CALENDAR OF EVENTS
CLASS LISTINGS
April 2, 2018
REPLACEMENT OF STEEL UNITIZED STRUCTURES
Dick’s Automotive Paint & Supply, Parkersburg, WV
SECTIONING OF STEEL UNITIZED STRUCTURES
Dick’s Automotive Paint & Supply, Parkersburg, WV
April 4, 2018
AUTOMOTIVE FOAMS
Finish Master – Springfield, Springfield, VA
April 5, 2018
SQUEEZE-TYPE RESISTANCE SPOT WELDING
FinishMaster – Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg, VA
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, PERSONAL SAFETY & REFINISH SAFETY
FinishMaster – Springfield, Springfield, VA
AUTOMOTIVE FOAMS
Auto Parts Plus (formerly Uni-Select USA), Baltimore, MD
UNDERSTANDING THE CYCLE TIME PROCESS
Gaithersburg High School, Gaithersburg, MD
April 10, 2018
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, PERSONAL SAFETY & REFINISH SAFETY
Tidewater Community College, Chesapeake, VA
April 12, 2018
FULL-FRAME PARTIAL REPLACEMENT
Alexandria Training Center, Alexandria, VA
STEEL UNITIZED STRUCTURES TECHNOLOGIES & REPAIR
Tidewater Community College, Chesapeake, VA
MEASURING
Gaithersburg High School, Gaithersburg, MD
April 17, 2018
2015 FORD F-150 STRUCTURAL REPAIR TRAINING COURSE
FinishMaster, Springfield, Springfield, VA
COLOR THEORY, MIXING TONERS & TINTING
Manheim Harrisonburg Auto Auction, Harrisonburg, VA
STRUCTURAL STRAIGHTENING STEEL
Tidewater Community College, Chesapeake, VA
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, PERSONALY SAFETY & REFINISH SAFETY (EVENT FULL)
Frederick Co Career & Tech, Frederick, MD
COLOR THEORY, MIXING TONERS & TINTING
Delcastle Technical High School, Wilmington, DE
April10 , 2018 MSCRSOPENBOARDOFDIRECTORS EETING&ELECTIONS
The Westin Westminster Westminster, CO For more info, visitscrs.com
April11 , 2018
SCRSRepairer Roundtable &Industry Awards &Corporate Membership Recognition Luncheon
The Westin Westminster Westminster, CO For more info, visitscrs com
Industry training opportunities and don't-miss events
April 18, 2018
PLASTIC & COMPOSITE REPAIR
FinishMaster – Springfield, Springfield, VA
April 19, 2018
CORROSION PROTECTION
Tidewater Community College, Chesapeake, VA
PLASTIC & COMPOSITE REPAIR
Gaithersburg High School, Gaithersburg, MD
April 21, 2018
ADHESIVE BONDING
Fairfield Inn & Suites, Easton, MD
CORROSION PROTECTION
Fairfield Inn & Suites, Easton, MD
April 26, 2018
ADHESIVE BONDING
Alexandria Training Center, Alexandria, VA
COLOR THEORY, MIXING TONERS & TINTING
Tidewater Community College, Chesapeake, VA
May 2, 2018
April11-12 , 2018 Collision Industry Conference
The Westin Westminster Westminster, CO For more info, visitciclinkcom
May 16 , 2018
WMABAGolfOuting - 1:00pm Shotgun Start Heritage HuntGolfClub Gainesville, VA
REPLACEMENT OF STEEL UNITIZED STRUCTURES
FinishMaster – Springfield, Springfield, VA
May 3, 2018
CORROSION PROTECTION
FinishMaster – Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg, VA
MEASURING
Auto Parts Plus (formerly Uni-Select USA), Baltimore, MD
REPLACEMENT OF STEEL UNITIZED STRUCTURES
Gaithersburg High School, Gaithersburg, MD
FULL-FRAME PARTIAL REPLACEMENT
James Rumsey Technical Institute, Martinsburg, WV
May 10, 2018
SECTIONING OF STEEL UNITIZED STRUCTURES
Gaithersburg High School, Gaithersburg, MD
May 16, 2018
STRUCTURAL STRAIGHTENING STEEL
FinishMaster – Springfield, Springfield, VA
May 17, 2018
PLASTIC & COMPOSITE REPAIR
Auto Parts Plus (formerly Uni-Select USA), Baltimore, MD
STRUCTURAL STRAIGHTENING STEEL
Gaithersburg High School, Gaithersburg, MD
May 24, 2018
PLASTIC & COMPOSITE REPAIR
Fairfield Inn & Suites, Easton, MD
VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY TRENDS & DIAGNOSTICS
OVERVIEW
Frederick Co Career & Tech, Frederick, MD
May 26, 2018
FULL-FRAME PARTIAL REPLACEMENT
McClintic Public Library, Marlinton, WV
www.i-car.com or (800) 422-7872 for info
EDITOR’S MESSAGE
L E T ’ S P L AY D O C TO R !
In a few short months, I’ll enter my 18th year covering the American collision repair industry When I look through some of my earliest stories, I’m blown away by just how much this industry has changed since my first day on the job Vehicle technologies have expanded beyond anyone’s wildest expectations, while the idea of a customer checking the status of a repair on a smartphone was something straight out of The Jetsons back when I started out. Unfortunately, one very critical issue hasn’t changed: Shops still have to battle insurers to get paid for many of the procedures they perform I have the privilege of knowing some of the most professional and forward-thinking facility owners in the country. These are folks who’ve made the necessary investments in equipment and training to repair the high-tech vehicles
WMABA OFFICERS
PRESIDENT Torchy Chandler torchy chandler@gmai com 410-309-2242
VICE PRESIDENT Bill Hawkins whawkins@mybmwannapolis com 410-349-2578
TREASURER Barbara Chase barbara@siskautobody com 301-855-5525
SECRETARY Phil Rice ph l@ricewoods com 540-846-6617
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Mark Schaech, Jr mark@marksbodyshop com 410-358-5155
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Don Beaver (donbeaver3551@gmai com) 443-235-6668
Rodney Bo ton (rbolton@aacps org) 443-386-0066
Kevin Bur (kev nburt@walkermi lcol s on com) 301-336-1140
Barry Dorn (bdorn@dornsbodyandpa nt com) 804-746-3928
ADMINISTRATION
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jordan Hend er (jordanhend er@wmaba com) 804-789-9649
WMABA CORPORATE OFFICE
P O Box 3157 • Mechan csv lle, VA 23116
hitting the marketplace They are committed to following OEM guidelines and documenting every step they take to get their customers back on the road Unfortunately, many of these people are left with a short-pay for their efforts when an insurer steps in and says that a procedure – even something as important as scanning – is only a “recommendation” by the OEM and not something that warrants compensation. When faced with this dilemma, some shops swallow the loss, others get the customer involved and a few go so far as to take the matter to court
I will not endorse any decision here (as each owner needs to determine what’s best for their business), but I will say this: If I woke up tomorrow morning with a serious illness, I would seek out the expertise of a medical professional I wouldn’t just take a picture of where I felt bad and ask a claim rep at my health insurer to make a diagnosis. As an insurance customer, I understand that every policy (whether health or auto) comes with deductibles and exclusions If I faced something serious with my health, I would absolutely get the treatment I needed to stay alive I would never accept a doctor telling me, “Your insurer won’t cover this X-Ray, so we’re going to skip it and give you Advil instead and hope for the best ” I’m an adult I know the limits of my health insurance policy, and I would rather bite the bullet financially to get what I need to keep going. Are collision repairers as important as doctors? Ask the couple who sued John Eagle Collision that question.
