of the collision education programs that still exist need help producing a qualified workforce for the collision repair industry, and that’s where Collision Engineering comes in.

Founded by Ranken Technical College (St. Louis, MO) and the Enterprise Mobility Foundation, the program focuses on enhancing collaborative efforts between educational institutions and the industry to ensure graduates receive the necessary training to successfully enter their careers after graduation and meet the industry’s demands. Collision Engineering achieves this by partnering with colleges that offer two-year associate degrees for collision repair to help them implement a hybrid apprenticeship training model through which students rotate between in-class instruction and a paid apprenticeship in a local auto body repair facility.

Because collision repair curriculum is not consistent across all colleges, Collision Engineering seeks to address that through promoting more hands-on learning which allows these graduates to enter the field with a basic level of knowledge which allows them to be hirable and trainable. Students work with mentors at local shops, obtaining hands-on repair experience in conjunction with classroom education, as the taught tasks begin with the most mundane and progressively advance as the student’s knowledge and skill advances. Students rotate between eight weeks in the classroom, followed by eight weeks at a shop where they implement the techniques they just learned under their mentor’s guidance.

Empowering students to own and master the skills that are essential for their future careers develops their confidence and also promotes retention in the industry by exposing them to the field before they go to work at a shop full time. Students attain valuable industry certifications during their scholarly tenure, paid by Collision Engineering, which also offers tuition reimbursement for students to help make education more affordable and accessible. And they take it one step further by equipping students with a starter tool kit before their first shop rotation, ensuring apprentices have the tools they need to successfully work in the field – and students own these kits once they graduate, providing a foundation from which they can grow and advance in their careers.

“Collision Engineering provides education that works as hard as its students do,” says National Program Director John Helterbrand. After two years, graduates are prepared to enter the workforce with a degree, real-world experience and tools of their own, thanks to the CEP.

In addition to Ranken Tech, schools in California, Texas, Illinois and Nebraska currently participate in the CEP, and the newest addition – Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, NC – will begin the program this coming Fall semester. And Collision Engineering is hoping to identify schools in other areas, including New England and Southern California, that could benefit from their learning model.

For more information about the Collision Engineering Program, visit beacollisionengineer.com. TXA

Cover Story PAVING THE WAY:

ABAT’s 2024 Texas Auto Body Trade Show Keeps Growing

Trailblazers are forward-thinking leaders who “go where there is no path and leave a trail,” according to American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. While Martin Luther King Jr. described trailblazers as “nonconformists,” children’s author Angela Cervantes claimed, “True trailblazers are motivated not by glory but for love” and insisted that they can be identified by who they surround themselves with.

By all accounts, ABAT has clearly established itself as a pioneer, especially when it comes to the Texas Auto Body Trade Show. On July 12-13, collision repairers will want to roam over to the Irving Convention Center for the 2024 iteration of this authentic and highly regarded original event, created FOR auto body shops BY auto body shops and hosted by Texas shops’ local association which has been supporting collision repairers and their businesses for a decade and paving the way for a better, stronger industry in the Lone Star State.

“We always like to keep things fresh and fun at the Texas Auto Body Trade Show,” ABAT Executive Director Jill Tuggle promises. “This year, we’re excited to see a lot of returning exhibitors. In fact, moving the show to July has alleviated some scheduling conflicts, so we’re ecstatic to bring back some of our favorite exhibitors that missed the last couple shows. We’re also happy to see so many new companies signing up to take part in our annual event, which clearly demonstrates how much value the industry sees in our show, and we cannot wait to bring that value to attendees as well!

“Every aspect of the 2024 Texas Auto Body Trade Show has been curated to deliver what collision repairers need – from the educational sessions (see page 19 for the complete agenda) to the exhibitors on the show floors to the competitions, prizes and networking opportunities,” she continues. “We started something really amazing in 2016, and it just gets bigger and better every year…this is Texas, after all! And you can be darn sure that we’re going to have even more fun activities than attendees have ever seen before. ABAT has never hosted a boring event, and we’re certainly not planning to start now! Don’t look for us to conform to expectations for what a trade show should be; we’ve always got a few extra tricks up our sleeves, so be sure to trek on over to the Irving Convention Center for the best collision industry trade show in Texas!”

