In the early 2000s, I was working for one of the “Big 4” consolidators We were finishing a four-year pilot R&D program with heavy emphasis on Lean manufacturing principles. No stone had been left unturned, so to speak Our daily processes had evolved significantly. The customer experience, scheduling, damage analysis, parts ordering, production management and quality control processes were all systematized
By 2004, our R&D store was #1 in the country by a huge margin Our pilot program was working and there was a lot of excitement at the corporate office! Their new production system was ready to be rolled out to the rest of the company I remember being in the launch meeting with the corporate leaders, local and regional field leadership and some members of the board of investors I was presenting at the front of the room when it happened. The CEO asked me, “What is going to be our greatest challenge rolling this program out to the rest of the company?” My answer was not a popular one, but it was the truth. I told them their weakness was in the General Manager position The new production system required a higher level of leadership than the GMs across the organization currently had. I explained that over the last four years, we had focused our efforts on eliminating constraints. By removing the constraints, we sped up the entire process of repairing vehicles The GM must be able to anticipate, coach and inspire through any level of the organization, every hour of every day If the GMs were to sustain and maintain this level of intensity, I explained, their skills would need to grow.
In his book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, leadership expert and author John C. Maxwell calls what I described above as his first law, “The law of the lid: Leadership
Ability Determines a Person’s Level of Effectiveness ” In other words, your organization will only grow to the leadership level of the leader. I realized this myself several years ago when my organization was not growing We were stuck and I was the reason it wasn’t growing. In order to grow the company, I needed to grow myself
There is a saying in corporate America: “The fish stinks from the head down ” That statement has been proven true Time and time again, organizations invest time and resources into their businesses by making sure the team has the latest certification or knows the manufacturers’ recommended replacement procedures. Those steps are very important, but how often do the top-level leaders in any auto body repair organization invest in growing the person or, better yet, themselves? The speed of the leader is the speed of the pack.
The late Jim Rohn, known for being the world’s foremost business authority, said, “Work harder on yourself than you do on your job,” “Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better,” and “Don’t wish for less problems; wish for more skills ” If that was the advice from the world’s specialist in helping companies grow, you now know why growing people is equally as important - or more so - than the next I-CAR class.
It bears asking the question, and I will leave you with this: If we as business leaders invested even a little energy into growing our individual team members, wouldn’t the team grow the organization? The answer is YES, but only if the leaders are willing to grow themselves. All your team wants is to see a leader lead well! A rope cannot be pushed from the back; it must be pulled from the front. Great leaders attract top talent. I don’t believe we have a technician shortage problem as much as we have a leadership shortage problem
Do you want to grow your organization from the inside? This message may have you wondering where to start It’s as easy as reading 10 pages of a good book every day. Everyone could use a few more good ideas to shape a new philosophy I would suggest the following books or audios to set you on a new path:
1. John C. Maxwell’s The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership 2 Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends & Influence People
Feel free to email me at matthew@american-autobody com if you have questions
by Matt Feehan, AASP-MN Collision Division Director
Insurance Claims Practices: Depar tment Of Commerce Enforcement
In keeping with our efforts to maintain strong working relationships with the State Agencies who have jurisdiction over important aspects of the auto repair process, AASP-MN invited Department of Commerce officials to its September Body Shop Session. Marty Fleischacker, Assistant Commissioner of Enforcement and T.J. Patton, Audit Director (Enforcement Supervisor) reviewed the Department’s role in overseeing Minnesota’s insurance claims practices.
The insurance industry is one of more than 20 industries regulated by the Department of Commerce. The Department ensures compliance with state law for the industries it regulates It responds to consumer complaints and conducts fraud investigations
The representatives of the Enforcement Division discussed the range of penalties that they are able to impose when they find violations They also reviewed the process they must follow as
they enforce state law
by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN
They spent time describing the type of conduct that would be deemed unfair under the Claims Practices Act. There are a number of statutorily-established prohibitions on insurance companies that would give rise to complaints and enforcement actions. In the discussion that followed the formal presentation, members raised a number of questions about the Department’s ability to address consumer concerns in the claims process.