As a realist, I appreciate the fact that the point of this message is a pie-in-the-sky scenario to some I’ve been around long enough to truly empathize with those of you who bow to the pressures that outside parties present to you That said, you need to ask yourself whether you are a cog in someone else’s machine or a collision repair safety professional Are you willing to look the other way when an OEM tells you to do something, or do you view your shop as a medical facility for cars? I know who I’m calling the next time I get really sick or get in an accident – regardless of the effect it could have on my bank account H&D
STAFF
PUBLISHER Thomas Greco thomas@grecopub ishing com
SALES DIRECTOR Alicia Figurelli alicia@grecopublishing com
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Joel Gausten joel@grecopub ishing com
Ben G bson (bgibson@richmondmarinecenter com) 804-355-8151
Steven Kr eps (srkr eps@ ive com) 304-755-1146
Ashley Kruger (akruger@baughautobody com) 804-285-8045
Danny Szarka (danny@dynam cco l s onservices com) 410-525-1000
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lea Velocci lea@grecopubl shing com
EDITORIAL/CREATIVE Kristen Dalli COORDINATOR kristen@grecopubl shing com
OFFICE MANAGER Donna Greco donna@grecopublishing com
Audi dealers strive to make you an Audi Genuine Parts fan
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Audi Arlington 3200 Columbia Pike
Alexandria, VA 22204
703.739.7490 Fax: 703.684.8420
Audi Annapolis 1833 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
Parts Direct: 443.482.3280
Parts Fax: 443.482.3281 www.audiannapolis.com
Audi Bethesda 5206 River Road Bethesda, MD 20816
Parts Direct: 240.762.5636
Parts Fax: 301.718.1847 www.audibethesda.com
Audi Chantilly 14839 Stonecroft Center Court
Chantilly, VA 20151
703.956.2100 Fax: 703.956.2139 www.audichantilly.com
Rockville Audi 1125 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852
Parts Direct: 301.296.2870
Parts Fax: 301.762.5055 www.rockville-audi.com
Audi Silver Spring 3151 Automobile Boulevard Silver Spring, MD 20904
844.413.6929 Fax: 301.890.3748 www.audisilverspringparts.com
Audi Owings Mills 9804 Reisterstown Road Owings Mills, MD 21117
Parts: 877-411-6825
Parts Fax: 410-372-3380 www.audiowingsmills.com
Audi Virginia Beach 2865 Virginia Beach Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Toll Free: 800.277.2122
Parts Direct: 757.687.3483 Fax: 757.687.3490 www.checkeredflag.com
It Takes Genuine Honda Collision Repair Parts
To Achieve a Genuine Honda Fit.
Honda collision repair parts are engineered and manufactured to Honda standards. In the collision-repair business, time is money, and you can’t waste time on parts that almost fit properly. Use Genuine Honda replacement parts. Your reputation depends on it.
For Genuine Honda parts, contact these Authorized Honda dealers.
Ourisman Honda
3371 Ft. Meade Rd. Laurel, MD 20724
Direct: 301-498-6050
Fax: 301-498-0157
www.laurelhonda.com
Honda of Tysons Corner
1580 Spring Hill Rd. Vienna, VA 22182
Direct: 703-749-6652
FAX: 703-821-4229
www.hondatysonscorner.com
E-mail: sebastian.venegas@hondaoftysonscorner.com
Miller Honda 3985 Valley Pike Winchester, VA 22602
Direct: 800-296-5020
Direct Local: 540-868-9916
Fax: 540-869-1074
E-mail: bmorgan@drivemiller.com
MESSAGE
L A B O R I N G OV E R
L A B O R R AT E S
The Labor Rate Survey is not a labor of love, but it does teach us a lot about this industry Generally speaking, I don’t think enough owners or managers treat their collision shops with the same regard that other businesses are forced to If a price isn’t “set” by someone else, new business owners find themselves doing research into how their overhead, market conditions, human resources and customer acquisition will lead to what they can fairly charge to make a profit.
The artificial market created by insurance company reimbursements has killed the industry’s drive to learn all they can about profitability, marketing, customer
service and more Because it’s “all the insurance company pays,” they just complain about it and move on
Worse than that, some business models will accommodate the lowest price by cutting corners to still make enough money to do the next job. To me, that’s just trading dollars –and sometimes that bites hard with a car you have to buy back after it was totaled due to a poor repair Even the Walmart-style setups that try to make it up on volume don’t produce work that is consistently in line with what the OEM would deem quality based on procedures, equipment, parts or training
The Labor Rates are the tip of an iceberg that still remains under water or
unseen by the general consumer From my vantage point, it seems relatively impossible to perform a quality and safe repair for the bottom dollar. Negotiating with an insurer about procedures, parts or electronics is pretty much guaranteed for all OEM-certified repairers because other repairers in the marketplace don’t even research how to do it correctly. Talk about an unfair position: You’re negotiating against your own peers – who really aren’t your peers, are they?