What can be found on the trade show floor contributes to making ABAT’s show the best year after year as dozens of trailblazing vendors and suppliers from all around the country make the trip to Irving to showcase the industry’s most innovative tools, equipment and services, and everyone involved is anticipating another great show in 2024.

Diamond Sponsor All Clear Diagnostics and Calibration will be returning for the second year after making their debut at the 2023 Texas Auto Body Trade Show. “We look forward to returning, meeting new

people and reconnecting with other vendors and attendees we met last year,” shares Courtney Johnson. “We are excited to see all the new innovations brought to the show floor, including showing off our sister company, Dynamic’s Mobile ADAS Recalibration System (M.A.R.S.).

“Dynamic set out to produce high-quality equipment designed specifically for the mobile technician engineered in accordance with OEM specifications and requirements,” she explains. “M.A.R.S. was developed with mobility and durability in mind. No resizing of any targets was done, allowing all OEM calibration procedures to be followed. We are excited to bring our mobile calibration solution to the show floor in Texas.”

ADAS Aiming will also be returning to the Irving Convention Center for the second year, and according to Jodi Matarrese, “We are excited to attend the Texas show again. We look forward to meeting new people and hopefully some familiar faces as well. We are the leading and the most affordable calibration and alignment tools on the market for ADAS.

“We distinguish ourselves from the other ADAS companies by tools designed by technicians for technicians. Our patented blind spot alignment tools are what every body shop should have in their arsenal for measuring and aligning today’s vehicles with blind spot sensors. ADAS Aiming’s radar calibration tools are compact, easy to use with a center line set up and are affordable for ANY mechanic or body shop to include calibrations in their services. ALL ADAS Aiming’s tools follow all OEM setup procedures and guidelines. Any shop looking to get into ADAS should visit us at the show and let us demonstrate the value of our tool line up for their business!”

Some of the more tenured exhibitors at the Texas Auto Body Trade Show also expressed excitement about returning to this year’s event.

“We have been attending this show for many years now, and we have found the event is a great place to network with professionals in the Texas auto body industry,” claims Cameron McDonnell of Spray Booth Services. “We are able to meet with potential and current customers who understand the importance of quality automotive paint booth equipment and service, and we can offer them solutions to make them more efficient and profitable. Over the two-day show, we are able to meet many different levels of people from painters to shop managers to executives which gives us a great audience to showcase what we have to offer.”

McDonnell recognizes that purchasing a spray booth is a major investment for body shops. “Not all spray booth companies are the same, and we understand how important it is for the equipment to run at peak performance, safely and at maximum efficiency maintained by trained technicians. This year, we will be showcasing our service program where we provide a detailed report that is sent to the point of contact after the maintenance is performed. This is a digital report that goes over the status of the equipment pertaining to safety, efficiency, repairs needed and work performed. It not only lists information, but provides detailed pictures of important components of a customer’s booth that are not available to be seen from the outside of the equipment. Information is vital to the success of any auto body shop, and our report gives the customer the tools to see where they can improve efficiency and profitability while planning ahead to avoid possible equipment breakdowns that can be frustrating and costly in lack of productivity.”

For Paul Kerr (Lift King Collision & Repair Equipment, LLC),

the Texas Auto Body Trade Show is all about reconnecting with “old friends, new friends and the great people we have not seen since last year. Everyone – from the attendees to other vendors and ABAT staff – are some of the best people to work and socialize with during the show.”

Lift King introduces new products in Texas each year, something attendees can count on again in 2024. “We will also be offering prizes to those talented artists and associates of the participating facilities during the trade show events; however, I cannot let the cat out of the bag yet!” Kerr teases. “We invite everyone to attend the show, stop by our booth and have a great time.”

