Chasidy Rae Sisk 302.593.7002
chasidy@grecopublishing.com
Chasidy Rae Sisk 302.593.7002
chasidy@grecopublishing.com
CIC, SCRS and SCC – oh my! It may sound like a game of alphabet soup, but it’s actually cause for excitement as the Collision Industry Conference (CIC), Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and Southeast Collision Conference (SCC) invite collision repair professionals from all across the country to gather in Richmond on April 12-15 for Industry Week.
It starts with the SCRS Open Board meeting, but their special session has even more in store! We all know that insurance companies can be a real thorn in shops’ sides, yet they’re supposedly regulated by each state’s Department of Insurance (DOI). What better way to get to the heart of what’s going on than to invite the insurance commissioners from North Carolina and Virginia in to discuss their activities?
And of course, that’s exactly what SCRS did. I’m anxious to hear what Commissioner Scott White (VA) and Commissioner Mike Causey (NC) have to say about how they’re protecting consumers and shops from the egregious activities that y’all tell me insurers regularly engage in. I’m particularly excited to get to shake Mr. Causey’s hand since I’ve known him virtually for nearly a decade but have yet to meet him in person. (SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg discusses the meeting’s goals on page 16).
And CIC’s agenda just keeps getting better and better every quarter as they include all segments of the collision inter-industry. This quarter’s session includes more information about the pressing topic of electric vehicles, both from a safety perspective and a regulatory standpoint. There’s also some interesting information planned as it relates to CAPA-certified aftermarket parts and even an attempt to get repairers and insurers to come together to improve the claims process…I can’t wait to see how that one goes! (Check out the full CIC agenda on page 20.)
But we all know the CIC reception on Wednesday evening is
PRESIDENT Steven Krieps steve@gregclineauto.com 304-755-1146
VICE PRESIDENT Rodney Bolton boltonconsulting61@gmail.com 443-386-0086
TREASURER Kris Burton kris@rosslynautobody.com 703-820-1800
SECRETARY Phil Rice phil@ricewoods.com 540-846-6617
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Torchy Chandler Torchy Chandler torchy.chandler@gmail.com 410-309-2242
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Don Beaver (donbeaver3551@gmail.com) 443-235-6668
Barry Dorn (bdorn@dornsbodyandpaint.com) 804-746-3928
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jordan Hendler (jordanhendler@wmaba.com) 804-789-9649
WMABA CORPORATE OFFICE
P.O. Box 3157 • Mechanicsville, VA 23116
definitely the place to be as everyone enjoys the chance to catch up with industry peers and revisit the day’s most enticing topics over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
CIC continues on Thursday morning, giving attendees time to grab lunch before heading north toward Doswell to get settled in for the next two days of education, exhibition and excitement at the 2023 SCC. If you’re on the invite list, Thursday evening will hold another special event, the SCC Kickoff Reception (details on page 12) where I’m looking forward to seeing some of the local industry’s most dedicated shops and industry professionals receive the recognition they deserve. If that’s not on your calendar, be sure to grab dinner with some old (or new) friends in Richmond…the city has plenty to offer!
On Friday and Saturday, there’s educational opportunities galore (just take a peek at the agenda on page 24) and plenty of vendors to visit. I know I’m looking forward to learning more from the informative presentations delivered by Mike Anderson (Collision Advice), John Shoemaker (BASF), Frank Terlep (OPUS IVS) and Danny Gredinberg (Database Enhancement Gateway), plus the two panels on the agenda are sure to provide insights likely to inspire future features in Hammer & Dolly!
And the trade show is definitely something I’d recommend checking out. With local and national vendors showcasing their wares, there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone (see page 28 for the scoop). Personally, I’m excited to check out the Operative Talent car at BASF’s booth and learn more about Hertz’s new EV fleet.
It’s shaping up to be an exciting and rewarding week from where I’m sitting, but you’ve got to be there to make the most of it. Book your room, arrange travel and sign up to attend the industry’s educational offerings right around the corner in Richmond. What are you waiting for?! H&D
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You want to be where it hits the ground!
It’s hard to not repeat myself with themes, but when we have this convergence of Industry Week in the Richmond / Doswell area in Virginia, I can’t help but do it. It’s a big deal because you’re here, and you need this opportunity as much as it needs you to be there for it.
So, I’m going to say it the same way, in case you missed the March message:
It’s a really big amount of effort from WMABA and the Carolinas Collision Association to bring Virginia its first-ever tradeshow in the Southeast Collision Conference, along with our Collision P.R.E.P. classes, all coming to the Richmond, VA-area when other national opportunities will also be present. The Collision Industry Conference – a large open industry forum with open discussion – and SCRS’ industry meetings, will also be placing themselves square in our region in the same week.
Members beg for good education at the front door, and this is your front porch. Even if you’re coming from Maryland or West Virginia, the drive to Richmond is more reasonable than having to fly across the country for what in coming in April.
I want you to get your kid- or dog-sitter situated, tell your family this is a high priority and make this happen – for YOURSELF. You need this, your colleagues need this, and your associations who support you need you there to come experience just how much you can grow when given the right amount of “water, fertilizer and sunlight”. The classes and vendors are major collaborations to give you both information and empowerment to be more readied for vehicle advancements still even yet to come.