Department officials conceded that the language of the statute itself can be limiting. Terms that are subject to interpretation tend to constrain the ability of the Agency to take effective enforcement action
AASP-MN members will be discussing some of these “limiting terms” in upcoming Committee meetings to determine whether clearer definitions might be provided in statute, in order to remove limitations on the Department’s enforcement authority
continued on pg 24
Lobbyist
17th Annual Race for Automotive Education Announced
The 17th Annual Race for Automotive Education is planned for January 8, 9 & 10, 2019 at ProKart Indoor Racing (Burnsville, MN) The event serves as the primary fundraiser for the AASP-MN Automotive Education Fund, which provides financial resources to support automotive students, enhance automotive programs and raise awareness of career opportunities in the automotive service industry. Since its inception, the fund has disbursed over $223,000 directly to students enrolled in automotive programs through the association’s scholarship program and SkillsUSA competition
AASP-MN members and other industry supporters will organize teams to compete in kart racing at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour When the final checkered flag waves, the Race for Automotive Education is expected to raise over $11,000 The majority of that money is earmarked to fund scholarships for students enrolled in NATEF-certified automotive programs (collision or mechanical) in the state of Minnesota Scholarship awards will be announced in the spring of 2019
See page 9 or visit the AASP-MN website, www aaspmn org, for more details
Mech XChange Highlights
AASP-MN hosted a Mech XChange on October 17 at LubeTech in Golden Valley. Those in attendance were able to participate in two roundtable discussions and received an update on the association’s activities.
The first roundtable discussion, Diversifying Shop Product & Service Offerings, allowed attendees to hear what other mechanical shop owners have done to generate alternative sources of revenue and new customers. Discussion focused on add-on or up-sell products and services.
The second roundtable discussion, New and/or Cost-Effective Marketing Tactics, gave attendees the opportunity to share what has worked for them in the marketing arena during the last three months, as well as pick up great new ideas based on what has worked for others.
2019 Sponsorships Now Available
Sponsorships are now available for AASP-MN’s 2019 networking activities and educational programming Sponsorships help AASP-MN deliver quality programs and keep registration fees affordable Sponsors are rewarded by increased visibility and recognition within the AASP-MN membership and industry at-large. It's a great way to stand out, expand marketing dollars and connect with the best shops in the industry. For more information, contact the AASP-MN office at (612) 623-1110 or visit the association’s website, www aaspmn org, for more details
Minnesota Careers in Auto Repair & Ser vice (MNCARS)
MNCARS is a non-profit organization established in 2016 by AASP-MN Its sole purpose is to promote careers in the automotive industr y, recruit young people into the state's college-level automotive ser vice and collision repair programs and, ultimately, into industr y workplaces To further those efforts, MNCARS recently participated in the following events:
• Wright Technical Center Career & College Fair - Buffalo, MN
Take advantage of the resources in the MotorMouth toolbox! Get out and get active in your local community to promote industr y careers!
Thank You 2018 AASP-MN Sponsors!
GOLD
AASP National
AmeriTrust Group
Auto Value Parts Stores/APH
Axalta Coating Systems
CBIZ AiA
FinishMaster
PPG Automotive Finishes
United Fire Group
Auto Parts
Rent-A-Car LKQ/Keystone Automotive O'Reilly Auto Parts PAM’s Auto, Inc. Suburban Chevrolet
BRONZE
Casualty Assurance of Chaska
C.H.E.S.S.
Lube Tech & Partners OTHER
Choice Auto Rental
Dent Impressions
Monroe Moxness Berg, PA
Sher win Williams VENDOR
Accessor y Pro Warehouse AmeriPride Ser vices
Autoshop Solutions
Dentsmart PDR Heartman Insurance
NAPA Auto Parts
NCS/Single Source Net Driven
The Matrix Wand Workplace Safety Consultants
A fundraiser to support the AASP-MN Automotive Education Fund…
Enhancing opportunities in automotive education through scholarships, program support and partnerships
Start your engines!
Organize your team today (This event would make a great employee outing!) The competition will consist of up to 12 teams each night with five members each and a crew chief
These ain’t your daddy’s go karts!
ProKart’s new fleet of RiMO EVO6 Race Karts are run on power-boosting, low-emission, renewable methanol for consistency and performance
All proceeds will benefit the AASP-MN Automotive Education Fund
When the final checkered flag waves and the adrenaline subsides, our goal is to raise over $11,000 over the three nights. The majority of that money is earmarked to fund scholarships for students enrolled in a two-year, NATEF-certified automotive program (collision or mechanical) in the state of Minnesota Scholarship awards will be $1,000 per student
The race is on! Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Race for Automotive Education is sure to be a sell-out event, so don’t delay – register today!