Do yourself – and your employees – the favor of researching for yourself about what a Labor Rate would be for your individual business Know your numbers: All your overhead, equipment investments, etc From there, you can know what a reasonable Labor Rate for your business is and negotiate accordingly.
We have the range of each region in the results, but it is okay if you are an outlier based on your calculations Even within every region, there are variables like property taxes, wage limitations or other factors that make your situation unique H&D
Contact one of these authorized dealers. Porsche technology. Porsche Genuine Service & Parts.
Porsche Bethesda 11990 Rockville Pike North Bethesda, MD
855-683-3144
Fax 301-945-4341 bethesda.porschedealer.com
Porsche Silver Spring
3141 Automobile Boulevard
Silver Spring, MD
844-413-6929
Fax 301-890-3748 silverspring.porschedealer.com
Porsche of Arlington
3154 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, VA
703-684-8835
Fax 703-518-0467 arlington.porschedealer.com
Euroclassics Porsche 11900 Midlothian Turnpike
Midlothian, VA
804-794-3399
Fax 804-794-9771
euroclassics.porschedealer.com
Checkered Flag Porsche
2865 Virginia Beach Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA
757-687-3483
Fax 757-687-3490
checkered-flag.porschedealer.com
WHAT’S UP TO?
It’s always a good time to get involved in WMABA If you’re reading this, your first benefit is already being realized: Staying up to date on the news in our area and beyond
Get Your Team Jersey
Supporting WMABA is an investment in the future of your business and your industry By becoming a member, you are represented in all the places the Board or executive director go Whether at a trade show like SEMA, assisting with the SCRS OEM Technology Summit regarding certified repairs or locally at the state capitol meeting legislators or testifying at a hearing, your interests and the interests of all repairers are at the forefront Though repairers often feel competitive, the association is a place for camaraderie and community Here, we’re all on the same team
Get Educated
WMABA offers issue-specific, topic-driven education throughout the year Participation in special events and local meetings, such as the Audi Training Center-hosted seminar and tour, offers your business the best in opportunities to advance your understanding of changes within our industry
JOIN
The Playbook
The association is your resource for all things related to your business Whether you have a question about current Labor Rate data, operations, customer interaction, insurer relationships, vendor products or national news, your association is the place to ask first Through our relationships nationally, we can even take issues to the forefront of places such as the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, Collision Industry Conference or national contacts for insurers and vendors.
Locally, we research governmental regulations and oversight to make sure the repair industry is protected from any negative legislation Represented in both Virginia and Maryland, WMABA proposes and opposes recommended bills that come into the legislature during open session Also, we work with consumer-related entities, government agencies and other related industry organizations to ensure that the voices of the repairer and their customer are heard
Many repairers take advantage of the knowledge and community the association has for navigating situations that arise A simple phone call or email can circumvent many issues our members encounter
Call the Game
As a member, you decide your personal level of participation Do you have interest in committees that address particular issues you feel passionately about? Would you want to be a Board member and assist in guiding the direction of the association? How about sitting on the sidelines so you can focus on your own business? All answers can be correct! While WMABA would like to encourage your spirit of volunteerism, it is solely up to you at what level you get involved
The minimum is getting your membership This year can WIN with your commitment to the betterment of your business and your industry Sign up today! H&D
NATIONAL NEWS
L KQ Files Suit ag ainst Department of Homeland S ecurity
On February 7, LKQ Corporation and Keystone Automotive Industries, Inc. filed a lawsuit in the Delaware District Court against the United States Department of Homeland Security and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen after thousands of non-OEM grilles that LKQ were importing began being seized by customs officers last spring under the guise of trademark infringement LKQ and Keystone call the detention and seizure of these items “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion or otherwise not in accordance with law ”
The complaint alleges that in April 2017, United States Customs and Border Protection (the largest federal law enforcement agency of the Department of Homeland Security) began a campaign “of erroneously applying the Tariff Act” to LKQ’s imported repair grilles. This campaign has since resulted in more than 165 seizures and what LKQ and Keystone call “the unlawful detention, seizure and threatened forfeiture of thousands of LKQ’s products embodying hundreds of different grille designs ” The seizures took place in Long Beach, California; International Falls, Minnesota; and Savannah, Georgia In each instance, Customs and Border Protection contended that the seized grilles were “counterfeit” of one or more of the registered and recorded automaker trademarks for Ford, BMW, Chrysler, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota and Mazda.
In the filed complaint, LKQ argues that the seized grilles did not infringe on trademarks for Ford and Chrysler grilles and “cannot be considered counterfeit because they are authorized to be manufactured, imported and sold pursuant to confidential design patent license agreements that LKQ entered into” with those automakers Additionally, LKQ notes that it had contacted each of the remaining automakers to request that they provide consent to Customs and Border Protection for LKQ to import the non-OEM products However, only BMW did so by the time of the filing, while the other vehicle manufacturers have “refused to provide said consent despite full awareness of the legality of LKQ’s activities under the law ”
According to a February 8 story on law360.com, LKQ is alleging that “the parts aren’t counterfeit because many final agency reports ‘concede’ that a number of them were not ‘virtually identical’ to the automakers’ trademarks ” Additionally, the suit argues that “LKQ’s repair grilles are not likely to cause confusion amongst purchasers or the relevant public.”
LKQ is seeking “relief from baseless and excessive fines,” the release of any detained, seized or “imminently-to-be-forfeited” repair grilles and the waiver of any associated storage fees and costs Additionally, they are asking to be awarded “damages in an amount to be determined in the course of litigation.”