The panel discussions alone are reason enough, with both all-EV OEMs and traditional OEMs with EV models diving into the electrification of vehicles and how to manage them in your repair facilities. That means before they get to you, when they are there, and during the repair process. Special considerations and preparations must be made even for the safety of the employees handling them. The other panel discussion of “Repairer to Repairer” is going to expose all the current issues every shop faces, but with the assurances of those who’ve made strides to lead the rest of the industry with their successes, and failures too. Let them show you how they’ve changed and evolved, and how you can as well.
If you don’t put on the armor of education, relationships, and tooling, you are quite literally exposed to everything. You’re exposing your customers to safety issues, your business to profit losses, and your sanity to well, insanity.
Come to the CIC, SCRS meetings April 12/13, and stay the Friday and Saturday April 14/15 to attend SCC, the education, take part in the tradeshow vendor offerings and demonstrations, and even have fun with contests, door raffles and prizes!
I assure you, it will be better to come and feel alive than to miss out on what will be the event of the year!
Don’t miss this great presentation in Richmond.
BY CHASIDY RAE SISKEstimates simply aren’t accurate, according to Michael Bradshaw (K&M Collision; Hickory, NC). He stressed the need for shops to “Stop Estimating and Start Repair Planning,” during WMABA’s membership meeting held at Blue Ridge Color Company in Roanoke, VA on February 16. “The repair blueprint essentially needs to tell the story of what you’re going to be doing to the vehicle,” Bradshaw emphasized. “It takes a little more time to be detailed, but you’re never going to collect what you’re worth if you’re putting everything on one line. When you break it out and show exactly what you’re doing, how many more labor hours could you legitimately pick up?”
Over 80 industry professionals attended the encore presentation of Bradshaw’s popular seminar, originally showcased during WMABA’s 2022 Annual Membership Dinner in December (recap available at grecopublishing.com/hd0223coverstory). WMABA Executive Director Jordan Hendler attributed the gathering’s success to the event host’s efforts.
“This is an amazing example of an association being loved on by its community. Blue Ridge Color Company pulled no punches in hosting our member meeting in Roanoke, VA by engaging the entire market, setting up a flawless experience and even using their own hands to feed the crowd. Special shout out to Blake Harris, Chris Helmer and the entire BRCC team for a fantastic job being the most gracious hosts.”
She added, “Michael passionately delivered a message about
repair planning that forever changes how these repairers will view their process.”
Eager to find out what all the hype is about? Collision repairers have another chance to tune into Bradshaw’s unique perspectives when he translates the educational session to the 2023 Southeast Collision Conference where he’ll once again be presenting “Repairer to Repairer: Stop Estimating and Start Repair Planning” on Saturday, April 15 at 2pm-3:30pm. More information is available at southeastcollisionconference.com H&D
Education, exhibitions, networking…Just when it seemed as if Industry Week in Richmond, VA couldn’t get more exciting, WMABA and the Carolinas Collision Association (CCA) announced that the 2023 Southeast Collision Conference (SCC) will commence with a kickoff reception on Thursday night to honor those who go above and beyond when it comes to honesty, integrity and dedication to safe and proper repairs.
The exclusive event is open by invitation only, but invites will be extended to all association members and exhibitors as well as select others as the two associations gather for dinner and an awards ceremony to celebrate the best of the best.
“Our industry doesn’t have a true hall of fame, so this is the only way people of excellence will get recognized,” WMABA Executive Director Jordan Hendler says.
“For us, it is very important that we recognize the men and women who put their heart and soul into this industry,” CCA Executive Director Josh Kent agrees.
WMABA will present its first Industry MVP Awards, similarly to those given by CCA, in the following categories:
CCA will present awards in categories for North and South Carolina members, and will even have a Most Improved Shop of the Year, Board Member of the Year and more. It will truly be a night of recognition not seen before.
“WMABA’s Board thought CCA’s awards ceremony was an awesome way to recognize industry professionals who excel in their jobs, and we’re looking forward to utilizing this opportunity to start honoring some of our members in a more formal way as well,” Hendler shares. “Nominations were solicited from the WMABA membership, and we’re hopeful that we’ll receive enough nominations to award shops and individuals in all of the mentioned categories.”
WMABA and CCA are grateful to the SCC Platinum sponsors as their sponsorship also makes the awards dinner possible: Autotality, BASF, BETAG North America, Shopfix/BRCC, Connected Automotive Systems and Lombard Equipment.
For more information about the Southeast Collision Conference, visit southeastcollisionconference.com H&D
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For Original BMW Parts, contact one of these authorized BMW centers:
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Fax: 301-890-3748
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Richmond BMW 8710 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23294
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Alexandria Volkswagen 107 West Glebe Rd.
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Karen Radley Volkswagen 14700 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Woodbridge, VA 22191
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Ourisman Volkswagen of Bethesda
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Fitzgerald Volkswagen 114 Baughmans Lane
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Fitzgerald Volkswagen of Annapolis 34 Hudson Street
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Ourisman Volkswagen of Laurel 3371 Ft. Meade Rd.