Team Sponsor $500 (Includes admission for 6, including team captain and 5 racers)
Team Name:
Team Captain:
Address: City: Zip: Phone: Fax: Email:
Preferred Race Night: 1/8/19 1/9/19 1/10/19
Race Sponsor $250 Racing is not in my blood, but I would like to support automotive students/programs in MN (Includes admission for 2 spectators)
Sponsor Name: Company:
Address: City: Zip: Phone: Fax: Email:
Return with payment by 12/15/18 to: AASP-MN Automotive Education Fund
The AASP-MN Education Fund provides financial resources to support automotive students, enhance automotive programs and raise awareness of career opportunities in the independent automotive service industry.
More Young Americans Do Not Drive
A growing share of Americans 18 to 34 years old have chosen not to get a driver’s license. Getting a driver’s license - which used to be a rite of passage for American youth, especially Baby Boomers - is not important to many millennials.
Environmental issues, social media and ridesharing have combined to reduce the significance of a driver’s license for a substantial portion of millennials. This has important implications for vehicle use, as well as aftermarket volume in the U.S.
Six Major Takeaways
• The number of licensed drivers in the U.S. increased eight percent from 2008 to 2018, a slower rate of growth than the over 12 percent surge in licensed drivers during the preceding 10 years.
• Americans’ love affair with the automobile is fading. Many Americans, particularly those under 35 years old, have attitudes toward vehicles much different from those of earlier generations.
• In 1985, only seven percent of Americans 18 to 34 years old did not have a driver’s license. The share of Americans 18 to 34 years old without a driver’s license more than tripled by 2018, reaching an estimated 23 percent.
• Two of the strongest factors changing the attitudes of young Americans toward vehicle use are environmental concerns and social media.
• The unprecedented growth of ridesharing provides transportation alternatives to young people who do not see the need for a driver’s license.
• The changing attitudes of Americans toward vehicles have important implications for vehicle ownership, vehicle use and future aftermarket volume and growth.
Big Changes In Vehicle Mix
While the light vehicle population rose 10 percent across the U.S. between 2007 and 2017, there were even bigger changes in the light vehicle mix.
Six Major Takeaways
• Light vehicles on U.S. roads can be divided into four major light vehicle groups: Domestic nameplate cars, domestic light trucks, foreign nameplate cars and foreign nameplate light trucks.
• Cars (domestic and foreign nameplates) plunged from 51 percent of light vehicles on U.S. roads during 2007 to only 45 percent at mid-year 2017. By mid-year 2017, there were four million fewer cars than 10 years earlier.
• Light trucks (domestic and foreign nameplates) rose from 49 percent of light vehicles in the U.S. during 2007 to 55 percent share at mid-year 2017. There were 28 million more light trucks in the U.S. at mid-year 2017 than 10 years earlier.
• Foreign nameplate cars generated 80 percent of the light vehicle VIO (vehicles in operation) growth over the past 10 years. Foreign nameplate light trucks created 20 percent of the light vehicle population increase. In contrast, the domestic nameplate VIO fell significantly between 2007 and 2017.
• Domestic nameplate light trucks recorded a six million VIO gain over the past 10 years (2007 to 2017), while domestic nameplate cars plunged by more than 23 million.
• The foreign nameplate VIO surged at a four percent average annual pace between 2007 and 2017, more than five times the total light vehicle annual growth rate.
Investigating a Sexual Harassment Claim
Receiving a sexual harassment claim from an employee is a delicate situation Employers must consider how they will respond to the complaint, how they will investigate the allegations and what guidelines they will use to assess the complaint’s validity Ultimately, the employer ’s response can have a significant effect on whether the employer is found liable for the alleged behavior in the event the complaint results in litigation
To protect your business and your employees in the event of a sexual harassment claim, consider the following actions:
• Create a strictly-enforced company policy banning sexual harassment on the job and distribute it to all employees. This policy should define sexual harassment and state that your company does not tolerate any form of it.
• Determine if the conduct was actually sexual harassment by deciding if the conduct was sexual in nature and if it was unwelcome by the accuser The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) says that sexual conduct is unwelcome when the victim does not solicit or incite the conduct in question, or the conduct is considered offensive or undesirable by the victim
• Employers wishing to determine if conduct was unwelcome need to consider every aspect of the circumstance, including the victim’s speech, clothing and whether he or she participated in the conduct voluntarily. Each of these factors alone does not necessarily dispute or constitute a sexual harassment claim, but together may invalidate or validate a claim
• Determine whether the conduct is considered quid pro quo or hostile working environment sexual harassment
* Quid pro quo: An employee requests unwelcome sexual favors for, or in return of something, such as a promotion, raise, new job or title. Threats of demotion, salary cuts and bad performance reviews if sexual favors are not received are also considered quid pro quo sexual harassment
* Hostile working environment: This constitutes behavior that a “reasonable person” would find to be “hostile” and “offensive,” according to the EEOC.
