Southeastern August 2015 Issue

Southeastern Edition Florida Georgia Alabama Mississippi

Virginia Tennessee North Carolina South Carolina

33

YEARS

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CollisionFix.com Website Educates Public About Industry Issues and Unites Shops

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

When Ray Gunder from Lakeland, FL’s Gunder’s Auto Center discontinued his DRP relationships, he said that

Ray Gunder (left) pictured with bodytech Lance Smith who has worked for Gunder’s Auto Center for approximately 35 years

he wasn’t sure if his shop would survive. The DRP programs accounted for approximately 30 percent of his Florida-based business and he knew that he needed to do something. Then he met Jeff Roberts from Eagleville Marketing Group and together they developed a commercial for the local cable networks.

Gunder said he received an instantaneous response and his second month of advertising on air was his best month in 45 years. “It has been incredible since day one. Every bay in our shop is full,” said Gunder. “Our See CollisionFix.com, Page 12

School: “No Shortage of Jobs for FTCC’s Repair and Refinishing Technology Grads” Students in a new program at Fayetteville Technical Community College are getting job offers even though they’re only halfway through school, according to Steve DeVane, writing in the Fayetteville Observer.

The collision repair and refinishing technology program is training students for an industry where jobs are expected to be abundant. One company has said they could hire the school’s first 20,000 graduates, while another said it would take the first 10,000, said FTCC President Larry Keen, who told county commissioners about the program at a meeting in July.

Students learn how to make cosmetic repairs on plastics, composites, steel and aluminum and receive training on multiple welding techniques, according to the FTCC website. They are taught refinishing procedures and work with aluminum specialists.

Keen said professionalism is a major part of the program. The students use computer tablets with state of the art software being used in the industry now, he said.

Program Director Paul Gage wouldn’t say which companies made the statements about hiring, but he said the school has enough commitSee FTCC Apprentices, Page 8

VOL. 6 ISSUE 6 AUGUST 2015

Jacksonville Body Shop Owner Admits to Loaning Out Customer’s Truck and Crashing Another The Florida State Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case of a local auto body shop owner accused of loaning out one of his customers’ vehicles and crashing a second. Criminal charges could be filed.

Action News reported June 23 on Oliver Pickett after a customer said Pickett loaned out his truck instead of doing requested repair work. The vehicle is now missing.

Another man said June 24th that his Dodge Ram was not only loaned out, but that Pickett crashed it.

The owner of the Dodge Ram came back June 25 to make sure work was getting done on his truck. Pickett admitted that he took it out for a ride and crashed it, damaging the front bumper. The owner of the Dodge Ram wouldn’t give his name, but he said he

dropped off his truck three weeks ago to have work done.

Action News was there the night of June 24th when Pickett brought it back damaged, with the work unfinished.

There was more of the same on June 25.

“Are you happy with the agreement you guys reached?” Action News asked the truck owner.

“I’ll be happy when I can pick my truck up and it’s fixed like he promised he would fix it,” the owner of the Dodge Ram said.

William CarOliver Pickett, roll said Pickett owner of Pickett Brothers Body Shop scammed him too. in Jacksonville Carroll said going See Missing Loaner, Page 9

NACE Moves From Detroit to Anaheim, August 2016

First Major Collision Trade Show in California in Well Over a Decade

by Autobody News Staff

During the NACE-CARS expo in Detroit July 21–25, ASA executives confirmed that the next NACE expo will occur next August in Anaheim, CA. The announcement was greeted with relief by many in attendance. Despite a wellorganized expo, very well-attended MSO Symposium (700 attendees), a major connected car technology and telematics forum, and demonstrationrich expo floor complete with active spray booths and occasionally running vehicles, the show failed to attract many more than the approximately 6,200

See NACE Moves West, Page 18

Donny Seyfer (l), CARS Chair, and Dan Risley, ASA President, beside hockey goalie helmet painted by air-brush artist Ray Bishop. The helmet was auctioned to help to raise money for breast cancer fundraising and will be displayed at ASA headquarters

Additional NACE/CARS 2015 Coverage in this Issue...

NACE 2015 Entertains, Informs and Wows (photo montage) p. 42 ● MSO Symposium During NACE Include Claims Management Models, Future of DRPs and Financing Options p. 48 ● Jon Kosmoski from Valspar’s House of Kolor & TV Reality Star KC Mathieu Demo Kandy Painting p. 24 ● Chip Foose Demonstrates 3M’s New Accuspray Gun p. 50 ● More Coming in September

Change Service Requested

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Presorted Standard US Postage PAID San Bernardino, CA Permit #2244

2 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Contents

COLUMNISTS Attanasio - Collision Repair Technicians United Goes Viral on Facebook. . . . . . . 34 Attanasio - Estimator During the Day, Rock Drummer at Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Attanasio - Lead with Caution Whenever Contracting ANY Marketing Firm. . . . . . 36 Attanasio - What is Your Marketing Budget…Or Do You Have One? . . . . . . 30 Luehr - Make Your Month, Every Day! . . . 32 Sisk - CREF Urges the Collision Repair Industry to Donate to Improve the Industry’s Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

NATIONAL ABRA to Expand in Pacific Northwest. . . . 51 Aluminum Body Tools Required for Vacuum Capture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 AMI Announces 2015-2016 Board of Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Black Diamond Refinishing Launches Wipe on Clear Coat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 CA Man Claims Cop Covered Up Beating

by Shop Owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Caliber Collision donates $35,000 to CREF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Chip Foose Demonstrates 3M’s New Accuspray Gun at NACE . . . . . . . . . . . 50 CIF Announces Greg Horn as New Trustee . . 52 CREF and AkzoNobel Announce Winners of Sustainability Challenge Grant . . . . . 54 Enterprise Recognizes Axalta Business Council Members With Best Length of Rental Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 GM Schedules MyPriceLink Initiative; Aims to Hit Market Before Winter . . . . . 49 Hyundai Launches Recognized Collision Repair Center Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 I-CAR® Updates its Courses to Keep Shops Informed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Industry Veteran Creates “Body Shop of the Future” Using Overseas Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Italian-based Company Symach Offers North American Body Shops New Products & Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Jon Kosmoski from Valspar’s House of Kolor & TV Reality Star KC Mathieu Demo Kandy Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 LKQ Corporation to Acquire The Coast Distribution System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Mike Anderson Explains How Learning an Employee’s “Love Language” Can Benefit Your Business at CARSTAR Event in CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Mitchell Releases Toyota Recommended Repair Procedures within Mitchell Estimating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 MSO Symposium During NACE Include Claims Management Models, Future of DRPs and Financing Options . . . . . . 48 NACE Moves From Detroit to Anaheim in August 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 NACE 2015 Entertains, Informs and Wows (photo montage) . . . . . . . . . . . 42 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ Race Teams Host SWAF Ecolean™ Level 1 Workshop in NC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 New Source of Vehicles for NABC Recycled Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 NHTSA Announces All VIN Numbers Under Takata Air Bag Recall in Search System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Quality Collision in PA Credits Success to Employees & Focus on Good Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Solera To Invest $5M in Chinese Insurance Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 State Farm® Refines Repair Facility Survey . . 50 Steve Smith Joins Spanesi Americas and Forms Automotive Collision Equipment of Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 U.S. House Subcommittee Hearing on Connected Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Washington, DC Shop Scrapped for Mixed-Use Development . . . . . . . . . . . 10

timating can instantly access all the Toyota repair procedures, parts and labor, and technical information, enabling them to quickly write an estimate and repair the vehicle using up-to-date information directly from the manufacturer. This eliminates the need to search out information and helps ensure that the shop has everything they need to repair a Toyota vehicle.”

“The partnership with Mitchell reinforces our goal to ensure consumer confidence,” said Rick Leos, Collision Program Developer, Toyota Motor Sales, USA., Inc. “Mitchell’s expertise in estimating, coupled with Toyota’s quality repair procedures, makes data easily accessible, which benefits customers, repair experts and insurance companies alike.”

Mitchell Estimating combines industry-leading databases with software technology for appraisers writing estimates on passenger vehicles, as well as light, medium and heavy trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles and boats.

To learn more about Toyota Recommended Repair Procedures, visit www.mitchell.com/toyota

Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies Assistant Editor: Stacey Phillips Online Editor: Victoria Antonelli Contributing Writers: Tom Franklin, John Yoswick, Janet Chaney, Toby Chess, David Brown, Rich Evans, Ed Attanasio, Chasidy Sisk, David Luehr Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Sean Hartman, Bill Doyle, Norman Morano (800) 699-8251 Sales Assistant: Louise Tedesco Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia

Athens Dodge-Chrysler-JeepRam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 50 Axalta Coating Services . . . . . . . . . 55 BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 49 Car-Part.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 CarcoonAmerica Airflow Systems . 33 Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA). . . . . . . . . . . 39 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Coggin Deland Honda . . . . . . . . . . 22 Crown Automotive Group . . . . . . . . 35 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet. . . . . . 40 Eco Repair Systems of North America, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Equalizer Industries, Inc . . . . . . . . . 26 Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 41 GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . 47 Gus Machado Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Hendrick Automotive Group . . . . . . 11 Hendrick BMW/MINI . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Hendrick Dodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Hendrick Honda Bradenton . . . . . . 18 Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27, 28-29 Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers. . 53 Jon Hall Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Kernersville Chrysler-DodgeJeep-Ram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Serving Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and adjacent metro areas. Autobody News is a monthly publication for the autobody industry.

Permission to reproduce in any form the material published in Autobody News must be obtained in writing from the publisher. ©2015 Adamantine Media LLC.

Autobody News

Southeast

Yoswick - Surveys show ‘who pays for what’ in terms of ‘not-included’ procedures. . 33

Mitchell International released on June 18 Toyota’s Recommended Repair Procedures within their desktop solution, Mitchell Estimating, also known as UltraMate. The Toyota Recommended Repair Procedures offer two key benefits.

First, estimators can reduce the time required to write a collision estimate by offering the ability to access a preconfigured list of all the parts and labor associated with a repair, allowing them to keep the information that applies and omit what does not.

Second, users can access all Service and Collision Repair Information Bulletins associated with the repair directly from Toyota’s Technical Information System (TIS) during the estimating process, eliminating the need to reference multiple sources thereby speeding the process of restoring a Toyota vehicle to pre-accident condition.

“We are committed to bringing innovations to the market that create efficiency in the overall repair process for both repairers and insurers,” said Sunil Nayak, Senior Director of Product Management.

“With Toyota Recommended Repair Procedures, users of Mitchell Es-

Indexof Advertisers

REGIONAL 51% of MS Roads in Poor or Bad Condition Says Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 AAAS Elects New Officers During 2015 Annual Conference and Trade Show . . . . 9 Abingdon Man Accused of Setting several Cars on Fire in Martinsville, VA. . . . . . . . 4 Aiken County, SC, Body Shop Total Loss After Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Alpharetta-based Performance Auto Collision is Ford Certified . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Altercation Over Car Repair Leads to Fatal Shooting in SC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Coastal States Automotive Group Purchases Volkswagen Dealership in Savannah, GA . 17 Collinsville, VA, Shop Fire Started by Fuel Pump Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 CollisionFix.com Website Educates Public About Industry Issues and Unites Shops. . 1 Fixing dents of life TN Body shop owner also repairs people. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 FL Repair Specialist Offers Loyalty Rewards Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Florida Body Shop Customizes Truck for Paralyzed Teen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Friendship Enterprises Announces $3,000 Northeast State Community College Scholarship in TN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 GCIA Met on DEG; Plans Golf Tournament October 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Jackson TN’s TCAT Collision Repair Students Weld and Paint Benches and Trash Bins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Jacksonville Body Shop Owner Admits to Loaning Out Truck and Crashing Another . 1 Large Fire Damages GA Body Shop on U.S. Hwy 78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Metromile Brings Pay-Per-Mile Insurance to VA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 NC House Committee Approves Legislation to Lower Auto Insurance Premiums . . . 16 Rash of Vehicle Fires in Washington County, VA, Appear to be Linked, Virginia State Police Asking for Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Richmond TV Station (8News) Conducts Interview with WMABA and Local Body Shop Customers Who are Naive about Poorly Fitting Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 School: “No Shortage of Jobs for FTCC’s Repair and Refinishing Technology Grads” . 1 Shootout at MS Car Repair Shop . . . . . . . 16 Shop Owner Settles 2013 Wrongful Arrest Suit with City of Orlando for $75,000 . . 13 Sisk - Mike Morgan Memorial Scholarship Enacted During AAAS 2015 Annual Conference and Trade Show . . . . . . . . 20 Two Major Hailstorms Deliver Golf-ball Sized Dings to Asheville, NC, and Henderson County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 VA Opens 70 Miles of Road for Autonomous Car Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Mitchell Releases Toyota Recommended Repair Procedures within Mitchell Estimating

Box 1516, Carlsbad, CA 92018; (800) 699-8251 (760) 603-3229 Fax www.autobodynews.com Email: news@autobodynews.com

Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers. 43 Land Rover South Dade . . . . . . . . . 24 Lexus Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 48 Martech Service Company . . . . . . . . 4 Mastro Subaru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Mercedes-Benz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 49 MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 31 Nalley BMW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Performance Automall . . . . . . . . . . 13 Porsche Wholesale Parts Dealers . 44 PPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Radley Chevrolet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Rick Case Automotive Group . . . . . 56 Rick Hendrick Dodge-ChryslerJeep-Ram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Riverside Ford-Lincoln . . . . . . . . . . 20 SATA Spray Equipment . . . . . . . . . 19 SEMA Trade Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Stateline Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram. 16 Subaru of Gwinnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 45 Tameron Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Urethane Supply Company . . . . . . 12 Valspar Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

www.autobodynews.com | AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 3

Abingdon Man Accused of Setting Several Cars on Fire in Martinsville, VA

Derek Eugene Boone, age 27 of Abingdon, VA, was arrested on June 29 and charged with 8 counts of Felony Burning and 3 counts of Felony Larceny in the City of Martinsville.

Further charges are pending in Henry County and the City of Martinsville. The investigation is ongoing and is being lead in Henry County by their Fire Marshal’s office in conjunction with the Henry County Sherriff’s Office, and in the City by their Fire Marshal’s office and the Martinsville Police Department.

The first call was reported at

10:54PM on Dye Plant Road in Henry County at Mize Automotive. First responders found two vehicles damaged by fire with minimal damage to business itself.

The second call was reported at 11:10PM on South Memorial Boulevard in the City of Martinsville at L&L Auto Body. First responders found four vehicles damaged by fire.There was no damage to the business itself.

The third call also in the City of Martinsville, at European Imports on South Memorial Boulevard was reported at 11:27PM. First responders found three vehicles damaged by fire with minimal fire damage to the business itself.

The final call for service was received at 11:34PM at the Walmart parking lot in Henry County. First responders found 3 vehicles with fire damage. These vehicles were attached to a vehicle hauler and tractor parked in the parking lot.

Total damage estimates are unavailable at this time.

Steve Smith Joins Spanesi Americas and Forms Automotive Collision Equipment of Florida

Spanesi Americas announced on July 9 another addition to the team.

Steve Smith from Plant City, FL and his staff are joining the Spanesi Distribution Network. Smith has been selling, servicing and training collision repair shops on structural repair equipment and welders in the Florida and Caribbean markets for close to 40 years. He and his group will operate under the new name of Automotive Collision Equipment of Florida.

“I have had a long friendship with Steve of over 19 years, and have seen his dedication to the customer and industry when we worked together for almost 15 years. He fits into our values of dedication to customer service and support. I myself have learned from Steve and his knowledge of repairs and the customer experience,” stated Timothy Morgan, Managing Director of Spanesi Americas.

Smith joins the Spanesi distribution network that has included his son Tony from Atlanta, Georgia since 2013. This expands their area to cover the complete Southeastern Region.

“I have been looking at equipment my whole lifetime and keeping up with

industry repair trends, Spanesi’s dedication to correct repairs, equipment, training, and the overall customer experience is a good fit for today and the future. I had the opportunity to visit the factory in Italy, and the facility, process, and people are amazing. I am proud to be able to bring the complete Spanesi Steve Smith and line to my cushis staff recently tomers and terrijoined the Spanesi tory.” He said he Distribution is looking forward Network to being a single source supplier for measuring systems, benches, welders, and spraybooths.

Smith and ACE already have a warehouse and training center in Plant City, FL that has been in transition to become the SPANESI Southeastern Region Training Center. In addition, branch offices have been established.

Smith and ACE can be reached at: 1-813-759-2655. For details about Spanesi Americas, contact Timothy Morgan: 224-772-6374, tmorgan@ spanesi-americas.com, www.SPANESI .com

4 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Friendship Enterprises Announces $3,000 Northeast State Community College Scholarship in TN

Mitch Walters, president and CEO of Friendship Enterprises, announced the creation of the annual Friendship Family of Dealerships scholarship at Northeast State Community College in Blountville, TN, beginning in the fall.

The scholarship is for students majoring in the college’s automotive technology program. Students who receive the $3,000 will receive the money over four semesters. The amount of the scholarship equals 75 percent of the program’s tuition cost and fees.

“We’ve always supported Northeast State in our hearts,” Walters said.

“We realize that Northeast State provides a wonderful opportunity for our youth of our region, and we want to encourage people to attend here not only in automotive but in any curriculum.”

High school graduates will be considered first for the annual scholarship. Current stu-dents of the program will be given second priority.

“Job force training is number one,” Walters said. “We have to have a trained work force to bring economic development in. Our industry needs it; it will help our companies out. We have 16 locations, but there’s countless

other automobile dealers that need qualified service technicians.”

Northeast State automotive instructor Ernie Morelock said that he believes the scholarship will benefit high school graduates who want to enter the program.

“We’re just real pleased with what we have from industry,” he said.

“Many other dealer-ships are involved with our credit program and provide scholarships as well and we’re glad that Mr. Walters is on board also.”

Walters also included an internship as part of the scholarship.

Through its industrial technology program, Northeast State offers a one-year certificate in auto body and associate degrees in auto body technology, automotive technology and motorsport technology, according to Morelock. Programs are offered at the college’s Blountville and Kingsport campuses.

“We couldn’t be more proud to be involved with auto body and just all the good things that we’re doing with our students in that arena and providing our service dealers and others with students,” said Janice Gilliam, Northeast State president.

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www.autobodynews.com | AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 5

Richmond TV Station (8News) Conducts Interview with WMABA and Local Body Shop Customers Who are Naive about Poorly Fitting Parts The Washington Metropolitian Auto Body Assocation told a Richmond TV station (WRIC) that car repair shops are being pressured by auto insurers to use after-market parts.

Here is the text of the story published by WRIC: “These are parts not made by car’s original manufacturer—they’re reproduced replacement parts that can cost about a quarter of the original price.

Some body shops say they’re cheap, they don’t fit and can be dangerous.

It was bad enough for Michael Larkum when his parked Honda minivan was badly damaged in multi-car accident in November… but he never imagined it would take seven months to get his car repaired correctly.

“The side panel, the bumper, the hood, the headlights. The whole front end was caved in.”

Ben Gibson with Harrison Body Works in Richmond is now taking over the repair work after Larkum noticed some major flaws with the first job.

“You can see there is a pretty noticeable color difference between the bumper and fender,” Gibson pointed out to 8News.

Altercation Over Car Repair Leads to Fatal Shooting in SC

The Richland County Coroner’s Office has identified the man who was shot and killed on June 19 during an altercation over car repair work. Gary Watts said 64-year-old Willie Lee Geter, of Columbia, was pronounced dead at a local hospital from complications of a gunshot wound to the upper body. Sheriff Leon Lott said sheriff’s deputies are still investigating the shooting. Lott said Geter was repairing the suspect’s vehicle in the 900 block of Fiske Street near North Main Street. When the suspect came to pick up his vehicle, he was not satisfied with the work Geter had done.

Lott said a verbal altercation between the two individuals became physical before the suspect pulled out a handgun and fired several shots at Geter, hitting him in the upper body before fleeing the area. Winesses told investigators that the suspect fled the area in a late model Cadillac sedan. Lott said Geter was well known in the North Main Street community and was always willing to help others in the community no matter the situation, especially with mechanical problems. Anyone having information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (888)-CRIME-SC FREE.

Gibson got under the hood and took a look for Larkum. And what he found could make for a dangerous drive, he says.

Gibson says the first repair shop used aftermarket parts for the bumper, grill and headlight. These are parts not manufactured by Honda. They’re reproductions, which cost a lot less. Gibson says they also don’t often meet industry standards.

“They just don’t fit as they should.”

Gibson, along with the Washington Metropolitian Auto Body Assocation, told 8News they’re seeing more and more auto insurers forcing body shops to use aftermarket parts.

But some are challenging the insurance companies. A federal anti-trust lawsuit involving 500 garages in 36 states, including Virginia, has been filed against dozens of auto insurers for the use of after market and recycled car parts.

“Our industry is being pushed by the insurance industry to use anyway we can to cut costs.”

As a result, Gibson says mechanics are rushing and trying to force these after market parts to fit. And when they don’t fit right, it puts drivers in danger.

51% of MS Roads in Poor or Bad Condition Says Study

Bad repairs can also cost the consumer when it comes time to trade in the car.

“When you have bad repairs, it diminishes value of the vehicle plus the vehicle just deteriorates, just goes away from the original owner much quicker than that it should.”

So what can you do?