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Phone: 301-498-6050
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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
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Collision repairers can always expect an inspiring opportunity to expand their knowledge and professionalism when the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) come to town. And both organizations are giving plenty of reasons for auto body experts to anticipate even more frills and thrills during Industry Week in Richmond, VA later this month.
For SCRS members and affiliates, the week begins on the evening of Tuesday, April 11 with SCRS’ in-person candidate introduction and annual election. Results from the election will be announced the following morning at the SCRS Open Board meeting on Wednesday.
In addition to including updates from the association, the April Open Board meeting will feature “a special educational session from 10:15am-11:30am, in collaboration with the Virginia Bureau of Insurance (BOI) and the North Carolina Department of Insurance (DOI),” according to SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg. “SCRS has invited Commissioner Scott White (VA) and Commissioner Mike Causey (NC) to present to our member businesses about the activities their offices engage in while serving auto insurance consumers.”
In addition to his role as VA Commissioner of Insurance, White was also elected Secretary-Treasurer of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) in December 2022. Prior to being elected as NC Insurance Commissioner, Causey served the collision repair industry and consumers as an advocate and lobbyist, representing several associations in the Southeast region.
“The meeting will focus on the two entities elaborating on the mission and objectives of their departments in order to help create a better understanding of the tools and resources available to aid consumers and businesses when they encounter challenges in the insurance claims process,” Schulenburg explains. “This may include discussing tasks such as policy language approval as well as capabilities and limitations in fielding and addressing consumer complaints.
“Following the presentation, we will address questions in a town hall style format, so that repairers can communicate to the offices about challenges they face in their own obligations to serve the consumer well,” he adds. “Ideally, the exchange will identify if the departments can play a role in effectively remedying any of those challenges.”
But the day isn’t over yet! CIC starts out on Wednesday afternoon with sessions continuing on Thursday morning from 8am-noon. The
largest forum for the inter-industry to gather and discuss current issues impacting collision businesses always features a jam-packed agenda, but rather than make your head spin with all the nitty-gritty details, here are just a few teasers of what you can expect:
The Emerging Technologies Committee will be presenting on the “Electric Vehicle (EV) and Hybrid Vehicle Intake Process” with moderator Chuck Olsen (AirPro Diagnostics) and panelists Dirk Fuchs (I-CAR), Jake Rodenroth (Lucid Motors), Mark Allen (Audi) and others. These high-tech vehicles can be dangerous, especially after they’ve been in an accident…Is your repair facility equipped and prepared to properly receive and prepare high-voltage EV and hybrid vehicles for repair and/or salvage? Was the vehicle correctly prepared for transport to the shop? This session will cover everything from first responders’ initial assessment to towing and transport and even the shop’s intake process, including further inspection, assessment and monitoring/ maintaining HV systems and components during repair processes.
Looking at EVs from another angle, the Governmental Committee will engage in a discussion about the “Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” both of which have been signed into law during the Biden Administration and include significant provisions for EVs. Attendees will learn about EV tax credits for new and used electric vehicles, EV charging equipment tax credits, federal investment and charging station infrastructure and how these two
pieces of legislation will impact the collision industry.
Most involved in the claims and repair sectors in the collision industry would agree that the supplement process is one of the biggest challenges in repairing cars properly and efficiently while satisfying the consumer. Facilitated by Industry Relations Committee Co-Chair Jim Keller (1Collision), the panel for “The Supplement Challenge” will consist of two insurers and two repairers who will share their thoughts on the supplement process and how the industry can collaboratively improve the process.
During the Estimating Committee’s presentation, Chair Danny Gredinberg (Database Enhancement Gateway) and guests will explore who is talking to the customer and what that discussion sounds like with guidance on how to have a more productive repair consultation by setting realistic expectations in the repair process involving a claim.
SCRS and CIC events on April 11-13 will take place at the Omni Richmond Hotel, but once CIC ends, don’t miss out on two more days of education and exhibition at the Southeast Collision Conference! (See page 24 for more details.)
For more information about SCRS, visit scrs.com. Learn more about CIC at ciclink.com H&D
•
Omni Richmond | Richmond, Virginia
12:30 - 1:15p Opening Introduction [Frank Terlep]
CIC Kick Off!
1:15 - 2:30p Emerging Technologies Committee [Chuck Olsen]
EV and Hybrid Vehicle Intake Process - Is the repair facility equipped and prepared to properly receive and prepare High Voltage EV/Hybrid vehicles for repair and/or salvage? Was the preparation of the vehicle for transport to repair facility executed correctly? How do you know? This session will cover several areas from an initial assessment at scene from first responders, tow/transport, and tagging of vehicle for intake process at a repair facility for further inspection, assessment and monitoring/ maintaining HV systems and components during repair processes.
2:30 - 2:45p Marketing Council [Jordan Hendler]
Marketing, Admin Announcements - New attendees shout-out! Update on the CIC 40th Anniversary, social interactions, and endeavors to improve the industry engagement.