• Conduct an investigation to determine whether the sexual harassment allegations are valid To do so, you should already have a system in place for handling these types of situations, including:
* Training certain employees who will receive sexual harassment claims on how to conduct an investigation
* Protecting private information in the event that the complaint would become the subject of litigation
* Considering any conflicts of interest between the employer, harasser, investigator and others involved in the investigation
* Seeking legal guidance
* Maintaining confidentiality throughout the investigation amongst all parties involved
* Keeping written records of the following (at minimum):
• Details of the complaint
• Preliminary investigation plan
• Responses to the complaint
• Witness statements
• Adjustments or amendments made
• Investigator ’s findings
• Conclusions as a result of investigations
• Discipline administered
• Harasser monitoring efforts
• Take action immediately after receiving a sexual harassment complaint to stop potentially unlawful conduct
An employer ’s response to a sexual harassment claim can have a significant effect on whether the employer is found liable for the alleged behavior in the event the complaint results in litigation.
By adhering to these actions, employers can demonstrate that they take all complaints concerning sexual harassment seriously. In addition, should a complaint result in litigation, a jury is less likely to punish the employer for failing to act because steps were taken to remedy the situation through an investigation.
Mitchell: Tesla Database Now Available - Mitchell has officially launched the Tesla vehicle database for the Model S, X and Model 3 Additionally, improved VIN decoding options are now available
Please note that this is not an approval for ever y body shop to work on Tesla vehicles Non-approved Tesla body shops should still check with Tesla parts departments for part restrictions and understand the dangers and risk involved in working with high-voltage systems prior to working on a vehicle
Users should also note parts are updated frequently, but should still confirm with TESLA EPC for the most current and up-to-date information for correct part numbers and pricing Please submit DEG inquiries for any missing or outdated information in Mitchell’s Tesla database
All Three Systems: Quick Reference Document - The DEG has developed a quick reference chart of included and not-included labor operations when working with repair conditions involving seam sealers and protective coatings for welded panel labor It can be found at: http://degweb org/wpcontent/uploads/2018/10/ Quick-reference-protective-coating-removal pdf
All Three Systems: Quick Reference Document - The DEG has developed a quick reference chart of included and not-included labor operations for repairs requiring pre/post scan, initializing and calibration It can be found at: http://degweb org/ wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Quick-Reference-pre-post-relearn-chart pdf
Audatex: Glass Sealant Part Selection and Labor - Recent Audatex inquiries 12661 and 12720 discuss how bonded quarter glass labor is assigned when selecting the “Quarter Glass Sealant Kit” and the “Quarter Glass” part itself:
“We have reviewed the current Audatex labor procedures and labor allocation for the SEALANT KIT , QTR GLASS (GN 0317/0318) and GLASS, QUARTER TINTED (GN 0321/0322) In Audatex, when a user adds both aforementioned items to an estimate, the system allocates the labor to the lowest guide number after any applicable overlap is applied This guide number hierarchy is integrated into Audatex labor development Estimator judgement times or manual entries will not remove preexisting overlap deductions where labor economies between multiple parts have already been considered This is the normal function of the Audatex Estimating system No change warranted at this time ”
By reviewing the Audatex estimate report, users can tell if the labor time is modified from the “Quarter Glass Sealant Kit” by locating a “*” next to the labor line
When both the sealant kit and glass is selected, the labor time will automatically allocate to the Glass Sealant and users should know this is the actual labor for the glass R/I or R/R procedure
All Three Systems: Secondar y Color / E-coat Color DuplicationRefinish labor to duplicate factor y “E-coat”/overspray appearance on non-visible back side/underside is NOT INCLUDED Refinish time also does not include color matching, mixing the appropriate color variant or labor to mask interior surfaces As always, material cost is NOT INCLUDED in refinish labor times
Note: The estimating databases are all intended to be used as a GUIDE ONLY - it is important to remember that the auto body professional performing the repair is in a position to thoroughly inspect, diagnose and identify the methodology and their unique cost of the vehicle damage repair You can view these tips and others on the DEG website,WWW DEGWEB ORG
The collision repair industry can be complex and confusing, but help and professional guidance are within reach
For 30 years, Reliable Automotive Equipment has stayed ahead of the changes hitting the auto body world by offering top-of-theline OEM products and education Headquartered in Belford, NJ, Reliable works to maintain an active national presence through participation in various industry associations and events In addition to serving as a Board member of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ), Reliable President Dave Gruskos is currently a director for the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS). He is also a well-known speaker and educator who regularly presents at major trade shows including SEMA and NORTHEAST®
Since the beginning, Reliable has maintained a passion for proper
TECHNICAL NEEDS, OEM SOLUTIONS
repairs and workers’ health and safety The company closely follows the direction of auto manufacturers to ensure that only the best and most appropriate equipment is offered to customers
“We always stay on the cutting edge of what our partners on the car company side require,” Gruskos says. “We devote our energy and resources to do our best for our customers through shop visits, hosting clinics, informing the industry via social media, etcetera It’s our job to inform shops of the correct ways the OEMs want their vehicles repaired.”