Hammer & Dolly’s requests to LKQ for a comment on the case were not returned by press time H&D
Alexandria Volkswagen
107 West Glebe Rd. Alexandria, VA 22305
703-684-7007
Fax: 703-684-4138
e-mail: parts@alexandriavw.com
Karen Radley Volkswagen 14700 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Woodbridge, VA 22191
703-550-0205
Fax: 703-643-0081
Ourisman Volkswagen of Bethesda 5415 Butler Road Bethesda,MD 20816
301-652-2452
Fax: 301-652-2589
e-mail: vwwholesale@ourisman.co
Checkered Flag Volkswagen
3025 Virginia Beach Blvd
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Parts Direct: 757-687-3465
757-490-1111
Fax: 757-687-3514 www.checkeredflag.com
Ourisman Volkswagen of Rockville 801 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
Parts Direct: 301-340-7668
Toll Free: 855-417-4511
Fax: 240-499-2488
e-mail: rockvilleparts@ourismanautomotive.com www.ourismanvolkswagenofrockville.com
Fitzgerald Volkswagen 114 Baughmans Lane Frederick, MD 21702
Toll Free: 800-545-4745
Fax: 877-696-1841
e-mail: parts@fitzmall.com www.fitzparts.com
King Volkswagen 979 North Frederick Ave. Gaithersburg, MD 20879
Parts Direct: 240-403-2300
Fax:240-403-2398
e-mail: parts@vwking.com www.vwking.com
Fitzgerald Volkswagen of Annapolis 34 Hudson Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 410-224-4636
Fax: 410-224-4264 www.fitzmall.com
Ourisman Volkswagen of Laurel 3371 Ft. Meade Rd. Laurel, MD 20724
Phone: 301-498-6050
Fax: 301-498-0157
www.laurelvolkswagen.com
GENUINE NISSAN PARTS
Only Genuine Nissan Parts deliver the fit, reliability, and performance to meet your shop’s collision repair needs. So keep it original, and keep it real with Genuine Nissan Parts.
Contact these Nissan dealers for all your parts needs:
Passport Nissan 5000 Auth Way
Suitland, MD 20746
Phone: 301-423-6930
Fax: 301-423-2965
Sheehy Nissan of Manassas 9010 Liberia Ave Manassas, VA 20110
Toll Free: 800-969-4778
Local Direct: 703-361-0377
Fax: 703-361-5165 martinfisher@sheehy.com
Sheehy Nissan of White Marsh 8115 Belair Rd. Nottingham, MD 21236 Parts: 443-270-9001 Parts Fax: 443-270-8993 wmparts@sheehy.com sheehynissanofwhitemarshparts.com
ADVICE INDUSTRY
ASK MIKE
What are s ome ways that a shop can determine a realistic retail Labor Rate?
This month, we “ASK MIKE” to discuss ways that a shop can determine a realistic retail Labor Rate We at Hammer & Dolly hope you find this following exchange useful, and we encourage you to reach out to us if you have a question for Mike on this or any industry-related matter that he can answer in a subsequent issue
Hammer & Dolly: This issue of Hammer & Dolly presents a view into what the WMABA market looks like right now in terms of what people are charging for retail Labor Rates Since you have the benefit of working with shops all over the country and seeing how different facilities operate, what do you see as some of the
primary things that they should keep in mind when they’re looking to develop a rate away from whatever arrangement they may have with an insurer?
Mike Anderson: The first thing that really amazes me is how people raise their Labor Rates When I had my shop, I saw people raise their rates by $2 I’d say, ‘Where the heck did you come up with $2?’ They seemed to grab this fictitious number out of the sky to determine their rates, and it didn’t make sense at all What I would do was look at the profit I would need to make so I wouldn’t have cash flow problems. Then, I would look at the equipment and training I would need to invest in over the year. I would also ask myself a series of questions. Were there any upgrades that I needed to make to my computers? How much did I need to spend on I-CAR, OEM certification and other training? Did health insurance go up? Did my utilities trend upwards? That way, I would figure out how my expenses would increase for the next year I developed a spreadsheet that would track my sales and my gross and net profits If I wanted to make the same net, I would have to determine how much my sales would need to increase to offset any costs I had for equipment and other things That was how I came up with my Labor Rate. I can tell you
that I never, ever came up with just a flat $2 amount for my Labor Rate to go up; it was always a number like $2 53 or $4 89 I based it off of my specific shop Another thing that always amazes me is property taxes What are the taxes in your area versus a place that’s two or 20 miles down the road? Everybody should determine their prices for doing business in their specific area
As I travel the country, I see a wide range of Labor Rates In San Francisco, I’ll see a Labor Rate of $95 or more, and I’ve been in some shops up in Vermont, Maine and Massachusetts that are still in the $35-$45 range. In the Midwest, it might be $70. What I will say is that I do see a wide variety of repair times. What is hypothetically a six-hour dent in one area might only be a two-hour dent in California because of the higher Labor Rates In a lot of my classes, I have people bring in estimates and photos of damaged vehicles, and I see what they charge for repair time Those repair times do vary quite a bit around the country, and some of that is influenced by Labor Rates
Also, I think your aluminum rate can’t be this fictitious number It needs to be based on how much you invested in training and equipment, how many of those vehicles you think you’re going to fix over the lifespan of
that equipment and what you think you need to make for your return on that investment. Your goal is not to make back the money you spent on that equipment; a smart business decision might be to make about double that investment Obviously, that needs to be calculated based off of knowing your gross profit Aluminum rates will vary based on the OEM; some people have more money invested in training and equipment for one manufacturer than they may for another When you study your aluminum rate, you need to decide from a business standpoint if that rate is going to be just on structural repair or if it’s going to be a different rate for something like R&I-ing a door handle or a bumper
There’s also paint labor time Is your paint labor going to be the same rate as the aluminum, or is it going to be just your regular door rate? Too often, people just post this generic Labor Rate without taking their various costs into consideration
I also believe you can’t just walk in one day and raise your Labor Rate In fairness, you need to give anybody you interact with or do business with some type of notice I used to send out my Labor Rate letter every October, and it would say that my new rates would be effective that January 1
There are a lot of people who will disagree with me, but I was never one of those people who had a posted Labor Rate and collected less from an insurance company I just had a posted rate, and that was what it was. My rate was my rate whether you were a consumer or an insurance company. It never made sense to me to have two different rates.
I think looking at your material rate is
Insights and advice from an industry mentor.