2:45 - 3:30p Special Presentation [Sean O’Malley, IIHS]
IIHS Update on Testing of EVs and ADAS Calibrations - Quick overview of the what’s and why’s about IIHS. Overview of ADAS and Calibration testing/results being performed by IIHS. An update on any new crash testing procedures based on new vehicle design and technologies. Overview of recent EV testing and results: Any changes in testing based on Covid and post Covid driving habits, Any info on testing results related to new vehicle construction and materials
3:30 - 3:45p Q&A and Open Mic
3:45 - 4:05p AFTERNOON BREAK - Thank our Sponsors!
4:05 - 4:50p Governmental Committee [Bob Redding, Janet Chaney]
Impact of Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on the Collision Repair Industry - A discussion about the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which have both been signed into law during the Biden Administration and each have significant provisions for Electric Vehicles (EVs). The panel will discuss EV tax credits for new and used electric vehicles, EV charging equipment tax credits, federal investment and charging station infrastructure, and how this legislations will impact the collision industry.
4:50 - 5:05p Q&A and Open Mic
5:05 - 5:30p Closing Comments, Adjourn Session 1 [Frank Terlep]
6:30p CIC Reception
8:00 - 8:15a Session 2 Opening [Frank Terlep]
8:15 - 9:15a
Insurer-Repairer Relations, Industry Relations Committee [Jim Keller]
The Supplement Challenge - Most involved in the claims and repair sectors in the Collision Industry would agree that the supplement process is one of the biggest challenges in repairing cars properly, in an efficient manner, on time, and most importantly, satisfying the consumer. The Industry Relations Committee will ask a panel of repairer and insurer experts for their key thoughts on the supplement process, and how as an Industry, we might make strides towards process improvement.
9:15 - 9:45a Special Presentation [Jennifer Maher, CEO TechForce Foundation] Storytelling, Resources for Filling Technician Shortages - During this presentation, TechForce Foundation will “show and tell” their free resources using marketing/storytelling, employer resources, and a career hub they have created to help both the industry nationwide and local shops, in particular. Everyone can access these free resources and all can become champions of the technician workforce. Too many don’t know that TechForce Foundation exists. We don’t need to start from scratch. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. We need to collaborate and leverage the solutions that already exist in order to impact results.
9:45 - 10:00a Q&A and Open Mic
10:00 - 10:30a MORNING BREAK - Thank our Sponsors!
10:30 - 11:45a Estimating & Repair Planning and Industry Relations [Danny Gredinberg]
Jack of All Claims, Master of None - Placing the spotlight on conversations between repairers and customers about the repair process, this presentation will address a focus on having a productive repair consultation, setting realistic expectations in the repair process involving an insurance claim. The panel discussion will review various aspects of the consumer conversation, and where repairers tend encroach into the insurer claims process
11:45a Closing Comments, Adjourn Session 2 [Frank Terlep]
In this fast-paced, ever-changing collision repair industry, it’s important to invest in ongoing training to keep up with the times, and the Southeast Collision Conference (SCC) offers a great opportunity to do exactly that! Round out an informative week of industry events, which begins with meetings of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and Collision Industry Conference (CIC) – see agendas for those events, happening April 12 and 13, on page 20 – by heading a few minutes north to the Meadow Event Center in Doswell, VA for two full days of education and exhibitions on April 14 and 15.
Hosted by WMABA and the Carolinas Collision Association, SCC 2023 promises to defy all expectations. With a full slate of training sessions through WMABA’s Collision P.R.E.P. (Professional Repairer Education Program), you’ll want to bring the whole shop along for all the interactive education geared toward estimators, body techs, managers and more, featuring some of the industry’s favorite trainers who will be providing engaging educational opportunities for every level in the shop!
“These are amazing opportunities to hear directly from the top experts and vehicle manufacturers on many important topics such as electric vehicles and shop trends nationwide,” stressed WMABA Executive Director Jordan Hendler. “You cannot afford to miss this!”
“We’re very pleased with the all-star lineup of industry educators on the agenda for our second Southeast Collision Conference and our first year teaming up with WMABA,” CCA Executive Director Josh Kent agreed. “One of CCA’s biggest goals for 2023 was to include interactive classes that will engage the audience, and the Collision P.R.E.P. educational slate certainly covers that intention!”
As he delivers “Repair Planning Resources: Write
Your Strongest Sheet,” Danny Gredinberg of the Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) hopes to help estimators “realize how much money they are leaving off the repair plan, especially when it comes to work they are performing and not being compensated for. Technicians are always held to a HIGH standard to perform quality repairs. As a repair planner, we need to hold ourselves accountable to capture those operations. We will show you the tools and resources out there that can maximize every repair plan put through your shop.”
During “Properly Identifying Labor Types and Rates,” John Shoemaker (BASF) will “illustrate the changes of vehicle design and how it has altered the labor types used in repair” as he explores “how to calculate labor costs, taking into consideration the additional training required to perform the repairs as well as the costs to invest in and maintain OEM certifications.”