One Reliable-distributed product in particular, the XPress 800 rivet gun, has proven to be a huge benefit to repairers working to adhere to OEM-approved methods and procedures
“With so much technology in the types of rivets, shops need to know if the tool they are using is actually
OEM-approved.
doing the correct job Also, it’s important to have the right drill bit type and size for the correct removal of a panel or rivet ”
As for the future of automotive technology, Gruskos has a clear idea of what’s to come.
“There is a big movement with carbon fiber as well as multimaterial mixes in joining car bodies together There will be special tooling that will need to be used to take these panels apart using special heat, for example. Additionally, there will be new safety requirements that technicians will have to keep in mind. We also see an increased need for shops to be knowledgeable about electric vehicles Reliable is always available to answer any questions that techs have on this or any other equipment-related topic that comes up on the shop floor.”
For more information on Reliable Automotive Equipment, please visit raeser vice.com or call (732) 495-7900.
by Janet L. Keyes, MS, CIH
EPAMPCAPOTWMCESDLIOSHAIFCAHJDOTDPS
There’s no word hidden in that mashup title Instead, it’s the acronyms of the regulators you may need to deal with: EPA, MPCA, POTW, MCES, DLI, OSHA, IFC, AHJ, DOT, DPS Even more puzzled now? Let’s look at them in order A caution that this is a simplified explanation
EPA, the Environmental Protection Agency, is charged with protecting the nation’s air, water and people from chemical contamination It has jurisdiction over what you can emit to the air, discharge to storm or sanitary sewers and put into the ground That’s a lot of (ahem) ground to cover.
In Minnesota, EPA has turned implementation of these laws over to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) In Wisconsin, it’s the DNR Each state has to comply with the federal laws, but has the freedom to decide how to
do that For example, Wisconsin doesn’t require body shops that emit less than 1,666 pounds of VOCs a year to report annual air emissions or usage. Minnesota currently does
Just as the EPA turned over some responsibilities to the MPCA, the MPCA has turned over some responsibilities In the seven-county metro area, enforcement of hazardous waste rules has been given to the counties. Just like Wisconsin and Minnesota, the metro-area counties have developed their own rules EPA and MPCA still have oversight
If you use water-based paints and want to discharge the wastewater from gun cleaning, or if you wash cars, that wastewater should be going to the sanitary sewer From there it goes to a POTW, Publicly Owned Treatment Works (the sewage treatment plant) EPA/MPCA regulate what POTWs can discharge to
water So the POTWs also regulate what they will accept
In the metro area, the Metropolitan Council oversees the sanitary wastewater treatment plants, so that agency’s Environmental Services (MCES) division has been given responsibility for regulating discharges to its system If you want to put wastewater from painting or from washing cars and you’re in the metro area, make sure it’s okay with MCES’s industrial waste division If you’re located elsewhere in the state, check with your local POTW
EPA, MPCA and those enforcing EPA rules are mainly worried about what could escape your facility, not what goes on in your facility. They’ll be concerned about the potential for chemical spills, because those could become air or water pollutants But they don’t address your employees’ exposures
That job is OSHA’s – the Occupational Safety and Health Administration In Minnesota, the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has been given the authority to run the OSHA programs There are two departments: Enforcement, which can inspect without warning and write citations, and Consultation, which only shows up on request
DLI oversees more than just OSHA That agency has responsibility for most building codes The code of most interest, particularly to body shops, is the Minnesota Fire Code, based on IFC, the International Fire Code That’s not under DLI, but is administered by the State Fire Marshal, part of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) The fire code differs from the other codes in one other important aspect: you can be grandfathered in for a lot of building code items, but not for a lot of fire code items Didn’t install a fire suppression system in your paint booth years ago? Compliance with the fire code requires that you do so now.