Larkum spent months fighting with his insurance provider. A letter to the state Attorney General and Virginia’s Bureau of Insurance finally did the trick: His insurance is picking up the tab for these latest round of repairs using “oem” parts…Parts from the original equipment manufacturer.

“You just have to keep fighting.”

Gibson recommends you do your homework, ask your insurer if after market parts will be used and maybe even ask what their policy is before you sign up with them.

Larkum’s insurer, Elephant Insurance, did not return our calls or emails for comment. The first shop that did the repairs says they stand by the work and believe after market parts can be good quality parts.”

www.autobodynews.com

A new study shows the condition of Mississippi’s roads and highways are becoming more of a problem and the national situation is just as bad.

Nationwide, 65 percent of the roads in the U.S. are rated in less than good condition.

According to the Federal Highway Administration 51 percent of Mississippi’s roads are in poor or mediocre condition.

21 percent of the state’s bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.

Each year, motorists spend more than 800-million in extra vehicle repair costs. In cities with the worst roads, like Washington D.C., New Orleans or L.A., drivers frequently pay as much as $750 per year in vehicle maintenance costs related to rough road conditions such as flat tires, worn shock absorbers, and accidents.

The study also claims over the last six years, Congress has passed 33 short-term measures rather than funding transportation for the long term.

Experts say the only way to prepare our transportation system for the next generation is to stop this cycle of short-term measures and pass a long-term transportation bill.

Aiken County, SC, Body Shop Total Loss After Fire

“All of a sudden, we heard my dad yell, ‘Help!’” said Lanz Ash. His father owns Eiland Paint and Body Shop. When Ash and a friend ran outside, they saw his dad’s body shop engulfed in flames. “We just have a lot of memories in this place,” Ash said.

Memories the family will have to cherish now that everything is gone, including a loved ones ashes. The Beech Island Fire Department received a call around 4 p.m. July 1. By the time they arrived, nothing could be salvaged.

“It’s a total loss, it’s gone,” said Calvin McCravy, with the Beech Island Fire Department. He said flames shot up from the roof almost 15 feet high. They had to take extra care while extinguishing the fire due to all of the chemicals in the body shop.

“You can’t just let anybody go in there. When we got here, we had stuff going off in there, blowing up,” McCravy said.

Family gathered at the shop after receiving the news. “I felt relieved.

They’re okay,” said Sharon Lavallee, the owner’s mother. “I still have them in my life.” The fire department has not determined a cause of the fire, however, they said they do not suspect any suspicious activity.

6 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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www.autobodynews.com | AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 7

Continued from Cover

FTCC Apprentices

ments from companies all over the country to provide jobs for the program’s graduates for the next 10 years and beyond.

“Companies have discussed hiring large numbers of graduates even to the point of hiring entire graduating classes as teams,” he said.

Some of the jobs will be local, but others will be in other parts of the state and country.

“Some of our graduates will need to be willing to relocate to take advantage of those opportunities, and every opportunity hinges on successful completion of the program,” Gage said. “If people are willing to commit to the program in its entirety and work hard, we can place them in great jobs.”

Some students already are working at internships and apprenticeships.

Reed-Lallier Chevrolet in Fayetteville has three paid apprentices, said Neil Gallagher, the company’s fixed operations director. If the students work out, they’ll have a full-time job when they graduate, he said.

“We’re training them to work

here,” he said. “We’re offering them an opportunity to begin their career here.”

The students work side-by-side with body technicians at Reed-Lallier, Gallagher said. They get practice on working on cars in addition to what they learn in their classes, he said.

“There’s a lot of technology built into vehicles today,” he said.

Matthias Rappe, 18, of Fayetteville is one of the apprentices.

“The people down here have built on my confidence that I can do good in this industry,” he said.

Rappe said he enjoys repairing damaged vehicles.

“I’ve always had a love for working on cars,” he said.

Another apprentice, Matthew Conley, 29, was a mechanic in the Army before he started the program.

“I was looking for something in the auto industry, but a different field,” he said.

Conley, who is from Vermont but lives in Spring Lake, said the apprenticeship is a great opportunity.

“I’m actually working at what I’m going to school for,” he said.

Austin Beasley, 20, of Gray’s Creek, started working in the auto body industry right out of high school.

8 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

“There’s not really anything that I don’t like about it,” he said. “I’m glad I am where I am.”

Gage said the collision repair industry is projected to have about 180,000 job openings over the next five years.

“All those companies are looking for people who are well trained,” he said.

FTCC is trying to meet that need.

In addition to an associate degree in applied sciences, graduates from the two-year program will have earned 12 professional certifications and have options for 15 to 20 career paths, Gage said.

The first graduates will finish in May. The program can admit up to 20 students every eight weeks, Gage said.

The students collaborate on projects.

“As they move through the program, they learn to work as their own body shop,” Gage said. “We put them in the exact same situations they’re going to go through working at a body shop.”

CA Man Claims Cop Covered Up Beating by Shop Owner

Body shop owner Kenneth Roux is being sued by Daniel Mancini of Cloverdale, CA. Mancini is also suing the Cloverdale Police Department, Officer Michael Campbell and alleged “motocycle gang member” Adam Alvarek, reported Katherine Proctor from www.court housenews.com Mancini claims that Roux wrongfully blamed him for a burglary of the body shop on Halloween in 2014 and sent Alvarek to Mancini’s house to bring him to the shop to “talk about the burglary,” Proctor wrote.

Roux pulled out a pistol when he arrived at the shop, according to Mancini. Then both men beat, kicked and stomped him and Roux said, “he was going to be be taken wood chipper where he would be chipped and killed for doing the burglary,” according to the complaint. Mancini claimed Officer Campbell covered for Roux and Alvarek.

Roux denied all allegations.

Proctor wrote that Mancini seeks medical expenses and punitive damages for assault and battery, false imprisonment, conspiracy and negligence.

Continued from Cover

Missing Loaner

through the experience is “pure hell.”

He said Pickett gave him a receipt for molding work on his car, slightly less than $945 for the parts and labor.

Carroll said he wrote a $533 check for parts so Pickett could start the repairs.

“I just want the damn money, that’s all I want,” Carroll said.

More than a month later, Carroll says the work hasn’t been finished.

He filed a complaint with the state.

“There’s no problem,” Pickett told Action News. “He’s going to get his money back.”

“But you do owe him money?”

Action News asked.

“Yeah, $533,” Pickett said.

Carroll said he has not yet gone to the police, but he plans to do so.

The Dodge Ram owner said he’s known Pickett for 10 years and isn’t ready to press charges.

In addition to the Dodge Ram, there are two other trucks at the auto body shop. Pickett said he’ll have all the work done by the morning of June 26.

See related story adjacent to this one.

AAAS Elects New Officers During 2015 Annual Conference and Trade Show

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

On Friday, June 12, the Automotive Aftermarket Association Southeast (AAAS) elected officers at their Board meeting, conducted during their 2015 Annual Conference and Trade Show. Randal Ward, President of the association, says, “AAAS is indeed fortunate to enjoy the volunteer leadership of this great group of automotive aftermarket professionals. Congratulations to each of these officers and directors!”

After serving as a Director, Second Vice Chairman and First Vice Chairman, Jarrett Liles of Connie

Liles Auto Parts in Tallahassee FL began serving his term as Chairman in February 2015 after Chairman Mike Morgan passed away. FL joined AL, GA and MS as part of AAAS in 2009. Liles is the first Floridian to serve as Chairman for the association’s Board of Directors.

AAAS’s Board of Directors’ First Vice Chairman is Keith West of Auto Supply Company in Bowden GA, and Sid Dooley of Associate Jobbers in Boaz, AL, the newest member of the Executive Committee, was elected Second Vice Chairman Jarrett Liles (left) and Board Member Bill Chairman. From Auto Hamilton at the AAAS annual conference Electric Carburetor and

Company in Birmingham AL, Steve Kampwerth will continue serving as Immediate Past Chairman. The elected Treasurer is Bill Lewis of Speed/Brior in Greenville AL. Liles welcomed new board members Steve Kean of Rick’s Pro Trucks in Brandon MS and Michael Morgan of Frost Transmission in Gadsden AL who attended their first board meeting at the conference.

Kean and Morgan will serve as Directors, joining other Directors Liz Burleson-Barrett of Big Moe Spring and Alignment of Birmingham, Clyde Darville of 3-D Service, Jay Galimore of Dom’s Auto Parts, Bob Greathouse of CARQUEST Distribution Center, Roger McCollum of N. A. Williams Company, Phil Payne of National Parts Exporters, and Joe Ward of First Call Truck Parts.

A nonproft trade association, AAAS was established in 1938 and serves the automotive aftermarket parts manufacture, distribution, service and repair industries in AL, FL, GA and MS.

www.autobodynews.com CHECK IT OUT!

www.autobodynews.com | AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 9

Two Major Hailstorms Deliver Golf-ball Sized Dings to Asheville, NC, and Henderson County Golf-ball sized hail was reported 6.5 miles NNW of Asheville, NC, and similar size hail at Biltmore Park in Arden on June 18. Damage from the second major hail storm in a month in NC is adding to a long list of vehicles damaged in an earlier storm, June 3. PDR companies are seeing the benefits.

PDR technicians say they assessed many vehicles June 19 but expect even more customers to line up the following week once drivers notice their hail damage.

Doug Mielke at First Aid Auto says many people don’t realize how bad their damage is until they get their vehicle into an auto repair shop.

“Out in the sunlight you’re going to see about 10 percent of the damage,” Mielke said. “When we get it inside and put it under these LEDs, they pop. You can see everything.”

Steven Beal with Dent FX admits it can be an expensive fix.

“It can be a couple hundred dollars where some cars will total out, so there’s a huge range of pricing on vehicles depending on the damage and the year of the vehicles,” Beal said.

Car insurance covers it, so the price you pay varies depending on your coverage.

“All you pay is your deductible.

And they blame this on God,” Mielke said. “So it won’t go against your rates.

Your rates are not going to go up.”

“We find the dent and then we slowly massage that dent out to where it disappears,” Beal said.

People in Henderson County saw yards full of hail on June 3. “Looks like somebody shot the tree leaves with buck shot,” said Mary Mason, of Hendersonville.

Most of the hail was about the size of a pea, and some were as big as a dime.

“It just made a lot of racket. It was banging on my skylights pretty good,” said one man seeing hail for the first time.

Mason said it’s only the second time she’s seen hail in 13 years.

Large Fire Damages GA Body Shop on U.S. Hwy 78

Smoke billows from the roof of a body shop on U.S. HWY 78 in Gwinnett County, GA

According to a news release, crews found heavy smoke and flames showing from the roof of the all-metal building.

The fire caused heavy damage to the interior of the business, as well as to several vehicles parked inside, reported Patch.com. The cause is under investigation.

Rutledge told Patch.com one employee was at the business at the time the fire broke out. He escaped unharmed after unsuccessfully attempting to put the fire out.

A firefighter was evaluated at the hospital for a possible heat-related illness, but was expected to be released, reported Patch.com

Gwinnett, GA fire officials are investigating the July 14 night fire at H & H II Body and Paint Shop on Stone Mountan Highway.

The fire started at the shop, located at 3375 Stone Mountain Highway (U.S. Hwy 78) near Easy Street in unincorporated Snellville, at around 6:45pm. A caller reported seeing smoke pouring from the building.

“We knew we had a serious fire, even before the fire trucks arrived,” Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge told Gwinnett Firefighters rush to put out a large fire at Patch.com.

H & H II Body and Paint Shop 10 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Washington, DC Shop Scrapped for Mixed-Use Development

A long-standing Capitol East auto repair center will soon be forced to close its garage doors, reported Hill Now. A mixed-use, 45-unit residential facility, called “Watkins Alley,” will be built in place of Jerry’s Custom Automotive Center, announced OPaL LLC in early June. It will be located at 1311 E St. SE near the Safeway.

Jim, who said he ran the shop but declined to give a last name, confirmed the company is no longer taking new customers and that they will discontinue work in their body shop this week, reported Hill Now. Customer cars at the shop now with minor damage will still be repaired.

Plans for residential space were announced by Sean Ruppert of OPaL LLC at an ANC 6B Planning and Zoning Committee meeting in January. The proposed building will will have 30 threebedroom townhomes, eight flats, six lofts, and a carriage house priced from $150,000-$1.2 million, reported Hill Now. Final action is expected in July.

www.autobodynews.com

FL Repair Specialist Offers Loyalty Rewards Program

1 Stop Car & Truck Repair of Venice Beach, Florida has implemented a program to reward the loyalty of their regular customers and encourages others to utilize the shop’s car and truck maintenance and repair services.

Royalty Rewards® awards points to the car and truck owner for every dollar spent at 1 Stop Car & Truck Repair. When making a purchase, the customer presents their royalty rewards card or adds their membership number to the free smart phone app to automatically track purchases and add points to the membership.

The company said that the free program ensures that money spent on the maintenance and repair of a car or truck is referred back to the customer through certificates good for future purchases. Members are also privy to exclusive specials with birthday and other special holiday gifts.

Since 1992, 1 Stop Car & Truck Repair has been a family-owned shop with ASE- (Automotive Service Excellence) certified technicians. The company performs repairs on foreign and domestic cars and trucks, and is a certified NAPA AutoCare Center.

To learn more, visit 1 Stop Car & truck Repair http://www.1stopcar repair.com.

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Continued from Cover

CollisionFix.com

body and repair shop is completely circled with work. We have more insurance work on premise than at any time when we had DRP relationships.”

Gunder’s business is one of 20 collision repair shops listed on a new website, called CollisionFix.com, launched by the Eagleville Marketing Group in June. Roberts, owner of the Florida- and Tennessee-based advertising agency, said the mission of the site is to give a voice to the collision repair industry.

Geared toward consumers, www .CollisionFix.com was created to educate the public about issues surrounding the industry, such as the difference between original quality, OEM and low-quality aftermarket parts and the use of junkyard parts. It also addresses

consumers’ rights to choose a body shop, regardless where an insurance company suggests they go. Roberts said the site is for shops that want to take a stand against insurance companies “steering” their customers to other shops.

“Not all insurance companies are bad, just the ones that interfere in the consumers’ right to choose, and promote the use of substandard parts,” said Roberts. “Those that join CollisionFix.com are shops that believe in the consumer first and profit second because profit comes when you take care of the consumer. We feel that when shops strive for perfection and are good members of their community, the profit will come, and of course growth is inevitable.”

Roberts said that many shops struggle to stay in business and don’t advertise at all. CollisionFix.com helps unite shops in a certain area, enabling them to combine their advertising dollars and be able to afford to advertise on air.

“If you invest a part of your annual sales into marketing your message and do it in a way that’s professional and not hokey looking, you will grow,” said Roberts. “The bottom line is mar-

12 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

keting with the correct message, on the right networks, at the right frequency.

You do that consistently and there is no level you cannot advance to.”

His goal is to spread the word about CollisionFix.com so when an accident does occur, consumers can check online for a shop nearby. Roberts said 90 percent of consumers choose a

about the industry. “They know enough that they don’t want to use junk on their car,” said Gunder. “They want a quality repair and the ad educates them very well on that. When they get here then we educate them further.”

Bobby Price of Price’s Collision Centers in Nashville, TN, said he has had a similar response.

Price’s Collision Center in Brentwood, TN is one of Bobby’s Price’s nine locations

body shop that is fairly close to them.

Gunder has been advertising on air for about a year. After starting out on his own, he teamed up with a couple of other shops that had heard about his success. “We were able to give a lot more exposure for the same amount of money,” he said.

Now when customers enter Gunder’s Auto, he finds they mention the commercial and what they learned

The business owner started Price’s Collision Centers in 2000 in Brentwood, TN. Price currently operates nine shops and number 10 is scheduled to open in the fall of this year. It will be a dedicated aluminumrepair facility located next door to his flagship store in Brentwood.

Price employs 155 collision repair professionals and earned just over $20 million in revenue in 2014. The com-

pany also operates an apprenticeship program out of their training center in the company’s Mt. Juliet location.

Price started working with Roberts when he first opened his business. “We began to advertise Price’s as a repair center that focused on value retention and passenger safety as our number one goals,” said Price. “We built the brand around this philosophy and have set ourselves apart from the competition in delivering this message via radio, tv and print.”

With an advertising budget exceeding $100,000, they are also corporate sponsors for the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators teams. “We work with the community and support charities that we feel benefit us locally,” said Price. “Co-branding with such notable partners has brought credibility and an immeasurable awareness to Price’s message.”

He said that in respect to the advertising they have done, “It’s important to build your brand while separating your business from the competition.

Your message will differentiate you from the rest.” His advice to other shops is to “be creative in your marketing and the message you deliver.”

Roberts said much of Price’s suc-

cess has grown through the years through the use of their message to consumers. “They have the reputation of never taking a short cut to repair your car, or using a low quality aftermarket,

and junkyard parts,” he said.

Price has also invested in training, earning several high-end manufacture certifications. This has helped them stand apart from others. “Bobby Price

has been a mentor to me and deserves a lot of credit to our agency’s success in helping other shops,” said Roberts. “His marketing message of anti-steering, See CollisionFix.com, Page 25

Shop Owner Settles 2013 Wrongful Arrest Suit with City of Orlando for $75,000 A shop owner has sued the City of Orlando and four of its police officers, accusing them of beating him after mistaking him for a female car thief in 2013. He has agreed to settle his federal civil-rights lawsuit against the city for $75,000, his lawyer said.

Reginald Bletcher, 39, alleged that four Orlando officers kicked and punched him, shocked him with a stun gun and used pepper spray on him April 30, 2013, even though he had not broken the law.

They were looking for a woman accused of stealing a gold or silver car moments earlier, but they spotted Bletcher in a similar vehicle and followed him, according to his lawsuit and defense attorney Shayan Modarres.

“This vehicle he was driving didn’t even match the description of the vehicle they were looking for,” Modarres said.

Bletcher drove to his shop, Irie Auto Sales & Repair on El Rey Road, and got out of his vehicle. Officers William Webster and Robert Woodyard

then shocked him with stun guns, according to his lawsuit.

Webster and Officer Andrew Frey then sprayed him with Mace, the suit alleges. The officers also kicked, punched and elbowed him, Bletcher alleged.

In his police report, Webster wrote that Bletcher had reached into his waistband during a short foot chase, but after officers handcuffed him and patted him down, they found no gun.

Bletcher told officers that when he first spotted them, he believed he was being robbed. He also told them that he had a gun in his car—and he did, a .40-caliber Smith and Wesson that was under the driver’s seat—but that he had a lawful right to have it.

A witness then showed up at Bletcher’s shop and told officers that Bletcher’s car wasn’t the one that was stolen.

The officers arrested Bletcher anyway, accusing him of fleeing and eluding, illegal possession of a firearm and resisting arrest.

At his first court appearance, a judge threw out the fleeing-and-eluding and weapons charges, according to court records. Prosecutors dropped the resisting-arrest charge several months later.

Eight months after his arrest, Bletcher filed a federal civil-rights suit against the city and all four officers, accusing them of excessive force, false arrest and false imprisonment.

City Attorney Mayanne Downs said the city disputes Bletcher’s account but decided to settle because $75,000 is less than what it would have spent on a federal trial.

“We found no systemic problem,” she said of the officers’ behavior.

Bletcher has no criminal record in Florida, according to state records.

He would not agree to talk about his arrest, but Modarres said his client was stuck with $15,000 to $20,000 in medical bills, and “his business was destroyed.”

He now works for a package-delivery service.

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www.autobodynews.com | AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 13

Florida Body Shop Customizes Truck for Paralyzed Teen A teen who was left paralyzed following a severe crash when he was 13 was told he would never be able to drive a vehicle, but with the help of one local body shop, one South Florida teen now has the ability to drive, all while remaining in his wheelchair.

19-year-old Hansel Graef

Prior to the custom job, 19-yearold Hansel Graef needed assistance getting in and out of a vehicle. However, once meeting with officials from The Auto Firm in Doral, his dream of driving a car would become a reality.

“It broke my heart when I saw him, his whole story and everything, ‘cause I got kids of my own his age,” said Alex of The Auto Firm.

Graef first went to The Auto Firm in hopes of customizing a jeep, but was told it would be near to impossible to help fulfill his dream “The jeep was going to be almost impossible because of the structure of the jeep and what we had to do to make him go inside, we started convincing him to go with a Chevy pickup,” said Alex.

Alpharetta-based Performance Auto Collision is Ford Certified

With this designation, Performance Auto Collision Inc. is now an official member of the Ford National Body Shop Program and is now part of the exclusive group of Certified Collision Care Providers™. This includes businesses who have passed a rigorous certification process essential to ensuring a proper and safe repair of a new generation of vehicles. Less than 5 percent of body shops across the nation are able to meet these stringent requirements. “Consumers need the confidence and peace of mind to know their vehicle is repaired by a shop that has what it takes to ensure the vehicle safety,” said Scott Biggs, CEO of Assured Performance Collision Care. “Performance Auto Collision Inc. is officially a Collision Care Provider™.

They represent the standard by which all other body shops are measured.”

Performance Auto Collision Inc. is located at 1775 Hembree Road in Alpahretta. For more information, visit the company’s website.

The pickup would not be your average vehicle, but one customized to fit Graef’s needs. The Auto Firm was able to reinvent the truck, allowing the teen to enter and exit the vehicle without any assistance. They also repainted it and redid the interior. “Fuel, which is MHT, gave us a free set of wheels. Lido Tire donated a set of tires,” said Alex.