Explaining the value repairers can expect to receive from attending “Repairer to Repairer: Stop Estimating and Start Repair Planning,” SCRS Secretary Michael Bradshaw (K&M Collision) explained, “The tone for everything that happens within a collision repair shop is set by the estimating and blueprinting processes. Quite simply, this is an area that virtually every shop across the country could improve upon and see positive effects across the shop.”
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg…SCC 2023 features 10 educational opportunities plus a plethora of fun on the trade show floor that you won’t want to miss. Turn to page 24 for more information about all this year’s happenings, and check out the full Collision P.R.E.P. schedule on pages 26-27!
Register for the show and the classes at southeastcollisionconference.com. H&D
Have you booked your hotels and made travel arrangements yet? If not, there’s no time to waste – Industry Week in Richmond, VA is mere days away, and you don’t want to miss out on all the education, exhibitions and networking available for collision repair professionals from April 12-15, beginning with the Society of Collision Repair Specialists’ (SCRS) Open Board meeting, followed by a special session, as well as the Collision Industry Conference’s (CIC) quarterly gathering (preview the CIC agenda on page 20).
But WMABA and the Carolinas Collision Association (CCA) is bringing something even more exciting to the area with Virginia’s firstever trade show, the Southeast Collision Conference (SCC)! Scheduled April 14-15 at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, VA, SCC 2023 promises two days of networking, exhibitions and education, featuring WMABA’s Collision P.R.E.P. (Professional Repairer Education Program) classes and a host of the industry’s leading trainers.
“Our Collision P.R.E.P. endeavor has always been about bringing forward national-level education opportunities to the local market and providing opportunities for all segments of collision repair,” shares WMABA Executive Director Jordan Hendler. (See page 26 for the full educational slate.)
Although the training agenda is sure to stir up a lot of excitement, the trade show aspect of the event will certainly turn some heads as well with dozens of local and national vendors participating to showcase the latest tools, products, equipment and services on the market to the shop owners, technicians, painters, estimators, suppliers and other industry professionals in attendance.
According to CCA Executive Director Josh Kent, what makes SCC stand out is “the vibe is different than at other shows with regard to community and networking. Attendees represent quality shops that come with a specific purpose – to ask questions and make purchases. We want people to meet each other, have a good time and truly enjoy themselves.”
And this year’s exhibitors absolutely anticipate an enjoyable show.
“There has never been an event of this magnitude for the Virginia markets, and I believe this area has been needing this type of event for a while, so I am really pumped up to be a part of it,” John Shoemaker of Platinum Sponsor BASF shares. “While I am always excited to facilitate presentations at national events, it is going to be great to be doing so in my backyard where I hope to see many customers and friends. I believe the information I am providing on properly identifying labor types and rates is going to be eye opening for the attendees as it seems the industry has been stuck focusing on insurance-allowed Labor Rates.
“Attendees will have many reasons to stop by the BASF Automotive Refinish booth,” he adds. “I am excited to have Kurt Lawrance from KTL Restorations in Danville, VA in our booth. He is bringing Pinnacle, a 1948 Ford F-1 Glasurit paint delivery truck that premiered at SEMA 2019 in the Spanesi booth. We will also have Operative Talent, a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro project vehicle that, when completed, will be raffled off to support and attract future talent to the industry. This Collision Repair Education Foundation, KTL Restoration and BASF joint venture has traveled the country bringing awareness to the talent shortage in the
8:30am - 10:30am
Be Extraordinary!
[Mike Anderson, Collision Advice]
In today’s collision repair industry, it is no longer enough to just be average. You have to be extraordinary! You have to be extraordinary and deliver, not just great customer service, but an extraordinary customer experience. You must be extraordinary and build a culture where people want to be a part of your organization, to put in the effort and to deliver extraordinary quality. You have to be extraordinary in your researching of OE repair procedures, so that you are delivering a verifiable, safe and proper repair. You have to be extraordinary by staying abreast of the new developments in the collision repair industry, including changes to OE certification programs, new technologies in vehicles, and new trends affecting repairers. Remember, being average is just as close to the bottom as it is to the top. So be extraordinary!
11:00am – 12:30pm
Preparing your Shop for Electric Vehicles: Repair Strategies and Vehicle Management
[Panel Discussion]
2:00pm – 3:00pm | Option 2
How to Open and Operate a Successful ADAS Services and Calibration Business
[Frank M. Terlep, VP ADAS Services, OPUS IVS]
In 2023 there will almost be 100 MILLION ADAS equipped vehicle on North America’s roads and more than 4.2 MILLION of these vehicles will need some type of ADAS services or calibration. In this session attendees will be presented with the opportunities, challenges, sales, marketing and operational requirements to open and operate a successful and profitable ADAS service and calibration business or division. By attending this session attendees will work through 16 different modules beginning with their… Exiting market position and S.W.O.T, Facility and equipment requirements, The ADAS and Calibration 7 Moments of Truth, ADAS service and calibration workflows, Sales and Marketing SOP’s, Service request and scheduling best practices, Recommended documentation, Performance metrics and KPI’s, More…
4:30pm – 5:30pm | Option 1
Repair Planning Resources: Write Your Strongest Sheet
[Danny Gredinberg, the DEG]
Presented by
With the “electric vehicle revolution” firmly underway, many shops are having to reassess their processes and procedures when it comes to both the repair and storage of these rolling batteries. With panelists ranging from all-electric manufacturers to longstanding OE’s putting new EV’s on the market, this discussion will break down considerations repair facilities should make prior to, during and post-repair when it comes to supporting their EV customer vehicles.