“At Sherwin-Williams’ booth, we are excited to promote our Collision Core Suite of tools,” William Godina explains. “Sherwin-Williams Collision Core is an interconnected suite of intelligent applications that are designed to build strength and stability into the core of a collision repair business – removing silos and connecting data, refining and validating processes, optimizing labor and resources, educating and engaging employees, reducing waste and identifying root cause and effect. I’m looking forward to seeing companies within our industry promote their latest products and offerings to improve technician productivity. Most importantly, these new tools will always improve the overall customer experience during the collision repair process.”

Attendees will also want to stop by the KECO Body Repair Products booth to check out their latest offerings. “We are excited to unveil our latest additions, such as the K-Power Lateral Tension

continued on pg. 18

Why Join WIN?

WIN offers education, mentoring and leadership development opportunities to build critical skills for success in the collision repair market.

• Local/Regional Networking Events

• Annual Education Conference

• Educational Webinars

• Mentoring Opportunities

womensindustrynetwork.com

• Scholarship Program

• School Outreach Program

• Most Influential Women (MIW) Award

Tool, KECO Knockdown Strikers and Hemi Tabs, each designed to deepen your understanding of glue pull repair (GPR) and optimize repair processes,” Benjamin Staton advises. “Additionally, our comprehensive L2E System will be showcased, providing a complete set of tools and tabs for efficient and thorough repairs. Attendees can experience live demonstrations highlighting the advanced features of our GPR collision solutions and innovative tools at our booth.

“At the Texas Auto Body Trade Show, we connect with fellow auto collision repair enthusiasts in the industry,” Staton identifies why KECO joins ABAT’s group of trailblazers each year. “Our excitement is high as we unveil our newest products and highlight how GPR is transforming and improving the industry.”

Chris Curran of Eco-Tech Systems also views the show as a great opportunity for “meeting new industry professionals and seeing existing colleagues. We are really looking forward to this year’s event.”

“OEConnection is excited to be a sponsor at ABAT’s 2024 Texas Auto Body Trade Show!” Kendra Preston contributes.

“To support the Texas collision repairer community, we’re offering two free months of RepairLogic or EstimateIQ for shops that sign up at the show. Inquire at the OEC booth for more details.”

Mike Matlack of Axalta Coating Systems emphasizes the importance of capitalizing on the educational events happening both on and off the trade show floor. “The Texas Auto Body Trade Show is a great opportunity for shops to learn about new information and ideas to improve their business. Way too many shops do not take advantage of this great event…We hope to see you there!”

Of all the innovative and exciting features that have been added to the Texas Auto Body Trade Show over the years –including a car show, a ladies networking event and the annual Afterparty – the BIG SHOTS Competition takes the prize! Since the contest debuted in 2021, it has attracted a lot of attention nationwide and quickly became a staple of ABAT’s flagship event. So, it’s no surprise that the companies sponsoring the competition see it as one of the things they’re anticipating the most.

“We are supporting ABAT in the technician welding competition by providing welding equipment and also providing supervision and support to the participants,” Jeff Melvin of Solidus USA proudly reports, also indicating his excitement to “meet with collision shop owners and managers to discuss their needs in a rapidly changing industry.”

Nicholas Galati from CCC Intelligent Solutions also indicates that he’s looking forward to seeing who comes out on top this year. “ABAT has always treated us so well, and we’re honored and proud to give back once again by sponsoring the BIG SHOTS estimating competition. Bringing together so many talented estimators to the arena to compete is so much fun for us, and CCC is excited to welcome some new faces to this competition.

“Aside from that, the Texas Auto Body Trade Show has always provided an amazing opportunity to connect with our customers and educate them on ‘what’s new’ with CCC, so we can help get the most out of their CCC ONE system,” he continues,

FRIDAY, JULY 12

(SHOW HOURS 1pm-8pm)

9am-10am | Classroom 1 (Option 1)

Game Changer Customer Experience

Sheryl Driggers (Collision Advice)

9am-10am | Classroom 3 (Option 2)

Damage Appraisal Documentation

John Shoemaker (BASF)

9am-10am | Classroom 4 (Option 3)

Dent to Delivery: AI Tools & Strategies to Reduce Cycle Time

Tom Zoebelein (Capture the Keys)

10:15am-11:15am | Classroom 1 (Option 1)

Estimating for Seatbelt Inspections

Danny Gredinberg (Database Enhancement Gateway)

10:15am-11:15am | Classroom 3 (Option 2)

Do You Have Leaky Profit? Find Out Where Profit Leaks from Your Collision Center and How to Fill the Holes!