With everything set and ready to go, Graef was anxious to see his new ride. “Open her up,” he said.

Graef was able to get behind the steering wheel without being carried in, even starting the car with a unique key, all on his way to a new life. “This is my independence right here,” he said. “I love it. I can drive it to work and back whenever I want. I don’t have to stay at a certain time.”

After receiving his new, one-ofa-kind vehicle, Graef drove it home and already has a place he plans on visiting. “To South Beach, maybe,” he said jokingly. “Show it off a little bit.”

The entire custom work took approximately two months to complete, and cost between $25,000 to $35,000, but due to The Auto Firm and other generous donations, it came at no cost to Graef.

www.autobodynews.com C

Collinsville, VA, Shop Fire Started by Fuel Pump Repair

Keith McGuire was at Gene’s Auto Repair on Virginia Avenue in Collinsville, VA, working on a fuel pump, when an accidental fire started the morning of July 7. His shirt soon became part of the blaze, which began with the car he was working on. He ran out from under the car and outside the shop to “get my shirt off as quick as possible,” he said. Meanwhile, the car became fully engulfed in flames. There was “plenty” of fire, McGuire said.

Collinsville Fire Chief Jeff Beam said he received the emergency call at 8:45 a.m. When he arrived on the scene, he “found heavy black smoke” coming from the front and the side of the auto shop. Company 1 from Martinsville discovered a car, still on a lift, on fire. Beam said he thought it was a Cadillac. “We were able to get the lift to lower the car to put (the fire) out,” he said.

“We had a real good, quick knockdown once we got our water supply established.” The building sustained heavy smoke and water damage.

14 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Jackson TN’s TCAT Collision Repair Students Weld and Paint Benches and Trash Bins

On May 8, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson welding and collision repair students, teachers and members of the manufacturing community, along with the Leadership Jackson organization, installed the first of several benches and garbage bins around Jackson at 861 North Parkway in front of the T.J. Maxx and It’s Fashion Metro.

The manufactured benches provide much needed seating for riders waiting to catch a ride on Jackson Transit Authority buses.

These colorful benches and coordinated trash bins are a collaborative of Leadership Jackson and TCAT Jackson welding and collision repair students.

Materials for the project were donated by several industrial organizations in Jackson, such as the metal and automotive paints to ensure a long color life of the benches.

“It is a great product for hands-on experience in welding, as well as an opportunity to see a project through the stages from design to installation,” David Dean, Welding Instructor at TCAT Jackson, said.

The students used many competencies taught in the program, from blueprint reading to the fabrication of

the items. Paul Taylor of Leadership Jackson sees this as a great way to serve the students and the community.

“Many of the JTA stops are nothing more than a sign, and if we can provide a place where someone can wait comfortably, we are happy to do so,” Taylor said.

“It’s really neat thinking that something we did will be around town for years providing seats for bus riders,” Gavin Covey, a TCAT Jackson welding student, said.

Hunter Creasy added, “It was a really fun project to be a part of.”

Both students worked on the project and completed additional benches and trash bins to be installed at a later date. Creasy and Covey completed the welding program in April and are currently working with a firm out of Florida. TCAT Jackson’s collision repair students used automotive paints to give the benches the prescribed color from the blueprint.

“It was a great opportunity for students to learn to work together,” Mike Blackwell, TCAT Jackson’s Collision Repair instructor, said. “This was a complicated project using multiple colors, and it tested the students’ patience as well as meeting a deadline.”

www.autobodynews.com | AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 15

NC House Committee Approves Legislation to Lower Auto Insurance Premiums Legislation approved by a North Carolina House Finance Committee could make auto insurance premiums lower for drivers in the state. The legislation would grant limited driving privileges to undocumented immigrants. They would be required to have auto insur-

ance coverage, as mandated by the federal government and state law, and the influx of new consumers could be good news for other drivers in the state. Insurance rates could also potentially go down by a modest degree due to the new legislation.

While the legislation has not made its way through the entirety of the state’s legislative process, it has managed to obtain significant support from lawmakers. Per the legislation, undoc-

umented residents in the state could obtain a restricted driver’s license. This would allow them to drive legally, in a limited capacity. In order to obtain such a license, consumers with have to submit to a background check and fingerprinting. They would also be required to pass a driving test and, of course, obtain auto insurance coverage.

State Farm is still reviewing the provisions of the legislation to determine whether or not to issue full support. Spokesman Dave Philips suggested that the company has a generally positive view of the legislation as it may be make it easier for driver’s to obtain a license. Philips noted that licensed drivers tend to have a better understanding of the rules of the road, which makes them somewhat safer than unlicensed drivers.

Auto insurance rates may be affected by the legislation in a general sense. For undocumented residents, rates may end up being higher, as they could represent a higher liability. In a broader sense, however, auto insurers may opt to lower insurance premiums because of the influx of consumers and the growing competition among consumers.

MS Shop Shootout

An argument between a customer and a shop owner turned into a violent shooting at a repair shop in Jackson, MS. It happened at Ketra Auto Repair on Gordon Street on the afternoon of July 16, reported wjtv.com.

Jackson Police are on the scene after a verbal argument at a body shop led to the hospitalization of two men

Officer Colendula Green of Jackson Police told wjtv.com that 36-year-old Ade Olagbegi walked into the business and was talking to the owner, 42-year-old Ketra Johnson. Green and Olagbegi got into a verbal argument over the price of the repairs, which Olagbedi didn’t agree with. The feud led to a shootout.

The owner was shot in the head and was taken to the hospital, while the customer was shot in the legs and drove himself to the hospital for treatment, reported wjtv.com.

Police have recovered two weapons and are still investigating.

GCIA Met on DEG; Plans Golf Tournament October 2

Local contributions to Caliber Collision’s 4th Annual Rhythm Restoration Food Drive in Charleston, SC contributed to a record-breaking 2.3 million meals nationwide to help feed at-risk children this summer.

Local efforts from Caliber’s five locations in the Charleston area collected cash and food donations to help Low County Food Bank provide nearly 2,000 meals.

Caliber’s annual Rhythm Restoration Food Drive is a grassroots, employee-driven labor of love in which Caliber teammates nationwide host food and fundraising drives in local communities, challenging each other to beat the previous year’s results.

This year’s nationwide food drive more than doubled last year’s total of 1 million meals.

“Caliber Collision’s annual Rhythm Restoration Food Drive is a wonderful opportunity for all of our teammates and business partners to get involved in our local communities as we go above and beyond to help kids in need,” said Steve Grimshaw, Caliber Collision CEO.

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16 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Coastal States Automotive Group Purchases Volkswagen Dealership in Savannah, GA

Coastal States Automotive Group President and CEO Warner Peacock announced the company purchased the Volkswagen franchise in Savannah, GA on July 7.

The new Savannah Volkswagen is located on Abercorn and Eisenhower Drive, at the site of the former Vaden Volkswagen and Signature Used Cars. Coastal States Automotive Group also purchased the land and facilities located on Abercorn Street and Eisenhower Drive.

“We are looking forward to our growth and contributions to the economy in Savannah,” said Peacock. “We are very familiar with the market and are excited to be in this community.”

In a related transaction, Coastal

Automotive Group. Vaden will lease those two facilities at the New River Auto Mall, and operate the two dealerships, but will move both franchises to another location on Highway 278 within 18-24 months. At that time, Coastal States Automotive Group will construct a new Audi facility at the current location of Infiniti, and evaluate alternative uses for the current Nissan facility.

Savannah Volkswagen will employ 30 people. Coastal States Automotive Group employs almost 600 people in Florida, Georgia, and South Volkswagen vehicle on display at Savannah Volkswagen Carolina.

States Automotive Group sold the assets and franchises of Hilton Head Nissan and Hilton Head Infiniti to Vaden

VA Opens 70 Miles of Road for Autonomous Car Testing

Virginia has earmarked 70 miles of highway in the northern part of the state—now called the “Virginia Automated Corridors”—for autonomous cart testing. It will be overseen by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI). Any car slated for testing in must first undergo an initial trial on the institute’s smart roads before they’re

unleashed in public. VTTI director Myra Blanco told Richmond TimesDispatch that the state will make the process easier for interested parties compared to other states. But if the car does pass the trial, it will still have to be manned by a driver during the actual tests, just in case the vehicle’s system malfunctions. The institute will

provide license plates and insurance for any approved vehicle, while the Virginia Department of Transportation could be in charge of keeping lane markings visible for them. In addition, Nokia’s HERE maps division is developing 3D mapping tech for the test roads, which will feed real-time info to the self-driving car and give them a

Coastal States Automotive Group, LLC (formerly New River Auto Mall, LLC) owns Hilton Head Hyundai, Audi Hilton Head, Hilton Head Volkswagen, Porsche of Hilton Head, Subaru of Hilton Head, Jaguar Land Rover Hilton Head, Hilton Head Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/Ram, all in the Hilton Head, SC, area; Savannah Volkswagen; and Jaguar Land Rover Columbia in Columbia, SC. The automotive company also purchased Subaru South Orlando in FL, which includes a collision center. A $1.5 million renovation is planned this year to provide more improvements to the relatively new facilities.

Coastal States Automotive Group’s corporate offices are located at the New River Auto Mall on Highway 278.

way to recognize their lane position.

Blanco believes the first self-driving cars to undergo public road testing in Virginia will arrive within a year, though it’s unclear at this point which companies are showing internet. It’s worth noting that the Old Dominion serves as home to Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.

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Continued from Cover

NACE Moves West

show attendees of last year’s NACECARS. This despite the show adding 20% more floor space and exhibitors.

The 2015 show required 54,500 square feet of exhibit space and hosted 6,496 attendees. In 2014 the show had roughly 46,500 square feet for exhibits and 6,253 attendees. Given the 40 percent growth in 2014 over 2013, more was expected.

Attendance was a shadow on what was otherwise a remarkable show. ASA President Dan Risley said ASA had hoped for some 8,000 attendees, and Brian Nessen of Stone Fort Group, said that their metrics showed lower than expected repeat attendance from 2014 to 2015, meaning that the show expo had essentially a different audience, albeit less foot traffic on the show floor. There was also acknowledgement of the difficulty in scheduling events co-located with the show, such as the popular MSO symposium, so that they didn’t affect the foot traffic for the exhibits.

Said Risley, “It’s modest growth.

We expected growth, but we expected

a little more. From a forecasting perspective, I would tell you that we missed the mark for what we hoped for... I’m not overly enamored with 20 percent growth and I’m not overly enamored with [just] a couple hundred new people on the show floor.”

Under Secretary for [VA] Benefits, General Allison Hickey said that hiring more veterans could be the solution to a lack of qualified workers in the industry, noting roughly 250,000 technically adept service members are leaving the military each year

The reasons for subpar attendance are varied and many, with some attributing the turnout to ‘been there, done that’ for NACE in Detroit. Others blamed the proximity to Chicago’s Automechanika event in April and reluctance of midwest shops to attend both.

Anaheim 2016 will provide an opportunity for the 37,000 plus shops in

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ Race Teams Host SWAF Ecolean™ Level 1 Workshop in NC

Sherwin-Williams announced its next EcoLean™ Level 1 workshop, September 15-16, on location at NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ teams Joe Gibbs Racing and Roush Fenway Racing in Charlotte, North Carolina. The program was first introduced more than five years ago and since then, each workshop session has been sold out.

While at NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ teams Joe Gibbs Racing and Roush Fenway Racing, collision center owners and managers from across the United States and Canada will receive training from some of the best consultants in the industry and see first-hand how an organization can embrace lean principals to assist in its workflow, communication and increased productivity. This special Charlotte session

will also feature behind-the-scene tours and discussion with team members from two of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’™ leading race teams.

“We aim to give our EcoLean workshop attendees an extensive and comprehensive look at how they can create a lean environment in their own facility,” said Greg Eisenhardt, Sherwin-Williams A-Plus™ NetworkMarketing Manager.

The EcoLean Level 1 workshop and program from Sherwin-Williams are designed to educate attendees about how to maximize profitability by improving production and eliminating waste throughout their facilities.

In addition to the race team facility tours, the Charlotte EcoLean Level 1 workshop curriculum will include: ● An overview of lean production, and its practical application in collision repair ● Approaches to making a collision facility more efficient and predictable ● Roundtable discussion for overcoming lean implementation challenges Register online at www.sherwinautomotive.com/ecoleanwp. For more information on EcoLean or the A-Plus Network, call (800) 798-5872(800) 798-5872 FREE.

18 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

the show organizer’s database to see a state of the art, OEM-heavy tradeshow in the heart of So. California. Risley said that additional international buyers from Pacific Rim countries were more realistic for the West Coast location. Nessen said that not only will next year’s show include new OEM presence, but also that current OEM exhibitors have also verbally committed to return. “The OEs are part of the backbone,” he said.

By the time the opening session began on Thursday, July 23, the event had already seen a host of co-located organizations holding meetings including 1 Collision Network, ASE, CCIF, CIC, CIECA, CIIA, CREF, I-CAR, MERA, NABC, OERoundtable, SCRS, State Farm Advisory Council, and WIN. The General Session featured introductions of the keynote speakers

by ASA President Dan Risley, broken into 3 sessions, which included a keynote given by General Allison Hickey, Under Secretary for Benefits, Veterans Benefits Administration, made a passionate argument for hiring more vets in collision repair.

Other remarks were made by Donny Seyfer, ASA Chairman and a Executive of the Year presentation by Scott Shriber of Babcox Media.

Metromile Brings Pay-PerMile Insurance to VA

Metromile announced on June 24 its Virginia launch as part of its East Coast expansion. Metromile uses technology and a data-driven approach to deliver lower premiums by the mile. Virginia joins California, Illinois, Washington and Oregon as states where Metromile offers per-mile insurance.

Metromile is the first and only agent offering pay-per-mile insurance in the nation, specifically benefiting those who drive less than 10,000 miles per year, saving customers on average $500 annually. To use per-mile insurance, Metromile drivers plug the Metromile Pulse device into the onboard diagnostic (OBD-II) port of the car, which then obtains data and wirelessly transmits to secure servers.

Metromile also offers all Virginia drivers Metromile Tag. Metromile Tag helps drivers become more informed about their vehicle and driving behavior with innovative features including commute optimization, find parked location, customizable trip logs, mileage tracking for expense reporting, driving trends and street cleaning notifications. Metromile Tag is available for free with iOS and Android devices.

For information, visit: www.metromile.com.

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Southeast Associations with Chasidy Rae Sisk

Chasidy Rae Sisk is a freelance technical writer from Wilmington, Delaware, who writes on a variety of fields and subjects, and grew up in a family of NASCAR fans. She can be contacted at crsisk@chasidyraesisk.com.

Mike Morgan Memorial Scholarship Enacted During AAAS 2015 Annual Conference and Trade Show During the weekend if June 11-14, the Automotive Aftermarket Association Southeast (AAAS) held their 2015 Annual Conference and Trade Show at the Sandestin Village of Baytowne Wharf in Destin, FL. The yearly event marks an opportunity for industry professionals to enjoy a long weekend filled with educational and networking ventures, and this year posed no exception.

3) Top tier speakers attend our conference to share valuable, timely and relevant information.”

“We find that, with such engaged members and sponsors, our guest speakers find our group captivating and, in turn, learn a lot about our association. They tend to stick around and gain a special appreciation for our members and AAAS. It is truly a winwin situation, but of course, it doesn’t hurt to have a beautiful destination like Sandestin!”

During Friday afternoon’s Board of Directors meeting, two new board members were welcomed into the fold.

Michael Morgan of Frost Transmission in Gadsden, AL stepped up to continue his fa(r to l) AAAS board member Liz Burleson – Barrett with ther’s legacy since the former Todd Lazar, Superior Financial Services (sponsor) and Chairman passed away in Liz’s husband Sonny Barrett — enjoy the meeting.

February. Steve Kean of Randal Ward, President of Rick’s Pro Truck in Brandon, MS, also AAAS, noted, “This year’s event went participated in his first Board of Divery well. We had members from all rectors meeting since joining the board four states as well as sponsors and in February. The Board of Directors trade show participants from all over elected Sid Dooley of Associate Jobthe country. The attendees enjoyed bers Warehouse as Second Vice Chairtheir time, learned a lot and were able man, while Southern Distributors’ to discuss many issues with the speakSteve Kampwerth serves as Immediers and trade show representatives. We ate Past Chairman. believe the event was a great success!

Because they have received many Ward continued, “We are very fordonations in honor of the late Mike tunate to have such a unique and sucMorgan, the AAAS Education Founcessful formula for our association and dation’s Board of Trustees recomour annual conference. I think our success can be attributed to three key factors: 1) Support from our members.

Our attendees (members, sponsors, speakers and guests) are engaged and make the most of every opportunity presented. The time spent at the conference just scratches the surface of the impact this program has. These folks take the information they gain and the relationships they build back Larry Pavey, president of Federated Auto Parts, to their businesses, creating a positive was the keynote speaker for the event ripple effect that is felt throughout the association and industry. mended establishing a Mike Morgan 2) We have the best network of Memorial Scholarship; the AAAS sponsors and trade show representaBoard of Directors unanimously aptives. A majority of our sponsors have proved the suggestion. been around for many years. They supSaturday’s educational conference port us generously throughout the year began with “Aftermarket Changes and and really step up to make our conferTrends Impacting You and Your Busience a success. ness” by Keynote Speaker Larry

20 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Pavey, President of Federated Auto Parts. Ward recounts, “Pavey gave a comprehensive look at the trends in the automotive aftermarket industry. He spoke about the changing automobile,

Behzad Rassuli from the AutoCare Association presenting at the Saturday morning business session

the demographics of car owners, vehicle data, parts distribution changes and many other aspects and trends in the aftermarket. His compelling presentation was packed with information that pertained to each of our attendee’s businesses.”

During “Preparing For and Fac-

ing a Third Party Audit,” tax attorney Jeff Patterson presented real-life scenarios showing the tremendous impact of third-party audits, and many attendees shared some of their own experiences. Sherry Robertson, Vice President and Human Resources Director at IGO Insurance Agency shared her vast HR experience and knowledge with AAAS members, lingering to answer questions.

Lastly, Behzad Rassuli from the Auto Care Association presented findings from their research on recent shifts in the purchase of automotive parts online. According to Ward, “Our members left the meeting well-informed on E-Tailing trends and projections of how and when to expect those trends to affect their businesses.

We’ll do our best to package up this information and get it to our membership. The time attending members spent with our presenters and trade show representatives is hard to quan-

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tify; we fell it is invaluable.”

Although AAAS’s 2015 Annual Conference and Trade Show boasted incredibly useful training seminars, the association did not forego all fun and games. Thursday’s Welcome Reception and Friday’s Chairman Reception allowed attendees to meet, reunite and network in a fabulous environment, while the deep sea fishermen enjoyed Friday morning angling on the Gulf of Mexico aboard the Destination’s 20 by 20 foot fishing deck.

Dinner on Saturday evening was held at the Marlin Grill, and Ward called it “an evening full of celebration and comradery. Chairman Jarrett Liles thanked our sponsors, members and guests for making the 2015 Conference and Trade Show such a success. We also presented Fishing and Golf Tournament awards.”

Raising funds for the AAAS Education Foundation, AAAS’s Annual Golf Tournament was held Saturday afternoon at the Baytowne Raven Golf Course featuring their annual Hole-inOne contests. Ward excitedly announced, “Jon Bolle of Federated Insurance hit a hole-in-one on Hole 12 and won a great set of Adams Speedline Driver and Fairway Woods. Jon’s

the first ever Hole-in-One winner in all of our annual golf tournaments.”

This event is important to AAAS as a means of bringing their members

also useful for determining what topics they will offer; Ward stated, “Through networking events, and face-to-face contact, we are able to

Hopeful golfers about to tee off on Hole 6 for a chance to make a $10,000 Hole in One

together, offerings networking opportunities, and providing members with the latest information about topics impacting their businesses and the aftermarket industry. The feedback members provide the association is

bring common issues faced by our membership to light. When we see what types of challenges our members are facing, we then fine tune our efforts and are able to find resources to help them navigate their challenges.”

Ward continued, “This is a continuous and dynamic process. The Board of Directors and association staff are always looking for ways to connect our members and their changing needs with the resources in our industry to help them sustain and grow their businesses.”

AAAS’s Annual Conference and Trade Show grows each year, and this year’s members, speakers and sponsors really connected. AAAS Chairman Jarrett Liles shared, “The exchange of ideas and information was great. We’ll do our best to get the speaker’s messages out to all of our members that couldn’t make it, but you can’t possibly replicate the exchanges that occurred during the weekend. Each of our speakers and show reps spent a fantastic amount of time answering member specific questions about their area of expertise. So I believe the benefit to our members that attended was outstanding!”

AAAS members and sponsors anticipate this event each year, and the 2016 AAAS Conference and Trade Show has already been scheduled for June 9-12, 2016.

AAAS www.aaas.us

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Day Job/Night Job Estimator During the Day, Rock Drummer at Night with Ed Attanasio

One of the great things about the collision industry is that so many people working at body shops have other talents and passions that they pursue when they’re not working as body techs, painters, estimators or front office personnel. I met a paint tech who is also a well-known tattoo artist and a parts guy who is also a professional ballroom dancer. A woman who runs the front office for a shop in northern California sings opera and the owner of a shop in the Southwest is a renowned muralist.