Capture dollars using inexpensive and FREE resources to maximize every repair that goes through your shop. Did you miss it? Let’s BOT It. Is it Included? Let’s DEG it! Danny Gredinberg – from the industry’s leading FREE resource Database Enhancement Gateway – will go over ways the SCRS’ Blueprint Optimization Tool can help capture missing dollars and support your charges with Information straight from the DEG.
4:30pm – 5:30pm | Option 2
2:00pm – 3:00pm | Option 1
Properly Identifying Labor Types and Rates
[John Shoemaker, BASF]
Discussion on how to identify skillsets required to perform repairs on today’s vehicles along with labor types and labor rates to coincide with costs associated with those skillsets. Understanding that a labor rate should be developed based on costs. There are multiple skillsets required to repair today’s vehicles other than body & paint. Attendees will take away: How having an equitable labor rate will allow a shop to train and retain their technicians.
Keeping ADAS Calibrations in House
[Josh McFarlin, Executive VP of Operations, AirPro Diagnostics] In this Collision P.R.E.P. session you will learn how you can make more profit and maintain better control of your cycle time by keeping ADAS calibrations in house. From radar recalibrations after a bumper repair to cost effective static and dynamic calibration solutions. We will discuss the pros, cons, and cost considerations for multiple approaches. Attendees will walk away with: The types of ADAS calibrations, Options for doing some (or all) of them in house, Cost considerations associated with those options.
8:30am - 9:30am | Option 1
From an Auditors’ Perspective, where Repairers are Hitting and Missing the Objectives
[Dennis Smoyer and Rick Miller, Wadsworth International / Subaru and Jaguar Land Rover]
It’s not enough to have trained technicians with access to repair procedures and tooling without validation to ensure a consistent quality result. The Repair Quality Assessment (RQA) process encompasses all aspects from vehicle arrival, administration, discovery, through validated in-process quality systems to effectively manage the repair, utilizing tools provided by the vehicle manufacturer.
8:30am - 9:30am | Option 2
Organization and process = profitability.
[Mark Olson, VECO Experts]
11:00am – 12:30pm
Repairer to Repairer: Open Discussions on Shop Trends and more!
[Panel Discussion]
This panel discussion will be an open dialogue between local- and nationally-recognized repairers, sharing viewpoints on repairability, revolutions, insurance relations, best practices, vehicle advancements and more. Repairers have mutual hurdles in the areas of recruiting, efficiency, repair procedures and other components of their business. These panelists have overcome many obstacles that many others still face today. This is a great opportunity to join in the conversation and have your voice heard too!
2:00pm – 3:30pm
Repairer to Repairer: Stop Estimating and Start Repair Planning
[Michael Bradshaw, Vice President – K & M Collision; Secretary – Society of Collision Repair Specialists]
Presented by
This presentation is an interactive hands-on class. Each participant will have an opportunity to see first-hand (through hands on exercise) the power of process and organization. In these challenging times of the supply chain, employee productivity – having a process that is simple and effective is the key to success. Many younger people jump into our organizations that are run by Boomers or Gen X’ers and it drives them crazy how business is done in the old model. Millennials and to a certain extent (the new breed of technicians) Gen Z have a very hard time fitting into how business is done by Boomers and Gen X. This course will clearly show the participants the holes in how the old model does things and how the new model will do things. We will take participants from each generation and show how the simple hands on task is approached differently and how and why conflicts arise – and how to develop systems to have it work for all.
Attendees will see the process step by step of an OEM compliant repair, detailing the processes and documentation utilized to capture all of those operations accurately within a repair blueprint. Attendees will take away with: Identifying required repairs, Repair documentation best practices, Utilization of OEM repair information, Utilization of readily available industry resources for identifying and capturing non-included operations, The differences between an estimate and a thorough repair blueprint, How crucial the blueprinting process is to proper repairs, shop efficiency and overall profitability.
www.southeastcollisionconference.com
The future of each shop is dependent on having Millennials and Gen X be able to blend into the business model. The shops that adapt to this will survive and thrive. This presentation will touch on process and organization of: Parts (Mirror match, check in and check in), Get it right from the start and slow down to hurry up; Blueprinting; Quality of production; Timeliness of repairs; and, Differences in Generations and how they approach business and what to do about the differences.
Tradeshow is free Education Pass $179 $99 Members!
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collision industry. If that wasn’t enough excitement, we will also have BASF personnel talking about Glasurit 100 Line, the most advanced waterborne basecoat system on the market.” (Learn more about Operative Talent in the January edition of Hammer & Dolly, available at grecopublishing.com/hammer-and-dolly-january-2023.)