Do you have a question for Mike? Contact Hammer & Dolly Editorial Director Joel Gausten at joel@grecopublishing.com or (973) 600-9288, and we’ll ask him in a future issue.
equally important I’ve seen some areas of the country where a paint and material rate is $40, while it’s $28 in other parts of the country At the end of the day, those products have the same list price It’s important that shops make sure they know what their costs of business are with paint and materials, especially with these new codes that are coming out
One of my top three favorite books is called Matsushita Leadership In the book, Matsushita says that if you take society’s
people and society’s resources and you fail to make a profit, then you’ve committed a crime If you do make a profit and you don’t improve conditions in society, then you’ve committed an even bigger crime People trusted you to come work for you, vendors have chosen to give you a credit line, a bank has loaned you money, someone has agreed to rent to you – whatever the case may be You have an obligation to make a profit ‘Profit’ is not a dirty word H&D
Mike Anderson is an Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) and the former owner of Wagonwork Collision Centers, two highly acclaimed shops located in Alexandria, VA He has served as a member of many industry organizations throughout his career, including the WMABA Board of Directors, the Mitchell Advisory Board, the MOTOR Advisory Board, the ASE Test Review Committee, the National Auto Body Council, the Collision Industry Conference and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists Additionally, he is a past Virginia SkillsUSA chairman, serves as a facilitator for Axalta Coating Systems’ highly recognized Business Council 20 Groups in both the US and Canada and facilitates numerous courses for Axalta Coating Systems’ Educational Series He currently offers expert industry consulting via his latest venture, Collision Advice (collisionadvice.com).
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Contact these Mazda dealers for all your parts needs:
Brown’s Fairfax Mazda
10570 Lee Hwy.
Fairfax, VA 22030
Toll Free: 800-234-8642
Phone: 703-385-3994
Fax: 703-591-5348
Fitzgerald Mazda
114 Baughmans Lane
Frederick, MD 21702
Toll Free: 800-545-4745
Fax 877-696-1841
E-mail parts@fitzmall.com www.fitzparts.com
Nu Car Mazda
172 North Dupont Hwy.
New Castle, DE 19720
Toll Free: 800-346-5283
Fax: 302-322-7135
Fitzgerald Mazda of Annapolis
1930 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
Toll Free: 866-280-8022
Phone: 410-224-4636
Fax: 410-224-4264 www.fitzmall.com
Ourisman Mazda of Rockville 801 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
Parts Direct: 301-340-7668
Phone: 855-417-4511
Fax: 240-499-2488
e-mail: rockvilleparts@ourismanautomotive.com www.ourismanmazdaofrockville.com
The Building Frustration with Disreg arding OEM Procedures GUEST FEATURE
I had a completely different topic to bring to you this month, but a recurring problem surfaced multiple times this week that made me decide it was a good time to revisit it I’m referring to some insurers’ total disregard for the need to follow manufacturers’ requirements, recommendations or published repair procedures. Why is it that a collision repairer must ask, plead and beg to be paid for operations that the OEM clearly identifies as recommended or required to repair the vehicle properly, only to be told, “We don’t pay for that”? Why is it that insurer “estimates” don’t even recognize the need to repair a vehicle properly by the OEM’s direction? Why is it that insurers feel they have the right to pick and choose the operations they will pay for (even when they are listed in the database they use) while also ignoring not-included operations like destructive weld testing?
I find this mind-boggling given the attention paid to these operations and the time almost all manufacturers have spent with the collision repair industry communicating requirements to complete
them Insurers are still disregarding countless procedures because “the guy down the street” doesn’t charge for them – forgetting the fact that he may be repairing them incorrectly Even in the unlikely event that a repairer may not perform the operations, there should still be an acknowledgement that required operations MUST BE completed and should be the first and second lines on an insurer estimate Here are two examples:
Complete pre-repair scanning to identify electronic abnormalities after a collision
Complete post-repair scanning to validate that the repairs have restored electronic system operational readiness
This would make perfect sense even to a layman, especially when the insurer still insures the car when it returns to the road (in first-party losses). Think about that: They are still insuring the vehicle after the repair, but they aren’t concerned about proper repairs or proper damage identification The insurer needs to acknowledge repair requirements
If they feel the customer has been shortchanged in the repair process, they should pursue those who aren’t performing the repairs properly
For most of us in this industry, the process of ensuring that safety systems function as designed is a no-brainer Of all the operations that have to be performed, these should create the least friction when included in the repair plan I guess we must remember that these are the same folks who ignore the fact that when blending a panel for color match, 100 percent of the preparation items for painting still have to be completed (which are allocated for refinish 75 percent of the time) – yet they want to reduce the panel labor time by 50 percent when surfacer and base are only 65 and 19 percent of the time But that is a topic for another month.
I work with collision shop owners in preparing long-term strategies for these “moments of confrontation” to help reduce the friction while getting paid for what they do But it seems that there is a strategy on the other side to ignore what’s necessary in an effort to control cost no matter what A frequent concern, which typically
accompanies this lack of acknowledgement, is the approach used by some insurer representatives who show up unannounced, don’t say they’re finished with their estimate, throw it on the desk as they’re leaving and conclude with, “We just won’t and don’t pay for that.”
One way to help in your goal of getting paid for pre- and post-repair scanning is to include the scanning recommendation and a customer acknowledgement of the need to perform these procedures on your repair authorization form, using the same type of disclaimer that medical providers use Have this as a line that requires initials When the customer asks about it, let them know what is occurring Also, tell them that they can independently submit the difference to their insurer for additional consideration since they are the insurance contract owner.
Here is an example:
Scan Code Diagnostics
I also understand that there will be scan code diagnostic procedures performed that are recommended or required by the vehicle manufacturer for purposes of identifying diagnostic codes in the vehicle’s computer system These are recommended or required steps in the repair process My insurer may or may not recognize these as necessary. Due to this fact, this authorization recognizes the need for the shop to perform them on my behalf It may be necessary for me to pay the scanning portion of the repair invoice and then submit that portion of the bill directly to my insurer for reimbursement
INITIALS DATE
It also helps to explain to your customer that they have the right to request a written denial from their insurer when they won’t pay the complete bill This denial letter and the
information provided by the repairer can be sent to their state’s insurance commissioner in an effort to ensure that they are reimbursed Hopefully, if this occurs frequently enough, it will help to eliminate this situation over time for all repairers
The repairer must protect their business, and customer education is the best way to do that Using the repair authorization as a discussion point specific to the safety systems gives the repairer the opportunity to explain in detail how the systems will be returned to their intended functionality. The detail in this area is extremely important to the customer The customer then becomes the repairer ’s advocate in the event the insurer doesn’t want to pay for the operation I have spoken with hundreds of repairers who have voiced the same concerns to me in meetings around the country. What I find ironic is that the same insurer will pay for the items in one market and not in another What changes? What makes it a policy in one market but not somewhere else?