(l to r) Consisting of drummer/estimator Billy “The Kid’ Brady, vocalist/guitarist Gabriel Maciel, lead guitarist Bryan Aguirre and bassist David Ovlite, The Trims are a hot band on the verge of stardom

After meeting so many amazing people with great stories about what they do when they’re not working in the collision industry, I decided to write about them. This is the first in a series and it’s about an estimator who is also a drummer for a band that is on the rise. His name is Billy Brady and he is an estimator at Anderson Behel in Santa Clara, CA. During the day he works with customers to return their cars back into pre-accident condition, but at night he hits the skins for The Trims, a hot band that is waiting for a record label deal that is looking more and more likely every day.

The Trims from San Jose, CA already have a storied history in the whirlwind five years since their inception in 2010. They’ve been featured on MTV’s “The Real World,” played at the Converse flagship store in downtown San Francisco, recently played at Red Gorilla Fest in Austin, TX and also at Bottle Rock Napa in May. The band has recorded five CDs and won

several band contests and also was selected to play at a concert during the America’s Cup held in San Francisco in 2013.

Consisting of vocalist/guitarist Gabriel Maciel, lead guitarist Bryan Aguirre, bassist David Ovlite and of course Billy “The Kid’ Brady on the drums, the buzz is deafening for this post-punk, disco-laden act.

The Trims are getting rave reviews from music critics throughout the Bay Area, including this one written by Steve Palpoli from Metro Magazine. “The first thing that jumps out with the Trims’ highly unique sound is the guitars. Their music embraces the spooky swirl of Siouxsie and the Banshees, the assault of Echo and the Bunnymen, the minor-chord crawling of the Cure and the propulsive progressions of New Order. Not to mention layers of effects that would impress even the Edge himself. The Trims’ sound is backed up by a stark and solid post-punk rhythm section that grounds the often space-bound atmospherics, and topped by vocals that soar one minute and slow down to an intimate, direct tone the next.”

Brady is a second-generation musician from a family that also rocked it at night while fixing cars during the day. “My dad had a body shop and I worked there during my vacations from school, so I grew up in the industry,” he said. “My father was a drummer and my mom was also in his band, so music has been in my veins from the start.”

Brady grew up in San Jose, attended San Jose High School and is proud of it. He knows the way to San Jose and isn’t afraid to tell the world.

“We’re one of the only bands out there who say—hey we’re from San Jose and proud of it. A lot of other bands claim that they’re from San Francisco, because they want to be cool. But, we love living here and being part of this music scene, so we tell critics and club owners that we’re from San Jose.”

What are some skills that Billy uses as an estimator at a body shop that also help him in the tough world of rock ‘n roll? “I think we’ve gotten some good gigs by just being nice. Nice goes a long way—in any environment and we’ve al-

22 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.

ways taken a friendly approach and I think it has paid off for us in many ways.

I know for a fact that in my day job at Anderson Behel being nice is important. Our customers are not usually happy because their cars are David Mello is damaged, so leadBilly’s employer at ing with kindness Anderson Behl in and compassion is Santa Clara, CA. the best way to go. I He knows that think that’s pretty when The Trims make it big, he’ll much a good way have to get a new to live in general, estimator for don’t you think?” his crew Having a budding rock star as an integral part of his crew isn’t always convenient, but David Mello, Billy’s employer has made concessions—until now. “Yes, when he has a gig, we have to cover Billy and do his work,” Mello said.

“But, he’s an excellent employee and a real team player, so we don’t want to lose him. We have some amazing people here and many of them have their own interests, so we let them do their thing and it makes for a better place to work. If they can do their jobs here and still pursue their passions, I will support them in any way I can.”

What will Mello do when The Trims sign a major record deal and Brady’s musical career goes full-time?

“When he hits big, we’ll probably lose him, but that comes with the territory when you hire musicians,” Mello said with a wry smile. “He does a great job here and we love him and hopefully he’ll let us back stage when he hits the big-time!”

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Jon Kosmoski from Valspar’s House of Kolor & TV Reality Star KC Mathieu Demonstrate Kandy Painting during NACE duced in the fall of 1982 and in 1997, House of Kolor became part of the Valspar Automotive Coatings DiviAt the Valspar booth during NACE, world-renowned painter, Jon Kossion.

In addition to House of Kolor, moski of House of Kolor (HOK), and reality show Fast N’ Loud star KC Valspar’s brands include DeBeer ReMathieu, demonstrated the advanced finish, Valspar Refinish and newly actechnique of Urethane Kandy applicaquired brands, Prospray Automotive tion.

Finishes, Matrix Automotive Finishes Kosmoski sprayed a black basecoat and U.S. Chemical & Plastics (USC). with Kandy Brandywine and Oriental In May of this year, Valspar anBlue topcoats, utilizing the House of nounced it had acquired the performKolor Shimrin2 system. Afterwards, KC ance coatings businesses from Quest Mathieu, owner of KC’s Paint Shop in Specialty Chemicals. These include Texas, added the House of Kolor USC01 automotive refinish brands Matrix, clear coat.

Prospray and USC, and industrial “It takes some training,” said Koscoatings brands Patriot Paint, Raabe moski. “An average painter can’t pick and Precision Color brands. up a gun and be a kandy painter.”

During NACE, Autobody News spoke with Laura Yerkey, Director of Marketing – Americas, for Valspar Automotive, about the company’s recent announcements.

“The thing that really differentiates whether or not a refinish coatings company is going to be successful is the technology behind it—the color, the products and the tools, and the ability to deWorld renown painter Jon Kosmoski (left) and KC Mathieu, velop the technologies that reality show star on Fast N’ Loud shops are going to need movHe said House of Kolors’ Kandies ing forward,” she explained. and clears are developed with a more DeBeer is Valspar Automotive’s advanced formulation. Whereas an avpremiere brand. “The color technolerage company uses 1 ½ percent UV ogy driving the DeBeer basecoat sysabsorbers, HOK’s products far exceed tem is world class,” said Yerkey. that amount, providing a longer-last“Already, OEM manufacturer’s Ford, ing, more beautiful finish for custom GM and Chrysler have approved the creations. Also, the newly revamped DeBeer 900+ Series. This line delivKandies and basecoats, with advanced ers optimal solutions to any large shop technology, are compliant in all areas or MSO with proven success.” and meet the most stringent VOC reProspray is the company’s other quirements.

European refinish brand, made in the Kosmoski said kandy painting beUnited Kingdom. Basecoat technolocame popular in the early 1950s when gies are made in both solvent and wacustom car builder and painter Joe terborne. “The Prospray line is a Bailon debuted a candy-apple-red- beautifully simple and task-driven syspainted car. The name was coined after tem,” said Yerkey. “The all-liquid inthe transparent color of a candy apple. termix system can be mixed in various Bailon, who is now 92 years old, is solids levels, depending on need, and often referred to as “Candy Apple Joe” provides excellent match and coverand Kosmoski said he can still be seen age, especially with import vehicles. working in his shop.

The clears and primers are streamlined Kosmoski founded House of and backed by universal activators and Kolor in 1956 and used to paint a car thinners.” The color system uses a a day while he owned his own shop. chromatic tool for color matching.

He closed it in 1981 when his custom Matrix is the company’s Ameripaint took off and went into manufac- can paint brand, delivering productivturing. His Kosmic system was intro- ity, color and value. Matrix is more

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

24 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

learning curve.” She said body shops aren’t sacrificing quality or ease when they use Matrix’s low VOC system.

“It’s going to perform for them.”

All Valspar paint brands are backed by warranties and deliver in-field technical service and support.

U.S. Chemical & Plastics, established in 1950, was the original body filler manufacturer in the United States.

With the introduction of the aluminum Ford F-150, Yerkey said the company has recently conducted extensive testing on the new product lineup in reJon Kosmoski said, “You learn by your mistakes. Don’t gards to the specific aluminum blame yourself. That’s the number one thing I tell painters. alloy that Ford is using. “We If something goes wrong, call your jobber store, call a ran extensive testing at the tech rep for the company and find out what went wrong.” technical and research facility “With Matrix low VOC basecoat, on AG47 and Icing Lite, alongside bestcompliance is a really seamless and an selling competitive products, to test adeasy transition for the body shops,” hesion and overall strength,” said said Yerkey. “You’re going to get the Yerkey. “We ran blind lap sheer tests to same amount of coverage and color gauge ultimate stress (PSI) adhesion rematch is going to be the same as with sults and found performance was up to a national rule product. There is no See Kandy Painting, Page 51 recently best-known for developing a true low VOC basecoat system, MPBLV. Every component on the Matrix MPB-LV system, from toner to binder, is low VOC compliant.

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Rash of Vehicle Fires in Washington County, VA, Appear to be Linked, Virginia State Police Asking for Help

Three more vehicle fires were reported June 23rd and 24th in Bristol and Washington County, Virginia, bringing the total number of vehicles destroyed to more than a dozen, according to reports in the Bristol Herald Courier.

Damascus, VA, businessman Mike Smith said the town’s fire department was called around 12:15 a.m. June 24th to his business, Ralph Smith Auto Sales, when a 2001 Mazda Millenia went up in flames.

Firefighters arrived quickly and extinguished the blaze, although it destroyed the car and caused some damage to two surrounding vehicles, he added. The Mazda, Smith said, appears to have been chosen randomly. It was in the front row on the lot. Virginia State Police are investigating the fires, which were first reported on June 4.

The first vehicle fire in the most recent series of blazes took place at Performance Motors on U.S. Highway 11 in Bristol, Virginia State Police spokeswoman Deborah Cox said. Investigators were called at 10:30 p.m. June 23.

About 30 minutes later, police were notified of a second vehicle fire

at the Auto Repair Shop on Green Springs Church Road in Abingdon.

Less than two hours later, the third vehicle fire occurred at Smith’s business on Jeb Stuart Highway.

“Investigators believe the three fires were intentionally set based on preliminary information,” Cox said.

“However, they are still investigating to determine if the fires are connected.” There were no injuries in the latest fires and property damage is estimated to be nearly $14,000.

Earlier this month, VSP began investigating vehicle fires in the Glade Spring community when, during the early morning hours of June 4, State Police were called to Larry’s Auto Parts, in the 30,500 block of Highway 11. A vehicle, parked with two others out from of the business, was set ablaze. Police said all three were destroyed. Another call came in about two vehicles being destroyed by fire in the 31,400 block of Blue Springs Road a short time after the Highway 11 fire. Two vehicles were parked next to each other in a field.

The investigation by State Police Special Agent L.W. Kiser revealed that one of these cars was set

25 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

on fire the same way as the vehicle at the auto parts store.

On the morning of June 8, police were called to a second vehicle fire at Larry’s Auto Parts.

Another vehicle was set on fire in the 30,300 block of Hillman Highway. This time, five vehicles were destroyed.

Another fire was reported along Loves Mill Road.

The June 4 and June 8 fires appear to be related, State Police said.

It’s too early to know if the later fires are related.

“I was a little concerned,” said Smith, who noted that he learned of the other fires earlier this month.

Smith said that as a result of the fire, security will be increased at his business.

The VSP is asking that anyone with information call 276-228-3131 or email jeremy.kite@vsp.virginia.gov.

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Continued from Page 13

CollisionFix.com

using quality parts, and quality repairs has helped us understand the collision industry in a way no other agency can.

Prices Collision has been a client of ours for over 14 years and that experience for us is immeasurable.”

With a background in the automotive industry, Roberts worked as the general manager of a Ford store in Pennsylvania for nine years before coming to Nashville to work at another advertising agency. He opened his own agency, Eagleville Marketing, two years later, in 1998.

Although EaglevilleMarketing .com has many clients in other industries, Roberts said he has gravitated to the collision repair industry as more and more shops have asked for assistance.

“If you’re just waiting for things to change you will lose the battle,” said Roberts. “By continuing fist quality work for your customers plus marketing and educating the public to these facts you will stand a cut above the others.” Visit www.CollisionFix .com for details.

www.autobodynews.com | AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 25

Fixing dents of life TN Body shop owner also repairs people

by Derrick Hill, Shelbyville Times-Gazette

It’s a busy day at Damascus Road Restoration and Body Shop. Owner Steve Brewer comes into his office, sweat glistening on his forehead.

Brewer sits behind his desk, eager to share the story of how he ended up there. Eager to tell how fast it all happened and how, just a few years prior, he would have never guessed he’d be sitting where he is.

Steve Brewer envisioned a business where he could help others turn their lives around.

Photo Credit: Derrick Hill

Brewer has done restoration work on vehicles since he was young. It’s something he took to quickly, felt he had a natural knack for and calls a Godgiven talent. Brewer spent a greater part of his career working with a prominent body shop in Shelbyville and enjoyed what he did, but there was something missing.

While Brewer put in an honest day’s work, when 5 o’clock rolled around, he knew it. This is when the drinking and smoking started.

At the time, Brewer didn’t realize these substances had a major hold on his life. He started losing weight. His wife thought there was something wrong with his health and urged him to see a doctor. The doctors couldn’t find anything, but Brewer knew some changes were needed.

Looking back, Brewer said he wouldn’t have admitted he had a drinking problem at the time, but now realizes that was a lie he was telling himself. Brewer’s marriage was in turmoil and his judgement cloudy, he was dealing with feelings of conviction and felt like God was, in turn, dealing with him.

Brewer was invited to church with a longtime friend who was battling his own addictions. When Brewer arrived at the service, there was a sense that this was where he was supposed to be.

“At that moment in time, as soon as I went to church, I felt like I was home,” said Brewer. “I just felt like I

needed to be there. My wife and I both felt the urgency of needing to be there.”

Soon, Brewer started working to put down the drinking and smoking.

Brewer started attending church and even started teaching Sunday School, but things didn’t immediately take a turn for the better. Brewer now jokes that members of his church have referred to him as the modern day Job, whose biblical tale is one of loss and restoration.

After getting involved with church, Brewer’s wife started having her own health problems, which led to two brain surgeries. Brewer feels that if they had been participating in their former lifestyle choices, that his wife wouldn’t have made it.

Financially, there was a period where they thought they may lose their house. It was a rough road for someone who felt like they were finally doing right. There were moments when Brewer questioned God. “Looking back now, I know it was God trying to build the character in me to be where I’m at now,” said Brewer.

Around this time, Brewer broke his wrist at work. It was a bad break, one that left him recovering for around eight months. He again asked God, “Why are you allowing this to happen?”

Fast forward a few years and those answers are finally becoming clear as Damascus Road Restoration and Body Shop continues to thrive and do well.

While in the bad times Brewer felt that everything was going wrong in his life, he now knows it was all meant to happen. It all opened the doors for him to start his own business.

“I didn’t realize what was going to come of it,” said Brewer. “It was a pretty amazing ride.”

In the midst of his trials and tribulations, Brewer became involved with Legion Ministries and an idea was born. The idea was to create a business that hired people who had lost their way, people who struggled with addictions or just got out of jail.

After taking part in the ministry program created by Legion ministries for an allotted amount of time, that person then becomes eligible to work at this business. Brewer, who feels that he’s a man of second chances, wanted to use his God-given talents to help others.

Brewer soon informed his em-

26 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ployer that he would be leaving to start his own business. For obvious reasons, the news didn’t go over too well at first with his current boss. Yet, after Brewer explained his reasons for opening the business, things smoothed over. After much prayer and consideration, Brewer started looking for his own building.

Unfortunately, the building Brewer felt led to happened to be next door to his former employer.

Brewer thought to himself, “Lord, if that shop was anywhere else, I’d jump all over it, but why there?”

Unsure of what to do, Brewer decided to pray about the situation, telling God that if that was the building he was meant to have, then to give him a name for the business. Later that night, after saying his prayer, the name came to him, Damascus Road Restoration and Body Shop. Brewer knew this was what his was to name his business.

Damascus Road, which refers to the biblical account of Saul being converted to Paul on the road to Damascus, was the perfect fit.

Brewer thought to himself, “Well,

not only are we going to be restoring cars, we are going to be restoring lives.”

Brewer moved into the building, eventually purchasing his former employer’s building next door. That was in 2010 and Brewer’s vision hasn’t changed since.

“To get to see people really wake up and to see God do real works and real wonders in other people’s lives has been the biggest blessing since we opened up the doors,” said Brewer.

Brewer looks back on the years leading up until now, feeling that they happened for a purpose.

“It was amazing because right before I did this, I started teaching Sunday school and I was teaching out of Psalms 139,” said Brewer. “Psalms 139 talks about how God knitted us together while we were still in our mothers’ wombs. No matter where we go, we can’t escape him.”

Restoration is Brewer’s focus now, not only in automobiles but in the lives of those who come to work for him.

“A lot of people coming out of jail are convicted felons and it’s hard for them to get a job. In the body shop inSee Fixing dents of life, Page 54

www.autobodynews.com | AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 27

Please contact these dealers for your Honda or Acura Genuine parts needs.

HO N D A AL AB A MA

FL O RIDA

FLOR IDA

GEO RG I A

Holman Honda of Ft. Lauderdale

Gwinnett Place Honda

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800-277-8836 678-957-5151

Jerry Damson Honda

Classic Honda

Hu n t svil le

O r l an do

800-264-1739 256-382-3759

888-893-4984 407-521-1115

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-5:30; Sat 8-4 Rkeel@damson.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-4 parts@classichonda.com

Serra Honda

Coggin Deland Honda

B ir m in g h a m

D e la nd

800-987-0819 205-949-5460

800-758-0007 386-626-1811

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5; Sat 8-3 mpowell@serrahonda.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 gbennett@cogginauto.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7:30-4 robbutton@rickcase.com

Ed Morse Honda

South Motors Honda

FL O RI D A

AutoNation Honda Clearwater Cle a rwa t er

R i v i e ra B ea ch

800-232-1098 561-844-8089

888-205-2564 727-530-1173

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 7:30-5 tonyrocha@edmorse.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5; Sun 10-3 santosr1@autonation.com

Headquarter Honda

AutoNation Honda Hollywood

800-497-2294 407-395-7374

Ho ll ywo od

800-542-8121 954-964-8300 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-5; Sun 9-5 hernandeze@autonation.com

Braman Honda of Palm Beach G re en a c re s

888-792-7189 954-763-7157 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5:30 rguido@holmanauto.com

Rick Case Honda Davie

877-544-2249

M ia mi

888-418-3513 305-256-2240 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-7 mfranceschi@southhonda.com

Du lu t h

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 gphwholesaleparts@hendrickauto.com

Honda Mall of Georgia Bu f ord /G win net t

678-318-3155 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-5 cdunlap@penskeautomotive.com

Milton Martin Honda Gain esv ille

770-534-0086 678-989-5473 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6 robertthomas@mmhonda.com

Nalley Honda C l e r mo nt

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-7; Sat 8-5 pepe.guevara@headquarterhonda.com

Hendrick Honda Bradenton B rad e nto n

877-706-2021 941-752-2123 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-7; Sat 8-4 Kris.kitzman@hendrickauto.com

888-479-0695 561-966-5185

Hendrick Honda Daytona

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-4:30 parts@bramanhondapb.com

800-953-4402 386-252-2301

D a y to n a Bea ch

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-4 Hondadaytonaparts@hendrickauto.com

Un ion City

GEOR GIA

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770-985-1444 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-6 gperkins@careypaul.com

Ed Voyles Honda M ar i e tta

800-334-3719 770-933-5870 Direct Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-6 hondaparts@edvoyles.com

Gerald Jones Honda

866-362-8034 770-306-4646 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-7; Sat 8-5 hondawp@nalleycars.com

Southern Motors Honda Savann ah

888-785-8387 912-925-1444 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-5 angela@southern-motors.com MI SS IS SI P P I

Patty Peck Honda

A ugus ta

Rid g elan d

800-733-2210 706-228-7040

800-748-8676 601-957-3400

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 tdunn@geraldjoneshonda.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 pmartin@pattypeckhonda.com

AC U R A AL AB A MA

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GEO RG I A

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Duval Acura

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800-264-1739 256-533-1345

800-352-2872 904-725-1149

877-622-2871 678-259-9500

800-347-0596 912-232-3222

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-5:30; Sat 8-4 Rkeel@damson.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5 cecil.adams@duvalacura.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7:30-6 kmcmillan@jacksonacura.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-2 Tim.johnson@acuraofsavannah.com

Rick Case Acura

Nalley Acura

FL O RI D A

Acura of Orange Park J a cks on v ille

888-941-7278 904-777-1008 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-8; Sat 7-5; Sun 9-3 msweeney@acuraoforangepark.com

F o rt La u de rda l e

M ar i e tta

800-876-1150 954-377-7688

800-899-7278 770-422-3138

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 rubenramos@rickcase.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-5 byoung@nalleycars.com

28 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Southern Motors Acura

N O. C AR O LI NA

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800-489-3534 336-761-3682 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-1 www.flowacura.com

NO . CA R O LI N A

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800-476-9411 828-684-4400

866-882-9542 704-220-1522

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 appletreeparts@hotmail.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 6:30-6:30; Sat 7-4 www.copytk.com

Burlington Honda B ur l in g t o n

Vann York Automall

800-822-5108 336-584-3431

336-841-6200

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6:00; Sat 8-1 parts@burlingtonhonda.com

High Point Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-3 SO . CARO LI NA

TEN NE SS EE

VIR GIN I A

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800-824-1301 865-218-5461 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6 rossd1@autonation.com

Bill Gatton Honda Br is to l

800-868-4118 423-652-9545 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-1 hondaparts@billgattonhonda.com

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Breakaway Honda

Du r h am

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855-893-8866 919-425-4711

800-849-5056 864-234-6481

Dept. Hours: M-Thu 7-11; Fri 7-6 Sat 7-5; Sun 11-5 www.southpointhonda.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-5 fmarshall@breakawayhonda.com

800-982-7290 901-255-3780

Midlands Honda

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7 ekerr@wolfchasehonda.com

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800-277-7271 704-552-1149 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5 rob.thomas@hendrickauto.com

Leith Honda R al ei gh

800-868-6970 919-790-8228 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7:30-5 parts@leithhonda.com

G as to n i a

888-703-7109 704-824-8844 x 624 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30 parts@mshonda.com

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800-564-9836 804-414-1960 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-7; Sat 8-4 rreese@i95honda.com

800-849-5057 864-375-2082

Duncan’s Hokie Honda

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 swhite@piedmontcars.com

Airport Honda Alcoa

800-482-9606 757-431-4329 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-7; Sat 8-5 fox@hallauto.com

Hendrick Honda Woodbridge Woodb ridg e

703-690-7777 Dept. Hours: M-Fri 7-6 Sat 8-5; Sun 10-4

Valley Honda Stau n ton

800-277-0598 540-213-9016 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 9-5 bwimer@myvalleyhonda.com

West Broad Honda Rich m ond

VIRGINIA

A n de r so n

TE NNES SEE

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Wolfchase Honda

Hall Honda V irg inia B each

800-446-0160 804-672-8811 Dept. Hours: M-Thu 7:30-6:30; Fri 7:30-6; Sat 8-3; Sun 11-3 wbhonda@aol.com

C hr ist ia nb urg

800-979-9110 540-381-3200 Dept. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30-5:30 Sat 8:00-5:00 rthompson@duncanauto.net

800-264-4721 865-970-7792 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6:30; Sat 7:30-5 parts@airporthonda.com

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Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 justin.taylor@hendrickauto.com

Dept. Hours: M-Th 7-7; Fri 7-6; Sat 8-5 performanceparts@hendrickauto.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 thoover@crownauto.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6:00; Sat 8-6; Sun 10-5 jimgraf@radleyauto.com

Leith Acura

Radley Acura

Karen Radley Acura

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800-868-0082 919-657-0460

800-355-2818 703-550-0205

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-4:30 parts@leithacura.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-3 coreythompson@radleyautogroup.com

www.autobodynews.com | AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 29

Media and Publicity for Shops

Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.