But doesn’t OSHA require fire suppression in your spray booth? Yes. You’ll see a lot of overlap between OSHA regulations and building codes (fire,
electrical, life safety) A lot of OSHA regulations were based on those codes. So why do we have both? The codes were initially consensus standards, developed by member organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association and The International Code Council When OSHA needs to create standards, back when it was founded in 1970, it looked to the existing consensus standards. When governments wanted to adopt standards to protect their citizens, they also looked to the consensus standards
OSHA compliance officers inspect your facilities for compliance with OSHA standards. Who checks for compliance with fire and other building codes? It will be the AHJ (another acronym! Authority Having Jurisdiction) If your city has adopted the building code or fire code, it’s the building official or the fire marshal who may inspect. In some cities, such as Minneapolis, the fire marshal strongly enforces the Fire Code Other cities might have very little enforcement
Caution: if your local fire marshal doesn’t object to some practice, such as repeatedly spraying flammable coatings outside of a booth, you’re not off the hook. OSHA could still cite you for that.
The final acronyms: DOT, the Department of Transportation and DPS (again) Federal DOT wrote the rules governing transportation of hazardous materials, such as a drum of lacquer thinner or oxygen cylinders. In Minnesota, enforcement falls on both MnDOT and DPS, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety How does that affect you? You probably don’t drive trucks full of paints or compressed gas cylinders. But you do receive shipments of those, and you do ship out hazardous materials any time you ship hazardous waste If it’s on the road or going to be on the road, it’s DOT’s bailiwick
So, the shorthand version:
Air: EPA/MPCA
Water: EPA/MPCA, the POTW (sewer plant)
Building: Building and fire cords, MFC, municipal enforcement by AHJ (fire marshal)
Employees: OSHA
Transport (shipping/on the road/ receiving): DOT and DPS.
Confusing? Yes Fortunately, the different rules overlap, but rarely conflict
This article is intended to provide general information (no advice) about current safety topics. To discuss your specific concerns and how CHESS may help, please contact CHESS at (651) 481-9787 or chess@chess-safety com
Shop Here First!
AASP-MN Associate Member Director y
1
Collision Network - Milwaukee, WI
aaa Auto Parts - East Bethel, MN
aaa Auto Parts - Rosemount, MN
AASP-MN BankCard - Minnetonka, MN
Accessor y Pro Warehouse - Baxter, MN
Action Auto Parts of St. Paul, Inc. - St. Paul, MN
AkzoNobel - Stillwater, MN
AmeriPride Ser vices - Minneapolis, MN
AmeriTrust Group - Overland Park, KS
Apple Chr ysler Dodge Jeep Ram - Shakopee, MN
Apple Ford Lincoln - Apple Valley, MN
Apple Ford Shakopee - Shakopee, MN
Arcon Solutions, Inc. - Burnsville, MN
Assessment Associates International - Minnetonka, MN
Auto Body Specialties, Inc. - Mankato, MN
Auto Color & Industrial Supply, Inc. - St. Joseph, MN
Auto Data Labels, Inc - Deer Park, NY
Auto Electric of Bloomington, Inc - Bloomington, MN
Auto Nation - White Bear Lake, MN
Auto Plus Auto Parts - Brooklyn Park, MN
Auto Plus Auto Parts - Hopkins, MN
Auto Plus Auto Parts - Lexington, MN
Auto Plus Auto Parts - Bloomington, MN
Auto Value Parts Stores/APH - St Cloud, MN
Automotive Parts Solutions, Inc - St Cloud, MN
Automotive Recyclers of MN - Fridley, MN
Automotive Training Institute - Linthicum, MD
Autoshop Solutions - Apex, NC
AutoZone - Memphis, TN
Axalta Coating Systems - Elk River, MN
BASF Corporation - Savage, MN
Blue Rock Refinishing Solutions, LLC - Roseville, MN
Parts Dept. of Northfield / NAPA Auto Parts - Northfield, MN
Proven Force Clutch and U Joint/Midwest Trans. - Maple Grove, MN
Rudy Luther’s Hopkins Honda - Hopkins, MN
SATA Spray Equipment/Dan Am Corp - Spring Valley, MN
Scharf Auto Supply - Rochester, MN
Schmelz Countr yside - Maplewood, MN
Sher win Williams Automotive Finishes - Andover, MN
Single Source Inc. - Baldwin, WI - Baldwin, WI
Single Source Inc - Roseville, MN - Roseville, MN
Southern Minnesota Auto Supply Co - Rochester, MN
St. Paul/Mpls. Wholesale Parts - Anoka, MN
Straight & Square Distributing, LLC - St. Cloud, MN
Suburban Chevrolet - Eden Prairie, MN
United Fire Group - Cedar Rapids, IA
Valley Imports - Fargo, ND
Valspar - Minneapolis, MN
Wakeman Equipment Sales, Inc - Brown Deer, WI