Taylor Moss (OEConnection)

10:15am-11:15am | Classroom 4 (Option 3)

Navigating Collision Repair Regulations & Insurance

Terminology

ABAT President Burl Richards (Burl’s Collision Center; Henderson)

11:30am-1:30pm | Junior Ballroom

Success Today, Success Tomorrow

Mike Anderson (Collision Advice)

4pm-6pm | Junior Ballroom

Repairidy! An Interactive Auto Body Game Show

Hosted by Danny Gredinberg (Database Enhancement Gateway) & Erin Solis (Certified Collision Group)

8pm: TRADE SHOW CLOSES

SATURDAY, JULY 13

(SHOW HOURS 10AM-6pm)

9am-10am | Classroom 1 (Option 1)

100% Disassembly

Mike Anderson (Collision Advice)

9am-10am | Classroom 4 (Option 2)

Contemporary Workforce Dynamics: What Does the Data Say and How Do History and Human Biology Play a Role?

Tony Adams (AkzoNobel)

10:15am-11:30am | Classroom 3 (Option 1)

Unveiling Trends & Reimbursement Strategies for Body Shop

Materials

Yanni Koutmos (Eagle MMS)

10:15am-11:30am | Classroom 4 (Option 2)

Honest Conversations: How to Be YOUR Best

Clay Hoberecht (Best Body Shop; Wichita, KS)

1pm- 2:30pm | Junior Ballroom

Culture Club (panel discussion)

Panelists: ABAT President Burl Richards (Burl’s Collision Center; Henderson, TX), Tony Adams (AkzoNobel) & others; Moderated by Mike Anderson (Collision Advice)

6pm: TRADE SHOW CLOSES

*All scheduled and anticipated seminars and events are subject to change.

Ask The Expert Why Do We Need Mandatory Right to Appraisal in Texas?

Dear Mr. McDorman,

by Robert L. McDorman

I own and operate a collision facility in West Texas. I have referred several clients to you over the years, and you were able to help each one resolve the loss dispute with their insurance carrier without the carrier refusing the Right to Appraisal. I have read how you are working diligently to get a mandatory appraisal bill passed in Texas, but I’m wondering why this is such a big deal. I was under the impression most policies already contain an Appraisal Clause. Are you seeing some insurance carriers requesting changes to remove or modify the appraisal provision in their policy? If so, would the mandatory Right to Appraisal really prevent them from making this type of change to their policies?

Thank you for your comments and questions. Yes, the mandatory Right to Appraisal bill, if passed in Texas, would require each motor vehicle insurance policy to include a Right to Appraisal provision, covering all loss disputes – both repair and total loss. The Right to Appraisal is always the guardrail for indemnification of the loss when a dispute over the loss arises. In answer to your first question, in the past year, GEICO made an unsuccessful attempt with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) to modify the appraisal provision in their motor vehicle policy to remove their insureds’ Right to Appraisal over repair procedure disputes. It has been brought to our attention that Progressive and Home State County Mutual also have similar pending policy change requests with the TDI. These examples of insurance carriers trying to remove the Right to Appraisal should be a warning bell for all insured Texas citizens. It is critical we all work together to successfully convince lawmakers in the upcoming legislative session to pass a bill requiring every motor vehicle policy in Texas to include the Right to Appraisal for all covered loss disputes.

As a public insurance adjuster agency, our clients come to us for help with their automobile insurance claims. We rarely see instances where carrier-issued settlement offers are not well below what is needed to make their clients whole on their loss. When this is the case, we are able to help our clients get properly indemnified by utilizing the Appraisal Clause in their insurance contract, which requires each party to hire a competent appraiser and the appraisers to determine the true loss

Because of our past success in using the Appraisal Clause to force carriers to make our clients whole as their policies dictate, carriers have begun to fight back by attempting to remove or restrict the Appraisal Clause, which only hurts the insureds. One carrier has already succeeded in eliminating the contractual right of its insureds to invoke appraisal for repair claims. This is a dangerous precedent, which other carriers (as mentioned above) are attempting to follow.