What is Your Marketing Budget…Or Do You Have One? with Ed Attanasio

I often ask body shops, “What is your budget for marketing and advertising?” and they look at me like I just asked them to explain quantum physics (which I’ve learned is tougher than rocket science). You don’t need to come up with a complex algorithm to devise a budget, but once you see the numbers, you might not like them. The problem is that many body shop owners have had bad experiences with marketing or advertising and now they’re gun shy to say the least. In many cases, they made unwise decisions and now the word “marketing” turns their stomach. “Our Yellow Pages ad didn’t work,” one shop manager said. (Anyone could have told you it’s a dying medium) “We paid $200 for our web site and it doesn’t work.”

(You get what you pay for) “I didn’t realize TV advertising was going to cost us so much.”

Roger Henson, (Surprise—really?) owner of AdvertisHow does this reing Business Conlate to whether or sultants believes that every company not your shop has a of any size should marketing budget? have a marketing/ Because, in many advertising budget cases, shops that written into its inihave burned themtial business plan even before openselves making bad ing the doors decisions in the past about marketing aren’t really enthused about devising a marketing budget. Dino DiGuilio, the owner of Body Best in Sonoma, CA has been in the collision industry for roughly 25 years, but by learning as much as he can about marketing and advertising and through his involvement in Management Success, he knows more about these topics than most marketing managers at large corporations.

DiGuilio has a marketing budget that fluctuates depending on the time of year and based on how many cars he has in his shop, but basically it stays the same, month after month, without interruption.

“A marketing budget is like any other budget you have in other aspects of any business—operations, employee compensation, equipment acquisition, supplies, etc.,” he explained. “It’s money that is set aside and earmarked for marketing and that way we don’t have to

look around to find the funds when we want to do something, such as a door-todoor mailing, flyers, ads and the like.”

Although several factors go into devising his marketing plan and its budget, DiGullio says that a simple equation can be used to determine any shop’s marketing budget.

“The rule is 3 percent to 7 percent of your annual gross,” he said. “We never go below 5 percent no matter how busy we are, because I believe that anything less than that may affect the bottom line. During the slow season (October-January) we normally step it up to 7 percent and during the summer months when we’re jammed here, we will rein it in to 5 percent.”

Some of DiGuilio’s marketing efforts are seasonal, but other things are year round. He said these are the staples of the business and never deviates from them.

“For instance, customers always get either a t-shirt with our name on it or a grocery bag, whatever they choose.

We use a handicapped workshop for the t-shirts, so that effort is definitely a winwin. It’s the perfect combination of philanthropy and promotion, so we never cut back on that. We also do a quarterly newsletter that we print rather than do it online, because we have a lot of older customers who still want something they can hold in their hands. Some of our younger clients like it too, because everything is online now and this is something tangible.”

Roger Henson is the owner of Advertising Business Consultants in Silicon Valley. He believes that companies should devise a marketing and advertising budget that is flexible and ever-changing, based on a wide range of market conditions.

“This is an ongoing conversation that I have with many of my clients, including automotive companies of all sizes,” Henson explained. “One old advertising veteran told me many years ago that when a business owner finds an advertising medium he is interested in, he finds a way to get it done. Clients who cry poverty will suddenly pony up the cash when they see an opportunity that they believe in. That works for a lot of businesses, but I don’t believe it’s the best way to do it.”

30 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Henson said that a marketing budget should be written into any company’s business plan even before they open their doors.

Dino DiGuilio, the owner of Body Best in Sonoma, CA (shown here with his family) has a marketing budget that fluctuates depending on the time of year and based on how many cars he has in his shop, but sticks to a 3% to 7% formula that works for him

“It should be a line on you overall cost of doing business, just like rent, insurance, equipment, etc. Savvy owners may not have a specific budget, but they know roughly how much they can spend in any given month and that works for them. To sit there and say—

I’m going to spend 4 percent of my gross on advertising and marketing just doesn’t work for some companies, so their budgets are fluid and they can either expand them or rein them in, depending on what’s going on.”

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to budgeting anything and marketing is one of those situations, according to Henson, who has more than 40 years of experience in advertising and promotions.

“I tell my clients to pick a number and try to stick with it, but you don’t have to be married to it. Make a plan and don’t freak out if you have to change it on the fly. Five to 7 percent is a good starting point, but life changes, businesses change and the market can alter dramatically, like it did in 2008, so bend and adapt and use your ear-marked funds as you need them. Some months may cost you more, but hopefully you can make adjustments during those other months when business is good.”

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www.autobodynews.com | AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 31

Lean Operations

Make Your Month, Every Day! with David Luehr

Do you run your shop or does it run you? I spend many hours in collision repair businesses and unfortunately what I see is usually the latter. The collision repair businesses that are really getting it done these days take a systematic approach to success. Today’s article focuses on how successful shops own their days, their months, and financial future through the use of a simple daily system.

Why is it that so many collision repairers wait until the last few days of the month to take notice of whether or not they are on track to reach their monthly sales goal? Usually they are way behind where they want to be, and out comes the bull whip! Guess who suffers now?

That’s right, everybody! The employees have to work extra hours under pressure, and the customers often have to deal with the quality issues that ensue. Much of this nonsense can be alleviated by adopting a different mindset that focuses on what I like to call “WIN.” What’s Important Now? WIN gets the team to focus on making the right plays every day whether it’s July 1st or July 25th. The overarching idea is to design your future and purposefully go out and get it! A simple method I like to use involves 1. Knowing what you want 2.

Making a game plan 3. Measuring the progress and making adjustments every day. When you follow these three steps you WIN!

Step One - Knowing what you want Set up an achievable budget or sales forecast for your company that will positively push your people but is still realistic. This step is crucial and sets the stage for you retaining control of your company. The way I like to do this is based on taking the daily sales capacity average and multiplying it by the number of working days in the month. I then do this for all the remaining months of the year.

Monthly goal = Daily Sales Capacity (What my shop is capable of producing each day) X number of working days in the month.

Ex. $5,000 X 21 days = $105,000 Monthly Sales

Step Two - Making a game plan

David Luehr is the owner of Elite Body Shop Solutions, LLC, a collision business consulting firm based in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a 30 year veteran of the collision repair industry.

David is an expert in Body Shop Operations and specializes in Lean, and Theory of Constraints methods. Email him at dluehr@msn.com

So based on our sample month, you are projecting $105,000 as your goal which means that EVERY DAY your crew needs to produce $5,000. I repeat, EVERY DAY, including the first day of the month, and the second day of the month and so on. Far too many shops close ROs and book sales for cars that are not delivered or in some cases aren’t even completed in order to “make the month.” This is a mistake and contributes to the problem of starting out the next month in the hole.

Prior to the beginning of each month, you must think about how your month will play out just like you are making a game plan for a football game. You should ask yourself questions such as, “is anyone going to be on vacation this month?” When things like employee vacations are a factor, make plans in advance on how you will stay on track. You can’t possibly know how everything will play out in the future, but you can at least make a plan and do your best to stick to it.

Step Three - Measure the progress and make adjustments Each day it is very important to know your numbers and share them with your team. You must know every day what your sales are compared to where they should be in order to hit the monthly goal. With our sample month, if it is the third day of the month and the actual sales are $10,000 and the goal for day three is $15,000 (3 days X $5,000) you now know you are tracking $5,000 below target.

If the reason you are below your target is production related, you now will need to make adjustments to get caught up. The way I would approach this situation is by addressing the staff during the morning production meeting and asking the guys to put in a couple extra hours to get us back on track. If the problem is related to sales coming to the door, then you will obviously need to address the problem by figuring out how to get some more work coming in quickly.

Either way, it is a lot easier to make small adjustments early in the month, than waiting until there are only a few days left to make your miraculous recovery!

32 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Conclusion The important take-away here is that you have got to know your numbers every day in order to make the course corrections that will keep you on target towards success. If you are using a computer management system, keep-

ing track is very simple. You can run a vehicles delivered report every morning (be sure to not include sales tax.)

If you would like free assistance creating a routine to keep you on track, please contact me. david.luehr@elite bodyshopsolution.com

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Industry Insight

—John Yoswick is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, who has a body shop in the family and has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988.

He is the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (for a free 4-week trial subscription, visit www.CrashNetwork.com). Contact him by email at jyoswick@SpiritOne.com.

Surveys Show ‘Who Pays For What’ in Terms of ‘Not-Included’ Procedures with John Yoswick

Fully one-third of collision repair shops nationwide said they have never asked to be paid for “masking the engine compartment” when this “not-included” procedure has been necessary as part of a repair, yet another onethird of shops who do seek to be paid for it say they receive that payment “always” or “most of the time.”

That finding is just one of hundreds revealed in a survey conducted recently by Collision Advice, which is also launching a new survey this month.

“This confirms something I see as I work with shops around the country,” said Mike Anderson of Collision Advice. “On this one procedure alone, for every shop not including this necessary procedure on their estimate, another shop is getting paid for it most if not all of the time.”

More than 980 shops around the country responded to the survey, which asked them to report how often

they are paid for 26 refinish-related procedures by the eight largest auto insurers.

“With that level of response, I believe is the largest survey ever examining this subject,” Anderson said.

He said it is clear from the results of this survey that whether or not a repair facility is reimbursed for a particular procedure depends, to some degree, simply on whether or not the shop negotiates for that operation. Though the survey found that reimbursement frequencies do vary by insurance company, DRP status and region of the country, it is clear that none of the procedures are universally rejected by insurers.

Anderson said the quarterly surveys help raise awareness of not-included items and operations that shops may be doing but not itemizing on estimates.

“The surveys will help shops understand what these operations are,

and whether other shops seek and receive compensation for them – or if they truly are ‘the only one,’” Anderson said.

The 62-page report of the first survey findings is now available by clicking on the “Who Pays For What?” logo on the Collision Advice website (www.CollisionAdvice.com).

Shops can also use that link during the month of July to take the latest of the surveys, which covers structural/frame and mechanical-related operations.

Anderson said each survey, which will take about 15-30 minutes, should be completed by the shop owner, manager or estimator who is most familiar with the shop’s billing practices and the payment practices of the largest national insurers. Each individual shop location (whether a stand-alone business or part of a multi-shop operation) may submit one response to the survey.

Those who complete the survey (and provide optional contact information) receive the survey findings at no charge.

Each shop’s individual responses are held in the strictest confidence and are not released in any way; only cumulative data is released.

For more information about the surveys and findings, or to take the current survey, click on the “Who Pays For What?” logo on the Collision Advice website (www.CollisionAdvice .com).

Collision Advice (www.CollisionAdvice .com) is an independent training and consulting firm featuring some of the most respected and experienced experts in the collision repair industry. Mike Anderson and his team offer real-world, cutting edge training and guidance both in the classroom and one-on-one in the shop.

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Social Media for Shops Collision Repair Technicians United Goes Viral on Facebook with Ed Attanasio

It all started as a forum where painters, techs, estimators and anyone else working in the collision industry could vent, get advice, network and share ideas with each other on a national stage.

Roughly six months ago, Marc Gabbard, owner of GSR Custom Collision Repair in Yakima, WA, was looking for a way to communicate with other technicians out there in the World Wide Web, so he decided to set up a Facebook page and named it Collision Repair Technicians United.

He never imagined that it would go viral and become one of the mostused forms of social media in the collision industry, attracting big names and shop personnel from Hawaii to Alaska and everywhere in between.

Gabbard’s shop fixes 4-5 cars weekly with a three-man crew. He started the business in 1998, doing a lot of street rods and custom restoration, but now he’s 100 percent collision repair all the time.

“When I first began we were doing strictly hot rods and I pretty much had to do all of the work myself,” Gabbard said. “By 2008, we were officially in our current facility and that’s when things began to roll.

At the beginning, I would jump in there and do most of the body work and painting. But now I’m becoming more of a full-time owner and getting away from the day-to-day production.

I’m focusing on things like marketing and community outreach, so that we can grow and stay healthy.”

To retain control on all of his repairs, Gabbard doesn’t have any DRPs and isn’t pursuing any in the near future either.

He explained, “I don’t need them, because we’ve established a strong reputation for being fair and honest with every customer through the door. We earn all of our business by continually stressing customer service and quality.”

Gabbard, 37, was already comfortable using social media to sell his business, network and communicate with friends and colleagues, so creating a page where technicians and other people in the collision industry can convene was a logical evolution, he said.

“Facebook is a very fast way for us to connect to so many people eas-

Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.

Many techs proudly show their By browsing through Gabbard’s Collision Repair Technicians United before and after pictures and in some Facebook page, you can see how collicases, other members will scold some sion professionals from different worlds technicians for cutting corners or percan use the site. I found topics such as: forming unsafe repairs. Other memWhat is the secret of fixing a door hanbers of the page ask about equipment dle on a 2013 Fusion? How does your and products and do comparisons onshop deal with warranty isline, such as: What’s better—SATA sues? Does anyone know anyguns or Iwata guns? Is waterborne one who has failed an I-CAR paint really better for the environment? test? How can I get paid by the Does PPG or Pro-Spray provide better insurance company on this recolor matches? Where can I get a good pair? Does anyone fix Entercar dolly? prise rental cars, because they “We’re educating ourselves with came by the shop just now? Is valuable information from the people it better to get all of the DRPs who are actually doing the repairs,” you can? Aftermarket parts vs. Gabbard said. “By breaking down the Marc Gabbard owns GSR Custom Collision Repair in Yakima, OE parts? Is aluminum really geographic limitations and sharing with WA and is the creator of Collision Repair Technicians United, the next hot thing?

Other repeople all over the country, we can bea Facebook page that is quickly going popularity among pair chat threads dealing with come effective at things like getting the professionals from every aspect of the collision industry issues about things such as right parts, finding OE repair procelier this year. headliners, bumpers, headlights, blenddures and just doing a better job overall.

“We got a few inquires here and ing panels, grit in the paint, sanding vs. We’re helping each other, but really the there and then the word got out and it over-sanding and other related themes consumers are getting the benefits of a started exploding. As of today, we appear every day on the forum. page like this.” have roughly 3,300 members and it hasn’t slowed down at all. With 150200 new members asking to be a part of this online forum every week, we should be near 4,000 soon.”

Gabbard is the gatekeeper and moderator for this invitation-only page and in most cases people act appropriately while on the site. But when they • Exceptional Customer Service don’t, he’s not afraid to boot them with• Prompt & Dependable Delivery out hesitation.

• Dedicated Wholesale Staff “We’ve had a few people who tried to push their political agendas on the page, so they had to go. Some came on here and tried to antagonize other members for whatever reason and so they had to go as well. In most cases, people are fine and I’ve only had a few Largest issues, so the track record is pretty darn Inventory good.”

Gabbard is always happily surin Central prised when he sees names he recogFlorida nizes applying for membership on his page.

“We’ve got some major names from collision on this page and we’re happy to have them here. Presidents of Saturday 8 - 1 collision organizations chatting with rookie techs is a cool thing to see. If you work in the collision industry, you’re Fax: Parts Phone: welcome to join. We have a good mixture of people here and we screen folks, but we do not discriminate.” ily. I can talk to a painter in Missouri one minute and a body tech in upstate New York the next. By sharing ideas, repair techniques and useful information, we can all be better at our jobs.”

Gabbard said he was surprised when the page caught momentum ear-

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Media and Publicity for Shops Lead with Caution Whenever Contracting ANY Marketing Firm with Ed Attanasio

Many body shops will use a piece of equipment, paint or other products in their shops on a trial basis before they decide to purchase them. They will use a computer management program to see if it truly works and if their staff is comfortable before integrating it into their day-to-day operations. But, why do some of these same body shops sign up and spend significant amounts of money with marketing companies before checking their references or even doing their basic due diligence?

Body shops know what they know and what they’re good at — and that’s fixing cars, but what do they really know about marketing? Through training and classes, some shop owners and managers are savvy about press relations, direct mail marketing, online marketing, branding, collateral and even things like graphic design and blog creation. But in the end there is too much to know and most of this stuff is out of the average body shop owner’s area of expertise.

Unfortunately, some marketing companies realized long ago that body shops don’t know much about marketing and for that reason unscrupulous people will take advantage of collision repairers and overcharge them for services and products, all the while under performing. We’ve seen it in one form or another more than a few times all over the country. For a long time, shops were getting phone calls from companies that said they could get their name at the #1 position on Google within just a few weeks. Body shop owners in competitive markets jumped on these offers. Without checking out the companies first, they simply took their word. In the end, some shops lost as much as $5,000-$8,000, especially the ones with multiple locations.

Organic Search Engine Optimization (SEO) takes time and effort, and by just doing a minimum amount of research, the victimized shops would

have known that these fly-by-night virtual companies were giving shops an offer that was too good to be true. At first, the deal appeared to be solid. The shop owner looked at his web site and indeed saw that his shop was now #1 on Google. Obviously, they didn’t know what Black Hat SEO was or about the repercussions involved.

Black Hat SEO is a practice that increases a page’s ranking in search engines through means that violate the company’s (Google in this case) terms of service. Implementing Black Hat SEO tactics and strategies can get your site banned from search engines, excluding you from the number one traffic referral source on the Internet, which is exactly what happened to these poor body shops.

After paying the marketing company, they found out that Google was shutting their web site down without explanation (and good luck trying to get someone from Google on the phone). In this article, I’ve decided not to mention any company names, because hopefully if they read this, they will see the light and gravitate away from the dark side. All of the body shop owners and managers that I interviewed for this piece also did not want to talk on the record, primarily because they’re currently in court with some of these so-called marketing companies.

Also, please note that most of the automotive marketing companies out there are 100 percent honest and do great work, but from what I’ve been hearing recently, a few bad apples have negatively impacted the others.

It all comes down to what every company wants and expects from any vendor—authenticity, complete transparency and the absence of “hidden fees” and “blatant up-selling.” Here are some tips for not getting ripped off by an unscrupulous marketing or advertising company: ■ Check ALL their references.

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Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.

The references that most companies provide are normally the ones they’ve cleared, so do some research and dig a little deeper. Call the local Chamber of Commerce and ask around. Also check out Yelp and Google them for possible consumer complaints. There’s also a great site called Rip-Off Report that can help you as you sort through the shady operators in the hopes of finding a good company. Another great way to sort out the fraudsters is to check the Secretary of State’s website to make certain that they are registered and even legal to do business in your state. Just like with body shops, any consumer should only work with a licensed marketing company for obvious reasons.

■ Let them prove themselves. One distributor of collision repair products told one marketing company that he wanted to work with them, but for at least the first project, full payment would come but only after the job was completed. You should let all your ven-

dors prove themselves first and especially with marketing companies. Once they get your money, they hold the reins, so don’t give it up until they’ve shown what they can do. One shop in northern California contracted with a marketing company and then suddenly the bills started coming in with ridiculous charges, including “invoicing charges.” That’s right—the company was charging them for sending them their bill! Then, when they tried to cancel the company’s services, they hit the shop with a bill close to $10,000 for “cancellation fees.” Now the shop’s owners have to travel to the Midwest to defend themselves in a small claims court, all because they didn’t carefully check out the company first.