“We are always excited to get a chance to showcase our products and talk to other people in the industry,” offers Benjamin Staton of Gold Sponsor KECO Body Repair Products. “It’s an opportunity for us to learn and grow, and a chance to show people the innovations and efficiency of glue pull repair (GPR), the least invasive repair technology. Our passion is fueled by those who are passionate in the industry, and we can get even more inspiration from others at events like this.”
The KECO booth will be displaying the new KECO L2E GPR System which is “the most comprehensive glue pull repair system available to body shop technicians, allowing them to rough out large damage, as well as small detail finish correction. The system was built with efficiency and organization in mind, helping achieve metal flow and getting the job ready to paint quickly,” Staton says. “We will also have our new Lateral Tension Tool. This has been a hot item since it was released last year. It places tension away from the repair area, allowing the damage to be pulled out much easier by creating efficient metal flow. We continue to innovate with our GPR products, and we are looking forward to a great show!”
Aritha Richardson from Gold Sponsor Enterprise Holdings Inc. looks forward to “networking with collision owners and repairers to learn how we can best support their business and align with their goals.” Participants can anticipate the chance to win a variety of giveaways when visiting Enterprise’s booth.
“We are looking forward to being present in the SCC because it is a conference that has continued to grow year after year and is a great way for us to introduce ourselves to both current and new customers and to showcase ALL that AkzoNobel has to offer,” contributes Paul Cook of Gold Sponsor AkzoNobel. “We have many lines of paint, a product line that will fit any shop’s needs, but we also have many services that go above and beyond just the paint. This year, we will have a fully functional demo on Carbeat, our digital production system (exclusive to the Sikkens paint line) that involves the entire team; everyone from the CSR to the detail department. It uses a 65” or 70” touchscreen. And we will have one in our booth for people to see exactly how this system can improve communication.”
Silver Sponsors Intrepid Direct Insurance, Hertz and Polyance are also looking forward to the upcoming event.
“While Intrepid Direct has been to this conference before, this will be my first time participating at this event, and I am very much looking forward to meeting the shop owners that will be there and gaining insight on what the current challenges and issues are that they are facing,” Nick DiCarlo (Intrepid Direct Insurance) indicates, promising that the company’s booth is worth visiting because “It’s insurance, and insurance is always exciting!”
Similarly, Brandi Latta (Hertz) is looking forward to the opportunity to “expand awareness of our brand by building rapport with the industry professionals in attendance. Obviously, we’re hoping to see lead generation as with any trade show, but networking is also important
because it allows us to identify what needs exist in the market so we can better support them.”
Hertz will be highlighting its electric vehicle (EV) fleet options at its SCC booth, according to Rebecca Hite. “Hertz is building the largest electric vehicle fleet in North America, and we have tens of thousands of EVs available for rent at more than 750 locations in 38 states. We will have several EVs on site to help us showcase the programs we offer body shops and other partners.”
“We are looking forward to participating in the Southeast Collision Conference because I heard that it was a good show last year and I was unfortunately unable to attend it because of a scheduling conflict with the SkillsUSA competition in Atlanta. Thankfully, this year, there’s no conflict, and even better, it’s scheduled to coincide with the Collision Industry Conference in Richmond,” Kurt Lammon (Polyvance) notes. “Polyvance will be exhibiting and doing live demonstrations of the nitrogen plastic welder at the booth all day long. We invite all attendees to stop by the Polyvance booth to try the welder themselves and to ask any questions they might have about plastic repair and refinishing.”
Rome Collision Management System will be featuring its stateof-the-art collision management software to run the entire operation in real-time. “Rome streamlines your business to lower your cycle time and increase your CSI. We will also be showcasing our pre- and postscanning systems to ensure our clients get the most out of each repair,” explains James Rome. “I am excited to connect with other members of the collision repair industry and support their continued growth. It’s important to stay connected with the community because the automotive industry is constantly changing, and hearing their challenges firsthand helps us meet their needs for the future.”
CCA and WMABA are grateful to the sponsors who are making SCC 2023 possible, including Platinum Sponsors: Autotality, BASF BETAG North America, Shopfix/BRCC, Connected Automotive Systems and Lombard Equipment; Gold Sponsors: AkzoNobel, Axalta, Caliber Collision Centers, Certified Collision Group, Enterprise, FinishMaster, KECO Body Repair Products, National Coatings & Supplies / Single Source and PPG; Silver Sponsors: Accudraft, ALLDATA, Hertz, Intrepid Direct Insurance, OPUS IVS, Polyvance, ProColor Collision and Reliable Automotive Equipment; and Education Sponsor AirPro Diagnostics. There’s plenty to be excited about on the show floor and in the classrooms, but you have to be there to reap the benefits available! Register to attend SCC 2023 at southeastcollisionconference.com H&D
Again, lightning doesn’t usually strike the same place twice. The convergence of all these Industry Week events has never happened before, and it’s not certain it will ever be like this again! This isn’t the time to be wishy-washy about attending the Conference, when we have put together such a unique opportunity for you to have national and local interaction all week long, be engaged by speakers you won’t find around the corner, and network with your peers in ways you won’t get on this scale again for at least the near future. You’ve got to put things aside, and invest in yourself and your colleagues by coming to experience all the industry has to offer in just a car ride away.