Although it may sound basic, KNOW YOUR P-PAGES. That includes being able to access the P-Pages of the system the insurer is using You can go to the Database Enhancement Gateway (degweb.org) to access them If what you are trying to validate in the P-Pages isn’t clearly defined, submit an inquiry to degweb org asking for clarification. These help the entire industry.
Repairers train to be as good as they can be when performing all needed repairs for their customers. This now includes researching and providing documentation required to support specific repair operations Why should it be left to the decision of a street-level insurance representative to tell a repairer that they are the final word on what’s recommended and what will be paid for?
Stand your ground Define the need Provide the documents Repair it correctly and (when needed) with the customer ’s support Most importantly: Be paid properly. H&D
BY KEITH MANICH
Keith Manich began his journey through the collision repair industry as a body technician and painter over 30 years ago, progressing through management, insurance claims, automotive engineering, testing and training and technical oversight at an industry MSO He held roles in senior management in training and research at one of the nation’s premier collision research facilities as well as traveling worldwide in his role as the center vice president As a trainer and coach in damage analysis and damage blueprinting, he has also been responsible for developing SOPs, financial impact models, job aids and repair personnel job descriptions for collision repairers He brings unique skill sets to the Automotive Training Institute as well as the industry. He regularly participates at collision industry events delivering immediately impactful information for collision repairers His passion for repair process efficiencies, oversight of established processes and the designing and implementation of new repair and production procedures is never-ending He has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge that has helped to provide decades of properly repaired vehicles for their owners
He works with and is an active participant in many industry organizations such as CIC, SCRS, ASA, I-CAR, AMI and WMABA (just to name a few), and he has been a guest speaker at SEMA, NORTHEAST® and other industry conventions His productivity tips can be seen in Hammer & Dolly, where he is a featured writer He can be reached at kmanich@autotraining.net
KEEP IT GENUINE INSIST
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4400 Branch Avenue
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13915 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway
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3670 Jefferson Davis Highway
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OURISMAN CHEVROLET OF ROCKVILLE
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Fax: 301-294-6381
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COVER STORY
BY KRISTEN DALLI
LABOR AND LEARNING:
TIME TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT
RETAIL RATES
WMABA’s Labor Rate Sur vey Results – Part 1
As the annual WMABA Labor Rate Survey enters its sixth iteration, association members continue to share their regular retail non-concessionary rates for a number of procedures to provide insight into the true state of the industry in this region. This year ’s Survey also delves into questions about shops’ specific business practices and philosophies.
THIS MONTH, WE INCLUDE THE RESULTS WE RECEIVED TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
WHAT IS YOUR RETAIL HOURLY BODY LABOR RATE?
WHAT IS YOUR RETAIL HOURLY FRAME/STRUCTURAL LABOR RATE?
WHAT IS YOUR RETAIL HOURLY PAINT/REFINISH LABOR RATE?
WHAT IS YOUR RETAIL HOURLY PAINT MATERIAL RATE?
DO YOU USE A PAINT & MATERIAL CALCULATOR SUCH AS PMC LOGIC, MITCHELL RMC OR PAINT LOGIC? (YES/NO)
WHAT IS YOUR RETAIL HOURLY MECHANICAL LABOR RATE?
DO YOU HAVE A CERTIFIED ALUMINUM STRUCTURAL REPAIR AREA? (YES/NO)
WHAT IS YOUR DAILY STORAGE RATE? (INSIDE & OUTSIDE)
WHAT IS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TECHNICIANS EMPLOYED (BODY, PAINT AND MECHANICAL)?
WHAT IS THE SQUARE FOOTAGE OF YOUR COLLISION FACILITY?
WHAT IS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ESTIMATORS EMPLOYED?
WHAT IS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF OFFICE STAFF EMPLOYED?
Do you know how YOUR LABOR RATES COMPARE to other shops in the marketplace? If not, read on.
REGION 1 BALTIMORE AREA
REGION 2 ANNAPOLIS AREA
“YES” to Yes/No Question
REGION 3
HAGERSTOWN AREA
ALLEGANY
GARRETT
WARREN COUNTY, VA WASHINGTON COUNTY,
REGION 4
WASHINGTON, DC AREA
ALEXANDRIA CITY, VA ARLINGTON, VA
CHARLES COUNTY, MD CULPEPER COUNTY, VA
FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA FAUQUIER COUNTY, VA
FREDERICKSBURG CITY, VA KING GEORGE COUNTY, VA MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MD PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA RAPPAHANNOCK, VA
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA STAFFORD COUNTY, VA ST. MARY’S COUNTY, MD THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, DC WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VA
Range
2017 Ratio of office staff to technicians 5 to 9
% “YES” to Yes/No Question
REGION 6
REGION 5 VIRGINIA BEACH AREA
ACCOMACK COUNTY, VA CHESAPEAKE COUNTY, VA
FRANKLIN CITY, VA GLOUCESTER COUNTY, VA
HAMPTON CITY, VA ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY, VA
MATHEWS COUNTY, VA NEWPORT NEWS CITY, VA
NORFOLK CITY, VA NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, VA
PERQUIMANS COUNTY, NC PORTSMOUTH CITY, VA
SOMERSET COUNTY, MD SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY, VA
SUFFOLK CITY, VA SURRY COUNTY, VA VIRGINIA BEACH CITY, VA WICOMICO COUNTY, MD WORCESTER COUNTY, MD YORK COUNTY, VA
REGION 7 RICHMOND AREA
AMELIA COUNTY, VA BRUNSWICK COUNTY, VA CAROLINE COUNTY, VA CHARLES CITY COUNTY, VA CHARLOTTE COUNTY, VA CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA CUMBERLAND COUNTY, VA DINWIDDIE COUNTY, VA ESSEX COUNTY, VA GOOCHLAND COUNTY, VA GREENE COUNTY, VA HANOVER COUNTY, VA HENRICO COUNTY, VA JAMES CITY COUNTY, VA KING AND QUEEN COUNTY, VA KING WILLIAM COUNTY, VA LANCASTER COUNTY, VA LUNENBURG COUNTY, VA MECKLENBURG COUNTY, VA NEW KENT COUNTY, VA NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, VA NOTTOWAY COUNTY, VA PETERSBURG CITY, VA POWHATAN COUNTY, VA PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, VA PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, VA RICHMOND CITY, VA RICHMOND COUNTY, VA SUSSEX COUNTY, VA
REGION 8 ROANOKE AREA
ALLEGHANY COUNTY, VA AMHERST COUNTY, VA APPOMATTOX COUNTY, VA BATH COUNTY, VA
BEDFORD COUNTY, VA BLAND COUNTY, VA BOTETOURT COUNTY, VA BRISTOL, VA BUCHANAN COUNTY, VA CAMPBELL COUNTY, VA CARROLL COUNTY, VA CITY OF SALEM, VA COVINGTON CITY, VA DANVILLE CITY, VA DICKENSON COUNTY, VA FLOYD COUNTY, VA FRANKLIN COUNTY, VA GALAX CITY, VA GILES COUNTY, VA GRAYSON COUNTY, VA HALIFAX COUNTY, VA HENRY COUNTY, VA
HIGHLAND COUNTY, VA LEE COUNTY, VA LYNCHBURG CITY, VA MONTGOMERY COUNTY, VA NORTON CITY, VA PAGE COUNTY, VA PATRICK COUNTY, VA PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA PULASKI COUNTY, VA ROANOKE COUNTY, VA ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VA RUSSELL COUNTY, VA SCOTT COUNTY, VA SMYTH COUNTY, VA TAZEWELL COUNTY, VA WASHINGTON COUNTY, VA WISE COUNTY, VA WYTHE COUNTY, VA Range
The Survey started in 2012 and continues to cover eight different regions: Baltimore, Annapolis, Hagerstown, Washington, DC, Virginia Beach, Charlottesville, Richmond and Roanoke. It is important to note that a ninth region (West Virginia) was included for the first time in this Survey While there was some response, the number was too low to reveal anything statistically evident in the area WMABA hopes that just as responses from the eight regions have grown over the years, the participation from West Virginia shops will follow
suit going forward When reviewing the data on the preceding pages, please note that there is a customary plus/minus five-percent accuracy for the results.