■ Read all contracts carefully. One body shop owner foolishly signed multiple contracts with one marketing company thinking they were all copies, which turned out to be a major mistake, because each one was different. If any Nalley BMW

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company shows you more than one contract—beware.

■ Stay local. One body shop hired a company to do a new logo, unaware of the fact that they were located in India. They never got the logo after transferring the money through PayPal. When the deal fell apart, there was no one in this country to sue. Retain control by working with companies that are close enough geographically that if something goes sideways, you can go there and deal with it. And if a company does not have a physical location (listing only a PO Box, for example) that too is a red flag.

■ If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. If a marketing company claims that they will bring you a certain number of cars by using their services, be wary…very wary. One poor body shop manager was told by a shady company that they can double his business by signing up with them for a year. One year later, his business was down 30% due to the fact that three MSOs moved into his territory, despite all of their marketing efforts.

If any marketing firm guarantees anything--stay away, because not even the most talented marketing minds in the world can assure you things like more

cars or more revenue.

■ Tell the world. If you’ve had a bad experience with any company, let your community know by Yelping them or at least telling your friends, associates and colleagues. Unscrupulous marketing companies use the old “turn and burn” technique, because they know there are a ton of businesses out there that they can scam.

Don’t make it easy for them by keeping it your little secret because once they’ve wronged you, they’re likely just out there looking to do it to the next guy. Like I mentioned earlier, most marketing companies and ad agencies are honest, accountable and do amazing work, but there will always be that handful that are focused more on a quick buck than on quality.

So beware and follow your instincts— but also do your research and check them out carefully before signing on the line that is dotted.

Follow us on Twitter:

@autobodynews Accept no Substitutes!

NHTSA Announces All VIN Numbers Under Takata Air Bag Recall in Search System The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that all vehicle identification numbers affected by the massive Takata air bag recall are loaded into the agency’s search system. The recall involves 11 auto manufacturers and roughly 34 million vehicles.

“An informed consumer is one of our strongest allies in ensuring recalled vehicles are repaired, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “NHTSA’s VIN search tool at safercar.gov makes it easy for consumers to check if their vehicle is affected by the recall, and to take action in getting the air bags replaced.”

In May, Takata announced a national recall of certain types of driver and passenger side air bag inflators. These inflators were made with a propellant that can degrade over time and has led to ruptures that have been blamed for seven deaths and more than 100 injuries worldwide. The recall is one of the largest and most complex product recalls in history.

“As this recall progresses, NHTSA will organize and prioritize the replacement of the defec-

tive air bag inflators to ensure that defective inflators are replaced with safe ones as quickly as possible,” said NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind.

The agency has established a new website, SaferCar.gov/Recalls Spotlight, to provide regular updates on the status of this and other recalls of high interest.

Below are additional tools and tips from the nation’s auto safety agency:

● Register Your Cars, Tires and Car Seats: Receive NHTSA email notifications when the manufacturer files the recall with the federal government. There is no way to locate or notify individual owners of car seats or tires if the product is not registered with the manufacturer or NHTSA. ● Receive recall alerts on Apple devices, Android devices, or Email.

● Check NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) 5-Star Ratings System when considering purchasing a new or used vehicle.

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Mike Anderson Explains How Learning an Employee’s “Love Language” Can Benefit Your Business at CARSTAR Event in CA

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

Mike Anderson recently spoke to a room full of 150 people about the “Five Love Languages” during a CARSTAR event in Carlsbad, CA on June 13. One might be curious why this dynamic, inspirational speaker chose to talk about love at an auto body conference.

Anderson explained that feeling loved or appreciated motivates us.

By finding out how your employees feel most appreciated, it can ultimately benefit your business.

Mike Anderson Based Dr. Gary Chapman’s book “The Five Love Languages for Couples,” Anderson taught attendees how to understand and speak the five love languages, not only to their spouse and children, but also how to apply it to coworkers, teammates and employees.

“People speak many different languages of love. If someone does not understand what you’re saying, then what you mean to say is lost,” said Anderson, founder of CollisionAdvice.com. “People are motivated by different things.

You can find out what makes them feel appreciated.”

During the presentation, Anderson discussed how he used this technique at his own body shop with much success.

When hiring employees he always tested their “love language.”

Some of the benefits he found include improved cycle time, an enhanced work climate, less turnover, more productivity, better customer service and improved profitability and teamwork.

Anderson said your “love language” is established when you are a child, although it can temporarily change during a crisis. He invited CARSTAR employees and owners to participate in a survey to find their own love language.

Afterwards, he explained how love languages can apply to the workplace.

He referred to it as the five languages of appreciation and recommended the book, “The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace” written by Gary Chapman and Paul White.

He also said there is a difference between appreciation and recognition.

Some companies that adopt recognition programs can still have low moral.

“People don’t want to be recognized.

They want to feel appreciation,” he said.

Studies show that more than 80 percent of employees say they are motivated to work harder when their boss shows them appreciation. Fifty percent said they would stay longer if they felt appreciated. According to the U.S. De-

partment of Labor, 64 percent of employees who leave their jobs say they did so because they didn’t feel appreciated.

Anderson stressed the importance of building a culture where employees feel appreciated. “If the only time we interact with people is when they make a mistake, they don’t feel appreciated,” said Anderson.

According to a Gallup Poll he cited, 70 percent of people say they receive no praise in the workplace. He said this can lead to a lack of connectedness with others, the organization and

In the workplace this translates into praising an employee’s personality and complimenting their character, whether it is your company’s bookkeeper or body tech. “Character is what a person will do when no one is looking,” said Anderson.

Quality Time – For some people nothing says more than undivided attention.

This includes quality conversation and activities. Whether it is participating in an office activity together or community service, Anderson said it doesn’t have to take a long period of time. “Some people desire shared experiences,” he

“The number one reason people stay at a company is that they feel valued and appreciated,” said Mike Anderson

its goals. Team members who feel discouraged and complain about their jobs ultimately end up looking for other employment.

“Only 12 percent leave their job to earn more money,” said Anderson.

“Nine out of 10 look for a new job because they don’t feel appreciated.”

Typically, the most qualified and best trained employees leave and when they do it can be costly to hire and train someone new. A decline in productivity and overall low moral can also result.

He pointed out the old school mentality among managers that no longer applies—“I pay them so they should be thankful for a job.” He said this no longer applies.

The number one reason people stay at a company is that they feel valued and appreciated,” said Anderson. “Employees desire to feel safe and secure. Showing appreciation provides security!” And he said improved employee satisfaction leads to higher CSI scores.

Although he said there are always roadblocks to implementing new ideas, “If our employees feel appreciated and satisfied with their jobs, they will look forward to coming to work. This is a huge competitive advantage.”

He encouraged participants to take the time to learn their employees’ languages of appreciation and consider purchasing the books for more details.

“A person who feels appreciated will always do more than what is expected.”

The Five Languages of Love Words of Affirmation – Unsolicited comments and encouragement mean the world to this person. They should be encouraging, humble and kind. He said women like to hear people praise them for who they are and men like to hear people praise them for what they do.

38 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

said. The key is to remember if someone does not participate, do not take it personally. It is just not their language of appreciation.

Receiving Gifts – This does not always have to be monetary but can be the gift of time. Anderson suggests finding out your employees’ interests and hobbies

so the giver actually knows what is important and valued by the recipient.

Movie tickets, gift cards and tickets to sporting events are just some of the examples he used. He also suggests finding out your employees’ birthdays and anniversaries.

Acts of Service – For these people, actions speak louder than words. In the workplace, Anderson reminded attendees to be sure that the person wants assistance and find out the way he or she wants it done. This might mean staying late to help them get the job done or be their helper for the day. “The single driver of engagement is whether or not workers feel their managers are genuinely interested in their well being,” said Anderson.

Physical Touch – For this person nothing speaks more than physical touch. It is the lowest language of appreciation for most people in the workplace. Displays of fist bumps, high five’s, a pat on the back and even a two-handed hand shake are most common.

For information, contact Mike Anderson at mike@collisionadvice.com, call 301-535-3333 or visit www.collision advice.com.

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Aluminum Body Tools Required for Vacuum Capture

by Del Williams, Technical Writer

With the aluminum body here to stay, one critical factor that collision repair shops must get right is the tools and attachments used to capture potentially explosive airborne dust. This dust, created mainly during grinding and sanding, can also affect paint quality due to cross-contamination with steel. When it comes to aluminum dust, no vacuum can adequately capture it at its source without specialized shrouds, sanders, and hoses.

Special vacuums called immersion separators are needed to capture and wet potentially explosive, aluminum dust. The best of these direct the air stream and aluminum dust through a series of air filtration baffles that burst the air bubbles to thoroughly wet the dust before the air exits the vacuum. But even these require tool attachments to sufficiently capture the dust at its source and direct it.

To help collision repair shops optimize their safety and performance working with aluminum bodies, here is a tool selection guide for critical shrouds, sanders, and hoses.

Shrouds Because grinding, cutting, drilling, and routing can launch a large amount of dust in the air, shrouds have long been used to contain the dust as close to the source as possible. But traditional grinding shrouds have some significant limitations in terms of dust capture, operator visibility and precision. Many of these issues have been worked out in the aerospace industry, which has decades of experience with aluminum and composite, and the technology is now transferring to auto collision repair.

“Grinding shrouds are typically very restrictive and cumbersome,” says Mike Donnelly, a composite specialist in Britain with decades of experience.

“With typical grinders, the shroud is usually opaque or metallic and much larger than the grinding disc rotating inside it, so you can’t see the edge of the rotating disc inside it. This vastly reduces the composite repairman’s view of what he or she is grinding.”

According to Donnelly, a new Clayton grinder shroud design, when used with an appropriate vacuum, has not only enabled the capture of respirable composite dust at its source, but also significantly improved opera-

tors’ hand control and view of what they are grinding. Clayton Associates (www.jclayton.com), a manufacturer of source capture tools and vacuum sanding equipment that has dealt with aluminum and composite for over a decade in aerospace, is bringing that expertise to auto body collision repair.

“Before Clayton Clear Revolution grinding shrouds were introduced in Europe, it was virtually impossible to use a die grinder with high precision for composite repair without making a lot of dust,” says Donnelly.

According to Donnelly, because the Clayton dustless grinding shroud system has been designed to be unrestrictive to the user, it is not bolted to the die grinder body or transmission like traditional units. Instead, it is a standalone shroud with a pair of internal precision sealed bearings, which an incorporated mandrel rotates on, and the mandrel shaft locks into the grinder collet. In use, a vacuum dust collection hose attaches to the shroud body. This allows the grinder operator to use the hose as an effective hand-steady, enabling two-handed grinder operation when very fine precision is required.

“Because of the shroud’s unique design, when mounted on the grinder it can rotate 360 degrees on two internal precision bearings so the vacuum hose never gets in the way,” explains Donnelly. “The shroud is made of clear, tough, durable Lexan (the same material as NASCAR windshields, aerospace cockpits, and space helmets), which allows you to see through it.

Since the shroud head’s outer diameter is no larger than the abrasive disc rotating beneath it, you can always see exactly what you’re grinding.”

“The versatility of the Clayton grinding shroud enables proficient operators to do complex jobs they’d be reluctant to try with a traditional grinder or sander,” adds Donnelly.

Gary Gardella Jr., a County Line Auto Body co-owner and production manager in Howell, N.J., uses Clayton Clear Revolution grinding shrouds for both dedicated aluminum and traditional bodywork.

“Now we’re catching all the dust even when we grind down to bare metal or ecoat,” says Gardella, who credits the shroud’s design for a 99% dust capture rate at the source.

Historically, dust control shrouds were attached to the tool body and designed to fit a single make or model

40 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

tool, which raised the cost of ownership since a new shroud was required for each new tool.

In contrast, a universal shroud design can dramatically reduce the total cost of ownership, since the shroud can be moved from one tool to another, whether grinder, sander, or router, straight or right angle, Dotco or Dynabrade.

“Since Clayton’s universal shroud design allows it to be compatible with any grinder or tool with a 1/4” collet, we don’t need to replace our existing tools or buy proprietary shrouds,” says Gardella. “This significantly lowers our cost of ownership, and makes the shrouds easy to use wherever they’re needed.”

Sanders Sanders must also be considered, since they can generate tremendous dust in repair processes from paint removal to surface prep, which can be particularly problematic for aluminum bodies. A major challenge with traditional sanders, in fact, is that most are not vacuum capable. Instead, they typically rely on ineffective skirts or dust

bags that do not adequately contain the dust.

“With standard sanders in the past, we used a kit with a dust bag that made an absolute mess,” says Gardella. “The dust capture rate was horrible, particularly on long boards.”

Gardella found what he was looking for when he turned to Clayton sanders, which are specifically designed to be vacuum capable with a 98% dust capture rate. As such, the dust shroud has been engineered to allow a clear, straight path for the dust to flow, and the sanders backup pads incorporate a large number of holes for more airflow and dust capture.

“Our dust capture rate on sanders now approaches 100%, which has enhanced the safety and quality of our aluminum and steel body work,” says Gardella.

Another issue to consider is that traditional sanders often only come in round shapes, which can limit their function in collision shops and quickly tire technicians if they are not ergonomic.

Choosing sanders that offer a range of shapes suited the job, on the other

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“The variety of sander shapes and types Clayton offers, a choice of over 20, helps us to work more efficiently, as does ergonomic wrist support,” says Gardella. The ergonomic wrist support included on all Clayton sanders, for instance, facilitates twohanded sanding, which can improve operator precision and reduce fatigue on long sanding jobs.

Hoses For dust collection to safely work as intended, choosing the right air and vacuum hose is also critical. Typical hose, for instance, can build up and discharge static electricity, which could ignite or explode aluminum dust.

Traditional vacuum sanding also requires technicians to carry separate air and vacuum hoses, which can be cumbersome. The ribbed edges of typical hose can also catch on table

edges or auto body panels, pulling back on the hose and disturbing precise bodywork. And typical black or gray hose can pose a heightened trip hazard in dimly lit auto body shops.

Some manufacturers have addressed these challenges with innovative hose designs. According to Gardella, for instance, a number of Clayton hose design features have enhanced safety and productivity for County Line Auto Body technicians.

For example, to prevent potential aluminum dust ignition or explosion, conductive carbon black hoses and cuffs eliminate static buildup and prevent technicians from getting shocked.

Bundling air and vacuum hoses allows technicians to carry one hose instead of separate air and vacuum hoses. A durable sheathing with no exposed fasteners enables hose to slide over edges and rough surfaces without snagging and catching, extending hose life.

For more info, call 732-3632100; 800-248-8650 toll free; Fax 732-364-6084; email sales@JClayton .com; visit www.jclayton.com.

www.autobodynews.com CHECK IT OUT!

U.S. House Subcommittee Hearing on Connected Cars

On June 24, the U.S. House Subcommit- nual unimpaired light vehicle crashes, tee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and saving lives and reducing $871 billion Trade under the Energy and Commerce in costs to our nation’s economy each Committee held a hearing entitled, “Ve- year.” hicle to Vehicle Communications and Subcommittee members expressed Connected Roadways of the Future.” optimism about the benefits of V2V Members addressed issues asso- technologies, but remained wary of pociated with emerging telematics, vehi- tential threats from hacking, connectivcle-to-vehicle communication (V2V), ity lapses, and modified driver behavior. and vehicle-to-infrastructure commu- Rep. Frank Pallone, ranking member, nication (V2I).

D-NJ, stated his concerns in his openThe witness panel featured leaders ing statement; “While the progress and in vehicle technology development in- potential of this technology are clear, we cluding Nathaniel Beuse, associate ad- in Congress must continue to ensure ministrator of Vehicle Safety Research proper oversight as NHTSA moves agfor the National Highway Transporta- gressively toward its goal of finalizing tion Safety Administration (NHTSA), its V2V rulemaking by the end of this and Dr. Peter Sweatman, Director of year. While pushing for V2V-enabled the University of Michigan Transporta- cars, NHTSA must also ensure drivers tion Research Institute. Witness testi- have the most beneficial crash avoidmony focused on the lifesaving ance and crashworthiness technologies potential of V2V technologies, national in all cars, not just those supported by and international standards, future con- V2V communications.” gressional rulemaking, and the timeline At the conclusion of the hearing, for implementation. Beuse will make a members expressed their intent to follow presentation at the Automotive Service this issue closely, with special attention to Association’s NACE|CARS Show in NHTSA’s rulemaking process. NHTSA Detroit on July 23. is currently working to deliver a Notice Panelist Harry Lightsey, Execu- of Proposed Rulemaking on V2V comtive Director, Global Connected Cus- munications by 2016. tomer Experience for General Motors For information about ASA, visit LLC, said, “NHTSA has estimated that www.ASAshop.org, or ASA’s legislaGive opinion affecting the industry.

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www.autobodynews.com | AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 41

NACE 2015 Entertains, Informs and Wows the Crowd

New Source of Vehicles for NABC Recycled Rides

Thanks to SCA Appraisal Company, a nationwide provider of appraisal services, the National Auto Body Council will have a new source of vehicle donations for its Recycled RidesTM program.

According to SCA President Tim Davis, as SCA acquires vehicles throughout the year, it will launch an effort to identify and donate those that may be a good fit for the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program. An added bonus is that most of these will be newer, already roadworthy cars that are practically ready to be gifted to deserving individuals or nonprofit organizations in need.

“Recycled Rides is a tremendous program that our collision industry has rallied to support because of the significant impact it makes in the lives of so many individuals nationwide,” said Davis.

SCA’s first vehicle donation, a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, will be presented later this summer in partnership with Fix Auto in Pasadena, CA to Lee Ann Smith, a Gold Star, single mother who lost her son in the service.

“Fix Auto’s participation in Recycled Rides provides an opportunity for our locations to give back to the communities they serve in a meaningful way,” said Fix Auto USA President and COO Paul Gange. “We encourage our 42 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

owner-operators to participate in events and opportunities such as Recycled Rides to do just that.”

According to Chuck Sulkala, Executive Director of the NABC, with the success and growth of the Recycled Rides program over the past several years, the NABC is fielding more re-

quests from individuals and charities, as well as repairers and parts vendors eager and willing to donate their services and materials if more vehicles are available.

“We are grateful to the many insurance, rental car and salvage companies whose vehicle donations have been and continue to be the backbone of our Recycled Rides program since its inception,” said Sulkala.

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Quality Collision in PA Credits Success to Employees & Focus on Good Customer Service

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

Steve Kaminstein, owner of Quality Collision Inc. in Pennsylvania, started his business out of a small garage in Noxen Township, PA in 1989. The business owner said he never could

He said one strategy he has found to be successful is to put the trust into his 50 employees to get the job done.

“My philosophy has been hiring people smarter than me, when it comes to the day–to-day operations; credit goes to our managers, technicians, painters,

cars and ran with only one employee.

While managing the shop he began painting scooters and jazzies for Pride Mobility, a manufacturer of Jazzy Powers Chairs, Pride Mobility Scooters, Go-Go Travel Mobility, Pride Life Chairs and Pride Lift & Ramps.

efforts to establish relationships with the insurance agents and DRPs, while ensuring he maintained good customer service. “I believe this contributed to our growth,” he said. Although he said it can be challenging to work with several different DRPs, overall it has been

Steve Kaminstein, Owner of Quality Collision, openend an industrial coatings division and a commercial truck and RV repair center in 2007

After starting construction in September 2014, Kaminstein recently finishing construction of a new facility for the company’s Muncy location

The company’s Dallas Township facility in PA

Quality Collision’s Kingston location opened in 2001

have imagined that since then, he has established three successful auto body repair centers, an industrial coatings division and a commercial truck and RV repair center.

“I never dreamed I would have this growth” said Kaminstein. “I contribute my success to the men, women and co-op students who work with the company. I believe you need to treat people the way you want to be treated.”

administration, and maintenance personnel to get the job done.”

Looking back, Kaminstein said he recalls always being interested in the auto repair industry. His first job was at a Chrysler Dealership starting in the wash bay department when he was 15 years old.

At 25 years of age, Kaminstein started that small town garage and within two years opened a garage in Dallas, PA that could house up to eight

I-CAR® Updates its Courses to Keep Shops Informed

I-CAR will be updating its courses on aluminum welding, Toyota vehicle repair and custom painting techniques.

As part of the I-CAR Professional Development Program™ (PDP), the updated training courses are designed to keep collision repair shops and staff on the cutting edge of a rapidly changing industry.

I-CAR’s hands-on, in-shop Welding Training & Certification™: Aluminum GMA (MIG) Welding (WCA03) takes into consideration the many differences between steel and aluminum welding. Updates to the course support the most current aluminum repairs, providing knowledge to prepare for the growing number of aluminum-body vehicles on the road. Featuring an in-shop welding capability and readiness assessment and one-onone personalized coaching, I-CAR’s comprehensive welding training contributes to overall shop productivity and weld quality on aluminum vehicles.

Collision Repair for Toyota, Lexus, and Scion Vehicles (TOY01) offers updated OEM-specific repair procedures and recommendations for Toyota-specific vehicles, as well as enhanced graphics and videos to better equip technicians in making OEMapproved repair decisions for these

vehicles.