-Jordan HendlerVICE
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.
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.
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 &
DollyThis year, as Albert Kemperle Inc. celebrates its 83rd anniversary, BASF also celebrates its 158th anniversary. We are proud of our decades of partnership with BASF and years of serving the auto paint and body industry together. Kemperle’s founders would be proud of this relationship and the growth their company has experienced because of it.
Today, as we look forward to many more decades of service to our customers, we find ourselves filled with gratitude. The creativity, hard work, and sense of responsibility of the people working for our two companies have made us what we are today. Thank you for your many years of loyalty.
This month, we “ASK MIKE” for his thoughts on recent industry studies on blend operations and aftermarket scan tools. (Links to both studies appear at the conclusion of this feature.) We at Hammer & Dolly hope you find the 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 future issue.
Hammer & Dolly: Mike, you’ve been very outspoken against aftermarket scan tools in the past. Since we know this topic is very close to your heart, we would be remiss if we didn’t explore the field study* conducted by Repairify that the company discussed at the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit during SEMA 2022. As an example of the study’s findings as reported by Repairer Driven News, an aftermarket tool missed two DTCs that an OEM tool found for the ABS module on a 2017 Toyota Camry. What do you think of this and the other information that Repairify has shared from its study?
Mike Anderson: Let me start by saying that if you took price out of the equation, everyone would use OEM, right? Now, let’s talk about speed. If an aftermarket scan tool is not checking all of the same modules, then it’s going to be faster. The study says what most of us in the industry already know, but a lot of people want to be in denial about it. I don’t mean to be such a negative Nelly, but our industry really needs to wake up and understand that using an OEM scan tool is the way to go.
We’re working on newer vehicles. Aftermarket scan tools work on the service side because those shops are working on vehicles that are older and usually out of warranty. They usually deal with
drivability problems and mechanical-type issues. It is not uncommon for a collision shop to have a brand-new vehicle come in for repairs that has a temporary tag – being a current model year – and was just driven off the dealer lot. People can’t look at the collision repair industry and the mechanical industry as the same thing; they are two separate beasts.
I appreciate any entity that does a study to educate people that there is a difference between OEM and aftermarket scan tools. If you scan using an aftermarket tool, you don’t really know if it’s doing the right thing. We’re using something that’s untested and unproven. It’s like playing Russian roulette…at some point, somebody’s going to get hurt or God forbid killed!
We have a moral obligation to do the right thing. If we say, ‘It’s okay to use an aftermarket scan tool on this job,’ that’s like saying, ‘I don’t have to use this welder that was tested and approved by the OEM.’ It just opens up a big can of worms and doesn’t have the consumers’ best interests at heart.
We’re not allowing consumers to have a voice in this conversation. I feel like I have to speak up for them, because they don’t know any better. I’m frustrated that our industry is still having this conversation.
Jake Rodenroth of Lucid Motors once shared a great example with me. He told me that when a vehicle goes to a mechanical shop, it goes in for a very specific CONCERN – perhaps it won’t start or it won’t go into gear. The shop has to determine the CAUSE, and then they do the CORRECTION. The shop can use an aftermarket scan tool to determine that cause. In the case of a collision repair shop, a vehicle doesn’t come in with a specific cause; it comes in as ‘wrecked.’ We have to start off by CONFIRMING what is working and what is not working – and then we determine the CAUSE(S) and CORRECT the problem(s). That’s a huge difference. Aftermarket scan tools have a place – on the mechanical service side. They do NOT have a place in the collision repair industry.
H&D: On the subject of industry investigations, what are your thoughts on the recent Society of Collision Repair Specialists
(SCRS) Blend Study,** which concluded that blend time is greater than full refinish?
MA: First of all, I’m grateful for everything that SCRS does for our industry. For example, my company, Collision Advice, just started using SCRS’ 401(k) program. The blend study has opened up a lot of eyes and has posed a lot of questions. Where we go from here remains to be seen, but I don’t think SCRS could have presented it in a more factbased way. The fact that SCRS brought in DEKRA North America as a third-party auditor adds credibility to the study. Kudos to SCRS for what it has done, and kudos to all the paint companies! It’s awesome for the industry that all the paint companies found a way to work together for the common purpose of doing the right thing.
While I’m really happy with the blend study, I’m even happier with the way SCRS has grown. The association is really focusing on things that make people’s lives and businesses better.
H&D: Obviously, any information like this that’s produced by the industry is useless unless shops actually do something with it. As a consultant, how would you get a shop fired up to utilize this information for its benefit?
MA: The first thing a shop needs to do is download the study and read it,
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). H&D
and the shop needs to bring it to its paint companies and say, ‘Can you help me educate my staff about this?’ SCRS has done the preliminary work, but it’s up to the shops to get their paint manufacturers involved to better understand the additional labor required.
*More information on Repairify’s scan tool study is available at bit.ly/RDNscan
**SCRS’ complete 2022 Blend Study Report is available at scrs.com/blendstudy.