When taking the Survey, we ask all respondents to answer questions based on door rates only – the results do not represent the rates charged in referral agreements between shops and insurers These rates reflect what WMABA businesses charge a customer who wants to pay for repairs out of pocket.
If looked at overall with the plus/minus
five-percent factor, rates are nearly stagnant and have been the duration of the entire Survey While there are a couple of areas where there has been an increase in particular categories for some markets, there is no identifiable movement in the body Labor Rate Even minor movements wouldn’t even come close to correlating to the rising cost of doing business – or even inflation –in the same markets Additionally, WMABA feels that there may be some confusion between the reporting of the rates for paint Labor Rate and paint material rate, as reflected in the low numbers of the range
Since 2013, the Baltimore region has experienced steady growth, increasing their body Labor Rate from $43.07 in 2013 to $46.40 in 2017 and their frame Labor Rate from $52.05 to $55 81
The Annapolis region has seen a large increase in their frame Labor Rate, increasing from $49 62 in 2013 to $58 14 in 2017 Annapolis also saw a favorable jump in the inside storage rate, going from $45.69 to $54.11.
One of the most positive takeaways from the Survey has been the steady increase of mechanical Labor Rates over the last five years In the Baltimore area, the rate went from $94 95 in 2013 to $103 88 in 2017; in Annapolis, the rate went from $92.36 to $102.73. In Hagerstown, the rate went from $86 06 to $91 30; in Washington DC, the rate went from $91 88 to $109 13 Virginia Beach went from $84 51 to $95 88
WMABA hopes that the Survey results will continue to be helpful to repairers as the association works to provide useful information to area businesses
Look for Part Two of WMABA’s Labor Rate Survey results in next month’s Hammer & Dolly H & D
Executive Director’s Thoughts
If you look at the big picture of performing a survey, it accomplishes two things: One, repairers know what their market retail results – in range and average – are and where they are comparatively; two, it is a tool to identify and educate that rates are supposed to be an individual decision based on actual expense numbers with profit calculations. It is a disservice to yourself, being an owner or manager of a business, if you don’t know what you need to charge to be profitable. That is why we encourage all repairers to do the research – and when concessions are made, they are done with all information available. Just accepting a number from a carrier should only be a strategy if you know all factors and how it will affect your bottom line. As Mike says in his column this month, you owe it to the people who work for you and society – this industry – to be a successful, profitable business - Jordan Hendler
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Fitzgerald Lakeforest Hyundai 905 North Frederick Ave.
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
Phone: 301-670-4881
Fax: 301-670-1595
Malloy Hyundai
1880 Opitz Blvd.
Woodbridge, VA 22191
Parts Direct: 703-490-8263
Fax: 703-490-3864
E-mail: hmkparts@aol.com
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Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Phone: 757-687-3463
Fax: 757-687-3468
hyundai.checkeredflag.com
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Clarksville, MD 21029
Phone: 410-988-9272
Fax: 443-539-4022
darnold@antwerpenauto.com
5301 Virginia Beach Boulevard
Beach, VA 23462
PH: 757-687-3443
FAX: 757-687-3437 www.checkeredflag.com
VA 22030
Free: 800-626-2236
Direct: 703-273-2236 Fax: 703-385-8411
www.ourismanva.com
Phone: 800-296-1190
Fax: 301-733-5465
dthompson@youngertoyota.com
1107 West Street
Annapolis,MD 21401
Phone:(800)262-3330
Fax:(410)280-6361
roy.easter@koons.com
BOARD MEET THE Danny Szarka
New business owner and current WMABA Board member Danny Szarka was an avid supporter of the association long before he ever officially joined After starting out as a 17-year-old pushing a broom in a local shop, Szarka steadily worked his way up the ladder and maintained a dedication to the industry that never wavered
“The shop I started at received Hammer & Dolly, and I knew that WMABA stood out,” Szarka shared “I knew they were sending a clear message, and I wanted to be part of that team When I spoke to [WMABA Executive Director] Jordan Hendler later in my career, she introduced me to the Board I met [Past President] Mark Schaech, Jr., who invited me to join ”
Confident that WMABA is heading in the right direction, Szarka is excited to see the industry get behind the association’s ideals and plans for the future
“We’re starting to see the industry shift to what WMABA has been preaching for the last 10-15 years in regard to repairing vehicles and the legal side of things It was a great time for me to get on the Board, better understand [WMABA’s] message and to get more involved in the community ”
Moving forward, Szarka would like to
see WMABA continue to be aggressive as an industry leader.