It is our position at Auto Claim Specialists that the Right to Appraisal should be a mandatory contractual right in every policy. During the 87th and 88th Texas legislative sessions, we played an active role in the Right to Appraisal bills sponsored by Representative Clardy and Senator Hughes. For the 89th Texas legislative panel, we will be teaming up with a lobbyist to help us

Robert is a recognized Public Insurance Adjuster and Certified Vehicle Value Expert specializing in motor vehicle-related insurance claim resolution. Robert can be reached by phone at (800) 736-6816, (817) 756-5482 or via email at AskTheExpert@autoclaimspecialists.com.

try to secure mandatory contractual appraisal rights for all insured Texans. It is my position that any limiting or removal of the Right to Appraisal concerning a repair procedure dispute will be the nail in the coffin for safe roadways for us all.

We, the insureds, are many, and I am confident that if we join forces and all do what we can, we can be successful in securing our rights and our children’s rights to contest insurance settlement offers that would result in underpayment of losses and/or shoddy and dangerous repairs.

The under-indemnification in total loss and repair procedure claims in Texas and elsewhere is rampant. Besides achieving higher settlements for total loss claims averaging 28 percent above carriers’ settlement offers, we have also reduced clients’ out-of-pocket expenses on repair procedure disputes by over 44 percent. These under-indemnification percentages are staggering and harmful to Texas citizens.

The spirit of the Appraisal Clause is to resolve loss disputes fairly and to do so in a timely and cost-effective manner. The invoking of the Appraisal Clause removes inexperienced and biased carrier appraisers and claims handlers from the process, undermining their management’s many tricks to undervalue the loss settlement and under-indemnify the insured. Through the Appraisal Clause, loss disputes can be resolved relatively quickly, economically, equitably and amicably by unbiased experienced independent third-party appraisers as opposed to more costly and time-consuming methods such as mediation, arbitration and litigation.

In today’s world regarding motor vehicle insurance policies, frequent changes in claim management and claim handling policies and non-standardized GAP Addendums, we have found it is always in the best interest of the insured or claimant to have their proposed insurance settlement reviewed by an expert before accepting. There is never an upfront fee for Auto Claim Specialists to review a motor vehicle claim or proposed settlement and give their professional opinion as to the fairness of the offer.

Please call me should you have any questions relating to the policy or covered loss. We have most insurance policies in our library. Always keep in mind a safe repair is a quality repair, and quality equates to value. I thank you for your question and look forward to any follow-up questions that may arise.

Sincerely,

Robert L. McDorman TXA

Industry Update

Redefining “Repair vs. Replace” with the new CBR Workstation

Like many collision repair procedures, dent repair has its advantages and shortcomings. While the promise of a repair that doesn’t require extensive bodywork is a benefit to shops, the time and effort sometimes required can make this service offering more trouble than it’s worth. But help is on the way. The Carbon CBR, available through Reliable Automotive Equipment, provides a complete solution for dent pulling that increases efficiency and repair accuracy, with considerably reduced effort.

The CBR is made from pure carbon and CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) components, resulting in tools and accessories that are incredibly strong and extremely lightweight to provide repairers

with ergonomic solutions to complete their repairs better, faster. Repairers can easily work alone to produce more accurate repairs with more flexibility in the repair process. Application of the pulling tools – especially when working overhead – is radically easier and absolutely fatigue-free compared to similar systems.

The CBR is an in-house development of CARBON GmbH, the leading expert in outer skin repairs. For nearly a decade, RAE and Carbon have formed a professional worldwide partnership.

Visit raeservice.com for more information on the CBR and to learn about available equipment, service, training and support. TXA

The CBR workstation combines innovation and ergonomics to provide complete solutions for quicker, more accurate repairs.