Wipers & Wipes, Inc. - Hugo, MN
Wirthco Engineering, Inc. - Edina, MN
continued from pg 5
The Department discussed what makes a good complaint – one that they can effectively act upon. They would look for the impact on the insurance customer. They noted that it’s better to have a pattern of behavior rather than a single instance in order to proceed with their enforcement efforts. They specifically mentioned that having the complaints funnel through AASP-MN would help to ensure the anonymity of the shop that may be providing information about an insurance company’s inappropriate action. Mr. Fleischacker specifically noted that the association has been an important conduit of information on a number of successful Department investigations that have resulted in enforcement actions
We will continue to work closely with Department of Commerce officials when there are concerns regarding insurance company actions within the claims process Members are always encouraged to share any concerns they have with AASP-MN so that the association can reach out to members to see whether a pattern of inappropriate behavior emerges AASP-MN can appropriately frame a complaint so that no single shop need be the focal point for a complaint that may raise the ire of an insurance company whose practices are being called into question
AASP National Benefits Available to AASP-MN Members
Did
Check
WEBSITE & INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONS
Autoshop Solutions, the leader in internet marketing for the automotive aftermarket, has developed and launched the most cutting-edge marketing platform for auto shops. RPM is an allin-one program that bundles your website, pay-per-click, search engine optimization, social media, and much more! By using every marketing tool in the toolbox, you’re guaranteed to have a stronger online presence that brings more cars to your bays. With five levels of “Really Powerful Marketing” to match your budget, goals and competition – RPM is built to drive your shop forward.
INFORMATION PROVIDERS
IDENTIFIX offers AASP members discounted prices on the industry’s #1 technical repair information subscription, Direct Hit. For more information, contact Customer Service at (800) 288-6210.
Mitchell International offers AASP members a 15 percent discount on any Mitchell RepairCenter™ TechAdvisor package. Visit http://repaircenter.mitchell.com/Catalog/OEMRepair.aspx or call Customer Service at (800) 238-9111 for more information.
For more information, contact Tony Mercury at (919) 2671731 or (888) 991-3449 or email tony@autoshopsolutions.com.
BUSINESS COACHING
180BIZ offers members a 20 percent discount on One-OnOne sales and management coaching programs (covering financial planning and analysis, strategic marketing, leadership and personnel development) without long-term commitments. Members also receive a 25 percent discount on monthly sales and management webinars, as well as a 20 percent discount on all 180BIZ advisor training programs. For more information, call (540) 833-2014 or visit www.180biz.com.
Mitchell1 offers AASP members significant discounts on the ProDemand, Manager SE and Teamworks products. For more information, contact Customer Service at (888) 724-6742, ext. 6986.
ONLINE EDUCATION PORTAL
AASP members have access to free webinars designed to enhance management skills and help their business thrive. Visit https://elearning.autoserviceproviders.com to check it out.
For more information about any of the AASP National programs above, contact the AASP-MN office at (612) 623-1110 or aasp@aaspmn.org.
AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS
WORKERS’ COMP INSURANCE
AmeriTrust Group
(formerly Meadowbrook Insurance Group)
Contact: Brad Schmid
763-549-2247 / bschmid@cbizaia.com
Up-front scheduled credit makes Meadowbrook one of the most competitive programs around for Worker‘s Compensation insurance In addition, members are eligible to receive an annual dividend based on the group’s loss ratio For more information, log on to www wcpolicy com/aaspmn
PROPERTY/LIABILITY INSURANCE
CBIZ AIA
Contact: Brad Schmid
763-549-2247 / bschmid@cbizaia com
CBIZ AIA will present AASP-MN members with quotes from multiple carriers for property/liability insurance and members can choose the program that best fits their situation As an added bonus, CBIZ AIA will offer members an exclusive 10% discount on their property/liability insurance premiums Ask about our program with United Fire Group!