Introduction to Custom Painting (ISP01e) and Custom Painting (ISP02e) provide technicians with fundamental as well as more advanced custom painting skills, offering an avenue for facility owners to add a new source of revenue for the business and additional value to consumers. Both online courses include refreshed graphics and updated technical content to help guide Refinish Technicians through this specialized service.

“The courses that I-CAR has updated this quarter have all been done so with relevance as the key driver,” explained Josh McFarlin, I-CAR Director of Curriculum & Product Development. “We have worked to ensure that we’re providing the most up-to-date information to the industry, enhanced with improved graphics and videos. We believe these updates will maximize student knowledge retention to help collision industry professionals perform complete, safe, and quality repairs for the ultimate benefit of the consumer. I-CAR is pleased to add these updates to our already strong catalog offering.”

Course updates are available on www.i-car.com/newcourses.

44 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

After finding that to be successful, in 1996 he built a 10,000 square foot facility in Dallas Township. Half of the building housed the industrial division for the scooters and jazzies and he ran his body shop from the other half.

The facility experienced substantial growth and in 1999 Kaminstein moved the industrial division to a separate location and converted the Dallas Township facility to a larger body shop.

In the meantime, he focused his

a very positive experience.

In 2001, he was presented with a business opportunity in Kingston, about 10 miles away from his Dallas facility. The opportunity from a local Chevrolet Dealership came about to lease a building accommodating an auto body repair facility. His second collision shop opened in June 2001.

He said it was a learning experience opening and operating multiple shops. With referrals from the dealer-

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ships and the DRPs he had already established in Dallas, he found that business was good.

Two years later in 2003, Kaminstein opened another shop in Muncy, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.

After negotiating a similar agreement to the Chevrolet Dealership, Kaminstein leased the Twin Hills Dealership owned by Steve Kaiser. “The obstacles of running a business approximately 50 miles away from our home office in Dallas Township was challenging at times,” said Kaminstein.

A significant change occurred in 2007. A major hail storm struck in Lycoming County, which brought a multitude of customers coming through the door. “Our reputation was increasing,” said Kamintein. “Since 2007, we’ve been experience at least 12 percent growth. Sometimes it takes a mixture of ingredients to get a great match!”

Within this time period—early 2006—Kaminstein moved his industrial coatings to a larger facility in Courtdale, Pennsylvania approximately 15 miles from home office. Encouraged by fellow workers, Kaminstein was inspired to venture again into a new area.

By end of 2007, Kaminstein opened a commercial truck and RV repair center

within this 20,000 square foot facility.

The facility now houses the industrial coatings division and commercial truck RV repair Division.

Kaminstein had also purchased a small shop in Weissport, Carbon County, Pennsylvania in 2005. He said the shop started off doing well in the beginning but unfortunately 80 percent of the work came from one insurance company and they discontinued their DRP program in 2010. His advice to other shops is to make sure to do the thorough research. “If they are purchasing a second I would suggest that they do their research as far as where the business is coming from and how they ran their business,” said Kaminstein.

Their main competitor in that area has been there for years and Kaminstein said he found it was challenging to stay profitable. “It just got to the point where it was a better business decision to just close the shop than to try and keep putting our time and energy into it.” He said it was a hard business decision to close the shop in 2013 but they realized they could allocate their time and energy into running their other shops. “It ended up being the right decision, ab-

solutely” said Kaminstein.

It was during this time he decided to build a new facility for his Muncy location. Kaminstein invested in land nearby and started construction in September 2014. The project took approximately 10 months to complete.

The new facility, which is approximately 15,000 square feet, houses offices for insurance adjusters to write their drive-in estimates and also includes designated estimating bays for their staff.

Over the years, Kaminstein said he has tried to incorporate new ideas to continually make his business more successful.

Once a month there is a managers meeting held. By incorporating standard operating procedures across the company, Kaminstein said they are able to load-level work from shop to shop as well as share employees.

The company also focuses its effort on environmental initiatives such as energy efficient lighting, a recycling program, solar panels and using waterborne basecoat.

He has found that PPG’s MVP program and the resources available from Colours Inc. has been very beneficial to his business. One of the pro-

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grams they have found to be helpful is the TEAM approach learned after attending a MVP class sponsored by PPG and the guidance from Colours’s business development staff. Jeff Magagna, General Manager for Quality Collision, a main influence on the TEAM concept, said, “We are trying to get our processes leaned out, get more production out the door and increase our cycle time.” As with any changes Magagna said it can become very difficult. However, the original system of writing estimates to parts procedures and disassembly has been improved since they implemented this concept.

By employing this process, he found touch time increased from 2.6 to 3.3. “The shops that can increase their cycle time by implementing the TEAM concept have a smoother process, which creates a constant flow so that repairs can be completed quicker with the same quality. This results in more work from the public and the insurance companies,” said Kaminstein.

“I credit my success to my faith and I am very thankful, again, to all the men, women and co-op students who continue to strive for Quality,” he added.

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www.autobodynews.com | AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 45

Industry Veteran Creates “Body Shop of the Future” Using Overseas Technology

by Victoria Antonelli, Online Editor

“If you could cycle 10 to 12 cars in eight hours through your booth, cure filler in one minute, and apply four coats of primer and have it cured 100 percent and sanded in 15 minutes, how would you run your business differently?”

That’s the question Patrick O’Neill, co-owner of BodyShop Revolution and Body Shop Express, is asking body shop owners across the country.

Patrick O’Neill, co-owner of Body Shop Express and BodyShop Revolution, inside the shop’s paint booth

After spending over 30 years in the industry, where he owned eight body shops in Arizona and Nevada, managed others, and worked on running a market and a couple of acquisitions for Caliber Collision, O’Neill was “trying to figure out what to do next, other than retire and play golf.”

That was when fellow industry veteran, John Parker, introduced him to a new technology that had been transforming body shops overseas, and was ready to make its way to the United States.

These gas catalytic infrared drying robots, created by Green Tech Italy, have been making waves in Europe, Australia, and the Middle East for the past eight years.

“Europe is like 15 years ahead of the U.S. when it comes to meeting the demands insurers can put on a company, not to mention competing with insurance-owned collision networks.

Body shops were forced to be as efficient as they could be,” said O’Neill.

“The average shop in England makes one percent net, and a number of the networks are owned by insurance companies.”

He added that shops that operate with the technology and process Bodyshop Revolution offers in the European market make 10 percent plus in comparison.

O’Neill acknowledged that because the U.S. is 10 times bigger than,

say, England, it’s going to take a lot longer for the U.S. market to get to the demands and constraints of the European market, if ever. O’Neill feels there is a window of opportunity in our market; with the proper technology and process, shops can exceed the current metrics and produce more products in a clean, stress-free environment.

A handful of shops in the U.S. have taken advantage of this new technology since O’Neill and Parker obtained equal shares of North America distribution rights one year ago. When paired with the duo’s “Theory of Constraints” process for body shops, it becomes BodyShop Revolution.

“We were able to easily integrate the Green Tech (Robotica EXICO 6000) curing technology into our process,” stated Dan Sjolseth of Superior Service Center in Apple Valley and Eagan, MN. “It has allowed us to work more continuously during the repair and priming process, and we can begin reassembling the vehicle for same day delivery immediately upon exit from the paint booth. The equipment has not only impacted our throughput, but has actually removed quality concerns commonly associated with high production processes.”

The Rydell Collision Group, which has 60 dealerships in 15 states, is another example of shops that have implemented BodyShop Revolution.

“With repair facilities facing pressure from insurance companies to repair vehicles faster, better and cheaper, the Bodyshop Revolution process and equipment has given us that realistic opportunity,” said Randy Sattler, body shop manager for the collision group.

“Like many shops, over the years we have tried different estimating, repair planning, and scheduling processes, as well as different types of equipment.

Most of what we tried helped, but because they were not tied together as a complete system, we never felt like we were able to truly capitalize on the investment or capture what we anticipated or expected. The Bodyshop Revolution process and equipment ties everything together. It truly is a complete repair process from estimating to delivery of a repair, with every step linked to each other. Because the repair system is linked together, it has made all of our employees’ lives easier; from the administrative staff to all of the technicians on the floor. It has been a

46 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

game changer for us.”

So, how exactly does BodyShop Revolution work?

“We have taken a holistic approach based around the Theory of Constraints in revamping the way that we process cars in the collision repair process,” said O’Neill. “We aren’t any smarter than many in the collision business, but simply that we have some new technology that we never had available before. As with any new technology, you would say, ‘what can we do with it and how can we build a process that gives us the biggest benefit?’”

Key questions when looking to create better than average estimates: ● Cars that are drivable, how can we get pre estimates that give us 100% parts orders? ● Cars that are dropped, how do we get 100% estimates and 100% parts orders first time? ● Tow in’s, How do we improve the “Blue Print Process,” so that it is 100% estimate and 100% parts first time.

Solutions that lead to non-stop production: ● One technician – one car ● Technicians become combo-technicians ● Teams of technicians work together, including the painter ● Elimination of departments and lines ● Paint line has a maximum time frame of two hours until car is back in the technicians stall (car is taken from the technician stall to paint and back in two hours or less if two cars are in line) ● Then back on the car nonstop until it is delivered

the time on drying fillers and paint.”

Benefits: ● Typically half cycle time = Goal, four days or less heavies and lights combined. Drivable model 2.2 days or less ● 30-40% more production same footprint same workforce ● New brownfield, greenfields build shops 40 percent smaller and get similar production of shops 40 percent larger ● Technicians produce 25-35 percent additional production in typical eighthour day ● 95% prediction of delivery date to four-hour windows ● Four to five points additional bottom line profits on all production ● WIP reduction of 60% ● Average 12,000 square foot shop will be able to produce $350,000$450,000 per month to four-day average cycle ● An environment of calm, clean and the elimination of chaos, built around team work and getting one more car out, not one more car in ● An environment that gets extraordinary results out of ordinary people ● 70% energy savings in booth and prep-deck gas and electric ● Energy company incentives of up to $100,000

“The Theory of Constraints process requires a lot of discipline to implement, but it works,” said Darrell Amberson, president of operations at LaMettry’s Collision, with eight locations in Minnesota. “The trainers are competent and effective, which helped make the transition easier.”

O’Neill stressed that the technology itself is not enough to ensure profit.

“It doesn’t make a difference if I can dry 100 cars super fast if I’m just throwing them into a chaotic environment,” he said. “I’m an advocate for the Theory of Constraints, which can be applied to any business.

Essentially, it’s about taking a holistic approach to new technology – how can we process Body Shop Express, based in San Diego, CA, will utilize cars so we have no lines and BodyShop Revolution technology. It is scheduled to open we are able to work nonstop?” at the end of June O’Neill went on to explain, “The equipment works exactly as “If there are eight technicians in the advertised,” said Aaron Marshall, shop, then there are eight cars being worked on. When the technician’s vepresident of Marshall’s Auto Body in Waukesha, WI. “We are saving half hicle is in the paint booth, we won’t

give that technician a new car because it would disturb the process. While the car is being painted, the technician can take that time to check repair procedures, identify a welder, figure out what type of high-strength steal will be used, and check the estimate. If there is still time left after all that, they can help another technician get one more car out.”

As O’Neill and Parker travelled throughout the country, making multiple trips to each shop to spread the word about BodyShop Revolution,

they began to realize there had to be a more effective way to really show the owners how the process works.

That’s when O’Neill decided to build a model shop—Body Shop Express in San Diego, CA—so shop owners can see first-hand how BodyShop Revolution can enhance their business.

A built-in camera system will allow O’Neill and Parker to access the facilities remotely while giving presentations.

Body Shop Express is scheduled to open the week of June 29, and is lo-

cated at 3777 Gaines Ave, San Diego, CA, 92111.

O’Neill said the shop will be on the road to I-CAR Gold certification when they open and will also be certified to work on the new Ford F-150.

He is also working with a handful of OEMs toward certifications, as well as Assured Performance. O’Neill disclosed that Body Shop Express will have a couple DRPs to start, and several other are interested.

“Bodyshop Revolution gives insurance partners metrics they have

never seen before, and in the process, it not only gives employees their sanity back, but ultimately their lives back,” said O’Neill. “We give our team members the ability, once and for all, to make our insurance partners say, ‘we want more of this.’

O’Neill said one of the hardest parts about owning a shop in the past was not seeing his family enough. He hopes that BodyShop Revolution can prevent the shop owners and technicians of today and tomorrow from having that problem.

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www.autobodynews.com | AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 47

MSO Symposium During NACE Included Claims Management Models, Future of DRPs and Financing Options

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

The MSO symposium held on Thursday, July 23 during the NACE show in Detroit brought together small, medium and large MSOs to learn about the state of the industry, upcoming trends and what to expect in the coming months and years ahead.

Master of Ceremonies Mike LeVasseur, Market Vice President-Philadelphia of Keenan Auto Body, an ABRA Company, facilitated six individual seminars covering a wide range of topics: Claims Management Models; Insurer Panel on DRPs; Shortage of Qualified Employees, Developing Talent and Retention; The ABCs of Financing; and NPS & CSI. Vincent Romans, Founding Principal and Managing Partner of The Romans Group, kicked off the symposium by providing up-to-date information about the industry.

“We continue to see the convergence of numerous and dynamic market influences impacting the collision repair industry today including things like a surge in technology, multimarket consolidation, corporate globalization and private equity’s impact funded by its available cash and inexpensive financing,” said Romans. “This, coupled with the high octane velocity of speed associated with change all around us, is driving the need for almost constant transformation, the kind that makes it difficult for all of us to deal with on a daily basis.”

He said there is a debate going on within the collision repair industry on how fast this consolidation is taking place. “I suggest to you that it depends on which constituent group, which market segment you are in and the perspective that comes along with that.”

Claims Management Models This panel provided a global overview of what is occurring in the United States and abroad in terms of claims management models.

Regarding new vehicles, such as the Ford F-150, Clint Marlow from Allstate Insurance Company talked about the importance of balancing customer choice with the ability to educate consumers.

Although Marlowe said they will not direct consumers where to go to repair their vehicles, “We are going to have a discussion with them around the uniqueness of their vehicles, some special repair techniques that may apply

and some questions we feel strongly they need to ask their repair facility,” he said.

Master of Ceremonies Mike LeVasseur, Market Vice President-Philadelphia of Keenan Auto Body, an ABRA Company, facilitated six individual seminars covering a wide range of topics during the MSO Symposium

When it comes to the data required to repair the vehicles, Mark Mandl, from Ford’s Customer Service Division, said it’s important to work with insurers in terms of repairability.

“Getting their feedback in repair does make a direct impact in terms of a vehicle coming out of the factory.”

Ron Doerr from Assured Performance Network, stressed the importance of looking at data from the shop user’s perspective as well to ensure vehicles are fixed properly. “From the shop perspective, what I hear more and more is ‘it’s not just the information it’s the documentation that is valuable to us.’”

Looking into the future, Marlowe said five years out he foresees leveraging data even more to understand customers’ needs. This includes looking at social media to learn their preferred communication path. “It’s a cultural change for us,” he said.

Doerr said with more information available, “I think we’re going to see more transparency throughout the whole process. It can be seen so it will be seen.”

Insurer Panel on DRPs LeVasseur moderated an interactive discussion on the future of Direct Repair Programs. Attendees heard from several insurance companies and two MSOs first-hand some of the things that are working in the environment today and the challenges perceived. Insurers, which included Allstate, American Family Mutual, Progressive and State Farm, discussed what they are doing to ensure customers’ vehicles are being repaired at shops equipped and trained to perform the repair.

“One of the challenges is getting the right mix of shops,” said Danny Henderson of American Family Mutual

48 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Insurance Company. Henderson pointed out that everyone wants high volume; however, it’s important to have a mix of high volume that’s controllable. “You don’t want it too low, you don’t want it to be high; otherwise, it can have an impact on customer service.”

He said another challenge they are aware of, in particular with DRP shops, is how to have the correct balance of insurer oversight and shop self-management. “That’s a challenge we continue to face and are working hard to figure out.”

Shortage of Qualified Employees, Developing Talent and Retention During this discussion, panelists talked about some of the ways they are finding, developing and retaining new talent, which can be a challenge for shop owners facing an aging workforce.

One of the things panelists said they do is to demonstrate how the job is often unlike the reality shows they see on t.v. This includes showing them that they are going to get dirty and be on the ground and many shop owners find that some of their new hires don’t like it and leave.

It usually takes a couple of weeks to discover if a new employee has the right attitude, show up on time and are the right fit for the job. This gives shop owners the opportunity to find out before sinking in a lot of time and training.

Participants recommended getting employees, especially students, engaged in the business as well as addressing how they are compensated.

“We hear from school instructors that other technical trades are facing the same dilemma of having an aging workforce. They are paying significantly more in their fields at the entry level,” said Brandon Eckenrode from the Collision Repair Education Foundation. “If we want to keep them in this industry, I think this is something that needs to be reviewed in terms of making sure it is competitive with the other trades; otherwise, we’re going to lose those students.”

The ABCs of Financing Four experts in finance and MSO development helped the MSOs in attendance understand the financing See MSO Symposium, Page 53

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GM Schedules MyPriceLink Initiative; Aims to Hit Market Before Winter according to Mayer.

“Last November at SEMA we anGM hosted a panel discussion on its mar- nounced our MyPriceLink initiative, and ket focused collision parts initiative, we had an overwhelming amount of MyPriceLink, at the 2015 NACE show feedback from the insurance industry on Friday, July 24. ASA’s Dan Risley and the collision estimating systems that moderated the panel, which featured felt there were better ways to integrate,” GM’s Kris Mayer, Gary Gumushian Mayer continued. “So we listened, and of AudaExplore, Bill Lopez of OECon- we’ve been working in the background to integrate with all three of the collision estimating system to bring this initiative to the market.”

Mayer said that GM began piloting MyPriceLink on Wednesday, July 23 in Denver.

Five of the top 10 insurance carriers are aiding in the 90 day testing process. If all goes as expected and the stakeholders are confident, the initiaitve will MyPriceLink Panel (l to r): ASA’s Dan Risley, GM’s be available to the public before Kris Mayer, Gary Gumushian of AudaExplore, Bill the winter. When asked how Lopez of OEConnection, Jim Kinsherf of CCC Information the initiative will affect the inServices, Jesse Herrera of Mitchell International, and dustry workflow, Maher reGM’s John Eck sponded.

“Let’s start with the body shops. nection, Jim Kinsherf of CCC Information Services, Jesse Herrera of Mitchell They’re the folks that are trying to repair the vehicle. They shouldn’t have to International, and GM’s John Eck. These key industry players dis- spend a lot of time administratively to cussed topics and questions from the try and get a price. Their core role market regarding the upcoming launch, should be bringing vehicle backs to which could be as early as October 2015, pre-accident condition before moving

by Victoria Antonelli

onto the next one.” While MyPriceLink will decrease administrative tasks for body shop technicians, dealers may have the opposite experience.

“Dealers will be taking on a little bit more of the workflow change than the shop,” explained Lopez. “Because there is no static price anymore, the dealer will have to go into the OEC portal and do a quote lookup.” Another question Risley directed at the panel concerned the handling of parts price changes.

“We expect parts price changes to happen every so often, certainly that won’t go away,” said Lopez. “From a shop perspective, it’s the same; the shop will write the estimate, it will hit the dynamic pricing engine, and when it comes time to make the order from the dealer, the dealer will be able to do a quote lookup. Then they will see what the latest price is, and if there is a price change, they’ll decide whether or not they’ll honor the price on the estimate, or let the body shop know.”

“The idea of real time quoting is growing in importance and value in our industry, and I think it’s a trend that will continue,” said Kinsherf.

More questions on the MyPrice Link initiative? Visit http://marketing .oeconnection.com/mpl

Hyundai Launches Recognized Collision Repair Center Program

On July 14, Hyundai Motor America launched its all-new Hyundai Recognized Collision Repair Center program.

This program ensures both independent and Hyundai dealership-owned collision repair centers have the training, tools, equipment, and facilities needed to properly repair Hyundai vehicles after they have been involved in a collision.

“Hyundai owners benefit from this program through the assurance that centers will ensure the fit, finish, durability, safety and value of the vehicles being repaired,” said Frank Ferrara, Executive VP, customer satisfaction, Hyundai Motor America. “Having a network of recognized shops is critical to make sure our cars are repaired properly.”

Hyundai has teamed up with Assured Performance Network (APN) on this program. APN is a non-profit consumer advocacy organization that will guarantee both Hyundai dealershipowned and independent collision repair centers meet the program’s specified capability requirements, and pass an annual onsite audit and inspection.

APN will also manage enrollment, online support systems, proof of compliance documentation and marketing.

For details on Hyundai Assurance, visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com.

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www.autobodynews.com | AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 49

Chip Foose Demonstrates 3M’s New Accuspray Gun at NACE During the NACE show, Chip Foose demonstrated the spraying capabilities of 3M’s Accuspray gun, model HG14.

Foose is the star of the reality TV series Overhaulin’ and owner of Foose Designs in Hungtington Beach, CA.

tips, which allows a painter to quickly change colors without replacing the gun.

“One of the big reasons that the Accuspray gun exists is obviously cleaning and maintenance,” said Andy Boyd of 3M. ”One of the things we try to look at is helping the painter become more efficient.” The system was designed to im-

Reality star and hot rod shop owner Chip Foose sprayed base and clear with the 3M Accuspray gun

Foose’s demonstration showed how the Accuspray gun has the ability to change colors

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

He showed how the gun speeds up the painting process while reducing clean up and down time as well as the precision that can be achieved.