“The association keeps it local, which a lot of shops in this region appreciate In our day-to-day work, information is key; we need the right information to fix cars correctly In today’s world of convenience, WMABA is the outlet to access this information to help shops in the industry make the right decisions. We’re all dealing with the same issues and struggles, and I think it’s important for members - and others in the industry – to know we aren’t all direct competition It’s good to have some healthy competition; it’s okay to ask questions and reach out for help Success comes in numbers and results. Why not be successful by learning from each other?”
In addition to being on WMABA’s Board of Directors, Szarka recently opened the doors to his own shop on February 5: Dynamic Collision Services in Baltimore, Maryland.
“We started this particular journey two years ago, but I always knew I wanted to be a business owner long-term I’ve been in this industry since I was 17 and a kid in love with cars; I’ve always looked towards the future and known I’d have my own shop one day to
WMABA Board member Danny Szarka is now at the helm of his own business
do things differently My passion is driven by doing things the right way and over-delivering on quality.
“At Dynamic, it’s about the experience,” he continues “We care about the details, so we explain our process We listen and educate the customer That’s our MO; it’s the dynamic difference
“Our team is driven and passionate; you see it in the work we deliver. Talent isn’t enough to make it in this game; you have to have the drive, and our team does I am humbled to work with such an exceptional team ”
Now at the helm of his own shop, Szarka sees the benefits of being involved with WMABA on an even greater scale
“As a shop owner, it makes sense to be part of an organization like WMABA and to surround yourself with other driven and successful members of the industry You always want to better yourself and get involved with a strong inner circle. Looking at WMABA, why wouldn’t you want to be in that circle? It was an obvious choice
“The thing I love most about working in this industry is the people I knew going into this business that I had to get a strong team behind me. If I was able to create a workplace where people are excited to come in every day, I’ve already won Game over ”
H&D
A look inside Szarka’s new shop, Dynamic Collision Services
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Wilkins Subaru
6913 Ritchie Hwy #2, Glen Burnie, MD 21061
410-689-8066 Fax: 410-689-8008
subparts@wilkinsautomotive.com www.wilkinssubaru.com
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT: Torchy Chandler torchy.chandler@gmail.com 410-309-2242
SECRETARY: Phil Rice phil@ricewoods.com 540-846-6617
VICE PRESIDENT: Bill Hawkins whawkins@mybmwannapolis.com 410-349-2578
TREASURER: Barbara Chase barbara@siskautobody.com 301-855-5525
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PAST PRESIDENT: Mark Schaech Jr. mark@marksbodyshop.com 410-358-5155
Rodney Bolton rbolton@aacps.org 443-386-0066
Ben Gibson bgibson@richmondmarinecenter.com 804-355-8151
Barry Dorn bdorn@dornsbodyandpaint.com 804-746-3928
Ashley Kruger akruger@baughautobody.com 804-285-8045
Position Your Business as a Leader!
Just like equipment and training, WMABA membership is not only a commitment to excellence, but also a valuable investment.
WMABA is recognized both regionally and nationally as the key forum for the exchange of ideas concerning the D.C., MD, VA and WV collision repair industry. It is the venue to discuss, learn about and impact evolving standards and policies in the technical, administrative and legislative fronts of our industry. Shops and industry supporters can best develop themselves and their employees by actively engaging in the association and its activities.
Kevin Burt kevinburt@walkermillcollision.com 301-336-1140
Don Beaver don.beaver3551@gmail.com 443-235-6668
Automotive collision repair facilities in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. who are willing to adopt WMABA’s Standards of Membership and offer a guarantee to their consumers are encouraged to engage their business as an active member of the association. For over 40 years, the WMABA membership of professional collision repair businesses and affiliates have committed to operating at a higher standard on behalf of their industry and their consumers. Over the years, WMABA has proudly represented the collision repair industry at hearings on Capitol Hill, in Annapolis, MD, and Richmond, VA as well as almost every national collision repair event. While WMABA has a rich history of dedicated men and women serving the local collision repair community, WMABA also boasts numerous past and current accomplished Board members who represent our membership at the national level.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Jordan Hendler
jordanhendler@wmaba.com
804-789-9649
WMABA offers current and dynamic discussion forums on topics facing collision repairers, technical information and educational seminars, opportunities to network and discuss pressing topics with leaders of the collision repair industry, an arbitration program that works with consumers to help resolve issues they might have, apprenticeship programs, legislative representation and the ability to receive and contribute to one of the nation’s leading collision repair magazines, Hammer& Dolly Contact Executive Director Jordan Hendler to find out how WMABA can amplify YOUR voice in the collision repair
ADVERTISERS’
Jan
May
Jun
Dates
Jan
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Feb
RM Color Adjustment Technique
Mar 22 SPEC TSS Training
Apr 17 & 18 RFN201 Glasurit Certification Program
Apr 19 RFN202 Glasurit Color Adjustment Techniques
May 22 & 23 RFN101 RM Certification
May 24 RFN102 RM Color Adjustment Techniques
Jun 19
RFN400 Glasurit Re-Certification
Jun 20 RFN300 RM Re-Certification
Dates Class # I-CAR Class, Amityville, NY
Jan 9 MEA01 Measuring
Jan 23 QUA01E Inspecting Repairs for Quality Control
Feb 6 QUA01E Inspecting Repairs for Quality Control
Feb 20 SPS11 Sectioning of Steel Unitized Structure
Mar 6 WKR01 Hazardous Materials, Personal Safety and Refinish Safety
Mar 20 SPS11 Sectioning of Steel Unitized Structure
Apr 3 FOM01 Automotive Foams
Apr 17 DAM15 Advanced Steering & Suspension Damage Analysis
May 1 GE001L01 Understanding Cycle Time Process
May 15 PLA03 Plastic and Composite Repair
Jun 12 REF09 Color Theor y, Mixing Toners and Tinting
Jun 26 WCS04 Squeeze Tight Resistance Spot Welding
Dates Class # I-CAR Class, Port Chester, NY
Jan 4 STE04 Wheel Alignment and Diagnostic Angles
Feb 1 CPS01 Corrosion Protection
Mar 1 SPS10 Replacement of Steel Unitized Structures
Apr 5 WCS04 Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding
May 3 FFR01 Full Frame Partial Replacement
Jun 7 VT117L01 Vehicle Technology Trends and Diagnostic Over view