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Business Planning Professionals
Contact: Dennis Begley
612-308-6577 / dennis@begley-group com
Business Planning Professionals will provide AASP-MN member with quotes from multiple carriers for life insurance, health insurance, long-term care and disability insurance
UNIFORM & LINEN SUPPLIES
AmeriPride Ser vices
Contact: Joel Hogstad 612-362-0318 / Joel.Hogstad@ameripride.com
Discounted pricing to members on rental of uniforms, entrance mats, shop rags, etc Purchases are also discounted Members receive annual rebate equal to 10% of their business with AmeriPride each year
CREDIT CARD PROCESSING
Association BankCard Ser vices
Contact: Mac Hardin
952-933-2026 / mach@retailfinancialser vices biz
Competitive rates for AASP-MN members
Terminals and printers sold at cost Monthly rental of equipment is also available.
LEGAL CONSULTATION
Fr yberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick
800-496-6789
Members receive free, over-the-phone legal assessment and consultation (some restrictions apply) with an attorney who specializes in the area of law that is the subject of the call
WEBSITE AND INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONS
Autoshop Solutions
Contact: Tony Mercur y 919-267-1731 / tony@autoshopsolutions com Autoshop Solutions has developed the most cutting-edge marketing platform for AASP members Really Powerful Marketing (RPM) is an all-in-one program that bundles your website, payper-click, search engine optimization, social media, and much more! With five levels of RPM to match your budget, goals, and competition, it’s built to drive your shop for ward!
Net Driven
Contact: Rich Mullen 877-860-2005, ext 224 / rmullen@netdriven com
Net Driven is a market leader in website and internet marketing solutions designed exclusively for the automotive industr y AASP-MN members who choose Net Driven are eligible for a $500 discount off their 1st year setup fees
TECHNICAL INFORMATION HOTLINE IDENTIFIX
800-288-6220
Members enjoy discounted prices on the industr y’s #1 technical information hotline, Direct-Hit
INFORMATION PROVIDERS
Mitchell1
Contact: Mitchell1 Representative 888-724-6742 x 6986
Mitchell1 offers AASP members special savings on Mitchell 1’s ProDemand, Manager SE & Teamworks products For more information, contact Customer Ser vice at 888-724-6742, ext 6986
Mitchell International
Contact: Mitchell International Representative 800-238-9111
AASP members receive a 15% discount on any Mitchell RepairCenter TechAdvisor package. Visit repaircenter mitchell com/Catalog/OEM Repair aspx for more information
AUTO EMPLOYEE ASSESSMENT
Assessment Associates International Contact: Ron Page (952) 854-6551
ronald.page@aai-assessment.com
Designed to help facilitate and enhance hiring decisions AASP-MN members receive 50% off retail price and starts as low as $15 per assessment
BUSINESS FORMS/CALENDARS
AASP-MN
Contact: Jodi Pillsbur y 612-623-1110 / jodi@aaspmn org
Discount rate on printed business forms and calendars
CHECK GUARANTEE SERVICES
Certegy Check Ser vices
877-520-2987
Discount rate of 75% to AASP-MN members Use existing credit card terminal Fast claim payments
SAFETY COMPLIANCE
Complete, Health, Environmental & Safety Ser vices, Inc. (CHESS)
Contact: Carol Keyes
651-481-9787 / carkey@chess-safety com
AASP-MN members receive a 20% discount on Safety Data Sheet Management (SDSLinks), Right to Know(RTK)/Hazard Communication program customized for your facility and monthly safety reminders, and other safety, OSHA or environmental assistance
Members receive 20% discount off standard payroll products and ser vices (excluding 401k) Members who switch prior to June 30 will receive first month of payroll processing free
BUSINESS COACHING 180biz
540-833-2014 / info@180biz com
Website: www 180biz com
Members receive a 20-percent discount on one-onone sales and management coaching programs (covering financial planning & analysis, strategic marketing, leadership and personnel development) without long-term commitments Members also receive a 25% discount on monthly sales & management webinars as well as a 20-percent discount on all 180BIZ advisor training programs
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