The Accuspray gun can be used with any application that is designed for coatings requiring the use of a 1.4 mm atomizing head.

Foose said one of his favorite things about the gun is the ability to change the

prove productivity and minimize clean up time, which can ultimately help shops improve their bottom line.

The Accuspray system was introduced a couple of years ago and was used with primer applications with 1.8 mm. Since then, 3M has added the 1.4 option. Boyd said this system is even faster and easier to use, requiring no maintenance.

State Farm® Refines Repair Facility Survey

LKQ Corporation to Acquire The Coast Distribution System

State Farm Insurance announced market refinements to its repair facility survey. The surveys allow eligible auto body repair facilities to help identify prevailing competitive prices (PCP) and paint and materials pricing levels.

Information provided by repairers through the survey process is used to help identify appropriate pricing for State Farm staff-prepared estimates.

The State Farm Auto Repair Facility Survey has been in place for several years with periodic updates taking place when business needs arise.

State Farm spokesman Justin Tomczak said, “We are refining market boundaries used to determine prevailing competitive prices to serve our customers and to better align with government defined market areas.”

Updates may result in PCP adjustments in some areas in addition to the periodic changes in PCP relating to updated repairer pricing and capacity information.

State Farm said repairers can voluntarily update their repair capacity and pricing information at any time on their b2b website. The insurance company added that it will continue to remind repairers of the survey process.

LKQ Corporation and The Coast Distribution System, Inc. signed a definitive agreement for LKQ to acquire Coast for $5.50 per share in cash.

Coast is a leading distributor of replacement parts, supplies and accessories for recreational vehicles (RVs) primarily to retail parts and supplies stores, service and repair establishments, and new and used RV dealers in North America.

The acquisition is currently expected to close in the third quarter of 2015. Coast’s board of directors has unanimously recommended that Coast stockholders accept the offer and tender their shares. Total cash consideration payable for Coast’s outstanding shares is approximately $29 million.

As of June 30, Coast had $19.5 million outstanding under its long-term revolving bank line of credit.

“The combination of Coast with our specialty segment and RV business presents tremendous distribution and logistics synergies with our existing network, and expands our RV business with the addition of unique product offerings and brands,” stated Robert L. Wagman, President and Chief Executive Officer of LKQ Corporation.

50 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Boyd showed attendees some of the company’s other products such as the PPS Paint Preparation System and the Sun Gun II. Designed to be used with almost any spray gun at any angle, the PPS Paint Preparation System enables painters to mix less paint, reduce the amount of solvent used and speed up cleanup. The company said it can also improve operator efficiency by as much as 15 percent. PPS is available in five sizes: Large (28 fluid ounces), Standard (22 fluid ounces), Midi (13.5 fluid ounces), Mini (6 fluid ounces) and the 3 Ounce.

Foose demonstrated the PPS Sun Gun II, which matches the color of natural daylight. The most important thing when it comes to matching color is daylight, said Boyd. “Ultimately if you want to get the right perception of how the color is going to adhere, natural daylight is going to give us the best indicator.” The Sun Gun II was designed to verify coverage, highlight damaged areas of the vehicle and identify preand post-paint defects.

More information about the Accuspray Gun and 3M’s other products is available on online: http://3mcollision .com/accuspray-hg14-spray-gun16577.html

Solera To Invest $5M in Chinese Insurance Market

Solera Holdings Inc. will invest $5 million to advance the rapidly growing Chinese automobile insurance market with the creation of the country’s first Solera Technology Center (STC) research facility. The STC was created as a joint venture in 2011 between Solera and leading global insurer MAPFRE to help modernize the insurance ecosystems of growing and emerging countries throughout the world with data-based science, predictive software and technology-focused education and training for the P&C industry.

The STC has already provided comprehensive technical training for nearly 2,000 Chinese professionals who work within the vehicle insurance, repair and appraisal industries.

In October of this year, it will officially open a Beijing research facility designed to collect and analyze critical automotive data that advances vehicle safety, improves insurance claims efficiency and balances underwriting economics. The facility will enable the collection of technical car and repair data, the creation of traffic accident reconstruction reports, the development of car ratings for the insurance industry, training for insurers and repairers and certification for repair shops.

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Enterprise Recognizes Axalta Business Council Members With Best Length of Rental Awards

ABRA to Expand in Pacific Northwest

ABRA Auto Body & Glass announced in June an agreement to acquire 23 Kadel’s Auto Body locations in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Details of the agreement were not disclosed.

Kadel’s Auto Body, an investment managed by KCB Private Equity of Pasadena, CA, is a regional provider in the Pacific Northwest. ABRA’s President and CEO, Duane Rouse, said the company is thrilled to acquire such a well-respected multishop operator. “Kadel’s Auto Body has been servicing insurance partners and community members for over 60 years. Their commitment to superior customer service and a quality repair echoes ABRA’s way of doing business.” “We’re pleased to align ourselves with such an established, well-respected national collision repair company like ABRA that shares the same culture of ethics, integrity, and teamwork,” said Don Braden, President and CEO of Kadel’s Auto Body. For franchise opportunities in major markets, contact Scott Gerling, sgerling@abraauto.com or 763-585-6210. For small and midsize markets, contact Mark Wahlin, mwahlin@abraauto.com or 763585-6315.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car recognized two collision repair centers with its 2014 Best Length of Rental (LOR) Awards.

Presented during a joint meeting at Enterprise’s global headquarters in St. Louis, MO, both recipients are members of Axalta Business Councils, which promote an environment where collision repair professionals can share best practices and further develop their business management skills.

The recipients were determined based on Enterprise’s Automated Rental Management System (ARMS®) data, which tracks how long a replacement vehicle is rented to collision (l to r) Mike Anderson, Kris and Becky Goodrich, Frank center customers and is con- LaViola, Cary Bikowski sidered a proxy for vehicle repair time. cantly helps collision repair centers Daren Pierse and John Bock from Ax- maintain growth for the long-term,” said alta Business Council member Arizona Frank LaViola, Assistant VP of colliCollision Specialists LLC re- sion industry relations at Enterprise ceived the first award, earn- Rent-A-Car and an advising member of ing the lowest LOR among Axalta Business Councils. “Arizona multi-shop operators. The Collision Specialists and Goodrich Auto second award went to Kris Works have demonstrated an outstandand Becky Goodrich of ing commitment to expediting the vehiGoodrich Auto Works for the cle repair process, which has helped lowest LOR among Axalta them build strong relationships with Business Council single- customers and insurance partners alike.”

To learn more about Enterprise shop operators.

“When you can get a Rent-A-Car, visit http://www.enterprise customer into their repaired .com. To learn more about the ARMS vehicle faster, this helps Automotive Suite, visit www.armsauto (l to r) Mike Anderson, Daren Pierse, John Bock, Frank gain their trust and signifi- suite.com LaViola, Cary Bikowsky Continued from Page 24

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48 percent better than the competition.”

Growing up in the automotive refinish industry, Yerkey said her grandfather, Pete Peterson, founded Ohiobased Montana Products in 1976. Peterson taught his granddaughter about the various disciplines of the business and the importance of the ”voice of the customer.” Montana Products was later sold to ChemSpec.

Yerkey was hired at U.S. Chemical & Plastics and Prospray in 2003.

In 2013, the brands were acquired by Quest Specialty Chemicals, consisting of three divisions: automotive, industrial and construction. Yerkey became

Quest Automotive’s marketing director and then was promoted to corporate, Quest Specialty Chemicals, to head up the marketing strategy and communications for the three divisions, as well as assist with mergers and acquisitions. Now as marketing director in the Americas for Valspar, she said she plans to build out the optimal marketing organization that will focus on needs-driven solutions for every segment in the collision repair industry as well as specialty industries where the products are a good fit.

Yerkey said, “As a company with all of our brands now, and the technology and talent we have from both teams, we [Valspar Automotive] are really poised to become that preferred provider in the industry.”

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www.autobodynews.com | AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 51

Italian-based Company Symach Offers North American Body Shops New Products & Technology

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

Symach, an Italian-based company known for its fast-drying paint methods, is bringing its products to North America as well as setting up body shops with its patented technology.

The company will be hosting a booth at the NACE show in Detroit, MI being held July 23-25.

Established in Bologna, Italy in 2001, Symach began as part of a research project for drying paint in a few seconds.

The company holds numerous patents, including one for Drytronic technology, which allows for the drying of a clear lacquer in 50 seconds.

Osvaldo Bergaglio, CEO of Symach, said Drytronic technology generates various infrared wavelengths, which penetrate directly into the paint molecule, instantly drying it. It can be used to dry various paints, materials and thicknesses.

Bergaglio said Symach has sold more than 2,400 drying robots to body shops.

The company’s Symach Paint Application Process (SPAP) integrates the use of both Drytronic technology and a robot.

“Since it dries the paint in just a few seconds, the Drytronic technology en-

CIF Announces Greg Horn as New Trustee

The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) recently elected Greg Horn with Mitchell International to the Board of Trustees to carry on the Foundation’s initiatives. Horn has regularly presented at major insurer, vehicle manufacturer and collision Greg Horn, repair conferences. recently named a At Mitchell, Horn CIF Trustee, has provides guidance more than 20 years to Mitchell’s Prodof automobile uct Management and insurance and Business Anaexperience lytics teams, playing a role in shaping Mitchell’s solution portfolio. Horn serves as primary author and editor in chief of Mitchell’s Industry Trends Report.

“It’s a great honor to have Greg join the CIF as a Trustee,” said Chairman William Shaw. “With his experience and industry relationships, he will be a key contributor in advancing the mission of the CIF.” To donate or learn about CIF’s current projects, visit: www.collisionindustryfoundation .org

abled us to develop a painting process that significantly reduces flash-off times, as the robot performs the process even faster,” said Bergaglio. “When combined with the SPAP process, in fact, Drytronic technology reduces application and sanding time by 60 percent.”

panels that represent nearly 85 percent of total repair jobs.”

He said the company’s FixLine formula uses three different repair and layout processes, based on the number of panels to be repaired. “In this manner, the system is capable of optimizing repair times and reducing labor costs by as much as four or five hours for each repair,” said Bergaglio.

“FixLine is a new layout and repair process which, when combined with Drytronic technology and the SPAP painting cycle, provides for a 50 percent to 60 percent increase in productivity, as well as an increase of 1.5-2 repairs per week per technician.”

Since 2011, Symach has Symach, known for its fast-drying paint methods, constructed new body shops opened its first body shop in North America around the world, with its FixBergaglio said repair activities Line formula. These include indehave changed in recent years, with the pendent shops as well as MSOs. majority of repairs shifting from larger Over the last year, the company has and more structure-related issues, to focused its efforts on the North Amerismaller issues of a more aesthetic na- can market. ture. “Today, most body shops employ Symach sold its first body shop in a single repair process, which, while Burlington (Toronto), Ontario to CARS certainly suitable for more extensive ac- of Nick DiLuca, partner of CSN, a tivities, in our opinion is poorly suited group with more than 330 body shops for activities involving the one to three in Canada.

Caliber Collision donates $35,000 to CREF

Caliber Collision donated $35,000 to the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF). This donation will support several specific initiatives for collision school programs in the Atlanta, GA, and Houston and Dallas, Texas markets. Caliber is also donating $5,000 to the Education Foundation’s Collision Repair Education Campaign fund which allows the organization to offer grants and scholarships to career and technical schools and colleges.

“Caliber’s support of the CREF is one of the many ways that we’re investing in our collision repair future today,” said Mark Sanders, Caliber Collision President and COO. CREF Executive Director Clark Plucinski noted, “I would like to thank Caliber Collision for their continued support of CREF. As we work towards providing support to local collision school programs and their graduating collision students having the proper, entry-level skill sets, Caliber’s donation allows us to help provide the needed tools and equipment for the programs to be successful.”

For information, contact Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode at 847-463-5245 or Brandon.Eckenrode @ed-foundation.org.

52 AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

AMI Announces 2015-2016 Board of Trustees

The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) announced the members of its 2015-2016 Board of Trustees.

Sheri Hamilton, AAM, ASA-Midwest, Kansas City, MO, was elected as chair; Darrell Amberson, AAM, LaMettry’s Collision Inc., Minneapolis, MN, elected as vice chair; Bob Keith, AAM, CARSTAR, Leawood, KS, re-elected as treasurer; and Gary Keyes, AAM, E&M Motors Inc., Stuart, FL, elected as secretary.

Other board members include Tony Passwater, AAM, AEII, Indianapolis, IN; Terry Wynter, AAM, Terry Wynter Auto Service Center, Fort Myers, FL, and Dan Risley, president, Automotive Service Association, North Richland Hills, Texas.

“I look forward to working with this group of trustees, who represent such a diverse range of industry experience and backgrounds. This will be important as we work to ensure Automotive Management Institute’s future success,” stated AMI President Jeff Peevy.

For more information about the institute, its curriculum, or EXCEL, contact AMI at (817) 514-2900 ext.

129, or visit the AMI website at www .AMIonline.org

The new body shop is scheduled to be operational in November and will be built entirely with the Symach equipment and with the FixLine formula. “The process of preparation, painting and drying are automated with Symach robots,” said Bergaglio.

He said the new body shop will be able to repair 50 cars a week, reducing the cost of repair around 25 percent and reducing the key-to-key time to 1.5 days on average for more than 80 percent of the repairs.

“We are very excited about being the first shop in Canada to install the Symach system in our shop. The product is light years ahead of its competitors,” said DiLuca. “We at CSN Cars are confident it will reduce our key-tokey time drastically, and enhance our customers experience.”

Others are scheduled to follow in December and January.

In addition, Symach is organizing its own network of stores in North America to sell its products, which include: drying robots, spray booths, preparation bays, a sanding a vacuum system, a car mover system, a lighting system specific to the body shop, and a line of body shop furniture.

For more information, contact info @symach.com or visit symach.com

Black Diamond Refinishing Launches Wipe on Clear Coat

Black Diamond Refinishing, a company specializing in paint repair alternatives, announced a new product in its line, a Wipe on Clear Coat. It was created to produce a fast drying, easily applied clear coat to repair surface damage of a vehicle quickly and with durability.

“Back Diamond Clear offers exceptional coverage to repair heavy surface damage,” said Michael Nelms, the company’s founder. “Its unique formula allows for a smooth, streak-free and glossy finish that produces excellent results.” Depending on the damage, he said results may vary.

Developed in 2008, Nelms said he used the product as a service to automotive dealerships and received such positive feedback from his customers, he was compelled to market it.

Wipe On Clear repairs scratches and bug damage, improves water spots and peeling and restores panels. It removes bumper scuffs and heavy scratches, and restores dull hoods, bumpers and spoilers.

“Black Diamond Wipe on Clear is one of our most successful products and delivers an exceptional result,” said Nelms. For information, visit www.jandbsales.com, email burtonjandbsales@comcast.net or phone/fax (888) 270-1033.

National Associations

Chasidy Rae Sisk is a freelance technical writer from Wilmington, Delaware, who writes on a variety of fields and subjects, and grew up in a family of NASCAR fans. She can be contacted at crsisk@chasidyraesisk.com.

CREF Urges the Collision Repair Industry to Donate to Improve the Industry’s Future with Chasidy Rae Sisk

repair training programs. Eckenrode Across the country, collision repair industry training programs face jeopardy explained, “The vast majority of this with and Chasidy Sisk has come in the form of indue to a lack of funding, although Rae it support seems like summer just began, classes kind product donations which have will be back in session in a blink of an eye. While students enjoy the beach and make memories in the sun, their instructors are already busy plotting how to provide the best possible technical education with limited and rewithbudgets Ed Attanasio sources. The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) invites the industry to partner with their organization to ensure that the next generation of collision repair professionals graduate with the skills necessary to be useful with Ed Brandon Attanasio to their future employers.

Eckenrode, Director of Development for CREF, believes, “Together, we can make an impact on the fall semester and Tech Uniforms Before and After beyond!”

Since 2009, CREF has collected greatly assisted collision school inover $35 million in donations from the structors across the country with with Ed Attanasio collision repair industry for use in needed help to supplement their limlocal high school and college collision ited budgets.”

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One of the largest challenges instructors face is training tomorrow’s professionals with yesterday’s tools. In this ever-evolving industry, outdated tools and equipment pose a problem for many collision repair programs that just cannot keep pace with the changes in technology.

Shops can provide relief for these programs by donating used tools and equipment to local programs. Eckenrode points out, “If you have used tools and equipment that you plan to replace in the near future, these items might be greatly valued by a local school instructor who doesn’t have the budget to afford them. Whether it’s equipment, supplies or the most basic items, you would be surprised what might be appreciated by a school if they knew it was available.”

Continued from Page 48

MSO Symposium

alternatives available. They shared the steps involved from growing their businesses to achieving liquidity. Guest speakers included an advisor who helps entrepreneurs, a lender who helps finance them, a consolidator who acquires them and the investment banker who manages the sale.

Romans said MSOs have three basic choices. “They can grow and thrive, they can sell or grow to sell, or they can keep milking the cow,” he said. The discussion centered on the first two.

David Roberts, Managing Director and leader of the Automotive Services Group for FOCUS investment Banking, reminded attendees about the high-risk nature of the business. He said the risks and rewards are not always balanced; therefore, it is important to get things balanced so shop owners aren’t taking too much risk for the reward they expect to gain.

“They need strategies, plans, people, systems, knowledge, processes, capital and time,” said Roberts, who was also the co-founder of Caliber Collision in 1995. “Whatever direction you

Because safety is always a concern, the CREF also invites the collision repair industry to sponsor safety kits for local students. The organization turns a $50 donation into a pair of work pants, a shirt, safety glasses, a disposable dust mask and ear plugs to help students learn the importance of professionalism. Companies that sponsor at least 100 safety kits will have their logo printed on the back of the students’ work shirts.

Eckenrode urges, “Let us know how you’d like to get involved with your local high school or college collision training program by contacting the CREF at info@ed-foundation.org.

We can even provide information on your local programs if you’d like to know which schools are located near you.”

www.autobodynews.com CHECK IT OUT! are going to go, whether you are going to grow and thrive or going to sell, those are the things you need.”

Courty Gates, President of Vesper International, discussed financing To advertise forcall smaller shops.

He said it’s at: imporAdvertising Sales tant to remember four things while 800-699-8251 going through the process of raising e-mail: be realistic, be money. “Be persistent, advertising@autobodynews.com determined and tell a story.”

The other two panelists included www.autobodynews.com Steven Beckett, Partner of Peninsula Capital Partners and Ken Hanley, Senior Vice President of Business Development for Caliber Collision Centers.

See the N

NPS & CSI As MSOs continue to grow their business, maintaining high NPS & CSI www.autobodyn scores often can become challenging, especially with multiple locations. In this session, panelists talked about what they are doing to improve and maintain their scores. In addition, they shared information about how turnover impacts the results and what they are doing to combat it. To advertise Autobody News will provide call Sean Hartman at: more details 800-699-8251 of the MSO symposium in the September issue of our publication, as e-mail: well as additional coverage of NACEshartman@autobodynews.com CARS events.

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www.autobodynews.com | AUGUST 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 53

Continued from Page 26

Fixing dents of life

CREF and AkzoNobel Announce Winners of Sustainability Challenge Grant

dustry, we don’t care,” said Brewer.

“We really don’t care what your background is as long as you come in, work hard and do what you’re supposed to do. We teach them everything we can about the business that we can, then try to place them in a job. We give people an opportunity to learn a trade and provide for their family once again.”

While the past few years seem to have flown by, Brewer is amazed at the transformations that have taken place, remarking at what he calls “the overwhelming presence of God” that he feels now permeates his business and life.

“It’s a totally different side of life,” said Brewer. “God is still working his wonders among us.”

The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) in collaboration with AkzoNobel Vehicle Refinishes North America recognized schools for their efforts to advance sustainability within their respective automotive and collision repair programs.

As a result of combined student teams and faculty derived submittals, each school will receive funds from the Sustainability Education Challenge Grant to implement their proposals and report on the success of their project.

Schools from around the country submitted applications. Applications were evaluated by the CREF Selection Committee on the ability to expand awareness of sustainability, advance continuous improvement, and create a positive impact within the local community where the schools are located.

The recipients include: ● Applied Technology Center (Rock Hill, SC) ● Central Nine Career Center (Greenwood, IN) ● Freedom High School (Freedom, WI) ● Norwalk High School (Norwalk, CA) ● Olathe Advanced Technical Center (Olathe, KS) ● Springfield Clark Career Center (Springfield, OH) ● Thomas Edison CTE High School (Jamaica, NY) ● Walla Walla Community College (Walla Walla, WA)

The program, initiated by AkzoNobel in an effort to support one of the core principles of the global corporation, was introduced in 2014. The goal was to create awareness and edu-

cate students, with intentions of seeking careers within the collision repair industry, on the growing global imperative of sustainability and its ability to make a positive impact in all facets of life today and more importantly for the future.

“We are proud to be aligned with AkzoNobel for a second year on the topic of sustainability.” said Clark Plucinski, CREF Executive Director. “This topic, while growing nationally and internationally, is not necessarily one that is routinely thought about in our industry by students and instructors. However, the grant application process encourages both to thinking outside the box and moving the school forward.

The ultimate goal is to create awareness within an emerging workforce and the business where they will be employed.”

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